JUNE 2023 About Thetford magazine

Getting Out And About In June

Well, what a busy month June is going to be! There’s a huge amount going on across the town, and quite literally something for everyone.

Thetford Sports Fest returns at the beginning of the month, always a firm favorite with families, and anyone interested in trying out a new sport for free. Wheels on the Field is back on Father’s Day, shortly followed by Thetford Open Gardens the week after. The last two events raise much needed funds for charities and are really great days out.

Lastly, for our budding thespians in the town, it’s time for Thetford Players Panto information evening (oh yes it is!) in preparation for the auditions.

We are delighted to see the return of the Festival of Thetford & Punjab in early July and have a handy four page pull-out in the centre of the magazine so you can plan your festival weekend. There’s a huge array of events and activities to choose from and of course the fabulous finale Mela on the Sunday.

Karen-Emma White, Assistant Editor, About Thetford magazine

Inside this month...

Page 5 - Thetford Players

Page 6 - £2 Bus Travel Extended

Page 7 - Walking & Cycling Consultation

Page 11 - Thetford Open Gardens

Page 14 - Wheels On The Field

Page 16 - Seahorsing At The Library

Page 18 - Treasure At The Museum

Page 20 & 21 - Coronation Celebrated

Page 23 - 26 - Festival Programme

Page 29 - Have You Heard A Cuckoo?

Page 31 - Composting Information

Page 33 - New Wildflower Meadows

Page 34 - Local Photographer’s Big Role

Page 39 - News From Thetford u3a

Page 41 - Probus News

Page 43 - Money Matters Column

Page 45 - League Success For Club

Front Cover Image: ©Neil Garrod www.neiljamesmedia.com

About Thetford magazine is printed on carbon balanced paper in Norfolk

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Could Warren’s Next Apprentice Be You?

Alistair and Jed are both former pupils of Thetford Academy, and have both gained an apprenticeship at Warren.

Alistair completed his GCSEs and moved on to study A-levels at Sixth Form. Half way through his studies Alistair realised that A-levels were not a very good match for him and approached Warren for a possible apprenticeship. Starting in 2020, Alistair has now almost completed his Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship at West Suffolk College. Alistair has rotated around most of the business, learning skills in all of the process areas. He is currently working in the quoting area, which is an office based position within the business. Alistair is a fantastic member of the team and is popular in all areas that he has worked in. Alistair’s story proves that even if you make the wrong decision after your GCSEs, it is ok and you can change your mind. Alistair lives and works in Thetford and

says that it is handy to work in the same town as you live in, particularly at the moment with the cost

Jed completed his GCSEs and was not really sure what he wanted to do. He chanced upon an engineering apprenticeship at Warren through a friend and thought he would give it a try. Jed knew that he would prefer to be in the working environment, earning whilst he was learning. He also felt on the job training was better for his learning style. Jed has now fully completed his Level 3 Apprenticeship and continues his learning journey in the workplace. As well as being an all round mechanical engineer, Jed has shown a real flair in the welding area of the business. His next challenge is being part of the team that will fully integrate a new laser into the business.

If you are interested in an apprenticeship at Warren, please email: recruitment@warrenservices.co.uk

For more information, please visit the website: www.warrenservices.co.uk

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Thetford Players Return With A Summer Performance

Adam Bond, better known for having played the Dame in previous panto’s and The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, has taken on the mantel of Director in this double-billed production. We dedicate this performance to Thetford Players President, Keith Eldred, a well-known and much loved gentleman who will be known by many local groups and businesses. Keith sadly passed away recently, he was a founder of Thetford Players and had been involved in drama for many years, he will be sorely missed. This one is for you Keith! We open with a play - Blue Remembered Hills. It’s World War II Britain, a summer afternoon in the Forest of Dean and a group of children play, away from their parents and guardians. We explore the children’s lives as they tackle adult issues such as family, money, war and death in their own way. The twist? All the children are played by grown adults! A small cast of only seven people it is an emotive but endearing play with lots of comedic moments. The language in the play has elements that some may find offensive but are products of wartime Britain combined with the innocence of childhood, which we have kept to maintain the integrity of the story. Please also be mindful that there is a small content warning, parent discretion advised. If you have any concerns, please speak to one of the Thetford Players team.

After an interval to refresh ourselves, we continue with the Showcase. Members of Thetford Players will entertain you with a variety of acts including song, poetry, monologues, music and dancing. Our accidental theme of ‘growing up’ and ‘childhood/ adulthood’ continues throughout the showcase with junior members performing ‘When I grow up’ from Matilda, along with adult contributions of ‘A Little Boys Pocket’ from Maggie Williams and ‘Death of a Salesman Monologue’ from Will O’Donnell to name but a few. We can’t wait for the audience to come on this journey with us.

Jo Cooper, Thetford Players

To book tickets please visit: bit.ly/PLAY_SHOWCASE

Call 07512 474700 or email: thetfordplayers1@gmail.com

£2 Bus Travel Scheme Extended

Bus travel in many parts of Norfolk is set to stay capped at £2 a journey as part of the government’s ongoing Bus Fare Cap Grant scheme, which has now been extended to 31st October 2023. This means that a single journey on all services run by participating operators will continue to cost no more than £2 thanks to funding from HM Government. In addition, the government has announced funding to freeze fares at £2.50 from November 2023 through to November 2024. The scheme is part of the Government's Help for Households campaign designed to support families through cost-of-living pressures.

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure said: “The fare cap has already helped families across Norfolk facing a real squeeze on their incomes, and the news that it is to continue throughout the summer and into autumn is welcome. This cap benefits anyone who needs to travel about our county, and will help keep Norfolk on the move in an affordable, sustainable way.”

While initially introduced only as a temporary measure, the £2 fare cap is being extended for

the second time to continue helping people save money on travel. Since it started on 1st January this year, the £2 fare has encouraged more people to use the bus. As part of £300 million to support services nationally until 2025, £160 million will be provided to local transport authorities to improve fares, services and infrastructure while £140 million will go directly to operators to help protect essential services across England.

The Department for Transport announced in September plans to invest up to £60 million to introduce the £2 bus fare cap on a single bus ticket on most services in England outside London.

Bus travel is set to stay at £2 per single journey until the end of October.

Have Your Say On The Future Of Cycling And Walking In Thetford

Norfolk County Council has launched phase two of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which focuses on improving active travel in twenty towns across the county.

The purpose of the LCWIP is to enable increased levels of cycling, walking, and wheeling across the county, helping to create a modern and wellconnected transport network that gives people more alternatives to travelling by car. An online survey has been launched and will be open until 13th July 2023. The survey asks for residents’ feedback on the proposals outlined in the plan. There is a seperate online survey for each of the twenty locations outlined, including Thetford. There is also information about proposed improvements to Norfolk Trails and the National Cycle Network.

County Councillor Jane James, representative for Thetford East said: “I welcome the opportunity for Thetford residents to share their thoughts and shape the future options for how they choose to move around our town and county. It is vital that we hear from all residents, and I encourage everyone to engage with this opportunity.

County Councillor Terry Jermy, representative for Thetford West division said; “I’d encourage people to take part in this consultation. Hopefully it will capture people’s passion on this issue, help unlock future funding opportunities and help inform the County Council’s future work”.

The plans are a result of work to create a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Norfolk. The Countywide LCWIP will put Norfolk in the strongest position to make the case for future funding for walking and cycling projects that will have maximum benefit for the local community.

To find out more and have your say visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/activetravel

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Dragon Fest ‘23

Dragon Fest returns to take over West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park on the 24th and 25th June, for what will be another flaming good day out!

This year, the annual Dragon Festival will see the Anglo-Saxon Village invaded by some new and some more familiar dragons! The celebration of all thing’s dragon will include performances and activities and you can even meet and pet the dragons as they roam the village. Come rain or shine, the Dragon Fest team have you covered with indoor attractions and special performance zones. There will be a variety of food available to purchase, or you can bring a picnic.

Revel in meeting dragons, creatures and unique characters as we welcome you to a festival of family entertainment and fun activities. Highlights already confirmed include: Bring Out Your Dead Productions, Rattlebox Theatre Company, Magic Floor Productions, Fireflow’s Circus, arts and crafts, storytelling, Viking Tales, face painting, axe throwing and archery. Plus there will be a wide range of food and drink stands available for all tastes. There’s much more still being confirmed as well!

To book in advance, visit: www.weststow.org

Hanging by a Thread

We have had just the best time with the first season of our new workshops. We’re thrilled that people have embraced the concept and have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback. “Wonderful!!! Loved the workshop! Clear instructions/encouraging, supportive lead. Fun, friendly atmosphere”

Our makers have covered beauty products, creative lettering, felting and Indian block printing. Everyone learnt new skills, enjoyed a lovely social and got to take away their new makes. More workshop dates will be released shortly. Be amongst the first to know by joining our mailing list.

Events

We’re really looking forward to Thetford Open Gardens on Sun 25 June fund raising for St Nicholas Hospice - we have programmes and raffle tickets and will be open on the day (10:00am - 1:00pm)

Euston Hall tours resume on Sat 26 Aug - Fri 1 Sept, Sat 23 - Fri 29 Sept see their incredible art collection.

Coming soon...

Heritage Open Days and more Meet the Maker events.

The QR code below takes you to all events on our box office.

It’s Time For Thetford Open Gardens

The seventeenth Thetford Open Gardens event is set for 25th June and as ever the team have pulled together a fantastic array of gardens across the town. There are twenty-seven gardens taking part this year. Thetford has some beautiful and varied horticultural delights to share, from a WII air raid shelter repurposed as a potting shed, to newly created drought resistant beds in response to the changing climate which gardeners are now having to work with.

Gardens within gardens is very much a theme this year and visitors will be thrilled to discover the wide variety of gardens on display including a bonsai garden, wildlife and wildflower areas, plus traditional vegetable and herbaceous gardens. Enjoy the tree trail in Kings House Gardens, lunches featuring homemade quiche and smoked salmon sandwiches in garden 19, tea and scones in garden 25, an authentic Aussie BBQ in garden 7 and of course Sue’s spectacular choice of cakes in garden 1 – not forgetting the bacon rolls that you can start the day with too! Every garden has something special to showcase, be it a mosaic, a pond or even a handmade shoe studio. Best of all, not only is it a great day out but every single penny raised goes to St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Writing

Tickets are available from the Leaping Hare Box Office www.leapinghare.org or in person at the Everything Thetford shop in King Street (open Monday - Saturday 10am - 2pm), Thetford Garden Centre (cash only) and 28 Arlington Way outside of shop opening hours (cash only). If you can’t make the event but would still like to support the hospice, raffle tickets for the Grand Draw are available at Everything Thetford, Charles Burrell Centre, 28 Arlington Way and all gardens taking part. There are some wonderful prizes up for grabs again this year including £100 garden vouchers, a trip in a vintage Rolls Royce with afternoon tea, hampers, vouchers and a fire pit.

Please take the opportunity which this, our 20th annual Will Weeks event, offers to set out your wishes with one of our fully qualified and insured local Will professionals, who will ask you to make a donation to St Nicholas Hospice Care instead of paying a fee.

To make an appointment call one of the firms listed below quoting “St Nicholas Hospice Care Wills Weeks”

Brandon

Bury St Edmunds

Atkins Dellow From 19 June call Bethan Garratt or Angela Dela Valle 01284 767766

Burnett Barker From 5 June call The Wills Team 01284 701131

Churchgates From 5 June (1 week only) call Joanne Clayden 01284 701271

Ellisons Solicitors From 30 May call Amelia Fox 01284 763333

Greene & Greene From 5 June (1 week only) call Sarah Fordham 01284 717443

For more solicitors across the West Suffolk area visit: www.stnicholashospice.org.uk/wills-weeks

Rudlings LLP From 30 May * call The Wills Team 01842 810300

Willett & Co From 12 June (1 week only) call Elizabeth Holmes 01284 701323

Copies of our leaflet entitled “A brief guide to Wills – and why you should have one…” and further information about Wills Weeks may be requested by emailing nick.duncan@stnh.org.uk or by calling 075 4565 7216. Alternatively, visit www.stnicholashospice.org.uk and search for “Wills Weeks”.

One of the gardens taking part this year

Thetford Singers Set For Another Fantastic Performance

‘Feel the spirit’, a cycle of spirituals, was first performed on 17th June 2001 in Carnegie Hall, New York and conducted by the arranger John Rutter. The familiar melodies include Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, Steal away, Deep river and When the saints go marching in. Thetford Singers, conducted by Chris Parsons, are delighted to be joined by soloist Naomi Sturges and the children of Raleigh Infant Academy and Admirals Academy for their performance of ‘Feel the Spirit’ on Thursday 13th July in The Carnegie, Thetford.

Naomi Sturges grew up in Maldon, Essex, and has a degree in Music from the University of York. A former choral scholar at St. Martin in the Fields, she has sung Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Agathe in Der Freischütz by Weber. She has also played the title role in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Blow’s Venus and Adonis and a staged production of Handel’s Acis and Galatea. She sings regularly with professional choral ensembles including Eboracum Baroque and the Mogens Dahl Kammerkor in Copenhagen. Naomi is the Music and Liturgy Administrator at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and will take up the new post of Vicar Choral there from September.

It has been an exciting term for Thetford Singers. They have already performed ‘Feel the Spirit’ at the Bury Friendly Orchestra Summer concert at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds. The choir have also performed at the ‘Space Community Concert’ at the Ely Festival in Ely Cathedral. This involved three hundred and fity local school children, a live orchestra and professional soloists performing an eclectic mix of space themed music. A repeat and deeply moving project for choir members has been ‘Firesongs’, a presentation by Frozen light theatre which creates exciting and original multisensory theatre for audiences with profound and

multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Thetford Singers rehearse on Wednesday evenings during term-time at Thetford Methodist Church. Interested singers are welcome to attend for a taster rehearsal. Please express interest and find further information at: www.thetfordsingers.org

The deadline for the July edition of About Thetford magazine is 15th June. Please send your contributions to : aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

Thetford Singers’ guest soloist Noami Sturges

Wheels On The Field

Wheels on the Field is back this year and taking place on Sunday 18th June from 11am – 4pm on Barnham Cross Common.

Started in 2018 with just fifteen cars, this year’s family friendly event is set to be the biggest and best yet. Organised by Sharon Thompson from First Aid Support Thetford (FAST), the event supports a number of charities with proceeds split between East Coast Truckers and Norfolk Blood Bikes. For car enthusiasts there’s over four hundred and fifty cars booked, in both from clubs and individuals including Jaguar, Ford and VW. Around two hundred motorbikes of all shapes and sizes linked to the Copdock Motorcycle Show will arrive at Barnham Common at noon following a charity bike ride from Ipswich to Thetford. There will be trucks as well, coming to town from across East Anglia.

New for 2023 is a Dog Show, with several categories to choose from. This fun, friendly competition will be judged by guests from PACT, who will also benefit from the competition proceeds. Aimed at family pets, the Dog Show is sure to be hugely popular with all ages.

Alongside the ‘wheels’ will be a host of activities

including Combat Paintball, archery, bouncy castles and Larry Gray is bringing his fairground rides. Local groups demonstrating in the arena include Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu and local dance schools. There’s a host of stalls including food and drink along with five live music acts covering everything from pop to country music.

Speaking about the event Sharon said, “It’s going to be really good fun this year, there’s so much going on. We love how the event has grown and really want it to put the town on the map.”

Sharon is looking for a volunteer photographer to document the day. Entrance is free with onsite car parking £2 per car. For more information, please call Sharon on 07940 029510 or email: shaz_eng_uk@hotmail.com

Vehicles attending Wheels On The Field 2022 Image: ©Mark Copsey

Spotlight On... .

Grumpy Gary The Magician

Thetford based Gary Bruce aka Grumpy Gary, The Magician has a passion for entertaining, especially when it involves audience participation. Gary has been performing magic since his Aunt Rene brought him a magic set when he was eight years old. Seven years later, aged fifteen Gary had his first paid gig at a youth club which literally ended with egg on his face after trying to vanish six eggs into his top hat. Like so many people his twenties and thirties whizzed past in a blur of family life. Then after two decades Gary picked up his kit and got the performing bug again. This time as “Silly Sammy”. He also wore the red suit in Chelmsford Wyevale Garden Centre for nine years, to spread some Christmas Ho Ho Ho!

In 2011 Gary and his wife moved to Devon where he became a warden on a holiday park and responsible for all the park entertainment. Quizzes, bingo, race nights and games nights became regular activities for Gary along with his weekly magic show. Over the years Gary has performed magic at birthday parties, weddings, fetes and all sorts of places including care homes, hospitals and schools.

Recently, Gary has started to work with puppets which he says is great fun. Gary made his Thetford debut at the CBC Coronation Tea party at the beginning of May, proving to be hugely popular with the children and not remotely grumpy at all! Whatever the occasion, Gary can provide entertainment to make your party one to remember. For more information or to book Gary please call 07733251925 or email: grumpygarymagic@gmail.com

Telephone: 01953 718421

Mobile: 07928 326008

Email: help@bailiwickit.com

Website: www.bailiwickit.com

Gary in action performing one of his rope tricks

Seahorsing At Thetford Library

A new workshop with writer and poet Gail McConnell is coming up at Thetford Library on 10th June from 11am - 2pm. It has been created in partnership with UEA Archives and Norfolk Library Service to celebrate the new Centre for Contemporary Poetry.

Together, families will get to hear some stories and poems, talk about how families come in all shapes and sizes, and have a go at writing together! After a free lunch, the adults will have the chance to gather to reflect on family life and to have a go at writing with Gail. Meanwhile, kids can have a go at drawing, writing, colouring, or listen to stories from a library assistant.

This workshop is perfect for parents of 4 – 7 year olds who may also feel they don’t have time to dedicate to creative activities while raising a child. Writers of all abilities are welcome.

After the workshop, attendees will also be invited to UEA on the 22nd November to celebrate the establishment of the Centre for Contemporary Poetry, hear Gail talk about their experience of running the workshop, and view some work created by workshop participants.

Gail McConnell is a poet and academic from Northern Ireland and is Reader in English at Queen’s University Belfast. Her debut collection, The Sun is Open (2021), flits between a child and adult self in approaching an archive relating to her father’s murder. She is also the author of two poetry pamphlets, including Fourteen (2018), which explores creatureliness, IVF, bonds, and breaks, and Fothermather (2019), which was adapted for BBC Radio 4 in 2020 and explores love, queerness, baby talk, new parenthood, and forms of attachment.

To book, scan the QR code or visit: https://tinyurl.com/Seahorsing WritingWorkshop

The deadline for the July edition of About Thetford magazine is the 15th June. Please send your contributions to Karen at: aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.com or call 07540463662

Sunday - Thursday Off Peak Prices, games from £5.00 pp, discounts for groups of 4 & 5

Friday & Saturday Peak Prices, games from £6.50 pp, discounts for Juniors

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Over 50s bowling - 3 games for £7.50

Wednesday to Friday 10am - 5pm

Happy Hour - Sunday 11am - noon Kids £2.50

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Kids Birthday parties £10.95 pp includes birthday cake, balloons and banners

Seahorse (cyanotype) by Margo McNulty

Queensway Infant Academy And Nursery Joins Inspiration Trust’s Family Of Schools

On 1st May 2023, Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery joined the Inspiration Trust becoming the seventeenth school to join the ever-expanding Multi Academy Trust. The school sits beside Diamond Academy on the Barnham Cross Estate, which also recently became an Inspiration Trust school.

Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery is situated in Thetford and caters for one hundred and eighty children from nursery to Year 2, spanning children aged three to six years of age. The Inspiration Trust’s education teams have been supporting the staff at Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery since the move was confirmed earlier this year and the trust is looking forward to leading another school locally.

Principal, Karen Fancourt said, “As we move into this exciting new chapter, we look forward to continuing our journey and providing a safe and inspiring school where everyone can thrive as individuals, achieve dreams and build futures by learning together. It is a pleasure to lead a team who are committed to the pupils, families and local community and we are excited by the opportunity to work alongside Inspiration Trust.”

With Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery joining the trust, Inspiration Trust is delighted to be able to provide exceptional provision for Thetford children aged three all the way up to eightteen. The infant provision will ensure pupils have solid foundations in reading, writing and numeracy, while developing their physical and emotional maturity to ensure they are prepared to take their next steps into Diamond Academy junior school. Inspiration Trust is pleased to state that pupils at the school will experience a range of academic learning opportunities as well as opportunities beyond the classroom through trips, events and outdoor learning.

CEO of Inspiration Trust, Gareth Stevens said, “Inspiration Trust is delighted to be leading yet another school within Thetford, helping to ensure even more children within the area are able to access the high-quality education they deserve. Through Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery joining our trust, the children living in Thetford will be able to experience a continuous curriculum

from nursery right through to the age of eighteen. The children from Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery will feed into Diamond Academy, which then feeds into Thetford Academy and thus all children will experience a better transition throughout their school life”.

In April 2022, Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery was rated ‘Requires Improvement’ when inspected by Ofsted. The integration into the Inspiration Trust will inject funding for building works to the school’s exterior and interior, as well as evaluate the current curriculum on offer and support development of teachers.

Tanner Street, Thetford IP24 2BQ 10am - 3pm, Saturday 1st July 2023 Games, Craft Stall, Competitions, Light Refreshments including Ploughmans Lunches For more information please contact: Rev David McAloon on 01842 753819

Above: Queensway Infant Academy and Nursery School on Barnham Cross estate Left: Principal Karen Fancourt

Methodist Church Summer Fete

Discover Local Treasure Finds At Ancient House Museum

On Tuesday 13th June Ancient House is delighted to host a talk by Dr Adrian Marsden of Norfolk’s Identification and Recording Service about recent Treasure finds from the county ranging from the Bronze Age to the seventeenth century. Find out the hidden stories behind some really fascinating finds.

Dr Marsden completed his Doctorate on ‘Roman Imperial Portraiture and Propaganda on Coins, Medallions and the Minor Arts in the 3rd Century’ at Oxford University in 2001. Since 2002 he has been based in Norfolk. His research interests include (but are not limited to) all aspects of the Roman Imperial Coinage, particularly imitations, Roman engraved gemstones, Roman artefacts, particularly those with a religious dimension, early medieval coinage from East Anglia, and the 17th century token series. Whilst you’re at the museum, take time to enjoy the small formal garden in the courtyard as it bursts into life. The garden features pleached

hornbeams, low clipped box hedges in a geometric pattern in the Tudor style with herbs and flowers from the period. The garden was designed by Elise Percival and planted in 2005-6 as part of the lottery European funded conservation and development project.

Tickets for the latest talk must be booked in advance. £5 per ticket or free to Ancient House Friends and Norfolk Museums Passholders.

Tickets can be booked online at: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ ancient-house/whats-on/

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The About Thetford magazine is Thetford’s most distributed publication with over 13,000 copies being delivered every month to all homes and businesses in the town.

l We are Thetford’s number one FREE magazine, well established, now in our 16th year, this is the magazine everyone reads!

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Thetford Celebrates The Coronation

Thetford’s community came together across the town to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles in May, enjoying a bonus bank holiday.

The Charles Burrell Centre kicked off the week with a tea party on Tuesday 2nd May, followed by coronation bingo the next day. On the Saturday the planned big screen event was moved to the Guildhall Tearoom, with Cloverfield Community Church, Messy Church providing visitors with a crown making activity. St Cuthbert’s Church also provided a large screen for people to watch the ceremony during their Saturday morning Café Cuthbert session.

At Abbey Neighbourhood Centre, the poor weather didn’t put a dampner on the day, with over one hundred people attending a coronation street party. On Sunday 7th May, Thetford Town Council also hosted a street party on the Market Place enjoyed by family groups including Thetford’s new Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Stuart Wright and his wife Denise.

Members of Norwich Road Estate Resident’s Association organised a community litter pick as part of the Big Help Out on Monday 8th. Sixteen people including Vinnie Whitehand who is undertaking his bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, joined in and litter picked their way around the estate and surrounding area, collecting eighteen bags of rubbish. Residents on the estate also enjoyed an event at the Church on the Way during the bank holiday weekend.

Brandon Day Centre Welcomes New Customers

If you or someone you know is feeling isolated and would like to make new friends, our caring and professional team is waiting to welcome you to Brandon Day Centre where we support adults of all ages, including those with a physical disability or living with dementia in a safe and homely setting. You can enjoy a full and stimulating day of activities (including dance/movement, arts and crafts, quizzes/group games), as well as regular live entertainment. Staff are always on hand for those needing help with personal care, and if you wish, you can enjoy a relaxing bath/hair wash in our specially adapted bath.

Refreshments are provided throughout the day and lunch includes a nutritious two-course home cooked meal, with all dietary requirements catered for. Our free door-to-door transport service is available for those living in Brandon and the surrounding areas, who have no other means of getting to the centre. You or your carer can apply direct and we accept referrals from Norfolk/Suffolk Adult Social Care Teams, GPS, healthcare professionals and other agencies. Before attending the first time, we arrange an assessment visit, which gives us the chance to understand your needs, interests, likes and dislikes and an opportunity for you to ask questions/share concerns.

We are currently open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

To find out more, call Michelle Jarrett, Day Centre Manager on 01842 819777, Email: daycare@empanda.org.uk Or, visit our website: www.empanda.org.uk/daycare

The deadline for the July edition of About Thetford magazine is 15th June. Please send your contributions to : aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

Join us at Brandon Day Centre

If you, or someone you know, is feeling isolated and would like to make new friends, or you are a family carer looking for some much needed respite from looking after a loved one, Brandon Day Centre may be the perfect solution for you. To find out more why not get in touch?

Michelle Jarrett

Brandon Day Care Centre

Warren Close, Brandon IP27 0EE

T: 01842 819777

E: daycare@empanda.org.uk

FRI 7 - SUN 9JULY inspired by the life and legacyof the Duleep Singh family, the last Royal Familyof the Punjab

Read the full programme

Dr Satinder Sartaaj, Honourable Patron of the Festival ofThetford& Punjab

Commemorating the 130thAnniversary

ofthe death of Maharajah Duleep Singh

Friday 7 July

Thomas Paine Annual Curry Night

33 White Hart Street, IP24 1AA

7pm until midnight (food served at 8pm)

Join Gez and Rosie Chetal for their 10th Annual Curry Night, and enjoy authentic and locally sourced Indian food, home-cooked by Rosie, with a Bollywood and Bhangra DJ. Book via Thomas Paine Hotel or contact Gez on 07940 570844 £45 per head

Saturday 8 July

At Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life

White Hart Street, IP24 1AA

10am - 5pm: Free Admission All Day

Maharajah Duleep Singh displays and pop-up exhibition | Princess Catherine Family Trail | Maharajah Duleep Singh’s walking stick: brand new to the museum collection!

Fighting the First and Second World Wars

Meet a Royal Flying Corps officer and a solider from the Norfolk Regiment. Meet a Red Cross Nurse and find out about Princess Sophia’s work in the First World War.

At Thetford Cemetery

London Road, IP24 3HZ

10am - 12pm and 1 - 3pm: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Join Mac MacDonald MBE from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to find out about the service personal from around the world commemorated at Thetford Cemetery.

11am and 2pm: The Person Behind the Grave Family friendly tours of the Commonwealth War Graves. Advanced booking essential.

At Thetford Library

Raymond Street, IP24 2EA

10.30am - 12.00pm and 1.30 - 3pm: Festival Zine Making Workshop

For ages 12-25. Advanced booking essential.

11am - 3pm: Duleep Singh Book Displays and Family Craft Drop-in Activities

2pm: Stories from Lahore, told through the streets of London

A talk by Rav Singh from a Little History of the Sikhs. Advanced booking essential.

Saturday 8 July

Sovereign, Squire and Rebel: Maharajah Duleep Singh

St Andrews and St Patricks Church, London Road, Elveden, IP24 3QL

7.30 – 8.30pm

You are invited to a special talk by Sikh Historian Peter Bance about the life and legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh. Advance booking essential.

Sunday 9 July

At Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life

White Hart Street, IP24 1AA

10am - 5pm: Free Admission All Day

Pop-up exhibitions about Princess Sophia Duleep Singh and Princess Catherine Duleep Singh | The Anglo-Sikh Virtual Museum | Maharajah Duleep Singh’s walking stick: new to the collection!

Duleep Singh Family Day

Join the laundry maid at Elveden Hall and help her with the washing and meet a member of Bengal Horse Artillery.

2pm: Maharajah Duleep Singh and the Koh-i-noor Diamond

A talk by Sikh Historian Gurinder Singh Mann. Advance booking essential.

Read the full programme and book your tickets at thetfordpunjabfest.com

Sunday 9July

On the Green, Thetford Riverbank

1 - 5pm:

Thetford & Punjab.

Featuring the Dhol Enforcement Agency, Circus Raj, the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, Virsa Punjab Bhangra Dancers, Sikh martial arts from the Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara, and a Bhangra DJ, all framed by Kinetika’s beautiful Silk River Flags. With food, Henna Art and heritage stalls.

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Thetford Garden And Allottment Club

June is here and with it the long days, and the garden is romping away or is that just my garden? Tulips that have finished flowering can be lifted, divided, dried and stored once the foliage has died down. I’ve had some tulips infected with Tulip fire (a virus) this year in my garden so check bulbs and foliage and discard any bulbs affected - do not compost them.

Now that all danger of frost has gone, Dahlias and other tender plants can be planted out. Any pots of flowering plants will benefit from being fed regularly. A high potassium tomato feed is ideal and will keep the plants flowering all summer long. Peonies and roses are at their best this month and it’s worth visiting a garden such as Houghton Hall in North Norfolk that have both in abundance in their walled garden (below).

If you are lucky enough to have Asparagus in your garden or on your plot, you’ll have to stop harvesting by the middle of the month to give the plants time to regenerate for next year’s crop. Weed the bed and sprinkle some blood, fish and bonemeal around each plant. Tender veg such as French beans, tomatoes and courgettes can be hardened off and planted now. Cut and come again salad leaves can be harvested by snipping off a few leaves at a time. To ensure a continual supply keep sowing every two - three weeks. If the weather is wet (let’s hope not!) check strawberries for signs of grey mould and remove any affected fruit. If you wish to increase the size of your strawberry bed, strong runners can be pegged down into the soil, when they have rooted well they can be cut off from the mother plant and potted up or planted in their new place straight away. Keep them well watered.

The Club will be holding its Summer Show on Saturday 17th June 2023 at the Methodist Church. Why not enter your roses or sweet peas? There will be culinary and craft items to enter also.

Enjoy your Gardening! Maggie Baldwin

Have You Heard A Cuckoo This Spring?

Whilst seldom seen, the Cuckoo's song is a muchloved sound that heralds the onset of spring. When the BTO Cuckoo Tracking Project began in 2011, we knew very little about what these mysterious birds do once they leave the UK after breeding here. Unless we know what threats a migratory bird faces throughout the year it is very difficult to help them. Birdwatchers in southern England are counting fewer returning Cuckoos each year, but until this ground-breaking work began we didn’t know why – nor why populations in the north and west of Britain are faring better.

The Cuckoo Project fits satellite tracking tags to UK breeding Cuckoos each summer, enabling us to follow individual birds on their migration journeys. So far the project has revealed that ‘our’ Cuckoos spend their non-breeding months in the Congo Rainforest (this means they have to cross the Sahara!) and that they have a choice of two routes to get there, travelling either west via Spain or east via Italy. We are starting to unravel the mystery of this Red-listed species’ decline, with the discovery that Cuckoos taking the eastern route are much more likely to survive, and that the pattern of Cuckoo declines in our part of the UK may be linked to the fact that many of these birds use the western route, where fewer survive.

The next question we want to investigate is how climate and weather patterns affect Cuckoo migrations, and therefore what role climate change might have in changing the fortunes of migratory birds. For example, do rainfall patterns determine how much food is available to Cuckoos on migration? Only adult male Cuckoos have been tracked so far due to the size of the tags, so we are hoping smaller tags will soon be developed to enable the lighter female and juvenile Cuckoos to be tracked as well. All of this work will inform

the design of conservation action to help these amazing birds!

This spring, we celebrated as tagged Cuckoos JAC and Joe returned to the UK, hopefully to successfully breed, and they will soon be leaving our shores once more. Thanks to generous sponsors who have funded the tags, we are now tagging a new group of Cuckoos ready to follow them as they migrate back to Africa to escape our winter. You can meet them all and follow their migrations at: www.bto.org/cuckoos

A tagged Cuckoo. Photo by Neil calbrade / BTO

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Composting, Make Your Garden Grow

Composting is a great way to turn your kitchen and garden waste into a free, nutritious resource for your garden. It saves you money on buying compost, helps the environment by reducing waste and is a fantastic way to make your garden grow. It helps your garden, by feeding plants, lightening heavy soils and helping light soils hold more water. Composting also helps the environment, by reducing waste sent for disposal, prevents the production of harmful gases and reduces the reliance on peat.

Norfolk County Council has teamed up with Get Composting to offer Norfolk residents reduced price compost bins. With prices starting from just £12 (plus delivery) why not order your bin today?

To buy your bin, and for information, top tips & advice to help you start composting at home visit: www.norfolkrecycles.com/reduce-my-rubbish/ compost/master-composters/

Bokashi composting: Already composting and want to try something extra? Bokashi bins allow you to compost all of your food waste including meat, fish, dairy products and any other organic material in one container. Add your kitchen waste to your Bokashi Bin, sprinkle on a handful of Bokashi Bran and seal the air tight lid to start the fermenting process. After a few weeks your waste can be added to a conventional compost heap, or dug straight into the ground. For Norfolk residents the Bokashi bin twin pack is available at a reduced price of £15 (standard price £24.99) from www. getcomposting.com

Composting is the perfect way to recycle your food waste and making your garden more productive, whilst helping the environment

their local community to start composting at home and support people who are already composting. Becoming a Master Composter is a great way to meet new people, learn valuable skills and benefit from being part of a team that makes a difference. Master Composter volunteer Anne Wiltshire said “Composting gives me a feeling of satisfaction. Every time I go to add more organic matter into the compost bin, I notice how quickly the level has shrunk down. The smell and feel of freshly made compost is wonderful and not off putting in any way. The other thing that composting gives me is the knowledge that I am doing ‘my bit’ for the environment and for the future.”

If you would like more info about the programme, how to get help from a Master Composter, or to train to become one, visit:

www.norfolkrecycle/mastercomposters

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Thetford Flower Club

Thetford Flower Club held their May meeting on Tuesday 9th May. Members and friends enjoyed a double celebration, with a practice afternoon, using the theme, ‘The King’s Coronation’ producing many beautiful arrangements, and coronation crowns. All those who took part had the opportunity to vote for their favourite arrangement. The winning arrangement was then awarded The Peggy Bullard Trophy, given in memory of dear friend and committee member Peggy Bullard.

The winner was Pat Lawrence who produced a beautiful crown filled with flowers and herbs such as sage and rosemary. Pat was presented with the trophy by Thetford Flower Club Chair, Lorraine Thompson. This was followed by lovely light refreshments and cakes, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles.

The June meeting takes place on 13th June, 2pm at the Church on the Way. Titled “The Committee Presents” will be Committee members demonstrating their favourite arrangements and flowers to show all our different favourite ideas! Why not come along and see what they create, and enjoy tea, coffee, biscuits and a friendly, relaxed afternoon?

New members are always welcome to join our very friendly club or come as a visitor. The club enjoys regular demonstrations, advice on plant life, visits to other clubs, and it’s a great opportunity to make new friends.

The club meets, every second Tuesday of the month (except August and December). For more information, please contact Lynda on 01842 762919. Visitors are £6 per session, membership is £30 for the year.

Pat Lawerence with her winning arrangement being presented the Peggy Bullard Trophy by club Chair, Lorraine Thompson

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Wildflower Meadows Created

Three wildflower meadows have been created in Thetford over the past month as Thetford Town Council amended its mowing regime in aid of supporting bees and other pollinators.

Land at Nuns Bridges Road, School Plain and Lady Gentle Meadow in Thetford were selected by the Council for reduced mowing. This followed a public consultation seeking peoples views on the management of Council-owned open spaces. Councillors were keen to do what they could to aid bees and other pollinators by making available important food and shelter for them. An abundance of Wild Clary has since popped up along Nuns Bridges Road as well as Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill and Bur Medick.

Wild flower meadows provide shelter and food for important pollinators including bees. There are over two hundred and fifty species of bee in the UK and they play a vital part in supporting the ecosystem. When wild flower meadows vanish so do pollinators, as well as other insects, and animals that eat insects, including birds plus hedgehogs and bats. Bees are in particular decline in the UK.

Councillor Hazel McCambridge, Vice Chair of Thetford Town Council’s Amenities Committee said: “These meadows are a beautiful addition to our town and give space to support wildlife which is under threat. Over a third of UK’s bumblebee species and 80% of our butterfly species have declined since the 1970s and it is fantastic that these meadows have been created”.

For more information about Thetford Town Council’s volunteer Conservation Group, please contact 01842 754247

Above: Wild Clary at Nuns Bridges Road. Right: Brown Argus Butterfly. Photos by Nick Moran / BTO

Local Photographer Creates Film For National TV

It’s not often a local group gets asked to provide a film for a prime time TV show. When the call came for Brandon in Bloom, they didn’t want to use their phones so enlisted local photographer and video maker Neil Garrod for his help. Neil’s work is regularly featured on the About Thetford front cover, (including this month) and he’s created promotion videos for local businesses such as the English Whisky Company and Leaping Hare. Neil jumped at the chance to create a film for the BBC’s One Show. “I thought it was going to be a really interesting challenge, and a great opportunity to make a video for national television.”

The Brandon in Bloom team had created a script, highlighting the work of their volunteers, how they got involved and the benefits of the project. Brandon in Bloom started in 2014 with an area known as the wedge which runs along Thetford Road by the High Street junction. Since then, the group has continued the planting along the High Street, adding twenty-one planters in 2021 to help combat some of the pollution issues the town has faced due to high traffic volumes. This year a coronation garden was added. It’s little surprise that Brandon in Bloom has regularly won awards for their work.

All images: ©Terry Hawkins

The town also has a ‘Friendly Bench®’ that the group maintains for the use of the local community on the Bury Road. The ‘bloomers’ as the group are known often finish their volunteering sessions there with a cup of tea. Neil says although they are still waiting for the film to appear, the group were so pleased they’d like to make a longer version to share their hard work with a wider audience.

To watch the film please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AReYS_sZNf8

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Above: Neil in action filming the Brandon in Bloom group, and leftMark Skinner

Breckland Cats Protection

For many of us trying to make a vet appointment for our pet, it seems to be a lot harder than it used to be. Appointments can be difficult to come by and sometimes, especially if the visit is for a non urgent issue, you may be asked to wait a few weeks which can be frustrating.

One of the biggest problems facing the veterinary industry is the huge increase in pet ownership over the last few years, particularly since the pandemic when thousands of us took on cats and dogs for companionship during lockdown. Social distancing rules and enhanced cleaning protocols meant each appointment took twice as long and, unable to work with their usual efficiency, veterinary practices simply couldn't offer as many appointments. As a result, routine appointments and surgeries were put on hold, and priority was given to the most urgent cases. This all caused a huge backlog of pets needing appointments. Although the situation is largely resolved, for many clinics, the ongoing demand of a larger pet population is still causing issues.

The second reason for a lack of appointments lies in the falling number of veterinary professionals available to meet the increase in demand. Brexit played a major role, with many EU vets leaving the UK. This left the profession understaffed and many more veterinary professionals have since left practice due to burnout, long hours, poor worklife balance and mental and physical stressors. The current mismatch in supply and demand means that life is getting harder for the vets and nurses still remaining in practice.

Sadly with far fewer staff there comes the obvious corresponding reduction in available appointments. While the profession struggles to meet demand, it is important to remember that our vets do want to help, and they want to do it to the

best of their ability, they will do their best to fit you in, but unfortunately this may mean a wait time a little longer than we are used to.

For help or advice, or if you need assistance with the cost of neutering, call us on 01842 810018.

Rita Thompson.

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Inner Wheel’s Toast For New King

Thetford Inner Wheel enjoyed a Coronation Tea Party with husbands and partners in our President Marie Muir’s garden. We were incredibly fortunate with the weather, and we toasted our new King Charles with a glass of Fizz. A raffle was held, and a donation will be sent to Home Start which is our District Chairman’s charity this year. At the end of the month, we commence the 100th year of Inner Wheel which was started in Manchester but is now a world-wide organisation.

More information about Inner Wheel can be found at: www.innerwheel.co.uk

Saint Or Sinner?

This was the subject of Thetford Society’s May speaker Brian Butcher which took place on 2nd May. A good-sized audience was entertained by the conflicting stories of the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, was she Saint or Sinner? Some said that she was over ambitious, licentious and helped bring about the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey while others thought she was ill used by ambitious men like her uncle the Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Cromwell. But it was her failure to bear Henry VIII a son and heir that finally led to her being convicted for treason among other things and her execution took place on 19th May 1536. By marrying Jane Seymour very soon after, Henry got his son but Edward died young and incredibly, Anne''s daughter eventually became the Elizabeth I and incidentally the last of the Tudor dynasty. For the last almost four hundred years opinions have been divided on Anne Boleyn.

Our speaker for the meeting to be held on Tuesday 6th June at 7.30pm will be Linda Scoles when her subject will be ‘Divided by a Common Language’. Anyone planning a trip to the USA should attend to avoid any avoidable verbal gaffs! Members old and new will be welcomed as always.

Peter Thomson, Thetford Society

Inner Wheel members enjoying the Tea Party

Give Yourself Some Love!

It’s time to make yourself feel good both inside and out. If you have been unable to have any treatments recently and feel the need to try something new I highly recommend having a pedicure. It is important to give yourself that feeling of wellbeing and also to have something to look forward to. I had a client recently who came hobbling in for a treatment with me - it wasn’t foot related but when I asked what was up, he said he had been walking around his house barefoot on wooden floorboards and got a splinter embedded in his foot! Needless to say, I got that out before he started his treatment, which wasn’t relaxing as it was a skin tag removal!

Our feet do not normally get the respect that they deserve, particularly considering there’s a lot of tension carried within them. A good pedicure takes approximately an hour. Feet are soaked in a relaxing aromatherapy bath filled with pebbles which is followed by an exfoliation treatment. Then dry skin is removed, nails are clipped and filed, cuticles trimmed and the treatment is rounded off by a wonderful deeply relaxing foot and ankle massage. Some clients may wish to have a protein applied, or a polish or gel finish (Gel polish takes a little extra time so please say when booking). This treatment is available to both men and women. What’s not to like?

Also, for the ultimate treatment it can be made into a luxury pedicure to include a hot paraffin wax dip, which is deeply hydrating and great for rheumatic joints. Please say when booking which you prefer as the paraffin wax takes a little longer.

If feet are not really your thing, even more reason to show them the love and care they deserve and then get those sandals on!

Happy June! Until next month.

Lisa Stallings, Halcyon Days

Thetford u3a

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April’s talk was presented by Steve Short. Steve himself, apart from being a member of the Magic Circle is an experienced speaker and has in his repertoire several different subjects. This time his talk was on the comedy duo Morecambe and Wise. It covered the whole of their forty year showbiz partnership and was peppered with anecdotes, photos and videoed reminiscences. The whole talk was interspersed with magic and sleight of hand. The duo started individually as child entertainers until they came together as a double act that included a billing as Marvo and Dolores as captured forever in a photo Steve had brought with him. There was of course the memorable brown paper bag trick as remembered by those of a certain age.

Our speaker for June is Lois Seas who will speak about ‘The history of women in the police force’ on 25th June, 2pm at the Carnegie Rooms. Due to member interest, an additional speaker has been added to our normal monthly schedule to talk about World War II airfields in East Anglia. This will be held on 30th November from 2 – 4pm in the Carnegie.

A Coronation celebration was held over the bank holiday weekend which consisted of several rounds of bingo followed by tea and cakes. A vote of thanks is due to Anne, Lesley and Julian and others for their hard work in organising this event. The suggestions box has been successful with several ideas being submitted, to be reviewed by the committee. As a result the film Belfast is to be shown at the Church On The Way on 11th September from 2 - 4pm. The proposal to conduct a u3a take on the Antiques Road Show is closer to becoming a reality. This would see members bring along their ‘treasured items’ for review by an expert. The event will be supplemented with tea and cakes. This is planned for Thursday 29th June from 2 – 4pm.

Thetford u3a is emerging as a vibrant organisation with membership continuing to grow. A second Open Day is planned for October to showcase current groups in the hope that will attract new members. This will be held on 19th October from 12 – 3pm in the Carnegie. The committee is always looking for new recruits and since last month has been supplemented with two new members.

For more information on joing Thetford u3a or any of the groups please contact Lesley on 01842 824074 or visit:

u3asites.org.uk/thetford

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Former Mayor Presents Charity Funds To Citizens Advice

On 31st March, the 2021/22 Mayor of Thetford, Mike Brindle, paid a visit, with his wife Corinne, to the busy office of Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District, at the Abbey Neighbourhood Centre. He was pleased to be able to present Amy Griffiths, the Chief Operating Officer, with a cheque for over £3,000, money raised during his Mayoral year.

Thetford Probus

Probus members have been saddened by the recent deaths of Honorary Member Mike Lewis and Immediate Past Chairman David Childerhouse. The Probus Requiem was read and a Minute’s Silence observed in honour of both members.

The speaker at our April meeting was Norma Howell who told us all about Medical Detection Dogs. Our May speaker was Donald Chiswell. He gave us a talk about the life and times of Alfred the Great. By the time this article is published, we will have visited the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre and enjoyed a buffet lunch in the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess at RAF Honington. Continuing the Military theme, we have a visit planned to RAF Marham on 1st August.

Citizens Advice had been one of Mike’s two chosen charities for the year and it was decided that the total raised through various coffee mornings, a tea party and raffles should go to this single charity, where there was the greatest need at this time. Mike expressed his thanks to all those businesses and many private individuals who had generously contributed to the total amount.

Amy Griffiths added; “This will have a significant impact in our community, enabling us to increase our space at Thetford over the coming year and towards essential core costs of supporting our volunteers, who are at the heart of providing support to the Thetford community. Wow, thank you so much!” To access help from Citizens Advice call 0800 144 88 48 or visit: www.cadat.org.uk/citizens-advice-thetford/

We are setting up a website which will go ‘live’ very soon and you can find us on Facebook at Probus Club of Thetford where you will find more information including membership details. New members are always welcome. The next Probus meeting is 10.45am on Tuesday 6th June at The Church On The Way, Churchill Road IP24 2JW.

Probus Chair Bill de Bass with Donald Chiswell

MONEY MATTERS

TIME TO REPORT TAXABLE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TO HMRC

By Matt Jackson of Lovewell Blake’s Thetford office

Employers have until 6th July to report any taxable benefits and expenses provided to their employees (including company directors) during the 2023 tax year on form P11D, and will have to settle any National Insurance arising on these by 22nd July. P11D forms cover everything from company cars to employee loans, so now is a good time to look at the main types of employee benefits which may give rise to a tax charge.

• Interest-free loans: HMRC only treat these as a benefit if they exceed £10,000 to any one employee, but even then the taxable benefit is equal to the interest on the loan at HMRC’s official rate of 2.25% - far lower than current commercial interest rates.

• Private health and critical illness insurance: When the employee or their family will be the beneficiary of such policies, then for tax purposes, the employee benefit will be equal to the annual insurance premium – although certain policies such as Relevant Life Cover can be exempt.

• Accommodation: Unless it can be demonstrated that the employee couldn’t do their work without it – such as a farm worker required to be on hand throughout the day to tend livestock.

• Vehicles: In recent years, HMRC has made providing employees with a car for their personal use much less tax efficient, unless the vehicle has very low or zero CO2 emissions. Commercial vehicles such as vans provided in this way are taxed on a much more generous basis.

• Other assets provided for personal use: Where things such as IT and entertainment equipment are available for personal use, the employee is deemed to receive a taxable benefit based on 20% of the market value when the asset was first provided to them, or 20% of the annual rental charges where the equipment is rented.

Some benefits are exempt from both reporting and taxation:

• Mobile phones: Even if there is an element of

personal use, and home telephones, but only if there is no private use by the employee.

• Travel, accommodation and subsistence: If an employee is required to work away as part of their employment, travel and accommodation expenses are treated as exempt, as are subsistence expenses to over food and drink bought on business journeys, but only up to ‘benchmark’ rates set by HMRC.

In a short article like this, I can only outline the headlines – there is much more detail available on the news pages of the Lovewell Blake website:

www.lovewell-blake.co.uk

Try Sports For Free!

Thetford Sports Fest community event is returning for its third year on Saturday 10th June at Thetford Grammar School’s playing fields, from 10am - 1.30pm. The event last year was a huge success which saw over one thousand visitors trying out new sports, watching live demos and listening to inspiring Q&As sessions. Speakers included Iain Dawson, who is holder of the Iron Man world record for a visually impaired athlete, local hero Melanie Furness and Arthur Summers, who at sixteen is currently the youngest cricketer selected to play for Suffolk County’s 1st team.

Sports Fest operates on a simple principle: there is no pitch fee for clubs and activities providers as long as they in turn provide free activities on the day for the general public. This means clubs can advertise their sport, activity, or other opportunities, and encourage the next generation of participants to become involved all for free. Thetford Grammar school supply the space and a 24 ft climbing wall along with having professional coaches running sessions in a variety of sports.

With 19 clubs providing free activities for all from Archery to Zumba, there really is something for everyone. Discover a new sporting passion and

learn new skills through local and national clubs. Sports Fest showcases the rich opportunities available in our local area, what a superb local community Thetford is and its commitment to the belief that sport, exercise and mindful activity are integral to physical and mental health.

For more information please call 01842 752840 or follow the Thetford Sports Fest Facebook page. Thetford Sports Fest will be held at Thetford Grammar School Sports Field, London Road, IP24 3HZ

League Success For Club

After a number of years of trying, Thetford Netball Club have qualified into the 3rd division of the Netball East Regional League. The club have reached the qualifying tournament several times, but due to injury, covid and perhaps just not being ready, they have not been able to progress through to the regional league. However, after years of hard work to develop their squad and joining other leagues to gain valuable match play and build depth, Sunday 14th May saw them finally triumph!

Thetford went out against six other teams from Bedford, Suffolk, Essex, Herts and Cambridgeshire. The play on the day was consistently great, but they were challenged as the games were tough. With incredible support both on and off court, the squad were able to work together to win five games and draw one, enabling them to secure their place.

As said, this achievement has not happened overnight. The coaches have worked tirelessly to develop a successful club pathway for youngsters to progress through to senior level. In fact, eight out of the twelve player squad came through the pathway, with some more “senior” players, old and new, supporting them throughout.

Now Thetford are through to the regional league, they can offer an appropriate level of competition to their higher level performers, giving the younger members something to aspire towards.

Speaking about the club’s success, Katie, Chair of Thetford Netball Club said, “I am beyond proud of everyone and our club based in the town at Kings House Gardens.”

Thetford Netball Club welcome all ages and abilities, hosting taster sessions for Juniors from year 4 - year 9 during the year, and Back To Netball on a Monday evening at their pitches in Kings House Gardens.

For more information about the club or how to join please email: thetfordnetball@gmail.com

Image: ©Thetford Netball Club

Thetford Rugby Club

Thetford Rugby are now preparing for the new season ahead and their aspirations for the club. Since taking over as Chairman of Thetford Rugby Club, David Tanner said, “There have been many challenges we have had to face, but with the help of a strong committee we are definitely moving in the right direction and keen to move forward both on and off the field.” Several new players have been welcomed but the club is always looking for more. “If anyone is interested in playing, please contact the Club for more details.” David continued, “On a personal note I would like to thank the committee for its help and support, also all of our members both playing and non-playing. Any Club is only going to succeed with strong foundations and I am looking forward to what we can achieve.”

Club Coach and former player, Neal Thynne is pleased with his first season in the position. “When I was first approached to coach at Thetford last year, I knew it was not going to be an easy task. I was under no illusions, having dropped two leagues and suffered an exodus of players for various reasons. My first job was to establish

a core group of fifteen to start the process of rebuilding.” The help of other local clubs, such as Diss, Watton and Mildenhall has been invaluable to Thetford. They supported us with additional players so we could fulfil league fixtures. This enabled us to attract more new and old players to the club as the season progressed. Neal says the next job for the club is to continue to strengthen the side by connecting with up-andcoming players and reconnecting with experienced players. This will be vital for the future of the club. “When a bloke with a northern accent asks if you play rugby or would like to play rugby, it will be me trying to build Thetford back to the club it once was. Come and join TRUFC and make some lifelong friends.”

Thetford Rugby Club can also be hired out for private functions whether that’s for weddings, christenings, birthdays or company fun days, there’s a warm welcome awaiting you. The clubhouse is well presented with a fully equipped bar and kitchen.

For more information about playing at the club, supporting as a non-player or hiring the clubhouse please email: thetford-rfc@outlook.com