Diss and Attleborough March 2011

ISSUE 114 Dispatch March 2011

W E’R E I N

NEWS FOR DISS AND ATTLEBOROUGH RESIDENTS

OUR

10 TH

ONGER R T S D N A YEAR EFORE! B R E V E N THA

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GENERAL News

Dispatch March 2011

News from across your region

Editor’s Note Dispatch Magazine celebrates 10 years of providing community news, and we’re all set for another 10!

March 2011 Issue 114

Dispatch Magazine Queens House, Queens Square , Attleborough, Norfolk , NR17 2AE Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Editor In Chief: Jonathan Horswell Advertising Manager: Jayne Ashby Sales Team: Stephanie Lees, Elena Hewett, Lucy Olcot. sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Design: Matt Bignell, Stuart Breens design@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Editorial Submissions: For editorial submissions please contact one of our sales team on 01953 456789 or by email editorial@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Distribution:

In 2001 the first ever Dispatch Magazine was published after some tireless work by its original dynamic team which included Joyce Gaze (my Mum) and Marilyn Scroggins, who sadly have both since past away, but in who’s honour we continue with their legacy.

10 years on, after some distinct changes, a complete re-design, over 100 issues produced and 3 further Magazines launched, Dispatch is now bigger and stronger than it’s ever been, and is looking forward to the next 10 years. We’re also looking forward to continuing to help local businesses grow and prosper, through awareness and marketing via the Magazines and the new channels of promotion we continue to bring on board. Over the last 10 years Dispatch has grown and earned a well deserved reputation of being Norfolk and Suffolk’s favourite and longest established provider of monthly news and events.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and during the past 10 years, Dispatch has witnessed many other publications, which try, but fail, to imitate our proven and successful format. Many have portrayed themselves to be ‘Your’ local magazines, who set up, promise great things to readers and businesses, sell cheap ineffective advertising to companies, in poorly designed rags, and have then disappeared as quickly as they arrived. Dispatch however, continues to work away tirelessly to remain the leading local magazine, dedicated to serving the local communities in your district.

With our office located in the very centre of the areas we cover, and a fantastic team of professional designers and a sales & promotions team offering a wealth of experience, we are all set to continue to provide more of the same, only bigger, better and in new formats over the next 10 years and beyond! Dispatch Magazine continues to grow, continues to launch into new areas and continues to bring local community information to the current 152,500 readers it now has. Dispatch continues to help local businesses grow and with an ever increasing readership, it continues to offer a larger audience of potential new customers to the local businesses.

Having started in Diss 10 years ago this coming September, with just 3,500 copies being distributed, Dispatch has grown year on year and is now delivered door to door in: Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Dereham, Diss, Eye, Haleston, Roydon, Scarning, Spooner Row, Thetford, Toftwood, Watton and Wymondham, giving us a distribution total of 61,000 copies every month.

We hope you continue to enjoy Your Dispatch Magazine and enjoy the new issues in the new areas we are continuing to expand into.

www.DispatchDistribution.co.uk

Jonathan Horswell, Editor in Chief. © Dispatch Magazine Disclaimer: No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate, but the Publisher can not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the Publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

In this issue FEATURES

Diss

ATTLEBOROUGH

27

04

14

Enter Our Text Competition Text To Win An Acer Aspire One D255 Netbook!

28

Homes & Gardens

Promises To Be Absolutely Ab-‘Zorbing’.

05

Looking After Your Property.

32

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Caring For The Elderly News And Advice.

Events At Diss Corn Hall

11

How Flipping Good Are You??

18

An Interview With...

Les Smith Of 4Networking.

Your Local History!

Attleborough Town Archives.

21

Are You A Cracking Pancake Flipper?

We Need You!

13

3,000 Townsfolk Demonstrate...

Localism In Action Over Plans For New Development.

Events In March.

Win Free Membership And 12 Week’s Attendance At Slimming World!

35

The 2011 Diss Carnival

“A Lot Of Old Squit” The Rotary Club Is Organising What Is Likely To Be A Hilarious Event!

23

An Interview With...

Barry Obey Of Orchard Garage.

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See Our Website

Deadline for all editorial and advertising submissions for the next issue will be:

March 18th 2011 Dispatch March 2011

www.dissonline.co.uk

Welcome to

diss

The 2011 Diss Carnival Help Pauline Cooke Raise £2,000 Promises to be absolutely ab-‘Zorbing’.

In an effort to keep the Carnival interesting and full of surprises, this year’s event will include Zorbing, an event that sees participants rolled down a slope inside an orb, made of transparent plastic. It is suitable for all ages and promises to deliver an unusual slant on the day’s activities.

Admission to the Carnival fun day at Diss Town Football Club has been kept at £3 and the Sunday, June 19th date will again include a town centre parade of floats and walking groups.

This year’s theme is fairy stories and nursery rhymes.

More committee members to help organise the day’s events are still required, as well as stewards.

Dispatch March 2011

Contact Carnival co-ordinator Doreen Collins for details, 01379 642018, email doreencollins@btinternet.com

Pauline Cooke a 72 year old of Diss, Norfolk will be doing a charity abseil down 10 storeys of the Ipswich Hospital Maternity Unit on July 10th 2011.

Pauline was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago but certainly doesn’t let it stop her doing what she can to raise money to help fellow patients.

Pauline hopes to generate more than £2,000 from the event; all money raised will be donated to the Dunston Ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the Brain Repair Centre at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Having raised a lot of money from various events in the past including over £3,000 for 2 charity swims, this will be Pauline’s last fundraising event so she hopes the

local community will help her reach her target of £2,000.

If you would like to contact Pauline with regards to sponsoring her you can call her on 01379 640320, or cheques can be made out to Pauline Cooke and sent to 7 Cherry Tree Court, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4QW.

News from across your region

Events At Diss Corn Hall Diss Museum Events in March.

Thursday 17th March: Film Event: The Girl Who Played with Fire (15).

Time: 8pm.

Cost: £4 / Students £2.

4th-26th March: Art Event: The Beatles Picture Show.

Time: 11am-4pm Mon-Sat. Cost: Free.

Thursday 3rd March: Film Event: Nowhere Boy. Time: 8pm.

Cost: £4 / Students £2.

Friday 4th March : Music Event: Band DISScovery – Heat 2.

Time: 7.30pm.

Cost: Advance £4 / Door £5.

Saturday 5th March: Film Event: Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang (U) – matinée screening.

Time: 3pm.

Cost: £4 / Children & Students £2.

Thursday 10th March: Music Event: Limehouse Lizzy – The Greatest Hits of Phil Lynott & Thin Lizzy.

Time: 7.30pm.

Cost: £15 / Conc £13.50.

Saturday 12th March: Music Event: Raymond Froggatt.

Time: 7.30pm.

Cost: £13.50 / £11.50 / £10.

Above: Limehouse Lizzy.

Fresh from winning three awards for its Tom Paine Festival, Diss Museum has another lively project in store. Friends in High Places: The Manning Story commemorates the family who were Diss rectors for 138 years.

Friday 18th March: Music Event: Band DISScovery – Heat 3.

Time: 7.30pm.

Cost: Advance £4 / Door £5.

Saturday 19th March: Music Event: Mayor’s Charity Concert with the Waveney Choir.

Time: 7pm.

Cost: £5.

Friday 25th March: Comedy Event: Red Card Comedy Club with Luke Toulson, Adam Crow & Bob Mills.

Time: 8.30pm.

Cost: Advance £8 / Door. £9.50.

Min age 18.

Saturday 26th March: Music Event: Piaf Encore! A cabaret evening with Piaffinitée.

Time: 8pm.

Cost: £8 / Students £6.

Thomas Manning was the first European to cross the Himalayas and meet the Dalai Lama. This year is the bicentenary of his journey in 1811, a feat nobody else achieved for a further century. The museum, which re-opens on 16th March, features an exhibition re-creating the meeting with the seven-year-old Lama.

A programme of events begins with a Manning Service in Diss Church at 10.30am on Sunday 6th March.

Robert Manning, as narrator, plays his own grandfather (Charles Upwood Manning) on the day of his retirement, as we see the family history re-enacted. They were Diss rectors from the time of the American War of Independence to the First World War.

David Summers plays William, with Keith Ridgeway as his son William. Curate John Pares appears as Thomas, the Himalayan traveller, while Tony King plays Charles Robertson Manning. He was responsible for many church changes in Victorian times, including the dismissal of the musicians when the gallery was demolished and the organ and choir installed.

The church has a tradition of drama productions, including pageants (1951, 1990, 2000) and Skelton’s play Magnificence in 2004. The Manning Service, featuring the choir and period hymns, will be well worth attending.

The other event this month is a commemorative meal at the Spice Cottage restaurant. The Evening of Nepalese Food is at 6.30pm (note the early time) on Friday 25th March. It is only £15 a head, so why not come and honour the intrepid traveller from Diss? Phone the museum on (01379) 650618 to book.

Basil Abbott.

For further information please contact: Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB. Tel: 01379 652241 web: www.disscornhall.co.uk

Above: Caroline Nin.

Dispatch March 2011

www.dissonline.co.uk

DISS News

Hoxne Phoenix Group In February a gathering of nearly 30 members came to celebrate the 4th Birthday and AGM of the group with wine and cake.

Mrs Bradford warmly thanked the committee and the various ex-officio members who contribute so much to its success. The coffers are comfortably up to £1,300 from a standing start and the sub has not been raised since the group’s inception.

Our speaker was David Evershaw who gave us a fascinating glimpse into rural life in the early 20th century with a masterful analysis of the original book of “Lark Rise to Candleford” which was in effect an autobiography of the author, Flora Thompson. His in depth research into the villages and their inhabitants on which the book was based gave us a brilliant picture of life in small, rural and often very poor, communities. There were some surprising insights into the resilience of country people and the courage it required to go outside the “normal” expectations of most of them.

Who would have thought that the widowed Postmistress could have maintained her late husband’s blacksmithing business (as well as the

Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society

Post Office) until her death. A good read, thoroughly recommended.

The Baltic States: Art & Culture from the Medieval Hanseatic League to Tsarist St Petersburg.

After refreshments followed the treasurer’s and secretary’s reports on a very successful year and the election of the committee and ex-officio members.

The committee was re-elected en bloc and remains as follows: Doreen Weller; Vivienne Bradford; Noreen Couch; Jackie Udall; Pat Green; Lyn Batey; Margaret Richardson and Mary Rowe. It was agreed that one other member should be co-opted each month to get a feel for how the organisation worked.

Roydon Village Hall was filled to capacity by members and guests of Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society (DDFAS) for the February lecture given by Alan Bott. He began by showing an image of a rocky Baltic sea shore and indicated his particular interest in shipping and trade in the area together with the architectural history of the buildings of the Baltic States cities.

The date of the summer outing was announced as Tuesday June 7th - venue to be decided.

This year’s programme promises some interesting evenings and events and all are welcome to join the group on the 2nd Tuesday in the month in Hoxne Village Hall.

His résumé of the history of the Hanseatic League and the cities involved in its formation was prefaced by an image of the Oseberg ship in the Viking Ships Museum in Oslo. He suggested that this beautiful vessel was not built for transporting goods.

Later, though, as the trading arrangements came into place vessels known as ‘cogs’ were employed and a ‘cog’ appears in the centre of the Hanseatic League seal.

known as Danzig), Cracow, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Novgrod – showing the still standing, beautiful, Medieval buildings involved in this important Northern European trading confederation. He also explained that Visby on the island of Gotland was the leading centre for trade in the Baltic Sea. Herrings, salt and wood were important exports from the Baltic States, as was amber. To illustrate Alan Bott read the following quotation from Alexander Pope’s Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot: Pretty! In amber to observe the forms of hairs, or straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!

The things we know are neither rich nor rare, But wonder how the devil they got there.

The lecture was rounded off with images of Peter the Great, his city of St Petersburg and its many art treasures.

Further information is available from Doreen Weller on 01379 668291.

German woodcut of a Cog The lecture was illustrated with images of those cities primarily involved with the Hanseatic League – Gdansk (formerly

The next lecture is on 19th April when Dr Paul Roberts will speak on Athens & Rome – A tale of two Cities.

Diss U3A Due to the indisposition of our advertised speaker for February we were very fortunate to secure the services of BBC TV weatherman Chris Bell.

By way of introduction Chris explained that in addition to forecasting the weather his other great passion is storm-chasing (not an activity for the fainthearted).

He illustrated his talk with video footage taken of chases on some of his regular visits to his native USA. The Great Plains in particular, commonly known as Tornado Alley due to its combination of atmospherics can usually be relied on to produce some dramatic storm conditions.

The mixture of strong winds, torrential rain and large hailstones can prove to be an exhilarating experience when chasing a tornado, albeit at a safe distance and with the added security of a sturdy well-equipped utility vehicle. To illustrate the power of nature Chris also

Dispatch March 2011

produced some photographs showing the devastation left by a tornado to a town in America unlucky enough to be caught in its path.

With these images fresh in our minds and just in case we were becoming a little complacent, Chris concluded his most enjoyable talk by telling us about one of his best chases which took place in nearby Long Stratton ensuring that we all pay a little more attention next time storm clouds appear overhead.

For further information on Diss U3A please telephone 01379 642674.

News from across your region

We Can All Make Mistakes!

We are all dependent upon the specialist skills of professionals from time to time in our lives.

This is of course because society is very complex and it is impossible to be fully capable of dealing with all eventualities that you come Above: Paul Stevens across from day of Jackaman to day. Be it your Smith & Mulley. doctor, plumber, electrician, optician, accountant or solicitor (in no particular order!) their specialist skills are necessary on occasion and usually have to be paid for. Most of the time services are provided competently without any problems arising but every now and again, for whatever reason and as is the way of the world, things go wrong. In many cases errors made by the professional are not serious and it is not worth pursuing them for any compensation. At other times the errors made are significant and it is then necessary to consider recovering your losses by pursuing them in a claim.

A recent case illustrates the way in which a professional’s negligence can cause real

loss to a person. In the case of Emmet Thomas Scullion -v- Bank of Scotland, a 2010 High Court Case, Mr. Scullion had decided to invest in a buy to let flat and applied for a mortgage. The mortgagee engaged a valuer to value the flat and also to give an indication of the rental that the flat would be likely to command on the market. Mr. Scullion relied upon the valuer’s report which put the market value of the flat at £353,000 and a rental of £2,000 per calendar month. Mr. Scullion did well in negotiating the price down to £299,800 but after completion he did less well because he discovered the flat could not be let for the amount predicted or indeed the amount required to meet the mortgage payments. He let it for only £1,050 per month. Three and a half years later he had to sell it for £270,000.

He decided to pursue the surveyor for negligence and his claim was based upon the diminution in value of the flat and for all the payments and expenses he had incurred. He claimed it was foreseeable he would have to sell the flat because of the inaccurate rental income.

Eventually the High Court determined

after hearing expert evidence, that a more accurate value of the flat at the time of purchase was £300,000 and therefore, even though the Surveyor had been negligent in valuing it, Mr. Scullion had not suffered any loss having actually paid less than that. It is an established principle in assessing the value of claims for diminution in value of a property, as a result of negligence, that this is done on an assessment at the time of purchase not at the time of sale. Mr. Scullion had paid less than the actual value!

With regard to the inaccurate rental value, the Court determined that there was a loss because the valuer had known that Mr. Scullion was a buy to let purchaser.

The Surveyor ought to have appreciated the statement of attainable rental value was critical. Mr. Scullion needed to ensure that when he committed himself to the mortgage payments and the normal outgoings, he would receive a sufficient rent to discharge those liabilities. The Judge calculated Mr. Scullion’s damages at £72,234 plus interest. These damages did not include the purchase costs or stamp duty, and allowance had to be

given for rental income actually received.

Mr. Scullion could also recover ground rent service charges and charges attributable to cash flow difficulties which he would not have faced had the flat been generating the expected rental such as direct debit rejection fees, monthly arrears, administration charges and legal fees.

Claims against professionals, (who are invariably insured for such risks), are commenced by a process known as the Professional Negligence Pre-Action Protocol and if the liability is clear then a negotiated settlement can be achieved relatively quickly without the need to go to the Court. You may have legal expenses insurance which would cover solicitors’ costs in pursuing a claim against such a professional. You should check your motor and house insurance policies. Taking out legal expenses insurance is worthwhile because costs can be high, particularly if you have to go to Court.

For further information please contact Paul Stevens on 01379 643555 or email at paul.stevens@jsm.co.uk.

Dispatch March 2011

www.dissonline.co.uk

DISS News

Possibly The Largest Table Top Sale Taking Place In Thetford!

Macmillan Cancer Support Celebrate Their Centenary Year With Local Business Challenge

A local charity which runs a community Ballpark and a cooking Macmillan Cancer Support turns 100 years old in 2011 and is holding club for young people is organising a fundraising event in a Norfolk Business Challenge to celebrate its birthday year with a bang.

Thetford to raise much needed finances to support its activities.

The event is to take place on Saturday 23rd April from 10am and will be held at the Guildhall on Market place, Thetford.

There will be lots of different stalls around including Liz Bishop Photography, Avon, Bodyshop, Jamie at Home, Lucy Lou Handbags, Jewellery, Home Made Cakes, Cards & Crafts, Local Charities, Raffle & Tombola and Supreme Soups etc…..

Proceeds from the raffle & refreshments are to go to TCA activities for Young people in Thetford.

Terry Jermy, TCA Project Co-ordinator explains ‘The TCA are committed to providing these activities to the young people of West Thetford, fundraising is always important but more so with our current climate. We have applied for various funding to help us continue for the

next 3 years, but having the young people and staff work together at a event like this will show we are all committed to a better future.’

help make life easer through medical, emotional, financial and practical support but there is still lots to do.

Caroline Chad – TCA Admin Assistant says ‘Unbelievably we had 28 stalls in January and I have already had requests for repeat bookings for our Easter Saturday’s event, both rooms are booked for the Guildhall, Market Place, Thetford’, ‘So if anyone would like a stall I urge you to contact me as soon as possible’ on 01842 820871/821581 or you may email me at cchadtca@gmail.com.

The group is always in need of donations and funding support and is urging local residents and businesses to support the project. For more information, please contact the Terry Jermy on 07742 157967.

Above: Luke Wheeler, Macmillan Fundraising Manager In 2011 the charity will have been improving the lives of people affected by cancer for over a century and is calling on 100 local businesses to each raise £1,000 next year to help them continue the support they provide. There are many ways for companies to get involved - whether by staff holding or taking part in events, by encouraging support from customers or by making a donation.

Their local fundraising team will provide a special fundraising pack to help companies on their way and be offering support and encouragement throughout the year.

In 1911 Douglas Macmillan watched his father die of cancer and moved by the pain and suffering he saw, he started what was to become Macmillan Cancer Support. 100 years on, his belief that free information should be provided to people with cancer and nurses should attend to patients in their own home remains very much alive.

Every fortnight, 169 people in Norfolk will be told they have cancer, adding to the two million people across the UK currently living with the disease. As treatments improve, more and more people are living with cancer in their daily lives meaning the work of Macmillan is needed more than ever. Thanks to the generosity of the public over 50 Macmillan nurses, doctors, dieticians and occupational therapists have already been funded across Norfolk. They

Dispatch March 2011

Whether you work for a small company of five, a large company of several hundred or you’re a self employed free-lancer, taking part in The Norfolk Business Challenge 2011 is an achievable target and something Macmillan wants to celebrate with you!

They plan to thank every business that takes part through the local media, a listing on their website and an invitation to an end of year celebration to congratulate everyone on their fantastic achievement.

Luke Wheeler, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for West Norfolk says “we’re really excited about this challenge. Some fantastic companies have signed up already and in the local fundraising office, we’re ready with help, ideas and merchandise to support all the businesses that take part throughout 2011.

There are real business benefits to be gained from signing up. Whether companies are looking to engage with their local community, team build, gain publicity or just have fun, fundraising for Macmillan can help achieve all these goals. And you’ll also be making a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.”

If you think your company would be interested in taking part in the Norfolk Business Challenge 2011, or you’d like more information about ways to get involved with Macmillan and the services they offer in your region, please get in touch with Luke at the Norfolk Fundraising Office on 01603 724 360 or email the team at norfolk@macmillan.org.uk

An interview with...

SAM of sam scaffolding

always working in different places and no 2 days are the same. Which we have definitely found out since starting up our business!

Above: Sam of Sam Scaffolding.

1. Have you lived in the area long?

We have both grown up locally, myself in Roydon and Rachel in Mellis. We have been together 5 years and first lived in Diss and moved to Mellis just over a year a go.

2. Have you always been a scaffolder?

Yes, I used to help out evenings and week ends for a local scaffolding firm when I was at school and then went into it full time after leaving school.

3. What do you enjoy about your work?

It is a very physical job and obviously outdoors, which suits me a lot better than being stuck indoors. I like the fact that I am

4. So you’ve just gone into business for yourself, so how long has Sam Scaffolding been running?

We started in September 2010, so only just 6 months. With the recession and the time of year if wasn’t the best time to start up a scaffolding business but we made it through the winter so we are hopeful for 2011!!

5. What inspired you to set the business up?

I have always wanted to run my own scaffolding firm and losing my job in September forced me into doing it. It was either look for another job working for someone else or start up on my own. It has been hard and stressful but definitely the best decision we made.

6. What are you enjoying about being in business for yourself?

So many things, I like being based from home, so from time to time I get to pop

home for lunch or just to make phone calls.

I like the fact that I take the phone call, I price it, I erect it and then take it down. It is satisfying knowing that I am apart of every aspect of my business. I have also been lucky enough to get to do other ‘odd jobs’ in-between my scaffolding work if I have had a couple of days with no work I have helped in house restoration, painting and decorating and roofing!

7. What has been the most challenging thing about setting up your own company?

Definitely the financial aspect of things to start with, I was used to a regular wage and had always previously been employed and it’s obviously not like that running your own company. We have also set the business up with nothing, buying things as we have needed them and it’s grown over the last 6 months.

8. What are your hopes for the business over the next 12 months?

To continue expanding as we have been

and for our business to grow. We are just hoping that people will give us a try as there is quite a lot of competition in the area, but we feel with the 2 of us running the business we can be reliable, cheaper than any other local firm and also offer an efficient service.

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Well, spare time is a bit limited at the moment as we are also renovating our house and getting married this year. We have 2 young children, a 3 year old and 14 month old so I spend most of my spare time with them, but when I get the chance I enjoy days out shooting!!

10. Finally is there anything you’d like to add?

We would like to thank all of our customers for their support over the last 6 months and are looking forward to meeting new ones this year. We are still under the VAT bracket and are hoping to continue this for as long as possible to offer all of our customers NO VAT!!!

Dispatch March 2011

www.dissonline.co.uk

DISS News

Art Exhibition At March Wartime Dance Palgrave CEVCP School The Saturday 19th March ‘Wartime Dance’ at the Red Feather Club/95th

Saturday 2nd April, 10am - 4pm and Sunday 3rd April, 12noon - 3pm.

Come and enjoy looking at some of the wonderful work the children have produced, also local artists have been

invited to exhibit their work alongside that of the children’s.

Admission free.

Diss Computer Club After a poster campaign in April 2009 inviting computer enthusiasts to meet in Diss at the Taylor Road Residents’ Meeting Room, Diss Computer Club was formed.

Since then, local computer experts have been invited to talk and demonstrate aspects of computer use. Club members appreciate these occasional visits which take place on the first Thursday of each month, starting at 7pm. We all pay £3 per visit which covers the cost of room hire, refreshments and internet access.

It’s a friendly Club and new members are invited to contact us by email disscomputerclub@googlemail.com or by telephoning Chris on 01379 741192 for more information.

10 Dispatch March 2011

Bomb Group Heritage Association in Horham is now SOLD OUT.

Clever Adverts Can you imagine YOUR perfect High Street?

Well, you can now with highstreethawk.co.uk.

Highstreethawk.co.uk is a website allowing YOU to follow your favourite shops, bars, hairdressers, beauty salons, restaurants and more to keep updated with their latest offers, products and promotions.

Once you have chosen the shops YOU The Club welcomes people of all ages and skill levels. Where computers are concerned want to follow, you’ll then receive all the there’s no such thing as a stupid question! latest offers from theses places. When you go shopping you can either have the offers text to your mobile phone or just We have a donated laptop for anyone who doesn’t own their own & we’re looking for print them off, it’s that easy. more redundant laptops. Unfortunately, we don’t have space to store desktop PCs. This exciting new initiative is designed to support local businesses and help you get We’re not experts, just keen amateurs the best offers on local products, services and attractions near to you. and at the moment we’re working on putting our own website together so So if your business is a novice when it if you think you can help us you’ll be doubly welcome! comes to the internet and computers,

don’t worry we are here to help you, either face to face, on the phone or via e-mail.

We may be an online company but we’re still a local company that has a passion to help local businesses promote themselves to their local customers.

We are launching in the market towns of Diss, Harleston, Attleborough and Wymondham in March and the website is designed to keep people in touch with their high street. So show your support for your favourite shops by signing up to highstreethawk.co.uk.

If you own a business contact us today for a chat and get your FREE 2 month trial on (01379) 644430 or e-mail us at hello@highstreethawk.co.uk.

News from across your region

Lunch And Learning In Lent

The Magic Of Music And Song

Diss and Roydon Churches Together have organised an interesting programme of events in Lent this year, feeding both body and mind.

Everyone needs a tonic to help pick you up after this dreadful long and cold winter and endless dismal news of economic doom and gloom.

Lent Studies: The 5th Gospel - Travel round the Sea of Galilee - revisit well-known stories of Jesus in the setting into which they were given.

Friday 18th March Lent Lunch 12.30-1.30pm Monday March 21st Lent Course 2: 7.30pm.

Roman Catholic Church Hall (Opposite Police Station).

Lent Lunches: Home-made Soup, Cheese, Roll and Beverage, all proceeds going to Christian Aid.

Friday 25th March Lent Lunch 12.30-1.30pm Monday March 28th Lent Course 3: 7.30pm.

St. Mary’s Parish Church Hall.

So ask yourself these questions; Do you like listening to a good classical concert, are you interested in different concerts held at lunchtimes, would you enjoy a nice summer fair held in lovely grounds, would you like to join the wider community for ‘The Big Sing’ and would art exhibitions interest you.

Easter Morning: Dawn Service 5am at the Mere followed by breakfast at the United Reformed Church, (opposite Co-op).

Friday 1st April Lent Lunch 12.00-1.30pm Monday April 4th Lent Course 4: 7.30pm.

Diss Methodist Church Hall (Opposite Morrisons).

Dates and Times: Friday 11th March - Lent Lunch 12.30-1.30pm.

Monday March 14th - Lent Course 1: 7.30pm

Friday 8th April Lent Lunch 12.30-1.30pm Monday April 11th Lent Course 5: 7.30pm.

Salvation Army Hall, Sunnyside.

Roydon Parish Church Hall.

All sessions at the United Reformed Church, Mere Street.

Friday 15th April Lent Lunch 12.30-1.30pm Sunday April 24th DAWN SERVICE 5am. Cont...

If you can answer yes to some or all of these questions then you need to be in Diss over the coming months for the Parish Church of St. Marys will soon be announcing it’s Spring and Summer entertainment Programme for 2011.

Most event organisers have listened to positive comments from past years successful programmes and as a

result all your favourite music and song occasions are returning from April to October in other words you can all enjoy The Magic Of Music And Song all Summer long. Monthly articles in this magazine and on the church notice boards will give you a reminder what kind of events are taking place and when.

So go along and enjoy yourselves at these occasions for the doors are open wide at this Parish Church whose event organisers have the experience to give you the general public what you like and not what we think you would like thats why so many people attend year after year.

Gerry Hosking Publicity Officer.

Sunday 24th April Breakfast 5.45am At the Mere. If raining in the Diss United Reformed Church Hall.

Diss United Reformed Church.

How Flipping Good Are You??

Are you a cracking pancake flipper? We need you!

Fair Green Neighbourhood Association is holding its first fundraising event of the year on Sunday March 6th from 12 noon onwards, on Fair Green, Diss. All funds raised will go towards renewing the playground.

There will be races for individuals and teams. Entry can be in advance (forms at Tourist Office) or on the day. Advance entrance £1 per child per race, £2 per adult per race, on the day double.

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors Simon Bartrum Motors, Park Flowers, Imps, Toybox Toys, Westgate, Suzanne Aves Hairdressing and Living Estate Agents, there are terrific prizes for each race.

Races; individual (16+) men’s, women’s, older children 11-16, younger children 5-11, preschoolers under 5. Then team races (relay of 5).

The overall team champions will have a little plaque on a big wooden frying pan that will hang in the pub and come out yearly…

It’s a Great British event and we will be very British about the weather! …..we will run in woollies, macs or sunhats as required! There will be refreshments and a marquee for shelter, and of course there is always the Cock Inn for a celebratory drink afterwards.

For any enquiries, ring Rachel Baker 01379 640696.

Pancakes & pans will be provided, but please bring your own apron! Teams are encouraged to wear matching clothes, colours or business logos.

Dispatch March 2011 11

www.dissonline.co.uk

DISS News

Montessori Teaching The Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB) was introduced in 2008...

By the Montessori St Nicholas charity to ensure that all schools using the Montessori name in the UK offer high quality education and care to children.

It puts “best practice” at the heart of what it does and the charity is actively encouraging all its 600+ members to undergo accreditation. All MEAB schools now carry a plaque that demonstrates they are a genuine Montessori school.

One local Montessori Day nursery, Peacock Montessori, is proud to be one of the accredited schools.

Nursery owner, Hannah Laurie writes of her experience, “The Montessori Accreditation process has been a most positive and rewarding journey for The Peacock Montessori Nursery. All

members of the nursery team worked together at focusing on areas to develop in the setting before the accreditation took place. We spent a great deal of time observing the children and reflecting on the environment and our practice.

The actual accreditation day was not at all scary (contrary to what we thought it would be!!), but was a very relaxed day, looking at the positive aspects of the nursery and discussing ideas about how we could further improve each area.

Since gaining the accreditation, we have continued to reflect on our practice and by doing so feel that we enhance each child’s nursery learning journey.”

Peacock Montessori Nursery Stuston, Diss, IP21 4AD Tel: 01379 740508.

Village Life – The Story Of Bridgham In Norfolk

By David O’Neale & Tony Dobbin.

‘To open this lovely book is to draw very close to the pulse of England.’

Kevin Crossley-Holland.

Once in a while a book comes along that manages to touch the heart and create a sense of something we cherish. Village Life – the story of Bridgham, a tiny village in the countryside of Breckland Norfolk, does exactly that. It is about the life and history of a community, which remained relatively unchanged for centuries and until only 60 or so years ago did not have an electricity nor running water in every home. It could well be the story of any number of similar villages that make rural Norfolk what it is. The characters, the events, the occasional scandal, of youngsters at play, the derring-do and the tragedies that came with two world wars.

It’s all here, helping to shape people’s lives and the way we live now.

Trevor Heaton, writing in the EDP, said: ‘This is a superb book; there’s no other way to describe it. This small village

REACH OVER 11,000 ATTLEBOROUGH & DISS HOMES AND BUSINESSES

near Thetford has put many a bigger community to shame with a portrait of its local area which effortlessly raises the bar for similar publishing ventures. With 378 pages and 900 photographs – yes, nine hundred photographs – many in colour, the book covers a huge amount of ground, and does so with flair and readability. For anyone with the most tenuous of family connections with the village, this volume is an absolute must. So hats off to little Bridgham, a place where community spirit is clearly alive and well. And here’s the proof’.

The book is supported by the National Lottery Fund through the Heritage Lottery Fund and published by local printers Post Print in the neighbouring village of Roudham. Its coverage of 1,000 years of village life through words and pictures adds up to a hugely entertaining and enjoyable read.

Village Life is now available at: Diss Book Shop, JC Books - Watton The Book Fountain - Wymondham Thetford Garden Centre, Thetford Tourist Information Centre, Elveden Estate Bookshop, F L Edge & Son - East Harling.

With over 500 copies of this limited edition already sold, those interested should waste no time in acquiring their own copy, price £25.

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO ADVERTISE HERE?

12 Dispatch March 2011

The book is also available direct from David O’Neale, Mill House, The Street, Bridgham, NR16 2RS. 01953 718266. For copies that have to be mailed, there is an additional £6 to cover UK postage and packing, and an additional £2 for each further copy.

Cheques to Bridgham Millennium Group.

An interview with...

Les Smith of 4Networking the centre of Norfolk & Suffolk, and could prove a great meeting point for members from all corners of the 2 counties.

Above: Les Smith of 4Networking.

1. What is 4Networking?

4 Networking is a national organisation, started by Brad Burton, to offer a different style of networking meeting to those of other organisations.

At most networking meetings there are a bunch of people focused on “selling” to the other members, which is often counterproductive.

Not being backwards in coming forwards, I spoke to the regional and area leaders, and asked them if they had plans to set up a group in the Diss area, and was told that it was something they were planning to do - as soon as I set it up – so a few weeks later we launched 4Networking in Diss.

3. How long has 4Networking been around in Diss and has it had a beneficial effect?

The 4Networking group in Diss launched on the 30th September 2010, and has been running every second Thursday since then.

We have a core membership of around 20, and always get visitors from other In business people typically buy from people groups coming along, so typically have an they know and trust, so 4Networking was attendance of between 18 and 25, I like to established to provide opportunities for local think that we have had a beneficial effect (and not so local) business people, to get for some local businesses, and we have together on a regular basis, and get to know seen quite a lot of business being done one another, and through that provide mutual between the members, as well as some support and help, ultimately leading to the new friendships being formed. generation of business.

4. Why do you think networking The 4Networking philosophy is “Meet – Like events are important to businesses?

– Know – Trust” which pretty much sums up Small business owners are especially likely how people form relationships in all aspects to be totally focused on their day to day of their lives. job, and often do not meet other business people outside of their immediate market.

The organisation currently has more than One of the big advantages of networking 37,000 members, and over 270 regular breakfast meetings, all supported by an is to get away from the day to day stuff for active online forum which provides the a couple of hours, and mingle with other opportunity to make contact with any business people to share experiences, and member, anywhere. discuss issues and opportunities that may help to improve the way you work, or lead 2. How did you get involved in running to more business being done within the it in the area? local business community.

As a small business owner myself, in a rather niche field, I attended quite a The other element of 4Networking is the few networking events, run by different 4sight slot, where one of the members organisations, all of which were OK in shares knowledge and experience with their own way, but none of them really the rest of the group, which can provide had the buzz, and the atmosphere of the new ideas for everyone – at the very 4Networking launch event I went to in least everyone learns something at every Norwich in the spring of 2010. meeting – which has to be good for personal development.

Unusually for me, I took an immediate decision to join 4Networking on the 5. How diverse are the businesses of spot. Having attended a number of the members? other 4Networking meetings around the As far as Diss is concerned we have area, which I was entitled to do with my members from a very wide range of membership, I kept thinking that Diss would business types, who all share one thing in be a great location to have a group, as it is in common, they are in business.

When considering 4Networking on a national basis I would say that just about every type of business anyone could think of is represented within the 4Networking community.

6. What can people expect from a meeting?

All 4 Networking meetings follow the same format, so everyone knows what to expect when they arrive, the standard timetable is a follows:People arrive between 07.45 and 08.15, although the meeting formally opens at 08.00.

08.00 – 08.30: Open networking – a chance to chat with other members and guests, and informally network around the room. All visitors are greeted by the group operations assistant, who will make sure that any new visitors are introduced to other members of the team, who will explain what 4Networking is all about, and make sure they are introduced to other members – we don’t allow anyone to stand around looking lost just because they don’t know anyone 08.30 – 09.00: Breakfast is served, and we have the 40 Seconds Round – everyone has 40 seconds to introduce themselves and say a few words about their business.

09.00 – 09.10: Quick break to allow the tables to be cleared.

09.10 – 09.30: 4Sight Slot – this is an insight (not a sales pitch) delivered by one of the members about their specialist field.

09.30 – 10.00: The Appointments Rounds - 3 one to one - individual meetings, each of 10 minutes, with other members 10.00: Meeting closes – although members can (and usually do) stay and continue networking 7. There is so much more to 4Networking than just the breakfasts, what else can 4Networking offers a business?

4Networking is an active business

community, promoting continual communication between members.

In addition to the breakfast meetings there is a really active online community, which offers help and advice on just about anything, simply by posting on the forums.

Anyone can take a look at 4Networking online – simply visit www.4networking.biz and see what it’s all about.

8. What has been the best thing about 4Networking for your own businesses?

So far I have made new friends, established some great new contacts, learnt about lots of other peoples businesses, found some new suppliers – and gained some direct business – but the best thing about 4Networking for me has been the opportunity to become part of a local, regional, national and now international, business community, offering support and advice (in both directions) which is something many small business people don’t have – running a small business can make people very isolated.

9. How do you think Dispatch Magazine is a good thing for Diss?

Dispatch, as a community magazine, operating from, and providing information about, what is happening in and around Diss, provides a valuable resource to the local business and private community, delivering relevant, local information, which is not typically reported in other media.

10. Lastly, is there anything else you would like to say to Dispatch readers?

I would like to pass a message to all business people in the Diss area – if you have not yet been to a 4Networking meeting, come along to one of our breakfasts and see what it is all about for yourself.

I promise you will be made welcome; the worst thing that can happen is you get a good breakfast and meet some interesting people.

Dispatch March 2011 13

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Welcome to

attleborough

3,000 Attleborough Townsfolk Demonstrate Localism In Action Over Plans For New Development Much has changed since Breckland District Council commissioned the Attleborough and Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan in 2009. The plan outlines the Council’s options for growth in Attleborough, to accommodate the 4,000 new homes demanded by the now defunct Regional Spatial Strategy.

Middleton, Chairman of Attleborough Community Team (ACT).

Now things are different and over 3,000 local people have signed a petition demanding a halt to any new development unless the current shortfalls in infrastructure and services in the town are addressed; in effect they want to take a second look at the plan.

‘The new Government has lifted the target for new homes’, explained Richard

ACT is an independent, apolitical group made up of people from across the community, including Town Councillors, that will try to represent the needs of the town and surrounding parishes by making sure that the expanded Attleborough provides a sustainable, integrated and cohesive community, supported by local jobs and appropriate leisure, health, educational, security, transport and other facilities. ACT currently has over 150 members.

‘If Attleborough has to grow,’ Mr Middleton added, ‘we have the opportunity to take a fresh look and make sure that

infrastructure, facility and employment growth keeps pace with residential development.’

Although the 4,000 houses were planned to be built over the next 15 years, concern has been growing that the investment needed to improve already congested roads, cramped doctor’s surgeries and schools, inadequate leisure facilities and insufficient business accommodation would not dealt with until things had got much worse.

Breckland Council have responded to the petition by consulting the Prince’s Trust for the Built Environment, a charity with a history of successfully working with communities, councils and developers to create economically, environmentally and socially sustainable development.

Local MP George Freeman has been working with both ACT and Breckland to explore the options.

‘This is a great example of a community empowered, in the spirit of the Localism Bill, to take a closer interest in what’s planned for their neighbourhood,’ he explained. ‘I’m hoping that together we can secure some Government funding to allow the Prince’s Foundation to take a fresh look at Attleborough, building on what’s already been done, but more importantly, harnessing the tremendous interest in the town this petition has created.’

ACT will be handed the petition in to Breckland Council on Wednesday 26th January as part of their response to the current town survey commissioned by the Council.

‘The process of collecting signatures has actually prompted the debate we all want to see,’ commented Mr Middleton, ‘It’s a clear sign that Attleborough people want to have a bigger say in what happens to their town.’

Town Elections 5th May 2011.

Attleborough Town Council is represented by 15 Councillors and Thursday 5th May will see the next scheduled Town and Parish elections. Councillors are elected for a four year term of office.

If you have ever thought that you might like to represent your local community on the Town Council, live locally and are 18 or over, why not put yourself forward for election?

What you need to be a councillor is • Time • To care for your community • A willingness to represent others • A desire to make a difference Nomination packs for prospective candidates will be available from both

14 Dispatch March 2011

Breckland Council and the Town Council from early March and the Town Clerk will help with any questions you may have.

Given the challenges facing the town it is important that citizens with energy, determination and a good cross section of skills and interests come forward and offer to serve their town.

Litter and Dog Bins The Town Council has a responsibility to provide both litter bins and bins for dog waste and we currently have a few new bins of each type which will shortly be used to replace existing damaged or missing bins. If you are aware of any location in town which has a sub-standard bin please let the Council know Tel 01953 456 194 or e-mail enquiries@attleboroughtc.org.uk

News from across your region

Breckland Youth Council Parliamentary Visit University tuition fees, leisure facilities and the teaching of politics in schools – these were just some of the topical issues affecting the lives of young people that members of Breckland’s Youth Council debated with government officials during a trip to London last week.

Above: From left to right: Jordan Bailey, Lisa Clayton, Elizabeth Truss, Diana Irving, Adrian Stasiak, Stuart Green, Alistair Wright, James Whitehead Local MPs, Elizabeth Truss and George Freeman had issued Breckland Youth Councillors an invitation to come to London and learn more about the day-today workings of our democratic system.

The Youth Council took up the invitation and, following a 6am start, a busy and useful day began when six Youth Councillors met with Elizabeth Truss in

the Parliamentary café at Westminster and learned more about her daily role.

was financed through the ‘Take Part Development Fund’.

This was followed by a tour of the Houses of Parliament, where the young people learned of its history and how our democratic system evolved. Next the Breckland Youth Councillors met with colleagues at the British Youth Council and were able to get advice and tips which will assist them in implementing the Breckland YESS (Young people Engaging to Stop Stereotypes) campaign - a project which will identify and help dispel age-related stereotypes.

The day rounded off with a visit to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) offices where the party met with government officers working in Youth Engagement who were very keen to hear opinions and views directly from the Youth Councillors.

Discussions centred on barriers in the development and engagement of young people, and topics covered included leisure facilities, the right to vote at 16, politics being taught in schools, planning policies and peer mentoring.

The councillors were accompanied

by Adrian Stasiak, Breckland Council Executive Member for Communities and Benefits, and Diana Irving, Breckland Council Youth Champion. The trip

Attleborough Town Twinning Association

Diana Irving, Breckland Council Youth Champion said: “Breckland Council would like to thank Elizabeth, who took time out from her busy work schedule to discuss her parliamentary timetable & day to day activities with our Members, which was followed by a tour round Parliament.

We had a very busy, informative and productive day but it was so worthwhile, as the Council had the opportunity to have discussions with DCLG officials about

policies which affect their peers. The DCLG were very keen to follow these ideas up and were grateful to our Youth Council members for taking the time to visit them.”

Adrian Stasiak, Breckland Council Executive Member for Communities and Benefits said: “The day gave our Youth Council members the opportunity to see how taking part in the democratic process and expressing their views can make a real difference. Their experiences today will help these young people develop as politicians, and they will pass on what they have learned to their colleagues on the Youth Council”.

Stuart Green, Chair of Breckland Youth Council said: “I feel that, at the DCLG, we had a really influential meeting and that the staff will take our views seriously and address them. Overall it was a really good day and very interesting for us all to gain a greater understanding of central government, whilst spreading the work that we are doing in Breckland”.

Members of Attleborough Twinning Association will be packing their cases in June before travelling to Nueil-Les-Aubiers, the Town’s twin community in France for another visit, when we hope to catch up with friends old and new.

As on our last visit, we intend to let the train take the strain and travel by Eurostar and TGV to Angers, where members of the Nueil Twinning Association shall meet us.

Nueil-les-Aubiers is a combined community, a little smaller than Attleborough but very similar in commerce and agriculture. It is in the Department of Deux-Sèvres, 80 miles east of La Rochelle and 50 miles south of Angers, bordering the Loire Valley.

If any readers are not familiar with the Association, here is a very brief potted history. Attleborough and Nueilles-Aubiers in France became twin communities following ceremonies in France and England in 1996 and 1997. The Attleborough Town Twinning Association was set up to promote international friendship between the twinned communities and to encourage and assist clubs, societies and families to meet their counterparts in France.

The Association consists of interested individuals and families and is run by a volunteer committee including a Town Council Representative. In addition, the

Mayor of Attleborough is always an ex-officio member of the committee.

Anyone living in the Attleborough area or involved in local activities is very welcome and if you are interested in joining the Association or coming with us to Nueil please get in touch with the Secretary on 01953 455995. We meet our own travel costs but there is nothing to pay for accommodation as we stay with French families, just as the French stay with host families when they come to Attleborough.

Local members have enjoyed days out in France with our hosts whereas our French guests are always delighted to spend an evening in an English pub. Home or away, the petanque match, always generates a good deal of national fervour on both sides.

Before we go to Nueil, on 16th April we are holding a Cheese and Wine Evening at St Mary’s Church Hall in Attleborough.

Tickets at £10.00 each are available from the Secretary and will, of course, include cheese and wine or a soft drink.

Come and meet us for an enjoyable evening!

Dispatch March 2011 15

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

ATTLEBOROUGH News

Grant Will Help Group Race Is Hotting Up Broaden Their Horizons For Glass To Meltdown!

An East Harling group that gives support and friendship to people with a disability can now offer its members a greater range of activities, thanks to a £500 grant awarded from Breckland Council’s Access Arts fund.

Set up in July 2007 the East Harling Social Support Group, which has 25 members ranging from 50 – 86 years, aims to combat the social isolation that for people with a disabilities in rural areas.

Ann Partridge, the Group’s Treasurer explained, “The grant will go towards a project to introduce more arts activities. It will help cover the cost of materials and pay for local artists to come along and give the group some demonstrations to get us going. We are hoping to broaden our horizons and discover skills we didn’t know we had!”

Local amateur artist David East, who paints in acrylic and watercolour will be giving the Group a demonstration in April, and potter David Sturgess will be sharing his skills with the Group later in the year.

Adrian Stasiak, Breckland Council Executive Member for Communities and Benefits

16 Dispatch March 2011

said: “Groups like this deserve our support as they provide a lifeline for residents who have difficulty getting out and about, giving them an opportunity to take up new interests and make new friends. I am sure that this grant will help the Groups’ members discover some hidden talents!”

The Group is open to anyone who would benefit from an atmosphere of friendship and support due to disability, bereavement, isolation or any other reason. Activities include movement to music, Qigong and numerous speakers.

To find out more about the East Harling Social Support Group, call Ann Partridge on 07770 951267; email, harlingssg2007@aol.com.

To find out how to apply for an Access Arts Grant, contact Breckland Council Arts Officer Sam Dawson on 01362 656870.

The race is hotting up for a £300 cash prize to reward parishes in Breckland for the best efforts for glass recycling.

Breckland Council has challenged communities throughout the district to increase their efforts and win a £300 cash bonus for recycling the most glass.

Throughout the Breckland district 26 villages have signed up to challenge.

Based on tonnage figures from November and December, the village of Great Cressingham is the current leader in the race for the top spot followed by Croxton with Oxborough closely behind.

Between June and the end of December 2010, Great Cressingham residents have recycled approximately 63.3 kg of glass per household, Croxton residents have recycled 54.1 kg of glass whilst Oxborough residents have recycled 52.64 kg.

this category currently are Wretham, Blo Norton, Beachamwell and Colkirk.

Annual recycling incentives for parishes are already in place in the district through the Recycling Credit Scheme but this competition will give an additional reward to the village that has recycled the most glass per household between June 21st 2010 and 31st March 2011.

There are 115 glass recycling banks throughout the Breckland district, and residents can locate their nearest glass recycling bank by visiting www.recyclenow.com.

A copy of the glass recycling league table can be downloaded from the Breckland Council website www.breckland.gov.uk.

A £100 prize, donated by Waste Recycling Group, is also up for grabs. This prize will be offered to the parish who has demonstrated For further information, Tom Sparkes, the greatest improvement in glass recycling Breckland Council Environmental during the competition. Front runners in Awareness Advisor on 01362 656870.

News from across your region

Millbank Estate Agents Anglia Funeral Services Due to the success in our East Harling Office in 2010 and an even greater start to 2011 we have now extended our office opening times to 9.00am – 5.30pm, five days a week Monday – Friday.

We are looking to expand into some of the further villages towards Thetford and Diss. We are very excited about the year ahead and hope the success continues.

If you are looking to buy or sell within the area please give either Dee or Hayley a call and we will be happy to help.

Telephone us - 01953 718372 or Email us – harling@millbanks.com

Kerry Butcher Accountancy Services It’s March, time of spring, daffodils and hopefully sunny days oh yes and letters from the tax office.

I am sure that if you needed to, you were one of the organised people that got your self assessment tax return in before the 31 January 2011 but what if you weren’t?

If you have tax to pay you need to complete a tax return as soon as possible to avoid any further interest, surcharges and fines. If you don’t know whether you need to pay tax there is even more reason to get any tax returns in.

Peter Taylor Funeral Service official opening and chapel dedication.

Peter Taylor Funeral Service official opening and chapel dedication Regional manager, David McCarthy will welcome the NAFD president, Philip Batchley, councillor Tony Adams and guests to the official opening of Peter Taylor Funeral Service, Boundary Road, on Tuesday March 8th.

Reverend Paul Griffiths will lead the service of dedication and the chapel of rest is to be named as The Hampden Chapel.

Wreath Laying Ceremony & Release Of Doves In addition to the service of dedication, there will also be a wreath laying ceremony to honour Flt Lt W L Cameron RCAF and Sgt J E Sheridan RAAF. They were the crew of a Hampden Bomber which crashed, at Overbury Road on May 31st 1942, as it was trying to make a landing at Horsham St Faith. The pilot, Flt Lt W L Cameron, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, was serving with the Allied Forces, and his navigator, Sgt J E Sheridan of the Royal Australian Air Force had been on a bombing operation to Cologne. They were one of two Hampdens lost on this operation.

When Peter Taylor Funeral Service took over the premises at Boundary Road, a plaque commemorating the airmen was discovered in a poor state, so they arranged for the plaque to be refurbished and it is now proudly displayed on the wall again. A representative from RAFA will lay the wreaths for the two airmen, followed by a prayer, minute of silence, a blessing from the Reverend Paul Griffiths.

Then doves will be released for Flt Lt W L Cameron and Sgt J E Sheridan.

Ian Barnett, Funeral Director and manager, said “We are very proud of our new premises which have been designed giving a homely feel to bring comfort to the bereaved. Peter Taylor Funeral Service are pleased to be able to provide a caring service from this new funeral home in Boundary Road, which has spacious facilities and its own reserved parking for clients.”

For more information, please contact: Trisha Malone or Margaret Proudfoot at: Peter Taylor Funeral Service, 40 Boundary Road, Norwich Tel: 01603 409 000.

Give us a ring on 01953 457173 because we can help. Remember we don’t just deal with self assessment tax returns, we can also help with any queries relating to tax codings, PAYE, tax credits and much more.

So enjoy the warmer sunny days without worrying about your accountancy and tax affairs, call us instead either phone or contact Kerry by email, Kerry@kerrybutcher.co.uk.

Dispatch March 2011 17

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

ATTLEBOROUGH News

Your Local History Attleborough Town Archives now in its eleventh year was officially opened in January 2001 by the then Mayor, Cllr Mike Harper.

Attleborough Town Archives are funded by the Attleborough Town Council for the people of the town and not involved with any other historical group.

The Archives are the records of Attleborough past and present through minutes, photographs, letters, maps and the like.

There are 1896 Annual Assembly minutes, 1904 Parish Council minutes, indenture (on parchment) dated 1784, sales notices and crossed letters of the 1800’s, war details of the soldiers whose names are on the war memorial for the 1914 – 1918 war, shopping lists from the 1940 – 50’s, details from the headstones of the Methodist Cemetery, Thieves Lane and much, much more past and present.

The collating, cross-referencing and care of the collection is the responsibility of the Honorary Archivist Cllr Barbara A. Waters, who also gives illustrated talks to school groups or societies on request.

Cllr Watters enthused, “It is wonderful that an old market town like Attleborough has such a colourful history in its buildings and people which can be traced and will be preserved through the Archive for future generations. The Archive is continually expanding and is looking for larger premises.”

The Attleborough Town Archives are open to the public on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month 9am – 12 noon and also by appointment.

Please contact 01953 456549 (answer phone) or email archive@attleboroughtc.org.uk if you have a query or material to donate.

Attleborough Probus Club The first meeting of the month was attended by 35 members to hear a talk on the life and death of Nurse Edith Cavell, our Chairman Ian Elson opened the meeting by introducing our speaker Barbara Miller.

Edith Cavell was born 1865 in Norfolk at Cavell House, Swardeston, she had two sisters and one brother, initially taught at home and at Norwich High School for a short time and finished her education at Peterborough, her father Frederick Cavell was a priest for 45 years, it was a strict but very happy family. At the age of 18 she became a governess to the Gurney family before taking up a similar position in Belgium.

Her early nursing days were very hard and dedicated it was a punishing routine working in various London Hospitals in charge of a typhoid ward, in St Pancras infirmary and later Shoreditch infirmary looking after the poor and infirm in anything but ideal conditions; in 1896 she graduated at Whitechapel teaching hospital.

At the time in Belgium a Catholic country, all the nursing was done by Nuns, she started up a modern hospital but had difficulty in recruiting staff which eventually came from England and Germany; in 1907 she became Matron at a newly established nursing school in Belgium.

At the outbreak of war in 1914 she was on holiday in Norfolk but went straight back to a Brussels hospital to receive both German and British wounded, she began sheltering British soldiers and began funnelling them out to neutral Holland, the Germans

became suspicious and backed by her own admissions she was arrested on 3rd August 1915 Charged, and held in prison for ten weeks and a further two in solitary confinement, court martialed, at her trial she was sentenced to death, various pleas were made by the British, American and even the German civil governor to pardon her but all in vain, on the morning of her execution she was given holy communion

by Anglican Chaplin rev Stirling Garhan, her last words were “Patronism is not enough I have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone, I am glad to die for my country.”

At 6am on 12th October 1915 she was executed by firing squad. By all reports even the Kaiser was furious about her execution.

After the war her body was exhumed and brought back to England on a Naval Destroyer, the streets were lined with people on her way to a service in Westminster Abbey after which her body was transported to Norwich Cathedral where she was buried after another service.

The meeting was closed with a vote of thanks to our speaker by our Chairman for a very interesting and informative talk.

The Probus club meet twice a month at the Connaught Bowls Club, Station Road, Attleborough.

Treasures Senior Citizen’s Easter Luncheon.

Treasure’s is a project recently launched to provide befriending & practical support for older people within our local community.

As our launch event, we have the pleasure of inviting you to our: Easter Luncheon Date: Saturday 9th April 2011 Time: 12-2pm Where: Connaught Hall The luncheon will include a three-course meal, live music and a quiz.

Senior citizens within Attleborough and the surrounding villages are invited.

18 Dispatch March 2011

For further details or to make a booking, please call 01953 451499.

For those who are less mobile, we will endeavor to arrange transport on a first come first served basis.

In order to accommodate the needs of our guests, and to allow enough time to send out booking confirmations and your free entry ticket, the booking line will close on Friday 18th March.

News from across your region

Attleborough Courses Coming ABC Boxing Show Up In March At BCTS Saturday 5th March.

Tickets for Attleborough Amateur Boxing Club’s second home Boxing show of the season have now gone on general sale.

This show has also been earmarked to stage the Eastern Counties Senior ABA Semi – Finals.

Since the last Home show in December the club’s carded boxers have been busy with Ethan Thurling, Emma Dolan, Nathan Issett, Jack Crostwaite and Rhys Downes all having had competitive Bouts.

Attleborough’s Ben Dalton, who was last December’s show “Boxer of the Night”,

is also penned onto the card for about together with many of the carded home boxers It is anticipated that the Attleborough Connaught Hall will be filled to capacity for the show and doors open @ 7.00 pm with the show commencing @ 8.00 pm.

Admission is by ticket and these can be purchased for £12.00 at Kissinger Estate Agents in Attleborough or by telephoning the Attleborough ABC gym on 01953 457329.

Attleborough W.I. The speaker for January was Mr. David Johnson from the British Heart Foundation.

The British Heart Foundation was founded in 1961 by a group of medical professionals principally to raise funds for research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory disease. Over the years, they have become more involved in public education and rehabilitation. With the help of the BHF heart surgery is now much more commonplace and many of today’s drugs and treatments are due to the work of the BHF. It is now into its 50th year and is the nation’s leading heart charity and fourth largest fundraiser. The BHF is organised into five regions including the Eastern Region where there are 1,200 employees and 14,000 volunteers (but they always

need more). The aims of the BHF include halving the number of people under 75 who die from cardiovascular disease, making sure that at least two thirds of people under 75 survive a heart attack, reducing heart-related deaths in all UK local authorities and stopping the increase in childhood obesity. We are all very fortunate to have an organisation such as they BHF and many of us have, or will in the future, benefit from their great work.

Broadland Council Training Services (BCTS) offer a wide range of courses for all ages and abilities.

Employing For The First Time This workshop is designed for first time employers guiding you through employment law legislation and best practice in people management.

Date: Thursday 3rd March (9:30am

– 4:00pm approximately) Cost: £80.00 (subsidised rates may

be available) Train The Trainer This workshop is for supervisors and managers who are new or experienced trainers. With businesses needing to change, the development of individuals within the company has to be a priority.

This course assists you to develop the techniques to deal with all your staff, who have different learning styles, and make training fun and diverse.

Date: Friday 4th March (9:30am

– 4:00pm approximately) Cost: £80.00 (subsidised rates may

be available)

How To Get Your Message Across To Win New Business A very practical and interactive course, which will enable you to define the essence of your business, and how to communicate that message to your customer effectively by phone, face to face and on paper.

Date: Monday 7th March (9:30am

– 4:00pm approximately) Cost: £80.00 (subsidised rates may

be available) Getting to Know Your Digital SLR Camera This course will help de-mystify the functions of Digital SLR cameras and help you on the way to taking great pictures.

Dates: Tuesday 8th & Thursday

10th March (9:30am – 4:00pm

approximately each day) Cost: £160.00 (subsidised rates may

be available) All of the courses are held at the Broadland District Council offices in Thorpe St Andrew Norwich, where free parking is available.

See advert below for contact details.

The winner of this month’s competition, a Valentine Memento, was 1) Anne Tinker & 2) Margaret Smith.

Next month’s speaker is Gloria Daines on the subject ‘My 30’s and 40’s Childhood’ and the competition is My Childhood Memory.

Dispatch March 2011 19

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

ATTLEBOROUGH News

Warning To All Our Customers!

We have been alerted by several customers that there is a new scam out there.

Many people are getting a phone call, completely out of the blue; stating they know you are experiencing computer difficulties and for a set fee they will take over your machine remotely and fix it. These people have no idea about the state of your computer; they are cold calling in the hope that you have a problem and will be lulled into their plot. Once they have taken control of your computer, they put on a good show to make you think they have done as they stated and then take your money, anything from £30 - £90. That’s not where the problem ends however; they leave it for a couple of months and then sell your card details on the black market, in some cases software has been left on the PC to monitor activity. If you have participated in anything similar to this please get in touch ASAP.

or Laptop to suit everybody. Whether it’s a basic reconditioned unit to go on the internet and write letters for £149 or a full HD 17” Laptop with the new I3 processors for £449, we have something for everyone.

Each shop is stocked with a large range of both original and compatible inks and keeps all varieties of hardware, accessories and peripherals.

Anglia Computer Solutions Ltd has three branches. Due to its continued success the Downham Market branch has just expanded to offer more products and better services.

The company’s main focus is on sales and repairs. All shops are stocked up with a PC

Is Your Computer Slow? Don’t just throw it away and replace it, talk to us.

Sometimes a replacement is needed but others a simple clean up and upgrade could have you running again. Get a quote from us today!

New Stock! We are expecting 100 reconditioned laptops to be delivered within the week. Be sure to pop in or phone/email us with your needs Can’t Get To Us? We Will Come To You! Some problems such as broadband and email need to be done onsite and not in shop.

Donation Boosts CD Library At Rosedale

By Andy Free, Rosedale Funeral Home. don’t own the CD, staff at Rosedale will go out and buy it and add it to their collection.” says Funeral Director Andy Free.

“We happened to mention this to a family we were looking after and a few days later they came in and offered us the deceased’s entire CD collection with music from a variety of genres. We now have a significant library, which of course we will continue to add to.”

Above: Andy Free, Rosedale Funeral Home Finding the CD with the right track to be played at a funeral has just got much easier for staff at Rosedale Funeral Home in Attleborough, thanks to a generous donation of an entire CD collection.

“It is very common now for bereaved families to opt for some recorded music to be played at funerals and if a family want a particular song played and they

It is well known nationally that Frank Sinatra’s My Way is the most popular song played at funeral services, but Norfolk appears to be bucking the trend.

While Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah has had a new lease of life after its recent success on the X Factor, more traditional hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Abide with me, The Day Thou Gavest and All Things Bright and Beautiful are still the most popular pieces of music chosen by people, often alongside classical or pop music as the coffin arrives and departs..

Princess Diana’s funeral service played a pivotal role in demonstrating that a funeral should be a unique ceremony which reflects and honours the life of the deceased. Everyone is different and so it follows that each funeral service should be unique and special.

For more information or to donate unwanted CD’s call into Rosedale Funeral Home in Attleborough, Diss, or Wymondham or go to our website www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

20 Dispatch March 2011

News from across your region

Digital Switchover

“A Lot Of Old Squit”

Television signals can be received via an aerial, satellite, cable or broadband connection. Switchover affects any TV that receives its signal from an aerial.

The Attleborough Rotary club is organising what is likely to be a hilarious event at the Connaught Hall on April 9th 2011.

If you use an aerial, it will receive its signal from a transmitter. In the UK, there are more than 1,150 transmitters organised into around 80 transmitter groups that switch to digital one by one. Each group has a main switchover transmitter and local relay transmitters.

Before switchover, local relay transmitters are only able to transmit an analogue TV signal. After switchover, for the first time, all transmitters including local relay transmitters will transmit a digital signal and increase the number of channels available from around 5 to around 15.

Why is it important that I understand which transmitter I am watching?

Your switchover date and the number of channels you receive will depend on which transmitter you receive your signal from. Signals from nearby transmitters often overlap, so you may have a choice of which one you can watch. One may give you a better signal than another, or increase the number of services you can receive.

The evening will be a potent mix of squit, wit and song from Norfolk’s most outstanding cultural ambassadors – writer and broadcaster Keith Skipper, comedian Pat Nearney and singer Danny Platton, who call themselves this “three parts light”.

If you are watching a main transmitter you will receive more than 40 digital channels. If you are watching a relay transmitter you will receive around 15 digital TV channels.

When do we Switch?

Being in the Tacolneston Transmitter group our switchover will take place on November 9th 2011.

If you haven’t already gone digital you will need to first consider how many TVs you have and how many you want to continue watching after switchover.

You will not be able to watch television on any you choose not to convert after switchover.

If you like to record, you should consider converting your TV with a digital TV recorder (known as a DTR), that will allow you to record one channel while you watch another as well as pause live TV. Almost any TV can be converted with a digital box, even a black and white one

Above: Danny Platton, Keith Skipper and Pat Nearney They have engaged Keith Skipper and his friends to provide an evening of Norfolk dialect and fun. Keith is founder and chairman of the Norfolk Dialect Society and is well known throughout the county for his efforts to ensure that our county dialect does not disappear.

so there is no need to buy a new TV unless you want to.

Most digital boxes connect to a TV using a SCART cable. If you do not have a SCART socket on the back of your TV you will need to ask for a digital box with a built in RF modulator.

Always remember if you do decide to get a

The evening will start at 7.30pm with a break at 8.30pm. Resuming at 9pm and going on till about 10 o’clock.

Tickets will be £10 each from Peter Beales Roses, The Norfolk Kitchen, The White Lodge and the Town Hall.

All profits will go to Rotary local charities.

new TV, make sure it carries the ‘digital tick’.

The ‘digital tick’ means that it is designed to continue working after the switchover.

At A W Myhills we will carry out a free of charge home survey of your current equipment within a 3 mile radius of Attleborough Town Centre, call us on 01953 453107 or pop in to the shop to arrange a visit.

Dispatch March 2011 21

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

ATTLEBOROUGH News

Macmillan Macmillan Easter Music Coffee Spring Fair Of Consummate Beauty And Solace Morning Where: Attleborough Town Hall When: 2nd April 2011 – 10am

Easter is late this year...

Where: St Mary’s Church Hall, Attleborough When: 5th March 2011 Stalls to include, Crafts, Cakes, Books, Raffle and much more.

Easter eggs, cakes, crafts, teddies, books, raffle, tombola and much more!

Come along and help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Come along and help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

More And More People Are Taking The Plunge And Setting Up Shop With rising public sector job cuts, local small business tax and accountancy expert Graham Cormack from Attleborough has seen a rise in new start up business enquiries.

Murmurs of redundancies and a lack of job security have given people the opportunity to revisit past entrepreneurial possibilities. With no perfect time to establish a new business; it all depends on the service you’re offering or the product you’re planning to sell. The push of an uncertain future is allowing people to dream.

Graham who runs TaxAssist Accountants in Attleborough has provided some hints and tips on how to start the process: “Research* has shown that throughout last year there was a 19% increase in start up businesses across the UK. If you are thinking of adding to these positive statistics I would suggest first deciding whether you want to become a sole trader or limited company. You should seek

22 Dispatch March 2011

advice on National Insurance requirements and exemptions and how to deal with HM Revenue and Customs.”

Graham continued: “Tax breaks are available depending on the size of your business premises, equipment purchases and research and development spend and if your business has any “green” credentials. The Government funded Solutions for Business could be a good place to access funding. We can point you in the right direction on all those issues as part of our free consultation process for small businesses.”

TaxAssist Accountants Attleborough is a local business, based in Attleborough providing tax and accountancy advice and services purely to small businesses.

Above: Wymondham Choral Society .

But Wymondham Choral Society have still managed to offer one of the most beautiful and moving of all Easter cantatas within a few days of its correct place in the church calendar: on Saturday 2nd April, and with the help of professional soloists from London together with the Amadeus Orchestra, also from London, they will be performing Dvorak’s “Stabat Mater” in St. Peter Mancroft Church in Norwich, at 7.30 pm.

The solo singers will be Nicola Wydenbach (Soprano), Melanie Lodge (Alto), Alistair Digges (Tenor) and Peter Willcock (Bass-Baritone), with Musical

Above: Nicola Wydenbach (L) and Melanie Lodge (R).

Director Claire Dixon as conductor. The event will help raise funds for the Big C charity. Tickets priced at £15 (under-16s £5) will be available at the door on the night, or in advance from Reeves in Wymondham (tel. 01953 602297), or from Prelude Records (01603 628319) and St George’s Music Shop (01603 626414) in Norwich.

Further information can be obtained from the choir’s website www.wymondhamchoralsociety.org.uk or from their Secretary on 01953 607242.

In Uncertain Days A message from Malcolm Ryan, Pastor of Attleborough Baptist Church.

In these uncertain days, people who have enjoyed years of employment suddenly find they are out of work, and there is the concern about how they will look after their families. And in the midst of it all, it’s easy to lose our sense of direction.

Yet whatever our situation, it’s important to know that God has a plan for each of our lives. “For I know the plans I have

for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s also important to understand that God’s will is intended to give us clarity of purpose and power to lead a life that will honour him and bring blessing to us.

For a better understanding of the God who made you and loves you, join us at Attleborough Baptist Church any Sunday at 10.30am. 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.

An interview with...

Barry obey of orchard garage 4. How does Orchard Garage differ to other garages around the area?

At Orchard Garage we are not all about getting money in and ripping people off, we care about our customer’s satisfaction and will offer our best service at the best possible price. We want our customers to return and recommend us to their families and friends.

Above: (L to R): Colin, Jamie and Barry.

1. So, have you always lived around Norfolk?

Yes, all my life, I grew up in Hethersett and then, after retiring from the fire brigade, I moved to Attleborough.

We have good relationships with other local garages; we often help each other out which is what you need in a small community to prevent everyone from being in competition with each other.

2. You have owned Orchard Garage at Station Road for 3 years now.

What made you decide to work for yourself?

The premises have always been a garage, it has been established for 14 years as Orchard Garage. I thought it was in a prime position and therefore saw a lot of potential in it.

5. Your business has progressively grown over the years, is there more you want to offer your customers in the future?

We are now offering a courtesy car by prior arrangement and also a pick up and delivery service. We do offer a recovery service and are looking to make that a 24hours service.

3. How did you come to be a mechanic?

When I was at school I worked on the Petrol Pumps and cleaned the workshop at a local garage. As a teenager I did an apprenticeship in mechanics at Duff Morgan of Norwich. Having always had an interest in the Fire Service and helping out at my local fire station as a child, after completing my apprenticeship I went on to become a mechanic for the Fire Service. I then retired from the Fire Service but wanted to continue as a mechanic so we took the step and bought Orchard Garage.

We would like to develop more into the Diagnostics, electronics side of the service. We do provide this at the moment but there is so much we would like to offer. We also provide track and rally preparation to cars - Roll cages and adaptations.

7. If the Dispatch Magazine could grant one wish what would it be?

Well instinct would make me ask for the winning lottery numbers. Otherwise I would say petrol prices to come down!

There is such a snow ball effect on everything for everyone with the soaring price of fuel. It would make life just that little easier, which no one would complain about.

8. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

Yes. Thank you to all our regular

customers, whilst welcoming the opportunity to help new customers.

People can ring for a no obligation quote.

We try to recommend we aren’t pushy with our opinion, we want our customers to feel happy with what we are going to do for them.

We are fully equipped to do brand new cars without invalidating warranties as we use genuine manufactured parts.

We keep try to keep in stock a selection of Wiper Blades, Bulbs and Car Batteries.

6. What do you do in your spare time?

At the weekends, when we are off! We love to head off in our motorhome just get away from it all. I race cars too. I am into Classic Touring Cars. This year I am racing Westfields and I enjoy Track days when I get the chance.

Dispatch March 2011 23

ATTLEBOROUGH News www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Zumba Zumba Zumba - Lets Party!

Top fitness instructors Louise Freezer and Penny Crook bring the Zumba Fitness PartyTM to town!

Lou Freezer, who previously worked exclusively at Breckland Leisure Centre, has branched out on her own and is running Zumba classes in various venues. Due to her popularity whilst at the Leisure Centre many of her clients have followed her, therefore she is planning to expand her timetable further.

Above: Penny Crook (L) and Louise Freezer (R).

Having taken the area by storm with the introduction of Zumba since early January, Lou and Penny are now offering additional classes to accommodate the staggering interest Zumba has generated.

Penny and Lou have been friends and colleagues for many years and have worked collaboratively designing creative and effective fitness classes to accommodate people of all levels of ability. Their vast clientele benefit from classes ranging from high energy aerobics, step aerobics and circuit training to core strength training Pilates classes.

24 Dispatch March 2011

Penny Crook has been teaching fitness classes since she left college. Having seen the industry develop and evolve over the years she has continued to embrace the changes and is very excited about the buzz Zumba is generating, also rapidly adding new classes to her timetable.

Together Lou and Penny hope to organise various Zumba fitness events around the region.

For a class near you please see advertisement or contact: Lou: Phone or text 07866 534087 / email: zumba-loulou@hotmail.co.uk or find me on Facebook: Zumba Lou Lou

Penny: 01842 815074 / email: zumba-penny@hotmail.co.uk Class Costs: Zumba: casual £5.00 / block payment £4.00 per class in advance.

Step Aerobics: casual £6.00 / block payment £4.00 per class in advance.

Pilates: casual £7.00 / block payment £5.00 per class in advance.

EXTRA SAVING WITH LOYALTY SCHEME

News from across your region

Attleborough Heritage Group Record Growth For Town Heritage Group.

The Passion

According To Mark By Charles Wood Sung by the choir of St Marys Attleborough with guests.

Soloists :-

Above: Sparrow & Son. Attleborough Heritage Group held its AGM on Tuesday 25th January 2011 at Attleborough Fire Station. The meeting was very well attended. So much so that seating was at a premium. The formal business, during which officers and committee members were elected, was followed by a general discussion led by the President, Alan Sparrow. Members also had the opportunity to learn about the progress made in the various projects undertaken during 2010 and plans for the 2011 programme of meetings, illustrated talks and guided walks The Group’s 2011 Spring Event will be a Shopping Trip in Attleborough over the past 120 years. On this occasion shopping will be very easy, all under one roof. Bring your “shopping bags” to St Mary’s Church Hall at 7.00 for 7.30 pm on Saturday 26th March 2011 and enjoy an illustrated talk by the Heritage Group. If you have any

memories, pictures or articles relating to Attleborough’s shops the Group would be delighted if you would share these with us.

Tickets are available from the Centre and cost £4.00 for members and £5.00 for guests. During the Summer the Group will continue its mammoth task of recording all the cemeteries and memorials in the Town as well as its programme of conducted Town walks.

The Autumn Event this year will be “Attleborough School Days”, a celebration of the buildings, teachers and generations of pupils who went to school in the Town.

This is planned for 22nd October 2011 and anyone who attended any of the schools in Attleborough will be most welcome to come along to The Connaught Hall.

Further details will be available nearer to the event.

The Chairman, Cliff Amos, reviewed the achievements of the Group and said “2010 marked a coming of age for the Heritage Group with membership climbing to almost 120 and more than 600 visitors through the Centre at Soma House.”

Bass – Peter Niven Tenor – Nicholas Jackson Conductor – David Barnard Organist – Jonathan Cohen

At St Marys Church, Attleborough on Saturday 9th April at 7.30pm.

Tickets at £5 to be obtained in advance from The Parish Office (01953 454977) or on the door.

Attleborough Civil Service Retirement Fellowship The Attleborough Group of the CSRF 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.

At the next meeting, on 17th March, the daughter of one of our members will tell us about her travels during her recent spell of voluntary service overseas.

Membership of the Group is open to all Civil Service, Post Office and BT pensioners and their partners and invited friends.

New members are always very welcome at any meeting, or full details of membership and arrangements made for the rest of the year can be obtained from the Secretary, Mrs. D. Parker, telephone number 01953 456958.

‘Preserving yesterday’s and today’s memories for tomorrow’

Girlguiding Girlguiding Wayland welcomes Friends, Family and Visitors to the Girlguiding Wayland Royal Wedding Craft Show.

Every year in February, Girlguiding celebrates Thinking Day. Thinking Day, 22nd February, is the birthday of our founder, Lord & Lady Baden-Powell and is when we celebrate Girlguiding all over the world.

Often we meet together to share crafts, games and songs on an international theme. This year was no different as approximately 120 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from Girlguiding Wayland joined together with games and crafts from countries across the world – Scotland, France, Australia, Mexico and Africa. The evening ended with a selection of songs led by each unit before a renewal of promise to end the evening.

This year the show will be Saturday 26th March and the theme has been changed (for one year only!) to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

All the entries will be judged and certificates awarded for the best in each age group. The show will be open to the public from 1.30 – 3pm at Connaught Hall, Attleborough.

In addition to viewing the entries, there will be the popular Easter Egg raffle, tombola, games and refreshments.

Entry is free. All proceeds to Wayland District Girlguiding.

Looking forward, the district holds a craft show each year with all members invited to enter one or more items into the show.

Dispatch March 2011 25

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Focus ON

Harleston & EYE

Jobs Club

Jobs Club Every Wednesday in between 10am – 12pm, everyone welcome. and of course job searches, which has lead to 2 members securing employment.

Above: (L-R) Lucy Hurdley, Norman Hart and Susan Tilson Above: Jobs Club organisers receiving their finalist award for Community Impact in the Creating Futures Awards back in October 2010.

In the last few weeks we have seen 9 new members attend the Jobs Club coffee morning where we have been able to assist them with CV writing, careers and business start-up advice

We have also helped 3 of our existing members find employment and another 2 move into voluntary work to learn new skills. We have also recently held mock interviews which was of great benefit to our participating members, they received detailed feedback which can be used to prepare for a real interview.

Please come along to the Jobs Club and see how we can help you.

The coffee morning is friendly and informal and you can drop in anytime between 10am-12pm every Wednesday.

We are holding a Jobs Fair especially for people who would like to find out about a career in care. The Jobs Fair is being held at The Swan Hotel on Friday 25th March.

John Newstead, Chief Executive of Crossroads Care is our guest speaker at 10am giving information about the important and rewarding role of a carer and the impact you can have on individuals.

From 10.30am you will be able to openly chat with various care industry experts along with private care providers such as Hales Healthcare, Bigod Care Agency, Mears Group and All Hallows Home Care, all of whom are currently recruiting.

26 Dispatch March 2011

Harleston Information Plus A voluntary run organisation in Harleston, Harleston Information Plus, is celebrating an £89,000 BIG lottery Reaching Communities award.

The funding has been awarded to allow the organisation to build on the services they offer. Harleston information Plus services are provided and managed by volunteers with the support of part time paid staff.

The lottery award will ensure that the Information centre, Jobs Club and Carers support services can continue for the next three years. It will also provide additional support and training for volunteers and allow the organisation to employ a part time worker to organise information events in the town.

Julie Helsby Community Support Manager

Date For Your Diary Friday 25th March: 10am-1pm – Jobs Fair for Carers at The Swan Hotel, Harleston. Please see earlier for more details.

If you would like more information about the Jobs Club and the free services we offer then please contact Lucy at the Information Centre.

Tel: 01379 851920 or email jobsclub@harleston-norfolk.org.uk

explains, “Harleston Information Plus realises that local people do not have the easy access to information and support that residents in Norwich, Ipswich and other large towns have, so we aim to bridge the gap. When times are difficult, such as when you are unemployed or a family member is ill, it is important to have friendly local support, we aim to meet this need with our information centre, carers support, jobs club and local information events.”

Harleston Information Plus is holding a Jobs Fair focussing on the Caring Professions on 25th March, Young Carers Group on 10th March, more information about these events can be obtained by calling 01379 851920 or by calling in at the information centre, 8 Exchange St Harleston.

The information centre, in Exchange Street, is open: Monday to Friday 9.30 - 3.30 Monday to Friday, Thursdays half day closing 9.30-12.30, Saturdays 10-1.

If you cannot get to the centre they can be contacted by telephone (01379 851917) or email HIP@harleston-norfolk.org.uk

Text Competition

Welcome To Our Competition Page!

- Fun For All The Family! -

Enter March’s TEXT Competition To Win...

AN ACER ASPIRE ONE D255 NETBOOK Are you looking to stay in touch with friends and family while you’re on the go? Then the Acer Aspire One D255 netbook will suit you.

RRP

£230!

The Acer Aspire One D255 netbook comes equipped with the energy efficient Intel® Atom™ Processor N450 and has the Microsoft Genuine Windows® 7 Starter operating system pre-installed, along with the fast-booting Google Android 2.1 OS. A generous 250GB hard drive provides ample on-the-move storage space for your multimedia files and documents, whilst the 1GB of installed RAM provides enough impetus to run everyday applications smoothly and efficiently.

Offered here in a stylish black enclosure, the Acer Aspire One D255 netbook is built around a bright 10.1” LCD screen, with LED backlighting and power-tuned processing contributing towards an impressive 8 hour battery life with the supplied 6-cell battery. A large 93% full-size keyboard ensures that extended typing sessions are comfortably achievable.

A range of connectivity options in the Acer Aspire One D255 make it a highly versatile machine, too.

Included in the inputs and outputs are integrated Wi-Fi technology, three USB 2.0 ports, a multi-in-1 media card reader, an Ethernet port for reliable wired networking and internet, microphone and headphone ports, and a VGA connector for hooking up to an external monitor.

There’s also a 1.3-megapixel webcam and integrated microphone for easy face-to-face chat with connected friends and family across the world! All of these features are packed into a lightweight, 1.25kg netbook computer that measures just 24mm Which Netbook model can be won in this months in thickness.

Answer The Following Question: Text Competition?

Here Are Some Of The Specs!

B255, C255, D255 Processor Intel® Atom™ Processor N450

1.66 GHz, 512 KB L2 Cache Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Starter, Android 2.1 RAM 1 GB DDR2 installed RAM Screen Type Widescreen LCD Screen Resolution WSVGA, 1024 x 600 Screen Size 10.1” Screen Features CineCrystal technology, LED backlighting Hard Drive 250 GB Memory Card Reader Multi-in-1 USB 3 x USB 2.0 Modem/Ethernet Ethernet RJ-45 port (Fast Ethernet) Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n WLAN TV Output 1 x V GA (analogue video output) Sound High-definition audio support, 2 x built-in stereo speakers The closing date is March 31st 2011.

Webcam Acer Crystal Eye webcam with 1280 x 1024 resolution Messages charged at your normal operator rate for sending plus £1.00 per entry Battery Lithium-ion 6-cell battery, up to 8 hours battery life Text competition is monitored on behalf of Dispatch Magazine by: BCH, PO Box 807, Manchester, M60 2XT. Size & Weight 259 (W) x 185 (D) x 24 (H) mm, 1.25 kg Helpline 08444123021. iPhone graphic used for illustrative purposes only, and not a part of the competition.

Simply Text Your Answer:

B255 / C255 / D255

78070 To

Dispatch March 2011 27

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Homes & Gardens Swift Blinds Swift Blinds is a family run business established over 20 years ago in Diss, Norfolk.

Since then Swift Blinds has earned itself the reputation of being a personal, friendly family business, offering a professional and prompt service. All blinds are custom made to measure to your specifications and we will fit your blinds at your convenience.

At Swift Blinds we manufacture, supply and install all types of blinds including pleated, rollers, vertical, roman and venetian. In a wide range of colours and designs perfect for any type of home.

The majority of customers who visit us at Swift Blinds are going on recommendation by word of mouth from friends or family and they return again over the years to find the perfect blinds for their newly decorated current home or new house.

With such a quick turnaround at Swift Blinds we can have your new blinds supplied and installed within 7-10 days of ordering.

You will receive a home visit to looks at all different materials, styles and designs, with samples of each to test against your décor, once the decision has been made your blinds will be manufactured and a fitter will return to fit your blinds at your continence for no extra cost.

So contact us today for your no obligation, competitive quote and transform your home for spring!

Call us on 01379 640568 for more information.

Breckland Flower And Garden Club Snowdrops and hellebores in flower and daffs showing flower buds spring must be on the way!

Childhood memories were stirred when Judy Barham demonstrated at February’s meeting - Contrary Mary’s garden with silver bells and cockle shells, nutmegs and pears growing in the Nut Tree.

Pink lilies and carnations rocked the baby to sleep in a wicker cradle and Incy Wincy Spider climbed over tulips and chrysanthemums. Purple tulips and orange roses were the choice for Old Mother Hubbard and her many children.

Cinderella was the final arrangement - a wonderful pink and white display with two placements containing lilies, roses and lisianthus.

The competition for a Child’s Book (with title card) - New hands class was won

by Susan Thurlow, Old Hands was won

by Shirley Penfold (who also received the trophy for best exhibit) joint second Sylvia Briggs and Ursula Jackson and third Pat Wells.

The table show winner was Ann Dent for her house plant. Second place Sally Westrup and third Sylvia Briggs.

The March meeting will be the Annual General meeting followed by a talk and slides from Thorncroft Nurseries (clematis).

The Competition title is ‘Spring has Sprung - a petite arrangement (25cm height, width and depth)’. The table show is for a pot of spring bulbs. To be held at Old Buckenham Village Hall on Thursday 10th March 2 pm.

Visitors always welcome.

Further details from Sally 01953 788712 or Pat 01953 457305.

28 Dispatch March 2011

News from across your region

Handy Tips When Choosing Your New Kitchen Things to consider...

Installing a new kitchen in a home can totally transform the feel of your whole house and can add a hefty sum to the re-sale value. Choosing the right kitchen for your home can be an investment that can be turned around quickly if you are thinking of selling your home within the next few years.

Choosing the right kitchen is a blend of a number of considerations: 1. Kitchens are often considered the ‘hub of the home’ - have you enough space?

Could it be that by moving a wall, or incorporating a small side room, the space could be more productive and useful? If you are going to install a new kitchen,

then adding on a small amount of building work may only add a little extra cost to the project, but a lot of difference to how the kitchen can be used.

2. Plan your space - what do you want to use it for? Is this just to be a kitchen, or is to be a dining room as well? Do you need a comfortable seating area, a workplace for children’s homework, a mobile phone station, a computer desk? Write a list of what the space needs to accommodate - how well the family use it?

3. Decide on your kitchen cabinet style and overall look. Take a look at manufacturers and their styles - what are you looking for? A sleek modern look, or something more classic? Freestanding units or all integrated? Light and airy, or more moody and atmospheric? Have an idea of what you want before you start talking to a supplier.

4. Make early decisions on the big areas - floor and worktop.

Kitchens are not just the cabinets - the flooring will change the look of the space dramatically,

as indeed will the worktops. Large areas need careful consideration and whenever possible floor the whole room before the kitchen is fitted. Look at worktop options and decide which you would prefer, the list is long so consider it well.

5. Choose a supplier who you like - then use their experience and trust their judgement. Choose a supplier who is ‘on your wavelength’, and who you like.

During the process of designing and manufacturing your kitchen you will build up a working relationship, and this needs to be with someone you can talk to.

6. Set a realistic budget and work within your means. Budgets often grow during a project, so start with a realistic budget which covers as many areas as possible.

If you are working in an old property there are often things hidden away which need sorting once you start ripping out existing kitchens. Be aware that the utility supplies cost money to move and the electrical and plumbing planning is essential.

7. It is good to work an element of fashion into your new kitchen that will appeal to

future buyers, as well as your own taste.

This is a somewhat tricky thing to gauge – a kitchen unit that is all the vogue this year will not necessarily be so plush in five years time.

8. Don’t skimp on the basic structure and infrastructure, use your money wisely. If you have a limited budget - then spend it firstly on the room and getting the utilities in place - the electrics wired in, and the drainage all new and sorted.

Ensure the room is heated, either with under floor heating or with traditional radiators, and that the walls are in good repair. The main structure needs to be sound before you put in your new kitchen.

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www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Homes & Gardens J&S Homeworks Need your Fascias replaced? Think it will be too expensive?

Think again!

Call Jason now on 07747 847606 for a free no obligation quote and be pleasantly surprised by how little it can cost to transform the exterior of your home.

Being fully insured and holding a CSCS health and safety certificate enables them to do all jobs big or small, from repairing a gutter to a full house renovation. They pride themselves on their competitive prices and high level of service, take a lot of pride in their work and hope their customers can see this in the end result.

Maintaining the exterior of a house can improve its functionality and efficiency, as well as increase ‘curb appeal’. The appearance of your home will be vastly enhanced by replacing your guttering, fascias and soffits.

J & S Homeworks offer a 12 month call-back service on all fitted fascias and soffits, which includes an inspection and clean.

J & S Homework’s speciality is Fascias, Soffits and Guttering, however they are able to undertake all general property maintenance.

30 Dispatch March 2011

Special Offer - Have your Fascias & Soffits replaced by J & S Homeworks and receive Free Guttering.

Call Jason of J & S Homeworks on 01953 458087 or 07747 847606.

Attleborough & District Horticultural Society The next meeting of the Attleborough & District Horticultural Society will take place on Wednesday 16th March, when the topic will be “Gardens of East Anglia”, an illustrated talk by Frank Lambert.

As usual the venue will be Attleborough Junior School, starting at 7.30pm and non-members are most welcome.

At the February meeting we welcomed B Coutts, who gave us a very interesting and colourful illustrated talk on the subject of “Herbaceous Borders”. With his experience of working at Somerleyton Hall he showed us that these borders can, with planning, remain colourful for many months.

Preparation and maintenance is allimportant and it is vital to eliminate all pernicious and deep-rooted weeds

before planting; also to rejuvenate the border, every few years plants should be lifted and if necessary split and the land cleaned and double-dug before replanting.

The winning entries in the Table Show were: 1) Three stems of flowers Susan Hunter 2) Three stems of heather Joan Allen 3) Photo of herbaceous border Susan Hunter 4) Foliage pot plant John Frost.

News from across your region

A.C. Washing Machines Spend A Penny With Supreme This Spring!

A C Washing Machines is one of Norfolk’s leading Hotpoint centres and are also an Indesit, Hoover, Candy and Dyson main centre.

A family owned and run business that has now been established for 26 years. Alan and Karen started the business from home in Spooner Row, and pride themselves on always being dedicated to putting the customer first.

choice and availability of products, they have moved into Unit 16, as well as Unit 17, Spur Road Industrial Estate, Wymondham.

A.C. Washing Machines is more than just a washing machine supplier. They have a large range of Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Refrigeration, Microwaves and Vacuum Cleaners in stock and have an excellent selection of electric and gas They stock a huge range of appliances, ovens. They also stock small electrical including Washing machines, Dishwashers, appliances and electrical accessories.

Fridges, Freezers, Tumble driers, electric Appliances can be delivered to your door and gas Cookers, Microwaves, Toasters, or alternately, with parking immediately Vacuum cleaners, Kettles and more, plus outside the units, you can drive right up an extensive Built-In collection. to the door and take the appliance away yourself.

Due to such dedication to their customers, business went from strength to strength Pop in to see Alan and Karen and you can over the years so much so they found be sure of a warm welcome without the they need more space so expanded and intimidation of hard sell. relocated to Unit 17, Spur Road Industrial Estate, Wymondham.

Alan and Karen put their success down to their customers coming With their continuing success, A C back time and time again and would Washing Machines having now increased like to say a huge thank you to all their stock to enable customers more their customers old and new.

Hopefully Spring is around the corner with some much needed sunshine to help us forget those cold winter days.

As with the warmer weather making life more pleasant it may also help you decide that now’s the time to get that most important new bathroom, and get that tired and rather out dated current bathroom refurbished by Supreme Bathrooms, a family run business established since 1998.

Choosing to use a cheap cowboy tradesman is like flushing your hard earned money down the toilet, and surely no one wants to do that!

Times are tough right now, so naturally you want to get value for money. The trouble is, employing a cowboy tradesman might seem to save you money, but if the job isn’t done properly (which invariably happens) you have absolutely no

comeback and all the money you’ve spent has been completely wasted. Not only have you wasted money on a bad job, but you now have to pay even more to get the job corrected.

At Supreme Bathrooms we guarantee that will not happen as we are proud & determined to keep our customer satisfaction at the highest possible level ensuring a smooth and stress free purchase for all our customers.

Our bathroom fitters and all other tradesmen (electricians etc) are all highly trained with many years of experience ensuring the job is completed in the correct manner to the highest possible standard, and you even get a 12 month warranty on our work, leaving you with your beautiful new bathroom and the envy of your friends and family.

Visit Supreme Bathrooms of Wymondham now!

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Health, beauty & wellbeing Camberwell Dental Practice Camberwell Dental Practice - serving the community since 1987.

Since 2009, Camberwell Dental Practice has been under the new ownership of Mr Alek Missankov. Alek, a graduate from South Africa in has been working in the United Kingdom since 1997, both in Hampshire and London.

The Practice, renovated in 2009, boasts a comprehensive and high standard of private dental treatment, including advanced root canals (endodontics) and a wide range of cosmetic treatments such as beautiful white filings, veneers and cosmetic crowns. Camberwell Dental Practice is also committed to encouraging preventative techniques keeping your mouth free from gum disease and tooth decay.

We would be pleased to welcome you in our Practice so please feel free to contact our friendly staff for any information on dental treatment you may require.

Call Wendy or Hannah on Tel: 01379 652 580 to book your appointment.

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Top Tips From Slimming World’s Nutrition Team…

…for weight loss that will last a lifetime!

1. Eat Smart!

By basing your meals around satisfying foods such as fruit and veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, pulses, eggs, fish, poultry, and lean meat, you’re naturally reducing calories and satisfying your appetite.

That means you’re less likely to reach for the biscuit tin.

2. Make Small Changes That Will Last Make gradual changes to the way you shop, cook and eat and slowly introduce activity into your everyday life – by taking the stairs instead of the lift or parking further away from the shops. Cutting out the equivalent of a biscuit each day can help lose up to a stone in a year… crumbs!

3. Don’t Be Too Strict On Yourself Research has shown that people who ban certain foods suffer cravings and are more likely to give in to temptation.

Having a little of what you fancy will leave you feeling healthier and happier.

4. Break Habits That Make You Feel Guilty Keep a note of the times that you crave chocolates, crisps or a glass of wine and plan for them. If you’re a TV snacker be ready with a delicious bowl of strawberries or sugar-free jelly topped with fat-free yogurt for when your favourite programme starts.

5. Cool Swaps Are Key So change cooking oil for light sprays, sugar for sweetener and calorie-laden salad dressings for fat-free vinaigrettes and you’ll see the pounds fly off!

6. Make Low Fat Dairy Choices By swapping full fat dairy products for low fat equivalents you’ll reduce your calorie and saturated fat intake while still ensuring you get enough calcium.

32 Dispatch March 2011

7. Get Active And Boost Your Weight Loss By starting with small activity targets that build up to a regular habit you’re much more likely to stick to it. Aim to do 5 minutes every day of any activity that you like, walking, swimming, gardening, housework – anything counts – and gradually build it up until you’re doing 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

8. Alternate Your Alcohol!

By alternating your alcoholic drinks with a glass of water, fizzy diet drink or low calorie juice is a great way to keep a clear head, and reduce your calorie count.

9. Make A Plan It’s tempting to ring for a takeout or hit the fast food when your fridge is empty so make sure your cupboards and fridge are always stocked with plenty of healthy options that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and your fruit bowl’s full for an easy snack.

10. Get Support Finally, having someone to chat to, share ideas with and add an element of friendly competition can really boost your commitment and motivation, so if a friend or relative wants to lose weight too, buddy up and do it together! And if you want extra support, you’ll find a group of friends waiting to welcome you at your local Slimming World group.

Your

Competition EGAP Would You Love The Chance To Lose A Stone Or More Without It Costing You A Penny?

to

lose weight – D Y T

I N U M M O C E C S

L L P O I D G F J S S H U

Slimming World are currently running the ‘Let’s Beat It Together’ campaign, inviting communities all over the UK and the Republic of Ireland to help turn the rising tide of obesity.

send your completed word search to:

R T W E

I G H T S L O A W

Dispatch Magazine, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE.

O R R T

I

We’ve teamed up with Slimming World to offer free membership and 12 week’s attendance of one of their friendly local groups to one lucky reader!

Along with a short letter telling us why you’d love to lose weight. Include your name, address, e-mail let’s address and telephone number so we can obesity it let you know whether you’ve won a prize.

2011

To be in with a chance of winning, circle the hidden words in the puzzle, then

Can You Find These Words?

slimming world community challenge

lose weight extra easy healthy

active delicious recipes

E M O E

I

L L P

W E A I M O D C D M M L S J T H E A L T H Y M I I

S T

I O U N A O I

E U

S N O

beat

S A U S S E M G F N I G I

together

I R M A C T N I N N L

I

V E G N E C

I D H A G G T

G C I G R E C I T E N E Z

I

P E S E L

I R P M C J L E

R N E X T R A E A S Y C D

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Health, beauty & wellbeing State-Of-The-Art Gym To Open In Stradbroke Stradbroke Swimming Pool will soon become known as Stradbroke Pool and Fitness Centre thanks to the addition of a state-of-the-art gym due to open in May. Stradbroke Swimming Pool, situated on Wilby Road, is a wellliked facility that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for almost twenty years. From May, local residents will be able to use the brand new stateof-the-art gym as well as the swimming pool to stay active & maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Work is underway to expand the current facility to include a new 250m2 gym which has been funded by Mid Suffolk District Council in partnership with Everyone Active, who operate the centre.

34 Dispatch March 2011

The new facility will cater for people of all abilities and ages with a broad range of easy-to-use equipment across 33 stations. From treadmills to total body cross-trainers, exercise bikes to rowers, climbers and adaptive motion trainers.

For resistance and weight training there’s a good selection of machines as well as two free weights areas, stretch and balance - the ideal combination for working on your core strength and to tone up.

To entertain users when working out, the equipment has personal audio access via headphones to the TVs in the gym which play music, videos or current affairs – keeping everyone in touch and motivated. A dedicated dry changing room will also be available.

During the construction of the new gym Stradbroke Swimming Pool remains open and continues to offer something for everyone.

Swimming lessons are available for children from 4 months old as part of a progressive, award-winning programme delivered by ASA qualified instructors.

Enrolment is at anytime, spaces are available and lessons run 6 days a week.

It’s never too late to learn, if you haven’t taken the plunge Stradbroke Pool’s adults lessons are a must and are very popular. The centre also has disabled access, a uniquely designed pool featuring 2 shallow ends and a hoist to further assist with access into the pool itself.

So pop down to Stradbroke Swimming Pool to find out more or for more information call 01379 384 376 or visit www.everyoneactive.com

CARING FOR THE ELDERLY Elderly Tips

NBR Scooter Brokers

As you get older you may find it harder to manage in your home.

NBR Scooter Brokers is a family run business which prides itself on their commitment to their customers (existing and new!!)

• If you are having difficulty getting in and out of your property you could install a hand rail.

• If you have difficulty getting to the front door when someone calls, you could consider installing a door-entry intercom.

• If you are having difficulty moving around a property, think about the risks related to floor surfaces, lighting, clutter and trip hazards such as exposed wires.

• If the ability to turn from a corridor into a room is inhibited by the door or width, it may be possible to widen the door frame or to re-hang the door so that it swings in the opposite direction.

• If the toilet, bathroom, kitchen are on different floors and you find it difficult using the stairs. It may be possible to install a second banister rail on the stairs or to fit a stair lift to make it easier for you.

Manor Court Day Care Manor Court Day Care Centre for the elderly is based in Griston, Norfolk.

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’.

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.

• 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.

In addition to mobility scooters, they can also supply the following: • Stairlifts • Powered wheelchairs • Powerchairs • Rise & recline armchairs

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.

Dispatch March 2011 35

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Reach Over 61,000 Potential Customers Low cost display advertising to meet the smallest budget.

Reach over 61,000 homes and businesses in the Diss & Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Wymondham, Dereham & Watton areas.

From a single advert in one Dispatch Magazine, to a run of 3, 6 or 12 months in one or all four Dispatch Magazines.

PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN HERE - CALL 01953 456789 NOW! Call our Sales Team for more information today: 01953 456789

36 Dispatch March 2011

Or email: Sales@Dispatch-Magazine.co.uk

The Dispatch Business Directory

Dispatch March 2011 37

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 61,000 homes and businesses in the Diss & Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Wymondham, Dereham & Watton areas.

From a single advert in one Dispatch Magazine, to a run of 3, 6 or 12 months in one or all four Dispatch Magazines.

PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN HERE - CALL 01953 456789 NOW! Or email: Sales@Dispatch-Magazine.co.uk

The MOT Test For Your Vehicle Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road must keep it in a roadworthy condition.

The MOT test checks that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards. The first MOT test for a vehicle is required when it’s three years old.

The MOT Certificate The MOT certificate confirms that at the time of the test, without dismantling it, the vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards

38 Dispatch March 2011

required by law. It doesn’t mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the length of time the certificate is valid.

Where To Go For An MOT Test There are around 19,000 garages authorised as MOT test stations across the country that can carry out your MOT test. The blue three triangles logo is displayed to identify authorised test stations.

How vehicles are tested MOT test stations have designated test bays where they conduct the test, using a range of equipment that meets the required specification for MOT testing.

Tyre Tracks - The Motoring Directory

Car Checks Everyone knows that to keep your car running nice and smoothly, you need to have regular services. But you should also be keeping an eye on your car in-between taking it to the professionals, by running a series of monthly checks on your vehicle.

The best way is to find your owner’s manual. Some of us are very organised and keep them in the car, but others have no idea where the manual is. If you’re one of these people, contact the dealer or the manufacturer as each car has specific requirements, and maintenance issues do vary widely from one car to another.

The owner manual should cover everything you need to know, including what kind of oil you should be using to how often it should be changed, along with a recommended timeframe for engine and transmission checks.

In-between visits to the professionals, you should schedule in a monthly check.

Make it a day when you have enough time to go through each aspect of the check carefully and slowly, and make sure you’ve got it all covered - and put together a checklist of what you’re going to do.

By doing these checks on a regular basis,

not only will you keep your vehicle in tiptop running condition, but you will also appreciate the car better and learn to spot small problems before they develop into bigger, most costly issues. You’ll also reduce the risk of you breaking down.

So here’s a list of things to check every month: 1. Tyres.

UK law requires that you have the correct size and type of tyres for the vehicle that you are driving, and also for the purpose for which it is being used. In your monthly check you will need to check the tread on your tyres. If your tyres are more worn than the legal limit you could face a penalty of up to 3 points and a £2500 fine (per tyre).

When you’re happy that your tread is safe, you should check the pressure of your tyres. Your owner manual should tell you how to do this and what pressure your tyres should be. An essential monthly check, it’s also a good idea to carry this out anytime you’ve gone over

a sharp or bumpy object, or if there is a dramatic change in temperature, as these can both affect tyre pressure.

2. Leaks Check around the car and on the floor where it is parked for oil leaks. You can usually tell what is leaking by its colour, but it does depend on where you get your car serviced. Commonly, oil is black, power steering and brake fluids are clear but with a slightly brown tinge, coolant is a yellowish green, wiper fluid is bright blue or pink (if you filled it, you’ll know what colour it was).

3. Fluid Levels Check your fluid levels, including your engine oil, coolant levels, power steering fluid and transmission fluid if appropriate.

Fill your windscreen wash container too.

4. Under Bonnet Checks Check under the bonnet to see if there are any split or cracked spark plug wires, cracked radiator hoses or loose

clamps and corrosion around the battery terminals.

5. Brakes and Wheel Alignment Brakes are the next port of call. Take the car to a flat and quiet stretch of road, rest your hands very lightly on the steering wheel and apply the brakes, increasing the pressure slowly. If the vehicle goes to one side, one of the brake linings may be more worn than the other, or it’s possible that the brakes may need adjustment or the wheels are possibly misaligned.

If you can, check your brake pads and discs too, though this doesn’t need to be done monthly, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them and to have a good idea of when they are going to need replacing.

If you find any problems not covered by your owner’s manual, contact your local garage immediately, and get the issue resolved.

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