APRIL 2020
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE
173
CIRCULATION 12,500
DON’T PANIC! Coronavirus Support Available
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With the global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, we felt it inappropriate to use this valuable space for anything than a community based message for those who fall into the 'vulnerable' category within the town that we love and call home, Thetford.
#CommunityMatters
Thetford residents If you are self-isolating, we would like to help, just let us know... My name is
I live locally at
My phone number is
If you are self isolating due to COVID-19 we can help with: Picking up shopping
Posting mail
A friendly phone call
Urgent supplies
Just call our team available daily on 01842 754161 / 07872 693844 and we'll do our best to help you. Covid-19 coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution to ensure you are spreading only kindness. Avoid physical contact (2m distance). Wash your hands regularly. Items should be left on your doorstep (we will call ahead to let you know when we are coming). Follow the Government / NHS advice at all times. This scheme will run for as long as we are all fit and healthy and are able to continue to do so.
A Time Like No Other...
Inside this month...
e to a rather sudden Life as we all know it has com Virtually all of our regular Page 4 - 7 - Coronavirus Special and abrupt stop this month. and services have either Page 9 - Thetford Shines Brighter community activities, events Page 10 - 11 - Leaping Hare News ed. been postponed or cancell Page 13 - TARA Nominations Open very concerned at the Page 14 - Thetford Past & Present I know that many people are to collate some details of Page 15 - Free Smoke Alarms moment. To help, we’ve tried iders and make them Page 17 - Garden & Allotment Club local services and support prov azine. It’s so important Page 19 - What’s That Goose Wearing? mag the available to you through d as a community and Page 20 - Rupert Needs A Home that at this time we rally roun board all advice and do Page 24 & 25 - Thetford Face Sharon support one another, take on act - particularly for the Page 27 - Spotlight On M&J Footcare imp what we can to minimise the ities. Also, take steps to Page 29 - Sanitary Product Rollout most vulnerable in our commun lbeing, including mental Page 31 - Ceramics Exhibiton Extended protect your own health and wel s to get outside and Page 33 - Thetford U3A News nitie health - there remains opportu ing adhered to. The Page 35 - First Responders Recruitment anc dist ial soc enjoy the fresh air, with you can exercise outside Page 37 - Time For A Spring Clean? Government’s rules are that so either alone or with Page 45 - Jess Is A National Champion once a day, but you should do old. Please continue seh hou own people only from your and frequently. to wash your hand thoroughly About Thetford ry as to whether or not magazine is We were genuinely in a quanda azine delivery mag th’s mon this proudly printed with ad ahe we should go Tel: 01284 751296 decided that given the We by KNP Litho ice. adv ial offic ght sou and that d, www.knplitho.co.uk ude incl tion rma info ful magazine has such use delivery team will be paid we would deliver it. Our usual d to deliver, and we’ve as usual, but are not mandate All delivery personnel ary. ess plugged the gaps as nec All Sweeps Certificated and are observing social have been issued with gloves Other services we offer: distancing rules. Flue Fitting • Stove Fitting th to keep information Clean and Professional We’ve done our best this mon Fully Insured ise people to ring in adv ngly up to date, but we’d stro er is still ertis adv / vity acti / nt eve an if Phoenix Eco Plumbing advance to check gs change rapidly. Please call 07506 683 354 functioning as scheduled, as thin Ask for Ian Stay safe. Best wishes, www.phoenixecoplumbing.com azine mag d tfor The ut Abo or, Edit y, Terry Jerm
Local Chimney Sweep
THIS ARTWORK IS THE PROPERTY OF ABOUT THETFORD LTD
E-mail address for all articles, adverts etc: TELEPHONE aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.com THETFORD 01842 761549 Contact us: 075404 63662 Office Address: C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, IP24 3LH Publisher; In And About Thetford Ltd, C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this magazine, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by its contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission of the publishers is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher
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Guidance For Households With Possible Coronavirus The most common symptoms of coronavirus are recent onset of a new and continuous cough and/or high temperature. For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness, however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started. If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for 7 days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill. It is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or be infected already. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community. If you can, move vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period. If you cannot move vulnerable people out of your home, stay away from them as much as possible If you have coronavirus symptoms: do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital - you do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home. Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home and consider what can be done for vulnerable people in the household. Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home. If you do have symptoms, wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser. If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999. This information is provided directly from the Government website. Instructions can change depending how things progress so do check regularly for any updates via; www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Why Staying At Home Is Very Important It is very important that individuals with symptoms that may be due to coronavirus and their household members stay at home. Staying at home will help control the spread of the virus to friends, the wider community, and particularly the most vulnerable. Those with symptoms and living alone should remain at home for 7 days after the onset of their symptoms. This will reduce the risk of you infecting others. Staying at home may be difficult and frustrating, but there are things that you can do to help make it easier. These include: Plan ahead and think about what you will need in order to be able to stay at home. Also, talk to your employer, friends and family to ask for their help to access the things you will need to make your stay at home a success. Think about and plan how you can get access to food and other supplies such as medications that you will need during this period, ask friends or family to drop off anything you need or order supplies online, but make sure these are left outside your home for you to collect, make sure that you keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or through social media, think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have successfully completed a period of staying at home have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films.
Looking After Your Wellbeing We know that staying at home for a prolonged period can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some people and that you or other household members may feel low. It can be particularly challenging if you don’t have much space or access to a garden. It’s important to remember to take care of your mind as well as your body and to get support if you need it. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media. There are also sources of support and information that can help, such as; www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ Think about things you can do during your time at home. If you feel well enough you can take part in light exercise within your home or garden. Many people find it helpful to remind themselves why what they are doing is so important. Some people are badly affected by coronavirus, particularly the elderly and those with certain medical conditions. By staying home, you are protecting the lives of others, as well as making sure the NHS does not become overwhelmed.
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Support For Businesses - National The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely & targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. This includes a package of measures to support businesses including: - A Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - Deferring VAT and Income Tax payments - A Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs - A 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England - Small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
Support For Vulnerable Residents And Those Self-Isolating Many people are quite rightly self-isolating at home currently. Particularly those who fall within one of the ‘at risk’ groups. As a result, getting hold of the necessary shopping, or medical supplies is proving a challenge. Particularly as so many of the supermarkets are working at full capacity and home delivery services are stretched. In true Thetford style, a great number of people have come forward offering to support more vulnerable members of our community. Whether that be popping to the shops, collecting medication or just someone to be at the other end of the phone for a chat.
PRIME MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT You must stay at home. The only reasons you can leave your home are to go to work (but work from home if possible), to shop for groceries, medicine and other essentials (infrequently), to exercise outside or to provide care or help a vulnerable person. DO NOT visit family or friends who don’t live with you. The Police can issue fines and disperse gatherings.
Support For Businesses - Local The Coronavirus outbreak presents a very significant challenge to businesses around the globe. Norfolk and Suffolk businesses who have been affected, or feel they are likely to be affected by Coronavirus, are urged to seek advice and the Government has supplied a series of resources to inform on the latest developments and advice on protecting themselves and their employees. The Government has also announced a £330bn package of support for businesses. New Anglia Growth Hub is Government funded and ready to offer free advice to all businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk. If you feel your business has been affected by Coronavirus, whether you are experiencing supply chain issues, order or booking cancellations, a reduction in sales, or any other challenge, contact the Growth Hub to speak to one of our qualified business advisers. They offer free support and advice and can help you to access the support measures put in place. Email: growthhub@newanglia.co.uk Or telephone 0300 333 6536 (Mon- Fri 9am-5pm)
Charles Burrell Centre Receptionist Joanne is preparing to receive phonecalls to co-ordinate offers of support locally. Telephone 01842 779867.
Charles Burrell Centre based on Staniforth Road has agreed to act as a point of contact for anybody wanting to request support. Equally, if you wish to offer support, please give them a call and they’ll add your details to a database and then match you up with anyone needing help. Whilst we cannot promise to fulful every request, those involved will endeavour to do their best to support people or refer them to the relevant services for additional help. The phone will not be available all of the time, but an answer phone system is available. If you have access to Facebook, do visit the ‘Thetford Covid 19 Community Support Group’ where people are offering support and detailing any requests. At this important time, it is crucial that we rally round as a community and support one another, playing close attention to all official guidance and instructions. To request support, or to offer it, please contact 01842 779867
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Health Is Wealth
Free Daily Guided Relaxations
This phrase has never been so significant. We really need to ensure we look after our wellness. With social distancing measures in place, many may fear or struggle with motivation to exercise alone. Locally many fitness instructors will be taking classes online.
Thetford based ‘Inspired To Change’ is offering free relaxation sessions via Facebook to help people with their anxiety during this difficult time. Just contact Rebecca Allen via the ‘Inspired To Change - Thetford’ Facebook page and follow the instructions.
At The Wellness Clinic, as a Movement & Mind Therapist I am offering a comprehensive timetable of Pilates & Yoga inspired sessions to keep the community moving during these uncertain times. Sessions include; simply stretch, hip and back release, pelvic floor, plus body conditioning, core and more. In the evening the sessions focus on stretching, relaxation and breath work; techniques to reduce stress and aid better sleep. I will also be offering in addition to my traditional methods, 1 - to - 1 online Mind Therapy for those individuals that need support with anxiety, shifting negative thoughts and behaviours as we move through the following weeks. For further details, visit the website; www.thewellnessclinic-withmj.com E-mail: thewellnessclinic-withmj@gmail.com
Rebecca is working with her 10 colleagues on a shift pattern so that you can access the free videos 3 times a day. Rebecca is a psychotherapist who supports people who are suffering with stress and anxiety. She can be contacted directly on 07920 030302.
You Matter, We Will Keep You Moving & Connected It will be a long few months of social isolation for the older community and those at high risk. Loneliness is a real issue, unless we all come together to show we care and help lift their mood and positivity during the weeks ahead. My work in exercise referral particularly older adults and individuals with medical conditions &/ or disabilities combined with my educational head as Programme Manager for the Core Academy has led to the following project. A number of our tutors & learners who are trained with the internationally recognised YMCA Awards to offer chair based & independent older adult &/or exercise referral qualifications have kindly offered to film short home movement sessions. These will be on available on YouTube - The Core Academy (playlist ‘You Matter, We Will Keep You Moving & Connected’). This will be a free service and we hope to get access to DVD’s & TV coverage. Please share, stronger together. Visit the website: www.thecoreacademyuk.com If you’re utilising any of these new services - write in and tell us about your experiences. We’ll be looking for content for the May edition of the magazine (not a lot else to write about!) E-mail: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com
New Food Delivery Services Two local businesses are responding to the Coronavirus situation by offering residents a new delivery service. The Mulberry is offering to deliver to residents from Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm each evening. Just order before 4pm with prepayment over the phone required. They can deliver anywhere in Thetford. Please call 01842 824122 to book. Full menu available on their Facebook page. For further info you can email: mulberryrestaurant@hotmail.com The Black Horse is also offering a new delivery service. It is available from 4pm - 8pm, Monday - Friday and from 2 - 8pm on Saturday and 12 - 5pm on Sundays. Call 01842 762717 to order after 12 noon. Payment card or cash on collection. A great menu available, all for £9.95. They can also provide a 4 pint beer jug or 2 pint carton. All information is subject to change.
Further Information
We’ll do our best to publish details of other appropriate local services during this situation via the About Thetford social media channels; ‘About Thetford Magazine’ on Facebook and @About_Thetford on Twitter. You can also visit our website which we will try to update as often as we can - you can also read online, free of charge, all previous copies of the magazine! www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk
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Praise For Schools And Academies As School Closure Plans Enacted Education leaders across Norfolk worked round-theclock to prepare for the closure of Norfolk’s schools and early years settings. As of 23rd March, Schools will remain open only to provide care to the most vulnerable children and the children of key workers. There are 422 schools in the county and education leaders have been working day and night to put a plan in place that will ensure children across the county are safe, have continuity of education and that vital services can continue to run. Sara Tough, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “School leaders, teachers and governors are doing fantastic work in the most testing of circumstances. We’re working closely with headteachers, principals and governors – the scale of this task cannot be under estimated and the situation is unprecedented.” Parents are asked not to send their children to school if they don’t get a place, even if they disagree. The Council is working with schools to plan place numbers, so it may be that the Council can find a place at another school, if the child is eligible and the family cannot look after the child at home. The Council will be looking to redeploy staff as and where they are needed. Schools will only fully close if they do not have enough staff to safely open or they have to close for a deep clean. In these situations, children who are eligible for a place will receive transport to a different venue.
Support Thetford Foodbank Donations of food to Thetford Foodbank through the usual channels has sadly dried up over recent weeks. With schools and churches no longer meeting as usual, and with demand increased at supermarkets, the regular food donations have decreased significantly. Thetford residents are therefore being asked to consider monetary donations for the Foodbank, limiting social interactions when dropping off donations whilst also providing support at this very crucial time. Thetford’s Foodbank is run by local people, for local people and they rely on the community’s support to ensure that they can continue to stop people being hungry. Thetford Foodbank is currently producing three-day food parcels for residents, which contain key items such as soups, pastas, tinned vegetables and UHT milk. These parcels will be given to people who are eligible for support vouchers. Residents will need to meet the foodbank criteria to allow access to a voucher, with vouchers available from several support organisations including the Citizens Advice Centre and DWP.
In some cases, where children have specialist needs, schools are planning to carry out home visits, rather than open their schools. Schools will be making local plans for children who are eligible for free school meals. There’s a whole range of materials online to support parents with their child’s education from home. ‘Classroom Secrets’ have created a free home learning pack that can be accessed via the website: https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/ free-home-learning-packs/ Norfolk County Council is advising families to check its website for updates: www.norfolk.gov.uk/coronavirus Also, check school websites and social media posts for the latest information
Donating money electronically to support the Foodbank is currently preferable to limit social interactions. Money can be sent by BACS, directly to the Foodbank, using Sort Code: 30-98-58 and Account Number: 20338368. The bank details are; ‘LCFC - Thetford Foodbank’. Gift aid forms, contact details and further info is available via the website; www.thetford.foodbank.org.uk
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Thetford Shines Brighter We’re delighted to announce that young people in Thetford will benefit from a range of much needed activities and opportunities thanks to a new community funding initiative, ‘Thetford Shines Brighter’. Launched in October 2019, the initiative is led by local people and facilitated by Norfolk Community Foundation to make a difference to those who live and work in the town. Thetford people have come together to create a pot of money to help great community projects get off the ground, and start changing local lives. After talking to local people, charities, services, businesses and schools, it was agreed that the first area for action was increasing support and opportunities for young people. Following this, local charities and community groups were encouraged to apply for funding. Over £10,000 has now been awarded to a range of initiatives needing immediate support, including support for local job club members and their search for A job club operated by Access Community Trust employment through the purchase of vital IT equipment, Antony Parke, Head of Commercial Growth and including laptops and printers and the creation of a Customer Service at Access Community Trust, who weekly after school club at the Charles Burrell Centre are supporting young people to find employment, said: in partnership with nearby schools, offering support “Thankfully, Thetford Shines Brighter have provided us with homework plus additional activities, the purchase with welcome funding to purchase additional laptops of tracksuits for the local football club’s teams, which and printers. Their generosity ensures we are able to include children aged 4-16, adult and girls’ teams to make a difference to more people at a greater pace.” provide warmth and demonstrate team membership. The impact of these initiatives will be closely monitored Claire Cullens, CEO of Norfolk Community Foundation, to ensure that they are making a real difference towards said: “We’re very excited to mark the beginning of helping Thetford’s children and young people fulfil their extra support and opportunities for many young people potential. However, identifying which projects need in Thetford through the power of the local community immediate support is just the start of Thetford Shines coming together to take action. Let’s join together to Brighter’s activity. Norfolk Community Foundation will build on this, to give Thetford’s young people access continue to work with local people to support the great to a brighter future and encourage them to believe in The activity Mulberry 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2020 12:06 Page 1 they can achieve at the highest local andREV makeAdvert Thetford a place of opportunity themselves so that and aspiration for young people. level.”
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Shop Update
At the time of writing, we have taken the difficult decision to operate with a skeleton staff. Our volunteers are super important to us so for now they are keeping safe and well, as we hope you are too. As the coronavirus impacts on everyone around the world, we are following government guidance and trying to keep a distance of 2m (6ft) away from you and respectfully ask that you do the same. Please don’t think we’re being rude, it’s a simple measure and the safety of our customers and staff remains our number one priority. As a small community interest company that receives no regular funding we aim to provide whatever service we can for you. However, if you are unable to be respectful or refuse to observe the 2m distance, you may prefer to deal with us by phone or internet instead? We give our best wishes to you, your family and friends. Now is the time to look out for our loved ones and to show kindness to those around us. Whilst we adapt to a different way of life over the coming weeks, we will all be looking for things to do to keep us busy and as long as we are careful we should be getting outside in the open air. Why not take some photos next time you’re out enjoying a walk and enter this year’s Thetford Calendar Competition? There are four categories and it’s free to enter:
Thetford River Group by Neil James Garrod, September’s entry in this year’s Thetford Calendar.
How to enter Thetford Calendar Competition You can enter up to 3 photos in each of the 4 categories (up to a maximum of 12 in total). All must be in a landscape format, a size of at least 1MB and taken in Thetford (within 2 miles of the Parish boundary). Email your images to info@leapinghare. org (hard copies can be delivered to Everything Thetford at Leaping Hare) until Saturday 30th May 2020. We cannot return entries, however, should you be unsuccessful you will be able to collect any hard copy entries from Everything Thetford between 30th September until 1st December 2020.
A) Nature - wildife, landscapes B) Architecture - landmarks, interesting buildings
C) People - events, community activities D) Heritage - what Thetford is famous for
Full details of how to enter and terms and conditions are available on request from info@leapinghare.org or call into Everything Thetford for a paper version.
What’s on in and about Thetford
Well, what a difference a month makes. Our team have sadly been dealing with the immediate effects of Coronavirus. Events across the country have been wiped out and we’re all suffering from the disappointment and the shock of the changes that we are having to cope with. Many of us had plans with friends and family that are now on hold at best. The impact on event organisers (not to mention pretty much everyone else) is far reaching and expensive. In the difficult weeks ahead we need to have something to look forward to, so we give you a small update this month on what is still current. Don’t forget we have a high street window, currently with space available - if you are wanting to raise awareness of anything you are doing to help the current situation, please pop your posters in and of course use the website events calendar - it’s all free to use. It’s been amazing to see how many people in our community are pulling together to help others. Please keep us informed so that we can direct those that need the help to you.
TOUR: Euston Hall
Fri 8 May - Sun 20 Sept Euston Hall reopens for a season of incredible Tours. At present, these are all scheduled to go ahead.
EVENT: Business Awards This years Business Awards has been postponed. The new date will be announced in due course. All current nominations will stand.
MUSIC: Friction; The Piers
Fri 10 July: Mel Sturman is set to complete 300 marathons this year, running (and this event) is in aid of Miniature Donkeys and TADDS.
EUSTON HALL TOURS View one of the finest Stuart art collections in the country, as well as the extensive park and gardens, historic watermill, bygones room and Church of St Genevieve. Visit www.eustonhall.co.uk for further visitor information.
Dates available during: May,
July, August & September
Three Tours Daily: 10.30am 11.15am 12noon Adult: £14 Children: £8 Children under 12: FREE Gardens Only: £8
Grounds open 10am - 2pm
WI homemade refreshments available from the Old Kitchen Open Day profits are donated to local charities via The Suffolk Community Foundation
EVENT: Music Festival
Fri 4 - Sun 6 Sept: New date! Red Rooster Festival has been postponed until later in the year. All tickets purchased for May will be valid.
SPORT: 5K & 10K Runs
Sun 1 November: New date! Charles Burrell Centre runs have been re-scheduled.
EVENT: Flourish Sat 19 Sept: International Christian Women’s Conference.
For information and tickets to our Box Office events visit: 20 King Street IP24 2AP
www.leapinghare.org 01842 751975 or 07802 701911
leapinghareorg
leaping hare
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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 12
Nominations Are Open For The TARAs Mayor-Elect and local businessowner Mark Robinson has opened nominations for the February 2021 TARAs! “I want people to shout about the fantastic people and organisations we have in the community. I urge local people to recognise all those individuals, businesses and community groups that make Thetford such a great place.” Mark said. The TARAs (Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement) are once again recognising people whose work whether large or small makes a positive difference to the Town and the people who live and work here. Do you know someone who is constantly fundraising for charity? Or is driven and passionate about helping their community and the town? Or do you have a friend or family member who has given up a lot of their time to support other people and put their needs before their own? Their hard work and selflessness can be recognised if they are nominated in one of the categories at the TARAs. The Awards culminate with a gala evening at the Carnegie Rooms, during which deserving people will receive their Award and the applause of those gathered in their honour. Nominating is simple, visit the website: www.taraawards.co.uk or visit our Facebook page. With seven categories to choose from recognising our community champions couldn’t be easier. Plus, two categories are decided by the judging panel - Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Contribution.
TARA Organiser Mark Robinson
Thetford Town Council Notice
The Council has taken the decision to close the toilets at Castle Park until further notice. The toilets at Cage Lane and the Bus Station are also closed. The Council has also closed the Carnegie and Guildhall for public events. Staff will monitor and act on the latest Government advice and will re-open the venues as soon as it is safe to do so. The public are being asked to not visit the Town Mr G'soffices QP Advert 1 17/03/2020 Council unless03.20.qxp_Layout it is absolutely necessary. They 11:59 can be contacted by telephone: 01842 754247.
The categories are: Young Person, Business, Sporting, Good Neighbour, Community Champion, Community Group and Inspirational Person The TARAs have been running since 2015 and have always been about recognising and thanking local people who have made our community a better place.
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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 13
Past & Present
The photo from early last century shows a busy, working waterway. Barges, or lighters, line the quay below Town Bridge, whilst buildings line the river bank, and maltings can be seen up-river beyond the bridge. The modern view shows a completely different landscape. The buildings and the barges have gone, especially noticeable beyond the bridge, where 1960’s redevelopment and the more recent Riverside development has made great changes. The growth of the large willow which dominates the scene does, though, add a more picturesque element to our current view. Past postcard courtesy of Norfolk Museums Service. Present image by Keith Robinson Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 14
New Funding For Up To 1000 Smoke Alarms In Norfolk Homes Norfolk Safety CIC have donated £5,000 towards the installation of up to 1000 smoke alarms in homes across Norfolk. The alarms will be installed by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service as part of their home fire safety checks which they carry out in the homes of the most vulnerable people in Norfolk. Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: “Our fire and rescue service play a vital role in protecting those most at risk in our county. This funding will allow them to provide peace of mind and an early warning for thousands of people in Norfolk who need it most.” Norfolk Safety CIC’s Managing Director Glenn Floyd said: “Smoke alarms should be an essential part of every home as early detection can significantly reduce your risk of harm. We are therefore delighted to be supporting the service, including delivering Fire Marshal and First Aid courses to businesses and organisations across the county.”
Left to right: Glenn Floyd, Scott Norman and Margaret Dewsbury
Norfolk Safety CIC offers both standard and bespoke training packages inclusive of Fire, Health & Safety, Risk Assessment, Industrial, First Aid, CPR and training for Defibrillators. They cater for individual sole traders to multinational, educational, third sector and government institutions continually developing their course offer to meet the needs of legislative requirements and business safety interests.
For more information visit: www.norfolksafety.org The smoke alarms will be installed following home fire safety checks which Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service Transform your old conservatory into carry out for those considered to be most at risk. The a room you can use all year round checks aim to help residents prevent a fire in their home by reducing the potential risks and advises them how to stay safe if one occurs. The checks are carried out following an assessment of need which includes checking if residents have mobility issues, live alone or whether anyone living there is profoundly deaf. Last year Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service carried out 4,000 fire safety checks and helped to install 3000 Smoke alarms. Checks often be carried following a referral from Norfolkwill Woodburners 1/8out Ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/01/2020 1 a professional but people can self-refer online. With a solid roof from Frames Conservatories Direct
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Thetford Garden And Allotment Club The coronavirus looks as if it will be making us spend more time at home – or, a better idea, in the garden. The club has cancelled both the Spring Show and the monthly talk but April is a month when you will never have enough time for all the jobs in the garden. In addition you can still enjoy the great display of daffodils in gardens and especially on the roadside. What a lot of planting has gone on in public spaces! This month sees the beginning of National Gardening Week which runs from 27th April to 3rd May. The longer days and warmer weather will make it a pleasure to be outside. Any work done now will ensure gardens look their best later in the year. If you give outdoor pots a sprinkling of slow-release fertiliser, that will see them through the summer. Indoor plants should now be given more water and the occasional feed too. Dividing the established plants seems to be the job of the month – perennials, primroses after they have flowered and hostas before they come into full leaf. A rather more imposing task can be dividing bamboos; you will need a mattock or axe to hack through the root - even a pruning saw. Bamboos need some thought before being allowed into a small garden – at least make sure they are the clump-forming rather than the spreading type. Of course, you could always ‘harvest’ them to keep yourself supplied with canes for the runner beans…
dandelion a go; the tradition is to pick the flowers on St George’s Day (23rd April). You have to be really keen as you need 6 pints of the yellow petals (no green bits) to one gallon of water (and sugar, lemon, yeast etc). You might even find there is a shortage of dandelions! The strange name comes from the French dent-de-lion (lion’s tooth) but the actual French name speaks more to its diuretic powers (pis-en-lit)! If your bulbs have come up in the wrong place or in a huge clump, you could lift and replant some of them elsewhere now while you can see how things ought to be – in fact snowdrops are much happier being divided ‘in the green’. As you do this, you could take the opportunity to sow hardy annual flower seeds in the bare disturbed soil. They are quick growing and will give you a good splash of colour in the summer. Clarkia, godetia, marigolds – they all grow easily and you could get the junior gardeners to sow them for quick results. Let the leaves of daffodils, tulips etc. die back naturally as long as you can bear it because they are creating the next bulb – in fact adding some fertiliser and checking that the area does not dry out could save you from your bulbs coming up ‘blind’ (without a flower) next year. Gardeners are always thinking about the future!
On the allotment all sorts of seeds can be sown now and it is worth making sure each row is really straight and a fair distance from the next so you can hoe without destroying any plants. It is impossible to keep soil free of weed seeds and hoeing not only takes out weeds but leaves the surface crumbly and able to receive rain easily. One weed which would be a garden delight if of Brandon 1 09/04/2019 No Job to Small 1-8 Advert REV2.qxp_Layout 1 11/09/20 itBetts was more difficult1/8 to AD.qxp_Layout grow is the dandelion. If you 16:38 Happy gardening – Sue Pilgrim! want to try a home-made wine at minimal cost, give
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Thetford Open Gardens The team have also been busy organising the grand raffle and have some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year including a day out at RHS Hyde Hall, a real horticultural gem. Raffle tickets will go on sale in May and will be available from Leaping Hare in King’s Street. Also, lookout for the brand new Throwback Thursday on Facebook and Twitter where a selection of past garden images will appear from April 2nd to celebrate 14 years of Open A wide variety of plants, all homegrown will be Gardens. Tickets for this year’s event will go on sale available on this year’s plant sale. Grab a bargain and mid May. After careful consideration, Rachel, Suzanne, support St Nicholas Hospice Care Susie and Karen have decided to continue with the optimistic and feel that our local hospice really needs event at this point in time as it is held at the end of June. us in these difficult times, we will continue planning for They are extending the grand raffle this year until 1st June 28th. We hope the worst of the epidemic will be September to enable much needed funds to be raised over by then and restrictions on movement lifted. In the for St Nicholas Hospice. We will advise on the Plant Sale light of this, we hope you will continue to be part of scheduled for May 2nd once we have taken further our event. There will be regular updates from us on our advice, but plants will be available from the stand at 28 Facebook and Twitter and by email. Arlington Way from now on and money can be left in an honesty box, or placed in an envelope and put through Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook - ‘Thetford Open the letter box. We acknowledge that at the moment and Gardens’ or Twitter @ThetfordOpenGardens - or, for The Forge HP Advert 02.20.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2020 Page 1 following government guidelines, there would be no more12:37 information, please get in touch by email: possibility of holding our event, BUT because we are thetfordopengardens@gmail.com
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What’s That Goose Wearing? You may have seen geese around Thetford that seem to be wearing an orange neckpiece. These birds have been fitted with neck collars by trained and licensed BTO bird ringers, as part of a monitoring programme to learn about the movements of Greylag and Canada Geese. Neck collars are a safe marking method for large geese and have been used widely in previous studies on migratory geese. These marks have the advantage of allowing individual birds to be identified – from some distance away – when they are on both water and land. This particular project began in 2012, in partnership between the Broads Authority, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust and the BTO, and is revealing where these geese go after their annual moult in mid summer. One reason we need to learn about their movements is the impact they have on reedbeds, an important wildliferich habitat of The Broads and The Fens. Wild geese have long been a feature of these areas but historically only as winter visitors, present when the reeds were not actively growing. In recent decades, Greylag, Canada and Egyptian Geese have now established breeding populations across the region. During their moult, Greylag and Canada Geese are completely flightless for a few weeks, so have to feed close to where they roost. This means that they often gather on water bodies, where growing reeds provide a convenient food source. Studies of Greylags have shown that they can remove up to three-quarters of the reed growth during that period, a time when the plants are most susceptible to damage. Many of the Greylag and Canada Geese that were marked at the Nunnery Lakes in Thetford have stayed around the reserve and town. However, some individuals have proved more adventurous, with birds reported at Center Parcs at Elveden, Livermere Lake and the North Norfolk coast. One unlucky individual was
Canada Goose with neck collar by Mike Toms
shot near Wisbech, whilst another flew to Nottingham last year, where it was reported three times during June and July. 12 Greylag Geese were fitted with neck collars at Hickling Broad, and these have regularly moved up to 50 miles in all directions across East Anglia, when they are not moulting. All birds in the project were ringed as adults, so those fitted with neck collars in the first year of the project are at least nine years old, such as Canada Goose ‘ACC’, which spends much of its time near Nuns’ Bridges. The oldest Canada Goose on record lived 31 years, so we can expect some of these birds to be around for several years yet! If you see any geese with neck collars, please report them to geese@bto.org, giving the species and the combination of letters on the collar, location (ideally with a grid reference) and the date. Nick Moran, BTO
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Clever Collie Rupert Waits For The Paw-Fect Home 7-year-old Border Collie Rupert is patiently waiting at Dogs Trust Snetterton for his fur-ever home. In true Collie style, Rupert enjoys being outdoors and would love to find an active adopter who can take this fun-loving boy on adventures. Rupert always has a smile on his face and is happiest when he’s keeping busy and learning new things. He already knows ‘Sit’, ‘Shake’, ‘Lay down’ and ‘Crawl’ among other tricks, and this clever boy also enjoys agility training. He would love an adopter who will continue his training sessions, as this will provide Rupert with some of the physical and mental stimulation that he needs. Rupert doesn’t enjoy loud noises, so he needs to live in a rural or semi-rural location with access to lots of varied and interesting walks. Rupert has his paws crossed that he will find patient adopters who will help him to feel calm and safe when he gets worried by noises. This lively boy also needs a secure garden to play in and run about. Rupert would like to be the only pet in the home, but he would benefit from meeting other calm dogs when out on a walk to keep improving
his social skills. Once he feels comfortable and also confident with you, he will enjoy some fuss and the affection and will become a loyal canine companion. If you have any questions about Rupert, please get in touch with us at the centre on 01953 666888 or visit the website: www.dogstrust.org.uk. Dogs Trust Snetterton has moved to an appointment only system for potential adopters and all centres will be closed to walk-in members of the general public until further notice. The charity will also run appointments for people who wish to give up their dog for any reason. People can contact their local centre by telephone.
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Breckland Cats Protection Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a fairly common condition that affects the bladder and / or urethra - the narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It includes cystitis – inflammation of the bladder – and does not usually involve the kidneys. FLUTD can be seen in cats of any age, although it is more frequently seen in middle aged and overweight cats, particularly if they take little exercise, use an indoor litter tray, have limited access to outside and eat a dry diet. It can occur in male and female cats, but neutered cats of both sexes are more susceptible and males have a greater risk of complete urinary tract blockage. Causes may be urinary stones or crystals that form in the urine and irritate the lining of the bladder. A urethral plug may form in the male cat’s urethra, causing a physical obstruction. Stress and behavioural problems can also cause it, as well as cancer of the bladder or urethra. The signs that your cat may have a problem is in difficulty and pain when passing urine, passing urine more frequently and passing only small amounts of urine. Also passing urine in inappropriate places, straining before, during or after urination, and passing bloody urine. Your vet will take a thorough history to establish all the signs your cat is exhibiting and when he is displaying them. A urine sample will be collected and examined to determine its concentration, acidity and the presence of any crystals, protein, blood cells and bacteria. Treatment is often started based on these results, but if the signs recur or do not improve, further investigations will be required. These may include x-rays or ultrasound examinations of the bladder, urethra and kidneys to locate the exact site of the problem and the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A bacterial infection will be treated with antibiotics. The presence of urinary crystals or Made to Measure 1/8th Advert 2020.qxp_Layout 1 stones may require you to put your cat on a prescribed
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diet specifically designed to dissolve them. A urethral obstruction will be dealt with as a medical emergency - as well as being painful it can be life threatening. Complete blockage of the urethra can lead to urine backing up to the kidneys and affecting their function. Your cat will need to be unblocked immediately usually under general anaesthesia and will remain hospitalised for the few days after the blockage has been cleared. Increasing water consumption to dilute the urine will help with all causes of cystitis and you may have to change your cat’s diet to wet food. Use ceramic bowls instead of plastic or metal, as these may taint the water. Controlled weight loss and increasing exercise may be needed for long term control. All this treatment can be expensive. That’s why Cats Protection promote pet insurance. You will have to pay an excess, but in the long run it will save you a lot of money. Some owners will have to have their cat put to sleep if they cannot afford the treatment, which is very sad, as the condition is treatable. For help or advice, or if you need assistance with the cost of neutering, please call us on 01842 810018.
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Redgrave And Lopham Fen As with most other places and in line with government guidance about Covid19 and the need for social distancing, all Suffolk Wildlife Trust offices, visitor and learning centres are closed. All school visits, volunteer work parties, activities and events are cancelled. You can still contact us through all the usual channels. We will review the closure at the end of April. Best Beds Direct are a family run business offering quality and affordable beds and mattresses. With us you get: • Expert sleep advice • Range of comfort levels for all budgets • Quality fabrics and storage options
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However the good news is that our reserves will remain open for individual enjoyment - for nature to replenish and cheer us all. Look out too for our regular nature updates on social media – we’re all still trying to do something wild every day. Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you all very soon.
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Talk Not For The Faint-Hearted Probus members were in for a surprise or perhaps shock would be a better word, when fellow member and retired GP Bill de Bass gave a talk titled ‘Honey and Mumps’ at the club’s March meeting. The Honey turned out to be the name of the RAF officer who commanded RAF Salalah and Mumps referred to a fellow Royal Army Medical Corps surgeon from whom Dr de Bass caught Mumps. And while his audience expected to hear about life as a local GP, Bill retraced his talk to a time nearly 50 years ago when, as a young anaesthetist serving in the RAMC he was posted from BMH Rinteln in Germany to the Sultanate of Oman and Muscat. British forces were holding strategic coastal areas against Dhofar rebels who were trying to take over the newly oil-rich country. It was a brutal conflict and troops sustained significant casualties from the well- armed insurgents. Dr de Bass warned his audience ‘to look away now’ if they were squeamish because some of the graphic pictures he showed to illustrate the realities of working with a surgical team on the frontline were not for the faint-hearted. The field hospital and operating theatre were initially housed in tents with no air conditioning so the surgical team stripped to the waist in an effort to keep cool in the stifling heat. Despite these conditions they saved the lives of many troops who suffered many horrific wounds. They also treated captured enemy who had been wounded in the battle of Mirbat. The base including the field hospital were often targeted by the insurgents and he described the basic defence which were old oil drums filled with stones, nicknamed ‘hedgehogs’, stacked around the perimeter to absorb the impact of any bombardment. The insurgents in the end were defeated by the combination of a small SAS force using Huey helicopters and very effective airpower striking at enemy strongholds. Reflecting on the conflict, Dr de Bass was proud of being one of the medical team and of playing a part in the success of the campaign. He praised the new regime, especially for the way it had built up a stable country and invested wisely in the country’s infrastructure. The talk brought a number of questions for Dr de Bass and he was warmly applauded for his fascinating, if at times harrowing, talk. There was also warm applause and congratulations for member Colin Armes who celebrated his 90th birthday on March 8th. And at the close of the meeting members
55 Field Surgical Team RAMC. Bill de Bass is third from left sitting in the front row.
were invited to raise their glasses (of non-alcoholic beverage) to toast Colin. They also enjoyed delicious home-made sausage rolls made by Colin’s wife Sylvia. Colin formed a triumvirate of members in their 90s who attended the meeting - Jim Stanley at 93 the oldest and Gerald Bass at 91, who is Deputy Chair.
About Thetford Magazine The deadline for inclusion in the May 2020 edition of About Thetford Magazine will be 15th April 2020. Please send your content and high res images to: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com
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This month’s Thetford Face is ‘community stalwart’ Sharon Thompson. Sharon was chosen in advance of the coronavirus really taking off, but her inclusion this month is all the more appropriate given Sharon and others in their usual style are already racing into action supporting lots of vulnerable local residents! How long have you lived in Thetford? I have lived in Thetford for about 33 years after looking to move from Barnham. Previous to that I lived in Watton and I am originally from Cromer. A Norfolk Girl through and through. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else! You have been doing community based work for some time now - where did it all start? I had always been involved in St John’s Ambulance from the age of about 15 (when it was Red Cross) and once I was in Thetford I decided to join the local group. The group closed and local people were still asking me to provide First Aid services so I took the decision to start FAST (First Aid Support Thetford) about 4 or 5 years ago. This has gone from strength to strength and we now offer training and event cover. We see festivals, fetes and so much more with our team of volunteers and help keep the attendees safe at the same time. We keep busy almost every weekend, particularly over the summer months. You are currently working at Bishop’s School but also work with young people in the community? Yes, I love working with the children at school as a Teaching Assistant, but I think it is equally as important to give them something to do and a helping hand after school. Over the years I have organised youth groups at Bishop’s School, but most people probably know me from taking on Pine Close Community Centre and opening it to my local community. We have put on youth clubs, kids discos, Easter and Christmas parties and trips out. We give the local kids a safe place to be to have fun, learn life skills such as cooking, internet safety,teamwork and of course, first aid. Pine Close has expanded to offer the Thursday Meet and Eat nights in particular. An evening where anyone can attend, make
Sharon Thompson, our ‘Thetford Face’ for April
a donation of money, food or time in exchange for a hot meal of choice, a cuppa, laughter and companionship. We are very lucky to get donations from major supermarkets as well as individuals. It’s also become a hub for donations from the community - clothing, kids items and homewares are never turned down as we generally know someone who can genuinely make good use of them. We also run a Christmas Day meal too, all are welcome and we have lots of laughter, a festive meal and good company. No one likes to feel alone on Christmas Day. Wheels On The Field was a huge success in 2019, are you busy planning the next one? It’s on Father’s Day, as it was last year and yes we are already planning and getting excited for this. It looks like it will become an annual thing and like last year we will be raising monies for East Coast Truckers. It’s a great event where people from all over get together and
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have fun. We decided to fundraise for ECT after meeting them at an event we were covering with FAST. We loved their ethos and thought “Why Not”! We had so many contacts from previous events that it made it easier than expected. Still a ton of hard work but so worthwhile. Family is important to you. Does your own family help in the different projects? Family is everything and ours is close knit. They all help and to be honest I couldn’t do what I do without them. It’s not really “I”, it is definitely “Us”. My partner Andy is a rock (and has a very close resemblance to a certain gent that we see in December wearing a red coat!), my daughters Angie and Sam (and Sam’s kids) help out and my son Kevin just loves First Aid. I am very lucky. Talking of Father Christmas! You organise the Father Christmas visits to the local estates? I love Christmas! The look on the childrens’ faces makes it all very worthwhile. My partner never tires of ‘helping’ Santa on the back of the trailer. We coordinate as many areas of Thetford as we possibly can and raise much needed funds as we go round too. It takes a lot of time but like with all the projects I am involved with I couldn’t imagine not doing them! What would I do with my time?
Santa’s Sleigh out and about around Thetford
You have been presented with two different TARA awards - you must feel proud of those achievements? I did feel very honoured to have been nominated by local people for the two awards but also a little bit embarrassed. I don’t do what I do for recognition or ceremonies and dinners although the family and I did have fun at the presentation nights of course. It’s quite humbling that local people want to find a way to say thank-you. So apart from the Wheels on the Field what else are you planning for 2020? One of the things that’s new for 2020 is actually something that my grand-daughter Maddie thought up
Sharon receiving her TARA from Lady Kay Fisher
-”A Hug in a Mug” for Christmas. Maddie noticed last year that although our family was as always enjoying the festivities too many people looked sad. This year she wants to be able to give a small gift to anyone that needs it. We are already collecting mugs and plan to pop a tea bag or coffee sachet in a mug with sugar, milk and a gift. Just so that person knows someone is thinking of them. What do you need in this coming year? Well, where shall I start? More volunteers for the centre and for FAST would be great. More grants or funds for activities at the centre for the local youth. But then again a new hall in the centre of town with more space, a purpose built kitchen and training space too would be amazing. What event would you really like to put on that you haven’t already? It’s a dream of mine to put on a country music festival that is family orientated with loads to do for the kids. A safe place where families can really relax, enjoy great music and food and have fun. I just need to find the right venue as I have all the music contacts! Maybe one day! What do you love most about Thetford? I love that my family and I are part of a community that pulls together. Just the people always helping to make things happen, like when we saved plastic bottles to fundraise for a young local girl’s motorised wheelchair. Together we achieve so much and I am so proud to be a small part of that. This community and working in it makes me tick. And I really don’t know what I would do without it. To contact Sharon about the activities she provides, or to register to volunteer please call 07940 029510 or email; shaz_eng_uk@hotmail.com
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Raleigh Opens Reading Shed! Families have helped the academy raise money to buy a new outdoor reading shed. Children from across the academy will be able to access the reading shed everyday at break time and lunch time to enjoy a wide range of donated books. Mrs Crawshaw Chair of Raleigh Friends said; "We were so pleased to be able to open the reading shed on World Book Day, the children can't wait to get reading." Reading has a high priority throughout the curriculum at Raleigh and is promoted at all opportunities. On World Book Day children brought their favourite book and soft toy into class to read with their friends.
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Children at Raleigh School celebrating their new Reading Shed
Maths Competition Eastern Multi Academy Trust (EMAT) had our third annual times tables league competition in February, hosted this year by Diamond Academy in Thetford. The Trust has been working on raising the standards of our pupils in KS2 focusing on the essential maths skill of times tables, and this year we have also been introducing KS1 pupils to it too. This will help pupils in their everyday maths, but also support teaching and learning of times tables in readiness for the new government times tables assessment later this year. It also gives us a chance as a Trust to get together. There were teams of five pupils (one from each of years 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ranging in age from 7 - 11 years) who competed against each other in four rounds to find this year’s trust champions. In total, 65 pupils took part, accompanied by staff. Prizes included a shield, medals, book vouchers and chocolate. Norwich Road Academy won with 100/100! The two infant academies (Raleigh and Queensway) did really well. We were all very proud of all the pupils. Peter Howard (Associate Principal)
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Spotlight On: M & J Footcare Each month we are featuring one of our long standing advertisers so that you can get to know them a little better. We chatted with Jo Mountjoy-Dixon from M & J Footcare about living and working in Thetford. And why she and Malcolm (the other half of M and J) set up in practise. About Thetford’s Billie shares her experience: I first had a tour of the Foothealth Practise which is based in the old Rent Office at Kings House and enjoyed a warm & welcoming atmosphere. I expected everything to be clinical but although everywhere was obviously very clean each room looked comfy. I asked Jo the obvious question about Covid-19 but she said that stringent cleaning and disinfecting is nothing new to her and Malcolm as they have to clean everything for each new client. All instruments are single use (sterilised with an autoclave) and they get through a lot of sanitising products too. Both Malcolm and Jo come to foothealth from very different backgrounds but wanted to be self employed whilst providing a service to local people that showed instant results for the client. And that's just what they do. Jo even offers a popular mobile service within the community too. Apparently the most common issues they treat are very long toenails and corns. New clients are often embarrassed about feet and nails looking awful or the procedures being ticklish. Jo reassured me she had "seen everything" and no matter how bad someone's feet were she could always leave them feeling much better and healthier! And no tickling! Jo has always been interested in health and wellbeing and is qualified in other holistic treatments too. They pride themselves in being registered health professionals and they both enjoy regular training as part of their CPD (continual professional development) She and Malcolm try to treat the whole person not just the pair of feet in front of them and often refer their clients on to other relevant services from GP's to a local chiropodist for the more surgical foothealth procedures, leg clinics, voluntary groups and more. Jo said it was great to be in the centre of Thetford with so many contacts forged through the years with supporting businesses and services. For Jo and Malcolm the best thing about working in the centre of town is the people they get to meet each day and knowing they have made a positive difference to those people. There is never enough time in the day though as Jo says that she would spend more time with each client if she could
- just chatting and listening to their tales. She doesn't like clients to feel rushed. They have been in the Old Rent Office at King’s House since 2016 and previous to that in Dorans Corner since 2011. As you can imagine they have seen 1000's of pairs of feet! Jo's top tips for looking after your feet as best you can at home are to wear well fitting shoes which can help alleviate issues like corns as well as to wash feet daily and cream feet to keep them hydrated. And don't wait too long to see a professional should you think there is a problem with your feet or nails. When not at work Jo helps care for her 92 year old Mum and is the founder of TADDS (The Thetford and District Dementia Support Group) which she loves. Her and Malcolm like to blow the cobwebs away by getting out on their motorbikes-when Jo can get Mal away from pottering in his "Man shed"!
Get In Touch
If you are thinking about giving your feet a pampering, please get in touch with Jo or Mal on 01842 339958 who will be pleased to have a chat with you and make an appointment in the clinic or home.
The Old Rent Office King’s House, King Street THETFORD Norfolk. IP24 2AP
Appointments: Foot Health: 01842-339958 Therapies: 07775 535 617
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Muscle Knots & How To Treat Them We often hear the phrase, “I’m all knotted up” or “I have a huge knot in my shoulder”, but do we actually know what this means. Muscle fibres run in different directions in our body and they are layered on top of each other in a kind of criss-cross pattern. This enables us to bend, stretch and twist with ease. These muscles are designed to be pliable, strong and stretched. If however, we sit for long periods of time, suffer from an injury, play repetitive sports, or become chronically dehydrated we are putting the same muscles under strain. Muscle fibres start to stick to each other and become adhered. This hard, lumpy feeling is a muscle knot, also called a tension knot. Chronic stress of the muscle cause micro- tearing of the muscles tissue, which creates a scar. Unfortunately, if this is left untreated the muscle tissue loses elasticity, the blood supply becomes restricted to the area causing muscle wastage. Massage is a great way to help keep muscles healthy and pliable and also oxygenated. It will help to break down the tension knots, so not only is it a relaxing treatment it can also be used as prevention.
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The deadline for inclusion in the May 2020 edition of About Thetford Magazine will be 15th April 2020. Please send your content and high res images to: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 28
Rollout Of Free Sanitary Products Vulnerable women and girls can now access free sanitary products at 79 different locations across Norfolk thanks to a newly expanded Norfolk County Council service. The Tricky Period service was set up in 2017 and was the first of its kind in Norfolk. It was quickly rolled out to all 47 libraries and six mobile libraries run by Norfolk Library and Information Service. There are now 25 new collection points which have been set up in museums, youth centres and other council properties across the county.Free sanitary items are available in library toilets and customers can ask for bigger amounts, with no questions asked, from library staff. Norfolk County Council has funded one-off orders of supplies for each new location, but the service is set up so that it can run entirely off donations made by members of the public. Cllr Margaret Dewsbury said: “The success of Tricky Period and the amazing feedback we’ve received shows how valued it is, which is why we’ve now set up even more collection points to give a helping hand to women and girls in need. 71% of girls in the UK admit they have felt embarrassed buying sanitary products, so we made sure our service is easy and discreet. But we also want it to be another step in reducing the stigma around sanitary products by showing to all visitors that this is an important and everyday reality that women face.”
Lesley, a project worker for the Magdalene Group which runs services for vulnerable women in Norwich, said "The women feel that they now do not have to worry about their period each month and how they will afford tampons or pads. It has allowed them to continue with their day-to-day lives without worrying about how they will be able to find the funds each month." People can find out more about the service at; John Oliver Feb March April 2020 Ads.qxp_Layout 1 10 www.norfolk.gov.uk/TrickyPeriod
Since April 2018, nearly 1,500 individual sanitary items and 967 packs were accessed through the Tricky Period service. On average around 130 packs of sanitary products are given out each month. Schools are also able to request supplies from locations where there is extra stock. Working closely with community groups that work directly with women in need has been an David Powell 1 beginning. 17/10/2019 11:58 P important part ofAdvert.qxp_Layout Tricky Period from the
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Studio Ceramics Exhibition Extended Due to popular demand Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life is extending Studio Ceramics: Materials, Makers and Meanings. This exhibition celebrates the craft and art of ceramics. Over 4000 visitors have seen the exhibition since it opened in September 2019. Visitor feedback has been very positive, one visitor said of the exhibition it was “Excellent! The exhibits covered a wide range of techniques and potters’, another remarked: “Loved the ceramic exhibition”. After a well-attended talk on Studio Ceramics, by Paula Murphy, the Teaching Museums Curatorial Trainee, audience members commented that it was “a good way to find out more about the potters and techniques on display in the exhibition” and many came back to “view the exhibitions through new eyes” after the talk, ‘Studio Ceramics: Pots and Potters’.
pieces made by around 30 different makers, including some of the leading names in ceramics over the past 100 years such as Bernard Leach, Lucie Rie, Edmund de Waal and Kate Malone, former judge on Channel 4’s popular series, The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Studio Ceramics: Materials, Makers and Meanings presents the best in Norfolk Museums Service’s collection of British studio and art pottery. Many of the items on display are from a recent donation and are Please note - all museums in Norfolk are currently seen here together for HP the Advert first time. Dating from the1 20/03/2020 07:59 Page 1 South Suffolk Show REV.qxp_Layout closed but make a note to visit Thetford’s Ancient House 1880s to the present day, the exhibition features 39 Museum once it re-opens to visit this exhibiton.
We regret to announce that
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Sunday 9th May 2021 www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 31
The West Norfolk Aviation Society The recent meeting of WNAS at the Mundford Bowls Club welcomed guest speaker Keith Thomas. Keith is a very experienced helicopter pilot and has latterly worked for the Civil Aviation Authority in various guises. He has displayed helicopters at airshows and currently instructs on helicopters and presents aviation safety evenings to private pilots. Keith’s talk was entitled 'My Life in the Clouds, the Early Years'. Keith led us through his early life in the Air Training Corps where he got his first wings, gliding. He then got his Private Pilots Licence via an ATC flying scholarship and yet another set of wings after joining the Royal Air Force. So important to him was this that he delayed his wedding by 3 weeks to ensure that he was able to display his (3rd set of ) wings on his uniform at the nuptials! Having learnt to fly on the Westland Whirlwind helicopter he converted onto the Wessex helicopter and proceeded into operations in Ulster supporting the Army and, on deployments overseas. He finished by stressing that because helicopter pilots were so gentle on the controls they make the best lovers! The uproar was so loud that we never discovered if this was true, even though his wife was in the audience.
This was a first class evening with a super sandwich buffet by Val and Len our hosts at the Bowls Club. If you like what you have heard please come to a future meeting of West Norfolk Aviation Society. For details on the evening topics go to our website: www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.org.uk Mark Burch
Wayland Show 2020 The Chairman and Directors of the Wayland Show have decided to cancel this year’s event. We appreciate that this will be a huge disappointment to you and to some this will have financial implications. Refunds will follow as quickly and fully as possible. Looking forward we hope to revive the show in 2021.
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We recently held our annual Fish N’ Chips Quiz at the United Reformed Church. Over thirty of our members attended and we all had coffee. got into groups of four and awaited Catherine Dubois who was our quiz master. Everyone had to give Catherine the name of their teams. The group I was in called ourselves the ‘Terrific Trio’ but after failing dismally to answer correctly we changed it to the the Terrible Trio. There was much laughter and chewing on pencils, hoping that someone in their teams could come up with answers. At twelve the awaited fish n chips arrived. These were delicious and consumed very quickly, then back to the quiz. Catherine did a brilliant job with the questions ranging from science, clothes, food and general facts. The winning team were presented with their prizes whilst there was a wooden spoon for the not quite so good team. We asked Catherine if she was willing to chair another quiz later in the year and she has agreed. This will probably in October. Details of this will be advertised later in the year. We welcome any members who might be interested. It is a fun and very enjoyable morning.
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Thetford U3A’s usual monthly meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of every month at 2pm in the Carnegie Rooms. We will be announcing when we are back up and running after the Coronavirus. Lesley Braund (01842 824074)
Marquetry Group Looking For Members Marquetry is basically the art of cutting from wood veneer of different shades to create a picture of your choice. Using the effect of the grain to enhance your picture. It’s a simple process which we start with a small sample piece before moving onto a larger project.
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The Group would like to take this opportunity to thank our former tutor John Smith for teaching us the skill of Marquetry which has allowed us to move the group forward. Also for providing us with tools and an ample supply of veneer to keep us going. Thank-you John.
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At present we are a small group meeting on a monthly basis on the third Wednesday of the month from 2 4pm in the back hall at Church on the Way. We are looking for new members to join us, so If you would like to have a go or see what we do please contact Anne Fabian on 01842 761506 for more information.
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 33
DELIVERY AREA Every month there are 12,500 copies of the About Thetford magazine printed. They arrive back from the printers on the last Friday of each month ready for distribution. By the end of that weekend virtually all the magazines are delivered by our dedicated delivery team who undertake the 30 different delivery routes. We deliver to every house in Thetford, as well as business premises throughout the Town Centre and across the industrial estates. In addition, we deliver to homes in the villages of Croxton and Barnham. Due to demand, we have established a rural delivery route and leave copies of the magazine at a variety of locations for residents in the villages surrounding Thetford.
JUNE
Magazine Pick-Up Points: 1. East Harling; Post Office, Doctors Surgery, Village Stores, FL Edge & Son Butchers, the Swan Inn 2. Kenninghall - Kenninghall Bistro Market place, Kenninghall, NR16 2AH 3. Banham Village Stores, Kenninghall Road, NR16 2HE Banham Post Office, The Green, NR16 2AA 4. Garboldisham Village Shop & Post Office, The Street, Garboldisham, IP22 2QN 5. Hopton Village Post Office & Stores, Thelnetham Road, IP22 2QY 6. Ixworth Post Office, High Street, IP31 2HH 7. Jackdaw Service Station, IP31 1EL 8. Lotties Emporium, Bardwell Road, Stanton, IP31 2EA 9. Elveden Courtyard, London Rd, Elveden, IP24 3TQ 10. Brandon – magazines delivered to all High Street retailers including Brandon Town Council offices Mark’s Traditional Greengrocers, Market Hill, Hyams Bakery, The Meat Market rn retu 11. Weeting Post Office, George’s Fish Bar – ens ard nG both Hereward Way, Weeting Ope 12. Mundford, Browns Kitchen and Farm Shop, Swaffham Road, IP26 5EH Lynford Hall, IP26 5HW 13. The Dragonfly Visitor &Exhibition Centre, Wayland House, Watton, IP25 6AR 14. Wretham Village Hall, Church Lane, Wretham, Thetford IP24 1RL 15. The English Whisky Company, St Georges Distillery, Harling Road, Roudham, NR16 2QW & Swallow Aquatics There are also additional copies left at the Thetford Town Council offices, Thetford’s Great Information Centre, Rumbles Fish & Chip Shop in Kings Street, Ancient House Museum in White Hart Street, Thetford Library, Riversdale Centre in Tanner Street & Thetford Garden Centre. 19
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Read the magazine for free online! Every month we upload a digital copy of the magazine onto our website so that it can be read online, for free, anywhere in the world. We have regular readers from places such as Australia and America. You can also read previous copies of the magazine and view other information through the website. Visit: www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk
Contact the team on 07540 463662 or email aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.com Don’t forget! We are also on Twitter via @About_Thetford, have a Facebook page and are on Instagram. All pages are updated on a regular basis with the latest news and information and highlights from the monthly magazine.
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Thetford Lace Group Lace came to Thetford in 1982 but it wasn’t until 1995 that Jan formed the ‘Thetford Lace Group’, who will celebrate their 25th anniversary on 12th September this year. Projects undertaken over that time by the group have included individual lace flowers made by members which were included in a bouquet to celebrate special anniversaries for the Suffolk and Norfolk Lace Groups. They have also completed two tablecloths as well as working on their own projects. Jan starts new members off with the basics of Bobbin Lace whilst other members of the group are always willing to help where needed.
Recruitment Drive Launched To Train Community First Responders A recruitment drive has been launched to train new community first responders across Norfolk. Community First Responders (CFRs) are volunteers who are trained by East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work. Their aim is to reach a potential life-threatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives. Their role is to help stabilise the patient and also to provide the appropriate care until the highly skilled ambulance crew arrives on scene to take over the treatment. Andrew Barlow, Community Response Manager, said: “CFRs make a vital difference to our communities and every minute counts when someone is seriously ill, which is why volunteers attending emergencies where they live, or work is crucial. Our thorough training course provides them with vital lifesaving skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of a defibrillator, as well as treating allergic reactions, choking and breathing difficulties.”
Members of Thetford Lace Group enjoying their Christmas lunch earlier this year
The group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am - 3pm at Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford. If you are interested in learning Bobbin Lace or would simply like to see what our lace group is about, contact Jan on 01842 765161 for further details.
Cloverfield Easter Egg Hunt Please note, the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Cloverfield Church is sadly cancelled.
The roles will be spread out across the county. A collection of roadshows will take place where people can come and meet the CFR team, find more about the role, look at the response equipment and sign up if interested. If you feel that you could become a community first responder or a supporter and need more information, find out more here or call 0345 601 3733 (01603 481220 out of hours). You can complete an online form or email your request for information to; CFR@eastamb.nhs.uk
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Thetford’s Dementia Support Group Adapts To Challenge The Thetford and District Dementia Support Group (TADDS) has enjoyed welcoming new members and volunteers this last few weeks as well as our longer standing members and helpers. So it is with particular sadness that we, like so many other groups and centres have taken the decision to temporarily close our Friday Group for the foreseeable future. We are already wondering what we will do with our Fridays! The trustees and volunteers are working on ways to stay in touch with the group through phone calls and face time and regular postings on our Facebook Page. We were looking forward to having our Mini-Donkies for If anyone looking after someone with dementia or any Wellbeing back with us at the end of March, however family members that are worried about a loved one with they have promised to do their best to make a special dementia (not everyone has someone local) or who may “virtual visit” video just for us! The trustees will also be in need of essential items please let us know so that be forward planning other activities and researching we can ensure you are taken care of. day trips for later in the year. Should any one of our We hope all in Thetford and the immediate area stay wonderful members or anyone living with dementia (or as safe and well as possible during these challenging their loved ones) have any queries or need assistance times; but please do keep in touch with us even if it’s during the time we are closed, please do not hesitate to only a welfare check in. Simon Long HP Advert 2018.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2018 10:01 Page 1 call the TADDS phone on 07542 866 519 or email us Jo Mountjoy Dixon and the team at TADDS via; taddsgroup@hotmail.com
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Time For A Spring Clean? Here we are again, the start of Spring. Biology has found that the lack of sun in winter causes the human body to produce more sleep hormones. As the days get longer in the springtime however, our energy (and motivation to clean) gradually goes up! Of course if you’re stuck at home self-isolating, cleaning the house may be a good way to keep yourself busy! Cleaning is rarely something to look forward to for most people, but there’s something about a thorough spring clean that is enough to make a house-proud person or one of our maids excited to get their rubber gloves on. That fresh feeling and lovely smell after your house is cleaned is super rewarding and will make your home feel renewed. There are many countries around the world that have different rituals and celebrations that involve spring cleaning because this time of year is simply the best time to refresh and clean your home. It’s about much more than getting rid of junk and dirt. It's also meant to symbolize clearing out the cobwebs in the mind and soul, and sometimes it clears the way for good times ahead, too.
These are used frequently but are often forgotten. Use an antibacterial spray or wipe. The average home has at least two dozen door knobs which are no doubt touched repeatedly and often overlooked when cleaning. 4) The humble lemon can be used for a multitude of tasks, has antibacterial properties as well as smelling fresh and fabulous. Squeeze lemon into a spray bottle of water and use on glass shower cubicles, pop half a lemon into the fridge to help absorb odour too. White vinegar is also great for window cleaning too when diluted with water.
Too busy?
In these challenging times, cleanliness of your home has never been so important. Apart from ensuring you regularly wash your hands here are 5 top tips for making Spring Cleaning that bit easier: 1) Use a sieve to sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over your mattress. Leave it for at least an hour-all day if you can. It will draw out moisture and smells and bacteria. Then vacuum off when ready. 2) Have a plan for each room - top to bottom, dusting and wiping first making sure you start in one corner and work your way round with vacuuming last 3) Remember door handles and light switches.
Too busy?Too
5) To soften splatters inside the microwave, fill a cup with water and microwave on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any baked on food so you can easily wipe it clean. If you need a bit of help with clearing those cobwebs in your home then Maid2Clean are happy to hear from you on 0800 878 6388. If you are a bit of a Mrs Hinch and looking to work within the industry call or text the dedicated recruitment line 07769 700258. You can also find out further information from the website; www.maid2cleansuffolk.co.uk
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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 37
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Find us online at www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk NOVEMBER 19
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE
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IN THIS ISSUE
BEAUTY & THE BEAST COMES TO TOWN
About Thetford Cover_Nov2019_v1.indd 1
CHRISTMAS TREE TRAIL LAUNCHED
REMEMBRANCE EVENTS
*T & C's apply
BUY LOCAL FOR CHRISTMAS PLUS LOTS MORE!!
Why advertise with us? The About Thetford magazine is Thetford’s most distributed publication with over 12,500 copies being delivered every month to all homes and businesses in the town. l We are Thetford’s number one FREE magazine, well established, now in our 15th year, this is the magazine everyone reads! l We offer effective advertising at affordable rates, with discounts to regular customers. l Printed full colour throughout on gloss art paper. l Cost effective design and artwork service available. l Friendly, personal service, available days, evenings and weekends!
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To advertise with us please contact the team on 07540 463662 or email aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.com Like our Facebook page ‘About Thetford magazine’ and get regular updates you can now view the magazine online each month from anywhere in the world!
Follow us on Twitter @About_Thetford www.instagram.com/aboutthetford
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Thetford Inner Wheel Inner Wheel Members have been busy again this month. This time filling ‘Joy and Roy’ bags which contain a selection of items from hats to toys to tools to books.
Carpet Vinyl Luxury vinyl tiles Home choose service
The 23 filled bags are taken by the National Police Aid Convoys to where they are most needed. This can be Syrian refugee camps and disaster areas around the world. A number of us attended the District meeting recently where an excellent speaker gave attendees a presentation about the Teenage Cancer trust. Around the country there are 28 units especially for the age group 13-24, with our local one being at Addenbrookes Hospital. This charity is our District Chairman’s charity.
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Boiler Installations, Servicing, Repairs, Landlord Certificates, Saturday Appointments Servicing and Installation of Oil Fired Boilers and Oil Tank replacement and repairs Domestic Air Source Cooling Systems Installed All Types of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Air Source Heat Pumps Repaired and Serviced
Unfortunately due to Coronavirus our 61st Birthday Supper and the St Patrick’s Day charity evening have both had to be cancelled. For further information about Thetford Inner Wheel, please visit the website: www.innerwheeldistrict8.org.uk
Daffodil Teas at Barnham Village Hall The daffodil teas that were scheduled to be held in March and April at Barnham Village Hall were cancelled following public health advice. Our regular supporters will be pleased to know we are planning to hold Strawberry Teas in late June and July, so we look forward to seeing you there
For your free quote call Marcus on
Thetford Singers Concert
Email: marcus@findlayservices.co.uk www.findlayservices.co.uk
Understandably, but also sadly, Thetford Singers made the decision to cancel their concert on March 27th.
01842 764564 or 07585 446563
Hopefully the Summer Concert will go ahead as planned on July 17th. Watch out for it. Thetford Singers wish all our singers and supporters good health and hope you stay well.
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 39
Solicitors Providing practical legal solutions throughout your life Agriculture Commercial Employment Equestrian Family Matters Health Care Litigation Mental Health Property Wills & Probate
Bury St Edmunds: 01284 755771 Brandon: 01842 810300 | Thetford: 01842 754151
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Offices: Bury St Edmunds | Brandon | Thetford Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 40
Breckland
Accountancy Ltd VAT Returns Payroll Tax Returns Financial Forecasting Budgeting Business Plans Year End Accounts Self Employed to Small Ltd Companies l
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For a Free no obligation initial consultation Call Tracy for a professional, reliable service with over 20 years experience 01842 763340 or 07877 403 764 tracy@brecklandaccountancy.co.uk
PC or Laptop running SLOW? Got A Virus? Need help? Friendly and professional IT service for Mac or Windows, call Joe Richards on
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Do you waste hours of time on paperwork you loathe? Or do you loathe it so much that it’s not getting done at all? Make life easy, call for a free consultation:
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MCP 19/11/2018 09:41 Page 1 20 HP KingAdvert Street11.18.qxp_Layout Thetford Norfolk1 IP24 2AP
Legal Solutions for Business and Life Crime I Disputes I Employment Property I Wills & Probate Family I Personal Injury I Company & Commercial Law Cage Lane, Thetford, IP24 2DT www.mcp-law.co.uk T: 01842 756100 Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 41
Abbey Garage AD.qxp_Layout 1 17/07/2017 14:36 Pag
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VEHICLE OFFERS Merc Sprinter Daily Rate - £84.00 Weekend Rate - £126.00
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Tel: 01842 768036 or 01842 764467 2 FISON WAY, THETFORD IP24 1HT www.easyfleet.co.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 42
Covid-19 and Gym Etiquette As it goes, gyms and fitness facilities are most definitely up there with some of the dirtiest places we go to – willingly! We go to these places to improve in ourselves but can end up leaving our by-products for other people to unknowingly pick up. Personally, I pride myself in the Functional Fitness Suites cleanliness. I clean every day, deep cleaning once a week (every Saturday – rock and roll!) to make sure the area is welcoming and nice for people to train in and to seriously cut down chances of picking up any bugs/ nasties. Public Health England have been updating their website daily with the do’s and don’ts with Corona Virus. There is a chance of getting it but most people will pull through and live to tell the tale. The best way to reduce the chances of contracting Covid-19 is simple – have a bit of respect for yourself and others around you, wash your hands and don’t knowingly spread germs.
About Thetford Magazine
Here’s what to do if you’re heading to do your workout; • Wash your hands before starting/ after using the loo/ after coughing, sneezing (into your hands or a tissue) • Wipe down the area you’ve just been working on • Bring and use a sweat towel
The deadline for inclusion in the May 2020 edition of About Thetford Magazine will be 15th April 2020. Please send your content and high res images to: Gorse Motors March 2016_Layout 1 16/02/2016 08:02 aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com
• Keep your hygiene to a good level, including a good rotation of workout wear • Re-Rack your weights (Absolutely nothing to do with Covid-19, though I may wish it on you if you don’t put your weight back – pet hate!!)
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We can’t let the Coronavirus take over our lives but we can use it to refresh the basics. For any other info on Covid-19, please search Public Health England in your browser. Keep safe people. DKM Services AD.qxp_Layout 1 09/07/2018 15:51 Pag Richard Taylor (E-mail: richard@tigerfitnessclub.co.uk)
DKM Services TYRES l EXHAUSTS l SUSPENSION ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS l BRAKES l SERVICING
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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 43
1st Choice Locksmiths _Layout 1 09/12/2015 12:40 P
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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 44
Feltwell Golf Course - 50th Anniversary
Jess Is A National Indoor Champion
We’re still open at Feltwell Golf Club! We are committed to prioritising the wellbeing of visitors and employees during these uncertain times and we are taking the threat of Covid 19 (Coronavirus) very seriously, doing our part to prevent it spreading. All areas of the site including the golf course, driving range and club house will remain open with a number of adjustments. We would ask that all Green Fee players pay for their round over the bar rather than in the office and use credit or debit card whenever possible rather than cash. Please observe the Health Signs around the club, such as washing hands regularly and maintaining a ‘social distance’ - at least two metres apart.
The England Athletics National Indoor Track and Field Championships was held recently in Sheffield at the English Institute of Sport.
Our new summer opening hours for the Clubhouse are 10am - 5pm on Tuesday; 10am - 9pm Wednesday – Friday and 10am - 5pm Saturdays and Sundays. Plenty of time to enjoy a drink. It is our intention to continue to offer our members and visitors a safe place where they can practice or play, get some fresh air and exercise for as long as possible whilst making every effort to protect our employees and customers alike. Should the situation change we will be posting regular updates on our social media pages – Facebook and Twitter. Second Club Membership - Do you already belong to a Golf Club but live close to Feltwell? Perhaps there are times when you would like a game but don’t have time to go to your home club. Join Feltwell as a Second Club Member and you can play here at any time.
Thetford Athletic Club’s athlete Jessica Norkett made the journey to contest the U20 Women's 1500m It proved a successful day for Jess where she was victorious, winning the 1500m National title and had Powerclean QP Portrait 04.19.qxp_Layout the honour of being crownedAdvert the U20 women’s 1500m 1 13/0 National Champion.
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www.powerclean-thetford.co.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 45
Parkrunner Of The Month Our Parkrunner Of The Month column this month is focusing on the two brilliant parkruns that we now have in Thetford! Thetford parkrun is a free 5k timed event held weekly, every Saturday from the Priory. The event has been held since 2013 and has just celebrated its 7th birthday. The event has almost 5,000 people registered from 4 years old to over 80 years old. Parkrun is suitable for anyone, no matter their experience or capability. You can walk, run or crawl round the 5k distance and you will never be last as we have a tail walker. The event is completely managed by volunteers and we have a team of 10 Run Directors who help put on the event each week. You don’t have to run to take part and we welcome volunteers to come and help. If young people are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award you can use parkrun for your physical and volunteer evidence. In 2019 and 2020 our two GP practices in Thetford became parkrun social prescribers, which means GPs can refer patients with mental health or physical health problems to parkrun to help improve fitness and mental health well-being. There are a few parkrun milestone incentives to start to get active; 10 Parkrun Events: Juniors (4 - 17 years) can register for a 10 club top
Junior parkrun, known as Breckland Leisure Junior Parkrun commenced in October 2019. The junior event is a free 2k timed event which takes place every Sunday morning at 9am at Breckland Leisure Centre. The event currently has just over 60 young people registered between the ages of 4 - 14. The event is completely safe and does not involve any running on roads or out of sight of marshals. The event is a great stepping stone to getting active to 2k and then onto 5k. Parents can also run with their children. Junior parkrun have rewards, which include colourful wristbands and certificates when a young person completes any of the following distances: 11 Events - Half Marathon Club, blue wristband 21 Events - Marathon Club, green wristband 50 Events - Ultra Marathon Club, Orange wristband 100 Events - Certificate only
25 Volunteers: Register for ‘25’ Volunteer Top
The event has a fantastic core team of run directors who would welcome parents to come and volunteer whilst their children run. If you wish to take part or volunteer you can contact the team through; www.parkrun.org.uk/ brecklandleisurecentre-juniors/
If you are interested in taking part or helping please contact us at; thetfordhelpers@parkrun.com
Both events have full support and funded by Thetford Town Council and Breckland Council.
50 Events: Register for a ‘50’ Club Top 100 Events: Register for a ‘100’ Club Top 250 Events: Register for ‘250’ Club Top 500 Events: Register for ‘500’ Club Top
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 46
On the move? Whichever direction you’re travelling in, we can help.
We know the property market and understand how it works, Which means we can keep you on track with your next move. If you are buying, selling, letting or renting why travel any further?
Happy Easter from all at Lawsons. Contact Us Today For Your FREE Valuation
01842 755422
2 Bridge Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3BL E. sales@lawsonsestateagents.co.uk
www.lawsonsestateagents.co.uk