ISSUE 112 Dispatch January 2011
NEWS FOR DISS AND ATTLEBOROUGH RESIDENTS
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Rolling Out The Expansion... Dispatch Magazine Reaches Out To Bury St Edmunds. In spite of the tough economic climate, we are delighted to report that Dispatch Magazine is expanding. We currently produce three magazines: one for Diss & Attleborough, one for Wymondham, Dereham & Watton and one for Thetford. We’re now adding Bury St Edmunds to our list, which will see Dispatch Magazine grow to an amazing 58,000 distribution every month, giving us a massive 145,000 readership. This moment of growth that sees the launch of the Bury St Edmunds magazine is an important and exciting time for us. We are pleased to be expanding out to a massive distribution of 58,000 homes and businesses. And we are truly
Dispatch January 2011
delighted to be able to offer a wider readership to local businesses that are also looking to grow in these tricky economic times.
centre of our distribution areas, our team work flat out to keep in touch with the local communities, and to get the four magazines out on a monthly basis.
It is precisely in times such as these that businesses need to keep up their advertising, and also make sure that they focus on the local market. Dispatch Magazine gives a concentrated local coverage – and being delivered free of charge to all homes and businesses in the area means that we are well-placed to help Norfolk and Suffolk companies reach out to Norfolk and Suffolk people. We are also genuinely committed to offering rates to suit all businesses – and their budgets – whether small or large.
As well as offering community news about clubs and organisations, Dispatch works closely with the Town Councils in the areas we cover, always with the aim to promote local business, and to be keeping business in the area.
Founded in 2001, Dispatch Magazine is based in Attleborough, at the very
In addition to this, Dispatch Magazine also operates the Online Dispatch Directory, via the community websites for Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Diss, Dereham, Watton, Wymondham and Thetford. These websites offer information and editorial about news and events in each area, as well as the online business directory, reaching out to an even larger audience.
The Community Online sites are receiving an average of around 250,000 visitors each month. For more information about Dispatch Magazine, sending in editorial or discussing your advertising requirements, visit our website: www.DispatchMagazine. co.uk or call us on 01953 456789. Dispatch Magazine - Norfolk and Suffolk’s favourite free Community Magazine.
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In this issue FEATURES
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Rolling Out The Expansion... Dispatch Magazine Reaches Out To Bury St Edmunds.
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Nurseries & Schools Looking After Your Young Ones.
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Caring For The Elderly Local Care Homes.
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Receive Their First National Award At The Children And Young People Now Award 2010.
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Valentines Firewalk Challenge Would You Walk Over Hot Coals For Your Loved One? To Raise Money For The Stroke Association?
Martial Arts Group Kuk Sool Won From Attleborough, Long Stratton And Watton Raise Money For Cancer Research UK.
Diss Museum
South Norfolk Youth Action Radio (SNYA Radio)
Town Council Noticeboard Monthly Update.
Medieval Churches.
January Sales Get That New Year Bargain! New Year, New You
Spice Cottage Children In Need Fundraiser Bath In Curry, To Raise More Than £200 In Just 40 Minutes For Charity.
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Old Buckenham Players Presents ‘Aladdin’ By Norman Robbins.
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Attleborough Writers’ Group Launch Of Their Second Publication ‘Light & Dark’.
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Public Have Their Say On The Future Of Attleborough Find Out More About How The Area Could Look In 2026.
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January 2011 Issue 112
Deadline for all editorial and advertising submissions for the next issue will be:
January 14th 2011 Dispatch January 2011
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Spice Cottage - Children In Need Fundraiser DISS CARNIVAL Queen joined Indian restaurant charity fundraisers who took a bath in curry - to raise more than £200 in just 40 minutes for charity. shop-keepers and residents after staff went around the town with a charity bucket to support their chef which raised a superb £206.34 for BBC Children in Need in 40 minutes.
The fun fundraiser was held in the Market Place, Diss, outside the Spice Cottage restaurant, catching the eye of residents who made donations to support the caper. Chef Alim Uddin got in the bath – it needed to be a hot Vindaloo curry because of the chilly weather. The bath was filled with all manner of ingredients from India and those taking part received donations from local
Dispatch January 2011
As a result of the tremendous support the charity Children in Need received from supporters all across the UK, the charity is set to have another fantastic year. Last year’s appeal raised a record breaking £39 million which is already starting to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Event organiser Emdad Hussain, manager at the Grade II listed Indian and Nepalese restaurant in the Market Place, said: “Children in Need do superb work to help families. We are a family run restaurant and a big fan of the charity, so we wanted to do something fun to support them.
“We would like to say a big thank you to all the Diss people who generously supported the fundraiser, and we will be keeping a donations bucket in the restaurant for the next week if people want to add donations.” The event, which saw the town’s carnival queen Annabel Oakes join in, was held on Wednesday November 17th and fundraisers later appeared on television presenting the cheque to the BBC. A spokeswoman for Children in Need said: “As a result of the tremendous support we receive from supporters across the UK, we’re able to continue to fund fantastic projects which aim to help make positive changes to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.”
BBC Children in Need is the BBC’s UK corporate charity and the annual telethon is one of the highs of the BBC calendar and plenty of activity takes place all across the UK around this time to help raise those crucial pennies to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The latest charity fundraiser comes after Indian waiters at The Spice Cottage dressed up as children’s characters for the night recently, to help raise thousands of pounds for young people with life-threatening illnesses who use East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. To find out more about other fundraising events the Spice Cottage are organising, call the restaurant on 01379 640222 / 640777.
News from across your region
Diss Museum
Diss U3A
Walking through the shopping streets of Thetford you pass one medieval church and then another one.
The December meeting was attended by 74 members and 3 guests who braved the wintery weather to hear Frances Feldman give a talk on 17th Century Dutch art.
corner post with carvings of the annunciation and nativity. The building was probably the Guildhall for the chapel. Gaze’s, next door, is built on the chapel graveyard.
Above: The Greyhound inn (left), with its Tudor west wall and porch. These may have come from the St. Nicholas Chapel, now the site of Weavers Restaurant (right). There was a time when you could have done that in Diss. You could have left St. Mary’s Church, walked up Pump (now Market) Hill and found another. Weavers Restaurant, which many will remember as Aldiss and Hastings gents outfitters, is built on the site of the St. Nicholas Chapel This was a guild chapel in the 1500s, until such institutions were suppressed by Henry VIII. The Pulham Pennoyers School still features part of a similar chapel, with Victorian additions. Opposite where the St. Nicholas Chapel stood you can still see the Tudor House, with its medieval
The guilds acted as a kind of friendly society. You paid them a penny or so a week, partook of their hospitality and made sure that they prayed for you after death. Such Catholic practices were rendered obsolete by the Reformation. So the chapels were no longer needed and fell into disuse. We can only imagine what the chapel looked like; but there is a clue spotted by historian Simon Knott. The nearby Greyhound inn has a Tudor gable on its west side but not to the east. Knott thinks that the gable was the reused west face of the St. Nicholas Chapel, while the pub’s characterful porch was its re-used door. The east face of the chapel would have had a window and would not be so useful, so was not retained. The date of 1580, according to Pevsner, for the building of The Greyhound would
She explained that Dutch painters had to seek new markets for their work in 17th century Holland as the Protestant church was no longer commissioning paintings of religious themes. Frances concentrated on portraits, still life and genre paintings in her talk. The portraits conveyed the fashions and reflected the calvinistic traditions of Holand at this time. The still life paintings included flowers especially the highly-prized tulips and butterflies which symbolised the souls of the departed.
After the meeting 36 members enjoyed Christmas lunch at The Park Hotel. The next meeting will be on January 6th 2011 at Diss United Reformed Church commencing at 10.30am. For further information on Diss U3A please telephone 01379 740377.
be just at the time when parts of the decayed chapel might well have been recycled. Next time you walk down St. Nicholas Street, past the Corn Hall, take a look at the west wall and porch of the Greyhound for a glimpse of a vanished church. Basil Abbott.
Dispatch January 2011
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DISS News
South Norfolk Youth Action Radio (SNYA Radio)
Received Our First National Award At The Children And Young People Now Award 2010 The glittering ceremony took place at Lawrence Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on Thursday 18th November 2010. day out that goes unnoticed. Our Awards exist to put this right. Not only do they provide a tremendous sense of pride and recognition for organisations, projects and individuals – they also give ideas and inspiration to the children and young people’s sector at large.”
Ravi Chandiramani, editor of The Children & Young People Now said, “The Awards are the most important awards around – pure and simple. Whether it is working with children in their early years, or adolescence, to keep them safe, or to help them to achieve, these awards are about the future of our society. At CYP Now, we recognise that so much wonderful work goes on with children, young people and their families, day in,
SNYA Radio was announced the winner in the Arts and Cultural category of the CYP Now Awards for the initiative that has done most to inspire children and young people in cultural activities especially among disadvantaged groups, and where innovative collaboration is shown between children’s services, the cultural sector and children and young people. The judge’s comments included “SNYA Radio has worked with some really interesting partners and gives young people lots of experience” This category was particularly strong with a theatre company called Specially Produced Innovatively Directed Superhuman (SPID) receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate.
Other shortlisted contenders included: Birmingham City Council, Up For It! SNAP Project. The Dukes Playhouse, DT3. Lancaster University Volunteering unit, Creative Arts. Warwick Arts Centre (On behalf of the West Midlands Boys Dance Alliance), Boys Dancing. Josh Worley, 14 year old Station Manager, said “It was very tense when all the nominees pictures were shown on the big screen and their entries announced to the capacity audience. It was only at that stage that we heard how good the other shortlisted organisations were and I must admit to feeling a bit insecure as SPID was announced as a highly commended application. However, this was short lived when SNYA Radio was announced as the winner. We all just jumped to our feet with joy; I’m not sure what happened after that, we just made our way through the cheering audience to receive our award from TV Presenter, Michael Underwood” The evening started with Education Secretary, Michael Gove, delivering the keynote address. He said: “Gathered in this room are some of the most inspiring, idealistic and impressive people in the country. The job that I do at the heart of Government is made not just easier but possible by the efforts that all of you, and those that you work with, put in to raise attainment and aspiration and to lift the hearts of children across the country.” Stephen Thomas, Active Citizenship
Co-ordinator at Norfolk County Council and SNYA Radio Co-ordinator said “tonight is a bitter sweet experience for me personally as the award marks not only the accumulation of two years hard and enjoyable w ork on this project, engaging with some fantastic young people, but also the start of the goodbye process to the many young people I work with across Norfolk, for like all other Norfolk County Council youth workers, I am set to be made redundant in February.” Norfolk County Council is predicting a budget gap of at least £155 million over the next three years and it is recommending the closure of the youth service amongst a myriad of other provision to reduce the deficit. You can have your say by joining ‘the big conversation’ at http://www. dialogue-app.com/norfolkbigconversation Stephen Thomas went on to say that ”There is a certain amount of irony in winning a national award for my work when Norfolk County Council’s elected Councillors don’t even recognise the value of their own departments. I am not hopeful of a U-Turn, given the level of apathy in the UK at the moment, (you may recall that only 65.1% of the population voted in the general election) so even if the citizens of Norfolk had the interest and stamina to pick their way through the Norfolk County Council’s incredibly difficult website to have their say, I would still remain unconvinced that there will be enough of them to change the proposal. So in the future, when you hear comments like ‘it was never like that in my day’, or, ‘kids today have no respect’, etc, etc, just remember, it started on 14th February 2011.” SNYA Radio will be broadcasting a live studio debate in January 2011 to discuss the cuts to the youth service. If you are aged 11 to 19 years old and would like to express your opinion, then drop me an e-mail to stevek.thomas@snyouthaction.org.uk
Dispatch January 2011
News from across your region
Comercrawley Your questions answered… Question: I recently had an accident in a restaurant when I was out for a meal in the evening with my family to celebrate my 70th birthday. I was on my way to the ladies lavatory when I stumbled and tripped up a single step causing for me to fall straight down. I am reluctant to pursue a claim as the restaurant is local to me and the staff were very kind to me after my accident. I did however injure myself quite badly. I fractured my wrist and the hospital has said that I may need an operation. Please advise me. Answer: To succeed in a claim for compensation, it would need to be proved that the restaurant were either negligent or in breach of some statutory duty and that your accident and injuries were caused as a result. Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957, the restaurant owners need to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. It is widely recognised that single steps can be hazardous and the guidance is therefore that action should be taken to warn people. A Code of Practice issued by the British Standard Institution specifically states
that single steps cause falls and should never be used in isolation unless they are prominently marked by a feature such as a doorway and are distinguished by a change of colour and are well lit. The Health and Safety Executive has advised of the use of hazard warning markings (such as the black and yellow striped strip often seen). Therefore, you are likely to succeed in a claim for compensation if it can be shown that the restaurant had failed to take all reasonable steps to warn customers of the fact that there was a single step. Relevant considerations will be whether there was adequate lighting in that area and whether there were warning signs and black and yellow adhesive tape. Finally, I understand your reluctance to pursue a claim against the restaurant. It is likely however that the restaurant has a public liability insurance policy and that your claim would be covered under the policy. Also, it is possible that by pursuing a claim it may result in the restaurant improving the safety of the single step and for it to help prevent a similar accident occurring in the future.
Are You A Library Member? If not, why not? There are so many reasons to become one and, with more and more people visiting Norfolk libraries a lot of people agree! Throughout January Norfolk Library and Information Service is promoting all the benefits of becoming a library member with a month-long promotion called ‘JoinUp January’. There are county council-run library buildings and mobile libraries across Norfolk, which means there is likely to be one fairly close to where you live, and there’s so much more to them than a place to borrow books. Did you know you can also borrow console games, DVDs and CDs at reasonable rates and return them to any library? An ebooks service was launched recently, allowing you to download and borrow ebooks for free from the comfort of your own home. And there are always events, activities and clubs for both children and adults going on in libraries. To coincide with Join-Up January, the library service is launching its own Facebook page with information on what the library can offer you, news about promotions and events at libraries, and book news.
Log onto www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries to find out more about this. It’s completely free to join the library and really easy. You can do it online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/ libraries or drop into your local library and staff will take down your details and get you and up and running in just a couple of minutes. With Libraries It’s Free To: • Borrow books and magazines • Use public PCs • Borrow ebooks from your own home • Attend lots of events including children’s activities and author visits • Learn how to use the internet if you’re over 60 with Surf’s Up classes • Access information from your local councils and other organisations For more information visit your local library, call 0344 800 8006 or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries Norfolk County Council Library and Information Service.
Dispatch January 2011
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DISS News
Scole Primary School PRIMARY school children as young as six have enjoyed their first taste of curry -declaring there is “naan” better than the nation’s favourite dish. meal, tender lamb in a thick sauce with almonds, coconuts, cream, fried onions, cinnamon, and bay leaf. All with rice, gentle naan bread and popadom crisps to start.
Above: Spice Cottage Chef Alim Uddin serves six-year-olds Bailey Hilton and Mae Clark from Scole Primary School. About 25 pupils from Scole Church of England Primary School swapped school dinners for curry at the Spice Cottage in the centre of Diss on Monday December 13th lunchtime, most enjoying their first ever taste of Indian cuisine. Staff at the popular restaurant – which recently made the news when their chef Alim Uddin took a bath in curry in the centre of Diss for Children in Need - decided to rustle up milder for the sixyear-olds, rather than introducing them to the hotter vindaloo dishes, just yet. Children enjoyed a Bangladesh butter chicken dish cooked in butter, milk, coconut and almonds, and a Nepalese Jomsom Lamb
Dispatch January 2011
Mark Carlyle, the new headteacher at Scole Church of England Primary School near Diss since September, said: “This is a really good opportunity for the children to experience firsthand different cultures, tastes and flavours. “For some it will be their very first time, and it gives them the opportunity to sample the food and the aromas from India. “Within our country as a whole we are very multicultural, but in our region children have less exposure to different cultures. To taste the food and talk to the staff is a great chance for them and allows them to see the world beyond Scole and Norfolk. “Afterwards, when we come back, I am keen in due course that we follow up our visit with work describing, and drawing, the food, with some children recounting the afternoons experience to others.
Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society Visit to St Andrew’s Church and Wingfield College A warm welcome for lunch at The De La Pole Arms was a good way on a cold and foggy day for members of the Society to start their visit to St Andrew’s Church and Wingfield College. In the Church we were given a very informative talk about the church that was built in 1362 as the Collegiate church of the College and is the resting place of the De La Poles, Earls and Dukes of Suffolk. We then made our way across the churchyard to the College which is now behind a
“It will also be invaluable in our religious education lessons learning about other ways of life, how people eat and behave. “The children have been really excited about this and it is also a very good opportunity to further strengthen links between the school and the wider community.” Emdad Hussain, manager at the beamed grade II listed Spice Cottage restaurant in
Georgian facade and a private family home. This is a building of rare historical and archaeological interest. Members enjoyed an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour of the Medieval Hall, 14th century cloisters and a mixture of Medieval, Tudor and Georgian rooms before tea and home made cakes in front of the Aga in the family kitchen. Afterwards the visit organiser, Martin Beech, said “Diss DDFAS organises a range of visits and tours in addition to the regular series of illustrated talks on Decorative and Fine Art topics. This was another fine day out. “
the centre of Diss, said he was delighted to teach local school children about Indian and Nepalese food and culture. He said: “It’s so important at an early age to be introduced to different foods and flavours, it’s a great way of learning, and we were delighted to have the children and staff here for lunch as our guests. We treated them like we would our family, it was lovely to see the all smiling and having a good time.”
News from across your region
Pre-Nuptial Agreements May Not Seem Romantic But May Save Pain In The Longer Term Marriage rates have been falling dramatically in the UK over the last twenty years: not only because of falling church attendance, but because of an increasing nervousness about the financial implications if the marriage ends in divorce – which as many as 45% do.
Above: Ruth Jenkins of Jackaman Smith & Mulley Increasingly a number of divorces relate to second or third marriages, often complicated by the needs of children from earlier marriages, to which the courts must also have regard Separating couples do not want to have a financial settlement imposed on them by a court but a married couple or those in a civil partnership have had little choice: despite the existence of mediation, co-operative and collaborative negotiation processes to narrow the issues, ultimately the court decides if the parties do not agree. Agreement on what it fair is not so easy to achieve in the heat and acrimony of a relationship ending. Cohabitation on the other hand is not yet regulated, and the courts can only declare (not adjust) rights in property, and pension sharing or maintenance (except for children of the relationship) is not an option. Cohabitation agreements can be used at the start of a relationship to set out the couple’s intentions for financial adjustments to any jointly owned property if they separate. Thus cohabitation has held more attraction in recent years.
However the government intends to legislate to regulate finances between unmarried couples, as there is an increasing burden of caring for single parents and their children in the benefits system. While there are still expected to be differences between married and unmarried couples, there will be court imposed solutions on the finances of most separating couples.
The Supreme Court did not attempt to define what would be fair as that does depend on each couple’s circumstances but did give some guidance where an agreement had been entered into freely with appropriate advice and disclosure.
The distinction between married and unmarried couples is blurring still further with the recent highly publicised Supreme Court case dealing with the enforceability of a pre-nuptial agreement entered into by a German wife and a French husband (Radmacher v Granatino). Historically British courts have frowned on attempts by engaged couples to enter into agreements before marriage regulating the financial arrangements if the couple divorce. This case provides clear guidance as to the enforceability of pre-marital and post-marital agreements intended to affect the division of assets and income on the ending of a marriage or civil partnership.
Secondly, an agreement which “addresses existing circumstances and not merely the contingencies of an uncertain future” will be given more weight. This suggests that either the deed will need to address a number of different scenarios or be subject to regular review during the marriage.
The Supreme Court has not issued an automatic ratification of all nuptial settlements whether before or after the marriage ceremony, as some of the media headlines might have suggested, but it has provided a framework for couples, whether contemplating marriage or a civil partnership, to agree enforceable arrangements in the event of their relationship ending. Couples often feel this is deeply unromantic at the time when they are planning a future together, but a thorough discussion of financial and related issues may make a relationship more secure and enable a couple to plan realistically.
Thirdly, the court will consider the nature of the property being dealt with – such as inherited property or property owned by one spouse prior to the marriage which it may be more reasonable to treat
If you would like further advice please contact Ruth Jenkins at Jackaman Smith & Mulley on 01379 643555 or by email to ruth.jenkins@jsm.co.uk.
Firstly, the nuptial agreement must not prejudice the reasonable requirements of any children of the family.
separately from assets that are acquired during the marriage.
Of a court of nine Law Lords, seven delivered a combined judgement, analysing the law on both pre and post nuptial agreements and declaring that “The court should give effect to a nuptial agreement that is freely entered into by each party with a full appreciation of its implications unless in the circumstances prevailing it would not be fair to hold the parties to their agreement.”
Dispatch January 2011
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DISS News
The Impact Of The Equality Act 2010 For Businesses The new Equality Act, the vast majority of which came into force on 1st October 2010, places an increased burden on employers to ensure that their policies, practices and procedures in those areas in which it has influence comply with the new legislation. The act harmonises and replaces 9 previous pieces of legislation (including, for example, the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995).
issues involve recruitment and selection, training and development, promotion, discipline and grievance, equal pay, bullying and harassment, work practices and flexible working.
The law places increased emphasis in protecting persons in what it deems the following ‘protected characteristics’; age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital status, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Contact one of our employment specialists on 01603 610481 for a fixed fee quotation based on the size and nature of your business. We are happy to review and update your businesses existing equality policy and action plan or formulate one to comply with the new legislation.
Furthermore, new categories of discrimination have came into force which include; discrimination by association and third party harassment. As a result of the new law employers will need to review and change some of its policies and practices. Some of the key
10 Dispatch January 2011
Valentines Firewalk Challenge Bury St Edmunds Rugby Union Football Club, 20th February 2011. Would you walk over hot coals for your loved one? Are you willing to walk on hot coals to raise money for The Stroke Association? Fire walking involves walking barefoot over a 5-6 metre strip of burning embers with the temperature reaching a heat of up to 1300˚F. You can take up the challenge on your own, with a friend, or in a team. No experience is needed as full training will be given on the day from Scott Bell of UK Firewalk a Guiness World Record Holder for the “Greatest Fire Walking Distance”. All we ask you to do is pay £10 registration fee and raise a minimum of £50 in donations from your friends, family and work colleagues. We will provide you with a fundraising pack full of ideas to help raise as much money as possible. Every penny you raise will help The Stroke Association
make a real difference to people whose lives have been affected by stroke. To find out more, call our fundraising office on 01284 749650 or email us at valentinesfirewalk@stroke.org Places are going fast so get in touch now! Over two million people have walked barefoot over hot coals so are you up for the challenge?
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Welcome to
attleborough
Attleborough Town Council Noticeboard Monthly Update the Town Council from Breckland Council. He originally commenced working for Breckland in 1990 and was based at the Council Offices in the High Street, Attleborough, before the office was closed and the staff transferred to Dereham in 1997.
Above: The New Town Clerk, Mark Broughton. Town Hall Appointments The new Town Clerk, Mark Broughton, started this post on 1st November 2010 after predecessor Hilary Elias took up the position as clerk at Costessey Parish Council in September. Mark has 20 years experience of working in local government in Norfolk, coming to
Mark is a Norfolk man, who was born, brought up and educated in Sheringham. He knows Attleborough well having lived in the town for 8 years before moving to Dereham in 2001. Another new appointment at the Town Council sees Archibald Young starting the job as Town Hall Caretaker. Archie, as he prefers to be called, originally hails from Scotland but has lived in Attleborough for the last few years.
of the democratic process surrounding the growth point expansion of the town to 2026 and the Town Council urges the community to respond and make their views known through completing and returning the questionnaire.
Above: New Councillor, Matt Godfrey. New Councillor At November’s Town Council meeting Mr Matt Godfrey was co-opted onto the Town Council. Matt has lived in the town for a number of years and amongst other interesting facts, holds a black belt in the Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Wan.
Tourist Information Centre – Winter Opening Times The Tourist Information Centre is located on the ground floor in the Town Hall and the new winter opening times applicable from 1st November are:
Matt represents the Burgh/Haverscroft ward and can be contacted at 45 Edenside Drive, telephone 07540848162.
Monday to Wednesday 9.30 am to 1.30 pm, Thursday 9.30 am to 3 pm and Friday 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.
There remain two vacancies on the Town Council.
In addition, the TIC will be shut over the Christmas period from 12.30 on Friday 17 December and re-opening at 9.30 am on Tuesday 4 January.
Council Elections The next scheduled town councils elections will be held on 5 May next year when all town councillors will relinquish their seats and persons wishing to stand for the Town Council will have the opportunity to do so through the formal nomination process. Breckland Council will be holding a “Prospective Councillor” event at their offices in Dereham on 2 March next. Anyone considering standing as a local councillor may wish to make a note of this event which will give a good background to the modern-day role of councillors. In addition the Town Council is looking to hold a similar drop-in event during February. Look out for further details. Attleborough And Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan (AASHAAP) Breckland Council delivered consultation leaflets by post to all homes in the NR17 postcode area in the week ending 19th November. This consultation is part
12 Dispatch January 2011
Drop-in sessions were held in late November and early December in both Attleborough and Old Buckenham and residents are reminded that the consultation period closes on 28th January 2011.
The TIC is staffed purely by volunteers and always welcomes people who are able to devote a few hours to helping out in the centre so if you think you would like to lend a hand just drop in to the TIC. Attleborough Community Car scheme Volunteers are also sought for the Community Car Scheme which is looking to boost its ranks of drivers who provide a vital local service. Drivers are especially sought for Thursdays and Fridays but anyone who can give of their time would be warmly welcomed. Drivers receive expenses based on a standard mileage rate and anyone wishing to offer their services should contact the Scheme Co-ordinator, Mr Stuart Shearer, on 01953 452846.
News from across your region
Exciting 2011 Concert
Martial Arts Group
Season Series For Norwich Music Group
Raise Even More For Cancer Research UK
Wymondham based Choir Norwich Music Group have been busy rehearsing for their first concert in their new 2011 Concert Series, performing at St Peter Mancroft Church Norwich on Saturday 12th February at 7.30pm.
Members of the Martial Arts Group KUK SOOL WON from Attleborough, Long Stratton and Watton have raised another £874.81 for the worthy cause Cancer Research UK.
The programme will include the Rutter Requiem, Beethoven Concerto No 4 and more ! Tickets £8(Centre), £6.00 (Side) Concessions £7.00/£5.00 are available from Elkins Music Exchange St Norwich 01603 666332
Anybody interested in joining can contact the Musical Director Philip Aldred on 01953 600599 or the Publicity Officer on 01953 605088, and you will be made very welcome. Visit our website www.norwichmusicgroup.co.uk for further details
Proceeds from the event will go to Cancer Research UK a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464) and in Scotland (SC041666)
Since on of its members was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two years ago the group of clubs have had various events to raise money which Totals £3,085.56 to date.
If you are interested in joining our group please call or text 07775890359 or e-mail andygillingwater@msn.com.
The latest event was to raise money for Testicular and Prostate cancer as most of the focus had been for Breast cancer, so we thought it was time to do something for the Gents.
The group is actively seeking new members, rehearsals are held on Tuesday Evenings at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church, Spooner Row.
Chapel Road School On Monday 22nd November the Friends of Chapel Road School opened the newly designed garden in the Schools grounds. The very generous sum of £2300.00 had been donated by Leathes Prior in Norwich, which allowed the School to create a small garden with additional fencing for the pupils and staff to enjoy.
Left: Deputy Head John Kirk and Gloria from the Friends of Chapel Road School.
Dispatch January 2011 13
www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
ATTLEBOROUGH News
Local Charity Finally Closes Its Doors After 30 years of helping residents of Attleborough and surrounding villages to lead a better quality of life, local charity Attleborough Friends and Neighbours has sadly been forced to close its doors. First formed in 1979 by Thea Byles MBE, Attleborough Friends and Neighbours was designated as a registered charity in 1998 and was given Lottery Funding to emply a paid Co-ordinator for 3 years. Such was the good work done by the charity that when this came to an end, a further 3 years funding was awarded in order to continue helping mainly elderly local residents. When this 6 year funding came to an end, the charity was able to continue thanks to the generosity of a number of funders and donations from individuals. However, over the last few years funding and donations have become very difficult to obtain and the charity was only able to survive because of the funding given by the Attleborough Town Charities, and the voluntary work by all concerned. Brian Hammond, the Charities voluntary Co-ordinator said “Sadly because of
the economic climate, funding given to all charities is at an all time low and Charitable Trusts are in a difficult position deciding which of the numerous charities to support. It does seem that charities like ours helping elderly people to lead a better quality of life do not come as high as we would like on some funders priority lists.” At a recent extraordinary general meeting called by the Trustees of the charity, it was decided to dissolve the charity. This will take place as from the 31st December 2010. The Management Committee and Trustees of the charity would like to thank all those volunteers and supporters who over the years have made Attleborough Friends and Neighbours such a respected charity helping so many people within the community and its surrounds.
TaxAssist Accountants - When An Inspector Calls Get ready for when an inspector calls, small businesses in South Norfolk are urged South Norfolk small businesses are being warned to prepare for a call from the tax inspector, as a national “grab for cash” targets business owners. Graham Cormack who runs small business tax and accountancy firm, TaxAssist Accountants, in Attleborough said that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) were expected to massively increase the number of tax investigations they make, in a bid to reduce the tax gap – the difference between tax raised and what is thought to be owed – by £4 billion at the end of this financial year. He comments: “Cash businesses across South Norfolk such as private taxi firms, pubs, corner shops and takeaways, are particularly vulnerable and should ensure they have all their books in order and answers ready. The investigation insurance company, CCH, has already seen an explosion in new cases, with new claims up 82%* compared to the previous year and this is expected to ramp up even more in the next few months. “Business owners should not take this attack on their legitimate earnings and hard work lying down. If they ensure they have all the right procedures, records and proof of income and expenditure in place, they can show the tax inspector the door. They should also ask their accountant for fee protection insurance to cover the costs which could be run up in fighting any claims from HMRC.” Graham Cormack said South Norfolk
14 Dispatch January 2011
small business should follow five golden rules when the tax inspector calls: • Challenge any part of the tax assessment you know is wrong • Answer all correspondence from HMRC within their deadline – or fully explain why if you need more time • Anticipate the inspector’s questions – if there is anything to declare do so early • Ensure your tax advisor is experienced in negotiating with HMRC • Appeal against any HMRC order to the independent commissioners within 30 days and go to the Tax Tribunal if you have a particular grievance Businesses under investigation can see any documents held on them by calling the HMRC Data Protection Unit on 0191 225 7575, said Graham. TaxAssist Accountants Attleborough is a local business itself, operating across Attleborough, Wymondham, Diss, Long Stratton providing tax and accountancy advice and services to numerous small businesses.
News from across your region
Attleborough Amateur Boxing Club Attleborough Amateur Boxing Club held an Open Boxing Tournament on Saturday 11th December to an enthusiastic sold out crowd @ Connaught Hall in Attleborough. In Total there were 15 bouts with Sam Sexton presenting the Trophies @ the end of the evening for Bout of the Night, Away Boxer and Home Boxer @ the end of the evening. Co - ordinator of the event, Club Secretary, Peter Neal was delighted with the turnout of over 300 members of the public for the event and all the sponsors who contributed to such a successful evening including new main sponsor of Donna Kissinger Estate Agents .
Attleborough Head Coach , Jon Dennis, was also pleased with the performance of all the home boxers which for some was their 1st competitive show. Attleborough’s Senior Boxer, Ben Dalton gave a particularly impressive performance on the evening Attleborough Amateur Boxing Clubs next home show is scheduled for 5th March 2011. Jeremy Burton, Chairman. 07770 886732.
Old Buckenham Players Presents
By Norman Robbins. The story of Aladdin and his magic lamp told in time-honoured pantomime fashion with all the wellloved characters, like Widow Twankey, the Princess, Wishee Washee and Aladdin himself. And of course, the hated Abanazar, the evil magician who provides plenty of opportunity for boos and hisses from the audience. Come along to Old Buckenham Village Hall for some postChristmas fun!
The Artichoke Collection At the time of writing we are between cold snaps. Winter has arrived far too early and sent the Artichoke Crew into a decline, we much prefer warmth and sunshine to snow and frost. It is hard to imagine that by the time you read this article christmas will be a memory and a new year will have begun. With it we will all be looking ahead, with new hopes and resolutions, ideas and plans... it will be out with the old and in with the new at Artichoke as well. Our Annual sale starts on the 4th January with both winter and summer stock available so pop in and bag a bargain especially if you have a cruise or mid winter break planned. We will also have in stock a selection of lovely bright spring stock to cheer us all up.... cosy long sleeve t-shirts, floral blouses and stripy shirts, lovely warm sweatshirts and gilets as well as thick knits just in case...
(www.artichokecollection.co.uk) for special events we will be holding at the shop for this as well as other local charities. If you are involved in fundraising and think we might be able to help please give us a call. Our mobile shop (also based at Hackford) travels throughout East Anglia to The Suffolk and Norfolk shows as well as The Sandringham Flower Show, County Living, NSPCC and UNICEF bazaars, WI fashion shows, flower club fundraisers and village hall do’s. We have almost finalised our programme for next spring and summer but still have a few dates available in May and June. Before all this however there are presents to wrap, turkeys to cook and A BIG THANK YOU to be said to everyone who has supported Artichoke during 2010.
At Hackford we will have started fundraising With love and best wishes to you all, for our 2011 charity, Riding for the Disabled Sarah, Andrea and the rest of The Artichoke Team. – have a look on our website
Licensed Bar Thursday 20thth, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd January 2011 at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall – with a special matinee at 2.30 pm on Saturday 22nd January. Tickets £6 and £4 under 14s, available from Old Buckenham Post Office, Nuts ‘n’ Bolts in Attleborough or call 01603 810373.
Dispatch January 2011 15
www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
ATTLEBOROUGH News
Anglia Computer Solutions Anglia Computer Solutions has branches in Swaffham, Downham Market and Wymondham. At Anglia Computer Solutions we cover everything and anything computer related. We are expecting another big shipment of reconditioned laptops from £149. We also have Factory Refurbished Windows 7 laptops coming in on a daily basis. This gives us a massive range of New, Factory Refurbished & Used PC’s, Laptops & Netbooks. FREE DATA TRANSFER FROM YOUR OLD PC \ LAPTOP TO NEW!! Unfortunately computers do go down, whether it’s due to viruses and spyware, old age or things like electrical storms. We are here to help! Often these kinds of problems can be solved quickly, either by replacing key components or solving any software problems - it’s always recommended to get a quote for a repair before just going out and buying a completely new unit. Laptops are becoming increasingly popular and although they are a bit more
of a challenge to repair we cover all aspects of them. Whether the unit won’t turn on right through to keyboard, power connector and screen replacements. If it’s a problem which cannot be fixed in store, or it’s just too inconvenient to bring in – then we will come to you. Our callouts are £39.99 which includes travelling and labour. We cover both homes and businesses whether it’s setting up wireless broadband for personal use or twenty computers in an office. We keep in a wide range of Ink cartridges, cables, hardware components and peripherals in stock all ready to go, and if we don’t have what you need then they can often be ordered for the next day.
Attleborough W.I. Betty Stacey, our retiring President, welcomed members to our November meeting, which included our AGM. From a new committee of 12 members, Eileen Bowhill was elected President for 2011. She also received her award for reaching 20 points in the competitions. It was an evening of celebrations. First of all we celebrated our 74th birthday & then the 90th birthday of Betty Campbell. After the cutting of the cakes & toasts the members tested their brain power with a quiz using WI in the answers.
The winners of the monthly competition for a face painted on an egg were 1) Brenda Spencer 2) Betty Stacey. The January speaker is Mr Johnson from The British Heart Foundation. The Competition is a Valentine Memento.
Looking Forward A message for the New Year from Malcolm Ryan, Pastor of Attleborough Baptist Church. Ahead of us is a new year, a new beginning. The old year is history, and God invites us to forget the anxieties of the past and look forward to a future of trusting him.
I accept the gift of God that is waiting for me every day, one of forgiveness for the sinful things I have done and the assurance of God’s sustaining presence as I walk in his ways?”
So the question is: “On what basis am I going to live this year? Will it be the old way of it-all-depends-on-me? Or will
If you choose to honour and obey God, this will be a year in which your life will be characterised by an inner strength, peace and joy … whatever life throws at you. And if you want to understand more about the living God who made you and will always love you, please come along to Attleborough Baptist Church, where you will find a caring fellowship and the faithful preaching of God’s Word to help you become the person he wants you to be. Right now, you can get 2011 off to good start by saying, “Lord, thank you for the year that lies ahead. I choose you. I choose to depend on you and trust you for all the days to come.”
16 Dispatch January 2011
News from across your region
Norfolk & Suffolk Power Flushing
New Year Bathroom Makeover
Any of these symptoms in my advert could indicate that your central heating system had problems from internal corrosion, rust, sludge and scale.
Well another New Year has crept up on us and that all-important home project you have been contemplating about for sometime has yet to be sorted.
A power flush can restore circulation and efficiency to your central heating system by removing these products.
radiator is then individually flushed until clean and on completion, an inhibitor is added to prevent further corrosion.
The process involves connecting a power flushing pump to the existing central heating pump valves, or across the tails of a radiator.
The whole process is carried out with minimal disturbance and disruption.
Whether it’s that tired looking en-suite in need of a change or a complete newly designed and installed bathroom revamp that you have longed for over the years, then Supreme Bathrooms at Wymondham is the place to visit.
Specialist chemicals are then pumped around the heating system to loosen and mobilise the unwanted debris. Each
For more information on for a free no obligation quote, ring Paul on (01508) 532671 or 07879 414197. Or alternatively go to www.suffolkpowerflushing.co.uk
A local family business established since 1998 who are big enough to cope but small enough to care, means they can take care of everything under one roof. With an enormous array of bathrooms and showers on display for your perusal, experienced staff and their own car park, it does not take a lot to realise that Supreme is a safe bet to start the ball rolling and get something started.
Supreme Bathrooms will carry out all plumbing and tiling work, flooring and electrical work to create that possibly once in a lifetime dream bathroom. Visit their showroom and ask for your free no obligation survey which will mean a short home visit to measure up and view all possibilties before drawing up a plan and quotation for you to view. You may also visit our website www.supremebathroomcentre.co.uk where you can view all products and pictures of bathrooms already fitted.
From the initial planning and design service through to the installation service with their own experienced bathroom fitters, all aspects are covered from taps & tiles to suites and showers, even the final accessories can be supplied and fitted.
Dispatch January 2011 17
www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
ATTLEBOROUGH News
Riverford Organic Veg The Attleborough connection.
At Riverford we like to grow as much as possbible on our farm in Cambridgeshire, we do find however that due to soil conditions or specailist expertise some things are best grown elsewhere which is why all our carrots are grown by Graham Negus in Shropham near Attleborough. Breckland Organics is run by father and son team, Graham and Chris Negus who have been growing organic vegetables on Church Farm for three years. After 30 years of dealing with supermarkets, Graham Negus finds the Riverford ethos a breath of fresh air. “For 30 years I dealt with people like Sainsbury’s and Asda so working with Riverford is refreshing. They are a family run company and that ethos runs through their other farms too,” he says. As well as carrots Graham and Chris also grow kale, pointed cabbage, green beans,
sweetcorn, butternut squash and leeks for Riverford’s vegboxes. “In the first instance it was primarily a commercial decision – it’s a business after all. But even after three years we can see the benefits for the farm in terms of the wildlife, the amount of beneficial insects has grown and there are lots of different birds”. We like the idea of keeping food miles to a minimum “It’s great that the food we grow here in Attleborough can be enjoyed by Riverford’s customers in Norfolk” Supermarkets size and shape of vegetables are unnecessary and Riverford is much more realistic. “As long as the product is good quality it doesn’t matter whether we have got a medium sized carrot and a small carrot in the same bag”. With Riverford’s sales now back in growth it looks as though more and more of the vegbox will be grown right here in Attleborough. Riverford deliver fresh organic vegboxes throughout South Norfolk, Contact Mark on 01953 851891 or go to www.riverford.co.uk/sacrewell
Attleborough Bible Society Thought for the Month “Always be full of the joy of the Lord. Yes, I say it again, rejoice” Philippians 4:4 Happiness In 2011, the Prime Minister plans to discover what happiness means for the British public.
unhappiness.In contrast, the Bible speaks of Christian joy, a joy independent of our experiences. For example, the Apostle Paul, often persecuted or imprisoned for his faith, was able to rejoice because he experienced the risen Christ at such times. The reality of His presence was greater than any pains Paul suffered!
Happiness, it’s said, comes from the pleasant experiences that happen to you. Unpleasant experiences spell
The joy Jesus offers is available to all who ask for His risen life and trust in Him for a fresh start in 2011.
Attleborough Civil Service Retirement Fellowship The Attleborough Group of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship meets at the Methodist Church Hall, London Road, Attleborough, on the third Thursday of the month, from 10 am. to 12 noon, for coffee and a varied programme of activities. Arrangements for events at the beginning of year 2011 are not yet completed, and will be given in future notices when known. Membership of the Group is open to all Civil Service, Post Office and BT pensioners and their partners and invited friends.
New members are welcome at any meeting, or full details of membership and any future events arranged can be obtained from the Secretary, Mrs. D. Parker, telephone number 01953 456958.
Besthorpe W.I. Besthorpe W.I held a short business meeting at the beginning of the evening when they met in November. The treasurer, Mrs. D. Woolliscroft, presented the accounts saying that our finances are sound but asked members to continue to support the monthly raffle and
other fund raising events. Mrs. Woolliscroft moved the adoption of the accounts. Mrs. A. Furness gave her president’s report, thanking everyone who had helped during the year. The secretary, Mrs. A. Scott, gave her report on behalf of the committee outlining the activities during the year. The A.G.M followed Mrs. A. Furness remains as President and 6 members of the committee agreed to stand again. The evening continued with a cheese tasting session which included a quiz where members tried to guess the names of the different cheeses. The flower of the month winner was Mrs. J. Wade and winner of the competition for a decorative candle was Mrs. J. Bond with Mrs. M. Evans second and Mrs. A. Scott third.
18 Dispatch January 2011
News from across your region
Attleborough Writers’ Group Book Launch A Near Sell Out Christmas cheer came early for the Attleborough Writers’ Group in December as they celebrated the launch of their second publication ‘Light & Dark’ at Attleborough Town Hall. The event, officially opened by Mayor Geoff Farrow, was well attended despite the icy conditions. He wished the group every success for the future and looked forward to reading their third publication! Councillor Farrow concluded that the Attleborough Writers were a credit to the town and formally announced the book launch open.
Councillor Farrow told of his pride and pleasure at having such a band of talented writers in Attleborough. He was amazed that the group had been able to write, proof-read and send the book to print in just seven months. He commented that the publicity and organisation surrounding the event was impressive and that the writers were extremely focused and hard working meeting regularly to offer encouragement and support to each other.
Those attending were able to peruse ‘Light & Dark’ at their leisure whilst chatting to the authors and enjoying hot drinks and festive mince pies.
The Card and Gift Box, Church Street, Attleborough
& Peter Beales Roses, London Road, Attleborough.
Kerry Butcher Accounting Services After all that hard work, shopping and stressing, Christmas is over. Now all that is left is bills, good intentions and oh yes, your tax return.
Many books were sold on the day and a raffle to win a sumptuous hand-picked Christmas hamper raised a considerable sum to help local disabled writers.
If you need to submit a self assessment tax return, don’t forget that this has to be sent to the Revenue and Customs not later than 31 January 2011. If you were putting this off till later, then later has arrived.
money. Why not give us a call on 01953 457173 or email Kerry@kerrybutcher. co.uk. Your initial consultation is free and it can take away the stress and worry of that looming deadline.
‘Light & Dark’ a collection of beautifully written short stories and poems, many inspired by the people and places of Norfolk, is now available to purchase at:
Don’t worry though, help is at hand. Here at Kerry Butcher Accountancy Services we have been working hard all year to make sure we are up to date with all the very latest information so that we can complete your tax return and hopefully save you
When you speak to us we can tell you all about the other lovely accounting services we offer. We wish you a happy New Year and look forward to hearing from you.
Dispatch January 2011 19
www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
ATTLEBOROUGH News
Public Have Their Say On The Future Of Attleborough
Poppy Appeal
The Attleborough and Snetterton Heath area will change dramatically over the next 16 years and this month local people have been attending information open days to find out more about how the area could look in 2026.
Once again the people of Attleborough and District demonstrated their support for the appeal by their unflagging generosity.
an accompanying questionnaire. The three open days were held this month to provide more detailed information and give residents to opportunity to quiz council officers about proposals and the issues to be considered. Above: The 2nd December open day at Connaught Hall in Attleborough Maps showing options for the location of new housing estates, employment areas, schools and green space were on display together with details of the routes being considered for the new link road. Through Breckland Council’s Local Development Framework process, Attleborough has been identified as one of the district’s main locations for growth. All residents within the NR16 and NR17 postcode areas are receiving the ‘Issues and Options’ document outlining the alternatives for the future development of the town over the next 16 years, with
20 Dispatch January 2011
Breckland officers are urging residents to complete and return the accompanying questionnaire to let the Council know their views on the proposals. Paul Claussen, Breckland Council Executive Member for Planning, Health and Housing explained: “Breckland Council consulted on the possible sites for development in Attleborough and surrounding areas in 2009 and the findings informed the ‘Issues and Options’ document. When the current consultation closes the Preferred Options document will be drawn up for further consultation. This will form the policy by which planning decisions will be
determined until 2026, so it is vital that as many people as possible who live or work in the area complete and return the questionnaires so that their views can be taken into account”. Adrian Stasiak, Breckland Council Deputy Leader and ward member for Burgh & Haverscroft said: “We recognise that growth brings challenges and understand that people will have concerns, but growth also presents huge opportunities for Attleborough and surrounding areas in terms of new employment opportunities and improved facilities. The new link road will overcome the considerable traffic problems we currently experience in the town”. The ‘Issues and Options consultation closes on 28th January 2011. To obtain copies of the Issues and Options consultation document with questionnaire, call 01362 656870.
The total raised from all usual sources was £6580. this, despite current financial constraints, was an increase on last year’s total of almost ten percent. May I, as Poppy Appeal Organiser, thank all those who contributed and especially those who helped with the administration of the appeal. R J A Aubrey Cound, Poppy Appeal Organiser, Attleborough and District.
News from across your region
£30,000 Up For Grabs J & S Homeworks For Community Projects
Once the snow has thawed are your gutters blocked & overflowing? Check round your property for damage.
£30,000 is up for grabs for community projects in the Breckland area that will help increase confidence in safety or boost community participation and engagement. Building on the successful ‘Your Partnership Your Decision’ participatory budgeting project delivered by the Breckland Partnership in 2009/10, the partnership is releasing a second £30,000 tranche of funding to help create stronger and safer communities in the district. Under the scheme, £6,000 has been allocated to each of the 5 Breckland Community Panels in Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton. Panel members, who include local ward members, business people, representatives from the Police, faith groups and area partnerships will assess bids and award sums of between £250 - £2,000 to support community projects. Although there is no requirement for match funding, bidders are encouraged to look for additional sources of funding. Breckland Council Executive Member for Communities and Benefits, Adrian Stasiak said: “The participatory budgeting process is all about empowering local people to determine their own priorities. They know best how money should be spent in their own area, and this process enables the panels to support and fund the projects they feel will give the greatest benefit to their community”. To assist bidders, a coordinator has been appointed for each area to discuss project ideas and provide advice and support with applications
Panel Coordinators Attleborough Community Panel Rob Tervet, tel 01953 452 865, Email: rob@christcommunitychurch.co.uk Dereham Community Panel Cllr Gordon Bambridge, tel 01603 880 557 Email: gordon.bambridge@breckland.gov.uk Swaffham Community Panel Dennis Tallon, tel 01760 722 800 Email: dennis@iceni.info Thetford Community Panel Jenny Seal KAVO, tel 01842 768 367 Email: kavo@keystonetrust.org.uk Watton Community Panel Jan Godfrey, tel 01953 880 202 Email: jan@wayland.org.uk
The wintry weather can cause damage to your gutters, which in turn can cause damp patches on the external walls. Felt could also be damaged and water may be getting into your loft. If you detect any of these faults, give J & S Homeworks a call.
J & S Homeworks can bring your UPVC back to its original condition again. Our Fascia and Soffit Cleaning service really can make a difference to the look and feel of your property’s exterior and help to keep it in good condition.
Gutters can easily become blocked by leaves, feathers, dirt and debris blown into them. Once a gutter becomes blocked, rainwater will flow directly off the roof onto the walls and windows of your home, as well as onto access paths. Seriously neglected gutters often have weeds growing in them, adding to the problem.
Call Jason of J & S Homeworks on 01953 458087 or 07747 847606 for a free no obligation quote.
The cleaning products we use are specifically designed to effectively and thoroughly clean exterior surfaces.
Water constantly overflowing from blocked gutters damages bricks and mortar and can cause extensive damp on the outside and mould on the inside of your house as it is absorbed by the bricks, making even the most beautiful of homes appear unsightly.
For further background information on the ‘Your Partnership Your Decision’ project including the application form, guidance notes please go to the Breckland Council website www.breckland.gov.uk Applications must be submitted by 31st January 2011 and funds will be released for the successful projects from 7th March. The year two project is jointly funded by the Breckland Partnership and the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
Dispatch January 2011 21
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
GENERAL News
Become A Twitter And Follow Us: @dispatch_mag Something new has happened online and if you’re not part of it, you’re missing out. The new trend I’m referring to is Twitter and it’s getting bigger and bigger every single day. Twitter is a way of connecting with other people who share your interests or who might be interested in what you have to say, be-it socially or for businesses. Twitter is a free service available at twitter. com. It’s a combination of a microblogging tool and a social networking site. Twitter is a fantastic way to get more traffic to your website and build a relationship with your friends and customers. For Businesses Twitter is changing the way that many people connect and communicate online and should be an indispensable part of your overall marketing plan.
why some people call it a “microblogging” tool. You have to keep your messages brief and to the point. Sometimes it’s a real challenge to get the point across in the allotted space, but it also leaves room for a lot of creativity! Coming up with ways to say what you have to say in that small space is part of the fun of Twitter. It makes you think about the core aspects of the message you are trying to convey. You may also find that it helps you write shorter reports and emails generally!
Twitter has two main components. Just like social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook, you can add “followers” and follow other people as well. They’ll receive your updates and you’ll receive theirs.
Dispatch Magazine has been playing around with Twitter for the past few months, seeing what all the fuss is about, and seeing if it has any real advantage as a business tool. The answer is a resounding Yes, and our following is growing every day.
What is unique is that your messages are limited just to 140 characters, which is
Of course we have a way to go yet, to catch up with the king of Twitter, Stephen
22 Dispatch January 2011
Fry, who now has over 2 Million followers. However, those people who are already following Dispatch Magazine are all local to the areas we cover, and for the 30 seconds or so that it takes to write a 140 character message, we can help promote local businesses, keep people up to date of events which are taking place in your area, and bring information which perhaps arrived after the magazine went to print. If you haven’t yet looked into Twitter, or if you have set up an account but not really done anything with it, I urge you to start using it right now. Follow Dispatch Magazine using @dispatch_mag and you will be kept up to date on all that we are up to in the office, what features we have planned for future issues and what news or competition will be appearing in the next publications.
Set up a Twitter account, tweet from your mobile phone, or desktop, interact with it, and see the benefits first hand. If after a few weeks it’s not for you, stop using it, it’s that simple. If nothing else you get hear what your favourite celebrity is up to, and if you’re really lucky you can have a Twitter conversation with them. I know this to be true, as I’ve tweeted Duncan Bannatyne from Dragons’ Den, had a conversation and as a result, met with him to discuss some business. Twitter, it’s the next big thing! By Jonathan Horswell. Owner of Dispatch Magazine.
Text Competition
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The New Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect has built-in wi-fi, a black wireless controller, a standard definition composite A/V cable, a Kinect Sensor, the Kinect Adventures game, and even comes with a free one-month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership. Xbox Kinect Is New Xbox Technology That Will Change The Face Of Videogames Forever. Xbox 360 Kinect will turn YOU into the controller for games and entertainment, and it will work with every Xbox 360. Unlike 2-D cameras and controllers, Kinect tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions, even a difference of emotion in your voice. Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways - no controller required. Easy to use and instantly fun, Kinect gets everyone off the couch moving, laughing, and cheering. See a ball? Kick it. Control a HD movie with the wave of the hand. Want to join a friend in the fun? Simply jump in.
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The closing date is January 28th 2011. Messages charged at your normal operator rate for sending plus £1.00 per entry Text competition is monitored on behalf of Dispatch Magazine by: BCH, PO Box 807, Manchester, M60 2XT. Helpline 08444123021. iPhone graphic used for illustrative purposes only, and not a part of the competition.
Dispatch January 2011 23
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Focus ON
Harleston & EYE
So Much To Do In Harleston – When You’re Young! A common cry from young people is often “there’s nothing to do!” BUT if you live in Harleston it would seem that there is plenty. One only has to flick idly through the local town magazine to find pages devoted to activities available both for the young and not-so-young. Recently there was a meeting held to bring all the organisers together who have a role in providing for our teenagers. There were so many! And all were volunteers, giving up their time to organise and encourage wonderful activities. The scouts go out camping in the summer months, the army cadets have programmes including overnight hikes, and guides, brownies and others have camps or days out. For those wanting sporting activities closer to home, there are Kung Fu, Kick-
boxing, dance, judo, swimming club and much more. The leisure centre is promising sports and gym facilities for the over twelve’s and there is tennis, drama, hockey, and of course football. There is an opportunity for over sixteen’s to come into the town football and wow everyone with their skills and talents already picked up from junior teams. Put Harleston on the map, boys! And what about cricket?? For those who don’t know what they want to do, there is the Exchange2 youth group meeting on a weekly basis who will introduce activities and ideas to inspire. They will be hosting a series of taster session from other groups, and I know that kick boxing is already on the programme. Exchange2 also provides a drop-in facility
on the Recreation ground. This is open after school, and there is an evening drop-in for older teenagers starting after Easter. Also, the new youth shelter is close by for chilling out. The schools provide wonderful support and backup. Young People are our future
and all the committed volunteers from all the groups are proving to us all that they matter. Next time youngsters says to you they are bored, remember that Harleston has so much to offer that they are spoiled for choice!
Harleston Probus Club Some thirty years ago Harleston Rotary created a new club for Harleston, to be called The Harleston & District Probus Club. Why? Because there was a need for retired, or semi-retired people to have a forum where they could meet and chat to others of like background and interests,
and have lunch, perhaps with a speaker, in an informal, non-political, nonsectarian, environment, or just to be in touch with fellow retirees. We have now been enjoying these meetings, on the third Thursday of the month, for thirty years or so, usually with speakers, now at the Apollo Rooms in Harleston. Also, group visits are organised to theatres or other sites or venues of interest. Why not join us, meet friends, old or new, and enjoy a good meal, plus fellowship and good conversation. If you are interested call our Secretary, John Collard, on 01379 676202. If you already know a member then have a chat with him.
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Gissing Children’s Centre The Pre-school, with our special “family” ethos, runs during term time, from 9.30 am to 12 noon and 12 noon to 2.30 pm each Monday to Friday inclusive; with the option of leaving at 1.15 pm each day. Early years funding can be used for both morning and afternoon sessions. We take children unaccompanied from 2½ years to 5 years old.
facilitated indoor and outdoor play, runs from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm on selected days during school holidays for primary school age children.
We welcome families, who may wish to reserve a place for their child/children for the Spring, Summer or Autumn Term 2011 to call Linda Nash on 01379 677300 or email to lindamarynash@yahoo.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation visit to see what we offer.
Contact Linda, as above, for further information.
Our Holiday Playschemes which include a range of craft workshops and
Thetford Grammar Junior School Thetford Grammar Junior School is a place where learning is full of surprises! A co-educational day school located in East Anglia, Junior School is an engaging, challenging and supportive learning environment committed to developing pupils’ individual strengths within a family community. Situated on the same site as our senior school, Junior School pupils from Nursery to Year 6 enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in which many opportunities to mix with older pupils are provided.
and a broad curriculum incorporating both creative play and an introduction to a more structured education which includes specialist teachers for subjects such as Music and Physical Education is provided. An education at Thetford Grammar Junior School encourages pupils to be creative, to develop their skills and to share their talents with others in a confident and caring manner.
Academic success is at the heart of our activities and the development of the individual is central to our purpose. Small class sizes enable our dedicated staff to tailor learning to individual pupil needs
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January Sales It’s Sale Time! It’s time to shake off that Christmas holiday lethargy and pound the pavements because, hip hip hooray, the sales are here! January is hunting season for us shopaholics as we descend on the High Street, credit card in hand, ready to absorb a little more apres Christmas debt in search of the ultimate trophy. A bargain that makes the sore feet, headaches and shopping guilt magically dissolve in a puff of delicious self-congratulation! There are few greater thrills than the pure pleasure of chasing and bagging that beautiful bargain. Guide To Surviving The January Sales The January sales can be a bargain hunters dream. Check out our top tips to making the most of the sales and ensuring you get the best buys. 1. Think about what you actually need - it’s easy to get carried away when you see plenty of sale tags. Avoid spending a fortune on soon-to-be clutter by having a
list of possible buys and sticking to it. 2. Go equipped - wear comfy shoes and carry a bottle of water in your bag. If you’re heading for a shopping centre, consider leaving your coat in the car. Shops can get really hot, even more so when they’re busy, and that’s where you’ll be spending most of your time.
5. If you can’t face the crush of the sales, you can shop online. Many stores offer the same, if not better, sale discounts on
their websites, so you can shop from the comfort of your home.
3. Plan your route and head to the most popular stores first. Crowds increase during the middle of the day, and also last thing in the afternoon, so try to avoid congested places at those times. 4. Your consumer rights on sale items are exactly the same as when you buy normal goods, so don’t be afraid to return purchases if they have defects. It is illegal not to offer refunds on sale items.
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A New year, A new you... Mick Glynn’s Health And Fitness Happy New Year You can make intelligent decisions about your health and life for 2011and beyond. Decisions that translate into getting the most out of every minute that you spend exercising. Eat the right foods and at precisely the right times to fuel muscle growth and boost energy and stamina. Finding creative new ways to stay healthy while others around you get sick and keeping mentally sharp. New At The Studio For 2011 KettleBell Classes Thursdays 9.30am Boxercise (Day to be advised) Dancercise Wednesdays 10.30am Ok lets focus on Spring and Summer… Seems a long way away but it will be here before you know it. While your saving to pay back the credit card after Christmas, lets focus your attentions on
a little exercise to improve the mood and shake off the post Christmas blues. Combination exercises….Is short, highintensity form of multi moves, using more than one muscle group at a time, this works your cardio and strength systems in one go. It’s also really quick to do, so is the perfect workout for time restricted people who want to blast fat and tone up before holidays. Your body gets so used to the way you train, it often cries out for a change. Combination exercising offers exactly that. It’s very effective if you want to improve your stamina, switch your training to a muscle-conditioning style or change your body quickly. It’s perfect if you have a goal you want to aim for or get results quick.
Exercise Examples Complete 10 repetitions and work through exercises 1-6, 6 times. 1. Squats with side arm raises – with or without dumbells
6. Medicine ball alternate forward lunge with twist – use dumbell as alternative to medicine ball
2. Alternate Reverse Lunge with over head reach – with or without dumbells
Any problems understanding the above exercises, please contact Mick Glynn at MG Fitness Studio, Shelfanger, Diss on 07879 455966 or e-mail through the web–site www.mickglynn.co.uk or www.mgfitnessstudio.co.uk
3. Plank 5 seconds 2 full press-ups – advance by increasing the number of sets of press-ups 4. Squat with alternate leg front raise and arm curl – with or without dumbells 5. Squat with an over head press – with or without dumbells
Try to complete this session 3 times per week
The only number you’ll need for a healthier, fitter, lifestyle and body
What Is Zumba Fitness®?... Spanish slang for “to move fast and have fun”, Zumba was created in the mid-90s by Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez. Inspired by the traditional Latin music he grew up with, Beto paired his favourite rhythms with red-hot international dance steps. Each instructor adds their own flavour to classes, fusing those hypnotic Latin rhythms with a lively and infectious party atmosphere so the focus is on having fun – while achieving long-term fitness benefits! You will want to work out, you will love working out and you will get hooked, while having an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, bodyenergising, awe-inspiring movements which engage and captivate. For further information and details of any of my classes, please contact: Penny Crook on 01842 815074.
28 Dispatch January 2011
An interview with...
Darren wright and Tate free of salon fx
Above: Darren Wright of Salon FX. 1. You Have Been Established 6 Years Now, What Changes Have You Made? During this time I have tried to adapt to the needs of my clients, offering them the services they need. 2. Has The Economic Climate Affected You Recently? Obviously people do not have the same amount of spare money to spend at the moment but people still like to look and feel good, having your hair done is always going to do that. We are pleased to say we are still nice and steady.
5. How Has Hairdressing Changed Over The Last Few Years? And Who Are You Influenced By? When I started, hair was all about perming, whereas these days cutting and colour are very much at the forefront of the industry. I don’t just cut a persons hair, I create hair. I specialise in colouring & cutting & I firmly believe that it is important to really communicate with the client. These days the techniques, products & colours available are really amazing.
3. Tate Has Recently Joined Salon FX, How Are You Hoping This Will Benefit Your Customers? It’s always good to have a fresh set of ideas and enthusiasm to keep a business fresh. Of course having two of us will make it easier to ensure the client gets the appointment times they desire.
6. Do You Feel You Can Cater For All Ages And Styles? Ladies & Gents, all ages. My opening hours reflect the fact that I can fit in with most people’s requirements.
4. What Plans Have You For The Future? To continue to offer a high level and professional service to our clients old and new.
8. Have You Anything To Add? Thank you to all my clients for their continued support and I hope to see you all during 2011.
7. Do You Have Any Hobbies? I have recently taken up golf again.
Above: Tate Free of Salon FX. 1. Do You Come From The Area? I’ve always lived local to Attleborough. My partner and I moved to Attleborough two years ago as he relocated his work to Watton, and I worked in Attleborough. 2. How Long Have You Been Hairdressing? I’ve been Hairdressing for seven years. 3. What Qualifications Do You Have? Hairdressing City & Guilds NVQ 1 & 2. 4. Have You Done Any Further Training? I’ve Qualified in all sections of Balmain Paris Hair Extensions, which include innovated methods of adding volume (thickness), colour, creating texture or adding length to natural hair. 5. What Inspired You To Start Working For Yourself? I decided to work for myself as my hours can be flexible, I have no family of my own so I can cater for those who can’t do those 9-5 hours for hair cuts or colours, I’m 25 and decided to make
a go of this business opportunity while I have the chance! I love Hairdressing and the social side of it all and really looking forward to making the most of it. 6. What Other Services Do You Offer? I do hair-ups for those special occasions, proms and weddings and within reason can do home visits or venue visits if necessary. Also Children’s trims and Gents trims. 7.What Have You To Offer New Customers? January I have a special offer for 10% off for your first appointment. 8. Do You Have An Appointment System? I like to work by appointment. Tuesday-Saturday 9-5* * By appointment (can work till 8:30pm)
9. Have You Anything To Add? Happy New Year and I hope to see you soon at Salon FX!
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A New year, A new you... Camberwell Dental Practice
Dr. Parisa Ghanbari
Camberwell Dental Practice was established and has served the community since 1987.
I work as a General Practitioner in a busy surgery in Norfolk and no two days are the same. I see a variety of medical problems and get to meet people from all walks of life. I love it but I felt I wanted to do that bit more to help clients feel good about themselves. So many of my patients would say to me ‘Growing Old is a terrible thing!’ Well, here is a way to slow it down...
In 2009, the Practice was taken over by Dr Alek Missankov who graduated in 1997 from Johannesburg, South Africa. Alek has worked in the UK since 1997 in London and Hampshire. He is married and has three children. Alek has a particular interest in Endodontics (advanced root canal systems) and cosmetic dentistry including beautiful white fillings, cosmetic crowns and veneers. The practice was renovated in 2009 to a high standard and is served by excellent staff who will be pleased to help with any dental treatment information you may require.
30 Dispatch January 2011
Please feel free to contact our friendly staff for an appointment on Tel: 01379 652 580.
What made you go into private practice offering facial rejuvenation techniques?
How do the wrinkle reducing injections work? I offer treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles using Botulinum Toxin injections – this is a chemical used frequently in medicine to effectively and safely treat a variety of conditions from cerebral palsy muscle spasticity to unstable bladders! It is particularly effective at paralysing certain facial
muscles thus reducing the development of wrinkles especially in the forehead and crow’s feet area of the face. Botox injections take around two weeks to take effect and the results last for around three months. I also use semi-permanent dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid which is the body’s natural ‘skin plumper’. These can be used to fill out deep set wrinkles around the face and also to give lips a natural fuller appearance. The results of these fillers are instant and last for 6-12 months – a good investment!
News from across your region
Swim With Stradbroke In 2011 Swimming is a fantastic, healthy and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by everyone throughout their lives for its numerous health and wellbeing benefits. So with new year here why not dive in. Exercising almost all the body’s muscles, as well as the heart and lungs, swimming improves the delivery of oxygen whilst posing very little joint strain. It is great for general fitness levels, improving strength and flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, enhanced muscular stamina and balance, a stronger heart and a better physique or figure. Children should ideally be taught to swim from as young as possible. Not only is it a great activity for them but it is an essential life skill. At Stradbroke Swimming Pool lessons start for babies from 4 months old and continue through childhood on a progressive, award winning programme, with ASA qualified instructors. Once proficient, children can go onto to enjoy other water based activities such as kayak courses, rookie lifesaving and snorkeling. But its never too late to learn so if you haven’t taken the plunge yet the Stradbroke Centre offers beginners courses for all ages including beginner lessons for the over 60’s. These are very popular as the centre has disabled
access, a uniquely designed pool featuring 2 shallow ends and a hoist to further assist with access into the pool itself.
whatever your level or age and whether you’re looking for fitness, relaxation or just a splash about!
Pregnant women can also really benefit as swimming strengthens abdominal muscles and the back. Exercising in water can considerably reduce joint stiffness, high blood pressure and some pregnancy discomforts. The centre offers free sessions for pregnant women.
Stradbroke Swimming Pool is situated on Wilby Road, in the heart of the picturesque Suffolk countryside. The Swimming Pool was opened in March 1991 by Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew to provide a much needed leisure facility to the local community.
For more information call the centre on 01379 384376 or visit www.everyoneactive.com
As well as the physical aspects of swimming in more structured fitness sessions there are also social, mental and physiological benefits from more informal sessions. It is a great recreational activity for families to enjoy together during swim fun and inflatable sessions, for adults to socialise in group aqua classes and for individuals to relax alone with gentle swimming to let the mind drift... So take a dip in 2011 to keep you in shape, mentally as well as physically. The Stradbroke Swimming Pool programme really does have an opportunity for everyone to benefit from the water
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A New year, A new you... Keep Your Eyes Safe This Year! It is thought that there are over 120,000 domestic eye injuries in the UK every year. recreation. An obvious example of this is squash. A small, high velocity projectile such as a squash ball can fit into the eye socket, inflicting serious damage to the eye and surrounding structures.
Above: Ed Adkins of Adkins Opticians The most common activities that present a risk are sports, DIY & gardening. Most can be easily prevented, just by taking a few basic precautions. Just over half of all these injuries are sustained by the under 25 age group, with many of these attributed to sports and
32 Dispatch January 2011
Gardeners need to be particularly aware of twigs and branches at eye level, and of course garden canes. Other common hazards faced are loose soil particles, and microbes such as acanthamoeba (commonly found in soil and pond water), which can rapidly cause sight threatening infections. Wearing normal glasses or sunglasses can offer significant protection against these hazards, along with the ubiquitous wine cork on the tips of those garden canes. Garden power tools, such as strimmers, hedge trimmers, rotovators and chainsaws
can cause high velocity debris to fly up into the eyes and should never be used without appropriate eye protection, such as safety goggles or glasses. DIY hazards are similar to those faced by power gardeners. Any drilling or cutting can produce flying debris and dust. Angle grinding is particularly hazardous as this can cause hot metal particles to fly out in all conditions.
obtained from DIY/Hardware stores, sport shops and Opticians, where prescription versions can be supplied and fitted. In general, users should ensure that the eye protection is:
Chemical injuries are a common hazard which is often overlooked. In gardening, weedkillers, pesticides & fertilisers, and indoors- paints, solvents, bleaches, caustic soda and any other household chemicals are all capable of causing significant damage to the eyes.
For further advice on safety, consult your local, qualified Optician. Don’t become another statistic this year, look after your eyes!
Whether it be for sport or domestic activities, eye protection can easily be
• Fit for purpose, • Impact resistant, • Conforms to British & Standards & a good fit.
CARING FOR THE ELDERLY Woodgate Park Spacious retirement bungalows in Swanton Morley
The success of Woodgate Park can be measured in how fast these two bedroom bungalows have sold over the past months. There are now only a few remaining. The latest residents to join this friendly community have settled in quickly and made new friends with the help of the on-site community hall and exciting social calendar. Woodgate Park is quite unusual - for a moment, forget what you know about care homes and elderly care and imagine something totally new and different:
• Your own spacious, homely two bedroom bungalow in the popular sought after village of Swanton Morley - village of the year 2009 • A place where you could really enjoy living • People to talk to and get to know • Clubs, activities and entertainment • Regular bus service within walking distance and good local amenities • Offers assisted living with staff based on site What Is Assisted Living? This is a service with staff based on site to monitor your general well being and provide assistance when needed for everyday activities of living. This will vary from emergency access or regular assistance, as and when you need it. Such services include personal care, cleaning,
laundry, shopping services, gardening, property maintenance and even cooked meals. This service truly offers peace of mind and security. Don’t miss out - visit our stunning Show Home now. To make an appointment please call 01362 620002 or visit www.castlemeadowhomes.co.uk
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Manor Court Day Care
CARING FOR THE ELDERLY
Manor Court Day Care Centre for the elderly is based in Griston, Norfolk.
NBR Scooter Brokers NBR Scooter Brokers is a family run business which prides itself on their commitment to their customers (existing and new!!) Their main objective is to provide impartial advice together with a friendly and efficient service!! They offer the service of a free, no obligation, home demonstration for all of their products to ensure they are suitable for your needs. Whilst their core business is the supply of new mobility scooters, they also have a selection of pre-owned scooters as they offer a part exchange service. In addition to mobility scooters, they can also supply the following: • Stairlifts • Powered wheelchairs • Powerchairs • Rise & recline armchairs
34 Dispatch January 2011
• Adjustable beds • Bathlifts • 3 & 4 wheel walkers • Attendant and self propelled wheelchairs Apart from selling, they also offer a hire service, together with repairs, servicing and insurance work. NBR scooter brokers are accredited with Norfolk trusted traders which is organised by Norfolk County Council.
It is open 5 days a week Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm. We have around 36 guests per day all aged 55+, with social services funded and private places available. Our service provides transport either by social services or our own transport for our guests. We specialise in Dementia care, with quality specialist care delivered by a fully trained staff team who believe in promoting independence in all individuals
where possible. Reminiscence activities are available for individuals with dementia which recreate ‘life skills’. Extend exercise classes, musical entertainers, singing, dancing, quizzes, table top activities such as dominoes, card games etc, hairdressing and chiropody are some of the services and activities that we provide on a daily basis. Freshly cooked meals which are cooked on the premises are also provided to our guests.
Brooklyn House Brooklyn House is just one of Caring Homes’ highly acclaimed modern purpose-built care homes. Our dedicated multi-disciplinary team is on call 24-hours a day and pride themselves on the high-quality care they offer. Our key focus is to provide a safe, homely and supported environment based on a positive, person-centred approach. The majority of the rooms have en-suite facilities and all of them have a ‘nurse call’ system and television point. Each en-suite has a shower/wet room which is ideal for people with mobility issues and there are assisted baths throughout the building so everyone can enjoy a choice of bath or shower. Specifically designed to care for elderly residents, Brooklyn House is equipped with every modern facility to ensure high standards of comfort. The landscaped gardens and patio areas are an additional venue for outdoor activities, such as sensory therapy, and are a calm and beautiful place just to relax in. Brooklyn House has a new sun room which enhances the communal accommodation and gives the residents an additional choice for somewhere to spend the day. The home’s central position means it is ideally suited for local amenities and public transport links. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide superior palliative care, offering 24-hour care to residents with serious illnesses to relieve their suffering and improve their quality of life, giving comfort to them and their families. Every resident is given a comprehensive, individual care plan, whether they are staying for a period of convalescence or are permanent residents.
We place a high emphasis on dining at Brooklyn House, serving traditional cooking and offering a varied choice at every meal. Our fully qualified chef carefully plans the menus to make sure all the meals are nutritionally balanced. We are very happy to cater for special diets and individual preferences and, as well as breakfast, lunch and supper, hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks are available throughout the day. Brooklyn House’s dedicated Activities Co-ordinator ensures there is always something going on so residents can enjoy a full and interesting lifestyle and continue with their hobbies. Our active residents’ and relatives’ committee plays a key part in helping to develop new ideas and suggestions as to how Brooklyn House is run and the type of services available. Residents can also take advantage of the home’s close links to various local groups. For more information, to request a brochure or to arrange a visit, please contact Brooklyn House on 0808 166 1347 or visit the website at www.caringhomes.org
part of the caring homes group
We also welcome visitors for a short respite, to simply enjoy a break or holiday at Brooklyn House.
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REACH OVER
42,50IA0L
POTENT CUSTOMERS
HERE!
CALL 01953 456789 NOW!
36 Dispatch January 2011
Reach Over 42,500 Potential Customers Low cost display advertising to meet the smallest budget. Reach over 42,500 homes and businesses in the Diss, Attleborough, Wymondham, Dereham, Watton and Thetford areas. From a single advert in one Dispatch Magazine, to a run of 3, 6 or 12 months in one or all three Dispatch Magazines.
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN HERE - CALL 01953 456789 NOW! Call our Sales Team for more information today: 01953 456789
Or email: Sales@Dispatch-Magazine.co.uk
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www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Motoring Advertising The Dispatch Magazine Tyre Tracks Section is designed to offer advertising for the motoring trade around the area. Low cost display advertising to meet the smallest budget. Reach over 42,500 homes and businesses in the Diss, Attleborough, Wymondham, Dereham, Watton and Thetford areas. From a single advert in one Dispatch Magazine, to a run of 3, 6 or 12 months in one or all three Dispatch Magazines.
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN HERE - CALL 01953 456789 NOW! Or email: Sales@Dispatch-Magazine.co.uk
U Drink I Drive U Drink I Drive was set up by three business men in 2010, after reading many case studies on drink driving, we found drink driving was on the decrease, and has been on the decrease for the past 30 years. As we started to look more closely, we found the number of accidents and deaths caused by people under the influence is not acceptable. In 2007, 9,280 road accidents caused by drunk drivers = 2,170 deaths. U Drink I Drive was not set up to spoil the party or throw facts and figures around, this company has been set up to help you enjoy the party without the worry of causing an accident or losing your driving licence.
Our alternative to drink driving is a simple idea with high impact; our designated driver service is an efficient, cost effective service giving you a completely new option. How the service works, it’s simple, provide us with; • Your name and phone number • Your car registration and model • Your designated pick-up location • Your designated drop-off location
- Please allow 30 minutes before you require your designated driver. - Your Driver will call you once they have arrived at the given destination. - You will be asked to sign a consent form, allowing your driver to drive your car. - Your driver will then drive you and your car to your required destination. - Payment will be calculated and paid once your destination has been reached.
- You car will be parked and locked and the keys handed back to you. Your driver would be more than happy to drop your family and friends of at separate locations if required. Become a Member-help us become more efficient and convenient to you, by becoming a member of U Drink I Drive, This means you don’t have to give your details each time you book, your details will be kept on file, so only your name and location will be required when next booking U Drink I Drive. Requirements are Fully Comprehensive Insurance - Valid M.O.T & Road TAX U DRINK I DRIVE IS DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU KEEP YOUR DRIVING LICENCE, AND THE ROADS A SAFER PLACE! For further information visit www.udrinkidrive.co.uk
38 Dispatch January 2011
Tyre Tracks - The Motoring Directory
Welcome To Winter! Snow, ice, and cold can be especially challenging to the body and mind, as well as your car. replaced, make certain that the wiper bay is free of debris. Ice and snow can freeze your wipers in place making them completely ineffective. Never pour hot water on a windshield to remove ice. You will remove ice all right...and crack the glass in the process!
Is Your Vehicle Ready For Winter? If not, there are some things you can do to help ensure that your car will start on cold mornings and survive even the nastiest winter weather. Check Under The Bonnet Make sure that your battery and all of its connections are clean and fastened; hoses and belts securely in place; your oil and oil filter changes up to date; your air filter clean; the radiator flushed and refilled; and your engine well tuned. One of the biggest contributors to a car not starting is the battery. If it is old and needs to be replaced, do it now! Look At The Windscreen Besides obvious cracks in your windscreen which you can have
Observe The Tyres Properly inflated all season tyres are usually all that you need for winter driving. Carry An Emergency Kit It doesn’t take much to get stranded during winter. Even the best maintained vehicle can get caught in a snow bank or stuck in a ditch. Carrying a fully charged mobile phone for emergency purposes is essential when driving anywhere uninhabited.
If you find yourself stuck in snow, make sure that the exhaust pipe is free of all snow if you run your car while idled. The following items should be a part of an emergency kit you have stored in your vehicle at all times: • Fully charged torch • Jump leads • Ice scraper / brush • Sand for traction • Candles • Matches • Distress sign • Medical kit • De-icer. If you frequently travel back roads and find yourself in remote areas, carrying an extra set of hats, gloves, and coats as well as several blankets is wise.
Keep a window cracked open to allow for air to circulate; turn the engine off every ten minutes for a half hour or more to prevent carbon monoxide build up inside of the car. You can survive the hazards of winter by taking a little extra care and caution. Properly equip your car today to ensure that your next trip is a safe one regardless of the prevailing road and weather conditions.
Some people carry chocolate with them at all times which can be a great and delicious! energy booster as well as fresh water (don’t leave it in the car as it will get frozen).
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