OCTOBER 2020 About Thetford magazine by About Thetford magazine

OCTOBER 20

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE

177

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THE STORY OF DULEEP SINGH

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Inside this month...

ed a in and the trees have turn The nights are drawing e! her is umn Aut wn. bro and distinct shade of orange at a blur with Page 6 & 7 - Britain’s First Maharajah ewh som ms see mer The Spring and Sum Page 9 - Fantastic Frontliners looks ms shattered. Sadly, it routines altered and nor y Page 10 & 11 - Leaping Hare Man . way e sam the go will as if Autumn and beyond Page 13 - Pathway Scholarships year activities at this time of of our usual favourite Page 15 - Lockdown Art Group . way t ren rating in a diffe remain suspended or ope Page 19 - Wandering Woodpigeons remain positive. I recently Page 23 - Rare Plant Discovered to nt orta imp s eles erth It is nev the river and was greeted by Page 25 - Fundraising Success enjoyed a walk along the r obe Oct t). (pictured top righ Page 28 - Thetford Past And Present very friendly Water Buffalo eep sary of the death of Dul Page 29 - Queen Mary’s New Shoes 2020 is the 127th anniver the ge this month featuring ima er cov t Page 33 - Opportunity for Fossil Fans fron Our gh. Sin es 6 Carl Harding-Palmer. Pag Page 35 - Dogs Trust Fireworks Advice Maharajah statue is by and of this fascinating story Page 36 - Managing Household Bills & 7 provide an overview rse it. October is also of cou to tion nec Page 37 - Revised Remembrance Info con d’s tfor The told ther Thetford story to be Page 38 - Proposed Boundary Changes Black History Month - ano the or in the UK hailing from Page 43 - Marathon Mel Hits 300 with the first black May th. mon t nex this Page 45 - 30 Year Dream Realised on e Mor town. e, Karen azin mag the from Having had a break r forward to discussing you About Thetford has returned and looks magazine is advertising requirements. ut Thetford magazine

Terry Jermy, Editor, Abo

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E-mail address for all articles, adverts etc: aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.com Contact us: 075404 63662 Office Address: C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, IP24 3LH Publisher; In And About Thetford Ltd, C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this magazine, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by its contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission of the publishers is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

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I’m getting a test now. For you. If you have symptoms, don’t leave home except to get a test. Stop the spread. Book a test now at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119

PROTECT OURSELVES. PROTECT OTHERS. PROTECT NORFOLK.

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Protect Ourselves. Protect Others. Protect Norfolk: Campaign To Stop The Spread Of Coronavirus A new prevention campaign has been launched by Norfolk County Council to promote the Government’s message around the three key actions of Hands, Face, Space. The campaign will run on social media and in the regional and local press across the county. With the cold and flu season now upon us, the campaign helps to explain that colds and flu viruses are spread in exactly the same way as the coronavirus. So, the advice is to continue practising the three key activities; regular hand washing with soap and water, wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces and keeping a safe distance from people not in your household. “As Winter approaches, we’ll be spending more time indoors where there is less ventilation, and this will increase the risk of coronavirus spreading,” said Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk’s Director of Public Health, “because cold and flu viruses are spread in the same way. If we are doing the right things to guard against coronavirus, then these simple steps will also help to prevent the spread of other common viruses.”

a fast paced comic-style animation, encouraging young people to wash their hands regularly. To view the films visit https://bit.ly/330fbAT and https://bit.ly/3i2lngi As with previous coronavirus-based campaigns, the County Council’s Public Health team will be sharing these messages with local authorities, businesses and schools to ensure the three key elements of the prevent campaign are communicated effectively. If you have any of the main coronavirus symptoms, you get a free test by calling 119 or visit; 09:50 Page 1 SGB Advert.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2020 www.nhs.uk

These are the reasons behind the most effective ways we can slow the spread of the virus. Wash your hands: Coronavirus can live for more than 24 hours indoors so you could pick up the virus by touching a contaminated object or surface. Simple and effective ways to stop this kind of spread are to regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser throughout the day to reduce the risk of catching or passing it on. Cover your face: The virus can be found in tiny droplets coming out of your nose and mouth. Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth reduces the spread of the droplets carrying the virus. This means, if you’re carrying the virus, you’re less likely to spread it to others. Make space: Spreading the virus through droplets is most likely to happen when you are less than two metres apart. Smaller droplets called aerosols can stay in the air for some time, especially if there is no ventilation. So, when you are with people not from your household you should always try to keep at least two metres apart. The campaign will coincide with a social media campaign targeting 11-25 year-olds in Norfolk with

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Duleep Singh - Britain’s First Sikh And Punjab’s Last Maharajah October 2020 sees the 127th anniversary of the death of Duleep Singh, last Maharajah of the Punjab. Born on 4 September 1838, Duleep Singh was the youngest son of Maharajah Ranjit Singh, known as Sher-e-Punjab or Lion of the Punjab. Ranjit Singh was a fierce and wily ruler who united the Kingdom of Punjab, successfully defending invasions particularly from Afghanistan and took procession of the famous Koh-I-Noor diamond, which he wore as an amulet. After his death in 1839 a period of turmoil began before his youngest son, Duleep Singh finally ascended the throne in 1843 with his mother reigning on his behalf. The East India Company had a longstanding interest in the Kingdom and in 1845 Britain declared war against the Sikhs. The first Anglo Sikh War ended the following year with the Treaty of Lahore; Duleep Singh remained as Maharajah but his mother was replaced by a British Council of Regency, who later imprisoned her. After the second Anglo Sikh War in 1848 and the annexation of the Punjab in 1849, Duleep Singh was deposed. He was forced to hand over the Koh-I-Noor diamond, promised a pension of up to £50,000 per year and put into the care of Dr John Logan and his wife; leaving Lahore for Fatehgarh with restrictions on who he could meet. He was allowed to retain the title Maharajah Duleep Singh on the provision that he remained obedient to the British Government and resided at a place the government thought fit. Image: Ancient House Museum

Many of Duleep Singh’s possessions were sold over the following months under the title of Lahore Confiscated Property. The anglicisation of the young Maharajah began with regular updates being sent to London and the Queen. In the hill station of Musoorie he had lessons in music, drawing, cricket, hunting and hawking. In 1853 aged 14, he was formally Christened in his own name using water from the Ganges with the approval of Governor General Lord Dalhousie. The following year, on the eve of his journey to England, the Maharajah was presented with a bible by Lord Dalhousie (now on display in Ancient House Museum). The teenage Maharajah quickly established himself as a favourite of Queen Victoria, who described him as ‘extremely handsome and speaking perfect English, having a graceful and dignified manner.’ Duleep Singh enjoyed many visits to Osborne House as a guest of the Queen who sketched him regularly. However, within two years the Maharajah had tired of England and longed to return to India; the India Office against such a move, organised a continental tour with the Logans instead. In 1857 aged 19, the Maharajah began to manage his own household affairs, his pension was increased to £15,000 but remained lower than the agreed amount in the Treaty of Lahore. Three years later, the India Office finally gave Duleep Singh permission to visit India as long as he didn’t return to the Punjab, in order to bring his mother back to England. The Maharajah’s pension was increased to £25,000 in 1862, and in 1863 Elveden Hall was purchased by the Government for him. Maharani Jind Kaur died just 3 years after being reunited with her son, but not before she had reminded him of the Kingdom and jewels that he had lost as a child. Keen to find a wife, on route to take his mother’s remains to India in 1864, Duleep Singh wrote to the American Presbyterian School in Cairo to request a suitable good Christian wife be found. On his return he was introduced to Bamba Muller; despite both speaking different languages, the pair marry and Bamba returns with the Maharajah as Maharani Bamba. Duleep Singh settled into married life and soon had a family of 6 children, Prince Victor, Prince Frederick, Princess Bamba, Princess Catherine, Princess Sophia and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria was Godmother to Prince Victor and Princess Sophia and the Maharajah enjoyed memberships of exclusive London Clubs with his great friend, the Prince Of Wales.

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Elveden Hall became the fashionable place to be seen. The Maharajah’s lavish lifestyle continued until the India Office refused to pay his bills. Duleep Singh petitioned the Government that his pension was less than agreed and appealed to the Queen to intervene, but Victoria refused. The Maharajah then asked to be compensated for the loss of his personal property at Fatehgarh in 1857, an estimated £25,000. After several years the Government offered £3000, which was refused. Poor farming and the agricultural depression caused further debts and loss of income. By 1879 the Government advised that ‘the obviously desirable course is to adopt the sale of the estate’, a £57,000 interest free loan was offered on the condition that Elveden was sold upon the death of the Maharajah. Pressure from Coutts Bank to repay an advancement left the Maharajah no choice but to accept the offer. Disillusioned with his fate, Duleep Singh decided to research papers connected with the annexation of the Punjab. His family remained at Elveden. In 1882 Duleep Singh asked for permission to travel to the Punjab. Fearful that his presence would incite an uprising, the Viceroy refused. The following year, his cousin Thakur Singh Sandhanwalia organised the family priest to visit the Maharajah, who was determined to fight for what he had lost and was reintroduced to a Sikh lifestyle. Promises to raise a force in India on behalf of the Maharajah were made and jewels, silver gilt, rare Indian carpets, shawls and embroideries were auctioned in London to raise funds for the Maharajah’s return.

Every year a wreath laying service commerates the anniversary of the death of Maharajah Duleep Singh

continued to fight his unsuccessful claim for his kingdom to be returned. The death of Maharani Bamba in 1887 failed to bring the Maharajah back to England. The following year he married his mistress Ada Wetherill. With two more children to support and suffering from money troubles his health dramatically declined. In 1890 he suffered a stroke, and asked Prince Victor to write to Queen Victoria to ask for a pardon. In 1891 Duleep Singh travelled with Prince Frederick to the South of France where he met the Queen for the final time. The Maharajah remained in Paris where he was cared for by Prince Victor and Maharani Ada. On October 22, 1893 the Maharajah died alone in Paris. His son Prince Frederick returned his father’s body to England where he was buried next to Maharani Bamba and Prince Albert.

Prince Frederick continued to live his life in the local area and became a great collector and In 1886 the Duleep Singh family left England antiquarian. His lasting legacy in Thetford is with the permission of the British Government, Ancient House Museum which he bequeathed to however on arrival in Aden, the Maharajah was the town in 1924. Princess Sophia campaigned for placed under house arrest at the British residency; many causes, she is now best known for her work the rest of the family returned back to England. as a Suffragette. Prince Victor became the first The began to suffer from ill health and Sikh15:27 in Canada TheMaharajah Mulberry REV Advert 4.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2020 Page 1and Princess Catherine helped eventually agreed to move to Paris. There he Jewish families escape form Nazi Germany.

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Fantastic Frontliners A Day In The Life Of A Police Officer We met recently with PC Leah Norton to talk about her typical day as a Police Officer in Thetford. It turns out that there really isn’t a typical day but that’s one of the things she really loves about it! When asked about her decision to become a Police Officer Leah said that she really doesn’t know what made her think “that’s what I want to do”. She went on to tell us that she just knew – and from the age of 13, that became her goal. She took advice from local beat officers early on and was told to gain general life experience working in retail or similar and then to apply to be a Special Constable at age 17, to give that a go and see if working for the Police lived up to the expectation. It must have as Leah was then offered a position as a Police Constable at the age of 19 and posted to Thetford where she has remained for 23 years, getting to know Thetford, its residents and the communities inside and out. Staying in the same location has enabled her to build up a huge amount of trust and rapport with local people and this connection has kept her in post and loving her job just as much today as 23 years ago. When asked about her typical day Leah replied “There truly isn’t a typical day for me or any one of the officers I work with. As an officer on the Safer Neighbourhood Team I could be manning a stall at a community fete, going into schools to do a talk, partnership working with STAG, in the local area on the beat, backing up our emergency response officers or even being with our plain clothes officers on tasks. I love the variety that each day brings and would not want my Police career to have been anywhere other than Thetford”.

PC Leah Norton - our Fantastic Frontliner this month

worries. This same team which she refers to as her work family make her day every day with their camaraderie and closeness. They all know how rewarding and uplifting good outcomes can be but also of course how upsetting some incidents can be and support one another through these times. When asked about balancing a family life with work life Leah says it can be challenging as she likes to give 100% to the job as well as to her family. Her young daughter is immensely proud of Mum but does sometimes miss her at bedtimes if she is on a late shift. With a husband who has also given long service to the Police Force they have worked together to make sure home life is good for their daughter. Leah gets to walk her daughter to school most mornings and pick her up later, and takes an active role in the school’s PTA. “People forget that underneath the uniform we are actually just human, enjoying the same things as everyone else - summer bbq’s, days out, holidays, helping out with homework, walking the dog….” We asked Leah why she has stayed in her role as a frontline officer for so long: “I love speaking to and meeting people, helping sort situations, finding out what people’s concerns are and helping to formulate some solutions. Having been in the Force throughout my career in Thetford I have built up trust and rapport with families and communities”.

Having been an officer on the frontline for 16 years PC Norton has been called to pretty much In answer to us wondering what she would say to anyone thinking of a career in Policing she every situation imaginable. She has trained as a responded “Knowing all I know now, with all the Family Liaison Officer and found assisting families changes I have seen over the years that have through their most vulnerable and devastating times to be the most rewarding thing she has reflected our changing society, if I could go back to being that young 17 year old I would choose this ever done. Some incidents of course have been job and Thetford all over again. I am living my best harrowing and Leah is grateful for the wider team life with this job and my family. Go for it”. around her to be able to talk through issues and Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 9

A new view of life in Thetford Photograph copyright: Neil James Media

THETFORD

DIRECT

It’s time to take a fresh look at Thetford. We’ve worked really hard to design, write and refresh our website – despite facing Covid-19, a lack of funding and taking the heartbreaking decision to make our amazing shop manager Jake redundant. The new website features everything Thetfordians and visitors need to know. We’ve arranged the site to mirror the different activities of Leaping Hare, the Community Interest Company behind a whole family of local enterprises: Everything Thetford, the Local Directory, the Box Office and the Breckland Youth Directory. Leaping Hare’s mission is to enhance Thetford’s sense of identity, raise civic pride, encourage community cohesion

and to promote Thetford to the world. We’ve been a fundamental part of the town for more than a decade. We think it’s vital to support the local economy, so we created the Box Office, which manages ticketing and promotion for events (slightly challenging at present!), and the Local Directory, an online space for businesses active in Thetford to advertise to a wider audience.

Our new website makes it really easy to find a café, bar or restaurant, or a hotel for friends visiting from out of town. Plus, it’s now really simple to learn about Thetford’s history. We’ve curated details and pictures showing how the town has evolved into the vibrant area we know today. All the pages are easy to navigate. Clear, bright icons make it simple to find the type of business or event you’re looking for. We’re proud to feature some amazing images of Thetford, shot by local photographers including Carl Harding-Palmer and Neil James Garrod (who also produced the fabulous film on the website’s home page). We’ve created space for banner advertising – an excellent way to promote your company. Listing your local business in our directory is a “win win” situation: you’re instantly noticeable and contactable by visitors to our website, plus listing fees are ploughed straight back into the King Street shop, ensuring there’ll always be a central hub not only for local information, but also to showcase the talents and products of Thetford’s thriving community of makers.

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List your business and make a difference If you’d like your business to feature in our local directory, and be visible to all our website users, visit www.leapinghare.org Fees from listings allow us to keep the King Street shop open so not only is your business reaching a wider audience, but your involvement truly benefits Thetford. Our website is a fantastic showcase for you and your business.

A one-stop shop for 11-19-year-olds We’re really proud to have created a unique space on our website that will bring together all the activities, helplines, groups and support organisations for those aged 11-19 in and around Thetford. The Breckland Youth Advisory Board identifies and tackles the key issues affecting young people, and works hard to assist and work alongside diverse groups in the area.

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EACH Getting Back To Normal EACH has been the second-fastest growing charity retailer in the country for the last two years. During the closure of their shops at the end of March, they have been been losing out on £100,000 a week in income. On 15 June EACH reopened five shops in Norfolk to assess how well they could balance the implementation of new safety precautions, the needs of staff and volunteers, and commerciality. The initial reopening was a success, as were the others that followed. Highlights from the first day of trading included the Thetford shop which trebled its usual Monday sales figure. Sarah Throssell, EACH Acting Head of Retail, said: “The first phases of reopening have seen much higher sales figures than anticipated along with high volumes of donations, with some customers telling us they’ve been saving their donations especially for us, which has been lovely. We’re really excited to be trading in the community again. The safety of customers, volunteers and staff remains a priority, and we can’t thank our customers enough for their patience and continued support. We really appreciate them respecting the guidelines we’ve put in place and are happy things

seem to be working smoothly for all involved. It means we’re able to once again play the role we need to in helping fund vital care and support for families who access EACH’s services.” Shops are trading form 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays for those that are open seven days. To ensure a safe shopping experience, the number of customers allowed in a shop at any one time is restricted. EACH has also reopened its online shops, on eBay and Amazon, with both reporting healthy returns. For the latest on the reopening of EACH shops, as well as a video showing what to expect when visiting, go to; www.each.org.uk/shopopenings

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Pathway Scholarships Launched Thetford Grammar School has a long history of helping students achieve excellent A level grades and secure extremely competitive places at the very best universities in the UK. September 2020 has seen the launch of a sustained programme of scholarships for bright, hardworking young people from across the local area. From September 2021 Pathway Scholars will join Thetford Grammar School for the first time, with substantial awards of up to 90% of tuition costs for exceptional candidates. This will be the most extensive effort to provide Grammar School education to local Sixth Form pupils since the school left the state sector in 1981, almost 40 years ago. Registration for pupils entering Sixth Form in 2022 has also opened.

Speaking about the scheme, Michael Brewer, Head of Thetford Grammar school said, “This is the result of a 12 month evaluation of our Sixth Form. We know we’ve been doing really, really well on a small scale consistently and helping pupils get to the right place for them. We have great teachers that care about great kids and drive them towards their goals. It’s the right time for the school to do this and enhance our links with the community.” Candidates will be assessed by a non-traditional scholarship exam; they will sit a paper with open ended questions and every pupil will have a fair shot to be successful. The new Pathways approach to the Sixth Form will do even more for pupils who might need extra help to get to their chosen path. Thetford Grammar School is a CReSTeD school, providing support for pupils with specific learning difficulties and is looking to become a centre of excellence for pupils with Dyslexia and learning support needs.

Thetford Grammar School Sixth Form students progress onto some of the UKs leading Universities each year or apprenticships at businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover

“We want bright sparks who are willing to work hard,” continued Mr Brewer “Our staff are really excited about the Pathway and are already working with our year 10 and 11 pupils. We’ve had schools from as far as Norwich asking to be involved, it’s a really exciting time for Thetford Grammar School. The Board have been looking for an immediate investment in education and we hope to be able to make an announcement in the next 12 months. We are looking to do something that’s great for the community and for the school.” The new Pathways programme recognises that Thetford Grammar School delivers Sixth Form pupils to outstanding destinations, both in universities attended and careers undertaken. The Sixth Form experience mirrors this, helping pupils understand how subjects studied open doors to particular universities, faculties, qualifications and even the professions yet to come. For more information about Scholarships please visit:

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Pathway

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Lockdown Art Group With much disruption of social activities as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, many people have been at risk of isolation. However, a project in Thetford quickly adapted to ensure vulnerable people within the local community could maintain their social connections. EnAble Thetford 50+, the Local People Project funded by People’s Health Trust using money raised by Health Lottery East, and delivered by Royal Voluntary Service, is supported by a steering group of local residents, who take on board local issues to create positive change and run activities to support people locally. As well as social connections, the group has a wider remit to influence the social elements of health that older people identify as priorities in their areas – such as access to inclusive activities and transport. One of their main aims is to help make Thetford accessible for all, regardless of age or ability levels. Before the pandemic, the group worked in partnership with other local organisations to run inclusive groups and activities, including a Chair Based fitness group, Integrated QiGong for Health and Wellness, the Fulmerston Art and Wellbeing Project, Thetford Versus Arthritis, and the Meeting Place, a fortnightly friendship group for older residents. It launched the successful Taxi Voucher Scheme in partnership with LJs taxis, and is also known for the annual Community Wellbeing Fayre, inviting other charities and groups to attend to provide information, advice and opportunities to residents. “I joined the group in the hope I could make a difference for older members of the local community,” said June Lewis, Local People Project Steering Group. “I love seeing them getting more involved and having a say in making changes that benefit them.”

able to meet in person, so the Project took the activities online and ensured residents had the support they needed. The Fulmerston Art and Wellbeing Group set up a Facebook Group, Lockdown Art Club, where members could access projects and chat with each other. Ali Marron, Art Medicine Community Arts, runs the Fulmerston Art and Wellbeing Group. She said: “Lockdown forced us to stop meeting in person in order to protect our community, so we set up the Lockdown Art Club on Facebook to provide a space for older people in the community to remain involved from the safety of their own home. I’ve been setting weekly art challenges for the past five months, and we’ve had a brilliant response with amazing artwork and ideas. It’s been our way of providing an online space for people to connect, have fun and stay creative through art and giving a sense of community and connection in older people who may be shielding or more socially isolated during the lockdown.”

When the realities of the pandemic hit and lockdown was announced, groups were no longer

To find out more about the Local People Project in Thetford, please contact Sheena Tate by emailing; sheena.tate@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk You can find out about Art Medicine Community Arts and see more of the work that’s been created during the pandemic on Instagram at @ali.marron.art.studio If you’d like to make a donation to the help fund the art project, please visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/lockdownartclub. To find out more about Royal Voluntary Service, visit; www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

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Gardening Jobs For October With the cooler, shorter days of October here, the garden starts to wind down, though there are splashes of brightness in Michaelmas Daisies and Jersey Lilies apart from the richness of leaf colour until the wind strips the trees bare. Still lots to be done however! This is a good time to deal with boundaries. Any established hedges should be trimmed back to leave them neat for the winter and not slapping passers-by in the face; and, if you want to plant new hedging, now is the perfect time: the damp, cool soil allows roots to be established. Set a new hedge back at least a foot, maybe two, from the pavement as the branches and foliage will spread out enthusiastically. Have a look at fences too and deal with any repairs needed before winter gales get going. Apple Day is on October 21st and if you plan to plant a new tree (apple or any other), this is a good time for this too. You can get trees on dwarfing footstock so that they can be kept to about 6 feet tall and fit in quite a small garden. This also means that they are acceptable to the Council for allotments and can be laden with fruit. I have to admit that my Braeburn has fallen over with the weight of the crop – it still looks quite healthy so I am planning to heave it back upright and give it a sturdier stake once it has lost its leaves. Learn from other people’s mistakes! Fallen leaves can be a problem on lawns so a few minutes raking on a still day can keep the issue under control. The wind usually blows the leaves to the same area so you don’t have to work on the whole garden. If you treat yourself to a leaf blower you may find you have some offers of help – it can be very entertaining to send the leaves swirling away. Don’t waste them however – pop them on the compost heap, mixed in with peelings and other green waste, they will convert over winter to next Spring’s rich humus to add to the soil.

This is not quite the end of the growing season; garlic is happiest going into the soil for the winter and there are onion sets suitable for planting too. Asparagus and rhubarb crowns should also be available if you want to establish beds for the future. Then you can sow overwintering type of pea and broad bean – look out for Aquadulce Claudia for a reliable cultivar here. Try to find a sheltered spot for these crops – who knows what the weather will have for us next! If you bought nice garden furniture this year, now is a good time to store it in the shed or get a cover to protect it. Check over any apples, pears, onions, potatoes etc that you are storing. A quick glance and a careful sniff will let you catch any problems early; a strong smell from the apples should make you look more closely and the smell of rotting potatoes is really pungent.

As spring bulbs go into the soil, lift the tubers of Dahlias and Begonias and Gladioli corms for storage over the winter. If you are visited by any muntjac, remember they love tulips but dislike daffodils so plant accordingly. A few pots of spring bulbs will allow you to move a display to fill a space that cannot know REV2.qxp_Layout about yet! No Job to you Small 1-8 Advert 1 11/09/20 Happy gardening! Sue Pilgrim

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Burrell Ward Community Litter Pick More than 20 people turned up on Saturday 19th September to support a Community Litter Pick across the town’s Burrell Ward as part of a national tidy-up. The Great British September Clean is led by the Keep Britain Tidy group across the UK and took place from 11th – 27th September. It replaced the Spring Clean that was postponed earlier this year due to Covid. Event organiser Councillor Terry Jermy said; “I am very grateful to all those that turned up to support our litter pick. Arrangements were a bit different this year due to Covid but I am very pleased with how much litter we managed to collect. Every single piece collected means potentially less damage to the environment and to wildlife. If people see others taking pride in where they live then it is more likely that they will also have pride and therefore less likely to drop litter and to fly-tip and secondly, it’s good exercise for those that take part and an opportunity to give something back which is always good for people’s mental health”.

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Wandering Woodpigeons In late October and early November, the cool, clear conditions with light winds provide the ideal recipe for Woodpigeon migration. Despite how numerous they are, rather little is known about Woodpigeon movements in the UK. As a species, it is found from western Siberia in the east to the Faeroes in the west, and as far north as Fennoscandia and south as North Africa. We do know that some of the populations of continental-breeding Woodpigeon move south in the autumn, and consequently some movements of Woodpigeons seen in Britain probably involve birds from these populations that have been blown across the North Sea and are then continuing their southbound journeys. Other movements of Woodpigeons witnessed here are likely to comprise birds that bred further north within the UK. It is also thought that many of the birds seen heading out to sea from the south coast of England don’t go very far before doubling back. However, there is evidence that at least some birds do carry on, as flocks have been recorded leaving Cornwall, then being seen over the Isles of Scilly, followed by the Channel Islands and the Brittany coast. Many of the continental birds head to Spain and also Portugal to feed on the acorn harvest, via a flight around the western end of the Pyrenees. Some may take a route around the eastern end of the mountains but this is far from clear – there is still much to learn! Might some of the Woodpigeons that arrive in Spain and Portugal for the winter months include birds from the British breeding population? It is possible that some of our Woodpigeons do leave the UK in the winter but we don’t yet know if that is the case.

A Woodpigeon in flight. Photo by Allan Drewitt / BTO

how long they live. To date though, no Thetford-ringed Woodpigeons have been reported more than 3 miles from where they were caught, even though 376 of them were fitted with white coloured rings that bear a visible code! One possible explanation is that any birds that were passing through our area when they were ringed continue onwards quite rapidly, and rarely come into towns and cities to feed. This would make it less likely for their rings to be noticed and reported by observant members of the public. If you do spot or find a Woodpigeon (or any other bird apart from racing pigeons) bearing a leg ring, please report it online via; ring.ac

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Help For Hogs Late July brought the sad news that the UK’s hedgehogs are now considered to be vulnerable to extinction, following research and assessment by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Although devastating, the news was not wholly unexpected by conservation groups and Norfolk Wildlife Trust hopes that placing on the ‘red list’ of species is an opportunity to raise awareness of these wonderful creatures.

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Many Norfolk towns and villages still have good populations of hedgehogs and whilst we are not currently able to help communities looking to help their hogs, we can recommend the wonderful Hedgehog Street website, www. hedgehogstreet.org which is full of ideas on how to help garden hedgehogs. Ideas include working with neighbours to ensure that there are gaps in fences and walls so hedgehogs can forage easily and trying to make sure that groups of gardens provide everything the animals need, from water to log piles for hibernating in. Finally, when winter comes, hedgehogs may need a little help, especially the autumn-born juveniles, which are often too small to survive hibernation. If you find a small hedgehog (under 450g), then put it in a high sided box or pet carrier with a hot water bottle wrapped in an old towel (a plastic bottle with warm water will suffice) and seek help from the RSPCA, from a local animal sanctuary or via the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Let’s hope that by working across Norfolk, we can make this a county where Hedgehogs flourish! Helen Baczkowska - Norfolk Wildlife Trust The nearest Hedgehog Rescue to Thetford is in Brandon. Visit Karen’s Hedgehogspital on Facebook for more info. To donate to the hospital please visit; https://bit.ly/342a9TZ

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Advice To Avoid Catastrophe If you already have cats living together, or are thinking of getting two cats or more, there are some important things to consider about their social nature. Taking steps I have outlined here will help them to live in harmony, without hidden signs of conflict and stress and will hopefully enhance your bond with your cats. We’ve had a recent experience where an adopter who already has a resident cat took one of our kittens but sadly did not listen to our guidelines on introducing a new kitten to their home, and when things didn’t work out, the kitten was returned to us within 48 hours. This is certainly not enough time for cats to get used to each other and it is not good for the kitten to be moved again. Here is how you go about it: If you have a resident cat, ensure that all their routines remain the same where possible. Shut the new cat in the room that the resident cat uses the least. In this room provide food and water and a litter tray. Somewhere to hide is a good idea, even a cardboard box on its side or under the bed or a viewing platform – cats love to view their surroundings from a height. Also somewhere cosy to sleep – igloo beds are good and lots of toys and a scratching post. Before introducing the cats physically, introduce them to each other’s scent. Swap scents by stroking each cat with a separate clean soft cloth and dabbing it around your home and furniture or leaving the cloth in the cat’s environment to sniff. Keep swapping scents until the cats show no reaction to the smell. You can then progress to letting them see each other, but not letting them touch or meet. Using a glass or mesh door between cats and allowing each cat to approach or hide as they choose, is a good idea. When its time to introduce your cats face to face it helps to ensure easy escape routes for both cats as well Made to Measure 1/8th Advert 2020.qxp_Layout 1 as access to high places.

Start in a large room where they can stay at a distance from each other. Supervise the cats when they are together and only introduce for short periods of time during feeding time to help form positive associations with each other. It can take anything from a day to many weeks for cats to tolerate each other, so don’t give up if there is some hissing and spitting initially, just go back a step. Have a blanket handy just in case they become physical so that you can separate them. Take care to avoid being bitten or scratched as the cats may be quite excited. Don’t chase or shout at them as this will only lead to them associating each other with bad things. As they become more comfortable in each other’s company, try giving them titbits to encourage them to come closer. Choose somewhere where they can escape easily, placing an object such as a chair between the feeding bowls may help them feel less threatened. Over time you can move the bowls closer together, but do not place them side by side. Many cats prefer to eat separately, even those cats in the same social group.

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Exceptionally Rare Plant Discovered In Thetford A new discovery of a plant which is found in only one other place in Britain has got conservationists very excited, with the botanical equivalent of twitchers already visiting the Nun’s Bridges area of Thetford to see this extremely rare sight. Seed from the plant, called Creeping Marshwort, has now been collected for the millennium seed bank at Kew, but many of the beautiful tiny flowers are still blooming for people to enjoy seeing. The scraped area last Spring

it seems that dormant seeds must have been waiting buried in the soil, just waiting for a chance to thrive. Before the scrape was done, the area was dominated with tall weeds, although there was also a small patch of Tower Mustard which was retained. The area was under water in spring 2020 following prolonged rainfall: “We had a lot of jokes that we had created a swimming pool”, Mark remembers, “and a family of ducks even took up residence there at one point!” First spotted by a volunteer from Thetford Conservation Group, the identity of the plant was checked by the Breckland Flora Group and Plantlife, before being confirmed by experts from The Natural History Museum in London and the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI). “To have two such important national figures both standing in our new scrape and almost jumping for joy over this find is just fantastic”, said Mark Webster of Thetford Town Council, who carried out the work to mechanically remove layers of topsoil from the site in November last year, “We deliberately didn’t plant any wildflower seed in the newly scraped area as we expected the bare ground to provide a good habitat for wildflowers to colonise naturally, but we could not possibly have hoped for such a brilliant result as this”. Dr Peter Stroh of the BSBI went further, describing it as “The best wildflower creation project that I've ever seen!”. The area will now be managed to protect the Creeping Marshwort as part of the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Creeping Marshwort (Helosciadium repens) is a critically endangered Schedule 8 plant, which means you need a special licence to even remove a leaf. It is currently only found at in one other area in Britain, a set of meadows in Oxfordshire - so how this significant population of the plant suddenly arrived in Thetford is a mystery, although

“It’s wonderful to have such a rare species in the centre of our town where people can easily see it”, said Cllr Terry Jermy, Chair of Thetford Town Council’s Amenities, Land & Property Committee, “I would like to thank our contractors, staff and especially our volunteers for all their hard work in creating and maintaining this valuable habitat as a green space that everyone can enjoy”. The Creeping Marshwort can be seen between the earth banks in the area between Nun’s Bridges car park and the avenue of Plane trees. It is an umbellifer, meaning that its lovely little white flowers look a bit like very tiny, flat versions of the familiar cow parsley that lines country lanes in Spring. The plant is small, only a few cm across, and very low growing, but there are several hundred of them, spread all over the scraped area.

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Pause For A Puzzle! Enjoy our spirit of Thetford Wordsearch - 22 words can be found running acoss, down, diagonal, forwards and backwards L

M A

W A

M I

W A

M N

M E

W P

M C

M T

W A

M T

M P

W A

W I

Ancient House Bell Inn Black Horse Boudica Butten Island Captain Mainwaring Castle Hill Charles Burrell Duleep Singh First Black Mayor Les Ulis Little Ouse Nuns Bridges Otters Priory Pulpware Red Lion River Thet Skawina Thetford Treasure Thomas Paine Trees

Unscramble the anagrams below to find the well known places in Thetford A Orchard Theft Glooms Mrs

Verde Iris

A Redness Going Husk

Pack Alerts

Carpet Am Elk

Curbs Stretch Hutch

Answers will be posted on the About Thetford website from October 15th www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk - Good luck! Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 24

Fundraising Success Against The Odds For Garden Group 2020 has been the most challenging year for fundraising globally due to the covid pandemic. Despite this the team behind Thetford Open Gardens has managed to raise an astonishing £5620.40 for St Nicholas Hospice Care this year. In March it became clear that the annual event would not be able to go ahead as the country went into lockdown and events of all kind were cancelled across the country. Disappointed and desperately worried about the Hospice, Suzanne suggested that they continue with the plants sales from her front garden. “We thought people would be able to use their one exercise session a day to come along and pick up a plant as it was the beginning of spring. Our supporters had plants ready for our annual sale, so it seemed like a good way to raise something for the Hospice”. To their great surprise with the closure of garden centres people keep coming for plants each day. With restrictions lifting in early June, the ladies decided to create something to mark Thetford Open Gardens Day as it’s such a popular event in Thetford’s social calendar. They knew opening gardens would be impossible with the restrictions and were mindful that it could also cause an outbreak locally. Cakes are one of the highlights of the event, so the idea of a virtual cake sale was born. People were able to pre-order slices or whole cakes to be collected on June 28th. The weather was kind and Rachel, Karen and Susie spent the day handing over orders whilst Suzanne who was shielding remained in the kitchen preparing orders. A staggering 80 cakes were baked for the event, the Mayor, Cllr Mark Robinson popped along to say hello and around £2,000 was raised on the day. Andy Temple hosted several pop up salvia sales over the summer months adding to the total.

Miranda McCoy from St Nicholas Hospice Care who works closely with the Thetford Open Gardens team

With the current covid situation the organising team have decided to close this year’s fundraising efforts but are delighted with the amount they have raised. “To get over £5,000 from nothing is pretty good, we’d like to thank everyone who has donated plants, brought plants and cakes, took part in the virtual gardens online or made a donation. We’re looking forward to coming back next year” said Rachel. Meanwhile Miranda McCoy who supports Thetford Open Gardens on behalf of St Nicholas Hospice Care said, “We’re very, very grateful and I’m very proud of the Thetford Open Gardens team. We are so impressed that despite everything going on, the plant and cake sale has been outstanding. Absolutely brilliant!” With the usual Girls Night Out event replaced by a virtual walk this year, Miranda donned her bunny ears and joined it to help with the fundraising. If you would like to donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ miranda-mccoy1

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CCTV Leads To Fly-tipping Fines CCTV footage at a fly-tipping hotspot in Thetford has led to two fly-tippers and a local business being caught and fined. Breckland Council installed CCTV at Pine Close in the town after a number of previous fly-tipping incidents in the area. The Council's Enforcement Team, working closely with local residents, plus businesses and landlords, soon captured footage of a man leaving a significant flytip in the area. The man was later traced by the council and was given a fixed penalty notice of £300, rising to £400 if it was unpaid within 28 days. A further fly-tipping incident, which involved garden fencing which had been fly-tipped by a handyman, resulted in the culprit being issued a fixed penalty notice of £300, again rising to £400 if unpaid within 28 days. The fencing was eventually cleared by the offender, having told the fence owner that it would be disposed of correctly at the local recycling centre. The investigation also uncovered a local business using domestic bins for their commercial waste. The business was subsequently issued an £80 fixed penalty notice and warned that a further incident will see the shop owner taken to court by the council, where fines can reach up to £1000. The Council's ongoing crackdown on flytipping has also seen the council identify a group of residents living in an illegal multiple-occupancy sub-let flat, who have been responsible for a number of fly tipping incidents around the area. Due to the breach in tenancy agreement and these serious environmental offences, the flat’s landlord then had power to evict these tenants. Cllr Gordon Bambridge, Executive Member for Environmental and Public Protection at Breckland Council commented: "We have made it clear that we simply won't tolerate fly tipping in Breckland and we are working with residents to make sure

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Past & Present

Many changes have taken place to the Bell Yard since the first photograph was taken around 1918. Planters frame the entrance into the yard, whilst the large entrance into the hotel at the left has been totally reorganised. Two additional dormers can be seen in the range at the rear, and part of the courtyard has been fenced off for outside dining. Obviously cars and a parking ticket machine have also replaced the waggon. Postcard: Mike Brindle collection, Photo: Keith Robinson Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 28

Queen Mary’s New Shoes At the Charles Burrell Museum, work is continuing apace. The building itself is having a bit of a makeover during our enforced period of closure... lots of redecorating has been happening along with new displays being created for our visitors to look at when we can finally reopen, but more of this to come in future articles! In the main display area of the Museum a small part of our Volunteer team, overseen by Engine Officer Richard Stock, is working very hard (& somewhat noisily!) on giving a very special lady a makeover too. Queen Mary, our Showman’s Engine and the flagship of our Museum, has been being worked on for many months behind closed doors. She was stripped down to have her boiler mended and is now ready for her hydraulic test in November, when hopefully she will be given the all clear to start steaming again. But the work hasn’t stopped there.

The wheels have been cleaned of decades of dirt and we are now ready for the next stage which is the fitting of the tyres! I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that has stopped by our occasionally open engine doors for a socially distanced chat across the barrier! Seeing the interest in our Museum and engines gives all our volunteers a boost and we are all looking forward to the day that we’ll be able to welcome you to the Charles Burrell Museum again.

Three years ago, we began trying to raise money for new back tyres for our Mary. We knew it was coming up to her 100th birthday in 2020 and it was the wish of many, especially our Senior Volunteer Derek Antrobus – that she would get her ‘new shoes’ in her 100th year. Then last month, much to our delight, we discovered that she would! The tyres, or rather the 24 segments that will make up the tyres, were cut and pressed from forklift truck tyres in West Sussex. Arrangements were then made to borrow a suitably large trailer and after a 13-hour round trip Queen Mary’s tyres were at the Museum. Since then her old tyres (which it is believed were originally fitted sometime during her ownership by the showmen Anderton & Rowland from 1924 – 1943) have been removed.

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Hair Removal & Skin Rejuvenation Autumn in the salon is always a good time to start upon permanent hair removal. It’s nice to be doing all of our treatments again and IPL is a very popular treatment this time of year, tans are fading, which for our particular treatment is important. We offer free consultations and patch tests for both hair removal and skin rejuvenation. It’s important the client’s tan is not active as this affects the effectiveness of the treatment. During the treatment we recommend wearing sunscreen SPF 30 on the area, as it can make the skin sensitive to sunlight. We use Ellipse Intense Pulse Light (IPL) which destroys the root of the hair using flashes of light. The hairs fall out a week to 10 days later and the process is repeated approx 4-6 weeks later to treat new hairs that have grown through. The hairs need to contain pigment for the treatment to work, it is not possible to do blonde, grey or white hairs, these only respond to electrolysis. Most clients need between 6-8 treatments. No need to let the hairs grow long, they actually need to be as short as possible to allow the energy to go directly into the root of the hair. All areas can be treated such as facial hair, legs, under arms, forearms, backs, bikini area, we treat both men and women and have several transgender clients, Pigmentation patches can also be treated and usually only need 2-3 treatments. It’s also great for fine lines and wrinkles as it makes the skin produce its own collagen and elastin.

number one cause. Today Age spots, and pigmentation can be treated very successfully in as little as 1-3 treatments using Intense Pulse Light. The energy from the light is attracted to the pigment in the skin, this causes it to heat up and turn darker immediately after treatment. A few days later, the dark patches will shed from the hands and the new skin will be brighter. This treatment is known as skin rejuvenation and can be used for many things such as sun damage, age spots, freckles, enlarged pores and acne. It is suitable for use on the body and face. Several clients like to have it as a facial treatment, as the skin will be tightened and firmer with the production of collagen and elastin. 1st October sees Halcyon Days Skincare celebrate being open for 30 Years. Time flies and thanks go to our clients and staff for their continued support. Best wishes, Lisa Stallings

Skin Rejuvenation Treatments It is often said that our hands show our real age! This can’t however be the case for everyone as treatments are now available to reverse the signs of skin ageing. Many people try lotion and creams to brighten their hands but this can be slow to show results as our hands are in constant use and it’s hard to keep creams on when every time you wash your hands the cream comes off! The reason our hands tend to show more signs of ageing is because we expose them to all weathers and the sun / ultra violet light is the

IPL Hair Removal • IPL Skin Rejuvenation Permanent make up • Opi Nail Treatments CACI Non Surgical Facelift • Venus Freeze Halcyon Days Signature Bespoke Facials

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The Wellness Clinic Moves Online •

Are you looking to improve your health?

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Wanting to increase your fitness?

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Increase your activity after illness or injury?

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Gain ease on movement?

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Feel good about yourself?

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Would you love to return to a sport or a form of exercise that currently seems impossible?

If you answered yes, read on. With Covid-19 The Virtual Wellness Clinic was born; take a look around the website www. thewellnessclinic-withmj.com to gain a better understanding of the online experience. As an exercise specialist Michelle guides you, advises & supports to help you achieve your goals, exercise is for everybody. Known as the go to person for hip, back and pelvic floor issues. Michelle also has published research within specialist exercise (cardiac rehabilitation). When you join full screening is carried out; a health and lifestyle questionnaire plus a movement assessment, feedback is given with personal recommendations to ensure you start at the right level, exercise safely & effectively.

Enjoy tailored sessions with Michelle from the comfort of your home

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20% discount off Pop Up Pilates (£3 discount per session; £12 per month).

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10% discount off in the Clinic Gift Shop

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Member discounts & special offers throughout the year. (the gift of giving).

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Member socials held in the clinic, stay safe, stay connected, stay positive.

All this for just over £1 per day. For further details contact Michelle via the website or visit: John www.thewellnessclinic-withmj.com Oliver Sept Oct Nov 2020 Ads.qxp_Layout 1 17/0 Or, ‘The Wellness Clinic’ on Facebook

With an impressive portfolio, rest assured all sessions can be adapted. You can start movement therapy and watch your health improve. The Wellness Clinic Membership includes: •

Unlimited access to the online weekly sessions via zoom or Facebook live (worth £140)

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24/7 access to the full catalogue which includes Pilates, Yoga, Stretching, Core, Pelvic Floor, Lower Back Care, Breathing & Meditation (priceless – rehabilitation/ conditioning on demand).

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Access to the members only PRIVATE Facebook group (stay connected).

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Every month 2 x new home workouts uploaded chosen by members (worth £14)

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Every month a new breathing or meditation uploaded (worth £10).

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Every month FREE access to a wellness workshop (worth £15).

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We Are Open, Everyone is Welcome! At the time of writing, mid-September, we are now getting back into full swing here at the Charles Burrell Centre. The Zumba speakers are blaring in the main hall, Billie's losing her voice shouting out the bingo numbers in the Engine Room cafe and children are pirouetting down the corridors with their pom-poms and ballet costumes. Our two gyms, two hairdressers, two tattoo artists, two hypnotherapists, three beauticians and all our other businesses are open again as usual, with PPE and physical distancing measures in place. Whatever you're looking for, you're bound to find it at CBC. As long as the Government says we can stay open, we will keep facilitating as many fun and safe activities as we possibly can for our community. As with all other venues, please wear a face covering when visiting the Centre and abide by social distancing requirements at all times.

Socially distanced Zumba, now back at CBC

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Opportunity For Fossil Fans Exciting new FREE three-day event for fossil fans at Ancient House, Thetford - don’t miss out! Ancient House Thetford in partnership with Kick the Dust-Norfolk is holding a new three-day event for teens to twenties interested in fossils and Appointments: The Old Rent Office geology. Working with other young people, the King’s House, King Street participants will have a unique opportunity to Foot Health: 01842-339958 THETFORD research and create their own fossil exhibition Therapies: 07775 535 617 Norfolk. IP24 2AP from the museum’s collection and much more. Www.mjfeetandhealthpractice.co.uk They will handle genuine fossils, explore how they Email: mjfeethealthpractice@gmail.com Ear Irrigation 1/8 Ad.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2020 09:11 arePa identified and discover what they can tell us about Norfolk’s pre-history, then create a museum display and events programme.

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Dr David Waterhouse, Senior Curator of Natural History, and other museum professionals will be on hand for advice and guidance. This event runs over three Saturdays and participants will need to come to all three. Places are limited so advanced booking is essential! ‘Fossils and Geology at Ancient House’ runs on 7, 14, and 21 November. For further information or to book your space email; rachel.duffield@norfolk.gov.uk

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Some good news! Your 2020 Membership Card will remain valid through to December 2021. Although we haven’t got a date for the Museum reopening, please watch out for all the online opportunities for news and activities. If you would like to join the Friends to support Ancient House as it works on reopening plans and enjoy the benefits to the end of 2020 check here; https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ join-and-support/friends-groups

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Thetford Library Is Open! We look forward to welcoming you! Follow our one-way system to browse the shelves, or preorder a selection of up to 10 books for adults for free through Select and Collect. Use the online form at; www.norfolk.spydus.co.uk or call 01603 774777. Borrow our new Grab and Go children’s book bags for families or book one 60 minute session per day on a computer. To book a session or if you need any help using our computers call 01603 774777. You can return items through the drop box or self-service kiosks Download the FREE Spydus app to check out books on your smartphone, download eBooks, audio books, newspapers and magazines by visiting; www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries We’ve made some changes to keep you safe, so there is no ‘Open Library’ access, please bring your library card with you or join in the library or online. We will ask you to scan the QR code or give us details from you to help with Test and Trace. You will need to wear a face covering in the library and we have a one-way system for social distancing. Hand sanitiser is available for use on the way in and out of the library, surfaces and computers will be regularly wiped down.

Starting on 7th October and continuing fortnightly, the Norfolk Library Service will be running ‘Lego Club’. Each week they share a video and in each video, they set a new Lego Challenge for you to complete over the next two weeks. See the ‘Norfolk Libraries Facebook page for further information. At Thetford Library there has been some changes to our opening hours; Monday: 10 - 6, Tuesday: 10 - 6 Wednesday: 10 - 6, Thursday: 10 - 6 Friday: 10 - 6, Saturday: 10 - 4 For latest updates or more information please visit; www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

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Dogs Trust Issues Firework Advice For Dog Owners With firework season set to whizz-pop into our lives again with the approach of Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night, Dogs Trust is issuing advice to dog owners whose pets are scared of fireworks. The charity says that the time to prepare your dog is now as leaving it until the night to try and relax your dog is likely to be too late. Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust says, “Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them. Fireworks also tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright. This combination can be distressing and have a lasting impact on dogs. There are lots of things dog owners can do to help make fireworks less stressful for their dogs. Simple steps such as providing safe spaces for them to hide or settling them before the fireworks start can make a big difference. We would also urge anyone thinking of putting on their own fireworks display to consider the welfare of their four-legged friends and others in the neighbourhood by following our Firework Dog Code.”

Consider dogs during this fireworks season

dog has somewhere safe in their favourite room, perhaps under a table. Close curtains, turn lights on, and turn up the volume on your TV or radio to drown out firework noises and flashing lights. Advice for people wishing to host a private display: - Let your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs. - Limit your display to 30 minutes or less. - Opt for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.

Too busy?

Advice For Dog Owners: - Walk your dog before dark – make sure your dog is well exercised and has had a toilet break before the fireworks begin. - Feed your dog before the fireworks begin as they may become unsettled and not want to eat during the fireworks. - Make sure your house and garden are secure during the fireworks as fear may make your dog try to escape. - Try to settle your dog before the fireworks start – if your dog is in familiar safe surroundings it will help them cope with the noise. - Provide a safe hiding place – make sure your

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For further advice about preventing and dealing with fear of loud noises such as fireworks, please visit; www.dogstrust.org.uk/fireworks

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Managing Household Energy Bills As the colder weather arrives, you might be thinking about turning the heating on. For many households the Covid-19 crisis means a drop in household incomes combined with higher energy bills from spending more time at home, and we anticipate many will find it difficult to afford to heat their homes. If you’re struggling to pay home energy bills, we can help. You may be eligible for the ‘warm home discount’ from your supplier (if your supplier is part of the scheme) or emergency support if you can’t afford to top-up your meter. Another way to save on your home energy bills is by shopping around. Moving to a cheaper tariff or switching supplier can result in huge savings, particularly if you’ve not switched supplier for over a year. An impartial comparison of prices as well as customer service ratings can be found on the website: www.energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk

If you have questions about Smart Meters, you can talk to us. Improvements to cold and poorly insulated homes could also help reduce energy bills. We can refer people to help available from Norfolk’s Warm Homes scheme and the recently announced ‘Green Home Grants’. For free and impartial and confidential advice, contact Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District via the Advice Line on 03444 111 444. Or, e-mail: energyadvice@cadat.org.uk

Or you can contact us if you aren’t online. Smart For the latest news, advice and updates please do meters can also make it easier to see what you follow us on social media via Facebook or Twitter are using/spending and allow you to top-up using @DissThetfordCA - please note, our usual remotely (rather than having to go to a store). face-to-face MCP HP Advert 11.18.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2018 09:41 Page 1 services are limited to appointments Contact your supplier to see if they are installing only for those unable to access advice by phone in your area, there is no installation charge. or online.

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Revised Remembrance Day Parade

Poppies In The Post

Due to the current situation regarding Covid-19, this year’s Remembrance Day parade will not be as per usual. It is proposed that all standard bearers and wreath layers, (those who wish to march), assemble in the vicinity of Kings Street Square in Kings Street at 10.30am. Under the command of the Royal British Legion Parade Marshal the parade will march up Kings Street and onto the Market Square via the opening in front of the Red Lion and take up position.

The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign held every year in November, the period of Remembrance.

The Mayor of Thetford and Councillors will then assemble on the Market Square at 10.45am. This year the ceremony will be as follows: A prayer led by the clergy, the last post will be sounded and the two minutes silence observed. At the end of the two minutes the wreath laying will commence. The parade will then dismiss. All those participating and members of the public must maintain social distancing with the required two meters.

Thanks to the Appeal, we can ensure our Armed Forces community and their families, both past and present, receive the support they need and deserve. Every year, our volunteers distribute over 40 million poppies to help our vital work in supporting the Armed Forces community. Due to COVID-19 this year, many of our volunteers are unable to help. That’s why we are asking kind supporters like you to help distribute poppies to your friends and neighbours, and ensure we can continue to help our Armed Forces community in their time of need, ensuring their contribution is never forgotten. Your Poppy Appeal needs you! Request 20 poppies free of charge by completing the online form. You can then give them to your friends and family and ask them for a donation to support our Armed Forces community. Along with the poppies, you will also receive information on how you and those you share your poppies with can give as well as how to distribute the poppy safely and ensure everyone can wear the poppy with pride. Please request your envelope by 31 October to ensure you receive it in time. Once we have received your order, please allow 2 - 3 working days for us to confirm your order by email. www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ ways-to-give/poppies-in-the-post

The Mayor of Thetford, Councillor Mark Robinson, with Warrant Officer Mac Macdonald at the recent Far East Prisoner Of War commemoration event

Thetford Honours Forgotten Soldier The family of Private Norman Stevenson of the 5th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment, attended a ceremony at the Far East Prisoner of War tree at Nun’s Bridges along with the Mayor of Thetford, Royal Air Force Association reprentatives, RAF Honnington, plus FEPOW representatives, and citizens of the town for the 75th Anniversary service of the end of the war in Japan. After the last post, and the wreath laying and prayers, the family were invited by the Thetford Royal British Legion to attend a small ceremony at the Market Square Cenotaph for the unveiling of Norman Stevenson’s name which has now been finally inscribed and remembered after his death in the Far East in 1942.

Leaping Hare is proud to be selling the beautiful hand-made poppies by Ancient House Museum’s ‘Knit and Knatter’ group. All proceeds go to the Royal British Legion

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 37

Have Your Say On Proposals For New Division Boundaries New County Council boundaries are being proposed by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England for the electoral divisions in Norfolk, potentially impacting both of Thetford’s County Councillor divisions. The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A tenweek consultation on the proposals will run until 23 November 2020. The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Norfolk County Council to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that division arrangements will help the council work effectively. The Commission has published proposals for changes to Norfolk County Council. It is proposing that there should continue to be 84 divisions and one councillor per division. However, most existing division boundaries will change. For Thetford, the Boundary Commission is proposing that the town is split into half, with the village of Croxton being added to the Thetford Priory and Boudica Wards. The other half, will be

Map showing the proposed County Council divisions for Thetford

known as Thetford East, with Burrell and Castle Wards being added to the parishes of Kilverstone, Brettenham, Bridgham, Roudham and Larling. The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of divisions and their boundaries. People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post: LGBCE c/o Cleardata Innovation House, Coniston Court, Riverside Business Park, Blyth NE24 4RP. The website is; www.lgbce.org.uk

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About Thetford ad June 2018.pdf 1 25/05/2018 10:14:53

October Update From TADDS October already and there is a definite Autumnal feel in the air. How can we be in the last Quarter of 2020?, although many are probably saying that this a good thing, moving the year to a close.

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It has been a difficult time for TADDS, not able to meet and see our lovely group every week in person, and this month is going to be just like the rest, with no meet up, but it just isn’t safe to do so. The volunteers who have kept contact with people either virtually through our VIP group weekly virtual coffee meet up or by ringing them week in and week out, have been amazing and we are so grateful to each one of you for keeping the connections going.

We have had new Carers join us, and they are now benefiting from the connections they are making with other Carers and the volunteers, so that when we do meet face to face it will be a joy to finally sit and have coffee and a chat together for real and not via a screen. The Charity Trustees thoughts are turning to the wintery months and what we can do to ensure we keep that connection strong and to help people caring for a loved one living Safe Gas 1/4th Advert_Layout 1 08/12/2016 07:54 with Pagea 1dementia, or help someone who is living alone with this condition, get through the darker and colder months, especially as many will still be self isolating. People and their families who are going through a diagnosis or who have recently had a diagnosis, we are here to support you too, and can help with information and advice about Dementia, Benefits etc, that you may not have been given to you yet.

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Thetford Inner Wheel We may not be able to meet as a full club yet but on a beautiful sunny morning in September a group met in our President’s garden for coffee and a good ‘catch up’ chat.

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We were delighted to hear over £100 had been raised after one member made face masks. This will go into our charity account to be spent later in the year. Plans for meetings are still on hold but we live in hope that things will be better soon.

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 39

Extension To Warm Homes Partnership For Residents Breckland Council is extending its first-time central heating grant programme into Spring 2021 after a hugely successful first year. The Norfolk Warm Homes Partnership, funded by National Grid and led by Broadland District Council and a partnership of seven district councils, allows people in receipt of universal credit, or a pension, on low incomes or with health conditions, to obtain grants to put central heating in their homes. The programme has already made a significant impact, helping over 1,600 households in the region receive central heating grants and other benefits which totalled over ÂŁ2 million. In addition to grants, the scheme also offers advice on claiming benefits and saving money on energy bills. Some households in receipt of universal credit have received warm home discounts of up to ÂŁ140 from their energy supplier. The campaign is not just for homeowners - private landlords can also get up to 75% off first-time central heating systems. Breckland Council's Executive Member for Health & Housing, Councillor Alison Webb said they were

delighted to be extending the scheme to March 2021, "Last year's scheme was very successful and we were able to help a lot of people take the worry out of keeping their homes warm. We want to reach out to even more residents this autumn so that we can help them be ready for winter." Karen Strandoo, Warm Homes Programme Manager at Broadland District Council, said: "The success of the 2019 Warm Homes Partnership has highlighted the issue of fuel poverty within Norfolk. We understand that circumstances and income may have changed for many over the last six months, and as a result, there may be many more fuel-poor households that Norfolk Warm Homes could help." For more information visit; www.norfolkwarmhomes.org.uk or call 01603 430103

Painting & Decorating Bathroom & Kitchen Tiling Plumbing Partition Walls Wood Floor Fitting Loft Boarding Decking Fencing & Carpentry Work Paths & Patios Laid Roof Repairs, Cleaning & Gutterings General Repairs & More!

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Thetford Calendar 2021 What a year 2020 has turned out to be. At a time when it is hard to imagine what we will be doing even a few weeks from now let alone months, why not focus on something incredibly positive? The NEW Thetford calendar is out now, featuring twelve beautiful photographs of Thetford. The calendar reminds us what a great town it is and showcases us in the best possible light. The calendars are also always popular for gifts as they can be posted so easily. There is nothing better than sending one to a Thetfordian now living abroad as a reminder of ‘home’. ‘Thetford Heron’ by Carlos Cantiga

Prices for Thetford Calendar 2021 are held at £7.95 each or 2 for £15 and are available at Leaping Hare, Thetford Garden Centre and the Mulberry. All proceeds fund Thetford’s tourist information centre in King Street.

‘Captain Mainwaring on the bench’ by Robert Salisbury - voted by About Thetford readers as the Calendar cover image

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget that you can enter all year around (final entries in by the end of May) and when you’re thinking calendars, it’s a good idea to try and think seasonally too so no harm in taking photographs at all times of the year.

Calendar Co-ordinator Corinne Fulford said; “Thank-you so much to everyone that voted for their favourite image which will now feature on the calendar front cover. I am grateful to our partners Lawsons Estate Agents and the About Thetford magazine for their support. We are very much looking forward to receiving next year’s entries”.

The four categories are: A) Nature - wildife, landscapes B) Architecture - landmarks, interesting buildings C) People - events, community activities D) Heritage - what Thetford is famous for You can enter up to three in each category (so twelve in total).

The 2021 Thetford Calendar is a joint project by Leaping Hare, Lawsons Estate VanAgents and a Man REVThetford 06.19.qxp_Layout andAD About magazine1 10/06/2019 Calendars are on sale now!

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Marathon Mel Hits 300 2020 should have been a year to remember for Thetford runner Mel Sturman. A wedding, 50th birthday celebrations and date to complete her 300 marathon challenge all passed by due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Mel and her finance Richard (who she met through Parkrun) were forced to postpone their wedding until August next year and with 9 marathons to go, Mel thought she’d never make her 300 target this year. When the World Mega Marathon Club resumed validation at the beginning of July followed by the 100 Club at the end of that month, Mel grabbed the opportunity to complete her challenge. Celebrating her 300th marathon at Enigma Running in Milton Keynes on Sunday 13th September was a dream come true for nurse Mel, who has been working on the frontline since lockdown last March. Originally Mel should have completed her challenge on June 7th, “I wanted to finish before we got married and started a new chapter in our lives because I started this challenge as a singleton. Once the competition reopened I wanted to get finished as soon as possible as it’s such a rapidly changing environment we live in at the moment. I just didn’t want to finish on 299, so when the opportunity to complete the last 3 came up in September I went for it.” Mel has actually run 301 marathons over the last 9 years and over 8000 miles as she’s also completed 10 ultra marathon which are up to 100 miles each time. Mel’s running story started when she was 40 after a regular check up with her GP, who advised her to improve her health. “I decided that for my 40th year I’d do the London Marathon,” said Mel “I couldn’t run a mile in October 2010, by Christmas I’d got up to 15 miles and followed a training programme. I raised £3,500 for Back Care, a charity I’d chosen because it was linked to my work as a nurse.” Mel now had the bug and the advent of social media made it easier to keep in touch with people. “Lots of people I met at London were looking to do Liverpool in the autumn, so I decided to have a go and enjoy some social time whilst I was at it!” explained Mel. The following year she completed another 2 marathons and a further 3 in six weeks in the spring of 2012. Injury forced Mel to have 12 weeks out, but she was back to running another 3 marathons in that autumn. It was at one of these events Mel saw Rachel Smith being presented with her 100 marathon top. “I was awestruck, she was the first woman to do 52 marathons in 52 weeks.” Inspired, in 2013 Mel ran 27 of her first challenge

Mel celebrating achieving her 300 marathons milestone at Milton Keynes

to reach 30 marathons and reached gained her 100 top in 2015. In 2013 she also started Parkrun in Thetford with funding off the back of the London Olympics and the belief that no one should have to run on their own. On the 5th anniversary of the start of her running story Mel started organising her own events. During lockdown she’s created 4 virtual events and raised a staggering £8650.00 for local charities including Banham Zoo and Miniature Donkeys For Wellbeing. Highlights for Mel have included the marathon she ran through Walt Disney World in Florida, and all the world majors she has completed in London, Berlin, New York and Chicago. Her next challenge is to run the Boston and Tokyo marathons to complete the 6 star world series. Mel says that given the current situation with covid and with elderly parents to support, she’s not going to set a new target at this present time. “I’m going to continue to enjoy running and maybe support someone who wants to start marathon running by being their running buddy. Lots of people get nervous when they first start marathon running, you have to follow lots of signs and people worry that they’ll get lost so to have someone with you is a massive help. Running has helped me through some difficult times in my life. I’ve used exercise rather than medication and it’s been an emotional journey over the past 6 years.” Mel’s latest fundraiser is called ‘12 days of Christmas’ participants run or walk 1 mile or km a day for the 12 days of Christmas in exchange for a medal. The money will be used to provide TADDS members with a Christmas hamper. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/ Thetford-Iceni-Marathon-and-Half-Marathon

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Sports Funding Opportunity Breckland Youth Advisory Board (YAB) recognise that young people can miss sport due to financial difficulties at home. They want to make it a bit easier for young people to get into sport and stay engaged. YAB recognises the benefits of sports to young people’s physical and mental health, so have set up a ‘Breckland Young People Sports Fund’. This is a one off fund, with one round of applications. Grants of up to £50 per person to young people in our target age range of 11-19 years and living in our geographical area, Breckland, are available. For sports clubs/groups within Breckland, YAB award grants of up to £250. The grant is to assist with taking up a sporting activity or to remain in one (for example towards kit or equipment, training or competition fees, facility or club fees). There is a limited amount of funding, once this is allocated then the YPSF will close.

at the discretion of Breckland YAB and no further correspondence will be entered into. The closing date for applications is 5th October 2020. Please apply via; www.map.uk.net/breckland-youthadvisory-board-yab/ You will be notified via email on or before the 19th of October of the outcome of your application. If you are a local sports group, please remember to send through any news updates to About Thetford magazine for inclusion in the magazine. E-mail: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

The application must include the approval of an adult/senior person in charge or associated with the activity, e.g. coach). Only one application per young person/club/group is allowed. The decision as to whether an application is eligible is totally w

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A Dream 30 Years In The Making Finally Realised Master Kris French, 5th degree black belt, Kris to friends, and family, Daddy to his sons and ‘Sir’ to his students has finally realised his dream of opening a Kuk Sool Won Dojahng here in Thetford at the Charles Burrell Centre.

Once such student, Alex, is 17 and has been studying the martial art for 3 years ever since seeing one of their teachers in an end of term showcase, “throwing another teacher about” as they put it, and thought I want to try that! Alex went for a trial lesson and never left. Alex says it has given them a quiet confidence they never realised they had and that they feel supported and at home in the dojahng. Kris would like to thank his wife Jenny, a black belt herself, and numerous other family members, friends and students for all their support and help in getting the space ready to open at CBC. He says he could not have done it without them but that typifies what Kuk Sool Won is all about. Get in touch with Kris to find out more about how this traditional martial art could benefit you through improved fitness, stamina, core strength, meditation, mindfulness and more. He will warmly welcome you to the dojahng and the Kuk Sool Won Family.

Kuk Sool Won Master Kris French in the new Dojahng at the Charles Burrell Centre

At the age of 9 Kris had his first taste of Kuk Sool Won, a Korean traditional Martial Art. He had previously been involved with football and bmx biking and whilst he enjoyed those activities he didn’t feel the instant affinity that he felt with Kuk Sool Won. He told himself aged 9 he would be an instructor. His instructor at the time also realised Kris was a natural. Policing was Kris’ main job for 17 years (instructing Kuk Sool Won and Self Defence during evenings and weekends) and he did many of those years in specialist investigations where he realised he wanted to help people (primarily children) in a very different way by engendering a sense of self belief, esteem, confidence and the ability to defend themselves effectively. The vulnerability of young people really touched Kris. Kuk Sool Won Thetford is a Sport England Safeguarding accredited school because of his background. When asked “Who is a Kuk Sool Won Student?” Kris said “Anyone aged 4 upwards, we have a 70 year old student presently. Most are wanting to learn something new and embrace what becomes a lifestyle in a way. There’s no ego anywhere in the school, a spirit of cooperation, gratitude and mutual respect prevails. It’s amazing to watch students gaining confidence and then helping newer students to improve. Above all of course we have fun.”

For more information about Thetford Kuk Sool Won, contact Kris on 07984 494146 or to book a free trial lesson visit: www.thetfordmartialarts.com

Self Esteem Self Confidence Self Defence

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Your Mind Frame We’ve all been there, wanting to do something but our minds tell us otherwise, whether it’s the fight or flight feeling, whether we’re concerned, anxious, worried or whether we just cannot be bothered! It’s easy to get inside our own heads when making a choice and I strongly believe that many of us have suffered some form of this over lockdown, usually we make the choice easiest for us; cancel that social gathering, order takeaway instead of cooking a meal, push aside working out. The brain is a magnificent thing, the more I learn about how our brains work the more I’m fascinated with what we, as humans are really capable of! In a training/ workout scenario, our mind will usually give up before our body. It’ll start ringing alarm bells if you get uncomfortable, out of your depth or comfort zone and quite often we will convince ourselves that we are unable to complete what we’ve been tasked or tasked ourselves to do. That’s how many of us give up on our goals, because we think we can’t achieve such things. Key word there being ‘Think’. If we set our mind to achieve something, we will often do it but why? Usually the reason is because we know we can do it, either we’ve done it before or it’s something that doesn’t faze us. How many of you can clean the house from top to toe but can’t catch a spider? We’ve watched our peers clean with no fuss so we just think it’s the norm! When our mothers jump out of their skins because there is a spider in the house, we follow suit, when in fact, we’re not scared of spiders at all, we’re just taught to be. Once you start thinking of the situation, it’s a small insect, that has lost its way in your home and can easily be taken outside without harm. It’s mind over matter. Think about what you want to achieve and how you will achieve it and start to grow strength in your mind and body. Richard Taylor www.facebook.com/tigerfitnessthetford

Richard Taylor of Tiger Fitness Thetford shares his thoughts on ‘mind over matter’ this month

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OCTOBER 2020 About Thetford magazine

Articles inside

30 Year Dream Realised

Proposed Boundary Changes

Opportunity for Fossil Fans

Marathon Mel Hits 300

Managing Household Bills

Dogs Trust Fireworks Advice

Revised Remembrance Info

Queen Mary’s New Shoes

Rare Plant Discovered

Fantastic Frontliners

Pathway Scholarships

Thetford Past And Present

Fundraising Success

11 - Leaping Hare

Wandering Woodpigeons

7 - Britain’s First Maharajah