APRIL 22
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE
195
CIRCULATION 13,000
Thetford Stands With Ukraine
EXPERT TEAM | QUALITY PRODUCTS FREE DESIGN SERVICE DEDICATED PROJECT MANGER EXCELLENT AFTERCARE W W W. B AT H R O O M - P L A C E . C O . U K 03301239334
IN THIS ISSUE
THETFORD STANDS WITH UKRAINE
About Thetford Cover_April 22_v1.indd 1
SPRING TRAIL
THETFORD 2023 CALENDAR COMPETITION
MEET UP FUNDRAISING DRIVE PLUS LOTS MORE!!
21/03/2022 14:44
SCAN FOR YOUR FREE INSTANT VALUATION
www.chilterns.co
• Sales • Lettings • Property Management •
s Through
Thetford’s Spirit Shine
s n gripped by the update I’m sure we’ve all bee nth. It mo t pas the r ove e coming out of Ukrain and distressing to watch. has been incredibly sad at helpless against such Whilst we all feel somewh n numerous examples bee global events, there has locally to do what they of people rallying round t’s making donations of can to help. Whether tha ring a spare room. We items, time, money or offe gazine some of what ma ’s nth capture in this mo been doing as we stand Thetford residents have with Ukraine. et g you details of the Me Also this month we brin g isin dra fun ed nch lau ly Up Cafe and their recent s vice ser a range of crucial appeal. Meet Up provide d nee now but ir families for local children and the port. sup t tha e tinu con to the help of the community gradually easing back into Many local events are re’s lots happening in their normal routines. The St themed events and a April, including Easter de. insi ails - full det George’s Day quiz night d magazine tor, About Thetfor EdiAD.qxp_Layout ry Jermy,1/8 Betts of 1 09/04/2019 TerBrandon
Inside this month...
age ommunity ub Launches Appeal age Thetford Stands ith kraine age 13 The Flaneur ontinues To Tour age 1 Retirement For Macdonald age 1 ommunity Gets A Spring lean age 1 Brandon hotographic lub age 21 South Suffolk Show Returns age 22 St George’s ay ui age 2 o Business Like est Business age 2 Recycling Tips From R age 31 ew ousing entre pens age 33 oming p At Burrell entre age 3 ot ust Books age 3 aster vents At Thetford Library age 3 Money Matters age 1 omedy lub Returns age olphins hampionship Success Main front cover image: Chris Riches Transport © Neil James Media
About Thetford magazine is printed on carbon balanced paper in Norfolk
16:38 CBP009364
BETTS 01842811003 Call:
Of Brandon
Sound Therapist and Forest Bathing guide Helping you connect with nature and sound for your improved wellbeing.
Fengate Drove • Brandon
ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SUPPLIED AND FITTED
Sound Therapy Monthly sound baths in Thetford 1:1 bespoke, groups & corporate
Wall and hedge removal from boundaries Decking supplied and fitted
PLAYHOUSES FROM £371.00 HERITAGE BUILDINGS FROM £476.00
Forest Bathing & Nature connection Guided walks for groups, families & 1:1
E:Nicky@soundandground.co.uk T: 07718900747 www.soundandground.co.uk
The email address for all articles, adverts etc: aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.com ontact us 0 0 3 2 ffice Address o harles Burrell entre, Staniforth Road, 2 3L ublisher n And About Thetford Ltd,
o
harles Burrell
entre, Staniforth Road, Thetford
2 3L
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
lease mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 3
Upp’s attention to customer service and satisfaction is second to none, something the big players are not concerned with. Not just that, but the connection is simply incredible. Upp customer Paul Downing, via
Join Paul and experience the power of full bre broadband. ow li e in Thetford. Visit upp.com Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 4
Thetford Community Hub Launches Fundraising Appeal A popular hub run by local charity the Benjamin Foundation has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to ensure it can continue supporting its local community both now and into the future. Meet Up, located on the Redcastle Furze Estate in an area of high need, was established in 2010. The centre plays a vital role in tackling local wellbeing issues, inequalities, mental health and social problems, supporting parents and families via a range of groups and activities. It provides young people with youth clubs, reduces isolation for older people, and offers support to families, offering new opportunities to strengthen and develop skills, raise self-esteem and aspirations, helping to keep young people on the right path.
heart of the community where little else exists. A place to share worries, get advice, support and guidance and take part in positive activities that enable young people and families to broaden their aspirations, confidence and self worth. The Benjamin Foundation urgently needs further support and is reaching out to local people and businesses now to ensure local families continue to have a place to connect, a place to make friends, a place to feel safe and a place to be themselves.
The Benjamin Foundation has now launched a fundraising drive to fill a funding gap to ensure local children, young people and families each year can continue to access the services which they have described as their “lifeline.”
Mike adds, “we support in the region of 400 - 500 local families a year. It would be fantastic to see local people and businesses back our fundraising campaign, knowing that money raised would go back into the community and help us to continue the important work we do.”
Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for the last eleven years has enabled Meet Up to carry out vital youth and community work, having a huge impact on local lives. The Benjamin Foundation is grateful for this support and, with funding drawing to a close, they would like to thank The National Lottery as they reach out to supporters and new funders in order to continue Meet Up’s fantastic work.
How to Support the Meet Up:
• Donate today via The Benjamin Foundation website https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/ donate/meet-up • Take part in fundraising activities, including a 12,000 steps a day challenge. • Businesses are invited to take advantage of corporate sponsorship and corporate social responsibility opportunities. To pledge your support today contact events@ benjaminfoundation.co.uk or speak to Mike Towndrow, Meet Up Manager on 01842 820871.
Meet p member Alfie, aged 13 says have been going to Meet p for five years and it has always been a supportive and safe place for me to attend. t has helped with my self confidence. Mike Towndrow, Meet p Manager says The National Lottery support for Meet Up has been amazing for the community. Meet Up means so much to so many. Ultimately, it is a lifeline in the
Local Chimney Sweep All Sweeps Certificated Other services we offer:
Flue Fitting • Stove Fitting Clean and Professional Fully Insured
FULLY INSURED & PART P ELECTRICIAN DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN Fuse board upgrades, rewires additions/alterations to existing circuits, inspect & test certificates + many more jobs. Friendly, reliable & trustworthy.
Phoenix Eco Plumbing Please call 07506 683 354
01842 337801 / 07725 658 924 | info@fosterelectricalservice.co.uk www.fosterelectricalservice.co.uk
Ask for Ian www.phoenixecoplumbing.com THIS ARTWORK IS THEmention PROPERTY OFAbout ABOUTThetford THETFORD LTD Please the Magazine TELEPHONE THETFORD 01842 761549
5
when responding to advertisements
jobsearch. 2sfgpoul tr y.com
We Are Hiring Due to expansion we have over 100 vacancies available Thetford site opened in February 2011 and is our breaded chicken product centre of excellence. Thetford uses best in class equipment which enables the site to deliver significant environmental benefits. The low-energy building is the flagship development within the 2 Sisters Group. - Competitive pay from £10 - £11.50 per hour dependent on experience and a 10% shift allowance after 10pm - Work life balance/family friendly shifts available Follow the QR code for our full list of opportunities
Immediate start - Overtime opportunities - COVID safe environment Fantastic development opportunities - Exclusive employee discounts Refer a friend £100 scheme - Free fruit Friday Internal promotions - Permanent contracts
#beafoodhero jobsearch. 2sfgpoultr y.com hr thetford@2sfg.com 07709 7 16659 Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 6
100 Club Looks For New Members Thetford Music Project (TMP) is a charity founded in 1999 offering children living in and around Thetford the opportunity to learn an instrument or sing and perform with others. Grants and generous donations are essential to ensure that TMP continues to offer musical opportunities at a low price and as part of fundraising efforts, the project runs a 100 club. The 100 club was founded by the late Colin Armes who was passionate about TMP. Each member is assigned a number and is entered into a draw every two months. The first pri e is always 100 hence the name, but there are also second and third cash pri es too. A percentage of the profit covers the prizes with the remainder going directly to support the project. Membership costs just 2 per month and by joining you will be helping to support the work of TMP whilst being in with a chance of winning a cash prize! The more money raised, the more children
Now only
£895
*
for a fully fitted electric garage door.
TMP members performing together
we can engage, the more we can achieve. Since it began the TMP 100 club has raised more than 10,000, an amazing achievement and incredibly important in keeping the project running. To join the TMP 100 club all you need to do is to pick up a form from Everything Thetford in King Street or download a version at: www.thetfordmusicproject.co.uk The easiest way to pay is to set up a regular standing order from your bank account. For more information please call orinne on 0 02 01 11. Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our experienced installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge.
WAS £1,354 INCLUDING VAT.
CALL US TODAY ON:
01842 250 048 MOBILE:
07537 149 128 *Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 7
Thetford Stands With Ukraine “People from all over the area came to donate supplies and people came to help try and sort everything, in horrible weather, cramped spaces, and with none of us having a clue where to start or what to do.” Chris Riches posted this on his Facebook page at the beginning of March. It’s the beginning of the story of Thetfordians from across the community joining together, horrified at the news of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia at the end of February. Ian Odgers from Peerless Plastics in the town was first off the block with an appeal to get goods to those eeing the con ict and has been co ordinating shipping with other groups to get the aid to where it’s needed as quickly as possible. The power of social media quickly saw a number of other venues in the town offering to be drop off points including Camvac, Chilterns Estate Agents, The Albion, Turner Funerals, Charles Burrell Centre and Chris Riches Transport. Within a few days, Thetfordians were going the extra mile to help. With information changing rapidly the priorities were soon identified as medical and military supplies including men’s dark clothing. Many of the townspeople were soon visiting each pharmacy, shop, and supermarket across Thetford to buy 2 packets of paracetamol or ibuprofen each time, sourcing other medical items such as plasters, bandages, and surgical supplies. Local Nurse Mel Furness used her connections on LinkedIn to broker additional donations of medical equipment from Frontier Medical and Seating Matters along with £20,000 worth of ICU beds from Felgains. Originally Chris had planned to take supplies collected locally to a drop off point in London, but he quickly discovered that London was very much overwhelmed and couldn’t get vehicles loaded and out of the country, so he volunteered to drive
PC or Laptop running SLOW? Got A Virus? Need help? Friendly and professional IT service for Mac or Windows, call Joe Richards on
Telephone: 01953 718421 Mobile: 07928 326008 Email: help@bailiwickit.com Website: www.bailiwickit.com
Chris Riches and his wife Liana Image: Neil James Media
to Poland instead. “We just wanted to get help to the Ukrainian people that desperately need it.” Donations included food, personal products, medicines and medical equipment. With such short notice, and little time to plan, he appealed for people to help sort the supplies in order to get the goods through customs. The Riches family said they were amazed at the queues of people waiting to help. Together, the band of volunteers checked, packed, and labelled two trailers full of donations destined for Ukraine. Although Chris and Liana had pledged to fund the cost of taking the trailers across Europe themselves, Dave Pickup decided to set up a GoFundMe page. Donations from £5 to 00 ooded in, and the target of 1 00 was quickly surpassed. Chris and his wife Liana set off for Poland with the help of Norfolk Polonia CIC that is based in Norwich. People turned out in force again to wave off Chris and his wife Liana as they set off on their journey on 13th March. ithin 2 days Liana was back on social media to report that although they had to change their original plans. Everything had been unloaded in Opole in Poland, and they’d got a plan B in place – to return with a second load, funded by donations on the GoFundMe page. Such was the desperate need for the supplies that a van turned up as they were unloading and emptied an entire crate before heading for Kyiv. Liana said, “What we’ve achieved together as a local community is incredible. The thanks go out to every single person who played a part. We all made this happen together. ver 300 people have benefitted from the first lorry load of goods donated by the people of Thetford.
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 8
Liana reported on one of her social media updates that they had decided to use the money to buy vital goods to take on their next trip rather than just fuel. These included survival ration packs, large first aid kits and burns kits. Retired Headteacher Marika Sigley has a very personal connection to the con ict. er family have had to leave their home in Ukraine and are currently displaced in the Czech Republic. They left with a bag of medical essentials and nothing else. She has heard first hand of the fear and desperate situation people have found themselves in and has worked tirelessly to get support from local businesses. Families from Admirals and Raleigh Academies also came together to support the local and national appeals for donations to send to Ukraine. Within minutes of sending out an alert to parents by Twitter and Facebook, both academies started to receive phone calls about the appeal. That same day, bags and boxes of items were brought into each academy office and the staff rooms filled with generous donations of toiletries, first aid kits, sanitary products, nappies, baby food, kid’s clothes, and blankets. Mary Forman, Interim Executive Principal said, “We were amazed by the response from our families since the window for dropping things off was only 24 hours. Children from year 5 and 6 helped sort all the donations into boxes which were then taken to the Bury St Edmunds central collection centre by Mrs Howard, the year 4/5 teacher who had organized the collection across the academies.” The children asked how they could become more directly involved and as a result Admirals and Raleigh academies will be holding weekly cake sales on Friday afternoons up until Easter. All money raised will be sent to the Red Cross which is one of the 1 charities that contributes to the isasters Emergency Committee (DEC) who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialists in different areas of disaster response.
Above: A family receives one of the aid parcels donated by Thetfordians and delivered by Chris and Liana. Left: aid is unloaded on arrival to go to Kyiv
hildren from the Thetford based olish Language School along with their teachers, parents and volunteers shook their collection tins around Thetford and spent a weekend bag packing in MaxiPoli. Anna Gasiorowska from the school said, “We worked together to successfully fundraise for our Ukrainian friends. Poles from Bury St Edmunds and one surgery in Brandon also joined our campaign.” The school raised 1 11. . n consultation with the Polish Embassy in London the school agreed that they would help a specific centre who are dealing with humanitarian aid in Poland. Anna says that the community is horrified at what’s happening in Ukraine, “I remember well when you couldn’t buy things in the shops and life was B A Royall Advert.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2022 12:24 Page very hard under the Russians. It’s been a very emotional and difficult time for us all.
B.A. ROYALL Buyer and seller of Antiques & collectables
Vintage, Retro, Antiques & Collectables. Open Wednesday 11am - 3pm The Charles Burrell Centre followed up with a bake and Thursday 9.30am - 2.30pm sale in conjunction with the EDP Aid For Ukraine Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment campaign. 1 was raised over two days, with Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, staff and volunteers helping to run the cake stall Thetford IP24 3LH across the event. The proceeds will also go to Mobile: 07595 189678 Email: baroyallantiques@gmail.com DEC to support their work in Ukraine. Thetford Web: www.baroyallantiques.com Garden Centre also joined in by selling daffodils Twitter: @royallantiques and freshly baked shortbread with the proceeds Facebook: www.facebook.com/baroyallantiques going to the Red Cross Ukrainian appeal. Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 9
Thetford Family Spring Trail Saturday 2 - Tuesday 26 April
Follow the clues and win a spring hamper full of goodies Let our family trail put a spring in your step. W ith b u r st w h a l o ve
b e a u in g in t b e tte ly to w
C o m p l e t e t h e g r i d b e l o w w i t h yo u r f o u r w o r d s, a d d yo u r n a m e , t e l e p h o n e n u m b e r a n d / o r e m a i l a d d r e s a n d d r o p yo u r e n t r y t h r o u g h t h e l e t t e r b o x o f t h e Everything Thetford sh o p a t 2 0 K i n g S t r e e t o r e m a i l yo u r a n sw e r t o info@leapinghare.org.
t i f u l b l o so m o n t h e t r e e ,s b u d s t o l i f e a n d t h e a i r f u l l o f b i r d so n g , r tim e to g e t o u t a n d a b o u t in o u r n ?
C o r r e ct e n t r i e s w i l l b e p u t i n t o a d r a w f o r t h a t amazing spring hamper. Good luck!
O u r f a m i l y a ct i vi t y i s co m p l e t e l y f r e e a n d r e a l l y e a sy t o j o i n i n w i t h – a l l yo u n e e d t o d o i s l o o k a r o u n d T h e t f o r d t o w n ce n t r e f o r the special little flower windmills, which you’ll find in certain shop windows. Each windmill f e a t u r e s a n u m b e r a n d a l e t t e r – co l l e ct a l l 15 and you’ll see that they form a four word, spring-themed phrase.
T h e sp r i n g t r a i l i s o r g a n i se d b y Leaping Hare a n d su p p o r t e d b y About Thetford magazine a n d everyone hosting a flower windmill. Please support them if you can.
i
rt
pa
ay W
m
Ra
The answer to the spring trail competition is . . . FIRST WORD
1
2
3
4
SECOND WORD
5
6
7
8
9
THIRD WORD
10 11 12
FOURTH WORD
13 14 15
Name: ............................... Tel No/Email: ...................................
SPRING TRAIL 2022.indd 1
24/03/2022 16:39:23
NORFOLK CREATIVITY AND WELLBEING WEEK
16 - 22 MAY 2022
Singing, crafts, creative workshops, exhibitions, theatre and music performances, nature and history walks, dance, yoga, and much more. @CreativeNorfolk NCCArtsService Find Norfolk events and book www.norfolk.gov.uk/GetCreative
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 12
Growing up in the sixties and seventies, mine was a childhood of aspiration. Both parents came from working class beginnings to become teachers and a comfortable middle-class existence. As such, they were the first generation in either family to indulge themselves in holidays abroad, foreign cuisine or a dip into an appreciation of art. The latter e perience was re ected at home by incorporating what would now be termed a “mid century” décor around the house. Central to their furnishings were labels such as G Plan and Ercol, many of which pieces I’ve happily inherited. The observant reader may wonder what any of this has to do with somebody strolling the streets of Thetford. Please bear with… hile yomping up London Road on a filthy wet Thursday and debating whether to pack it all in and sit down for a sausage roll and coffee, I glanced across from Greggs at a piece of land that clearly once contained an industrial unit but had been attened and was now finding service as a car park. Back home to the warm and dry and further research revealed it was the site of the former Conran factory.
a or re de troyed the onran wareho Old Croxton Road in 1968 ©Archant
e in
and Conran labels live on. However, his time in Thetford proved relatively brief. n 1 a fire in the old maltings (now redeveloped as Ben Culey Drive) caused around £200,000 worth of damage. A year later, following a merger with stationers Ryman, workers went on strike, with Conran selling his interest in the company another year after. With production in the town long gone, it feels somehow appropriate I have a few artefacts of Conran and Habitat still illuminating our house. Terry Land, The Flâneur
THE MAYOR’S BALL F riday 29 th Ap ril 20 22
The Conran factory in 1966, the building and site was then purchased by Baxter © Archant
After exhibiting at the Festival of Britain in 1951, Terence Conran wanted to bring great design into the houses of people just like my parents, ush with a new af uence. The visionary formed the furniture store Habitat and crucial to this story, in 1962 used a regional development grant to place manufacturing workshops in Stephenson Road as well as at an old maltings between Station Road and Old Croxton Road. In addition to fabrics, the famous Summa range of atpack furniture was produced in the town. Even though Sir Terence died two years ago aged 88, the Habitat
D ancing to th e M ar r akesh L ittle Big Band
6 : 3 0 for 7 : 3 0 p m
£ 3 5
C arriages at Midnight p er p erson in adv ance Black tie/lounge suit
Tick ets and 3 course dinner menu: Thetford Town C ouncil The Carnegie, Cage L ane, Thetford T: 018 42 7 5 4247
E : kerryl eeder@
thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 13
Thetford Calendar Competition 2022 Win £100 cash prize and take pride of place on the front cover! Enter up to 3 photos in each of the following 4 categories (maximum of 12 images in total) A) Nature - wildife, landscapes B) Architecture - landmarks, interesting buildings C) People - events, community activities D) Heritage - what Thetford is famous for Winning entries will appear in the 2023 Thetford Calendar, with full accreditation. Finalists each receive a free calendar and the overall winner will appear inside the calendar and on the front cover PLUS receive a £100 cash prize. All images need to be able to fit an A4 landscape (with a file size of at least 1MB) and taken in Thetford (within 2 miles of the Parish boundary).
Email your images to info@leapinghare.org until Tuesday 31st May 2022.
Full terms and conditions are available from info@leapinghare.org. Printed paper versions are also available.
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 14
SWO No More RAF Honington said a very sad farewell to the Station arrant fficer S recently. arrant fficer Mac Macdonald lowered the Royal Air Force nsign on Station for the last time as he retires following 39 years of exemplary Service. The Station arrant fficer is the Station ommander’s righthand man and Mac has e ceptionally fulfilled this role for the last 3 years. Station ommander Group aptain utch olland said: “Today we say farewell to a giant of the RAF and RAF Regiment Mac Mac onald leaves us after 3 years of stellar and sel ess Service and has been each and every day the epitome of the career professional and the bastion of standards and professionalism. e will be missed by everyone and we wish him well for the next chapter of his life. er ardua through adversity.
De arting arrant f cer hoto y l Da id
ac acdonald lack rn
Mac is e ceptionally highly regarded within our local communities and in particular the freedom towns of Bury St. dmunds and Thetford where he has donated many extra hours, days and probably months of his personal time not just to ensure that events run smoothly, but also to support the communities with all sorts of projects including Spring leans and not forgetting his well known omble’ Litter ick with wife Sue.
As far as his career goes it didn’t start smoothly for Mac. aving joined the RAF in 1 3 as an RAF Regiment Gunner he was re-mustered after 4 years due to an eye injury. e retrained as a hef and served years in the trade before finding that his eyesight had improved enough to allow a re trade back to Gunner although this meant The grey clouds parted to blue sky and the sun completing another Basic Gunner course at RAF made an appearance especially for the occasion atterick hef life came with the opportunity to as the Honington Voluntary Band played ‘The Great scape’ and Station personnel lined the meet an RAF Stewardess whom he married in the Falkland slands in 1 the first forces couple streets to wave him off as Mac was driven to the to do so. They had a civil ceremony in the bar Main Gate in a Fo hound. of the Upland Goose Hotel and everything was Mac said Believe it or not 3 years goes by in borrowed from suit to rings. is diverse career a ash There are highs and lows to any job but includes ceremonial duties on The ueens olour I have loved it, every minute and would do it all Squadron; a tour in Northern Ireland, Stabilisation again in a heartbeat. The camaraderie and esprit work in ad e Ali province with the Gurkhas, The Mulberry REV Advert 1 12/05/2021 16:50 fficer Page at 1 the ueen li abeth hospital de corps is something we 7.qxp_Layout are very privileged to Liaison have in the RAF Regiment . and a myriad of training roles.
Mulberry
the
Open Tues - Sat from 6pm WWW.MULBERRYTHETFORD.CO.UK
Tel: 01842 824122 11 Raymond Street Thetford IP24 2EA
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 15
Club Discovers Local Links To Wellington Bombers ur meeting on March 1st was the first with a guest speaker since the start of Covid. The speaker was unwell but, entrepreneur Stuart Samuels from Feltwell came to our rescue and described a pair of Wellingtons to us. The first one is a pub in Feltwell of which Stuart is the Navigator, if not the Captain. He recalled how he had bought the building, the state it was in, how his crew came together and, his motivation. This resulted in the second Wellington in our story: the bomber aircraft based at Feltwell during the WW2 and the one after which his pub is named. He told us that it was a much underrated aeroplane and its story has not been properly recalled. It has now, though, as his pub is filled with artefacts and pictures commemorating its action in all theatres throughout WW2. It proved to be robust and able to survive great battle damage due to the Barnes Wallis design’s use of geodetic construction; coincidentally the same technique was used in the construction of the Golfball radar scanners at Feltwell now.
Vickers Wellington bombers in action during WW2
a hatch onto the wing of his Wellington to beat out an engine fire caused by a night fighter attack, thereby saving the crew and the aircraft. For his gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross, but, tragically died two months later during a raid in another Wellington. Stuart also mentioned how captured airmen made their own survival equipment during escape attempts. An example of which was a compass disguised as a button; this was on display at the meeting with various other artefacts.
A large section of the two part presentation was dedicated to the crews of the aircraft. Stuart recalled the actions of James Allen Ward, a New Zealander who in July 1941 climbed out through
For more details of future WNAS meetings, please visit: wnas-uk@googlegroups.com For membership details, please telephone our Membership Secretary on 07706030307
A CARING FAMILY FUNERAL FIRM YOU CAN TRUST Award Our family and caring team will look after your loved one, like we would our own
Lauren, Mark & Sam Skinner
Winning Business
With over 40 Years Experience
“After recommendations, research showed impeccable reviews and very competitive prices. You were not only totally professional and so approachable, but treated my Dad like I felt you would your own family. Wouldn’t go anywhere else!” G Kent
Memorials Bereavement Support Competitive Pricing
Available 24 hours A Day For The Best Advice & True Costs On Funeral Plans, Please Ensure You Come To Us Direct – We Are Carrying Out Your Funeral – So Are The Experts In This Field
London Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EW T: 01842 810534 E: mail@mark-skinner.org.uk
30 Bury Road, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3DE T: 01842 752197 E: info@mark-skinner.org.uk
www.markskinnerfunerals.org.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 16
Community Gets A Spring Clean The Redcastle Furze Estate in Thetford received a makeover last during March after residents, councillors and other organisations joined forces as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Spring Clean. The litter-picking event, which took place on Saturday, 12th March was organised by Terry Jermy with the support of fellow councillors Chris Harvey, Mike Brindle and Susie Dowing and focused on the area around St John’s Way. A follow up effort on the Monday and Tuesday involved Flagship Housing, Breckland Council, Serco and Thetford Town Council. The teams removed rubbish and y tipping, cleared away leaves and gave the play area a wash down. Street signs were also cleaned.
Attendees at the St John’s Way Litter Pick
and staff from Thetford-based The Horticulture Industry Scheme (THIS) tackled a particular ‘grotspot’ removing piles of leaves and green waste. Local resident Terry Land who supported the event said: “I have really enjoyed getting stuck in with the community litter pick and am pleased with the difference that we have collectively achieved. I think Thetford is a beautiful town and we cannot allow these residential areas to get run down .
Some of the rubbish removed as part of the 3-day Spring Clean
Councillor Jermy said; “I am very pleased with the progress that we made over the three days and want to thank all those that supported the Spring Clean. We removed huge quantities of rubbish and detritus that had sadly been allowed to build up over a number of years. Residents deserve to live in a clean and tidy neighbourhood and whilst there is still more work to be done, this event has helped make a significant difference .
There is a monthly community litter pick for the Burrell Ward on the second Saturday of every month. The next litter pick is on Saturday 9th April 2022, meeting at 10am at the Charles Burrell Centre on Staniforth Road. All equipment is provided and it is open to anyone to attend. A free lunch is available to all participants afterwards in the Engine Room Café.
Norwich Road Residents Association organise a monthly litter pick, on the first Saturday of the month. The next one is therefore on Saturday 2nd April, meeting at 10am at Admirals Way shops. loverfield Residents Association have their ne t The Spring Clean was also supported by local AKFS Advert.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 16:23 Page 1 litter pick on Friday 8th & Saturday 9th April, they charity the Benjamin Foundation who run the Meet are meeting at 10.30am at loverfield hurch. Up Café which acted as a base for participants
Anglian Kitchen Fitting Services We are a Thetford based company that installs every style of kitchen, our friendly knowledgeable team are there to guide you through the process from start to inish.
Services we offer: Complete re it or renovations Bespoke joinery Certi icated gas & electrical works Plumbing
Affordable quality that comes with a guarantee.
Tiling Plastering Splashbacks Flooring General building
01842 380123 AKFServices.ltd@gmail.com angliankitchen ittingservices.co.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 17
Know Your Booking Rights With Covid restrictions being lifted, what are my rights for event bookings? If you’ve got tickets to an event which goes ahead, but you change your mind about going or realise you’re no longer able to go, you have no legal right to a refund. However, if the event is cancelled, your right to a refund will depend on how you bought the ticket. f you booked through an official seller and the organiser cancels, moves, reschedules, or makes the event behind closed doors, you should get a refund. This is true even if it’s cancelled due to a government ban on large events. If this happens, contact the official seller to find out how you can get a refund. If you bought your ticket from a ticket-reselling website, your refund will depend on the site's terms and conditions. If you’re worried about the event being cancelled, it’s a good idea to look at the terms and conditions before booking. If you bought from a private seller, unfortunately it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recover your money, even if the event is cancelled or rescheduled. We recommend contacting the seller to see what they can do.
Ahead of any events you’ve booked, keep on checking the information from the official seller or organiser to make sure you know straight away about any updates, like changes to the date or cancellations. Another thing to be aware of is that scammers exploit these situations for their own benefit. f your event is cancelled and anyone whether it’s a person or a company - offers their services to try to recover money on your behalf, be suspicious. Make sure that you're aware of the signs of a potential scam and always be on the lookout. If you need more information on how to get a refund contact Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or visit the website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/ event-tickets/event-tickets/ getting-a-refund-on-an-event-ticket/
Painting & Decorating Bathroom & Kitchen Tiling Plumbing Partition Walls Wood Floor Fitting Loft Boarding Decking Fencing & Carpentry Work Paths & Patios Laid Roof Repairs, Cleaning & Gutterings General Repairs & More!
01953 542313 07756 776995 i n f o @ j p - p r o p e r t y m a i n t e n a n c e . c o. u k w w w. j p - p r o p e r t y m a i n t e n a n c e . c o. u k
COVID-19
1
Wear Face Coverings
3
Check our Temperature
During & between site visits & jobs, we will:
2
Sanitise Our Hands
4
Practise Distancing
PREVENTION
2m 6ft
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 18
Brandon Photographic Club We are well into 2022 now and Spring is upon us, time to dust off those cameras and go out and take some incredible images.
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
This month we will be holding our third Print Competition. As always this really is a golden opportunity for newcomers to come along to the meeting and have a look at our members’ work. Wander round the tables at your leisure, chat to the members and then settle in to listen to the judge’s critique of the work on show. A lot can be learned from these evenings. So come along on Wednesday 6th April and see for yourself.
COME AND VISIT US IN-STORE TODAY 0330 111 6810
www.bestbedsdirect.co.uk Rated 4.5 stars on Trustpilot
Holkham Gallopers by Richard Lovelock
Carpet Vinyl Luxury vinyl tiles
SERVICE UPDATE
* Currently appointments only * thetfordcarpetwarehouse.co.uk
Call us on
760598
Unit 6 Faraday Place, Thetford, IP24 3RG
On the 20th April we are planning a talk; these evenings should not be missed as we invite professionals in their field of photography to talk to us about their experiences, show us some of their work and they are always ready to answer any questions you may have. Some of our more experienced members are always on hand to help with problems you may be having with your camera or the settings that may be baf ing you, they can advise too on places to go offering beautiful photographic opportunities and help you take some incredible images. We hope you may be inspired to come along and share your interest in photography with us. We all have a lot to learn from each other and from the experts we ask to join us from time to time. Watch out for these editorials to learn more about what we have in store as each month passes. There is always someone on hand to help with any technical questions you may have. We meet fortnightly at the Baptist Church Hall, 39 High Street, Brandon, IP27 0AQ, at 7:30pm and our next dates are Wednesday 6th April and Wednesday 20th April, 2022. For further details, please email: info@brandoncameraclub.co.uk
Charity Sale
On Saturday 9th April, 9.30am - 11.30am, outside Thetford Methodist Church in aid of Cancer Research UK and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). Stalls, a tombola, Wendy’s Easter Eggs & much more!
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 19
Findlay QP Advert.qxp_Layout 1 18/06/2019 13:23 Pa
FINDLAY Heating & Cooling Ltd
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
For your free quote call Marcus on
01842 764564 or 07585 446563 Email: marcus@findlayservices.co.uk www.findlayservices.co.uk
Barry Martin
n Ceramic wall & floor tiling n Natural stone, mosiac, porcelain etc n Free quotes available Call 01842 761269/07747 773144
City & Guilds Qualified with over 20 years experience
PLUMBING • HEATING • BATHROOMS Affordable Kitchens Supplied and Fitted with free 3D drawings Please Contact Nick White for advice and a no hassle estimate Telephone: 01842 750505 • Mobile: 07737 044700 E mail - plumbsure@yahoo.com
Powerclean QP Portrait Advert 10.20.qxp_Layout 1 16/10/2020 1 Marcus Hawkins QP Advert.qxp_Layout 1 03/09/2021 32 Fisher Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2LD
MARCUS HAWKINS THE GAS MAN
Heating and Plumbing l Over 30 years experience l Heating Installations l Servicing l Central Heating Breakdowns l Bathrooms l Landlord Certificates Get in touch...
07557 927495
mchawkins7@gmail.com www.mchawkins.co.uk mchawkinsuk
POWER CLEAN Your Local Trusted Cleaning Services High quality cleaning including Carpet Cleaning in Upholstery Thetford Driveways for over 20 years Fascias Gutters using the Skyvac System Call David for a FREE no obligation quote
Tel: 01842 754163 or Mob: 07958 395 930
www.powerclean-thetford.co.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 20
South Suffolk Show Returns! Come and celebrate country life at the South Suffolk Show, Ampton point-to-point racecourse near Ingham, Bury St Edmunds, on Sunday 8th May! After 2 bleak years of cancelled events we are dusting off the bowler hats, unboxing the tannoy system and digging out the show jumps to put together our much missed show and bring traders, entertainers and spectators back together. The hugely popular and exceptionally talented Atkinsons Action orses renowned for their film and television work with appearances on Poldark, Peaky Blinders and Victoria) will be returning to the South Suffolk SHow to perform some astonishing stunts on their magnificent steeds. And there will be plenty to see and do outside the grand ring including wood carvers in action, farriers in the forge, birds of prey on the wing, gun dogs working, terriers racing and the Ferretworld Roadshow who will be looking for volunteers young and old to race against their ferrets! Plus the Art and Craft Marquee packed with unique creations, the Food Hall full of tempting treats and sheep, pigs, cattle and horses all competing for rosettes amongst trade stands galore! Tickets are available on the gate from 8:30am, with
Competition Time!
Win a pair of tickets to the South Suffolk Show by answering this simple question:
What style of hat will the agricultural judges be wearing at the show? Send your entry including your full contact details including, name, address, phone number and age if U16 to: karen@aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk All entries must be received by 5pm on Friday April 22nd, all correct answers will be put into a draw and the winner will be notified by Tuesday th April.
Full Competition T&Cs can be found at www. aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk advance purchase discounted tickets available through selected ticket retailers or online at: www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk and car parking is FREE! If you love country living, you’ll love the South Suffolk Show!
THE SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW
AMPTON RACECOURSE, INGHAM, NR BURY ST EDMUNDS
SUNDAY MAY 8TH 2022
A Traditional Agricultural Show Celebrating Country Life featuring
Atkinson Action Horses, stars of BBC’s Poldark performing astonishing stunts on magnificent steeds
Plus cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, farm machinery, food hall, arts & craft marquee, a fun fair and much much more!
“If you love country living, you’ll love the South Suffolk!”
See website for discounted pre-show e-tickets and retail outlets
FREE CAR PARKING
www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 15/03/2022 21
South Suffolk Show 22 HP.indd 1
17:33
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 22
Last Chance To See The Thetford Treasure At Ancient House This special exhibition presents 11 of the key items from this internationally important Roman hoard including items such as the famous gold belt-buckle, a gold chain necklace, gold bracelets, gold finger rings, a pendant, a silver strainer and inscribed silver spoons. They represent exquisite workmanship both in terms of their manufacture and their decoration; many pieces detail inscriptions and depictions connected to Roman mythology. The imagery featured on some of the objects link to Roman deities including Faunus, Bacchus and Diana. This will be the first time items from the hoard have been on display in the town’s museum since 2008. The Thetford Treasure was found by metal detectorists Arthur and Greta Brooks in 1979 and includes 44 pieces of jewellery and 33 silver spoons. The treasure was buried in around 390 AD when opposition to religious cults was rife. The exhibition closes on 30th April 2022.
Friends Of Thetford Museum Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life is very fortunate to have the support of its Friends organisation. The group brings together like minded people who are passionate about Thetford’s past and future and is always open for new members. Thousands of people visit the Ancient House each year to admire its rich and diverse collections, some of which have been generously purchased by the Friends for the museum. The Friends have also supported our learning programme, including our clubs for children of all ages. Becoming a Friend comes with a great package of benefits, including free admission to the museum all year round, free access to the museum’s Tuesday talk programme and discounts on events and activities.
Gold buckle featuring a Satyr ©Trustees of the British Museum
This is a great value way to enjoy the many exciting displays, events and activities the museum has to offer. Application forms are available at the museum’s reception or on the Ancient House website. Annual membership to the Friends is £7.50 for adults, £3 for children or save even more money with a family membership for just £15 for 2 Ovenclean AD.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2021 adults and up to 3 children. See website for08:41 more: Page 1 www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ancient-house
DIRTY OVEN?? DOMESTIC OVEN CLEANING
By The UK’s Leading Oven Cleaning Company
NON Caustic, fresh solution every time • Hobs • Extractors • Microwaves • • Agas • Ranges • BBQs • Phone Richard Langston
01379 890723 or 07494 869756 www.ovenclean.com
FREE Admission to
Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life This voucher entitles up to 5 people in a group, free admission to Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life, White Hart Street, Thetford IP24 1AA. Please present this voucher at the Museum Reception desk on arrival. Advanced booking via www. museums. norfolk . gov . uk / ancient- house is advised. Offer ends 31.03.2023. Photocopies will not be accepted
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 18/02/2022 23
AHM_Free_Voucher_About_Thetford_V1.indd 1
11:58
Landscape Gardner & Tree Surgeon
Patios Decking Turfing Seeding Fencing Grass cutting Hedge cutting Clearance Maintenance Tree topping Tree felling Tree lopping Dead wooding Stump removal Garden waste removal Paths and driveways Free Estimates Fully insured
Dale Parker • Est 1989 • References supplied if required
T: 01284 728497 M: 07799 671010 E: daleparker59@yahoo.co.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 24
There’s No Business, Like Nest Business When I look outside, I can see birds preparing for spring. As the days are growing longer, songs are getting louder and there is a buzz of energy and excitement. It is that wonderful time of year when millions of homes are being built to welcome new life into the world. There is a fascination throughout society with the wonderful world of nest building, so much so, that language refers to nests time and time again. Flying the nest, feathering the nest, love nest; just a few of the phrases we enjoy thanks to nest building. Nests play a vital role in keeping eggs and young safe and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most traditionally, when we think of bird nests, we often think of cup-shaped nests, like a robin nest, woven from twigs and lined with moss and feathers. But there are in fact a great variety of bird nests, ranging from giant eyries built up with sticks year on year by Ospreys, to the barely there scrape nests used by gulls and shorebirds. Birds can be very particular when building their nest to get the construction just right. After all, the survival of their young depends on it! Long-tailed tits can spend three weeks creating their nests. They add over 1500 feathers to make the lining warm and cosy and use cobwebs to create a stretchy structure. ingfishers are incredible tunnellers, digging their nest into river banks, with some burrows reaching a metre long. ingfishers can raise several broods in one breeding season and will sometimes excavate a new burrow for each brood. Learning more about the nests built by our breeding birds here in the UK can provide a wealth of information. Gaining insight into nest locations, how many eggs are laid and the number of young that survive to edging can help us understand the health of a population. The Nest Record Scheme welcomes records for all
A Meadow Pipit nest - Photo taken by Hugh Insley
nests of wild birds, and there is no minimum (or maximum!) time commitment; it’s completely up to you. So whether you have a Wren looking to nest in your garden, or you are able to monitor a waterbird nest on the village pond, the Nest Record Scheme might be for you. If monitoring nests is something that you are interested in, please take a look at the BTO Nest Record Scheme: www.bto.org/our-science/projects/ nest-record-scheme Emily Cuff, BTO
P B S
Plastic Building Supplies Ltd
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 25
Premier Paving Advert REV3.qxp_Layout 1 04/03/2022 14:32 Page 1
l All Tree Services & Garden Works Considered
Call us today for a l All Fencing & Turfing Jobs free qu ote l Patios & Natural Stone Paving "Premier Paving l Block Paving l Shed & Summerhouse Concrete Bases l Bespoke Garden Furniture Designed & Installed l Green Waste, Soil & Rubble Clearance
efficient provided a fast price. od go a at e ic serv the ith w d le I was thril en rd ga y m lt, su re ." looks fantastic Mr J Thetford "We we re with th really happy e wo Paving c rk Premier omplete d Very ha rd but fa . workers . Would st highly recomm end." Mrs N B randon
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
Now offering non-licensed works with asbestos containing materials (ACM’s). All paperwork compliant - providing an efficient and cost effective service.
Contact Kim on
07908878000 or 01842 762132 info@premierpavingandlandscapes.co.uk
Follow us on
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 26
Thetford Garden & Allotment Club Notes For April Once the clocks move forward it generates a real feeling of expectancy, more hours for gardening! It’s not too late to set tomato seed for plants destined to be grown outside. Even if you lack the inclination to sow seeds, plants can be bought ready to grow on. Bush type plants are ideal for growing in pots or in hanging baskets. These plants do not require removal of side shoots or staking. They take up less room and can even be grown on a balcony! There are several seed varieties including Sutton’s ‘Hundreds and Thousands’ which is ideal for a hanging basket and will fruit throughout the summer. King’s ‘Micro Cherry’ is also a reliable cropper. If you are buying plants ‘Tumbling Tom’ red or yellow fruiting are readily available. There’s nothing quite like picking a cherry tomato from the plant as you pass by! No Dig’ is becoming an increasingly popular method of gardening. It is much less work and when we stop digging we stop exposing the weed seed to light and far fewer will germinate. It is ideal when one is less mobile or active. Charles Dowding is the ‘No Dig’ guru and has written several books explaining the process in more detail. He explains that this system creates mycorrhizal (a type of fungi) networks which benefit the plants, they also need less water and fertiliser. Why not give it a try on one of your veg beds to start with? If the weather stays warm this month carrots, beetroot, peas and broad beans can be sown outside. Beetroot was first grown by ygptians on the banks of the River Nile but thankfully our modern varieties are more tolerant of our extremes of temperatures! Second early and main crop potatoes that have been chitted can be planted now. Plant with a trowel about 5cm (2”) deep, 30cm (12”) apart with rows 45cm (18”)
Lawns & turfing Hedge cutting Regular maintenance Garden clearance Concrete bases
Fencing & decking Pressure washing Shingle gardens Commercial grounds End of tenancy tidies
Find us on facebook
07786 851895 01953 714853 email - eclipsegardens@btinternet.com
apart. As soon as the shoots appear draw soil up around them to protect from frost and to improve cropping.
Our Annual Spring Show takes place on 2nd April at the Methodist Church Hall on Tanner Street and it is open to all to attend. Because of the show we have no meeting this month. Show classes include daffodils, tulips, Spring garden owers and vegetables as well as culinary classes and crafts. Set up is from 8.30am until 10.45am. The judging takes place 11am – 12.45pm and the show then opens to the public at 1pm. Prize giving is at 1pm. Entries are 25p a time, so why not give itSpring a go? Fayre Advert 03.22.qxp_Layout 1 15/03/2022 16 Happy Gardening! Maggie Baldwin
Spring Fayre Sunday 1st May • 10am - 3pm Charles Burrell Centre Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH
FREE ENTRY & PARKING Enjoy over 30 stalls, a pamper zone, food vendors, face painting and the Mini Donks!
Light refreshments from The Engine Room
For more information contact Billie on 07710 436655
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 27
Colour Galore At Club Open Evening Thetford Flower Club held their “Open Evening” on March 1 th, for the first time since ovid affected all functions. In a full Carnegie Rooms, Flower Clubs and friends were treated to a very successful evening of ower arranging by local ower arranger Brenda Tubb. The demonstration was spectacular, with beautiful colours and many arrangements for the audience to win. Brenda entertained the audience with her tales of family, and her time as a Florist, a tutor at Easton College, and her many demonstrations around East Anglia. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, with many meeting old friends for the first time since 2019. Participants enjoyed a buffet, drinks, and stalls including a ower arranging basket stall, jewellery, plus plants, handbags, handmade cards and wooden ornaments. Along with the ower arrangements themselves, the raf e also included gifts given by the Commmittee and a beautiful
pedestal gifted by Pat Fuller. The event was such a success that two donations to charity were made, one to support the Ukrainian appeal and a second local charity, still to be decided. “After covid and the recent troubles in Ukraine, it was such a positive, spirit lifting evening and lovely to be back” said Lynda Moore. Thetford Flower Club will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Church On The Way, Churchill Road, Thetford. 2 2 from 2pm. ur first afternoon meeting is on April 12th. We welcome members and friends to a practice afternoon for the Peggy Bullard Trophy entitled ‘Flowers Fit for a Queen’ in her Platinum Jubilee Year. We have a mixed programme of demonstrations, workshops, and practice afternoons, as well as visits out, and other events. Visitors are welcome (£5 per person), for more details contact Lynda on 01842 762919. Lynda Moore
ress
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 28
fficer
So Much More To Recycle! Here are some helpful tips and tricks to maximise the amount of items that you can recycle: Keep It Clean: Whatever you are recycling, items should be clean. Dirty recycling can cause a batch to be sent to landfill, or to incineration, or it will reduce the quality of the recycling. Remember a general rule is to clean, dry and don’t bag it.
WE SUPPLY A QUALITY RANGE OF WINDOWS • DOORS CONSERVATORIES • PORCHES CAR PORTS • FASCIA SOFFIT • GUTTERING
Put It In The Right Place: Check if the item you are recycling can be put in your kerbside collection or if you need to take it somewhere (as listed here). The Breckland Council website states that the wrong stuff is called contamination and when contaminated loads of recycling are found, it can potentially result in the whole lorry full being sent for disposal instead of recycling.
REPAIR SERVICE • Misted glass sealed units replaced with full guarantee • Hinges, handles and faulty mechanisms replaced • Mouldy or shrunken rubber gaskets replaced • Refurbish and upgrade your existing windows
Kerbside Recycling: Visit www.breckland.gov. uk/rubbish/black-bins for details of exactly what should go in your black bin.
• Draughty or leaky windows, doors and conservatories cured
www.thewindowmedic.co.uk
Soft Plastics: The majority of household soft plastics are accepted at supermarkets. All your Tel: 01366 380777 clean bread bags, cereal bags, crisp packets, sweet wrappers, pet food sachets, film lids and EMAIL: info@thewindowmedic.co.uk LOCATION: UnitAdvert.qxp_Layout 2 Bartons Court, Horse Fair Close, 08:51 bubble wrap can be taken to big Tesco and DIY Masters 1 26/06/2020 P Downham Market PE38 0QR Sainsburys in Thetford. Collect them up and drop them off whenever you go shopping! Terracycle: Terracycle offer many recycling schemes so make sure to visit their website. Two local collection points are Charles Burrell Centre and East Harling Local, Reliable Home & Garden Services Cat Care. Visit Terracycle.co.uk for full details. G Makeup: Makeup and skin care packaging can be taken to drop off points inside Tesco & Superdrug. Batteries: Batteries can be dropped off at many locations including Poundland, Wilko, BP Garage, Savers, Aldi, Curry's and more. They must not go in your kerbside bins. Inhalers: Accepted by all pharmacies. Contact Lenses & Packaging: Drop them at any local Boots Optician.
DIY MASTERS
Plus muc much more e....
Free no obligation quote & no VAT
Wayne 07983645266 or 01953 889076 Jason 07590565035 or 01842 755664 DIY-MASTERS@hotmail.com No Job Too Small Visit our Facebook page to see some of our recent projects DIY MASTERS THETFORD
Visit www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest recycling locations. Check with Thetford Recycling Centre for more recycling options such as textiles, shoes, wood, electronics etc. While it is really important to make use of these recycling options, it is worth remembering that recycling is an imperfect process. Much of it may end up being shipped abroad and dumped and plastic can actually only be recycled a few times before it loses quality and can't be used anymore. This is why it is so important to choose things which can be reused and that don't come wrapped in plastic packaging, whenever possible. Extinction Rebellion Thetford
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 29
Resident’s £800 Fly Tipping Fine A Thetford resident has received not one, but two Fi ed enalty otices F s totalling 00 for y tipping in a residential area of the town. Breckland ouncil s nforcement fficers, along with Serco colleagues, carried out an inspection after receiving a report of domestic waste being dumped near garages on St Martin's Way. Local residents helped to identify the perpetrator after they spotted the y tipped items in a car boot the day before. Further investigations saw the ouncil’s nforcement fficers discover that there had been another y tip nearby that could also be linked to the same Thetford resident. The resident admitted dumping the waste and was given the opportunity to clear it, but this was not carried out in the given timescale, resulting in a fine of 00 by the district council.
Councillor Susan Dowling said: “There’s a number of ways to dispose of items legitimately. Fly tipping is not the answer. I’d like to thank the Council’s Enforcement Team for this succesful prosecution and hope it serves as a deterrent to others”.
Councillor Gordon Bambridge, Executive Member for aste and nvironment, said The y tipping To find out more about Breckland ouncil’s bulky of domestic waste is completely inexcusable as item collection and advice on what to do with your there are a number of legitimate ways to dispose waste, visit: www.breckland.gov.uk/rubbish of rubbish, including at local waste and recycling f you witness a y tip, or want to re uest that y centres, via the council's bulky waste collections Simon Long HP Advert 2018.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2018 10:01 Page 1 tipped items are removed from your community, service, or by donating intact toys, clothes and visit: www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit furniture to charity”.
‘‘Let us take the worry out of your move’’ Free estimates and advice Local and long distance removals Export packing and shipping Domestic and commercial Furniture deliveries nationwide Est 1993, family owned and run Competitive rates Long or short term storage Packing materials supplied
LO27
Fire proof storage
Simon Long Removals • Howlett Way • Thetford • Norfolk • IP24 1HZ • Tel: 01842 766477
email: movers@simonlongremovals.co.uk • www.simonlongremovals.co.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 30
Newly Refurbished Temporary Accommodation Centre Opens A £1.8 million project to provide modern, quality emergency accommodation to homeless people in Breckland is now open. The Breckland Council project has seen Elm House, a former Thetford pre-school completely refurbished over the past year. When fully opened this spring, the service will provide temporary housing to single adults, couples, and families from Breckland district area. The building work is now complete, and once opened, Access Community Trust will manage the centre on the council's behalf. Residents will be supported if they seek further services where required.
The refurb works have been led by Cocksedge Builders, who incorporated special environmental measures to ensure minimal waste went to landfill, with waste materials being sorted and, wherever possible, reused, recycled, or used in electricity production. The building has also been upgraded to ensure it’s more energy efficient. Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, said: "This major investment into Elm House will mean we now have even more high-quality temporary accommodation support available to some of our most in-need residents in Breckland, including those made homeless”.
CEO of Access Community Trust, Emma Ratzer MBE commented: "As our charitable trust continues to bolster its community support offering across the Breckland district to those in need, we stand tall and ready to welcome this vital compassionate provision into our portfolio of 12 existing accommodation projects and support hubs across the region, in partnership with Breckland Council." Councillor Chris Harvey, who represents Thetford Burrell Ward said: “I was pleased to be given a tour of the new site just before it welcomed its first residents. t looks really great inside. I am also very pleased to see a redundant site being brought back use2020.qxp_Layout in such a positive 1 11/0 Made to Measure 1/8thinto Advert way. I wish the Access Trust team well”.
MADE TO MEASURE Curtain Making • Roman Blinds • Cushions Free measuring service • Fabric samples available
Curtains shortened from £25 Collection and delivery service available Over 30 years experience
Friendly Thetford based service
Call Dena on 07842 110240
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 31
Career Changing Opportunity! • Take control of your life • Earn money by helping others • Achieve a better work/life balance Our flagship professional diploma course is fully accredited and can take you from being a complete newcomer in the world of therapy to being a professionally qualified hypnotherapist running your own practice in just one year. This ‘hands on’ classroom based training will equip you to go into professional private practice as soon as you receive your qualification diploma. You will be competent enough to work effectively with most issues with which you are likely to be presented, including Quitting Smoking, Dealing with Habits, Anxiety and Stress, Phobias and Fears, Confidence Problems and many more.
somewhere in East Anglia with excellent transport links and top notch training facilities. Anglia House Business Centre in the heart of Thetford provides everything we were looking for.” Our next course starts on 23rd April 2022. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of our free online taster sessions*. You can also contact us on the details below: Freefone: 0800 772 0585 www.eichnorfolk.co.uk or www.facebook.com/eichnorfolk
* discounts available to those who attend a
EICH QP freeAdvert.qxp_Layout online taster session 1 12/01/2022 11:22 Page Discounts available on attendance of free tast er sessions
The tuition programme is conducted in a modular fashion and covers literally all that you need to know in order to start finding success just as soon as you are qualified. Add to that the fact that our specific style of teaching makes possible a rapid and profound grasp of the subject and you have a huge potential to find the success you seek. When you study with EICH Norfolk you will have the lifetime support of the principal and staff of EICH Norfolk. At any time you need professional help or advice, we are here to answer your questions.
Professional Accredited Hypnotherapy Training in Norfolk
Once qualified, and for seasoned therapists looking for CPD, we also offer a range of workshops and seminars in advanced techniques. June Hale, owner of EICH Norfolk says “I am so excited to announce that all our courses will now be permanently based in Thetford. After many years of running these courses throughout the South and East of England, we were looking for
freefone: 0800 772 0585 email: june@eichnorfolk.co.uk web: eichnorfolk.co.uk
Next course starts on 23rd April 2022
l Looking for a new career? l Want to be your own boss? l Interested in helping others? l Need a new skillset for your existing practice?
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 32
Coming Up At The Burrell Centre
Thetford Society
March was a busy month for the Charles Burrell Centre with new tenants welcomed to the building, more courses being offered face to face by West Suffolk ollege, new activities and fitness classes available and of course, the same warm welcome.
Our March meeting welcomed Susan Dawson who shared some interesting insights into the hospitality industry in Great Yarmouth. Her particular take on welcoming a wide variety of guests made a fascinating tale!
Darren and Ricky hard at work lifting the old floor in the Burrell Shop, ready for the new one!
The Burrell Shop relocated for a couple of weeks so that the oor could be re laid but is back in its proper home now and encouraging local folks to pop in and sign up – just bring in a piece of ID with your name and address on. In these times we can all do with saving some money, so don’t be shy. The Engine Room Community Café relaunched its All-Day Breakfast which has gone down a treat – you can select which items you would like, so you can get all your favourites on one plate. Sweet treats and scones haven’t been forgotten though as these are freshly baked by Bailey and Jon and of course the fortnightly free Community Lunch continues. The dates for April are Thursday 14th and 28th. All are welcome and there’s no need to book. We also have a fabulous training kitchen the Burrell Kitchen. This space is available to hire for cookery lessons or demonstrations which can last anything from two hours to a whole day. The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are taking shape nicely and we have a Colour Run planned for the morning of Sunday 5th June (booking via Leaping Hare) with a 5km route and a 400-metre route. A bit of fun with free goodies which includes a white t-shirt and colour ‘paint’ to throw - of course it’s red and blue to go with the white t-shirt. This is followed by the free Big Lunch to celebrate the Jubilee. Alongside that we have a small team of young volunteers and a couple of local artists that will be working with young people in Thetford to create some Jubilee Artwork. This artwork will eventually hang in the corridors at CBC. For more information on any of the above, call the team on 01842 779867 or pop in to the Centre.
Our next talk from experienced speaker, Jim Stebbings, with images and music from the post-war era, will point to some of the American in uences that brightened up our lives and how they remain part of our culture today. This is not so much a study of post-war social history but a celebration of the things we shared with our great ally as part of the ‘special relationship’. Tuesday April 5th at 7.30pm at United Reformed Church in Earls Street. All welcome! Corinne Brindle
Spring Sing Thing
Thetford Voices is launching its 2022 programme of Open Singing Workshops for children and young people aged 6 to 16 with a half-day session on the afternoon of Saturday 23rd April, 1.30pm to 5pm in the Williamson Hall of Thetford Grammar School. It is called ‘Our Spring Sing’. For booking forms and further information, please email: thetfordvoices@gmail.com
Breckland
Accountancy Ltd VAT Returns Payroll Tax Returns Financial Forecasting Budgeting Business Plans Year End Accounts Self Employed to Small Ltd Companies l
l
l
l
Competitive Rates No Job Too Small
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
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:
01842 754005 Simark Accountants Belmont House 20 King Street Thetford Norfolk IP24 2AP
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 33
John Oliver Feb/Mar/Apr 2022 Ad.qxp_Layout 1 14/01/2
Spring Into Action Trying to preserve a youthful skin is actually easier than trying to repair skin that has been abused for decades. Here are just a few tips for healthy, younger looking skin: Number one has to be Sun Protection. More than anything else the sun is largely responsible for wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation, liver spots, together with many skin conditions. So it goes without saying the importance of wearing a sunscreen (minimum SPF25) and sunglasses to protect the delicate eye area has never been more important. Smoking and smokey environments can cause lines and wrinkles as well as dilated broken capillaries. It restricts the blood vessels and depletes the absorption of vitamins. Fitness - Try and take plenty of exercise. Carrying extra weight in areas under the chin, neck and cheeks can give the skin an older appearance. Try and drink plenty of water to help with re-hydration of the skin and to aid removal of toxins.
Please wear a facemask when you come for your appointment
Wishing All A Happy Easter Time Est. 1981 19 Guildhall Street Thetford Norfolk IP24 2DT
Tel: 01842 763145
JOHN OLIVERS
HAIRDESSING GROUP
Sleeping positions– Sleeping on your face can cause sleep wrinkles! Sleeping in the same position most of the night for years can permanently crease your skin. Scary stuff I know, so try sleeping on your back instead maybe with a lumber support pillow. Skin Care Regime – Having a good skincare routine and being consistent with it is important. Never go to bed with your make up on. Cleanse AM and PM. And finally, remember to smile your face will conform to the expression that you carry most of the time. If you often frown or scowl the skin is more likely to develop lines and wrinkles between the eyes, down turning lines at the corners of the mouth or lines that conform to frowning expression. If however, you try smiling and having a pleasant, relaxed expression, this will be good for your face and will help you look younger instantly.
IPL Hair Removal • IPL Skin Rejuvenation Permanent make up • Opi Nail Treatments CACI Non Surgical Facelift • Venus Freeze Halcyon Days Signature Bespoke Facials
Lisa Stallings, Halcyon Days Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 34
Not Just Books The last month has been rather exciting here at Not Just Books. We were delighted to be named Caboodle’s Bookshop of the Month! Not bad going for a little bookshop in a market town in Norfolk, that’s only been around 18 months and opened in the middle of a pandemic! Caboodle is the rewards programme for readers from National Book Tokens and we are able to share our events through their website as members of the National Book Tokens Scheme and we’re thrilled to have received this national recognition. On Saturday 16th April, we will be a stopping point for Jon McGregor’s huge cycling book signing tour to mark the paperback publication of his fantastic novel Lean Fall Stand. This mesmerizingly and tenderly unpicks the notion of heroism and explores the indomitable human impulse to tell o u r stories - even when words fail us. A meditation on the line between sacrifice and selfishness this is a story of the undervalued, unrecognised courage it can take just to get through the day. Jon grew up in Thetford and in 2002, his first novel was longlisted for the Booker Prize which made him the youngest ever contender. His second and fourth novels were longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2006 and 2017 respectively. We’re expecting to see him around 5pm so the shop will be staying open later especially for this wonderful opportunity to meet Jon and get your books signed. The Indie Fiction Book of the Month for April is The Return of Faraz Ali by Aamina Ahmad. A spellbinding debut set in Pakistan during the
anarchic late ‘60s, a multi layered tale of family, identity and the politics of power in a caste-ridden society. As riveting as it is thought provoking, as profoundly intimate as it is wide in scope, the novel poses a timeless question: whom do we choose to protect, and at what price? The April Children’s Book of the Month is We Sang Across the Sea – The Empire Windrush and Me by Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. The hopes, dreams and bravery of the Windrush generation are expressed in this vivid story through the real-life experiences of Trinidadian musician, Mona Baptiste and has been written as a brand-new poem by Benjamin Zephaniah. Reynard Reads Book Club continues to grow and our read for April is How Beautiful We Were. The next meet up will be held Wednesday 20th April at 7pm at the shop and is sure to prompt some interesting conversations. Happy Reading from the NJB team
NotJustBooks Independent Bookshop 23 Riverside Walk Thetford. IP24 2BB 01842 753660 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 35
Van and a Man AD REV 06.19.qxp_Layout 1 10/06/2019
DISCOUNT MOTs FREE RETESTS
Servicing and Repairs on all Makes & Models Engine Management Diagnostics Fault Code Reader • Tyres & Exhausts (Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Tested) Air Conditioning (Repairs, Recharges, Diagnostics, Service)
DISCOUNT MOTs
Had a quote elsewhere!! Give us a call, we may be able to beat it
VAN AND A MAN
MOVE ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE NATIONWIDE COVERAGE SINGLE ITEM OR FULL HOUSEHOLD REMOVALS STUDENT MOVES/OFFICE/PIANO MOVES SAME DAY SERVICE SEVEN DAYS/EVENINGS FREE INSTANT QUOTES ONE OR TWO MAN TEAM ALL CLEARANCES UNDERTAKEN
Tel: 01953 488919 or 01362 687222 Mobile: 0775 1171606 www.vanandaman.com Email: gary@vanandaman.com Gorse Motors March 2016_Layout 1 16/02/2016 08:02
Open Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm and Saturdays 8am - 1pm
VICKERS MOTORS LTD The Female Friendly Garage Good Honest Service
Telephone:
Free MOT
01842 765122 Email:
info@vickersmotors.co.uk
with Major service
23 Brunel Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1HP
Reliable Family Run Business
Abbey Garage AD.qxp_Layout 1 17/07/2017 14:36 Pag
ABBEY GARAGE MOTOR ENGINEERS
Servicing MOTs Exhausts Brakes Diagnostics Steering Suspension & Shock Absorbers Friendly, affordable & local
01842 755398 Unit 2, 22 Millers Lane, Thetford, IP24 1AP
RETESTS FREE
• All Makes Servicing to Manufacturers Specification • 3D Wheel Alignment • Tyres/Exhausts • Computer aided DIAGNOSTICS on all systems • Free Loan Cars Available
01842 890304 or 07737 151916
Gorse Industrial Estate, Barnham, Thetford www.gorsemotors.co.uk Email: info@gorsemotors.co.uk
VEHICLE OFFERS Merc Sprinter Daily Rate - £84.00 Weekend Rate - £126.00
Ford Fiesta Daily Rate - £33.60 Weekend Rate - £60.00
Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Rates include VAT & Insurance Other vehicles available Customer pick up and drop off available
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 36
Ear Irrigation 1/8 Ad.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2020 09:11 Pa
Thetford Inner Wheel
Ear Irrigation
At our March meeting we welcomed our District Chairman Coral Campbell. She entertained us to a wonderful A to Z of her life from Northern Ireland via a Navy Chaplain’s wife to a teacher of Business Studies with Inner Wheel for the last ten years. She and our President Susan Watson exchanged gifts as mementos of the evening and the club gave her a donation of £100 for her chosen charity the British Heart Foundation. Members arranged to collect items to be sent to help the Ukrainian Humanitarian convoy and it was agreed to send £100 to the DEC fund.
Flexible and professional wax removal service
HOME VISITS Provided by friendly, registered nurses
Mobile: 07507 662554
www.earirrigationeast.co.uk earirrigationeast@gmail.com
Marian de Bass, Club Correspondent
The Old Rent Office King’s House, King Street THETFORD Norfolk. IP24 2AP
Appointments: Foot Health: 01842-339958 Therapies: 07775 535 617
Www.mjfeetandhealthpractice.co.uk Email: mjfeethealthpractice@gmail.com
learn, laugh, live
Coral Campbell and Susan Watson
Mayoral Talk For U3A Members Coming up on 28th April we will have the pleasure of our Mayor, Councillor Mike Brindle speaking to us on ‘It’s A Mayor’s Life”. I am now going to ask for help. I have been working on the publicity needed for our 3UA plus organising the monthly speakers for nearly four years. feel it would be a benefit to us all if someone can take over this role. When I began I had understood this was a job for two people and it would be much better if this could once again return to that. Both positions are fairly easy as all speakers for this and next year have been booked so it is just a case of contacting them and verifying that they are still happy and aware of the venue and car park. I am very happy to help for a period of three months or so to help one or two of you to settle in. If any of you reading this think that you would enjoy this role, please contact me so we can meet for a coffee and chat - perhaps two friends working together on this would be rather enjoyable.
Monthly Talk: Thursday 28 April 2pm
Being Mayor
with Councillor Mike Brindle Free for members (£2 for non members) Carnegie Room, Thetford, IP24 2DS E: lesleybraund@hotmail.com T: 01842 824074 u3asites.org.uk/thetford/ Thetford u3a Reg. Charity number 1161699
u3a.org.uk
Lesley Braund, 01842 824074 / lesleybraund@hotmail.com
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 37
Thetford Library Easter Events Microbit Tasters: Learn how to code games, animations and more using a Microbit. Sessions are perfect for 8 - 12-year-olds, with little or no coding experience. At Thetford Library on Wednesday 13th April. To book your place, please visit: www.libraries.norfolk.gov.uk/whatson Easter Storytimes: Come and hear some tales from lovely library staff during the school holidays. No need to book for this event – just drop-in on Thursday 7th, 14th and 21st April, 2pm - 2:30pm. Easter Egg Hunt & Activities – chance to win a prize! Find all our easter eggs hidden around the library – and enter a prize draw to win a giant chocolate easter egg. We also have an activity table available throughout the school holidays to use during your visits. From 4th – 23rd April.
The old Swimming Bath at Nun’s Bridges
Thetford or anywhere else in the Brecks. Did you swim or dive in the lido, or splash about in the river? We hope to learn about and celebrate how people enjoyed the rivers in previous years. We will have some historic photos available in the library, and project volunteers will be here to have a chat with you. You can pop in any time during the session, or arrange a time with us in advance. Please contact Imogen via email: imogen36@googlemail.com
Gathering River Stories: Tales from the River project and Thetford Library, 3rd May, 11am to 1:30pm. Come along to Thetford Library and have a look at some old photos of Thetford and have a chat with volunteers about your memories of the The project to discover Brecks swimming and river. Tales from the River project and Thetford recreation heritage, Tales from the River, is part Library are holding a drop-in session, when you of The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape MCP HP and Advert 1 19/11/2018 Page 1 can come tell11.18.qxp_Layout us your stories about swimming, 09:41 Partnership Scheme, supported by the National fishing, boating or other water based activities in Lottery Heritage Fund.
Legal Solu ons for Business and Life Crime I Disputes I Employment Property I Wills & Probate Family I Personal Injury I Company & Commercial Law Cage Lane, The ord, IP24 2DT www.mcplaw.co.uk T: 01842 756100 Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 38
MONEY MATTERS DRIVING DOWN BUSINESS MOTORING COSTS
Soaring fuel costs mean business owners need to ensure they are structuring their business motoring efficiently, says Matt ackson of Lovewell Blake. ith fuel prices rapidly approaching 2 a litre, motoring costs are firmly in many business owners’ minds. Should you be putting mileage claims and other motoring expenses through your company? Should you own your own vehicle, whether that is a car or a van, or buy it through your business You need to understand the basics before you get too far down the road’ with your record keeping. f you have a Limited ompany, the most important question is whether your business should own the vehicle, or whether you should own it personally and charge its use to your business. f the vehicle is leased or financed in some way, the agreement will either be in the company name or your own name, and the position will be clear. f not, you will want to be 100% certain whether the vehicle should be on your company balance sheet.
2 p per mile thereafter. These rates are designed to cover the running costs and wear and tear on your vehicle. For a Limited ompany, there are two benefits to doing it this way: the mileage claim is an allowable business expense for the company, thus reducing corporation ta and the money paid to the director or employee is ta free. f you own a Limited ompany and use your personal vehicle for business trips, it is highly advisable to keep a mileage log. t can be a complicated e uation to work out which way is best, and it will depend on a combination of vehicle type, amount of business miles driven, and the personal ta situation of the individual.
Matt ackson is based at Lovewell Blake’s Thetford office
f the company owns the vehicle, then it can claim all the e penses which relate to that vehicle fuel, repairs, road ta , insurance and so on. owever, if there is any personal use of the vehicle, it will likely be deemed a benefit in kind, and may trigger a ta liability for the individual who uses it, and a national insurance liability for the company. Personal use means using a vehicle owned by the company for any form of personal travel. There are however some exemptions for commercial vehicles which you need to understand. MR view non e empt personal use as a benefit which can be assigned a monetary value, and ta ed accordingly. The level of that ta varies depending on the kind of vehicle. lectric and most hybrid vehicles are taxed more favourably than normal petrol and diesel vehicles, and therefore it may be more advantageous to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle through the business. ommercial vehicles such as vans may also attract a lower ta liability. f you choose to own the vehicle personally, but use it for business purposes, you can claim mileage for each business mile (outside of your usual journey to work, if applicable . The current MR approved rates per ta year are p per mile up to 10,000 business miles, and Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 39
ADVERTISING RATES
2022
Spread the word - advertise to over 60,000 readers Delivered FREE every month to 13,000 properties and businesses
Limited availability
Rates for Block Bookings 3 Insertions less 5% 6 Insertions less 10% 9 Insertions less 15% 12 Insertions less 20% Rates for Premium Positioning Inside Cover + 20% Centre Spread + 25% Inside Back Page + 15% Full Back Page + 35% All prices are + VAT
Find us online at www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk
Why advertise with us? The About Thetford magazine is Thetford’s most distributed publication with over 13,000 copies being delivered every month to all homes and businesses in the town.
45 x 148 TH Bath Co Black Ticket.qxp_Layout 1 17/09/2019 15:42 Page 1
l We are Thetford’s number one FREE magazine, well established, now in our 16th year, this is the magazine everyone reads! l We offer effective advertising at affordable rates, with discounts to regular customers. Leaflet delivery service available for each edition. l Printed full colour throughout on gloss art paper. l Cost effective design and artwork service available. l Friendly, personal service, we'll work in partnership with you
To advertise with us please contact Karen 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
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 40
Chuckl Launches Comedy Club An eager audience welcomed in the return of live comedy to the town as Chuckl launched their first omedy lub evening in March. very other month The Carnegie will play host to an evening of comedians including well known names such as al ruttenden and Laura Le . It didn’t take long before Compère Alex Martini had the audience roaring with laughter and left the front rows wondering who was going to be ne t as he e plored the room. Alasdair The Carnegie ready for Becket-King, a regular on Mock the Thetford’s new comedy club. Week didn’t disappoint, he immediately Hal Cruttenden (L) headlines in May followed by Paul Sinha launched into a well polished set, (above) on July 1st starting off with the hazards of having long ame red hair at the beach before of comedy, whilst others found it moving on to a clever recreation of a Poirot offensive for many reasons (but storyline. With Alex Martini keeping the that’s live comedy for you!) Taylor is audience on their toes, the second comedian, well known for his edgy comedy, having Javier Jarquin (winner of So You Think You Are provoked complaints from appearances on Live At Funny was warmly welcomed to the stage. The Apollo and ave Got ews For ou recently. Jarquin entertained the audience with his hilarious The next Chuckl Comedy Club will hit the town but skilful observational comedy of the sexes and on May 6th with Hal Cruttenden and Laura Lex, interaction with the audience. The final comedian both of Live At The Apollo fame. n uly 1st aul of the evening, Fin Taylor proved a more divisive Mr G's Advert 2022.qxp_Layout 1 11/03/2022 1 act. For more information Sinha 14:27 is the Page headline act. is HP set Easter was well received by a large number and tickets please visit: www.chuckl.co.uk of the audience who loved his controversial brand
Thursday
dnesday, Great Food at Mr G's &We day - 9am - 11pm Sun Starters from £2.95 Mains frorm £8.95 Chargrill from £7.95 Burgers from £8.45 Vegetarian from £8.95 Light bites from £3.95 Desserts form £3.40 Children's menu from £3.95
Open Easter Sunday 4-6 Market Hill, Brandon IP27 0AA
Tel: 01842 813111 visit: www.facebook.com/mrgsbowling
Games from £5 per person
Discounts for groups of 4 & 5
Happy Hour
Sunday 11am - Noon Kids £2.50
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 41
When Spring Comes In The Thetford Singers’ production of ‘When Spring Comes In’ held at the Methodist Church and attended by Mayor Mike Brindle along with his wife Corinne, provided the sort of tonic that even a fine, sunny March day cannot provide. Although originally conceived around two years ago in the witty mind of Musical Director Chris Parsons (centre) as a celebration of the season, the theme had an even greater impact as an emergence into spring provided a perfect metaphor following our winter of coronavirus. As much as we have all faced challenges during the pandemic at work and home and with due deference to the tens of thousands no longer with us, there are few activities made more difficult by an airborne virus than a group of singers. Indeed, Parsons himself was forced to take a fortnight off recently with a bout of covid. As pianist Fiona Barnett explained: “We kept going through Zoom, and even if it wasn’t perfect, we kept each other going by sharing favourite songs.” As much as spring is a time of birth and re-growth,
as evidenced by Joseph Haydn’s lovely Come, Gentle Spring! this is also the season of Easter and a celebration of loss. The haunting Ecce Homo was followed by a Bob Chilcott arrangement of the slave song Were You There to again remind us of darker days. In summary, take yourself along to see the Singers if you can, they provide clever and clear reworkings of songs that take the listener on a real journey. ou can find out more about Thetford Singers, and how to join by visiting their website: www.thetfordsingers.org Terry Land
Safer Thetford Action Group
Come along to the STAG Open Meeting on Thursday 7th April and contribute to the conversation. This is an opportunity for Thetford residents to get involved and bring your concerns to the attention of STAG, the police, and other partner agencies and contribute towards setting police priorities and STAG actions for Thetford.
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 42
Support St Nicholas Hospice Care By Buying A Plant Or Two! The annual Thetford Open Garden Plant Sale is returning! For one day only the regular plant sale stall at 28 Arlington Way will be teeming with all sorts of plants. “We are enormously grateful to all those who donate plants, especially Thetford Garden and Allotment Club and our other supporters. Proceeds from plant sales now make up a significant part of our fundraising. e plained organiser Sue Norman.
Plans are now well underway for Thetford Open Gardens on June 26th. Tickets will soon go on sale at Leaping are’s Bo ffice and Thetford Garden Centre. There’s a great selection of new gardens added to the programme this year along with the return of some old favourites. Sue is busy preparing to bake over 50 cakes again this year and Susie is busy refining her lunch menu. Another favourite, The Paddock (of recent C4 TV fame) will be opening again courtsey of the new owners hilippa and Steve. e are really e cited to bring back Thetford Open Gardens in it’s traditional format this year. Our event is the perfect opportunity to get inspiration for your own outdoor space whilst supporting the hospice. We’ve got a fabulous range of gardens this year, from compact to large, the very new to those older established gardens who develop and change as the years Catby. Joysaid AD REV.qxp_Layout 15/02/2022 14:46 roll event organiser 1aren mma hite. This year event sponsors Lawsons state Agents
CATJOY
PET SERVICES www.catjoy.co.uk
Quality, bespoke care for your cat/pet IN YOUR OWN HOME when you are away. Highly rated, professional service at an affordable price.
‘Great alternative to a cattery’ Details and customer testimonials on our website
Or call Jane 01953 888568/07875266059
ANNUAL PLANT SALE S aturday 7 th M ay
1 0 am - 3 p m
tion cia sso etford A h In & hT wit arden lub G ent C tm Allo
28 Arlington Way, Thetford IP24 2DZ and Thetford Garden Centre have been joined by Upp.com and About Thetford magazine remains the event media partner. There’s some fantastic pri es in the Grand Raf e this year including a trip in a vintage car, designer luggage and £100 garden vouchers. For more information please contact thetfordopengardens@gmail.com The deadline for receipt of articles for the May edition of About Thetford magazine is the 15th April. Please send all content to: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com Visit the1/8 website for more information: Page Maid2Clean AD 06.20.qxp_Layout 1 03/06/2020 11: www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk
Would you like a maid to clean your home? Could you use some help with your cleaning, ironing or both from as little as £13.90 per hour? You even get to meet your cleaner first! To book a cleaner call: 0800
878 6388 0330 010 6388
Are you looking for part time work? Call our recruitment hotline on 0843 289 6858 www.maid2cleansuffolk.co.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 43
Anglian Heating QP Ad_Layout 1 10/02/2015 11:47 Page 1
Anglian ■ Burst Pipes ■ Leaking Taps ■ Toilets ■ Showers ■ Kitchen Sinks ■ Blocked Drains ■ Motorised Valves ■ Bidets & Basins ■ Immersion Heaters & Radiators ■ Storage Tank Ball Valves WE ALSO INSTALL ■ Central Heating Pumps kitchens, bathrooms and ■ Hot Water Cylinders
EMERGENCY CALL-OUT SERVICE ICE
wet rooms
T: 01842 763165 M: 07703 256356 E: peter@fixaleak.co.uk
Heating Services Central Heating Installations Boiler Servicing & Repairs Powermax Boilers All Aspects of Plumbing l FREE QUOTES l l l l
Call for friendly advice anytime
Safe Gas 1/4th Advert_Layout 1 08/12/2016 07:54 Page 1 WWW.FIXALEAK.CO.UK
01842 753564 07966 500893
Transform your home!
Plumbing & Heating specialists for domestic purposes. l
Central heating installations
l
Boiler changes
l
Landlord certifications & safety checks
l
Bathroom, shower & toilet installations
l
Cooker & hob installs
l
Fire installations
l
Water heater installs
CLADDING
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
If you are looking to update the look of your house, Frames Conservatories Direct can help you. With our amazing range of products you will be spoilt for choice! Visit our showroom today for advice and a free quotation.
Add some kerb appeal to your home, call us now on:
01842 739414
Making your home as safe as our own!
Or visit www.fcdhomeimprovements.co.uk Licensed Gas Engineer
Your nearest showroom is at Unit 3, Barton Road Retail Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BE (Nr Farm Foods)
ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS CLADDING WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES FASCIAS & SOFFITS
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 44
Thetford Dolphins Swimming Club
Tel: 01842 752 097 Mob: 07912 938 376 Complete Renovation Specialists • Extensions Home Improvements • Property Maintenance Kitchen and Bathroom installations
Thetford Dolphins once again made the trip over to UEA Sports Park to compete in the Norfolk County Championships 2022. Our squad of 45 swimmers from the club took to the pool on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February for the first ounty event in 2 years.
FREE COMPETITIVE QUOTE
Email: cashbuildingservices@gmail.com No Job to Small 1-8 Advert REV4.qxp_Layout 1 10/11/20
LAR DECORATORS No Job 2 Small
We take the pain out of the painting Free estimates & competitive rates. For your all interior and exterior decorating requirements. Professional, friendly & reliable. Fully insured
Thetford Dolphins competitors took part in 126 individual swims over the weekend, achieving a staggering 12 Bs with 1 top finishes. The club won 26 medals in total including 9 golds, 13 silvers and 4 bronze. Our swimmers also added 12 new regional times throughout the event.
Medals going to Olivia Butlin (3G & 1S) Hannah Twells (3S & 1B) Tabitha Payne (1G, 1S & 1B) Email: lardecorators@gmail.com Christian Home Flame QP Ad.qxp_Layout 1 10/10/2018 13:33 Page 1Payne (2S) Dominic Trowell (1B) Harvey Durham (4G, 4S & 1B) and Aaron Peacock (1G & 2S). Well done to all the swimmers who competed and for supporting each other so much over the weekend, also a big thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time so this event could go ahead. John Trowell, Club Correspondent
Call Arry 07719 037306
Suffolk Walking Festival The ‘Family Wildcrafts Walk’ will be on Sunday 22nd May, from 10.30am - 12.30pm at Brandon Country Park, Bury Road, Brandon, IP27 0SU.
• SERVICING • REPAIRS • • BATHROOMS • • HEATING INSTALLATIONS • • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES •
Contact Martin: 07879 698271 homeflamegasservices.co.uk With over 35 years experience, we are the local company you can trust
Make the most of the warm days with a chance to get crafty in the woods! Make things as we go from what we find, using natural materials such as willow, sticks, leaves, grasses and rushes. Best of all, you get to keep your creations to take away! The total walking distance will be two miles, at a slow easy pace. The fee is £10 per person. This walk is suitable for families, and is accessible suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Please meet outside the Walled Garden next to main car park. Children aged 5 and over. Parking is £2. This event forms part of the Suffolk Walking Festival which runs from 14th to 19th May. There’s over 70 walks available, for more information see: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 45
Thetford Sports Fest In 2019, Thetford Grammar School hosted our town’s first festival of sport. Based on the very simple premise that the event would be free to the general public, and free to local clubs and activity organisers to promote their sport by providing taster activities, the inaugural event was a huge success with hundreds of visitors discovering the rich variety of sporting opportunities that Thetford and the surrounding villages can boast.
CYNTHIA DELLA HOY’S CROXTON CHARITY CHARITY NUMBER 1148374
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES The Trustees are able to make grants from their retained funds to charities and other organisations benefitting the communities of Thetford, the villages of Croxton, Kilverstone and East Wretham.
Charities, community groups and other organizations within the area outlined who wish to seek assistance from this charity for themselves or on behalf of another, may request a grant application form from the charity’s secretary.
Visitors to Sports Fest can enjoy the challenge of a climbing wall again this year along with a selection of other sports
After a Covid-enforced hiatus, it is wonderful to announce that Sports Fest returns on Saturday May 21st, 10am to 1.30pm at Thetford Grammar School’s playing fields on London Road. The event is already set to be bigger than before, with even more clubs involved, and sessions with key figures from the world of sport. Sports Fest also recognises the important link between physical and mental health, featuring a focus on wellbeing and groups that provide support and inspiration for healthy bodies and healthy minds. As well as hoping to see as many people as possible enjoying the superb array of activities our local community has to offer, we are still welcoming clubs, groups and business that want to take part. To get involved please email: bookings@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk
For more information please email: cdhcc2012@gmail.com
THETFORD SPORTS FEST
2022
Saturday 21st May 10:00am until 1:30pm
ALL ACTIVITIES AND ENTRY FREE WITH A 24FT CLIMBING WALL!
OPEN TO ALL AGES DISCOVER A NEW SPORTING PASSION OR LEARN NEW SKILLS THROUGH LOCAL AND NATIONAL CLUBS INCLUDING: Park Run - Snap Fitness - Zumba Lou - Stemz Fitness Thundercats Cheerleading - Football Fun Factory East Anglia Kickboxing - Calm Cats - Diss Rugby Centre Stage - Judo Plus Food from the Field Kitchen Thetford Grammar School Sports Field, Thetford, Norfolk , IP24 3HZ
www.thetfordgrammar.co.uk
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 46
Lawsons Advert April 2022.qxp_Layout 1 04/03/2022 09:14 Page 1
Thinking of Selling or Letting?
Discover our egg-cellent service Whatever your property requirements, 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.
ONLY THETFORD BASED AGENT TO ACHIEVE EXCEPTIONAL FOR SALES & LETTINGS IN THE BEST ESTATE AGENTS GUIDE 2022
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