MAY 2023 About Thetford magazine

If you’re thinking of selling or letting your property, we’re here to give you the royal treatment!

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead To A Momentous May

This month are a number plus something Banham Zoo.

This month kicks off with the Coronation. There are a number of different events happening locally plus something a little more different happening at Banham Zoo. Full details on pages six and seven.

Gardens are feels like a Garden and showcasing was especially front cover

Thetford Open 13th, a great support St

Gardens are now bursting back into life after what feels like a very long winter. Recently, Thetford Garden and Allotment Club held their Spring Show, showcasing some outstanding spring plants, I was especially taken by the tulips featured on our front cover this month. The club is also supporting Thetford Open Gardens annual plant sale on May 13th, a great way to pick up some new plants and support St Nicholas Hospice at the same time.

It was a real projects and Foundation

These small across the make Thetford

It was a real pleasure to hear about the brilliant projects and young people Thetford Educational Foundation Trust has supported in recent years. These small grants have made a real difference across the town in a variety of ways and helps to make Thetford a great place to live.

Karen-Emma White, Assistant Editor, About Thetford magazine

Paul S Smith

Page 5 - TARA Nominations Open

Page 6 - Coronation Celebrations

Page 9 - Spotlight On MCP

Page 10 - Leaping Hare News

Page 11 - May At Ancient House

Page 14 - Thetford Calendar Competition

Page 13 - Funding For Charities

Page 16 - Whitsun Weekend Event

Page 18 - Summer Reading Challenge

Page 20 & 21 - Putting Education First

Page 23 - Thetford Flower Club

Page 27 - TGAC News

Page 29 - No Worm For The Early Bird

Page 31 - Breckland Cats Protection

Page 35 - Safer Thetford Action Group

Page 37 - Thetford Netball Club

Page 38 - Touchline Tippler

Image: © Hugo Burnand / Buckingham Palace

About

TARA

Put a note Recognising back! The the people, that make Event organiser opportunity community. is positive this year’s than before. will be celebrated 18th November Black Tie Carnegie, many of Thetford. I’d Council for

TARA Nominations Open

Put a note in your diaries, the Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement aka ‘the TARAs’ are back! The awards were set up in 2015 to celebrate the people, volunteers, charities and businesses that make Thetford a great place to be.

Event organiser Mark Robinson said, “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our wonderful community. We want to highlight all that is positive about our town, making this year’s event bigger and better than before. The brilliant nominees will be celebrated on Saturday 18th November at a fantastic Black Tie Gala Evening in the Carnegie, where we will showcase many of the positive aspects to Thetford. I’d like to thank Thetford Town Council for their continued support.”

There are from, nominating simple. Just on the ‘Nominate online form. nominations

Previous (pictured top Shop, Moya Open Gardens, Turner, Sex, Bulldogs, Sturman (Pictured)

There are nine different categories to choose from, nominating someone or a group is really simple. Just visit the TARA website and click on the ‘Nominate Now’ button. Then fill in the online form. The TARA team are keen to receive nominations from every section of the community. Previous winners have included Ed Sheridan (pictured top right), Thetford Tesco, the Burrell Shop, Moya Brown from Silver Surfers, Thetford Open Gardens, Fusion, Jane Howard, Philip Turner, Sex, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Weeding, Thetford Bulldogs, David Osborne, Terry Lamb, Travis Sturman (Pictured) and Perry’s Taxis.

The categories Person, Service To Community

The categories are: Good Neighbour, Young Person, Outstanding Contribution, Business, Service To The Community, Sporting, Volunteer, Community Event and Lifetime Achievement.

For more please visit: Facebook

DCB Plumbers

For more information and to send a nomination please visit: www.taraawards.co.uk or follow the Facebook page.

• Bathrooms

• Kitchen

• Installation

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine

Telephone 01842 754471

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and tumble dryers •

TARA winners from 2022 Images: Maria Cooke

Celebrate

The Coronation

Saturday 6th exciting day

Celebrate The Coronation

The Coronation of King Charles III takes place on Saturday 6th May 2023, and it promises to be an exciting day for the nation.

To kickstart Centre will the main 5-7pm. Entrance are free. Tickets advance. Enjoy for the children, themed raffle, cakes, sandwiches, and ice cream. of the tea will be drawn Coronation following 3rd May, session at Coronation

1pm - 2.30pm. will be provided, all for only

To kickstart the celebrations, the Charles Burrell Centre will be holding a Coronation Tea party, in the main hall, on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 from 5-7pm. Entrance is £2 for adults, children are free. Tickets must be booked in advance. Enjoy crafts and games for the children, a Coronation themed raffle, various delicious cakes, sandwiches, scones, and ice cream. At the end of the tea party, the raffle will be drawn for the grand Coronation hamper prize. The following day, Wednesday 3rd May, the regular bingo session at CBC will become a Coronation themed session from 1pm - 2.30pm. Tea, coffee and cakes will be provided, along with raffle tickets, for only £5 (18 years+ only).

On Saturday be hosting Council as the public live. The screening end of the provided. refreshments. Abbey Neighbourhood Coronation 10am - 10pm. screening, at Westminster Buckingham fun packed competition,

On Saturday 6th May, Thetford Market Place will be hosting a large screen provided by Breckland Council as part of the Saturday Market to allow the public to watch the parade and ceremony live. The screening will run from 10am until the end of the live stream, with some public seating provided. The Guildhall Tearoom will be open for refreshments.

Abbey Neighbourhood Centre will be hosting a Coronation street party on Saturday 6th May from 10am - 10pm. Starting with the King’s Coronation screening, from the procession to the service at Westminster Abbey and procession back to Buckingham Palace. The day guarantees to be fun packed with a red, white and blue fancy dress competition, a BBQ, bouncy castle, children’s

activities and games, finishing with a DJ, and disco from 5pm. Mama D’s will be providing a Coronation themed menu for the day as well. Free limited tickets are available at the Abbey Neighbourhood Centre.

On Sunday 7th May an outdoor street party will be set up on the market place from 12pm - 2pm. Limited decorated tables are available to purchase at £10 per table. In the event of bad weather these pre purchased tables will be moved into the Carnegie. If you don’t want a table, you are free to bring your own chairs and picnics and find a space to sit on the market square.

Commenting on the royal events over the last twelve months, Mayor of Thetford, Cllr Jane James said, “This mayoral year has been one both unprecedented in British history and unparalleled within many of our memories. Our community came together in joy to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and then again, in grief, to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The mayoral cycle closes, as we started, with a celebration, this time for the Coronation of Charles III and I am extremely humbled to have been able to support the fantastic Thetford community through these significant moments in our nation’s history. God Save The King.”

To reserve a place for the CBC Tea Party please book at the main CBC Reception.

Tables for the Market Place Street Party can be booked from the Carnegie, or via 01842 754247.

Go Wild Weekend

Banham Zoo celebrate the rates over set in 50 away from animals from the Zoological

Go Wild Over The Coronation Weekend At Banham Zoo!

Banham Zoo is offering visitors the chance to celebrate the Coronation by slashing its admission rates over the Coronation weekend. The Zoo, set in 50 acres of countryside just a few miles away from Thetford is home to a huge variety of animals from penguins to big cats and is part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia.

From Friday will be £10, £1. Experience and blue and adventure! the chance along with be booked to unleash paper crowns. have a royal in red, white celebration

From Friday 5th – Monday 8th May, all tickets will be £10, with children aged two or under only £1. Experience the zoo adorned with red, white and blue decorations and filled with excitement and adventure! Enjoy a self-led royal trail with the chance of winning some incredible prizes along with a free guided wild walk (which must be booked in advance). Stop by the craft stations to unleash your creativity and fashion your own paper crowns. Talks and shows across the zoo will have a royal theme and those who come dressed in red, white and blue will receive a coronation celebration sticker. There will be a BBQ fit for a

King with burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian options too. The safari road train will run all day making getting around the zoo an adventure in itself. Be sure to mark the date in your diary and get ready to attend a street party like no other. Guest include tigers, lemurs, sea lions, giraffes, meerkats and more! Advanced booking is essential due to limited capacity, for tickets please visit: www.zsea.org/banham/tickets/

With offices

Cambridgeshire, Pettefar Solicitors most respected most areas commercial, themselves friendly, cost

MCP Solicitors

With offices in Thetford and across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar Solicitors is one of East Anglia’s most respected firms. They deal with most areas of law, both private and commercial, and our lawyers pride themselves on their professional, friendly, cost effective service.

MCP Solicitors 1784 and practice ever merged with solicitors so

MCP Solicitors was established in 1784 and has been in continuous practice ever since. Recently the firm merged with Pooley, Bendall Watson solicitors so that they now cover the Ely area.

Speaking

Managing have an office a number other local of Thetford’s range of legal area. We feel businesses ensure that teams also younger generation sector. We such as summer Grand East we managed House Hospice MCP Solicitors to our general

Speaking about the business, Andrew Davies, Managing Partner said, “MCP are proud to have an office in the heart of Thetford town. For a number of years, we have worked alongside other local businesses and for a large number of Thetford’s diverse population, to provide a full range of legal services to the town and surrounding area. We feel that by working together with other businesses that Thetford has to offer, we can ensure that Thetford remains a lively town. Our teams also visit local careers fairs to speak to the younger generation about working in the legal sector. We also try to get involved in local events such as summer fetes, charity golf days and the Grand East Anglian Run in King’s Lynn. Last year we managed to raise over £1,500 for The Tapping House Hospice in Norfolk.”

MCP Solicitors is unusual in that, in addition to our general services, our lawyers have a

number of nationally recognised specialisms, including our work in Employment Law and Commercial and Regulatory Law. We are regularly mentioned in the Legal 500 an independent guide that ranks law firms and solicitors in the UK. Their client base is both local and national. The former category includes local families with whom we have been connected for decades, the latter includes national publicly quoted businesses.

See website for more info: www.mcp-law.co.uk

Above: MCP are based in the heart of Thetford, in Guildhall Street.

Left: Managing Partner, Andrew Davies

Pick

Pick & Mix

NEW

NEW & Exclusive

Caroling brand will be choose Rainbows, whole price at ‘little box

Another locally

Caroling King from Stepping Stones Emporium launches her brand new Pick and Mix fizz and bubble bath bomb range. We will be the ONLY stockist with this. Six amazing fragrances to choose from - Dazy Flower, Fruit Fizz, Sweet Dreams, Lemon Rainbows, Bleedin Hearts and Fresh Linen. The whole range is vegan and cruelty free and a great price at just £2.50 each or buy four and get the ‘little box of happiness’ gift box completely FREE. Another gorgeous gift idea from our range of locally made products.

Events

Events

Last call Friends Army

Last call for Jeffrey Holland’s Comedy Friends & Heroes evening. Part of the Dad’s Army Weekend, its sure to be a fun evening.

Fri 12

Fri 12 May tickets £15, don’t miss it!

Lots of Euston

Lots of visitors enjoyed the reopening of Euston Hall in April. The Tours open again

Tues 23

Fri 1 Sept, Thetford are on Thetford Don’t competition

Tues 23 - Mon 29 May, Sat 26 AugFri 1 Sept, Sat 23 - Fri 29 Sept.

Tel: 07802701911

Thetford Open Gardens programmes are on sale now - pop in or get your copy online.

Thetford Calendar Competition

ROBERTROSSPRESENTS

TVcomedystarJeffreyHollandandBritain’sComedyHistorianRobert Rossinintimateandcandidconversation JeffreysharesmemoriesofworkingonDad’sArmy,RussAbbot’s Madhouse,AreYouBeingServed?,ItAin’tHalfHotMum,Hi-de-Hi!,You Rang,M’Lord?andOh,DoctorBeeching!;aswellasreflectingonhis comedyinfluencesandfavourites,includingArthurAskey,PeterSellers, andthebowler-hattedgeniuswhoinspiredhiscelebrated,sell-outsolo show‘AndThisisMyFriendMr.Laurel.’ Alongtheway,Robertmayalsorecounttalesofmeetingsuchcomedy greatsasFrankieHowerd,BobMonkhouse,andNormanWisdom. It’slaughterguaranteed!

Friday12May2023Doorsopen7pmTickets£15

Don’t forget to get your entries in for this year’s calendar competition (see page 14 for more details).

The QR AT_Mayl2023_IDML.indd

Leaping Hare

Belmont House King Street IP24 2AP

info@leapinghare.org

07802 701911

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

Marvellous

On Tuesday welcome Alice at History

‘UPROAR:

Georgian London. of Georgian who immortalised Rowlandson, Isaac Cruikshank. Regent to of Devonshire, illustrations political and with surreal wit. Alice and his altered British the stage from Gilbert to Private Image today. £5 per person

Ancient House and Norfolk Service Passholders.

Marvellous May At Ancient House

On Tuesday 9th May Ancient House is delighted to welcome Alice Loxton, the lead female presenter at History Hit TV, to speak about her new book, ‘UPROAR: Satire, Scandal & Printmakers in Georgian London.’ Her talk will give an overview of Georgian Britain through the eyes of the artists who immortalised it - Thomas Rowlandson, James Gillray and Isaac Cruikshank. From the Prince Regent to Georgiana to Duchess of Devonshire, their prints and illustrations deconstruct the political and social landscape with surreal and razor-sharp wit. Alice argues that Gillray and his gang profoundly altered British humour, setting the stage for everything from Gilbert and Sullivan to Private Eye and Spitting Image today. Tickets are £5 per person or free for Ancient House Friends and Norfolk Museums Service Passholders.

After our Viking Jewellery many requests please, so Taster Workshop Participants jewellery. Learn own twisted workshop House Friends Passholders.

After our successful young people’s Viking Jewellery Workshop in April, we received many requests for an adult workshop. We aim to please, so we have arranged a Viking Jewellery Taster Workshop for Adults on Saturday 20th May. Participants will discover and handle real Viking jewellery. Learn some basic skills and create their own twisted metal jewellery to take home. The workshop is just £10 or £5 per person for Ancient House Friends and Norfolk Museum Service Passholders.

to Ancient House will be able to take part in a 1940s Soldier trail around the museum to win a small prize, and make their own 1940s fashion paper dolls to take home. Don’t forget to grab your free family admission voucher from the Guildhall on the day for a free visit.

All the events can be booked at: https://norfolk-museums.arttickets. org.uk/ancient-house, by calling 01842 752599 or by coming into the museum.

Melissa Hawker Learning Officer

Made to Measure

Ancient House Thetford Town 1940s Weekend.

Ancient House is pleased to be joining in with Thetford Town Council and Dad’s Army Museum’s 1940s Weekend. On Saturday 13th May visitors

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l

l

Funding Residents to receive Movement

Funding For Local Charities

Residents in Norfolk can nominate a good cause to receive £1,000 as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

Now in its Awards will £1million down the awards began, have submitted nominations based charities from valuable Whilst the current economic an adverse the amount volunteer their

Now in its fifth year, the Movement for Good Awards will once again see more than £1million gifted to charities up and down the UK and Ireland. Since the awards began, people in Norfolk have submitted over 17,400 nominations and thirteen Norfolk based charities have benefited from valuable donations.

one hundred and fifty revealed in September. Further gifts will be awarded throughout the year.

From today, charity online. has gifted Ireland since drawn at is nominated selected. One will be announced MCP HP Advert

Whilst the pandemic and the current economic climate have had an adverse effect on cash donations, the amount of people choosing to volunteer their time for a good cause is rising. From today, Norfolk residents can nominate a charity online. The Movement for Goods Awards has gifted over £4million to charities in the UK and Ireland since the initiative started. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. One hundred and fifty winning charities will be announced from 1st June, with a further

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Benefact Group, says: “We are immensely proud to be supporting many hundreds of charities through our Movement for Good Awards for the fifth year running. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference so we’re asking that people give a minute of their time to nominate a cause they care about to receive an award. Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do and all of our available profits go to good causes. With financial strain continuing to impact many households the Movement for Good Awards represents a great way for people to continue to support causes close to their hearts, without worrying about an additional cost. Any charity can win no matter how large or small and even with just one nomination. So find a minute, jump online and nominate – because that small amount of time is invaluable for charities.”

To nominate a charity now, visit: www.movementforgood.com

Your Rights With Ordering Online And Company Liquidation

What are you rights when you order something online and the company goes out of business?

If the company’s gone into administration, it may still be able to fulfil outstanding orders, but if the company is already in liquidation, you’ll need to try to get your money back (if you paid upfront).

If you’re unsure about what state the company is in, the Citizens Advice website has information on how to find out. If the company hasn’t responded to your calls or emails, is there a shop or office you can visit or write to, to get an update on your order, or request a refund?

If that isn’t whether it’s plc after its who runs their a limited company, administrator settling the administrators company your claim

Fill out the and send trader’s debts.

If that isn’t possible, the next steps depend on whether it’s a limited company (it will have ltd or plc after its title) or if it’s a sole trader (someone who runs their own business) or partnership. If it’s a limited company, you’ll need to get details of the administrator or receiver - the person dealing with settling the trader’s debts. The names of those administrators will usually be on the website of the company that’s gone bust. You should register your claim as a creditor on the GOV.UK website. Fill out the form with details of what you’re owed and send it to the administrator dealing with the trader’s debts. Unfortunately, there’s only a small

Thetford

Enter

A) Nature

B) Architecture

C) People

chance you’ll receive any money back because you’ll be last in a long list of creditors who need to be paid. For online orders it is likely you paid by debit or credit card so you could also try getting your money back with a Section 75 claim or a chargeback claim to your card provider or bank. Full details about both these types of claims can be found on the Citizens Advice website. If the seller was a sole trader or partnership and not a limited company, pursuing a Section 75 or chargeback claim is your best option.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/ somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/ if-a-company-stops-trading-or-goesout-of-business/

Thetford Calendar Competition 2023

cash

prize and

take pride of place on the front cover!

AboutThetford_CalendarPage.indd

A) Nature - wildife, landscapes

B) Architecture - landmarks, interesting buildings

C) People - events, community activities

Wednesday 31st May

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements

Thetford Society

There was a good audience at the April meeting to hear Rod Back speak about the ‘Easter Rising’ which happened in 1916. He gave the background leading up to this largely unsuccessful event but which has had far reaching consequences. It is still relevant today as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement brokered by Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern. The recent signing of the Windsor Agreement between the UK and the EU brings us right up to date but even now problems remain with some wanting a united Ireland and others determined to stay as part of the UK. All in all a very informative evening which had been thoroughly researched by Rod and was much appreciated.

The next meeting of the Thetford Society will take place on Tuesday 2nd May at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church in Earls Street when we hope that Brian Butcher will be available to give the talk on Anne Boleyn (Saint or Sinner?) which had to be postponed last year. If Brian is still unfortunately unavailable we will bring forward a speaker booked for later in the year. Whatever happens, old and new members can be sure of an entertaining evening.

Peter Thomson Thetford Society

One of the Easter Rising street murals in Belfast Image: ©Keith Ruffles

Our monthly Stebbings. entertainment, very knowledgeable confused one of the competed shared by world at the the “Ocean sister ships

On its maiden bound for by a U-boat sank very lives. Of course, actual event of conspiracy Lusitania. off the wreck

Out of this charity was businessman

The speaker spoke on the In addition further talk be about and the second, enthusiastically Charlie Haylock. to confirmation.

Thetford u3a News

Our monthly speaker for March was Jim Stebbings. Jim normally speaks on theatre and entertainment, but today provided us with a very knowledgeable talk on Lusitania, not to be confused with the Titanic. The Lusitania was one of the international transatlantic liners which competed for the so called Blue Riband. A trophy shared by some of the most illustrious ships of the world at the time and later collectively known as the “Ocean Greyhounds”. The Lusitania had two sister ships – the Mauritania and the Aquitania. On its maiden voyage the Lusitania left New York bound for Liverpool. Tragically it was torpedoed by a U-boat just off the coast of Ireland. The ship sank very quickly with the loss of over a thousand lives. Of course, with any major such tragedy the actual event is accompanied by an abundance of conspiracy theories, as was the case with Lusitania. To this day sports divers are warned off the wreck with signs of unexploded munitions. Out of this sad event the Helen Keller International charity was inaugurated by her and an American businessman George Kessler who was a survivor. The speaker for April was Steve Short. Steve spoke on the comedy duo Morecambe and Wise. In addition to our regular monthly talks, two further talk dates are being organised. One will be about World War II airfields in East Anglia and the second, which I’m sure will go down as enthusiastically as previously is to be provided by Charlie Haylock. However, this last one is subject to confirmation.

Our Open hugely successful our groups being kept up. Our AGM Morecambe be reported

Our Open Day which was held on 30th March was hugely successful with representatives from all our groups present and our membership secretary being kept busy with many new members signing up. Our AGM was held on 27th April prior to the Morecambe and Wise talk. Any matters arising will be reported in next month’s edition.

The committee is always looking for new recruits so if anyone is interested, please contact a member of the existing committee. Also the committee is always looking for new and innovative ways to entertain the members and is currently mulling a proposal to conduct a u3a take on the Antiques Road Show whereby people would bring along their treasured items for review by an expert. The objects don’t have to be genuine antiques just ‘treasured items’ that you may have.

For more information about Thetford u3a please contact Lesley on 01842 824074 or visit: u3asites.org.uk/thetford

The Old Rent King’s House, THETFORD

Norfolk. IP24

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Sinking of the ocean liner Lusitania (sketch from the English newspaper, May 1915)

Summer Volunteers

Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers Wanted Across Norfolk

Ready, Set, Volunteer! Libraries across Norfolk are looking for young people aged 13 - 25 to join us as volunteers during the Summer Reading Challenge.

pack with apply. The Saturday, Library, Raymond on 01842

Volunteering is a great way to build skills and be part of something exciting during the holidays. This year’s challenge ‘Ready, Steady, Read!’ is all about games and sports. You can support us at the Thetford Library by helping us with sign-ups, promotions, and running Summer Reading Challenge related activities during the holidays. To find out more, pop down to the library and speak to our staff or contact us via email or by phone, and we’ll send you out a pack with information about the role and how to apply. The library opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am - 7pm. You can find us at Thetford Library, Raymond Street, Thetford or telephone us on 01842 752048.

The deadline Thetford Please aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

You can editions www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk

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

You can also see more content and past editions of the magazine on our website; www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk

01842 754005

Volunteer

Volunteer With St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance in your area

St John Ambulance funding to young people cadet programme. to receive we are hoping Fakenham, have plans units so that St John Ambulance people (aged saving skills their teamwork, skills. But of Youth Leaders. leader equates We are looking they will need up a few evening with training) and and grow young people. provided, so volunteers as helping opportunity they wish

St John Ambulance is actively recruiting volunteers in your area to support our youth programme. St John Ambulance has received government funding to create additional spaces to enable young people from across the country to join our cadet programme. One of the areas identified to receive some of the funding is Norfolk, where we are hoping to set up new cadet units in Diss, Fakenham, Thetford and North Norwich. We also have plans to increase capacity at our existing units so that more young people can get involved.

St John Ambulance Cadet Units enable young people (aged 10 to 17 years) to learn essential lifesaving skills as well as having fun and developing their teamwork, leadership and communication skills. But they could not do so without the support of Youth Leaders. Each new or additional youth leader equates to ten additional spaces for cadets. We are looking for new Youth Leaders in the area, they will need to be over 18 years, willing to give up a few hours each week (usually a weekday evening with some occasional weekends for training) and be prepared to learn, have fun and grow in confidence around enthusiastic young people. All training and a uniform will be provided, and reasonable expenses are covered so volunteers are not left out of pocket. As well as helping to run cadet sessions there is also the opportunity to support cadets on events and if they wish to volunteers can undertake additional

training to attend events in their own right as a first responder.

In addition to supporting people’s health needs, young St John volunteers get involved with thousands more hours of activities including fundraising and sharing their first aid skills with their peers. As a youth movement, St John Ambulance’s longest established programmes for young people are Cadets (aged 10 to 17 years) which celebrated its centenary in 2022, and Badgers (aged 5 to 10 years). The charity is helping develop the next generation of health professionals, volunteers and lifesavers.

Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities to volunteer with St John Ambulance can visit our web page at:

www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteeropportunities/volunteer-roles/youth-team

Our family your loved Memorials

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Our family and caring team will look after your loved one, like we would our own.

“After recommendations, research showed impeccable reviews and very competitive prices. You were not only totally professional and so approachable, but treated my Dad like I felt you would your own family. Wouldn’t go anywhere else!” G Kent

Mark & Sam Skinner

Thetford Trust,

Thetford established overall aim and educational about the businessman has a long Grammar proceeds charity in order charitable in excess and educational the founding by the original document, object of to be the promotion boys and all other boys and of Thetford’. this by making and scholarships prizes and Since the has provided to students attend the scholarships one recipient the University Russell Group attaining A* also been the Thetford new piano Prize Day 2022 on a

Thetford Educational Foundation Trust, Putting Education First

Thetford Educational Foundation Trust is an established Thetford grant making charity whose overall aim is to improve the quality of education and educational provision in Thetford. Speaking about the Foundation, Treasurer and local businessman Jo Pearson said, “The Charity has a long history and originally owned Thetford Grammar School, which it sold in 2017. The proceeds from this sale were invested by the charity in order to generate income to support its charitable aim. Since then, we have distributed in excess of £125,000.00 to various schools and educational projects in Thetford.” Following the founding ideals, the Board is guided by the original wording in its governing document, an extract of which is, ‘The object of the charity shall continue to be the promotion of education of boys and girls, with a preference, other things being equal, for boys and girls resident in the town of Thetford’. The Foundation does this by making grants, bursaries, and scholarships and by providing prizes and donations for this purpose.

Since the new Foundation was set up it has provided scholarships and bursary support to students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend the Thetford Grammar School. 6th Form scholarships have proven very successful with one recipient going on to study Chemistry at the University of Oxford, whilst another joined a Russell Group university to study Physics after attaining A* grades at A level. The Foundation has also been supporting Thetford’s largest school, the Thetford Academy in a variety of ways. A new piano was purchased for the school and Prize Day awards have been sponsored since 2022 on a rolling programme continuing for the

next five years. The Foundation has also assisted some academy students to purchase equipment to gain access to college and music courses. There is also some funding available for each and every child in Thetford who enrols in and attends a full time university course. These small awards can be used as reimbursement towards items purchased such as books, travel cards and equipment.

Every year the Foundation offers an annual awards programme to all primary schools in the town. The schools are asked to submit a proposal for a project outside the curriculum with funds this year likely to be approaching £5,000 per school.

Please mention the Thetfo when responding to

Above: Maureen Eade (C) Foundation Chair and Jo Pearson (R) present Mr Harris and some year six pupils from Adimrals Academy with iPads as part of a £6,000 donation made to the school by the Trust

Left: Thetford Grammar School

Projects have in a playground multicultural initiatives, the O2 arena, to attend a High Lodge, and equipment space called Recently Trust was laptops for funding Thetford They also, seed investment Foundation element. The Community sent a box sessions. with Barnham take part.

Projects have included an interactive world map in a playground so pupils could understand the multicultural community of the school, wellbeing initiatives, support to take part in Young Voices at the O2 arena, financial support for individual pupils to attend a residential trip, a whole school trip to High Lodge, behaviour improvement initiatives, and equipment with resources for a therapeutic space called Safe Ports.

Recently the Thetford Educational Foundation Trust was heavily involved in the provision of laptops for Thetford children during covid, match funding Thetford businesses to a total of £25,000. They also, earlier this year donated £10,000 as seed investment into the Norfolk Community Foundation Literacy Project to cover the Thetford element. The money was matched by Norfolk Community Foundation and all schools have been sent a box of books and provided with training sessions. Most of the schools in Thetford along with Barnham CEVC Primary have signed up to take part.

“We are always donations endowment this, please into our fourth to continuing that is provided so important all possible world’’.

“We are always looking for and happy to accept donations and legacy bequests to add to the endowment fund, if anybody wishes to discuss this, please do get in touch.” Jo continued, “Now into our fourth year of grant giving we look forward to continuing to enhance the educational provision that is provided by all the schools in Thetford. It is so important that all the children of Thetford have possible help to get them started in today’s world’’.

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For more information about Thetford Educational Foundation Trust, check out the Charity Commission website or for grant information please speak with your own school.

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

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‘Building our love of learning together’

Thetford Flower arrangement demonstrated, visitors, providing flowers. The flower arrangements, textures. showed their before the everyone enjoyed

Thetford Flower Club

Thetford Flower Club held their beautiful flower arrangement on 11th April at 2pm. Sandra Price demonstrated, ‘Flower Power’, to members and visitors, providing fantastic advice on foliage and flowers. The demonstation showcased gorgeous flower arrangements, with vibrant colours and textures. Sandra entained the audience who showed their appreciation with rounds of applause before the arrangements were raffled off and everyone enjoyed a tasty afternoon tea.

The next Church on opportunity

Queen Camilla’s be spent Coronation, combinations Peggy Bullard flower arrangement, friend and the club when ago along everyone become the served to mark

The next meeting will be on 9th May, at The Church on the Way, this will be an exciting opportunity to celebrate King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Coronation. The afternoon will be spent creating floral displays inspired by the Coronation, so expect lots of red, white and blue combinations and possibly a crown or two! The Peggy Bullard trophy will be presented for the best flower arrangement, in memory of the club’s dear friend and long standing secretary. Peggy joined the club when it was first created forty-nine years ago along with Joan Jest. She was well loved by everyone and there’s always stiff competition to become the winner. A delicious cream tea will be served to mark the special occasion.

If you’re interested in coming along or for more information, please contact Lynda Moore on 01842 762919. The Thetford Flower Club meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm, at the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JZ. Visitors are always welcome and charged at £6 per session. Membership is £30 for the year. The visitor fee is deducted if joining for the year.

One of Sandra Price’s ‘Flower Power’ arrangements demonstrated at the April meeting

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Bag Yourself A Bargain At Thetford Reuse Shop

With the cost of living rising, many of us are looking for ways to make our budgets stretch. If you’re looking for good quality used items for your home and garden, try your local reuse shop at Thetford Recycling Centre.

You’ll find a treasure trove of items such as furniture, ornaments, pictures, bicycles and garden tools. Everything in the shop has been donated – saving good stuff from going to waste. Shop stock constantly changes as new items are donated, so you never know what you might find.

Over the last ten years, Thetford Reuse Shop has reused 1,403.5 tonnes of unwanted items. If you have something you no longer need, bring it along to the reuse shop. Part of the money raised through Norfolk County Council’s fifteen Reuse Shops is donated to the Big C charity, so you’ll be supporting their valuable work as well as helping to reduce waste. Thetford Reuse Shop is open from 9am to 4pm, seven days a week. You’ll find it next to the Recycling Centre on Telford Way.

For more information visit:

www.norfolk.gov.uk/reuseshop

Follow us on Facebook: @norfolkreuseshops

Eggcellent Fundraising Success

Once again Wendy and the team at Thetford Methodist Church have been busy knitting covers for Creme Eggs. A amazing £1250 was raised for Cancer Research UK. The Creme eggs were donated by Tesco, Aldi, Farm Foods, Roy’s, Iceland and Mark Skinner and sold across town including the Healthy Living Centre, Grove Surgery, Lime Pharmacy, School Lane Surgery, Nationwide and David Goddard Motor Engineers.

Thetford

Thetford Garden And Allotment Club

Our Spring Thetford (featured had eighty-nine including Cups awarded respectively. awards, with two. Liz Salter Pilgrim and place and Decoration

The annual members. to see some why not come resident experts,you’d

Our Spring Show brought a dash of colour to Thetford Methodist Church Hall in mid April (featured on the front cover this month). We had eighty-nine entries to the various categories including contesting the Daffodil and Tulip Cups awarded to David Salter and Brian Farrell respectively. David and Brian both won four awards, with Sue Pilgrim closely following with two. Liz Salter claimed the Culinary Prize, with Sue Pilgrim and Roy Carpenter sharing joint second place and Yvonne Rout placed third. Best Easter Decoration was awarded to Lorraine Thompson. The annual shows are open to members and non members. Club Chair Brian Farrell said, “We’d love to see some new participants in our next show, why not come along and have a go at beating our resident experts,you’d be very welcome!.”

The Summer June and September, May has arrived so more time be a danger protect any in the greenhouse

The Summer Show will be held on Saturday 17th June and the Annual Show on Saturday 2nd September, both in the Methodist Church Hall. May has arrived and with it three Bank Holidays so more time for gardening! Late frosts can still be a danger so keep on eye on the forecast and protect any tender plants with fleece or put them in the greenhouse overnight.

By the middle French beans which should germination. the seeds first grown were introduced gardener to used to decorate added to nosegays!

By the middle of the month runner beans and French beans can be sown directly into the soil which should be warm enough to ensure good germination. Put cane wigwams up before sowing the seeds of climbing beans. Runner beans were first grown as an ornamental plant when they were introduced by John Tradescant who became gardener to Charles I. The scarlet runners were used to decorate arbours and were picked and added to nosegays!

Early flowering and spirea can be cut can also be

Early flowering shrubs such as kerria japonica and spirea can be pruned now, flowered shoots can be cut back to lower buds, clematis montana can also be cut back, it does love to ramble but if

space is tight it can be cut back fairly hard to keep it tidy. If you have any gaps in your border why not consider planting a hardy geranium? There is a variety to suit every situation from shade to sun. Hardy Geraniums have a lovely colour variation in their leaves and flowers and once they start blooming they go on all summer long. Margery Fish who gardened in Somerset famously said “When in doubt, plant a geranium.”

The warmer weather does see an abundance of weeds germinating but regular hoeing with a nice sharp hoe keeps the beds tidy. Choose a dry day with a light wind and the weed seedlings dry off and wither away on the surface. The end of the month sees the RHS Chelsea Flower Show taking place. There is always something to catch one’s eye and I always enjoy my day there albeit returning with aching feet!

The Annual Thetford Open Gardens plant sale will be held at 28 Arlington Way on Saturday 13th May from 10am – 3pm. There will be lots of lovely plants on offer and some of the TGAC Team there to offer help and advice if required.

Happy Gardening!

Maggie Baldwin

TGAC members helping at the Thetford Open Gardens Plant Sale last May

A recent study that we have important a dramatic being right

No Worm For The Early Bird

A recent study by the BTO scientists has found that we have lost over a third of our economically important earthworms in just twenty-five years –a dramatic decline previously undetected despite being right under our feet!

The BTO populations. organisms the true health declines in much interest, ‘insectaggedon’. monitoring the scale between types about the changing such as earthworms, ecosystem

The BTO is best known for its work on our bird populations. However, its work on other groups of organisms is equally as important in revealing the true health of our ecosystems. Large-scale declines in insect populations have attracted much interest, prompting use of the term ‘insectaggedon’. However, due to a lack of robust monitoring data, there is a lot of uncertainty about the scale of these declines, and how they differ between types of insects. Even less is known about the changing fortunes of other invertebrates, such as earthworms, despite their vital role in ecosystem functioning.

The study overlooked They used spanning a in earthworm over time results reveal abundance, These figures over a twenty-five-year that the declines woodland farmland, than arable

The study aimed to shed light on these often overlooked but vitally important invertebrates. They used historical data from previous studies spanning a century to identify long-term changes in earthworm abundance, looking at changes over time and differences between habitats. The results reveal long-term declines in earthworm abundance, ranging from 1.6% to 2.1% per year. These figures equate to a 33% to 41% decline over a twenty-five-year period. They also found that the declines were greatest in broad-leaved woodland than in any other habitats. And, within farmland, declines were greater in pasture rather than arable landscapes as they expected.

The reasons investigated that they could shifts in farming land drainage earthworms this could

The reasons for these declines were not investigated in the paper. However, it is thought that they could be linked to climate change and shifts in farming practices. A warming climate and land drainage could cause the soils to dry out. As earthworms are sensitive to soil moisture levels, this could decrease the area of suitable habitat

available to them. But why does this matter?

Earthworms play a vital role in our ecosystems: cleaning up the streets by digesting decaying matter, aerating and fertilizing the ground, and even being a source of food for our much-loved birds. They are also important to our economy, boosting the productivity of our soil through their underground activity, providing ecosystem services that would be extremely expensive to simulate. So, this loss could be costly to both our ecosystems and UK agriculture.

Amid the current biodiversity crisis, these findings highlight the need for robust long-term monitoring of key invertebrate groups, and the potential conservation and economic implications we are now facing.

Ghost Stories And Legends Appeal

Local author, Dr Paul Lee is hoping to document more stories and accounts of ghost stories and legends in the region. If you have a tale or experience you would like to share please contact Dr Lee by email: paul.lee.1971@gmail.com

Kate Fox, BTO

Robin with an earthworm by Liz Cutting / BTO

Tickets are Sunday 25th taking part out. Tickets with accompanying under twelve purchased Hare, Everything in King Street, Centre, Lawsons Way outside hours. You at Leaping www.leapinghare.org

Thetford Open Garden Tickets Go On sale

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s event on Sunday 25th June. With twenty-seven gardens taking part this year, it’s going to be a bumper day out. Tickets are just £7 per person with accompanying children under twelve free and can be purchased from the Leaping Hare, Everything Thetford shop in King Street, Thetford Garden Centre, Lawsons and 28 Arlington Way outside of shop opening hours. You can also book online at Leaping Hare Box Office: www.leapinghare.org

Whilst you’re tickets don’t few raffle excellent including Centre vouchers. You can start moving on Garden visitors, in many gardens!

Whilst you’re picking up your tickets don’t forget to grab a few raffle tickets, there’s some excellent prizes again this year including £100 Thetford Garden Centre vouchers.

You can start your day with bacon rolls before moving on to a firm favourite with Thetford Open Garden visitors, tea and cake – which you’ll find in many gardens! We have five new gardens, old

favourites and several returning gardens who have made changes since they lasted opened. This year whilst exploring the gardens you can discover a WWII air raid shelter now repurposed as a potting shed, over one-hundred different succulents and cacti, meet a gaggle of chickens, watch a heritage shoe making demo, find out about drought resistant planting and an award winning wildlife friendly garden. Rachel will be opening her new garden for the first time and serving light lunches and smoked salmon sandwiches. Turner Funerals will be hosting their Aussie BBQ, offering burgers like no others (including a veggie option) and Roy Carpenter will be offering gardening tips for those who’d like to try growing something new or addressing a plant problem.

Don’t forget the annual plant sale takes place on 13th May from 10am – 3pm at 28 Arlington Way, Thetford IP24 2DZ. TGAC will be on hand to help with any plant queries and fresh scones will be available for takeaway. For the latest information follow Thetford Open Gardens on Facebook.

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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements

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Breckland Cats Protection

Do you have an unneutered female or male cat? At Breckland Cats Protection they’re able to help you towards the cost of neutering your cat, by sending you a £35 voucher for the cost of neutering a male cat or, a £50 voucher towards the cost of neutering a female cat. Kittens can be neutered at 4-5 months if they weigh at least 2kg. More information on the benefits of cat neutering can be found at:

www.cats.org.uk/tenterden/feature-pages/ why-neuter-your-cat

If you have a stray cat turn up in your garden, whether you are feeding it or not, please take it to the vet so that they can check for a microchip. There is no charge and someone may be looking for their beloved cat, who has wandered off and can’t find his way home. Moreover, Cats Protection found that around 600,000 cats have microchip details that are not up to date. If your cat is microchipped, please make sure that the details on the database are up to date. If you’re with Identibase, check your details by visiting:

www.identibase.co.uk

It’s important to get your cat microchipped - if you haven’t already then please apply. If you come across a stray cat, please take it to the vets so they can check for a microchip, free of charge. By 10th June 2024 all owners must have their cats microchipped, owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have twenty one days to have one implanted or may face a fine of up to £500. For help or advice, or to request a voucher for neutering please call 01842 810018.

Rita Thompson, Breckland

Cats Protection

Microchipping your cat ensures they can be returned to you quickly if they become lost and are taken to a vets

The cause but it is an of the skin. combination factors which include hot temperature seems to the over 30’s. aggravate pressure tablets.

Rosacea

The cause of Rosacea is still very much unknown, but it is an increased blood flow to the surface of the skin. The thought is that it may be a combination of both hereditary and environmental factors which is responsible. A few of the triggers include hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperature changes, sunlight, wind and fair skin seems to be more prone. Also, it usually affects the over 30’s. Stress and strenuous exercise can aggravate it and certain medication such as blood pressure tablets.

Rosacea appears the centre vessels, particularly There may the skin may feel dry and eyelids. Often enlarged. very successfully, required, method of us to heat which will and elastin consultation out prior to twenty-four

Rosacea appears as red patches especially on the centre of the face. There can be visible blood vessels, particularly on the nose and cheeks. There may also be small, pus filled bumps and the skin may feel tender and hot. The eyes can feel dry and irritated with possible swollen red eyelids. Often in men the nose may become enlarged. I treat a lot of Rosacea in the salon, very successfully, normally three treatments are required, approx four weeks apart. We use a method of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) this allows us to heat up the skin to a very high temperature which will make the skin produce its own collagen and elastin to aid the healing process. A full consultation and patch test needs to be carried out prior to the first treatment, usually at least twenty-four hours before the first treatment.

It is very regime, no recommend and elderflower help to calm to help keep soothing moisturiser

It is very important to follow a good cleansing regime, no harsh products or scrubs. We would recommend a gentle cleanser containing oatmeal and elderflower to calm and sooth the skin and help to calm the blood vessels. A humectant to help keep the skin hydrated, together with a soothing moisturiser followed by UV protection.

Hope this Maid2Clean

Hope this is helpful. Have a healthy month of May.

Kind regards, Lisa Stallings, Halcyon Days

Two memb Association’s they learnt clubs for charities the year. East the charities had various Henson from Strictly Come

Thetford Inner Wheel

Two members recently went to Blackpool to the Association’s 99th annual conference. At the AGM, they learnt that over £800,000 had been raised by clubs for charities both at home and abroad during the year. East Anglian Air Ambulance was one of the charities to benefit. Thetford’s Inner Wheel had various interesting speakers including Adam Henson from Countryfile, Chizzy Akudolu from Strictly Come Dancing and Holby City and Lynne

Baird MBE control kits crimes. The venture with tower itself displayed

Baird MBE who was promoting her special bleed control kits to aid people who have suffered knife crimes. The two Blackpool members ended their venture with a party at the Tower Ballroom. The tower itself was lit up in Inner Wheel colours and displayed a sign welcoming them to Blackpool.

Thetford’s the Coronation

Marie Muir’s

Thetford’s Inner Wheel’s next celebration will be the Coronation with a tea party at their President Marie Muir’s home to toast King Charles.

The photo Bass enjoying which was charities supported

The photo shows Inner Wheel member Marian De Bass enjoying a ride on the Blood Bikes motorbike which was fortunately static! This was one of the charities supported at the Conference.

For further please visit:

For further information about Thetford Inner Wheel please visit: www.innerwheel.co.uk

From Thetford Singers

2023 concert

With gusto most challenging spanning

From Handel’s and concluded harmonies musicals ‘Hamilton’ Musical Director commitment. sun’ brought with Handel’s nightingales

Bizet’s ‘the half with rousing

From Handel To Hamilton

Thetford Singers were in fine voice at their Spring 2023 concert in Thetford Methodist Church. With gusto and confidence they performed a most challenging repertoire of Great Choruses spanning four centuries and a range of genres. From Handel’s ‘Hallelujah chorus’ which began and concluded the evening with glorious harmonies and increasing intensity to well-known musicals ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Les Mis’. They followed Musical Director Chris Parsons with keenness and commitment. Up-beat melody ‘Here comes the sun’ brought brightness to the room contrasting with Handel’s ‘May no rash intruder’ where nightingales ‘lulled them to sleep with their song’. Bizet’s ‘the Toreador’s Song’ completed the first half with rousing strength and bravado.

Guest musicians performance of Karl Jenkins of Kyrie and section was Sanctus when Bob Settle

Guest musicians added sparkle in the second half performance with the five contrasting movements of Karl Jenkins ‘the Armed Man’. The lilting melody of Kyrie and the contrapuntal ‘Christe eleison’ section was followed by second movement Sanctus when percussionists Simon Barnett and Bob Settle added sudden volume and drama. The cellist, Theo Bently Curtin, enraptured the audience with his beautiful rendition of the melody of Benedictus.

Thetford Singers look forward now to a complete change of style in the Summer term as they work on John Rutter’s ‘Feel the spirit’ for their Summer Concert on 13th July in the Carnegie, Thetford. It is hoped that Thetford Voices (junior choir) and a local Thetford school will also participate in the Summer concert. Thetford Singers is a community choir that meets at 7.30pm on Wednesdays during termtime at Thetford Methodist Church. Adults are welcome to attend a taster session.

Please contact us to express your interest and to request further details for both adults and children members. Email: hilarylevan1@gmail.com or visit: www.thetfordsingers.org

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Thetford Singers with the Mayor of Thetford, Cllr Jane James. Image: ©Thetford Singers

New police the STAG in the Large A relatively meeting belied by many increase in (particularly it was requested the new priorities be:

Police Priorities Confirmed At STAG Meeting

New police priorities were requested at the STAG public meeting on 20th April in the Large Court, Thetford Guildhall. A relatively small turnout at the public meeting belied the strength of feeling by many residents regarding the increase in youth Anti-Social Behaviour (particularly in the town centre). As a result it was requested by both public and police that the new priorities for the next three months should be:

Priority 1: PSPO area

Priority 1: Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) in the PSPO area of Thetford Town Centre.

Priority 2: Priority 3: meets at the

Priority 2: Youth Anti Social Behaviour.

Priority 3: Illegal off-road vehicle use and car meets at the retail parks.

As many group working in Thetford, other anti-social success, the 30 mph limit

As many of you know STAG is a multi-agency group working to resolve community issues in Thetford, focusing on safety, crime and all other anti-social behaviour. We have had some success, the Public Space Protection Order and 30 mph limit are good examples. We do make

a difference, but we need new members to help continue the work and add a fresh perspective on problems that the town faces.

We hold monthly meetings in the Guildhall where we talk through various issues with the police and other agencies, we also have our quarterly open meetings where the public have an opportunity to have their say.

We are keen to grow the STAG team, so if you would like to become involved in keeping our town safe then contact us at:

www.facebook.com/STAG-Safer-Thetford-

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Thetford Senior offs on Saturday in the Regional game was first few minutes found their passages an early lead but the first of changes half. The players position allowing capitalising and win of Game two started strong whistle. The was superb. 15-5 to Thetford. more changes play continued in the defence shots were for Thetford players and in two very

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Thetford Netball Club

Thetford Senior Squad entered into County Play offs on Saturday 15th April to compete for a place in the Regional play offs on the 14th May. The first game was against UEA, nerves were high in the first few minutes but Thetford quickly settled and found their rhythm, allowing for some excellent passages of play. Thetford were able to secure an early lead and at times UEA closed the gap but the first half finished 10-7 to Thetford. A couple of changes were made going into the second half. The players coming on settled straight into position allowing Thetford to pull further ahead, capitalising at every opportunity. A great game and win of 26-11 to Thetford.

Game two was against Norfolk United. Thetford started strong and confidently from the first whistle. The communication and the team morale was superb. The first half finished with a lead of 15-5 to Thetford. Going into the second half, again more changes were made. Thetford’s fast paced play continued to flow, turnovers were happening in the defence end and the mid court and the shots were still easily going in. A brilliant win again for Thetford of 27-12. Having a squad of twelve players and having all twelve able to take to court in two very short games is testament to how far

this squad has come this season. The depth, versatility and resilience Thetford has is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Thetford Netball Club has now qualified for regional. Speaking about the team’s success, Zara Veasey said, “Well done to our girls and good luck on the 14th May.” The tournament will be held at Norwich UEA.

Thetford Netball Club has four senior and seven junior teams. For more information about the club or how to join please email: thetfordnetball@gmail.com

Image: ©Thetford Netball Club

Thetford

Well, the the league competition of the Norfolk on the 22nd Hewitt. Should on the 29th Wymondham

Thetford RFC Touchline Tippler

Well, the season comes down to this: with all the league games finished we are now into cup competition time. Thetford is now in the semi finals of the Norfolk Salver competition and play at home on the 22nd April against old rivals Lakenham and Hewitt. Should Thetford prevail then the final is on the 29th April at the Big Rugby Day hosted by Wymondham RFC.

The club has on and off new players returning exciting, dedicated set foundations belongs, in rugby. With our facebook to see what the summer participate club and give

The club has grown in strength this season, both on and off the field. On the field we have seen new players joining the club and old friends returning on the pitch. Off the field a new and exciting, dedicated Committee has gathered to set foundations to launch the club back to where it belongs, in the higher echelons of Norfolk County rugby. With this in mind, everyone is invited to join our facebook page, or indeed join the Rugby Club to see what events are up and coming throughout the summer and for anybody who would like to participate in the game of rugby, come up to the club and give it a try.

On the playing under the a game enjoyed alike. Off

On the playing field we hosted our first night game under the new floodlights against RAF Marham, a game enjoyed by both players and spectators alike. Off the field Bush Adventures UK have

teamed up with Thetford RFC and are making use of some of the wooded area for their outdoor pursuits. They can be found on Facebook if you want to see what exciting pursuits are available.

For more information follow the club on Facebook or email: thetford-rfc@outlook.com

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

Above: Thetford RFC in action Image: ©Andrew Sparrowhawk