Thetford’s community spirit is clear to see in this month’s edition as local people step up to provide support as the harsh winter approaches.
Examples in this month’s edition include the returning Christmas Hamper Appeal and support available at the Charles Burrell Centre. It is heartening to see people’s generosity and hard work being recognised too with awards for volunteers at the Royal British Legion and Thetford Brownies. There’s success as well for Thetford’s business community with Traquinas Childcare shortlisted in the national childcare awards and two of Thetford’s estate agents (Chilterns & Lawsons) succesfully obtaining national awards in their field.
Like many businesses, our costs to produce the About Thetford magazine have been increasing. We aim to continue to bring you as much community news and information as we can but we rely on our advertisers to help cover costs. Please remember to mention the magazine when responding to adverts or articles.
Terry Jermy, Editor, About
Page 5 - Legion Volunteers Recognised
Page 7 - Puss In Boots Competition
Page 9 - Calls To Banish Balloon Litter
Page 11 - Volunteers Offer Patient Support
Page 13 - Traquinas Shortlisted For Award
Page 14 - Support On Hand With CAB
Page 15 - Hamper Appeal Launched
Page 17 - Grants For Local Good Causes
Page 19 - Sponsor A Dog Gift Idea
Page 20 - Thetford Brownies Celebrate
Page 25 - Not Just Books
Page 27 - Save Money & Environment Tips
Page 29 - BTO’s Golden Oldies
Page 31 - Garden Notes For November
Page 33 - Funds For Foodbanks
Page 35 - Stay Warm Safely This Winter
Page 37 - Thetford Agents Scoop Awards
Page 38 - Growing Club Needs Volunteers
About Thetford magazine is printed on carbon balanced paper in Norfolk
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Recently three of our volunteers were recognised by Breckland District Council for their tireless work with an Unsung Hero Award. Presented by Chair of Breckland District Council, Cllr Mike Nairn, the first award went to ohn Waine for Service to the Community. ohn has been the Thetford Parade Master for twenty-nine years, organsing the town’s commeration event each year. The second award for Service to the Commuity and Fundraising went to Barry and Maggie Findlay who have helped with the annual Poppy Appeal for over twelve years. Collecting her award, Maggie said, “I’m very pleased to be recognised. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed selling poppies. I’ve met lots of lovely people whilst selling them and would recommend becoming a volunteer. ohn said that he was also surprised but pleased to be recognised for something he enjoys doing. Each volunteer recieved a certificate and special pin badge in the shape of the district featuring a deer.
The Royal British Legion has been in Thetford, for over 100 years, they help both serving and exserving members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families. Every single penny donated to the Poppy Appeal goes to provide support. From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life. It’s not just members of the Armed Forces they help, but their families too. This year’s Poppy Appeal launched on 27th October, you’ll see collectors out and about until Remembrance Sunday on the 13th of November. As last year, collectors will be in supermarkets, and boxes with poppies will be in some of the local shops. There will also be a collection at the Remembrance Parade on the morning of Sunday 13th November.
Mandy Adlington has been appointed as the new Poppy Appeal Organiser for Thetford, “I can
help with sourcing poppy boxes for businesses, wreaths for Remembrance or any other event. We re also looking for volunteers. If you feel you would be able to help to be a collector, please contact me. I would like to say a massive thank you to Rosemary and ohn Waine for all their hard work organising Thetford’s Poppy Appeal for many years.” To become a Poppy Collector please contact Mandy on 01842 750592 or email: rbl@ixworth.net
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A new project has been launched between The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership (BFER) and The Brecks Society. The Industrious Rivers project will explore the history of trade and development along the waterways of the Brecks.
The rivers included in the project are the Lark, Thet, Little Ouse and Wissey. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the area, and to acquire new skills and insights into this lesser-known aspect of our local heritage. The project launched at Brandon Country Park with speakers Professor Tom Williamson, a landscape historian and landscape archaeologist from EA, and Elliott Wragg, pro ect officer at the Thames Discovery Programme, Museum of London Archaeology.
Professor Williamson said, “It’s a great project, one of the things that interests me is the effect that transport links can transform the area economically. In the Middle Ages, Breckland ourished, it was good for growing barley and the river provided good transport links because of the navigability of the rivers.”
Elliott Wragg explained that he is aiming to explore the archaeology and history of the area by
mention
THE MILL HEAD, c.1930
Just a few yards and on the same route from the Small Bridges, is another ancient andheavily-used river crossing. It passes over the Mill Head and River Thet, the furthermost point of the old Thetford Navigation. This view of the Mill Head changed little until the 1960s when the large, wooden warehouse that can be seen was demolished. From sometime just before the 1939-45 War until the early 1980s, the flint building and river bankin the right foreground was occupied by Vic Dann's wood yard, where tree trunks were cut into logsand firewood for delivery to households in the town. Vic Dann's former wood yard was cleared away and the site landscaped in 1987. The old water mill was last used for industrial purposes in 1956. [See also ThetfordA Century Remembered page 15].
looking at the river buildings and commerce of the rivers. “You cannot look at the development of the area in the Brecks without looking at the rivers.” The project also includes a series of workshops throughout 2023 including millwrighting, lock repairs, in-river brickwork and production of an illustrated report on river trading history, digital mapping and an exhibition to raise awareness and celebrate the vital role of the rivers in the Brecks.
With the final disappearance of the town's riverside industries in the last quarter of the 20th century, many areas by the rivers have inevitably taken on a new role.As once familiar industrial scenes have been swept away, they have been replaced by schemes that have made the rivers and riverside much more appealing and accessible. So complete are the changes, however, that apart from old maps, photographs and our memories, there is little surviving evidence of the industries once centred around Thetford's rivers.
For more information or to join the project please contact Helen Leith, Project Manager BFER Industrious Rivers Project at: indrivers.brecsoc@gmail.com Or, visit: www.brecsoc.org.uk
Viewed from the Town Bridge, these maltings were working into the 1960s before they were demolished, to make way for the Riverside Walk development that opened in 1968. The land on the right, previously occupied by the general engineering works and garage of W. J. 'Watty' Woods, is now a car park.
Every Friday, 5pm-7pm
Kilverstone, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2RL www.thetfordgardencentre.co.uk
One of Thetford’s most loved Christmas events is returning with a big programme of events. This year the theme is All Creatures Great and Small and will feature decorated trees created by individuals and groups from across the local community. The trees are always a dazzling array of lights and colour, bringing much needed festive cheer to visitors who are always greeted with a warm welcome. Enjoy looking round or one of the many events, there’s something for everyone! Proceeds from the Festival will go to support Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing and church funds. Thetford Methodist Tree Festival opens at 9.30am - 5pm on Friday 26th with a charity market from opening until 12.30pm and a Make your Own Christmas Wreath workshop at 2pm. The Tree Festival then closes until the evening of Friday 2nd December when it reopens from 5 – 8pm as part of the Christmas Lights Switch On celebrations. It then opens daily from Saturday 3rd – Sunday 18th, Saturdays 9:30am – 5pm, Sundays 12:30 –3pm and weekdays 11am – 3pm.
The popular story that we know today as ‘Puss in Boots’ originated as a fable that recounts the plight of three poor boys whose mother has only three possessions of value: a kneading trough, a pastry board and a cat (a disguised fairy), who was left to her youngest son. Thetford Players cannot wait tobring you their version of this popular character. Over the years the tale has changed and evolved. Puss in Boots has now become a much loved character, starring in 2004, in a film franchise featuring a friendly green Ogre! This fabulous brand new script ‘Puss in Boots, a Soan Sister’s Pantomime’ will be sure to have you laughing, cheering and of course, booing.
To win a family ticket (4 people) to our pantomime in January 2023, just answer this question: What is the name of the Ogre from the film franchise mentioned above, and the name of the Princess he falls in love with?
Send your entry to: thetfordplayers1@gmail. com. Please include your full contact details, including name, address, contact number and age if under 16. All entries must be received by 5pm on Friday December 9th, all correct answers will be put into one of Dame Betty’s Boots and a winner drawn and notified by 16th December. Good Luck!
Events running alongside the Festival include a Tea Dance led by The Strollers on Sunday 3rd December, a Festival Quiz Night, a visit from the Mini Donks and Father Christmas on Saturday 11th December and a Christmas Lunch* along with another visit from Father Christmas on December 17th. New for 2022 on Sunday 11th December is the Pet Service with Rev David McAloon at 2.20pm – bring your own pet and join in. The Festival closes with a carol service led by Rev McAloon and featuring the church choir at 4pm on Sunday 18th December.
If you would like to help in any way please contact Nev Hodson on 01842 753298 or: nevillehodson1@gmail.com
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Shocking photos have emerged of balloon litter found this spring and summer along Norfolk’s otherwise unspoilt coastline.
The pictures have prompted a fresh call from the county council, and the North Norfolk Beach Cleaners collective, for people to choose other ways to celebrate or mark important events, instead of releasing balloons and sky lanterns. Balloons were found on half of the beach cleans carried out over the last few months, alongside other litter such as wet wipes, drinks cans, food packaging and fishing gear.
Cllr Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “These pictures highlight a problem that’s unfortunately still all too common”.
Norfolk’s Balloon & Lantern Charter gives people to chance to publicly pledge not to release these harmful products, or allow them to be released on their land, and to use environmentally friendly alternatives such as giant bubbles, banners, streamers, or ying kites. Serious after-effects of balloon and lantern releases can see animals can getting hurt or dying from getting trapped in, or eating the remains of lanterns and balloons which can end up as litter in the countryside, on beaches and in the sea.
Elizabeth Beston from the North Norfolk Beach Cleaners Collective, said: “We have recorded nearly sixty balloons or balloon fragments since May on the North Norfolk Coast alone, but the real number is likely to be much higher across the whole of the county”
Cllr Nigel Lloyd, Chair of the Norfolk Waste Partnership, said: "We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful county. It's saddening to see this kind of litter spoiling coastlines and countryside when sustainable alternatives to mark a special event
are readily available. I urge Norfolk residents and our visitors to encourage their neighbours, friends and family to find more sustainable ways to celebrate or commemorate important days”.
The Charter builds on the bans that are already in place across many areas of the country, including in Norfolk where the county council does not allow the release of helium balloons or sky lanterns on land it owns. To find out more, and download the charter pledge poster to display at your home, organisation or business visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/balloonsandskylanterns
To get involved in local beach cleans or litter picks visit the Norfolk recycles website: www.norfolkrecycles.com/communityaction/ lovenorfolkhatelitter
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We’re having an Autumn sale, take advantage of some great bargains from our clever crafters as they make room for their fabulous festive collections on Saturday 26 November for our Pop Up Meet the Maker event.
We have just taken delivery of our NEW Thetford puzzles They are high quality - and yes, they make GREAT gifts for the puzzler in your life - 500 pieces for £14.95 and £17.95 for the 1,000.
Thetford calendars are also now in and we’ve held the price for you at £6.95 each or £6 for two or more.
There’s a lot happening in Thetford on Saturday 26 November. You can Meet Father Christmas at Charles Burrell centre with a host of activities for just £5 For those that can’t make it in person, don’t forget our special personalised Father Christmas videos are also now available. Neil James Media will be holding special Christmas Photo Shoots (£35), ideal for creating your own unique Christmas cards and gifts. The Christmas Tree Festival begins at Thetford Methodist Church with the first of their packed programme Charity Market Stalls and Make Your Own Wreath (£7.50).
The BIG Christmas Quiz takes place on Friday 2 December £5. The qr code below takes you to our box office for these and many more events. Look out for the Christmas Tree Trail in December’s About Thetford magazine.
Volunteers are a key part of the work of the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT), offering care and support to staff, patients and their families. For people in their final days at the West Suffolk Hospital there are volunteer ward companions (VWC), and a band of ‘blanketeers’ bringing comfort to patients and their loved ones, and staff. The WSFT palliative care team has recently reintroduced the VWC service, to support all staff in clinical environments with patients who are at the end of their lives. Trained volunteers will sit with patients who are alone; whose friends and relatives are unable to visit or can only stay for a short time. They can also support friends and family who are struggling emotionally and finding it difficult to cope on their own.
They can offer:
•comfort and companionship
•emotional support and empathic understanding
•effective communication – knowing what to say •report any changes in condition
•report if patient requests chaplaincy •basic mouth care •allow family/carer time away •go to shop on behalf of family.
Michelle Buono, end of life educator for the Trust, said, “We will aim to train more VWCs as the role develops and as wards begin to use this service regularly. We would be happy to hear from anyone who would be interested in the role.”
The WSFT blanketeers are an independent group led by one of the Trust’s volunteers that create beautiful blankets for end-of-life patients. Started in 2019, the blanketeers produce ‘comfort’ blankets for patients in hospital, who may be nearing the end of their lives. The knitters can be staff, patients, or members of the public, and they meet once a month in the chapel at the West Suffolk Hospital.
Michelle continued, “The blankets brighten up the ward and the patient’s environment and help ward staff identify people who are receiving end of life care. Importantly they can then be given to a patient’s loved ones to take home and cherish.” The blanketeers welcome donations of squares/strips and blankets from knitting clubs, church groups, schools and anyone who would like to support them. These should be given a gentle wash and delivered to the main voluntary services reception desk at West Suffolk Hospital,
or brought along to the group, which meets every second Wednesday of the month, between 2pm and 4pm in the Chapel.
The My WiSH charity is closely involved with the scheme. The charity provides the wool and stuffing for the Blanketeers and would welcome any donations to support this great work.
Find out more about volunteering for the Trust in a variety of roles here: www.wsh.nhs.uk/Join-our-team /Volunteering.aspx
Thetford Childcare provider Traquinas Childcare are celebrating after being shortlisted for the Nursery World Awards in three different categories. The nursery serves 180 families across Thetford and aims to support, nourish and nurture every child they work with along with their families. Speaking about the awards, owner Carla Ferreira said, “We are really proud of our team at Traquinas and all the hard work the staff put in, we decided to enter the Nursery World Awards 2022 as they shine a light on best practice and help to raise the profile of the sector. We were ama ed to not only be shortlisted for one entry but for three.” The competition for the awards was strong with several big national companies competing along with childcare businesses from across the country.
The first category, Working with Parents, recognised the support Traquinas offers outside of nursery hours. From food and clothes banks to their mini Traquinas Fest. Traquinas also offers trips to attractions such as Banham Zoo, places they say that many of their parents can’t drive to or afford to visit independently. Carla continued, group visits enabled us to benefit from a discounted rate and for some of the children it was their first time at the oo which was truly special.
The second category was for Online and Social Media, Traquinas reaches people from all over the world with their Facebook posts. They’ve recently started using TikTok to inspire parents. We love sharing the fun stuff our little ones get up to and it gives staff a great sense of achievement when they see their activities and hard work being shown off.”
The third category was for Community Support, Traquinas really takes pride in helping others, not only those within their childcare setting but coming together as part of Thetford’s community. “We love putting on our Baby Groups especially after Covid.
Families enjoyed a mini festival at Traquinas during the summer
It was amazing to see some of these babies faces when they saw other children and an unfamiliar environment. Traquinas recently joined in with the Community Macmillan Coffee Morning and raised £166.97 towards the grand total. Although Traquinas didn’t win an award, they were highly commended in the Community Support Category. Carla said they were all very proud to have their work recognised on a national level, and it was a lovely evening to celebrate the hard work and passion of their staff.
Road Ad 2022.qxp_Layout 1
‘Pupils enjoy working with the kind and helpful staff in school.’ ‘Pupils behave well in lessons and at playtimes.’ An ‘Ambitious Curriculum.’ Ofsted, March 2022
16:2
Please
rated GOOD for:
Leadership and Management
Behaviour and Attitudes
Personal Development
Early Years
What we can offer you at Norwich Road:
• A ‘Knowledge Rich’ curriculum.
• Well behaved and co-operative pupils.
• High standards and ambitious leadership.
• Strong values and high aspirations.
• An Ofsted rated ‘Good’ Early Years provision, for pupils in Nursery and Reception.
• Extensive school grounds, including three playgrounds, elds, football pitch and a nature area.
• A well-stocked library.
• A wide range of extra-curricular activities.
• Before and after school care (7.30am – 5:30pm).
Please feel free to get in touch for more information or to arrange a visit. www.norwichroadacademy.co.uk Facebook: Norwich Road Academy of ce@nor.eastern-mat.co.uk Twitter: @NorwichRoadAca 01842 753279
@Norwich.Road.Academy
‘Building our love of learning together’
If you re finding it hard to stay on top of bills, make sure you know what money you ve got coming in and out each month. Citi ens Advice has an online budgeting tool that can help with this. It s also worth finding out if you re eligible for any benefits or support with your energy and living costs. The Citi ens Advice website also has a benefits calculator, advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your income.
There is help with rising energy bills. From October 1 2022, there s a limit on the unit price of gas and electricity prices for most householdsthis is called the Energy Price Guarantee and will be in place for si months. From October you ll also get 400 off your electricity bill, through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. ou don t need to do anything to get the money and you won’t have to pay it back. The money will be paid in si instalments, you ll get 66 in October and November followed by 67 in December, anuary, February and March. ou should automatically receive the energy discount if you pay by direct debit, standard credit or payment card.
If you have a prepayment meter that isn’t a smart meter, you ll get the discount via vouchers or as an automatic credit when you top up at your usual top-up point. our supplier will let you know how they will issue it. If you have a smart prepayment meter, the credit should be automatically added.
If you need more help, you can contact Citi ens Advice Thetford by calling the Adviceline on 0 00 144 4 or via our website: www.cadat.org.uk/email-advice/
is at 12 noon on Tuesday th November at the Methodist Church
2B . All welcome. For more information contact une on 07771637 21
This year will the third year of the Christmas Hamper Appeal. Starting in 2020 over 100 hampers each year have been delivered to vulnerable adults in the town.
This year, with the cost of living crisis and the impact on heating costs there will be even more need to reach out to support others. Thetford Foundation are looking for donations and support so they can provide a minimum of 100 hampers. Please consider donating any of the following items with best before dates no earlier than the end of December 2022:
pies
Puddings
Christmas cakes
bags/coffee
blankets
can be dropped off at the Charles Burrell Centre, marked for the attention of Melanie Furness, Christmas Hamper Appeal. If you can offer support with donations, fundraising, packing or delivery please contact Mel by email: thetfordfoundation@outlook.com or on their Facebook page: @ThetfordFoundation
Our weekly two course Community Dinner every Tuesday between 5pm and 6.30pm has got off to a great start. The wonderful food cooked by the Engine Room has been complemented by a tremendous community spirit. Visitors who are new to the Centre have been warmly welcomed and been able to sit and chat without a rush. It is open to everyone and it is free. Also, the training kitchen is running a number of events, drop-ins and courses over the winter. They’ll be brimming with top tips and great ideas. The recipes will be focussed on being nutritious and tasty but at the same time cost and energy conscious. Look out for when they are on and join in the fun.
We have also launched our Warm Project for this winter. There are three elements. The first element is advice and support which includes Citizens Advice Bureau, Councillor surgeries and a Barclays Bank pop up. The second element is the provision of warm clothing, electric blankets and items such as slow cookers for those in need. And the third element is the warm space which will be the café area. We have invested in some additional heaters to ensure it remains warm both when the café is open and when closed. In addition to the community dinners there will be free tea and coffee and on occasions some special events.
In November we will be opening a New-U shop. You may have seen them in Norwich or Cromer. Our version of this charity will offer clothes for adults at super cheap prices (50p to £2). The clothes will largely be new clothes that would have gone to landfill and so this is a march on being environmentally beneficial and sustainable. The opening date and times is being finalised but it will be open to coincide with Community Dinners. In conjunction with them we will be doing an appeal for warm clothes – watch out for details and if you can support, please do.
Remember, we also we have Citizens Advice Bureau at the Centre every Thursday between 9am to 1pm. They are based in the café and are available for appointments or drop in. They are brilliant and are there to help and provide advice. Lastly, Christmas is coming and the Centre has a number of events for everyone to join in. Father Christmas will be here in our fantastical and fabulous sparkly grotto supported by his elves on Saturday 26th November and Saturday 3rd December. Booking is essential.
from: www.leapinghare.org
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Renovating sport club pavilions, offering free sign language classes, supporting a debt advice centre, helping wild meadows ourish and funding garden transformations for vulnerable residents are just some of the schemes being supported through recent Breckland Council grant funding.
The district council has announced through its Inspiring Communities programme £57,844 is being shared among 14 local community and sporting groups across the district to help with exciting new initiatives. Breckland Council has also recently announced a further £40,000 for a new play park on Sandy Lane, in Dereham, which will see the play area enhanced and reopened to families around the end of the year.
The funding awards include £5000 to Dereham Church to help run a Debt Advice Centre, Ashill Parish Council, has £5,000 to help install new play equipment in the area and bounce back from the horrific fires in the village earlier this year. Funding will also support the Norfolk Deaf Association's 'Cuppa Care' project and help Thetford's New-U Enterprise open a community clothes shop. Other recipients include Eckling Grange Care Home and Bradenham Cricket Club to help renovate the cricket club pavilion. Wellspring Family Centre have received £5000 to support its work with residents with chronic health issues, whilst PrismStart Communities will receive £4974 to work with 15 ex-offenders and provide them with new skills and work experience opportunities.
Several vulnerable residents will receive a garden transformation after The Horticulture Industry Scheme CIC received almost £5,000 in funding. Funding for the Dereham Deaf and Social Club will enable the group to provide free British Sign Language classes to supermarket staff and residents.
Thetford Burrell Ward Councillor Chris Harvey said: “I am very pleased to see the New-U clothing shop receive this money. I wrote in support of this application because we know that residents are struggling with the cost of living crisis and this new project will really help local people. I was also pleased to see THIS supported as they are a great organisation doing brilliant work in Thetford”.
The third round of Inspiring Communities grant funding is currently open for applications via the Norfolk Community Foundation: www.norfolkfoundation.com
With the current financial crisis members of the public are finding it hard to pay for vet fees if their cat becomes ill. We have had calls from owners saying their cat needed treatment costing several hundred pounds, and they do not have the money. Unfortunately we are not in a position to pay people's vet fees. We can help with the cost of neutering but not anything else.
When you first get a cat or kitten, once they are neutered and vaccinated, with yearly boosters, you have done all you can to ensure they are kept healthy. It could be several years before they need expensive vet treatment. But once they approach old age and cats of 7 years are classed as seniors, that's when things can go wrong. Most cats of that age will need dental treatment at some time, even if its just a scale and polish. They may also need to have teeth removed if they are causing them pain. It could cost as much as 500 to have teeth removed. It s the amount of time it takes for the procedure, which costs the money. Ignoring the recommendations from your vet for dental treatment can lead to other problems such as renal failure. You have a duty of care for your cat, they could have very bad toothache, but cats are good at hiding pain.
Pet insurance is one way of ensuring that your vet bills will be covered. A monthly payment to an insurance company covers you from expensive vet bills. There is an excess, which will increase as the cat gets older, but paying the excess of 100 - 150 is a lot less than paying 500 if you don t have insurance. ou need to make sure you always have at least 100 put by to pay the excess. You should shop around the pet insurance companies to see how much they are prepared to pay out in the event of an accident or an expensive procedure at the vets. The other alternative is to put money aside every month for your cat so that if you get an expensive vet bill, you have some money saved up especially for that. This is most important if you have an older cat, as that can be when serious health conditions can occur and the vet bills can be expensive. For
or
or if you need assistance in the cost of neutering, please call us on 01 42 1001 .
Rita Thompson
The Dogs Trust Sponsor A Dog initiative is the perfect Christmas gift for dog lovers who want to support a charity this Christmas. Dogs Trust is committed to caring for dogs until they find a forever home, however long it takes. With around 1,600 dogs in their care at any one time, gifting someone a Dogs Trust ‘Sponsor Dog’ for as little as £1 per week, can make a world of difference to dogs waiting for their forever home.
There are three sponsor dogs at Dogs Trust Snetterton, from L:R Hugh, Hobo and Bubba, who could make for the ‘pawfect’ gift this Christmas, in the form of sponsorship. Once someone has chosen to Sponsor a Dog, they will receive a pup-date from their chosen dog three times a year – at Christmas, Valentine’s Day and in the summer.
They also receive a sponsorship pack including a special photo certificate of their new canine companion, photo postcards, a window sticker and fridge magnet, which makes sponsoring a wonderful gift for dog lovers!
In the last few months Dogs Trust has seen the number of people getting in touch to explore rehoming their dog soar to record levels. By sponsoring a dog, doglovers can help make sure the charity can give homeless hounds everything they need until they find their forever homes.
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and normally cares for around 14,000 dogs across its network of twenty-one centres in the UK. Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy and will never put a healthy dog to sleep. The charity also focuses its efforts on understanding dogs and sharing that knowledge with the wider public to prevent problem behaviours that can result in relinquishment or abandonment.
Dog Grooming by Skaiste.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2022 16:
To find out more, please visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/sponsor
One to one grooming in a secure, stress free environment in Thetford. Pet Trims, Breeds standard style & hand stripping. Nail clipping & ear plucking.
insured
On Friday 30th September, 3rd Thetford Brownies celebrated the presentation of their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award presentation. The Brownies were joined by Melinda Raker, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Norfolk who presented the Brownies with their badges and certificates. The girls enjoyed special celebrationary cupcakes made by Burden Bakes and goodies from Thetford Tesco, organised by Jo and Megan.
To achieve their award the Brownies had to complete all four sections of the award and began working towards this in the Spring term of 2022. The majority of the activities were done within the unit but some girls also did activities at home with families (where they had missed it in unit or they wanted to do extra). The Brownies have under taken a range of different activities in order to achieve this award, from Jubilee parties, taking part in Race for Life, yoga & fitness sessions in Castle Park, local litter picks, gaining their First Aid Skills awards and earning their Grow Their Own badges to name a few.
Speaking about the award, Vicky Ollenbuttel, 3rd Thetford Brownies Brown Owl & Thetford District Commissioner said, “I am very proud of all the
Brownies who have achieved this award, it is a very special award that they have worked hard to gain.” The Brownies are currently working towards their Take Action & Make a Change Skills Builders as well as their Local History badge.
Thetford Girlguiding are always looking for volunteers to run the Thetford groups. There are four different sections within Girlguiding to suit all ages, Rainbows (4-7), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14) or Rangers (14-18).
If you would like to volunteer with Girlguiding or find a group for your daughter please register your interest via: www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/
Ancient House Museum’s Knit and Knatter group have shown their support for Remembrance Day by knitting hundreds of poppies. The handmade creations will go on sale at the museum, where there will also be an eye-catching window display of a field of knitted poppies. Each poppy represents one of Thetford’s fallen in the First World War. The knitters will be hoping to add to the hundreds of pounds they’ve already raised for the Royal British Legion since starting the initiative in 2014. The group’s members, who meet once a month, have dedicated many hours crafting the beautiful owers, which are on sale now with a recommended donation of £1.
When not knitting poppies, the group of dedicated volunteers can be found creating knitted toys for a temporary display. The ‘Vikings, history on your doorsteps’ exhibition is currently showing at the museum on White Hart Street and features Thor’s hammer pendants, a hoard of pennies and a pottery lamp, all dating from the ninth century, when the area was a winter camp for a huge invading Viking force. The knitted toys will be used to support learning during school trips, as well as providing younger visitors to the museum with a way to access the exhibition.
Melissa Hawker, Learning Officer, said: Our lovely Knit and Knatter group are always willing to lend a helping hand wherever they can. In previous years, the poppies have proved so popular they have been bought straight off the needle and we hope this this year’s fundraising initiative will prove just as successful.”
The nit and natter group meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am where they enjoy a cuppa and a chat while working on their latest projects. The group is always on the look out for new members. Anyone interested should just come along or contact the museum on 01842 752599 for more information.
Pigmentation of the skin can affect more people than you can imagine. It comes in various degrees of intensities from light to dark brown. Stress related pigment patches are often seen on the sides of the neck or temples. Sun damage can also cause pigmentation commonly on the hands, face and decollette. Hormonal changes in the body are also known to cause various darker, blotchy pigment patches on the skin too.
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These can usually be treated, once we have assess if the client is taking any medication, or may have any medical conditions which would contra indicate us from carrying out the treatment, after which a patch test is then carried out. The treatment involves an Intense Pulse light (IPL) being used and the client may need between 1-3 treatments approximately 3 – 4 weeks apart. This is an extremely effective way of treating unwanted pigment and also removes broken capillaries and facial thread veins. As the treatment is making the skin produce its own collagen and elastin it will also soften lines and wrinkles so can be used to treat forehead furrows, frown lines, laughter lines and scarring.
Wishing you a healthy November.
Lisa Stallings, Halcyon Days Skincare
Outside Thetford Methodist Church, Saturday 26th November, from 9.30 - 11.30am In aid of Cancer Research UK. Various stalls, plus coffee morning inside! For more information, telehone 01842 761826
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Our October meeting was different in a few ways. Unusually we met in our President Marie Muir’s home where after a delicious meal we were delighted to welcome a new member, Anne Charnley, to our club.
Anne, Hillary & Marie pictured at the recent meeting
Then followed a most interesting talk by our District Chairman Hilary Farrell. Her career as a teacher had taken her all over the country ending in Great Yarmouth where on retiring, she joined Inner Wheel. However, she has not let the grass grow under her feet as amongst other things she attends Folk Festivals and visited Berlin for the European Inner Wheel Conference as well as before that went to Botswana with a wheelchair charity. She also supports HomeStart locally.
For further information about Inner Wheel visit: https://innerwheel.co.uk
Unfortunately Brian Butcher was unable to attend our October meeting but he will now give his talk on ‘Anne Boleyn – Saint or Sinner’ at 7.30pm on Tuesday 1st November. The court of King Henry was a hotbed of intrigue and scholars are divided on whether she was innocent or guilty of the charges made against her. Whatever you think now Brian's talk might change your mind.
Thetford Society meets at the United Reformed Church on Earl Street. The December meeting will be on Tuesday 6th December when the popular Jim Stebbings will be in festive mood with his talk on ‘Sentiments of Christmas’. You will be warmly welcome at any of our meetings.
For more information contact 01842 820168 or email: bicton@aol.com
Here we are in November and the year hurtles on at pace. We love this quote from poet John Clare; it puts us in the mood for curling up with a good book. “So dull and dark are the November days. The lazy mist high up the evening curled, and now the morn quite hides in the smoke and haze; the place we occupy seems all the world.” Not Just Books still have some great reasons to tempt you out though! Our free Christmas Catalogues are with us and available from the shop.
Our Reynard Reads Book Club meets again on Wednesday 16th November at 7pm and we will be discussing Daughter of The Pirate King Tricia Levenseller, the YA TikTok sensation. We’ll be open until 7pm on Friday 2nd December to coincide with the Christmas Lights Switch-on, there may even be a festive treat or two!
As always, we like to share with you a fiction and children s title. The November Children’s Book of the Month is The Midnight Panther’ by Poonam Mistry. Her previous book, How The Stars Came to Be has been a firm favourite with customers so we hope you love this stunning fable about courage and finding your place in the world just as much. As always, Poonam’s illustrations are gorgeous in her own, beautiful style. Limberlost by Robbie Arnott is the Fiction Book of the Month for November.
It’s a beautiful and often brutal coming-of-age story about the cost of dreams, war, and human violence on the natural world, from the twice Miles Franklin Award listed rising star of Australian fiction.
At turns tender and occassionally vicious, Limberlost is a tale of the masculinities we inherit, the limits of ownership and understanding, and the teeming, vibrant wonders of growing up.
Don’t forget, if there is a specific book you are after and we don’t have it in stock: we have access to hundreds of thousands of titles through our wholesaler and most can be with us within a couple of days, making Christmas shopping a doddle and keeping it local on the high street.
Christmas can be known for being expensive and wasteful, but it doesn’t have to be! This December Thetford’s Sustainable Living Fair will be providing inspiration for sustainable living and a Christmas without all of the waste.
Join us on Saturday 3rd December at The Carnegie, Cage Lane to discover how you can have an affordable Christmas, both for your wallet and the planet. Enjoy browsing a wide range of stalls including local charities, cruelty free and ero waste and refill products, cakes, gifts, crafts, hot food and drinks. You can even claim a free hot drink if you bring your own mug! A series of fantastic speakers will be giving talks throughout the day about the environment and what we can do for the planet. There will also be activities for children and a raf e in aid of PACT Animal Sanctuary. Entry to Thetford’s Sustainable Living Fair is free and all are welcome.
For more information on Thetford’s Sustainable Living Fair visit: fb.me/e/2E1Bs4jFd
Hazel - Thetford Environmental Group
The Movement for Good Awards is an annual platform for giving, set up by all the businesses that make up the Benefact Group. This year there’s is more than £1 million being distributed.
A charity based in Norfolk recently received a donation of £1,000 as part of the awards. Beccles Unit 554 of the Sea Cadet Corps (Norwich) was amongst 250 winning charities that were picked at random from those nominated. A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and groups are encouraged to apply now. For more information about the awards visit: www.movementforgood.com
The BTO Ringing Scheme has been running for over 100 years, collecting crucial information that helps uncover new facts about the migration routes and wintering areas of a variety of different species. The main focus of the Ringing Scheme today is monitoring bird populations. Ringing allows us to study how many young birds leave the nest and survive into adulthood, as well as how many adults survive the stresses of breeding, migration and severe weather. Most recently, sightings of numerous birds have helped in our understanding of how long some species can actually live.
A Fulmar sighted on an uninhabited Scottish island was found to be one of the oldest of its kind ever recorded, having reached the grand old age of 45! Researchers from the BTO were able to work out the age of the Fulmar thanks to a ring that was fitted to its leg back in 1975, when it was a edgling on Orkney. The bird s e traordinary age is a reminder that many seabirds live for a very long time; data we wouldn t have were it not for the Ringing Scheme. A ring fitted to a Whitetailed Eagle nestling that edged in the Highland region of Scotland in 1996 allowed this individual to be identified as 23 years and 11 months old, making it the oldest known White-tailed Eagle in Britain and Ireland at that time. In contrast, with a wingspan of just 18cm, the Chiffchaff is one our smallest breeding birds. Typically, Chiffchaff have a lifespan of about 2 years, but an individual ringed at Rutland Water in uly 2009 was recaptured at the age of 10 years, 10 months and 27 days. During its lifetime, this one individual is likely to have travelled a staggering 10,000 miles commuting back and forth between its breeding grounds in Rutland, and the wintering grounds in Iberia or Northern Africa. Over 900,000 birds are ringed in Britain and Ireland each year by over 3,000 trained ringers and most are volunteers.
If this is something you would like to get more involved in, to help the BTO gather crucial information on UK birds, visit: www.bto.org/our-science/projects/ringing
You can also help by reporting any ringed bird that you see, whether that s a Goldfinch on your bird feeder, or a Black-headed Gull on a local lake.
To report a ringed bird, visit the Euring portal here: https://app.bto.org/euring/lang/ pages/rings.jsp
Emily Cuff, BTO
Now the clocks have gone back, dark evenings are with us once more. When it’s cold we often have to steel ourselves to go out in the garden and remind ourselves why we do it! Science has proven that staying active helps protect us against heart disease and strokes as well as keeping our brains active. We often feel a sense of wellbeing after the exercise provided by gardening.
Over the past few years we have been urged to cut down our use of peat based composts and now DEFRA have announced that the sale of composts containing peat will be banned from 2024, the e act date to be confirmed. It has been tricky to find a good peat free compost and water retention has proved a problem. Manufacturers will have to improve their offerings and research is continuing into suitable growing mediums. The RHS, National Trust and Kew Gardens have not used peat for some time and they are expert growers so it can be done and we will all have to make the adjustment.
It s time to make sure tender perennials such as fuchsias and pelargoniums are kept in a frost free greenhouse or cool room with plenty of light over winter. Pigeons will be out in force as food becomes scarcer for them so make sure your winter brassicas are well netted if you would like to enjoy eating them!
It seems a long time since we were en oying the heat of summer, I was lucky to en oy a holiday based in Rutland visiting some fascinating gardens and hearing some knowledgeable horticultural speakers such as David Hurrion, Nick Hamilton and Adam Frost from Gardener’s World. Adam gave an excellent talk on garden design and answered all our questions over a super lunch during a visit to Boughton Hall. He was very pleasant and easy going, just like his TV persona.
TGAC member Maggie meets with Adam Frost from Gardener’s World
Our Thetford Garden and Allotment Club meeting takes place on 24th November at the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm, all welcome. We are in need of new members to join. Our Chairman Brian Farrell will be hosting the evening. Keep warm and enjoy your gardening.
Maggie Baldwin, TGAC
In early October Breckland Brass Band performed a concert at the Carnegie in Thetford which was kindly sponsored by Adcock’s Electrical, Watton. The concert was in aid of two local charities, namely the Trussell Trust Food Bank and the Harvest Centre Food Bank. The band was overjoyed to see so many people in attendance and would like to thank each and every person who came to support the event. The smiling faces and wonderful comments received afterwards suggested that a good time was had by all.
On behalf of Breckland Brass Band, I am proud to announce that the concert raised a whopping total of £1076.42! This incredible sum of money is the result of such generosity from the audience and band members and will be divided equally
between the two charities. Thanks must go to The Leaping Hare CIC and About Thetford magazine for their sterling efforts to publicise the concert and once again, thank you to everyone who attended, for your generosity in supporting these charities and for helping to make the afternoon so much fun.
Breckland Brass Band is a social band who always welcomes new players, regardless of ability. In particular, we are currently in need of boosting our Trombone section but would love to hear from anyone who may be interested in joining. Please contact Sarah on 07796648996 or email: secretarybrecklandbrass@gmail.com
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Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to heat their homes safely this winter. With the recent rise in energy prices, residents may turn to alternative methods of heating, such as electric heaters and blankets. Both items can be effective ways of staying warm if used correctly.
If you choose to use an electric heater to keep warm, ensure that any heater purchased carries the mark of the BEAB which means it is has been properly tested. When using it, place the heater one metre away from any people or clothing to reduce the risk of accidental clothing fires. Heaters must never be used to dry clothes because this is a fire risk and could lead to serious injury. Fire crews have attended fourteen electrical heater fires since the start of the decade.
Electric blankets can help keep us warm in bed, but they can carry a fire risk. nplug your blanket before you get into bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use. If your blanket gets wet, don’t use it, and never switch it on to dry it. For similar reasons, check heated blankets regularly for wear and tear and replace
at least every ten years. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention, Tony White said, “Although electric blankets can be a cost-effective way to keep warm, it's important to use them safely. Blankets should be treated with care to prevent damage to the internal wiring. If your blanket is showing signs of wear, such as fraying fabric, scorch marks, or if the wiring is showing replace it. Please do not buy second hand electric blankets and always follow the manufactures instructions. Finally, please plug your blanket directly into a wall socket, and not into a multi socket which may become overloaded.”
If your heating devices do ever catch fire, call 999 immediately, ask for the fire service, stating your location. Never tackle the blaze yourself, our crews are trained professionals who can fight fires safely, so never put yourself in danger. You could use what3words to give an exact location of your home, the app can be found at: www.what3words.com
If you are struggling to heat your home, The Norfolk Assistance Scheme provides emergency financial help, essential household goods, advice and support for all Norfolk residents and can be accessed at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/nas
London Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EW
T: 01842 810534 E: brandon@mark-skinner.org.uk
27 High Street, Lakenheath, Suffolk, IP27 9JS
T: 01842 862777 E: lakenheath@mark-skinner.org.uk
30 Bury Road, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3DE
T: 01842 752197 E: thetford@mark-skinner.org.uk www.markskinnerfunerals.org.uk
Two Thetford based Estate Agents are celebrating having both picked up national awards. Chilterns and Lawsons are both based in Bridge Street and well known for their strong community links.
Chilterns were announced as the Gold Award Winning Agent in Thetford for the British Property Awards 2022. The award is judged on a town by town basis, ensuring that only those agents who meet a certain standard are given the award.
Should all agents within a given town fail to meet this standard, no award will be provided. Judging takes place over a number of months to ensure continuity and stability. Speaking about the award, Yannis Prodromou said, “The team at Chilterns were absolutely delighted to win the Gold Award for the best estate agency in Thetford. We strive to ensure we offer the best customer journey, from start to finish whilst always achieving the best price for our clients. We offer a personal service, taking a genuine interest in our customers plans for the future”.
for our dedication to providing the very highest levels of service. We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised as among the best in the country, it’s a great result for the team”.
To contact either agent for property advice, sales or lettings please call or visit: Chilterns: Joanne, Katherine, Becky or Adrienne on 01842 754161 www.chilterns.co
Lawsons: Ben or Katrina on 01842 755422 www.lawsonsestateagents.co.uk
For the second year running, Lawsons were announced as the winner in both the exceptional sales and lettings categories at the EA Masters awards. Every year, a rigorous assessment is carried out of every estate and letting agent in the country. There are 15,000 estate agencies and each one is assessed for property marketing, customer service and results, including how quickly they sell or let and percentage of price achieved compared with other agents in the same location. The very best agents are listed in The Best Estate Agent Guide – a website for landlords and sellers to help them choose who to sell or let their property. Matt Lawson said, “We are delighted to have been included in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2023. Agents cannot enter or pay for this award, the assessment is industry-wide and only those that meet the very highest standards are included. Lawsons has again been recognised
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The first thing that hits you when you arrive at Thetford Leisure Centre’s MUGA pitch on a Monday evening is the noise. The entire pitch is covered with girls of all ages training together and en oying themselves.
The success of the England Lionesses in the Women’s Euros this summer has propelled ladies’ football into the spotlight with more girls than ever wanting to play football at grassroots level. Thetford Wildcats have bucked this trend by growing consistently since their formation in 201 . Set up by irsty Turner and o Simpson, Wildcats started with an 11 team and five to ten girls turning up for training each week. Since then numbers have grown considerably to a regular si ty and from April this year Wildcats have established 11, two 12, 14 15 and Ladies teams. They are currently looking for 12 players to oin the second team established in September.
I m super proud of how we ve developed, said irsty we now have some e cellent players, some who have come to the attention of Ipswich Town and more who really en oy their football. Wildcats are now looking for more volunteers, especially
those who would like to become coaches and referees. o and irsty are the only female coaches at Wildcats currently and are keen to get more women involved. There has never been a better time for women to support ladies football, full training is available and all the coaches say it s not ust rewarding but also a lot of fun.
Wildcats is part of the Thetford Bulldogs. Set up in 1995, the club is one of the largest independently run youth football clubs in the area. irsty says that long term her dream would be to have somewhere big enough to take the whole club including Wildcats. ntil then you won t find a happier place on a Monday evening in Thetford
For more information on oining Wildcats, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities please contact irsty on: 07771744437 or email: kturner007@hotmail.co.uk
The deadline for the December edition of About Thetford maga ine is 15th November Please send your contributions or advert enquiries to: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com See the website for past issues: www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk
