JANUARY 21
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE
180
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Inside this month...
made it to 2021 and we Well, we’re here! We’ve t e to 2020. It’s one tha can say a clear goodby k back Page 5 - Winter Support Scheme Opens loo we en Wh . ber em we will all surely rem ness but it will be worth Page 6 - 7 - A Year Of Challenges there will inevitably be sad Page 9 - Thetford Shines Brigher good parts of this year. remembering the many Page 10 - 11 - Leaping Hare to nd rou ied rall munities How people in our com Page 13 - Greetings From WSC ivering food parcels and support one another, del Page 14 - Support For Young People n eve family, friends and medicines, telephoning Page 19 - Duck Or Goose e wer y the t ke sure tha complete strangers to ma s Page 20 - 21 - Fantastic Frontliners we partied in our garden OK. I’ll remember how Page 23 - Macro Photography nd d at a lorry driving rou for VJ Day and cheere Page 24 - Thetford Painting Restored all we remember how our streets. We should Page 25 - Thetford Past & Present of e fac the in s routine adapted and changed our Page 29 - The Yoni Wellness Clinic inesses developed new adversity and how bus Page 33 - Not Just Books l loca r Government and ways of working. Ou Page 38 - Latest Fly Tipping Fine and s way d nte unprecede Councils responded in it, Front cover image: Sunrise at BTO Nunnery n there is the will to do demonstrated that whe Lakes by Robert Salisbury winner of the 2021 re is no the and g thin any do we can pretty much Thetford Calendar Competition rcome. That should give problem too great to ove ce bra em we as ion reflect About Thetford us hope, and pause for to all. the New Year. Best wishes magazine is d magazine tfor The ut Abo proudly printed tor, Edi Terry Jermy, Tel: 01284 751296 Made to Measure 1/8th Advert 2020.qxp_Layout 1 11/0 by KNP Litho
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E-mail address for all articles, adverts etc: aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.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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Help To Claim At Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District, our Help to Claim advisers can help you with the early stages of your Universal Credit claim. Our advice is free, confidential and it is impartial and you can talk to us on the phone, email, online over chat or face-to-face at our Thetford office (by appointment only). Our advisers can help you work out if you can get Universal Credit and understand what Universal Credit will mean for you. We can also set-up your Universal Credit account and fill in the Universal Credit application. We can help to verify your identify and make sure that you are providing the right evidence to the Jobcentre and check your first payment is correct.
either calling us on 01379 658210, or for more information on how you signpost or refer people to our service, email: helptoclaim@cadat.org.uk
Find out more online at www.citizensadvice.org. uk/helptoclaim where you can also chat to an adviser about your Universal Credit application. Chat is usually available between 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays) or call 0800 144 8 444. Our Thetford office at Abbey Community Centre is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30am – 2:30pm, by appointment only (subject to local lockdown restrictions). If you are a local organisation working with people who need help to claim Universal Credit then do get in touch by
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Norfolk’s Covid Winter Support Scheme Opens To Residents Anyone in Norfolk suffering financial hardship this Winter could receive help and support thanks to a new scheme that has launched. Norfolk County Council, alongside local councils across Norfolk, is aiming to support as many residents as possible to access financial and other support if they are facing hardship. The scheme is particularly aimed at families and will provide support for those suffering financial hardship over the winter months due to Covid-19. Support is available with food and utility bills. Applications to the new support scheme can be made online, via the existing Norfolk Assistance Scheme pages at www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS or applicants can call 0344 800 8020. From Wednesday 2 December, assistance in applying online will also be available through Norfolk Libraries. In addition to this scheme we are working with food voucher company Edenred to provide support for all those eligible for free school meals, children in the early years who receive pupil premium and all of the council’s care leavers during the Christmas holidays. We are encouraging eligible families to register and apply for free school meals through their school, so that they begin to receive support in time for the school holidays.
The Covid Winter Support scheme can help with day to day living costs, including food and energy bills, daily essentials such as toiletries, sanitary products and nappies, food vouchers for the school holidays. As part of the wider package of support for families this winter, the council is also extending the Norfolk Assistance Scheme, which already provides support for food, fuel, clothes and other essential household items to Norfolk’s residents experiencing hardship. More information is also available online at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/covidwintersupport or www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS
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Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “The impact of Covid-19 on households in Norfolk has been huge, and we know some people have found it hard to get by as a result. There is no reason anyone in Norfolk should have to go hungry or cold this winter, and this scheme will help people in need through the coldest months of the year. Whether it’s food or bills, our Winter Support scheme offers a lifeline to those worst hit by this pandemic and its effects. I’d encourage those who need help to apply”. CLADDING
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A Year of Challenge And Change Normally a New Year heralds a fresh start and brings in with it new challenges. Nobody could have forseen the challenges that 2020 brought in and have remained with us throughout the year. We asked local leaders for their thoughts on the past year and how they met those challenges. And as it’s a new year, what they are hoping 2021 will
bring. For many of us the start of the vaccination programme for Covid-19 has brought renewed hope that we can return to a life where we can enjoy contact wtih each other, be it family, friends or in our workplaces. The postive responses from Sam, Lucy, Dan, Sophie and Mel show that 2021 should be the year we put the challenges and changes of the covid pandemic behind us and look forward to a change for the better.
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader, Breckland Council: As we begin a New Year, it is a timely opportunity to reflect on what was an exceptional 12 months, while also looking ahead to what is shaping up to be a very exciting 2021. Firstly, as Leader of Breckland Council, I’d like to thank you all for the resilience you have shown in recent months and your ongoing community spirit to get through the covid pandemic, which threatened both lives and livelihoods.We continue to offer support in 2021 and our team are on hand in the town to offer advice to businesses and shoppers. Our new ‘Enjoy Discover Explore’ campaign is encouraging people to make the most of what Thetford has to offer and I hope you will choose to shop local as much as possible in 2021.This year, we’re updating our overarching plan for the district to make sure Breckland continues to be a place in which people choose to live, work, visit and enjoy. This includes investing in the whole district and Thetford. In particular, we are focusing on making more of our rivers for the benefit of residents while attracting more visitors, which also supports our new climate sustainability plans. In addition, we continue to support residents most in need, through our ongoing £1m vulnerability programme. You’ll likely be aware of the delivery of new homes to the north of the town and work is expected to progress later in 2021 to enhance the power supply locally, which will support future growth including employment opportunities in the town. This is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Thetford! Lucy Nixon Hinkley, Director Thetford Garden Centre: It’s fair to say 2020 wasn’t been the year we had planned! In January myself and a few colleagues were having meetings planning this year’s Christmas department. We discussed the potential impact of Covid19, which had just broken out in China, and whether it would cause disruptions to our deliveries. Rather short-sightedly (in hindsight!) it did not even cross our minds that it would come to the UK. On March 20 th we decided to close our restaurant, coincidentally a few hours before Boris announced restaurants were to close. Four days later the main store was closed, and it all went a bit bonkers! We went from 15 deliveries a week to 500 with just a handful of staff. In our busiest season our weekly takings were now the same as what we would have taken in a morning! Since then we have been through the rollercoaster of the store and then restaurant reopening and closing again, although this time fortunate enough to be reclassified as an essential store. Since reopening in May we have had major issues in getting stock – from plants to Christmas decorations and everything in between and this is going to continue into 2021, so a tricky trading year is ahead of us. However, we have had the opportunity to think on our feet and act quicky with new ideas; We turned the restaurant into a temporary farmshop overnight; our Santa’s grotto is now a private dining vintage tearoom and we have worked with a film company in London to create a magical online Santa experience, Santa-Storytime.com We have definitely learnt a lot this year and will carry some of these lessons into 2021 with us. We are fortunate to have a strong team at Thetford Garden Centre and a fantastic loyal customer base who helped keep our spirits high in 2020; whatever this New Year throws at us I think we will be ok! Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 6
Dan Carter, Principal Thetford Academy: The Thetford Academy, much like schools across the country, has had to face and overcome many challenges this year. I'm proud to share with you what we have done as a community - a family. We're passionate about ensuring children receive an excellent education and recently we have needed to adapt to new ways of working, in order to ensure this happens. We have developed our online learning resources, delivered learning packs, made sure children could receive free school meals, supported our families and cared for one another. I'm proud of the work we've done and how our children have been determined to not let Covid-19 impact their future. As we look to the future, I'm sure our children are going to adapt and persevere. I know they are going to go on to achieve great things - and we'll be ready to support them every step of the way. Sophie Watkins, Youth Voice Reporter: The end of 2020 has signalled a New Year and perhaps a new start, which many of us are certainly looking forward to. Young people have experienced several hardships throughout 2020, but in my opinion, it is less important to dwell on the past than it is to hope for the future. So what does 2021 look like? And what does the new year hold for students and young people in Thetford? 2021 is an opportunity for a fresh start, as is any New Year, but the backdrop of the last twelve months and some of the daunting but rewarding changes to come next year make it unique. For many, the summer of 2021 marks the next chapter in the form of exams, University applications and even the first steps into the world of work for some. Young people are aspiring to accomplish plenty in the coming year, and want to stay motivated, dedicated and passionate concerning everything they do. Many are looking forward to achieving various goals and meeting every target they set themselves in the coming year. As well as this, many young people are also looking towards taking time for themselves and using the new year to heal after months of uncertainty, anxiety and rising mental health issues. 2021 offers an opportunity to reflect, meditate and learn from the past year and prepare for the future. While we can’t be certain about what 2021 holds, we can use the new year and subsequent new start for our own well-being, and let it help us to grow as both individuals and a community here in Thetford. Many things may have been compromised in 2020, but I believe that the one thing we can keep hold of for 2021 is hope. Mel Jones, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District: It goes without saying that this year has thrown many challenges at us. From late March we found ourselves thrown into a world of lockdowns, closed services, uncertain work prospects for many and a need to respond to changing times. We reacted by ensuring that all our staff and volunteers could work at home, furnished with mobile phones and laptops. We trained as we worked, quickly gaining an understanding of new concepts – ‘furlough’, ‘lockdown’, ‘self-isolation’ – and what these meant to our clients’ lives. Almost a year on from the onset of Covid, we have not had to furlough any staff and in fact, have recruited new staff and volunteers. We’ve invested heavily in our supervisors, to make sure our volunteers are fully supported while advising clients from home. Our challenge for 2021/22 is to find new sources of income to support the rising demand for advice. We know that local authorities are struggling to make ends meet and the grants that support our everyday work are likely to be reduced or cut altogether. As a charity, we’re working with our communities to ensure that we can continue our work. Saying of the year – ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!’ Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 7
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Thetford Shines Brighter Just over a year ago, the Norfolk Community Foundation launched the Thetford Shines Brighter initiative; bringing together local leaders and also communities to determine and respond to the real needs and wants of Thetford people. Key issues identified included food poverty and youth deprivation and for the past year Norfolk Community Foundation has been collaborating with a range of partners to address these in a positive and sustainable way. The global pandemic meant that the Foundation needed to adapt and innovate to get through the crisis and provide immediate support where it was needed and that’s exactly what has happened. The Access Community Trust (ACT) promotes social inclusion for all; ensuring that people who may feel excluded have an opportunity to integrate with their communities. Thanks to a grant from Thetford Shines Brighter, ACT purchased laptops and printers so that its job club members could access job vacancies online. Three people gained employment as a direct result of this. The technology also allowed for people to access information and advice on housing support, benefits and budgeting. Survivors in Transition provides therapy as well as counselling and advocacy for adults who have experienced sexual abuse during childhood. A grant from Thetford Shines Brighter enabled the group to provide direct support to survivors in Thetford during the Covid-19 lockdown; helping them build back their self esteem and decrease trauma related symptoms.
A participant at Access Community Trust making use of one of the new laptops
Feeding Britain and Thetford Shines Brighter, the shop gives families from the Burrell Ward access to affordable food and household necessities at great prices.
Jo Pearson is a Thetford business owner and Vice-Chair of Norfolk Community Foundation, he said: “Since we launched Thetford Shines Brighter many local people and enterprises have been collaborating to deliver real solutions to problems. The Burrell Shop, located at the Charles Burrell The Thetford community is at the heart of this Centre and spearheaded by Norfolk Community project: it was Thetford funds, Thetford thoughts Foundation, is a fantastic example of what can and Thetford people that came together to make be people4.qxp_Layout work together. With Theachieved Mulberrywhen REV Advert 1 21/09/2020 15:27 Page it happen. I am1very pleased and proud of the funding from partners such as Breckland Council, results: thanks to all involved.”
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Photo courtesy: Carl Harding-Palmer
Rediscover the great outdoors in 2021 With the roll-out of the vaccine programme, we can perhaps feel a little more confident that as 2021 progresses, we will see the beginnings of a return to normality. We look forward to our events calendar picking up during the year. If you’re considering putting on an event in 2021 – anything from an art exhibition to a comedy night – have a word with our Box Office. We’re very experienced in staging events and we’ll sort out your promotion, ticketing and front of house – freeing you up to look after the event itself.
Walk this way… If one of your new year’s resolutions is to take more exercise, why not start by taking local walks and getting to know a little more about Thetford and the surrounding area? The two rivers (the Little Ouse and the Thet) that flow through our town centre create stunning scenes that change with the seasons. Pop into the Leaping Hare shop in King Street and grab a leaflet or two about our range of self-guided walking trails, focusing on different aspects of Thetford. You can visit filming locations for Dad’s Army, discover the town’s industrial heritage, find out
more about Duleep Singh, the last Maharajah of the Punjab… or feel the chills of Thetford’s haunted heritage. Only 10 minutes away from the town centre, you’ll find Nunnery Lakes, the British Trust for Ornithology’s very own nature reserve. It’s a true oasis of calm – something many of us are looking for during these trying times.
STAR TURN ON KING STREET
…this corn really pops Of course, the traditional cold January weather may mean you decide to stay inside instead. We have the perfect snack treat for you while you’re catching up on Christmas telly or revisiting some classic old movies. Heather Dent is one of the many local makers whose wares we stock in our King Street shop. Her Kettle Corn UK is made using a traditional American method of cooking popcorn in a kettle – hence the name! It’s slightly sweet and salty and sometimes flavoured with simple, quality ingredients. Heather says: “I am finding that folks who don’t like popcorn love my Kettle Corn. It is made with love and care and is a product I am proud to put my name to.” We stock the full range of Heather’s delicious Norfolk Kettle Corn, which is all gluten-free and vegan.
Our central hub on King Street is still open – while we may not be seeing as many tourists in Thetford, we’ve had lots of lovely local visitors through our doors (wearing masks and using hand sanitiser, of course) and we love to say hello to all of you. We’ve been supporting those who require extra help during lockdown, matching up local resources with those in particular need. We’re also thrilled to welcome a new – and highly talented – maker to our shop. Twelve-yearold Dejay Brinkley is a woodturner, and he’s been producing some absolutely stunning work. He’s definitely a star of the future – make sure you do not miss his beautiful creations.
Leaping Hare
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2021 Greetings From WSC Happy New Year from your West Suffolk College team in Thetford. We have had a tremendously busy 2020 adapting to a new way of delivering learning to the community, and with the likelihood of additional government funding for adult learning in 2021 we are looking to be set for another busy year. Some of the headline figures from the adult learning team at West Suffolk College from last year include the Number of Enrolments: 3944 and the Pass Rate: 91%. All of our maths, English, ESOL and computing classes are being taught face to face in small bubbles and additional home learning is set using online classrooms which can be completed at a time that suits between your classes. If you prefer to study maths and English online, then we also have a fully online option available. If English is not your first language, we still have lots of space in classrooms for people who wish to learn how to speak, read and write in English. We have continued to support local services & key workers delivering locally maths, English and ESOL locally to industry and the service sector such as large food manufacturing companies, local NHS trusts amongst others. Our digital skills offer for adults has been created with lots of new computing courses available to take part in. Courses include:
As a result of the increasing rate of unemployment due to the impact of Covid-19, we have developed our offer accordingly with the skills for employment and Traineeship curriculum in line with national priorities in order to support Britain back to work. All of our back to work programmes are currently being delivered 100% online. We also now have available new level 2 online certificates to meet the local priorities in the following subjects alongside our existing online courses: Infection Control, Mental Health First Aid and Adverse Childhood Events. Many courses offered are fully funded and with new classes starting in February 2021, now is a great time to begin your learning journey with us. Please visit www.wsc.ac.uk to find out 09:50 more or SGB Advert.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2020 Page 1 call us on 01842 760150.
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Extra Support Available For Thetford’s Young People A community group in Thetford that supports children and young people celebrated some additional support recently following a donation of arts and crafts materials from a local Councillor. Athena Education Support CIC is an alternative provision social enterprise that was founded in March 2019. They provide advice, support, guidance and training to statutory organisations, schools, local communities, children, adults and families facing social emotional and mental health, and/or special and additional needs difficulties. After visiting them recently to find out more about the organisation, Breckland Councillor for the Priory Ward Susan Dowling was keen to support them further and co-ordinated the collection of arts and crafts materials which the charity can now make use of to support local families. Councillor Susan Dowling said; “As a former social worker, I know just how important items such as arts and crafts materials, stationery and children’s books can be for children and families. Research shows that stimulating children’s imagination is MCP HP Advert 1 19/11/2018 so important for 11.18.qxp_Layout their future development. I am passionate about supporting families and children
Sandra Govender (left) from Athena with Councillor Susan Dowling
when they need it. Young people are our future, and they deserve the best possible start in life, and they have experienced many disruptions over the past year both to their education and their social life”. Sandra Govender, CEO and Founder of Athena Education Support CIC said: “I am very grateful for Susan’s support and we have already been making use of the fantastic materials that have been donated. We started offering alternative provision to children from local schools back in September 2019. By the start of the pandemic in March, the demand for our services steadily 09:41 Page 1 increased and now, the number of children and families requiring support is growing rapidly”.
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The Shop Partnership Working TheBurrell Burrell Shop@ @CBC CBC Offers Families A New Lifeline
The Burrell Shop The Burrell Shop@@CBC CBCisisalready alreadybecoming becoming so so much morethan thanjust justCBC quality foodand and cleaning much more quality food cleaning The Burrell Shop @ is already becoming so much more thanlow justprices quality food and cleaning products very low prices for members. It’s aa products atatvery for members. It’s products atmembers very low can prices forquestions members.about It’s a place where members canask ask questions about place where place where members can ask questions about help available kinds challenges and help available forforallallkinds ofof challenges and help available for allto kinds challenges and issues - fromwhere where accessof affordable coats, issues - from to access affordable coats, issuesand - from where to access affordable coats, hats boots to how they can get help for hats hatsand andboots bootstotohow howthey theycan can get get help help for for budgeting, cookery advice and so much more! budgeting, budgeting,cookery cookeryadvice adviceand andso so much much more! more! Opensince sinceNovember November2nd 2nd2020 2020 originally originally to to Open Open since November 2nd 2020 schools, originallythe to families with children at the local families with atatthe local the families withchildren children the localschools, schools, the Shop expanded to offer membership to the Shop Shopexpanded expandedtotooffer offer membership membership to to the the Barnham Cross estate residents before Christmas Barnham Cross estate residents Barnham Cross Estate residentsbefore beforeChristmas Christmas and from the 16 th January all residents of the and from Januaryall allresidents residents of of the the and from thethe1616th th January Burrell Ward will be eligible eligible for for membership. membership. Burrell Ward willbebe Burrell Ward will eligible for membership. It’s partnership working that started the ball rolling partnership workingthat thatstarted startedthe theball ballrolling rolling It’sIt’s partnership working for the Burrell Shop so thanks must go to Norfolk for Burrell Shop so thanksmust mustgo gototoNorfolk Norfolk forCommunity thethe Burrell Shop so thanks Foundation and Breckland Council for Community Foundationand andBreckland BrecklandCouncil Councilfor for Community Foundation their initial and ongoing support. It’s partnership their initial and ongoingsupport. support.It’s It’spartnership partnership their initial and ongoing working with with local local and working and national national companies companies since since working with local and national companies since we opened opened (such farmers and we (such as as locallocal farmers and local webusinesses, opened (such as local farmers and businesses, Sainsburys, HISChurch, Feeding Feeding businesses, Feeding Britain and Sainsburys, Kettle Chips)HISChurch, and of our Britain of course course our Britain and members Kettle Chips) andus ofgoing. course our wonderful that members that keeps keeps us going. wonderful members that keeps us going.
Members have told told the shop shop “It’s a a lifeline”, “Wow Members Members have have toldthe the shop“It’s “It’s alifeline”, lifeline”,“Wow “Wow it’s just just like like aa real real corner shop but with with really great great it’s corner shop but it’s just like a real corner shop but withreally really great prices!” “It’s “It’s been been great great to to pay pay my way way and get prices!” prices!” “It’s at been great to paymy my wayand andget get the till tilltoo”. too”. friendly help help at friendly the friendly help at the till too”. If you you want to to know know how your your company can get If company can Ifinvolved you want want to know how how your canget get in supporting supporting our local local company families or involved in our families or you’d you’d involved in information supporting our local families or you’d like more on how to become a like more information on how to become a member like more information on how member yourself please get to inbecome touch: a yourself please get in touch: member yourself please get in 01842 touch: billie@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk or call billie@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk billie@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk or call 01842 779867 ext 320. Or you can 01842 779867 ext 320. 779867 extcall 320.
The Burrell Shop @ CBC The Burrell Shop @ CBC Open Monday to Friday 10am til Midday and Monday til 6pm for members. Open Monday4pm to Friday 10am til Midday and Monday 4pm til 6pm members. Membership is open to allforresidents of The Burrell isWard Membership open to all residents of The Burrell Based at Ward Charles Burrell Centre In association with Based at Charles Burrell Centre
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For more info call Billie on 01842 779867 ext 320 or email billie@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk For more info call Billie on 01842 779867 ext 320 or email billie@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 15
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Thetford Garden and Allotment Club
Tel: 01842 752 097 Mob: 07912 938 376
Our regular correspondent Sue Pilgrim suggested that I might like to produce the blog this month and let you know what the Club is planning for 2021.
When we entered lockdown last March no one could have foreseen that 9 months later we would still be under Covid-19 restrictions. Being confined to ‘barracks’, people began turning to their garden as a break from the confines of the house and found that the physical benefits of regular spells of Betts of Brandon 1/8 AD.qxp_Layout 1 09/04/2019 gardening 16:38 helped them to keep fit and contributed Email: cashbuildingservices@gmail.com to their mental well-being. Indeed, I have seen in recent publications and the media advocating the benefits of gardening and we support that view. As restrictions continued we reluctantly cancelled Call: all our meetings and shows for the year. In the hope that in Spring 2021 we can start meeting, Fengate Drove • Brandon we plan to hold our Spring show on Saturday 10th April and our overdue AGM on 29th April. Our ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND meetings in May, October and November will be GATES SUPPLIED AND FITTED normal ones. In June we hold our Summer Show. July will be our annual summer trip while in August Wall and hedge removal from boundaries Decking supplied and fitted we hold a BBQ. In early September we have our Annual Show and at the end of the month our PLAYHOUSES FROM £371.00 AGM followed by a harvest supper. HERITAGE BUILDINGS FROM £476.00
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Gardening opportunities limited in January! E mail - plumbsure@yahoo.com No Job to Small 1-8 Advert REV2.qxp_Layout 1 11/09/20 32 Fisher Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2LD January is the coldest month of the year and any work outside is dependent upon having favourable conditions. If you haven’t done so already, plan your garden for the year and determine what seeds and plants to buy. If you are a garden novice don’t be too adventurous, seek out plants that are easy to grow and check what spacing they need. If you need advice then why not join We take the pain out of the painting us on Facebook under ‘Thetford Garden and Free estimates & competitive rates. Allotment Club’ and I am sure someone will For your all interior and exterior be able to help you. Better still why not join the decorating requirements. Club and meet up socially with our experienced Professional, friendly & reliable. Fully insured gardeners when we are back in business? For the meanwhile, stay safe and all the best for 2021! Call Arry 07719 037306 Email: nj2s@outlook.com
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Duck Or Goose? No, not a question about Christmas left-overs, but one you might ask on seeing a Shelduck! These strikingly-patterned white, black & chestnut brown waterbirds are closely related to both geese and ducks but belong to their own subfamily, Tadorninae. Once associated with coastal parts of the UK, Shelducks have colonised inland areas over the last 50 years or so. This has led to their breeding range in Britain increasing by more than 40% since the late 1960s. In East Anglian terms, they have done particularly well in Breckland and it is now quite common to find them in various open habitats such as farmland and heathland. Shelducks, like Egyptian Geese, are hole-nesters. They often nest in rabbit burrows and this, coupled with the sandy soils in our part of the world, might account for why they have found Breckland very much to their liking. They also seem to be fond of pig fields, perhaps because of the combination of plentiful food, the disturbed and therefore easily -excavated soil, and plenty of pools of water where they can take their chicks for greater safety. Whilst some Shelduck seem to remain in our area year-round, others depart for communal moulting grounds around the North Sea in late summer. Pairs can start reappearing on breeding territories as early as December but January – March is the peak period for birds to return, so now is the time to look out for them. BTO’s Nunnery Lakes reserve, on the south side of Thetford, is a good spot for seeing Shelduck. Try scanning from the viewing platform at the south end of the network of permissive paths or from the viewing screen on the east side of Barnhamcross Common, a few hundred metres south of the pumping station at the end of Nunnery Drive. BTO Research Ecologist Ros Green recently began a PhD that will use cutting-edge tracking technology to reveal more about the movements of Shelduck. This is important research because we don’t know much about the routes Shelduck take when they head out across the North Sea, and offshore windfarm developments could have an effect on these birds. Ros spoke about the plans for this work at BTO’s annual conference in December. As you’d expect, this was a virtual event but whilst it was sad not to be able to meet members and supporters face-to-face, it does at least mean that if you want to find out about Ros’s work
A pair of Shelducks by Philip Croft / BTO on Shelduck – or any of the other fascinating topics that were covered during the conference week – you can watch these videos on the BTO’s YouTube channel, ‘BTOvideo’. Nick Moran, BTO
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Fantastic Frontliners Keeping Education Going For Thetford Young People Graeme Richardson is Thetford Academy’s Curriculum Leader for Health and Wellbeing. There are 1,132 students at the school aged between 11 - 19 years. Graeme has been working with his team throughout the Covid-19 crisis to help keep the school open and deliver an education to local children. He’s shared his experience: “I have lived in Thetford for almost my entire life. Being able to serve this community during the Covid-19 crisis has been an absolute privilege. From supporting our children to ensure they can continue with their education and looking out for my colleagues, through to making sure local families were managing the extra stress they were experiencing. Our team, like teachers across the country faced similar challenges. We needed to quickly adapt to new ways of working and keep our children engaged. It really helped that I work with a passionate group of people working tirelessly to make sure young people didn’t miss out on their education. Our children deserve the best education and bountiful opportunities. One part of my role involved driving around the town with the wonderful attendance team delivering home learning packs for students who couldn’t access the internet or struggled using technology. I also delivered revision packs to Year 11 students preparing for their exams. Although these exams didn’t go ahead, our student’s hard work has helped to prepare them for the next stage of their lives. I know they will go on to achieve great things. One of the things that stood out for me, was how grateful our students were. I got to see and hear it first hand whilst delivering packs - and my colleagues delivering online learning received countless emails. I thoroughly enjoyed getting out into the community and seeing our students. It meant I could check in on their wellbeing and
Thetford teacher Graeme Richardson who has been at the forefront of keeping young people engaged with education during the pandemic
make sure they still felt they were part of the school. At Thetford Academy we’re a community. Covid-19 couldn’t stop that. We wanted our students to know they could reach out to us, no matter the scenario. We will always be there to teach them and support their wellbeing. We worked hard to make sure learning was still fun. This included circuit training, physical challenges, using technology to stay active, TikTok challenges and sharing Breckland School Sports Partnership’s challenges. We saw lots of our children taking part and enjoying their learning, which was so encouraging. Another important role was looking after the children of key workers. As a teacher myself, this was something that I was particularly enthusiastic about. The nurses, doctors, carers and other key workers needed to go to work with the peace of mind that their children were well cared for. That’s where we came in. We adapted to social distancing and regular santising to make sure students on the school site were as safe as possible. We’re very lucky to have lots of space at Thetford Academy!
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Findlay QP Advert.qxp_Layout 1 18/06/2019 13:23 Pa I worked closely with the Youth Sport Trust and Danny Burton on a national project #ThisIsPE to produce videos for students across the country to use to keep themself active during lockdown. These videos can be found on the Youth Sport Trust website. I felt it was really important to keep children active and taking part in sport while at home. Part of this work also included collaborating with the Inspiration Trust’s curriculum leaders to discuss changes to our curriculum as a result of Covid-19.
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Graeme believes keeping active has be key to Thetford Academy students’ wellbeing during the current covid pandemic
Personally, at home I worked with my own two children and helped them to complete their home learning set by their primary school. At work, I provided summer school sessions for Year 10 students (now in Year 11) to try and help make up for some of the learning time they lost. In between working with the Youth Sport Trust, teaching remote lessons, recording lessons, working with my own children and marking work, we also managed to do lots of baking at home which we could share with our neighbours and colleagues. This year has been difficult for everyone, especially with not being able to spend time with friends and family and losing our loved ones. Being a part of such a supportive community this year has been priceless and I’m honoured to have been a part of it. Editor’s Note: Thank-you Graeme for giving us an insight into the life of a teacher and a school during 2020 and the Covid pandemic. We thank you and all our Fantastic Frontliners for your service and hope that 2021 is a year full of positive experiences. We’ll be sharing another Fantastic Frontliners story in our next edition.
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XR Litter Pick Postponed... A Focus On Hedgehogs Instead! Our litter picks have been increasingly well supported over the last few months. Big thanks to everyone who comes along to help. Unfortunately, due to restrictions we had to postpone last month’s pick. During our October pick we came across a couple of small Hedgehogs, in the hedgerows, along with the litter. Hedgehog numbers are in steep decline and were classed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ in a report by the Mammal Society for Natural England earlier this year. This month our group is focussing on what we can each do at home, in our own gardens to help support them.
Leaving areas of our gardens undisturbed allows Hedgehogs to find shelter amongst leaves and long grass. Try to avoid cutting the grass in these areas. Wild or ‘overgrown’ patches are perfect for a huge range of wildlife. A careful check for hibernating Hedgehogs can be made before any ‘tidying’ is done in the garden. Another easy way of helping is to create gaps in fencing for foraging hedgehogs to travel between gardens. A 13cm x 13cm gap is perfect for Hedgehogs, while being too small for pets to make an escape! We can also create homes for hibernation, which is starting now. This can be a box or an undisturbed log/ wood pile somewhere dry. Hedgehogs love the warmth of compost heaps which are also a source of food. As Hedgehogs are nocturnal, a daytime sighting might mean the hog is in trouble, for more info and guidance about Hedgehogs, including what food you could leave for them, please see www. norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk. It feels good to still be able to help in some way, especially when it’s so easy to leave a wild area, make a small gap in a fence or build a Hedgehog home. Which could you do?
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Raising Insect Awareness Through Outstanding Photography Raising awareness and developing a passion for macro photography is something that’s grabbed David Attenborough fan, Danny White, “I’ve been interested in wildlife since I was little, but it wasn’t until I got a semi-professional camera that I discovered macro photography” he explained, “it’s not the most expensive camera, but it’s how you use it at the end of the day”. Although photography is a hobby for former Charles Burrell High School student Danny, it’s also an important opportunity to get outside in the fresh air. Danny is fascinated by the vast array of insect life found in the town, “something so small, you walk past it every day taking no notice, but these little things have such a big impact on us. We can easily create habitats for insects in our gardens from having a log pile to placing a single slab in a quiet corner. There’s a massive decline in the insect population and they need your support. When you look closely at insects you can see their individual characteristics come out, insects have their own personalities just like other animals”.
Danny spotted this Studded Flea beetle near Nuns Bridges - the ridges you can see in the background are from Danny’s fingerprint!
“You can only really see those kinds of details using macro photography,” Danny continued. “The insect world is beautiful but brutal, some of my best images are the result of looking for something specific, where I’ve spotted signs of insect life and then discovered something else which can be as small as 1mm.” One of his favourite images is of a tiny Studded Flea Beetle, spotted by chance as the sun reflected off the beetle’s iridescent shell on a post by Nuns Bridges. To find out more about Danny’s photography follow on Facebook or 1 Instagram at 09:18 Pa Home Tyrehim Advert.qxp_Layout 25/06/2020 @greatwhiteoutdoor
Do you need New Tyres? Danny took this picture of a ladybird covered in dew early one morning in the town
Danny is now developing his own style and works with a small community of photographers from across the world on Instagram, who he says inspire him to go out and take better images. Danny chose Macro photography because he hadn’t come across other people in the area specialising in it. He joined Brandon Photography Club just before lockdown 1 started and enjoyed the macro group, picking up some top tips. Long term, he would like to bcome an ambassador for a camea brand on the macro side. His favourite insects to shoot are dragonflies because they often present different expressions. However, Danny says they are also the hardest images to capture as you have to really creep up upon them.
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Thetford Painting Restored Thetford has a large collection of portraits dating from the 16th to the 20th century. Many of these were a gift from Prince Frederick Duleep Singh but there are also a few ‘civic’ portraits of people who were mayors or MPs for the town. One such is this portrait of Cornell Fison. It has been cleaned and conserved thanks to a generous grant from Woodmansterne (the greetings cards people). There are plans to put it on temporary display at Ancient House with a view to placing it on permanent display at the refurbished Guildhall. Cornell Fison (1793 – 1880) served as mayor of Thetford in the 1850s. He also in the 1840s owned the building that today forms the Ancient House Museum. The painting is by J.Whiting and is dated to 1880, the year of Fison’s death. Cornell Fison is depicted seated with his face in light and looking out at the viewer with grey hair and a grey beard under his chin. The portrait is one of four portraits of former mayors in Thetford’s civic painting collection. Cornell Fison was from the Thetford Fison family, known for the manufacture of fertilizers. The business was started by Cornell’s father James Fison of Barningham who moved to Thetford in 1808. Cornell and his brother James joined their father in the family’s milling and agricultural supply business. The firm were grinding bones for fertilizer by 1843 at their factory at Steam Mills, Bridge Street Thetford. They later used coprolites (fossilised dinosaur droppings) at a new factory at Two Mile Bottom downstream from Thetford on the Little Ouse. In 1855, 650 tons of coprolites were brought to Fison’s works by barge for making into fertilizers. The business was profitable and the Fisons became wealthy. Cornell Fison lived at Ford Place, Thetford, a large house by the river (and now a nursing home). He also owned other property in the town. In the 1840s this included the old building on White Hart Street which 80 years later became the Ancient House Museum. The building had been left in 1826 by the then owner Betty Radcliffe to Joseph Gifford and James Fison (Cornell’s brother). In 1840 James became sole owner, and he in turn left it to his brother Cornell in 1843. Cornell Fison then sold the old house by auction in 1849. Fison was very interested in children’s education and for a period of thirteen years he maintained the British School in operation at his own expense.
Whiting’s portrait of Cornell Fison has been restored and will go on temporary display at Ancient House
Then in 1879, Cornell held a large garden party following the opening of the new infant and junior school on Norwich Road. His obituary the following year described “The liberality with which he entertained at his residence some 900 children, on the completion of the new Board Schools a few months ago, will be fresh in the recollection of our readers; to none who were there did the happiness he imparted on this and other occasions afford more genuine pleasure that the kind-hearted old gentleman himself”. The Museum is currently closed to the public and there are plans to reopen next year with an exhibition of a selection of items from the Thetford Treasure on loan from the British Museum.
For more about Ancient House visit: Van and ainformation Man AD REV 06.19.qxp_Layout 1 10/06/2019 www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ancient-house
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Past & Present
The past image shows Croxton Road before it was closed to through traffic and became the Old Croxton Road. Not much has changed in the building lines, the old lamp posts have gone and there are now more telegraph poles. Today the street is littered with parked vehicles unlike the past image. Past image: Mike Brindle. Collection Photo: Keith Robinson Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 25
An Instant Conveyancing quote Now updated with the reduction in stamp duty! Your free conveyancing quote is just one click away. Visit our website to get your free conveyancing quote which has been updated to include the reduction in Stamp Duty. It's simple to fill in and only takes a few minutes to complete. Once you have received your quote, a helpful member of our team will be in contact with you to discuss your quote and see if you require any further assistance. Click the button on our site! Visit: Rudlings-Wakelam.com BURY 01284 755771
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Graduation Of TG Course 2-20 Congratulations go to the 17 members of TG 2-20, El Alamein Flight; the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated at RAF Honington. Reviewing Officer Wing Commander Stephen Turner said: “I’m delighted to welcome graduating Gunners into the RAF Regiment. To succeed in phase 2 training requires uncompromising levels of field-proficiency, teamwork and determination, in preparation for the rigours of operational service. The Coronavirus pandemic has added to the challenges of an already demanding course, confirming the ability of these young men to prevail, through adversity. I’m particularly pleased to welcome those family members and friends who have attended the graduation, albeit virtually, from the relative safety of their own homes. The graduating Gunners should feel justifiably proud of their achievement, and the contributions they will make in the coming weeks and months, in support to the Nation’s priorities.” The trainee gunner graduations continue to take place behind closed doors due to Coronavirus, however this will be the third graduation that has now been livestreamed via Panopto; a video streaming and lecture capture software designed as a knowledge sharing platform and introduced and used by Training Wing. This proves invaluable to the families unable to attend the graduation in person. Over the last few months, RAF Honington has gone to great lengths to ensure that our directed training activity, deemed essential to the maintenance of RAF operational capability, can be delivered as safely as reasonably possible. This approach includes adherence to Government guidelines, including social distancing, wherever possible. On graduating from this course, the Aircraftmen are posted to either RAF Honington, RAF Leeming, RAF Lossiemouth or RAF Northolt, whereby they will be further trained so that they can immediately commence operations.
Some of the Prize Winners included: Frank Sylvester Trophy: LAC Buick To commemorate her late husband’s dedication to the Corps and in particular to the training of young Gunners, his widow presented the Frank Silvester Trophy for award to the best all-round Trainee Gunner of each course. The RAF Regt Association Trophy for Drill and Deportment: LAC Voss This award is made to the Trainee Gunner who has developed an excellent military deportment, assessed both on and off duty, on the parade square and, importantly during field exercises.
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John Oliver Dec 2020/Jan 2021 Ads.qxp_Layout 1 16/1
Commonly Believed Myths Below are some of the myths clients often ask us when having skin care & 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 skin oilier. If I shave hairs to remove them, they will grow back thicker and stronger? Myth. There is no way shaving can stimulate the roots of hairs. 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. We are all looking forward to getting into 2021, with such a rollercoaster of a year during 2020, it would be nice to have some nice things to look forward to. We can’t wait to welcome our clients back and give them some much deserved TLC and fantastic treatments.
Peter, Lorraine, Tracey & Ricky (pictured in 2019)
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Wishing you a healthy & Happy New Year! Lisa Stallings Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 28
The Yoni Wellness Clinic Do you want to lose weight? Get fitter? Feel better about yourself? Release those negative thoughts? Improve confidence? Learn how to manage your stress and anxiety better? Here Michelle talks through some of her frequently asked questions:
What was your reason for starting The Wellness Clinic? I come from a wellness background specialising in exercise medicine, pelvic floor & back rehabilitation have been of high importance over the years. I like to think I am relaxed in manner, that people are comfortable with being open with me. Most importantly I have a very good success rate. The name Magic Michelle was given to me after many remarkable client testimonials. Please note there is nothing ‘magical’ about my work; it is the result of much study, experience and personal practise, though I appreciate it may feel magical & there is sparkle. What is mind therapy? I work as a pluralist therapist; it basically means I work with the individual and what is right for them, it’s not a one size fits all. My interests include traditional Counselling, Clinical Sexology, Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), Life Coaching, Chakra and Energy Alignment, Meditation & Mindfulness. The 1.1 appointments are held in the strictest confidence.
Is Pilates suitable for me? Pilates is probably where I see the most transformational work. Traditional Pilates allows for more gradual progress and control of movement, particularly for back problems but it’s also great for other conditions, such as pelvic floor issues and weak core as a result of posture, childbirth, medical conditions and/or skeletal issues. I want to see you progress and know what is going on deep inside your body. I will correct, align and leave you with a more functional, efficient working body. Every week has different themes and every session I offer different levels and adaptations. What are the benefits of being a clinic movement therapy member? Access to the timetabled sessions live and online. 24/7 access to the catalogue of over 100 sessions and workshops, free monthly workshop worth £15, free Rest & Restore online worth £10 and other discounts. New material every week, you really do get your own specialist movement and mind therapist at home.
What is exercise rehabilitation vs personal training? Many people sign up to personal training as they have a set goal in mind i.e, lose weight for a wedding, regain fitness after pregnancy or simply start a wellness journey. Personal training can be on a 1.1 basis or small Find out more please visit the website; group. Exercise rehabilitation is more bespoke www.theyoniwellnessclinic.com usually after an injury or surgery. The frequency or find me on Facebook. may vary throughout the journey as programming Ear Irrigation 1/8 Ad.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2020 09:11 Pa and progress is very individual depending on the Michelle Jermy (MSc, BSc, PGCE) presenting client.
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Team Effort Brings Christmas Joy Christmas arrived early for 100 lucky recipients around Thetford when they received a surprise hamper. The project led by Mel Sturman started earlier in the year when she created the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ challenge through Marafun Events. “People have been able to continue with running and walking events as long as they did them virtually, I thought it would be nice to do one at Christmas to support the older members of our community” Mel explained. The hamper project grew once Mel put out an appeal for donations. Local businesses including Abrey Farm Foods, Shadwell Estates, Pearson’s Family Fund, Chilterns Estate Agents, Simon Long Removals, Leaping Hare, About Thetford, Champions Floral,Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Thetford Iceni Marathon & Half Marathon Events, Cakes By Me, 1st Honington (RAF) Cubs and Scouts, Garboldisham School PTA and members of the public came forward to donate, enabling 100 hampers to be created. Originally the plan was to give members of the Methodist Lunch Club and TADDS a hamper as their annual Christmas gettogethers had to be cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Once the original target was exceeded, Mel put out a call for recipient
Mel with one of the finished hampers ready to be delivered across Thetford
nominations for the additional hampers and was soon overwhelmed, “Some of the nominations have really brought home the loneliness, loss and suffering so many people are going through. My own parents are elderly so I know first hand how difficult its been for them. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part, donated or helped. It’s been a real team effort and working together we’ve given someone a little bit of Christmas cheer!”
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Happy New Year to all. Let’s hope 2021 is a much Tel: 01359 better year 259818 for everyone or visit www.ovenclean.com and also for all of your to find your local specialist cats. It’s the time of year when females come into season, get pregnant and kittens are born in the spring.
Let Ovenclean take care of it! Maid2Clean 1/8 AD.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2019 Let Ovenclean take care of it 11:24FarPatoo many kittens are born with not enough homes to go round. That’s why it is important Tel: 01359 259818 to find your local specialist to have your cat neutered, whether its male or female. Kittens can be neutered when they are around 4-5 months old and weigh 2kg. Neutering Would you like has many health benefits as well as helping to a maid to clean reduce the number of unwanted cats in the UK. your home? Male cats are more likely to end up injured or Could you use some help with your cleaning, catch diseases from fighting with other male cats. or visit www.ovenclean.com
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Subsequent vet bills can be high. They will spray smelly urine to mark their territory and attract females. Male cats also risk tumours of the testicles and may also suffer from stress if unable to find a mate. Female cats can become pregnant from 4 months of age and can have three litters a year which adds to the overpopulation problem and increases costs for the owner. If there are complications during pregnancy or birth, the vet bills will be very high. Like the male cats, unneutered females are more likely to contract diseases spread through sexual contact, and the also run the risk of cancers of the ovaries, uterus and mammary gland, as swell as developing pyometra, serious infection of the womb. Kittens born following an unplanned pregnancy may be at risk of disease. They cost a lot to care for and may also find themselves homeless as there are not enough homes to go round. If you need help with the cost of neutering, we are here to assist you. You can apply to me for a voucher for £25 towards the cost of neutering a male cat and £40 towards the cost of neutering a female cat. Vets all charge different prices, so it is best to shop around and see who can offer the best deal. Just call the number below and listen carefully to the message and then call me on the appropriate number. You cannot leave messages on our help line – it just gives a series of numbers to call depending on your problem. Call Cats Protection Breckland, 01842 810018 if you need help or advice or assistance with the cost of neutering your cat. Rita Thompson
Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 31
News From Thetford And District Dementia Support TADDS continues to support people from our group within our local community with regular phone calls and virtual coffee mornings. We are also grateful for the support we get back and want to thank Linda Stow-Butcher a (wife and Carer from our group) for her continued commitment to raising funds for us and also to Megan Preston and the Icknield Way Team of the BP on Norwich Road for the fantastic fundraising they have been doing since July, with an extra special fundraiser done on Halloween.
Megan Preston from the BP Service Station presenting a cheque from a collection in the shop
The Team have raised (from public generosity) an outstanding £286.93 and the TADDS Trustees on behalf of all from our group would very much like to thank you all for your support and hard work in raising these funds for us. We are so looking forward to 2021 when hopefully we can start the group wheels turning again. Jo Mountjoy-Dixon
Thetford Inner Wheel Another month has flown by and still no official meetings, but we have advanced into the 21st century! Our District meeting was held via Zoom when over forty members from around the area met for a get together. As everyone knows it is not as good as actually meeting but just to see familiar faces was wonderful. Thetford Inner Wheel has spent some of its charity funds by donating £100 to the Food Bank and £50 to the Rural Coffee Caravan. The latter (when able) takes the caravan to different villages to enable people to join together. The donation will go to their Cooking with Kindness appeal. Marian de Bass
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Not Just Books Happy New Year to you all and here’s to 2021: hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel will grow brighter and we will be able to meet and hug our loved ones once again. As an Independent bookshop, we have signed up to the Indie Book of The Month promotions. We’re going to share these titles each month with you all and also try to promote something a bit seasonal.
Razi and his sister, Shifa, too. And so begins an exhilarating adventure in the shadow of the biggest sea monster of them all… Traditionally January is a time when we start to think about our holidays, whether it be warmer overseas or, as we have this last year, focussed on staying closer to home. We have some travel inspired titles coming in: look out for our globe trotting window display.
January’s Indie Fiction Book of the Month is The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood and we’re able to sell this from 4th January. You may recognise the author’s name as he is also the creator of the BBC One hit TV series Death in Paradise. This is the first book in a new series introducing the Marlow Murder Club and features a fantastic lead character: Judith Potts: 77 years old and blissfully happy with no man to tell her what to do or how much whisky to drink! One evening whilst swimming in the Thames, Judith witnesses a brutal murder and unconvinced by the police’s attempts to solve it, she teams up with dogwalker Suzie and Vicar’s wife Becks to form the Marlow Murder Club. The Children’s book of the month is The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook, which is published 7th January. A thrilling adventure set in fictional Sri Lanka, jam-packed with peril and kidnap and a huge blue whale! Razi, a local fisherboy, is watching turtle eggs hatch when he sees a boat bobbing into view. With a chill, he notices a small, still hand hanging over the side… Inside is Zheng, who’s escaped a shipwreck and is AKFS Advert.qxp_Layout 14/10/2020 17:03 Page 1 full of tales of sea monsters1and missing treasure. But the villains who are after Zheng are soon after
NotJustBooks Independent Bookshop 23 Riverside Walk Thetford. IP24 2BB 01842 753660 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
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 finish.
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IF YOU CAN CATCH A COLD YOU CAN CATCH CORONAVIRUS The viruses that cause colds and flu are spread in the same way as coronavirus. This means that the things that protect us from one virus can protect us from other viruses too.
Are you doing everything that you can to protect yourself and others? Wash your hands regularly Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces Keep your distance
PROTECT OURSELVES. PROTECT OTHERS. PROTECT NORFOLK. Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 34
Still Singing! There is no stopping Thetford Singers singing even if rehearsals have changed somewhat. Experimenting with the possibilities of ‘singing together’ by Zoom have been a revelation. The Musical Director Chris Parsons has led the way from his home with the accompanist assisting from her home and members singing in their homes. But it works! It even means a previous member has re-joined the choir from her home in France!
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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.
So much new material has been added to the choir’s repertoire from folk songs to ballads to Christmas songs, traditional, jazzy and the more unusual, all to be performed as a choir in the future. Singing together, even if online by zoom, is certainly good for well-being and an evening of the week that the members all look forward to! The second half of rehearsals has been a social time of sharing ‘desert isolation discs’ by the members, quizzes and sharing favourite Christmas carols. This has proved to be a great way of getting to know each other as well as educational and fun! So, as we look ahead to 2021, rehearsals will continue in this fashion at present! Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in having a taste of singing on zoom or joining us in person at some point in 2021 please contact Thetford Singers Secretary via email: hilarylevan1@gmail.com
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.
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Fly Tipping Investigation Results In £360 Household Fine A large amount of household waste which had been stacked next to a public bin in Thetford has resulted in one household being issued with fines totalling £360. The investigation by Breckland Council started when Thetford Town Council reported that an old mattress and bedding had been fly tipped on Dane Close, near a busy pathway and open playing space. After an in depth investigation a local resident was found to be responsible and admitted their guilt whilst being interviewed. Enforcement Officers described the resident as incredibly remorseful and cooperated fully which led to a quick resolution to the case.
for the Enforcement Team at Breckland Council. Fly tipping has long been a concern locally but these regular fines are helping to get the message out that fly tipping and littering is not acceptable and residents should use legitimate methods to dispose of unwanted items”.
As a result of their cooperation and their personal circumstances the resident was provided with advice and education on how to correctly dispose of their waste locally and safely, ensuring similar incidents would not occur again. The resident was also fined £300 for fly tipping, whilst another family member was fined £60 for misuse of a public bin, as they deposited household waste in a bin designed for street litter. A further family member, who was under 16, was advised how to deal with waste and given a warning about fly tipping. Breckland Council is reminding residents that putting unwanted furniture items out on public land with 'free' posters could be considered fly tipping, and that any 'free items' left outside must remain within the boundary of the residents property. If residents have unwanted furniture then they can advertise items via social media, offering them to local charities, taking them for free to the local recycling centre or arranging a bulky waste collection will ensure the items are recycled or reused legally and safely.
Cllr Gordon Bambridge, Executive Member at Breckland Council said; “Our Officers have taken time to work with this household and educate them on how to correctly dispose of their waste in future. I hope that this professional support will ensure no further fly tipping incidents take place”. Breckland residents are reminded if they witness or find a fly tipping incident to report it online at; DIY Masters Advert.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2020 08:51 P www.breckland.gov.uk/flytip
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2021 Happy New Year! Find your dream home in 2021 with Lawsons 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
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