7 minute read
Thetford Lions Club Closes
With great regret and sadness Thetford Lions Club will cease meeting from the start of 2022.
Falling membership numbers means we can no longer guarantee to provide the level of service to the community and people of Thetford that we have provided for the last nearly 50 years. In that time, we have helped at innumerable town activities as stewards and general assistance. We have organised many quizzes and social events which raised large sums of money to help those in our community whose needs fell through the cracks in the system. We also arranged for Thetford to become part of the international Peace Pole movement, and our pole in the King’s House Gardens will remain to remind future generations of us. For 22 years we ran a highly successful swimming gala which attracted swimmers with disabilities from all over East Anglia. Several Paralympians had their first taste of a swimming competition in Thetford. Our primary aim was to serve the people of Thetford so we have decided to disburse our assets to organisations which our members felt would carry on this tradition. As a result, the stock of books and bric-a-brac items which we sold at our popular street stall will be donated to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices & Mencap charity shops. Our charitable funds will be given to Fincham’s Turnaround Stays, Stroke Association, TADDS, Thetford Bulldogs Football Club, and the Thetford Music Project.
Advertisement
Pictured: Thetford Lions Peace Pole forms part of a wider trail around the town including the URC and Methodist Church
‘Just A Cuppa’ Is Back At The Library
These groups provide the opportunity for people to meet, chat and socialise over a cup of tea or coffee – it’s as simple as that. They run every Wednesday 2 - 4pm (alongside ‘Colour Me Calm’ group) and Fridays 11-12noon. No need to book, just pop in and join in the conversation.
Best Beds Direct are a family run business offering quality and affordable beds and mattresses. With us you get: • Expert sleep advice • Range of comfort levels for all budgets • Quality fabrics and storage options COME AND VISIT US IN-STORE TODAY
0330 111 6810 www.bestbedsdirect.co.uk
Rated 4.5 stars on Trustpilot Charles Burrell Centre had a very busy year even with the dreaded Covid restrictions and we would like to thank every single person who has visited and supported the centre in 2021. We couldn’t do what we do without you and we want to be doing more of it in 2022!
We had Community Day, Community Lunches, a magical Christmas Grotto with Father Christmas himself in residence. The Burrell Shop continued to grow, the Engine Room Café re-opened and the new Burrell Kitchen opened to its first set of trainee cooks too. Competitions and shows took place and local schools had their Christmas Carol services with us. Looking forward already to this coming year it’s great to see our tenants here at CBC thriving and offering the wide selection of goods and services that they do. Hair and beauty, dance, martial arts, accountancy, tattooing, cheerleading, football, tea, wellbeing services, kids play services, fitness groups, the West Suffolk College, home maintenance companies, even an antiques shop as well as.
Marcus Hawkins QP Advert.qxp_Layout 1 03/09/2021
MARCUS HAWKINS
THE GAS MAN Heating and Plumbing
l Over 30 years experience l Heating Installations l Servicing l Central Heating Breakdowns l Bathrooms l Landlord Certificates
Get in touch... 07557 927495 mchawkins7@gmail.com www.mchawkins.co.uk mchawkinsuk
About Thetford’s Karen (top left) enjoying the Community Lunch with friends
Sometime in Spring we will see the Friendly Bench and wellbeing garden really starting to take shape. These will be places that individuals as well as small groups can make use of for quiet time, reflection or a chat. Time in nature and fresh air is hugely important to our mental health and clearing our heads. So once it’s up and running please do come and have a wander round. Our Community Lunches will continue through 2022 with the first one happening on Thursday 6th January – as always there is no need to book – just turn up anytime from 12 midday to 12.45pm. No charge. The Burrell Shop is still taking on new members and is open from 10am til midday every day except Sunday as well as 4pm till 6pm on Monday evenings. Just pop in with a piece of ID to confirm your name and address and one of the team will get your membership sorted. Billie Lawler, CBC Team (01842 779867) Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 15
Do you know how to stay safe, while going green? Recent research by Citizens Advice has found that in the East of England 64% of adults are thinking about making their homes more energy efficient in the next 12 months. But 31% said they have already been targeted by a green scam. Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District has five top tips to stay safe when making your home more energy efficient: • Do your research. Before you buy anything, check the company or website you’re using.
Read reviews on different websites, ask for references, verify the company’s details using external sources, and read any terms and conditions. • Check certified schemes. When looking for a trader to use, check certified schemes that recommend traders, like TrustMark - the
Government’s endorsed quality scheme. • Get written quotes and a contract. Try to get quotes from at least three different contractors to help you decide if you’re getting a fair price.
Once you’ve decided, always get a written contract before you give a contractor the goahead. If something goes wrong it can help get what you paid for, or at least get some of your money back. • Pay with a secure method. Credit cards offer the most protection, followed by PayPal or debit card. If you’re paying for large home improvement works, see if you can pay in stages, and avoid paying for costs up-front where possible. • Be suspicious. Scammers and rogue traders can be very smart. Take your time to make sure you’re happy with your decision - if someone pressures you or contacts you out of the blue, it’s most likely a scam. If you’ve been scammed, talk to your bank or card company
Citizens Advice, Thetford and District are able to provide you with advice on avoiding scams
immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment. Report Offline scams, like telephone, post and doorstep, via the Citizens Advice consumer service by calling 0808 223 1133. Report online scams to the dedicated Scams Action service on 0808 250 5050. Text scams can be reported to your mobile phone provider by forwarding it to 7726. You can also report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. For information and advice, contact Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District via the Norfolk Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 or email via our website: www.cadat.org.uk
FULLY INSURED & PART P ELECTRICIAN DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN
Fuse board upgrades, rewires additions/alterations to existing circuits, inspect & test certificates + many more jobs. Friendly, reliable & trustworthy. 01842 337801 / 07725 658 924 | info@fosterelectricalservice.co.uk www.fosterelectricalservice.co.uk
TAX RETURN DEADLINE 2022 JANUARY 31
Breckland Accountancy Services – Friendly Local Accountants l VAT Returns l Payroll l Tax Returns
tracy@brecklandaccountancy.co.uk www.brecklandaccountancy.co.uk
l Financial Forecasting l Budgeting l Business Plans l Year End Accounts l Self Employed to
Small Ltd Companies
Breckland Accountancy Services l Competitive Prices – Friendly Local Accountants l No Job Too Small l VAT Returns l Payroll l Tax Returns For a FREE no obligation initial consultation call Tracy for a professional, reliable service with over 20 years experience.
l Financial Forecasting l Budgeting l Business Plans l Year End Accounts l Self Employed to
Small Ltd Companies
avoid the fines - take action now! Breckland Accountancy Ltd - Friendly Local Accountants
VAT Returns
Payroll
Tax returns l Competitive Prices l No Job Too Small For a FREE no obligation initial consultation call Tracy for a professional, reliable service with over 20 years experience.
Financial Forecasting Budgeting Business Plans Year End Accounts Self Employed to small Ltd Companies
Competetive Prices No Job Too Small For a FREE no obligation initial consultation call Tracy for a professional, reliable service with over 25 years experience
Tracy Prudden F.M.A.A.T
