JANUARY 19
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE
158
CIRCULATION 12,500
IN THIS ISSUE
KNOW YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS
WARM BABY PROJECT
DISCOVER STEEL BONES
LEAPING HARE NEWS PLUS LOTS MORE!!
Wishing all past, present & future clients a very happy & prosperous New Year!
If you, or someone you know, is contemplating a move in 2019, we'd love to help. There's no better Sales or Lettings agent locally according to the Property Academy, supported by Rightmove.co.uk, in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2019. At Chilterns, our community is at the very heart of everything that we do, we are delighted to be shortlisted in the 'Business within the Community' category at the Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement (TARAS) and thank you to those who nominated us.
Happy New Year!
Inside this month...
e settled following the The dust will hopefully hav you and your family had Page 5 - Remembering Supergran Des that e hop I Christmas period and xing time. The New Year Page 7 - Discover Your Wow Holiday an enjoyable and perhaps rela enthusiasm and a chance Page 8 - Lottery Cash Up For Grabs always brings with it renewed in this month’s edition Page 9 - Citizens Advice Column with d to look ahead. Include l groups and activities Page 10 & 11 - Out And About Thetford there’s details of numerous loca an e abundance of active Page 12 & 13 - Leaping Hare that you may like to try? We hav so perhaps getting Page 15 - TADDS 2018 Review area d tfor local groups in the The could be your New Year’s Page 17 - No Longer In Dark About Bats involved with one (or more) activity after reading it in Page 19 - Fire Prevention Advice resolution? If you’ve joined an let us know! rse Page 21 - The Life & Times Of Chaucer this magazine, then do of cou to wn kno ot, Page 23 - Thetford Past and Present Talb Des th We bring sad news this mon Parkrun Page 24 & 25 - Thetford Faces d tfor The of t war stal a and many as ‘Supergran’ cancer. Des was also Page 31 - Kingfisher Offers Colour Burst has sadly lost her battle with cher at Queensway Page 33 - Garden And Allotment Club dtea known for being a former Hea or’s former Head. Page 35 - Catty Remarks Edit this was ed Infant School - and inde on page 5 this month. She Page 36 - Halcyon Days Explain Myths There’s a fitting tribute to her Page 37 - #SeeMe Campaign Preview RIP Des. will be sadly missed by many. Page 41 - Award For Local Entrepeneur to wish all our readers, Page 43 - New Skills For Participants May we take this opportunity us pero very happy and pros Page 45 - Help For Amputees advertisers and contributors a 9. 201 in you working with Page 46 - Fitness Column By Richard New Year. We look forward to LJ Taxis 1/8 AD.qxp_Layout 1 08/11/2017 15:51 Page Best wishes, Terry Jermy (Editor) Front cover image by Maria Cooke
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E-mail address for all articles, adverts etc:aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com Contact us: 075404 63662 Office Address: C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, IP24 3LH Publisher; In And About Thetford Ltd, C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this magazine, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by its contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission of the publishers is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher
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Want To Try Zumba In 2019? Zumba Fitness is one of the most popular exercise crazes in recent years, and with good reason! By joining a Zumba class you will get a fantastic full body workout, aid weight loss, tone up your waist, legs, bottom and arms, and improve not only your fitness, but also your coordination and confidence.
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Parkrunner Of The Month Our parkrunner of the month is dedicated to the late Mrs Des Talbot. Des, 68, retired headmistress of Queensway Infant School and a parkrun stalwart, sadly lost her fight with cancer on 28th November 2018. Des, was a headmistress of the school for over 10 years and always reached out to her students. Des joined parkrun in 2013 following a recommendation by one of her friends. At the time Des was training for race for life 5k and 10k events. Des completed 174 parkruns with the majority of runs completed at the Thetford event. Des's best time was 25 minutes and 3 seconds. Des soon became a familiar and friendly face at the event because she was always smiling and encouraging people to take part. Des would always have time to support and help people achieve their best and soon became inspirational to many. Des Talbot who inspired many of Thetford’s running community and ran the 2018 London marathon
Des (4th from left) with fellow Parkrun marshalls at the Priory, just before a weekly Parkrun
Des, soon became a volunteer with her husband Allan Talbot in 2013. In 2014 Des, became a run director and a member of the core team and directed the free weekly 5k timed event at the Priory until 2016. Des volunteered at the event 58 times but would always go above and beyond to help even when she was not on the rota to volunteer. Des's love for running grew and grew and she regularly completed 10k, half marathon and marathon distances and soon became known as super gran. Des, would often win age category running awards at local running events, inspiring everyone at parkrun. During Thetford parkrun's infancy the event designed their own t-shirts and fleeces and soon became a community of runners known as the ‘purple army’. Des would often co-ordinate social groups of runners, who met outside of parkrun on Tuesday evenings, Thursday and Sunday mornings for longer runs. Des, sadly was diagnosed with cancer around two years ago and underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy during 2017-
2018. During this time Des, continued to run and fund raise for cancer related charities and Alzheimer's Disease. During her treatment Des completed the Birmingham International Marathon in just under 5 and 1/2 hours and raised over £300 for Bloodwise, cancer charity. As Des's condition continued to deteriorate Des, completed the 2018 London Marathon in just over 6 hours. This was a particularly a hot day and struggle for all runners, let alone someone battling cancer. Des raised £1,500 for Maggies, a volunteer organisation who supported herself and Allan during her cancer treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital. All the parkrun and local community were extremely saddened to hear of Des's passing and we wanted to do a tribute for this amazing woman. On the 8th December, runners and walkers were encouraged to complete the 5k, wearing purple, to remind us all of the fun and work that Des shared. A poem was read by Melanie Sturman, parkrun event director and her husband Allan addressed the runners. The event was attended by 265 runners and walkers who completed the event alongside her daughter Sasha and son Mark. Des will be missed by the community but definitely not forgotten and we aim to hold a special remembrance event in 2019. Melanie Sturman, Thetford Parkrun Director
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Whether you’re looking for adventure, a spot of romantic relaxation, or a family getaway, I will craft a tailor-made experience to the most beautiful and luxurious destinations across the globe. Find a pocket of paradise where you can explore the area, dip your toes in the ocean and taste the flavours of a new culture. I can guide you through the myriad of destinations to help you enjoy the experience of creating your dream escape whilst providing recommendations to suit you individually. Bespoke itineraries, amazing excursions, shows, boat trips, dining on the beach - you name it. No detail is unachievable. Your Hidden Retreat is waiting for you‌
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Discover Your Wow Holiday With Hidden Retreats Hidden Retreats is the brand new travel specialist business in the Thetford area! Shanice Ellis has lived in Thetford since she was 15 and has studied travel and tourism extensively since. Fully qualified in tourism, Shanice has a wealth of experience working in various travel agents in and out of the area. Shanice has now taken on her own business and become part of the Hidden Retreats network, part of the Inspire group. Luxury Travel Specialist Shanice Ellis has launched Hidden Retreats in Thetford
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This new Hidden Retreats venture allows Shanice full control and flexibility over her own business and allows her to really show her passion for the industry. Hidden Retreats is not your average holiday company, but the opportunity to create a talior made holiday of a life time. Travelling is a huge part of Shanice’s life as anyone locally will know, travel and her family are the two key pillars in her life. Hidden Retreats allows her to enjoy being a mother and create fantastic bespoke itineraries for travellers around the world. Shanice is keen to spread the word about Hidden Retreats and simply share the wealth of knowledge and access to deals that she now has. Hidden Retreats experts travel regularly to refresh their knowledge and bring you the inside
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Lottery Cash For Local Groups Did you know that applying to the Big Lottery Fund is now easier? If you would like to apply for funding between £300 and £10,000 you can apply online for our Awards for All Grants. Visit the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding/under10k If you are looking for funding for over £10,000 and your project helps to: Shape the spaces and places in your local community, strengthens relationships and brings people together or enables people to work together to address issues at the earliest possible stage, then did you know that we have a new way of working?
- What difference will your project make, how will you measure these differences - Finally, what will happen to your project at the end of the lifecycle of potential funding If you can answer all of these questions, then why not contact your local funding team to talk about the opportunity to apply for Big Lottery Funding for your local organisation. The team look forward to hearing from you very soon!!
How to contact your local funding team: Norfolk and Suffolk Funding Manager, Rachael Luckin. E-mail: Rachael.Luckin@biglotteryfund.org.uk West Norfolk and West Suffolk Funding Officer Lucinda Leonard. E-mail; Lucinda.Leonard@biglotteryfund.org.uk East Norfolk and East Suffolk Funding Officer: Joe Crabb. E-mail: Joe.Crabb@biglotteryfund.org.uk Visit the website for more information: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
In order to make its funding more accessible than ever before, to as many community groups as possible, we no longer expect groups to fill out an application form. You can speak directly about your project to your local funding team. It will help us to have a greater understanding of your project proposal if you could provide us, in the first instance, with the answers to the following questions:
- Your organisational history and track record of service delivery - Who are your beneficiaries and what challenges do they face - What does your project involve - How have you and your beneficiaries established the need for your project - How have your beneficiaries been involved in the design and potential delivery of your project - Where, geographically, will your project be delivered - How much funding do you need, what for and over what period of time
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Know Your Consumer Rights
Support With Universal Credit Have you heard about Universal Credit? It’s the new benefit that replaces all the following: Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Income Support. Understanding which benefits you are entitled to, and how to apply, can be confusing at the best of times. With these changes, many people are finding the system difficult to navigate. Citizens Advice can help. We have a team of trained Advisers who will help you understand what you might be entitled to and how to go about making a claim or challenging unfair decisions. Universal Credit is paid monthly, and there is a wait of 5 weeks for the first payment. It can be hard to juggle finances to ensure there is enough money to pay for everything during this time, especially at this time of year when there can be extra pressure to spend. We can help with personal budgeting support to help get your finances in order and manage incomings and outgoings effectively. We can also help if you’re in debt; even if things seem overwhelming there is always a solution. At Citizens Advice we offer free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone who needs it so you can talk to us with confidence.
No doubt you’ll have been busily purchasing lots of gifts of late? Whether you love it or hate it, it’s often a time when we’ve been spending more money than usual buying gifts and extra food. With traders vying for every pound in your pocket, it can be very tempting to buy more than you need or maybe put extra on the credit card. But what if something goes wrong with those purchases and you want to return them? As a consumer it can often feel the odds are stacked against you when it comes to your rights to a refund or replacement but the Consumer Act 2015 ensures that we are all protected when making purchases. If the item you bought is not of satisfactory quality, not as described, not fit for purpose or doesn’t last for a reasonable length of time, you may well be entitled to your money back, or a replacement if you prefer. Consumer law applies whether you bought goods from a shop or online and also to digital content, such as downloaded games and music; it also covers services such as work carried out by tradespeople and ‘mixed contracts’ where you have paid for goods and services together. If you would like to know more about your consumer rights, or need help with a consumer complaint, you can call into the Citizens Advice office at the Abbey Neighbourhood Centre in Exeter Way in Thetford on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 9.30am and 2.30pm and we can give you free, impartial and confidential advice. Alternatively, you can call the Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506 and get the same advice over the telephone.
We offer a drop-in service from our offices on the Abbey For more help and support Neighbourhood Centre on a Monday, Wednesday and You can also get more information online, and Friday from 09.30am to 2.30pm. You can also call us access a range of useful template letters, at: on 01842 752777. Acorn Taxis Advert 11.18.qxp_Layout 1 14/11/2018 13 www.citizensadvice.org.uk
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Out and About Thetford
Christmas Performance Success For the 5th year running Admirals Academy Singers were joined by
a live band at the Carnegie Rooms to celebrate the start of Christmas. Children from years 3 - 6 sang their hearts out to a packed audience of family, friends and the Mayor and Mayoress of Thetford. A Christmas Surprise featured traditional carols with a twist including the ever popular “Wonky Donkey’ a highlight of each performance! Music Teacher and organiser Fiona Barnett said, “We’re delighted to be here again raising money for the Quicken Trust, helping the Kabubbu children, it’s very much kids helping kids and sharing the Christmas story in a contemporary way.” Joining the band this year were two new guitarists, Dave Niskin and Nathan Bossoh who met Fiona at C3 Church in Cambridge and offered to join in, with Nathan travelling from Croydon for the performance. Geoff Booker from The Quicken Trust introduced this year’s Christmas appeal – Give a ‘Gift of Life’ and talked about the difference medical care can make to the families of Kabubbu, there is no NHS for them, Give the gift of life aims to provide antibiotics, maternity support, malaria tests and treatment and operations in the local health centre. This year A Christmas Surprise raised £950 towards the cost of a desperately needed operation for Baby Haruna. Speaking about the performance, Mayoress of Thetford, Karen Brame said, “Tonight has been life changing, it’s been magical.” To help the Quicken Trust give a Gift of Life please visit: mydonate.bt.com/events/giftoflifeappeal
Admirals Academy Singers on stage at the Carnegie, with their band and the Mayor and Mayoress of Thetford
Young People Focus For Training Provider “How do we get the kids off the streets and doing
something good?” asked Nova Training’s Chris Wilkinson when he invited Cllr Terry Jermy and Karen to visit their Thetford base. Chris is looking to engage with young people and encourage them to do something with their time, improve their education, realise their ambitions and encourage them to become part of their community. Based in The Maltings, Raymond Street; Nova training meet the education needs of young people aged between 14 – 19, primarily at risk of becoming NEETS (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) or selectively home educated. “We provide a 27 week course here and provide bespoke training plans for each of our young people, we are a registered exam centre and also have students who come here to resit their GCSEs in one of our small exam rooms.” explained Chris, “Getting here was identified as a problem for some so we got funding and have laid on a mini bus to enable kids in areas with poor transport links to attend.” Nova Training also provide a number of apprenticeships hospitality, Business and Administration, Maintenance and Repair and Retail in local companies alongside a number of courses such Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 10
as carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating. One young person currently at Nova and improving his literacy and numeracy is 15 year old Adi Margrie. “I am looking to improve my chances of getting a better role in the army.” said Army Cadet Adi, “I want to become a tank driver in the Royal Armoured Corps and it’s been great to come here.” Nova Training Thetford is one of 10 centres across the East of England.
Photo Left to Right: Cllr Terry Jermy, Adi Margrie and Nova Training’s Recruitment and Induction Officer Chris Wilkinson
For more information on Nova Training visit their website: www.novatraining.co.uk
Christmas Cheer for Thetford Business Forum A selection of festival songs performed by the choir
from Thetford Grammar School entertained guests at the final TBF meeting of the year at The Mulberry Thetford. TBF Chair Chris Kennard gave a brief overview of the past year and TBF activities. The group have 4 networking breakfasts and several twilight sessions across the year with over 80 businesses and key decision makers in the town. 2018 saw the 10th anniversary of the group, the launch of ‘Thetford a world of opportunity’ along with a new website, monthly e-newsletter and work experience project with Place 21 West Suffolk College.The guest of honour, MP Elizabeth Truss hosted a Q&A session – with her view on Brexit being a hot topic alongside education and opportunities for young people. Members also welcomed the return of retired Canon Bob Baker who reminded everyone to recognise all the hard-working background staff and that everyone has something to offer to the business they work in. For the second year running The Mulberry served a fabulous Christmas lunch showcasing local produce and the reason they are listed in the Michelin Guide. The first breakfast meeting of 2019 will be on January 16th. For more information on how to join Thetford Business Forum visit: www.thetfordbusinessforum.co.uk
Thetford Grammar School choir with MP Elizabeth Truss at The Mulberry, ready to perform their Christmas medley Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 11
Our Box Office offers a great range of events and it’s so easy to get your tickets - call into our shop or buy on-line www.leapinghare.org 20 King Street Thetford IP24 2AP 01842 751975 or 07802 701911 leaping hare leapinghareorg
What a fantastic year!
It’s been quite a ride but we have had another successful year, working with many partners. Lots of fundraising activities have enabled us to keep the shop open and see over 12,000 residents and visitors, which is absolutely brilliant! We haven’t room to thank everyone involved as there are so many, but we thought it would be lovely to look back at some 2018 highlights.
Photo: Maria Cooke
We loved working with About Thetford and Lawson’s Estate Agents on the Thetford Calendar competition. Mel Sturman did an excellent job of mentoring Jake and Hughes kindly sponsored him with his Challenge. Essex Cultural Diversity Project worked with many local organisations when they brought The Festival of Thetford and the Punjab to town in honour of Maharajah Duleep Singh. So many events, so much colour and celebration. Photo: Maria
Cooke
Here is just a taster of what’s coming up, check our online events calendar at leapinghare.org for full details or call into our shop. We have tickets for those in bold. Fri 11 Jan Ghost Walk Thurs 17 Jan Thetford Flower Club Fri 18 - Sat 26 Jan Thetford Players Pantomime: The Wizard Of Oz Sat 19 Jan CBC Wedding Fayre Fri 1 Feb TARAs Fri 8 Feb Ghost Walk Fri 22 Feb Thetford Folk Club Sat 2 March Baby & Toddler Fayre Fri 8 March Ghost Walk Sat 23 March ELO Encounter Live Sun 7 April Forest Spring Foraging Courses Thur 18 April Great British Pub Quiz Asthma Fri 19 April St George’s Beer Festival Sat 20 April Shaken Not Stirred Ball in aid of Parkinsons. We worked with Ancient House and Dad’s Army Museums on ‘Theodford Hare’ painted by Dan Morgan and David Osborne. We enjoyed working with Shadwell, Thetford Garden Centre, Thetford Academy, Charles Burrell Centre, the Job Centre and this year even Father Christmas and many more! We signed up to the Breckland Lottery and encouraged others to do the same. We have loved helping many of you with your events this year and supporting local artisans. We’re looking forward to much more in 2019 - why not come and help us? We couldn’t do any of it without an amazing team of volunteers.
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TADDS 2018 Review 2018 was a busy and changing year for the Thetford & District Dementia Support Group. We were recognised in the TARA awards, we went on our lovely summer outing to Wroxham Broads, we were visited by Miniature donkeys, and our group was supported with music by the U3A Band. We have been very humbled to have been the recipient of donations from a variety of sources, our thanks to the many people who have raised money for us this year. We were also very sad to lose a friend and volunteer of the group who had been with us from the start of our journey. Ron Findell was a keen supporter of the group and a much loved volunteer and friend. Sadly Ron died towards the end of 2018; but we were proud to add his picture to our TADDS Angels on our Christmas Tree decoration at the Methodist Church.
TADDS would also like to acknowledge the support of a couple of our group members, John & Doreen Harvey, who have consistently run a raffle every month for us; raising in excess of £1000 over the last year. We are very blessed to have such support. We have finished the year on a high, receiving a donation of £796.50 from Gez Chetal at the Thomas Paine Hotel following his very successful Charity Music Night, and the group were also invited by Gez to a coffee and mince pies afternoon just before Christmas. Our sincere thanks for being such a splendid host. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Helen Jary and the team at Cloverfield Community Church for giving us a great venue from which to run, and I know great things are afoot for 2019 for this venue… more to follow on this. On behalf of the Trustees and all at TADDS, thank you to our local community and our many supporters, our wonderful team of volunteers (where would we be without you), thank you to our lovely guests who really make our Friday Group. Have a wonderful New Year.
Thetford U3A Happy and Healthy New Year to all our members! We have just finished organising this year’s speakers and hope that many of you will find an interest in some of the talks arranged. Our first meeting is on January 24th at our usual venue and time. Chris Kennard will be speaking about the Shadwell Stud.
Looking back on last year’s speakers we have had some brilliant talks ranging from the Wartime Experience of Alan Sorrell, a wartime artist, to American Linda Scoles and her journey to become a British subject. Linda had prepared a few of the extremely hard questions she had to answer to test us. She was not surprised to find we had all failed. We had Francis Holmes and his wife speaking about post war Norwich. Frazer Harrison told us how the Duleep Singh statue came to Thetford and we finished our year with Paul Adams taking us on a musical journey. We have booked an Open Day on March 14th, this time it will be at the Carnegie Room and hopefully more people will find it easier to attend. Our Annual General Meeting is on April 25th and will we welcome more members to join our committee. Our talks are free to members to attend and £2.00 for Visitors. Details of this and other interest groups can be seen online at; www.thetfordu3a.org
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Spotlight on the Thetford Society If the UK are credited with being a nation of dog lovers, then the audience at the Thetford Society’s December meeting were proof that this statement is very true. Our guest speaker was Tony Dobbin and his talk was titled ‘It’s a Dogs’ Life – a Tale of Tailwaggers’, a funny, informative and occasional sad account of how dogs have changed the course of his life. From a very young age dogs have played an important and significant role in Tony’s life. As a child his family owned several dogs and after leaving school, he began a career in advertising at Spratts Patent Ltd a manufacturer of dog foods, probably best known for ‘Bonio’ dog biscuits. Sue Dobbin holding Palindrome Girl as a pup Spratts even had a dog mascot, a large St Bernard several winning dogs, but most of all these beautiful, named Rex. As the years passed Tony’s love of dogs elegant and athletic beasts are family pets and are all never waned and it seems there was always a canine loved to bits. A heart warming talk to end a busy year. connection in his life whether it was an escaping poodle belonging to a B list actress or chatting to the owner Also, at the meeting our entertainment duo Pat and of the Supreme Champion at Crufts. However, it was Wendy presented a cheque for £300 to Warrant Officer a chance meeting with a friend’s greyhound that really Sonya Darbyshire, Station Warrant Officer from RAF had the most influence on Tony and his family and lead Honington, who was collecting it on behalf of the RAF them to acquire a greyhound called Sarah, the first of Benevolent Fund. This money was raised at the annual Stoveof&this Fireplace Centre HP 02.qxp_Layout 1 15/02/2018 11:34 Page 1 many very unique breed. Over the years Tony October quiz night. and his wife (Sue) have successfully trained and raced Mac MacDonald
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No Longer In The Dark About Bats To most of us the bat is something of a mystery, but at Thetford Probus Club’s meeting in December, Dennis and Anne Kell were able shed light on a mammal that likes to keep itself in the dark. Aided by some stunning pictures of the nocturnal mammal, the couple’s talk illustrated the wide variety of bats, ranging from the tiny Pipistrelle, which at just five grams is one of Britain’s smallest mammals to the impressive Flying Fox, with a wingspan of six feet, found in Asia. As members of the Suffolk Bat Group, they explained how the bat population is monitored and their habitats carefully surveyed to learn more about them. Changes in agriculture and other modern building developments have led to a decline in numbers, though conservation projects such as bat boxes in the Breckland forest area aims to encourage numbers.
Nigel King presents Peter Mason with his badge
Contrary to popular belief bats are not blind, though it is their acute sense of hearing linked to an amazing system of echo locating that enables them to fly with such accuracy and to home in on their diet of flies and insects. Being protected species means that removing them from any dwelling they have chosen as ‘home’ is very difficult. However, for much of the year they hibernate and are noiseless to the human ear. They cause little or no damage and it is only in some medieval churches where they may sometimes be a nuisance. Anyone interested in joining the Suffolk Bat Group, which is part of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust can find more information by emailing: suffolkbatgroup@suffolkwildlifetrust.org A bat hibernation survey underway at Ickworth House
Interestingly, the bat is the only truly flying mammal yet it can’t take off from the ground – it has to be at a height where it hangs by its feet ready to take off.
At the meeting Chairman Nigel king presented new member Peter Mason with his Probus badge. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 8th and the Sullivanlunch 1-8th monthly willAdvert_Layout be at The Stag 1on 14/12/2016 January 15th.08:28 Page
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From Hollywood Musicals To Cabaret, Silver Social Launch New Events The Silver Social programme is back in January 2019 with a host of new events and workshops for Breckland residents. The project, which launched in 2017, offers daytime activities, including workshops and a range of performances, aimed at older residents in our rural communities. From 21st - 23rd January, the fabulous Glass House Dance Group present their Hollywood musical extravaganza - free workshops which will be fun and uplifting, featuring some of the world’s greatest musicals. They urge participants “to come along for free, dress up and enjoy a social dance with tea and cake!”. Sessions are open to all ages, with a particular focus towards the elderly, & they are dementia inclusive. In early February, the world-class juggling, magician and illusionist Matt Ricardo, will be touring rural venues in Breckland. Matt will be showcasing his variety performance from 4th - 8th February 2019 and tickets for the show are just £5 and include refreshments. Free transport can be arranged if required. To book tickets or transport, email: community@breckland.gov.uk or call: 01362 656870. Visit the website for further info; www.thesilversocial.com
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Residents Warned To Keep Escape Routes Clear By Fire & Rescue Service Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people living in flats and buildings with communal escape routes that these areas must be kept clear in case of emergencies. Common objects left in communal areas include waste bags, bicycles, prams and mobility scooters. Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Chairman of Norfolk County Council's Communities Committee, said: "The problem often worsens over the winter as other items are left in such areas, including winter footwear. Items such as tables are also moved outside into communal areas to make way. If a fire were to start in a communal space which is full of clutter or storage, the escape routes for the residents could prevent or hinder the safe evacuation of people leaving the building. Such items also invite the risk of a deliberate fire being started. If any resident has concerns about clutter/storage in their means of escape, they should firstly raise these concerns with their neighbours. If this does not bring any results please inform your landlord or the management agency. You may also refer the matter to your local housing authority. If for any reason you cannot speak to your neighbour or landlord about Fire Safety concerns, you can contact Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service on the number or email below. Correspondence will be treated with the strictest confidence.
A fire that recently took hold in a Norfolk home
The advice also applies to all types of homes, with areas including hallways, landings, staircases and porches needing to be kept clutter-free to offer an easier escape route in an emergency, as well as helping to reduce slips, trips and falls. Recently two Norfolk residents were taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation following a fire in their home caused by Christmas decorations being ignited by a gas lighter which was being used to light a candle. Thankfully the fire was extinguished quickly and only affected the lounge, as internal doors had been kept shut as part of their night time routine.
Contact the Fire Service Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm PC or Laptop running SLOW? on 0800 917 8137 to be put through to Norfolk Fire & Got A Virus? Need help? Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team. You can find Friendly and professional IT service for more details about fire safety in the home, including Mac or Windows, call Joe Richards on booking a home fire risk check and planning an Telephone: 01953 718421 escape route, here: Mobile: 07928 326008 www.norfolk.gov.uk/safety/ MF Cleaners AD 05.18.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2018 09:55 Email: help@bailiwickit.com norfolk-fire-and-rescue-service/ Website: www.bailiwickit.com
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Looking For A New Activity In 2019? Welcome to 2019 – a brand new year and what better way to start it than taking up a new interest. Come along to Brandon & District Photographic Club and see what we have in store for you in the New Year. Our first meeting of the year is on Wednesday 9th January and we will be holding our first ‘Jpeg’ Competition of the Club Year; the subject for this is ‘Fields and Forest Fungi’. Members need to get their entries to Tim as soon as possible after Christmas. If you are new to the art of photography then please come along, meet our members and see how joining us can Please don’t despair if you have never tried this before improve your photographic skills. More experienced as there will be plenty members on hand to give advice photographers are also very welcome at Brandon and help with settings on your cameras. The results can & District Photographic Club, we all like to share our be truly amazing! experiences and knowledge and encourage skilled photographers to join us; we can all learn from each Everyone is welcome to join in and we look forward to other. On 23rd January there is to be a workshop on the seeing you on Wednesday 9th January or Wednesday subject of Night Photography. On this evening we will 23rd January – or, of course, on both evenings! Don’t be covering topics such as Light Trails and Candle-Lit forget you can follow us on Facebook and keep up to Portraiture, run by two of our more experienced date with what’s going on. photographers. This is always a fun evening and it never Check out our website by visiting: MCP HP Advertus11.18.qxp_Layout 1 achieve 19/11/2018 ceases to amaze what images we can with 09:41 Page 1 www.brandonphotographicclub.co.uk a little guidance.
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Job Vacancies at Charles Burrell Centre Manager - The Forge @CBC Manager sought for newly established maintenance company (including grounds maintenance). Salary: £22,500 per annum (negotiable)
Manager - The Engine Room Manager sought for new Cafe and Community Activity space based at CBC. Salary: £22,500 per annum (negotiable)
Business Manager - Charles Burrell Centre Manager sought for busy community and business centre. Salary: £22,500 per annum (negotiable)
The Life And Times Of Geoffrey Chaucer If you are looking for some mental stimulus to start the New Year, the WEA is arranging a 10 week study of the life and works of Chaucer. He was a high-ranking civil servant in the court of Richard II and we will look at those turbulent times. His family owned land in Norfolk so perhaps he passed through Thetford? We will look at the varied ranks of society, using The Canterbury Tales as a source. Two of the pilgrims and their surprisingly lively tales will be considered and set in context. The course is pitched at a general interest level – we have just completed a study of design between 1850 and 1950 so like variety and are ready to be entertained by a good lecturer.
Closing Date: Closing date for all three positions will be Monday 14th January at 5pm. Interviews will be held on Friday 18th January. For more information contact Mark Snowdon on 01842 779867 or visit Charles Burrell Centre. To request a detailed job description and application form email: mark@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk
OPEN EVERY AFTERNOON AND EVENING
Discover The Pilgrims Tale on the Spring WEA course
The first session starts at 10.30am at the Methodist Church on Tanner Street on Monday 7th January. The fee is £73 but this is waived for those on Pension Credit or similar. You can find more online - look for WEA and courses – or contact Sue Pilgrim 01842 820332. Deadline for inclusion in the February 2019 edition of About Thetford will be the 15th January. Send copy to: karen@aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk
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New Exhibition Opens Olive Edis: Photographer Olive Edis: Photographer is the new exhibition at Ancient House. This exhibition celebrates the life and work of pioneering British photographer Olive Edis (18761955). Although relatively unknown, Olive Edis was one of the most important photographers of the first half of the 20th century and the first-ever accredited female war photographer. Indeed the breadth of her subjects from British royalty and aristocracy to the characterful faces of Norfolk fisherman together with her highly atmospheric photographs of the battlefields of France and Flanders taken during World War One war raise her to international status.
The work is presented thematically starting with an introduction to Olive Edis and then looks at her photographic technique and technical expertise. Another section examines her skill in portraiture, which offers a rare glimpse into both high society of the day and the more simple life of East Anglian fisherman. ‘Votes for Women’ is another section featuring the Pankhursts and pioneering elected female politicians Nancy Astor and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. As an entrepreneur and ground-breaker Edis herself was a ‘new woman’. Over the course of her 50-year career, Edis photographed a huge cross section of society. Her signature style, which used natural light and shadow, resulted in striking portraits. Notable are her sensitive, natural photographs of Edward VIII as Prince of Wales and a young Prince Albert (later George VI). Olive Edis: Photographer makes an excellent reason for dropping in to Ancient House to see the new show. The Museum shop also includes a fully illustrated book as a souvenir of your visit.
Ancient House Museum Opening Times:
Tues to Sat; 10am - 4pm. Telephone: 01842 752599
Winter Admission Fees Adults £4.50 Conc £4.25 Child £3.80 Family 1 adult £11.80 Family 2 Adults £15.85 Free admission to Museum Pass Holders, friends of Thetford Museum, Children’s University, MA & Art Fund members, 1 carer for each registered disabled visitor, Under 4s.
Pop in for £1.50 everyday 1 hour before closing
Olive Edis and camera image: Norfolk Museum Service
Oliver Bone, Curator said, “Olive Edis was a remarkable woman. She was well-educated, forward thinking, a visionary, an astute business entrepreneur and most importantly a talented photographer with a natural affinity for her subjects – however grand or humble each was afforded respect and dignity’. The exhibition features more than 60 rare photographs taken by Edis between the years of 1900 and 1955. Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 22
Past & Present
St Cuthbert’s Church, from its dedication alone, is probaly a pre-Conquest foundation. Today, it is the only ancient church in the town that is used regularly for religious worship. When the past photograph was taken circ 1925, Harry Goddard traded as a fruit, vegetable and fish merchant from the flint cottages on the right, where the present Post Office was opened in 1939. Past photograph from the David Osborne Collection. Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 23
Our first Thetford Face of 2019 is Sheelagh Keats. Last year Sheelagh started knitting for babies in the local special care units at both West Suffolk Hospital and Addenbrookes. Within a short period of time the Warm Baby Project was born. Sheelagh’s husband Martin now helps along with an army of knitters from the surrounding area. How long have you lived in Thetford? We moved here in 1999 to be closer to family. Martin’s family retired here and we thought it would be a lovely place to live too. I used to be involved in the Irish Dancing group at Abbey Arts Centre for many years. What’s the best thing about living in Thetford? I like it because everything is close, you don’t have to go out of town to get things. We’ve got lots of friends here and at the Legion. How are you involved in the RBL Thetford Branch? Martin’s Dad was a member at Thetford originally, so we joined. Martin is now a committee member of the branch. We usually go to the club once a week and keep an eye on people if they haven’t been in.
Sheelagh with knitting ready to be distributed to hospitals acrosss the UK
How did the Warm Baby Project start? Our grandson Frankie was born premature and helped by both hospitals when he was born, and I just wanted to give something back, so I started knitting, just on
Martin and Sheelagh Keats who run the Warm Baby Project from their home in Thetford
my own to produce a few tiny hats and blankets. I love knitting, I’ve done since I was 10 and I’ve always got something on the go. The daughter of a friend of mine, Olivia Cundell said she would help by setting up a Facebook page to see if we could get some wool donated, and almost immediately people contacted me to say they’d like to help and knit. Within a few weeks things had really taken off. It’s called Warm Baby as the items we knit are to help keep some of tiniest and most unwell babies warm. The lovely thing about this project is that it gives you a purpose to knit! Frankie now likes to deliver blankets to the poorly babies as he calls them and sometimes comes with us to West Suffolk Hospital when we drop off a delivery. How many people are knitting for the Warm Baby Project now? We have over 80 regular knitters including from Thetford and the surrounding area. We also have a lady in Holland, Birmingham, Surrey, a group in Wales and lots of ladies in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, and Norwich. The knitters all send their work to me and I organise which hospitals need deliveries. Olivia has given us a space outside her office in Bury so we have a container where we can leave wool and people can drop off their knitting. People see a little bit about us on social media and it turned into something
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beyond our imagination. We have patterns available on our Facebook page so that anyone interested can knit something straight away. How do you find out which hospitals need items? We receive emails from various hospitals across the country, we built up contacts who suggested other hospitals who might need help and over the year we’ve built up a bit of a network. The ward clerks on the various NICUs have got involved and will let us know what they need each month. We helped trial a traffic light system at Addenbrookes, Norfolk & Norwich and Royal Oldham. This is where they use red, orange and green coloured hats and booties to signal how the baby is doing. Red is for the babies who need the most help, orange is for when they’re improving and green for when they are doing well. This has worked really well so we’ve been knitting to provide items in those colours.
individual items including bonding squares, booties, blankets and hats. We also knit memory bags that hang at the end of incubators and the nurses put little bits and pieces such as name tags in them for parents to take home. We send out around 12 parcels a week; most hospitals need items especially blankets as they use so many for cocooning. We’ve sent out around 7000 items this year to around 30 different hospitals across the UK. We started locally, then nationally and now we are international.
Frankie helping EA Logisitcs load up the van
How did you hear about Baby Rosalind? Rosalind was born in Copenhagen, very premature. One of our knitters heard about her and told us so we sent over some very tiny items and have been following her story, sharing updates on our Facebook page. We then sent out some bigger items and a few more now that she’s home.
Traffic Light knitting created by the Warm Baby Project
You are all volunteers; how do you cover the cost of the project? We get often get wool donated. Some of the knitters use their own wool, they love to knit and are happy to buy a few balls as they’re knitting for a reason. Olivia set up a just giving page to raise some money to help cover the cost of postage initially. EA Logistics got in touch after hearing about us on Facebook and offered to help. We thought it was a one-off offer, but Kevin has continued to deliver to for us. He has also collected knitting from knitters who are isolated in outlying villages. We are so grateful for his support, it’s been just amazing. Another business, Packaging Needs who are based in Thetford got in touch and offered us 500 polythene bags, so we can package the knitting properly. What do you send out in your packs? A standard pack includes parent packs to go home with the baby, 1 blanket, 2 cardis and 2 hats. Hospitals have
What’s next for the Warm Baby Project? Each hospital has their own individual requirements so there’s always knitting to be done. We would love to find a sponsor for the wool. We are so grateful to everyone involved in the project and thank everyone who has helped in one way or another. For more information about the project or to donate visit: www.facebook.com/WarmBabyProject2018 www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/projectwarmbaby
Or email: sheelaghkeats@hotmail.com
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Thetford Inner Wheel News
Lionesses Recognise Community Hero
Thetford Inner Wheel with the help of Thetford Rotary held a very successful Armistice Day Lunch at Croxton Village Hall. Personal letters from Grandfathers were read and also some poems, written at the time. As well there was a display of WW1 memorabilia. Over £1,170 was raised to be split between the two clubs for their chosen Charities. The club is very grateful to all who supported them. Inner Wheel had been represented at the Thetford Remembrance Day Service where President Jenny Childerhouse laid a wreath on the club’s behalf.
In recognition of the Lion’s celebrating their centenary, all clubs were invited to nominate someone who is working hard for the benefit of their community. Sharon Thompson was nominated by the Thetford Lionesses. Sharon started with the refurbishment of the Pine Close Community Centre 4 years ago with help from the local community. They began by running 2 youth groups twice a week. Since then the group meets 5 times a week. The community centre has given first aid courses for children. A community café provides a hot meal for those who need one, including a Christmas meal. Last year the children raised money to fund the purchase of hats, scarves and gloves for those less fortunate. They have also donated £1200 to the St Nicholas Hospice. A plaque was presented to Sharon in recognition of her work within the community. Sharon explained that none of what has been achieved would have been possible without the amazing team working together for the benefit of all.
Colin and Janey McKay with one of the placemats from the lunch, a copy of a newspaper announcing peace in 1918
At their December meeting Inner Wheel got in the festive mood with a traditional Turkey dinner followed by a slightly taxing quiz with a Christmas theme! President Jenny and Secretary Annalee Clarke came out winners, all without phoning a friend or using the internet to get the answers! It was decided to donate £250 to the Salvation Army in the town to help them with their Christmas project for the homeless. The cheque was presented the next day by Janey McKay who with her husband had been the main organisers of the Armistice Day lunch. Early in January some members are joining with others from around the District to visit Stowmarket who have a Christmas Tree Festival. Should you wish to know more about Thetford Inner Wheel please visit the website at: www.thefordrotary.org.uk Or phone Jackie on 01842 890482.
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Norfolk’s Digifest February 2019 Codable caterpillars, robot unicorns, stop motion animation and digital music – just some of the exciting events coming to Norfolk Libraries in February 2019 as part of DigiFest: a celebration of digital making. With events for children and young people aged 4-16 there is something to inspire every family. Free workshops will be taking place in every Norfolk Library throughout February. Join us to get hands-on with new and exciting tech, whether that’s simple coding for the under 5s or building your own Scribblebot. Want to take the fun home? Norfolk libraries lend out Micro:bits – tiny computers just right for creating your own projects. We’ll be running a competition for the best Micro:bit creation, with prizes for the winners.
Greater Thetford Development Partnership Community Sub-Group The next meeting of the Greater Thetford Development Partnership Community Sub-Group will take place on: Wednesday 16th January 2019, 7 - 9pm, Guildhall Council Chamber, Market Place, Thetford. Members of the public are welcome to attend and contribute. For more details, see http://gtdp.org.uk/ community-subgroup. Details of the meetings can also be viewed on the Town Council noticeboard outside King's House and at Leaping Hare on King Street.
S.T.A.G.
SAFER THETFORD ACTION GROUP
PUBLIC OPEN MEETING Thetford Library Events
THURSDAY, 3rd JANUARY
Friday 22nd February - Robot Unicorns Saturday 23rd February – Vlogging Workshop with Nathaniel W Hawley
THETFORD METHODIST CHURCH HALL (near Specsavers) at 7.00pm
For more information please call Thetford Library on 01842 752048
This quarterly meeting is an opportunity for anyone living in Thetford to bring your concerns to the notice of STAG and help us confirm the projects for the Town which are currently …
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Add A Little Of Colour To Your Life Right now is probably the best time to see one of Britain’s most colourful birds in Thetford. The electric blue upperparts coupled with the orange underparts can only belong to one bird – the Kingfisher. A walk along Spring Walk during the next month can almost guarantee a sighting of this fantastic little bird. More often than not this will be of a flash of blue as it streaks away low over the water, but with a bit of patience and careful looking Kingfishers can be seen perched, on the lookout for small fish. It is easy to think that a bird as brightly coloured as the Kingfisher doesn’t really belong here, and that it would fit much better in a tropical environment but that would be wrong. Kingfishers are tough little birds, breeding as far north as southern Scandinavia. During the winter months many will move to the coast, the saline shallow creeks take longer to freeze that inland freshwater, offering them a lifeline when conditions get harsh.
Kingfisher by John Harding / BTO
Both species breed around Thetford, Grey Wagtail breeds closer to town than Kingfisher and can be seen on the river during summer to, but for the Kingfisher the banks of the river don’t offer much breeding space and a trip the BTO’s Nunnery Lakes Reserve is needed, where Kingfishers can be seen from the Kingfisher viewpoint from the end of March onwards. Nunnery Lakes is open all year during the daylight hours and is free to visit. More information can be found at the BTO reception at the Nunnery during office hours.
Non-birdwatchers friends of mine that see a Kingfisher for the first time are often surprised by how small it is, only a little bigger than a House Sparrow but they never fail to be surprised by its vibrancy and speed. It’s not just Kingfishers that bring a splash of colour to Thetford’s rivers at this time of the year, Grey Wagtails sporting bright yellow undertails are also a feature and can often be seen feeding along the banks of Spring Walk, wagging their long tail as they move. The first sign that a Grey Wagtail is around is often the high-pitched, sharp ‘tip-tip’ call. Grey Wagtail is a widespread breeding bird in Britain but is more associated with fast flowing water. However, during the winter months Grey Wagtail can often be seen around the buildings in the middle of town.
Paul Stancliffe, British Trust for Ornithology
Events at Redgrave and Lopham Fen Guided Fen Walk Saturday 5th Jan, 10.30am - 1pm. £4. Meet at the Education Centre. No need to book. Weekend Wildlife Club Saturday 12th Jan, 10.30am - 12.30pm A club for 6-11 year olds, £3. Booking essential For further details and to book, call 01473 890089 or visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
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Thetford Garden and Allotment Club After the festivities of Christmas and the New Year, January can seem a bit grim – and it is statistically the coldest month of the year and certainly seems the darkest. Once the Christmas decorations are packed away and the old tree consigned to the local tip (free) you will be able to see how your houseplants are faring. If they look a bit wretched, try wiping the leaves over with luke-warm water to help them cope with the dry atmosphere of central heating. If you are looking for something to cheer yourself up, you could celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day on the 18th – a spoonful of local honey will do you the world of good. And thinking of honey and bees leads on to the suggestion that it is a good time to prune buddleia back hard. These must be the favourite plant of bees and butterflies and will make a neater and more floriferous bush if cut right back in the winter. There are some flowers out even now and you may admire a yellow mahonia in a neighbour’s garden and consider making space for one yourself. It is a most ferociously prickly plant so can be useful where you don’t want anyone to get in but make sure you won’t need to prune it too often. It grows wild along the tracks in Thetford Forest so positively likes our poor soil. Myrtle is the classic winter-flowering shrub, much less vigorous but giving off a wonderful scent and ideal if you have a sheltered corner by a door. Even the rosemary bush flowers around now and you can toss a few of its tiny blue flowers onto a salad for an unusual effect. One problem in January can be slippery footing and particular care needs to be taken with any wooden surface such as steps or decking. If you have wooden steps, for example by a raised shed, you can make them safer by tacking a length of wire netting across the panel of wood. It will take only a few minutes and really
BETTS of BRANDON Ltd ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SUPPLIED AND FITTED DECKING ● WALL REMOVAL TREE SERVICES ● CARPORTS Children’s Playhouse from £248.00 (Playhouse Show Site) Thetford Garden Centre
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gives you a good grip. This method is used on wooden walkways in Nature Reserves where yards of netting are employed – a good Health and Safety measure. If you are looking for an energetic job on a bright morning you could dig a trench where you plan to plant beans later in the year. This can then be lined with newspaper or cardboard and filled with anything that would go in the compost heap. It is not very sightly for a few weeks of course but, once filled up and with earth shovelled back on, it disappears.Then nature continues its magic out of sight, turning waste vegetable matter into material which beans and peas can use for food. Even the newspaper will disappear but in the meantime hold water for your plants in the hot months of summer. This year’s club programme starts with a meal to celebrate the new gardening year. It will take place at the URC at 7.15 for 7.30 on Thursday 31st. Bring along a plate of food or, if you prefer, pay a contribution of £5; soft drinks will be available or BYO to be sure of your choice of tipple. Afterwards there will be the customary ferocious Beetle Drive – and who could be better players than us! - and our excellent raffle. You can pay your membership (only £6.50 or £10 for couples) and collect your diary with all the information about shows and meetings. Happy gardening thoughts! Sue Pilgrim
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Catty Remarks According to most estimates, cats have likely been domesticated for about 10,000 years. In cosmic terms, that's a mere eye blink, but it was still time enough for cats to embed themselves into our lives, our language and if they're feeling chilly, our beds. In fact, the sheer range of cat-related idioms in English and other tongues is astonishing. Here are a few with meanings and origins and a liberal sprinkling of guesswork. Cat Burglar: Meaning – a highly stealthy burglar who relies on physical agility. Origin – This phrase comes from cats' outstanding natural athleticism which they owe to such physical attributes as an unusually flexible spine and shoulder blades that are attached with supple muscle rather than rigid bone. The phrase was popularised by Alfred Hitchcock's film To Catch a Thief (1955). Catnap: Meaning – a short light sleep during the day. Origin – This word comes from cats' tendency to sleep whenever they can. On average, cats sleep for roughly 16 hours a day, which means they spend about a third of their lives asleep. But, as anyone who's been owned by a cat will know, their sleep is often light – which is why a seemingly slumbering cat can magically appear at your feet at the mere crinkle of a food packet.
Looked What The Cat Dragged In: Meaning – an affectionate greeting for an unexpected or overdue visitor, sometimes suggesting a bedraggled look. Origin – Its not uncommon for domestic cats to bring home dead prey in their mouths, by which time the prey is usually the worse for wear. Why cats do this we can't be sure. One long standing theory is that it's a gift – a cat's way of expressing loyalty or gratitude to its owners. But more recently a less flattering theory has emerged: given that your cat probably never sees you catching anything, it's concluded that you're a useless hunter and is trying to help you out with a tasty snack. It's the thought that counts. Grilled shrew anyone?
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Have Kittens: Meaning– to be extremely upset / worried. Origin – During the Middle Ages, a pregnant woman who was in pain was thought to have been cursed by a witch to have kittens clawing inside her body instead For help or advice or if you need assistance with the of a baby – a prospect, understandably, that would cost of neutering, please call us on 01842 810018. make her distraught (she's having kittens'). Although Rita Thompson this ghastly myth sounds preposterous to modern ears, it was taken seriously for centuries: records as late a Don’t forget! There’s lots more to see and read 1654 show that a woman appealed to a Scottish court on the About Thetford magazine website: for permission to end1/8th her Advert_Layout pregnancy because of the Made to Measure 1 10/02/2017 1 www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk 'cats in her belly.'
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Commonly Believed Myths Below are some of the myths clients often ask us when having skin care and body treatments. Eating chocolate makes my skin breakout in spots! Myth. Chocolate does not cause breakouts. It does however contain high sugar and fat content, so too much would not be good as a high fat diet can make the skin oilier.. If I shave hairs to remove them, they will grow back thicker and stronger? Myth. There is no way that shaving can stimulate the roots of hairs. However, the hairs may appear thicker because the fine tapered end of the hair has been removed making the hair look and feel thicker. Are the white marks on my nails caused by Calcium deficiency? Myth. It is not a deficiency in calcium that causes white spots but there are several other reasons we may get them. It could be injury to the nail base, bad manicure procedures pushing back cuticles too harshly, an allergic reaction to things like polishes or polish remover even some hard hardeners. Acrylic nails can also cause trauma. Zinc deficiency is also a cause of white spots or streaks and can be corrected with diet. Protein deficiency shows as horizontal bands across the nail bed, they do not grow out. Diets rich in protein, turkey, fish, tuna, salmon, tofu, nuts, seeds all help. There are some serious diseases that present symptoms like white spots on the nails. Therefore, it is extremely important to see a doctor if you notice any discolorations in your nails. The earlier you see the doctor the more likely it is to treat the condition effectively. Liver disease, like hepatitis and cirrhosis, is one of the more serious causes of white spotted fingernails. Kidney disease also has symptoms that affect the nails, such as nails that are possibly white and pink. The nails can be turned partially white due to kidney failure. I am thinking of having some sunbeds before my holiday to prevent my skin from burning. Myth. A sunbed will not protect your skin from burning simply because you have accelerated the melanin (pigment) in your skin. Wishing You a Happy New Year! Lisa Stallings, Halcyon Days Skincare
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What Is The #SeeMe Campaign? #SeeMe is a national non-profit campaign supporting women living actively with disabilities; physical, mental and quiet. How, why and when did you get involved with the campaign? I set up #SeeMe as a result of my own personal experience battling post-natal depression but also as a result of the amazing, wonderful, inspiring women I have worked with over the last 20 years within the health and fitness industry; women who have not let their disability stop them living life, disabilities including; MS, physical impairments as a result of a stroke, cancer and major back surgery. Mental health including anxiety, depression, low self-worth & confidence which led to further diagnosis and a life of medication and further limiting beliefs. In a world where more love is needed, where the temptation or first thought to be negative, condescending or opinionated I want to provide a safe & welcoming community whereby women can freely support, discuss and nurture one another to empower optimal health and well-being within a respected, authentic environment.
Exercise sessions can be performed within a community group setting, clinic or at home. For clients with limited mobility Bed Pilates is providing clients with amazing results. Watch out for the DVD very soon.
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If someone comes to you with a physical, mental or quiet disability, what do you provide in line with the campaign - is there a weekly support group etc? I have set up a Facebook Page ‘I am more, See Me’, on here will be regular postings, the page will aim to work with various individuals and organisations to help unite, improve awareness and access of available services. In addition is a private group for women where they can ask questions, seek advice and support, this is run by a small team of women who have personal stories to share and fulfil our goals who take an active interest to help and heal others. I personally offer various services including community classes, 1.1 exercise rehabilitation within a clinic setting or at their own home but also various online programmes – exercise, pelvic floor, back care, nutrition and mindfulness to help with stress and anxiety. I will be launching a special retreat and workshop next year, details to follow very soon. Michelle Jermy Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 37
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Local Entrepreneur Wins Lifetime Achievement Award The founder and managing director of one of East Anglia’s leading hearing care companies has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by one of the UK’s leading health governing bodies. Karen Finch, owner of local business The Hearing Care Centre which has a local clinic at Thetford Healthy Living Centre, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in the audiology profession, at the British Health Trades Association (BHTA) Excellence Awards - an annual celebration of success in the healthcare marketplace. This award comes at a pivotal point for Karen because this year marks the 20th anniversary of The Hearing Care Centre. From humble beginnings in 1998, Karen now employs a team of almost 30 employees and provides top-level hearing care from a network of 26 centres across East Anglia. Karen was commended by the BHTA for her dedication to the high quality of her team and investment in the people that she works with, allowing them to develop their own careers, and helping all of them to make a success of the business. Karen was also recognised for the work she does in the local community to promote hearing health, and the company’s fundraising for many local and national charities including Hearing Dogs for Deaf People who help to transform the lives of the deaf. Karen Finch was overcome with emotion when she was presented with the award: “Being recognised by a peer group like the BHTA is incredibly validating for me and our entire team at The Hearing Care Centre. The whole board were involved in the decision process and I truly appreciate that the BHTA takes a thoughtful approach to highlight the audiology sector professionals. As I think of other Lifetime Achievements recipients who
Simon Weston CBE, Karen Finch and Lord Chris Rennard MBE
preceded me, and the impact they’ve had in their health organisations and in the wider community, I am very grateful to rank among them. But I do hope they don’t think I have achieved everything I want to achieve – I’m not ready to go home and retire. I’m not done yet!”
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New Skills For Project Participants A project in Thetford is celebrating after its latest intake of participants have received recognised qualifications that are likely to help them secure employment. Full Steam Ahead, a project led by the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford, has enabled participants to attend Emergency First Aid at Work and Fire Marshal training during the last month. Seven participants attended the First Aid course and ten participants attended Fire Marshal training. Both courses were delivered at the Centre making them easily accessible for local people. These courses were chosen as they provide great transferable skills to add to participants CV’s and are useful for day-to-day life as well. Lyn Keane, Project Co-ordinator for Full Steam Ahead said; “We are very fortunate that our succesful grant application to the Local Investment In Future Talent (LIFT) scheme included funding to support participants with training courses. We’re also fortunate that many of these courses are able to be delivered through West Suffolk College, also based at the Centre, meaning there is great synergy”.
Mark Snowdon, Colin Tasker, Julie Smith and Lyn Keane proudly show off their recently obtained certificates
Julie added: “We recently interviewed a new participant who is now employed. It was later recounted to us that he stated “he had never walked into a room and felt a million times better when he left it”. Contact the Full Steam Ahead project by telephoning 01842 779867 or visit the Charles Burrell Centre.
As well as support with training courses, participants are able to benefit from a bespoke development plan compiled by Lyn who is supported by the FSA Project Administrator Julie Smith. Between them, they support people wanting to gain new skills and find employment or those that are ‘under-employed’ wanted to find more permanent employment. That development plan may include support with CV writing, interview skills and work experience placements.
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Holland Visit For Thetford Dolphins Thetford Dolphins Swimming Club had a successful trip to Holland by retaining the Links Gala Trophy. The yearly gala is contested between the twinning towns from Thetford, Hurth (Germany) and Spijkenisse (Holland). Ben Buckley set a new club record for the boys 11y 100m breast (1st/Pb) and also won the 100m IM. Alice Fasey set a new club record for the girls 14y 100m breast (pb) also winning the 100m IM (Pb). Further winning Dolphins were Louis James 50m fly, 50m back & 50m free; Aimee Dickerson 50m fly & 50m breast; Benjamin Flood 100m back (Pb), 100m free & 50m fly; Grace McGill 100m fly & 100m back; Harry Fasey 50m breast; Francesca Long 50m fly & 100m back; Alfie King 100m IM & 100m back; Amie Copp 100m breast; Ciara Lewis 50m back. Roan Cooper teamed up with Ben, Louis and Harry to set a new club record for the boys 12y 4x25m medley relay (1st) while Emily Duffy & Georgina Dickenson joined Alice & Francesca in setting a new club record for the girls 16y 4x25m medley relay and Elena Armes, Ali Ashley, Grace McGill & Amie Copp set a new record for the girls 17y&O 4x50m freestyle relay. Further winners in the 4x25m medley relays were Ella Darton, Ella Aylott, Ciara & Aimee; Toby Dickenson,
Ben, Louis & Benjamin; Jack Pinkney, Nathan Sullivan, Alfie & Benjamin Flood and Emma Malcolm, Amalee Neill-Gourlay, Alice & Francesca.Personal bests for Joshua Murad and Emilia Barrett. A tremendous effort which none of this could be achieved without Terry Clucas and his coaching team.
Run 4 Colour Sunday 21st April 2019 at Hockwold Hall in aid of Asthma UK A 5k trail running event. Start the day with a special edition white t-shirt then get covered from head to toe in an array of colours in one of five zones on the course. Further info: www.goodrunning.co.uk/run4colour/
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Help For Amputees In East Anglia Steel Bones is a voluntary charity working one-on-one with amputee families. Our key focus is offering support to new amputees and their families by providing the guidance and companionship that they need at such a challenging time. Initial contact consists of free support packs to amputee families, consisting of hand-picked treats and the Steel Bones Support Brochure with top tips and inspirational messages. To register for a support pack, fill out this form: http://eepurl.com/cWJvEP
We aim to keep in touch with amputee families if they desire, tailoring our approach to their individual needs. This can be in the form of home visits, emails or phone calls and we hope to effectively signpost key support services and information to our families. We also invite everyone affected by amputation to join our Facebook group so that they can keep updated with social events such as bowling, indoor skydiving and days out. We have just successfully held our third Steel Bones Celebration Day which saw 250 amputees and their families united for what is now the event of the year in the amputee calendar! Alongside these activities we provide Steel Bones Clubs in the amputee clinics which meet every other month so that patients can meet the team behind the scenes and learn more about the practitioners working to ensure they achieve all they need to. Steel Bones also hosts a weekly fitness club to help amputees with physical and nutritional health. The club currently takes place at Inspire Fitness Gym in Mildenhall but we are planning to open other clubs as soon as possible. Another exciting project is the Cambridge Amputee Football Team (generously supported by Cambridge Cambridge United and Cambs FA). The team trains every Thursday
Steel Bones are looking to develop more fitness clubs for amputees in the area
8.30-9.30pm at Bottisham Sports Centre, Cambridge. The players have a wide range of abilities and every amputee is welcome. Finally, we offer a series of twohour sports events to Primary school children called the Limbitless games, delivered by qualified coaches but supported by amputees. We are always looking for volunteers to help us deliver this amazing program.
Steel Bones aims to dispel any negative or preconceived ideas about amputees, and plans to educate both children and adults about the facts and reality of living with limb loss. Please call 07486 370514 for more Mr G's QPonAdvert.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2017 15:19 Page information support services or visit: www.steelbone.co.uk
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‘New Year, New Me’ Wow, 2018 has gone in a blink of an eye and now 2019 is here! What does this mean? The start of a fresh new month in a fresh new year often means a fresh new you, right? Of course, there are the resolutions and it’s all for the greater good! We all make them and it’s to become more positive in our way of living.
in your training. We do everything apart from actually get you here and that’s why we’re so strong as a small independent fitness facility. Want to try it out for yourself? Get in touch today. Become more than just a number, become a Tiger. Limited numbers available at the bespoke suite. Happy New Year from Tiger Fitness! For more information about health and fitness services available for you, visit the website: Old Skool www.tigerfitnessclub.co.uk Bar Averts 1/8th 08.18.qxp_Layout 1 13/08/2
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If you’re on social media and follow any type of exercise pages, you’ll be hounded with the ‘January joiners’ memes. It’s here people feel the need to flood your homepages with posts about people joining the gym, only to quit a month later.
Contact Ricky on 07482 006422 or visit 'Old Skool Bar' on Facebook for more information
Two things; 1...They’re right and 2...Why? Why are they right? Well, to cut a long story incredibly short, it’s because of your support and motivation. When you join a gym, you get greeted with a big smile and open arms and sold the dream of how amazing this facility is! Some facilities look pretty amazing, I’m not knocking that! But what you’re not followed up after that transaction goes through is how you are doing when you’re down there. Not one is contacting you saying ‘where are you’ if you haven’t been down for a week, no one’s checking in when you do actually go, yes you get a pleasant ‘Hello’ upon arrival but if you leave the gym in 15 minutes after taking a stroll on the treadmill, there is no one there to challenge why you’ve done a half-hearted session. That’s why we’re different at Tiger Fitness. We work with you for you. Everyone who passes through that door gets immediate attention, the instructor knows your name and after a short period will know your goals and capabilities and you’re motivated to do well Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 46
New Year New Home
Time to Move? Find your dream home in 2019 with
We would like to wish all our clients past, present and future, a happy and prosperous New Year.
01842 755422 2 Bridge Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3BL E. sales@lawsonsestateagents.co.uk
www.lawsonsestateagents.co.uk