Bury May 2011

GENERAL

PR ICE LE SS agazine.co.uk

ISSUE 002 Dispatch May 2011

NEWS FOR BURY ST. EDMUNDS RESIDENTS

WI N er-Shot

b A Sony Cy Camera In Our petition m o C T X E T For e See Insid ... s il Deta

www.burystedmundsonline.com

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

GENERAL News

Is Your Leisure Time Being Taken Over By The Housework?

Would you like an honest, reliable and affordable cleaner to clean your home for only £10 per hour?

We can provide you with a cleaner that has been vetted in their own home and is insured against accidental damage.

At Time For You our priority is to improve your quality of life, by giving you back the time you need to enjoy it.

We operate locally, enabling us to offer a reliable, effective and reasonably priced regular domestic cleaning service. You get the same dedicated cleaner each week.

Time For You domestic cleaners are: • Fully vetted • Insured • Reliable • Honest • Friendly Good cleaners are hard to find but we will not use anyone who doesn’t meet

Dispatch May 2011

our high standards. We believe it’s important for you to feel comfortable with your cleaner - that’s why we arrange for you to meet informally before any cleaning commences. You will have the same cleaner every week so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Time For You cleaners will clean what you want (you specify the tasks), when you want (you choose the day and length of visit). They will take care of everything from cleaning, dusting, polishing, vacuuming and ironing, to changing bed linen and cleaning window interiors.

Please call your local office direct on 01359 250677 where you can to arrange an appointment or have a chat regarding our services. Or email us at suffolk@timeforyou.co.uk

Prince’s Trust ‘Team Programme’ For young people between 16-25 years old who are unemployed.

It’s free and will not affect Jobseeker’s Allowance, public transport, course travel costs will be paid.

What happens on the course: • Be part of a team of 15 young people for 12 weeks • An action-packed residential week • Take on fundraising activities of the teams choosing • Take on community projects of the teams choosing • Two/three weeks’ work experience • Career advice • Community ‘Team Challenge’ The TEAM Programme is a 12 week self development programme aimed at getting young people, aged between 16 -25 back into employment, education or training.

The course includes all of the activities listed above and will provide you with the skills and confidence to move onto the next stage in your career. Over the 12 weeks you will work towards a Certificate in Personal Development & Contributing to the Community and other qualifications such as First Aid and Health & Hygiene Certificates.

Your confidence will grow as you make new friends and take on exciting challenges so that at the end of 12 weeks you are better placed for your future.

This could be you so contact one of the Team Leaders below and kickstart your adventure!

Team start dates & contact details: 31st May 2011 Thetford: 07861 705978 16th May 2011 Kings Lynn: 07919 492245 23rd May 2011 Norwich: 07920 792232 TBC North Walsham: 07917 351097 Each venue runs 3 teams per year so if these dates are not suitable please get in touch and we will advise you when the next courses will be running.

For further information visit our website: www.norfolkfireservice. gov.uk & follow the link for Youth Development.

News from across your region

Text

Competition

May 2011 Issue 002

WIN THIS MONTH A

05

SONY CYBER-SHOT 12.1 MEGAPIXEL COMPACT CAMERA

10

11

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, Rebecca Tomlinson and Lucy Olcot. sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Design: Matt Bignell, Mark Bryant and Colin Jeffery. 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: www.DispatchDistribution.co.uk

© 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

BURY ST. EDMUNDS

10

04

Out & About Places To Visit.

11

Enter Our Text Competition Text To Win A Sony Cyber-Shot 12.1mp Digital Camera.

12

School Crossing Patrols, Allotments, Bury In Bloom Parkway Project & Town Talk.

04 05

Homes & Gardens

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Caring For The Elderly

Don’t Forget Your PJs For The Girls Night Out St Nicholas Hospice Care Launches What It Hopes Will Be Its Biggest And Best Ever Women’s Only Fundraising Event.

05

Ready, Set, Stretch!

15

Forthcoming Events At Moyse’s Hall April To June 2011.

Looking After Your Property.

14

Town Council Noticeboard

Suffolk Circle New Membership Organisation For People Over 50.

06

Manorcourt Homecare Testimonial.

Forthcoming Events At West Stow Country Park & Anglo-Saxon Village April To June 2011.

07

Toot Arts The Return Of Toot Arts To The Edmund Gallery On Angel Hill.

Follow Us:

@Dispatch_Mag

See Our Website

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

May 13th 2011 Dispatch May 2011

www.burystedmundsonline.com

Welcome to

BURY ST EDMUNDS

Bury St Edmunds Town Council Noticeboard Matters discussed at the Meeting of the Town Council on 23rd March 2011 included: School Crossing Patrols It was agreed that the Town Council supports the funding of school crossing patrols where these are necessary and there are no alternative options, with the caveat that it does not want to take on the responsibility for employment, and that appropriate solutions can be found in conjunction with the schools.

Homes for having carried out the initial works and the fencing, and to all the volunteers who helped to mark out the new plots.

Allotments The Council is pleased to announce the completion of the new Cotton Lane allotment site, where 38 new plots have been marked out ready for their new tenants.

It was also agreed that the allotments competition run by the Town Council would be held again this year as it is a good way of recognising and acknowledging all the hard work put in by allotment holders.

Thanks are due to St Edmundsbury Borough Council staff who have done so much of the negotiating, to Hopkins

Bury in Bloom Parkway Project Councillors were unanimous in supporting this project to celebrate

In addition, skips were placed for a weekend on 3 of the other allotment sites in the town. These proved to be very popular, and tenants expressed their appreciation of this service.

25 years of Bury in Bloom, and voted to give financial help to enable it to happen.

Town Talk The latest edition of Town Talk, the Council’s quarterly newsletter, is now available from the office, or by email, or on the website. It also appeared in

the first edition of Dispatch Magazine, a new publication for Bury St Edmunds.

We are very grateful to them for distributing this for us, a move which will enable us to better communicate with all residents.

Jen Larner, Town Clerk.

Forthcoming Events At Moyse’s Hall April to June 2011.

Bury St Edmunds Town Council 7 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1UZ ( 01284 725111 * info@burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk 8 www.burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk

The Members Of Staff Are: Town Clerk: Jen Larner Tel: 01284 757139 Email: jen.larner@burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk

Assistant Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer: Sue Hindry Tel: 01284 757157, Email: susan.hindry@burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk

Current Exhibition – Keeping Time A look at one of the finest public collections of time measurement instruments in the world. This exhibition shows many of these devices and why some were collected by Gershom Parkington.

(UNTIL SUMMER 2011).

Friday 13th May 6 - 8pm Museums at Night - Family Fright Night Discover macabre tales of crime and punishment, witchcraft and murder in a 12th Century building - bring torches.

Family ticket – no under 7’s. Booking essential call 01284 757160 or email moyseshall@stedsbc.gov.uk Saturday 14th May 11am - 4pm Let’s Get Felting Drop in and try your hand at felting.

Demonstrations and activities.

Wednesday 1st June 10.30am - 3pm Tea and Threads Drop in and have a go at stitching and sewing. Suitable for children, parents and grandparents.

Wednesday 1st June 11am - 4pm Explore the 300th Anniversary of the Unitarian Meeting House Drop in day with costume, photography, quizzes and more. Discover the past links with the Unitarian Meeting House.

Sunday 19th June 2pm Horology Lecture: Decorative Arts of the Dial Maker – Portable Sundials Join Mike Cowham, member of the British Horology Institute, exploring portable sundials. Adults and over 16. Booking essential call 01284 757160 or email moyseshall@stedsbc.gov.uk

How To Make Contact All Town Councillors can be contacted via the telephone numbers below (all numbers have 01284 as their dialling code unless specified otherwise), or by e-mail. Some have mobile or business telephone numbers as shown on www.burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk 1

Roy Bebbington

706981

9

2

Keith Bird

763689

10 Michele Lockwood 711698#

3

Patrick Chung

761120

11 Stefan Oliver

706172

4

Bob Cockle

12 David Nettleton

702212

5

vacancy

13 Richard Rout

767494

6

Paul Farmer

768777

14 Paul Simner

768202

7

Allan Jones

756415

15 Clive Springett

753120

8 Christopher Turner 07816

843778

16 Patricia Warby

704138

17 Kevin Waterson

764804

Dispatch May 2011

756249

Edward Lockwood

711698#

Saturday 21st May 11am - 4pm Manuscript Drop In Come along and have a go at writing medieval manuscripts and lettering during the day. Demonstrations and activities.

Sunday 22nd May 2pm FESTIVAL LECTURE: Horology Lecture: ‘From Pocket to Wrist’.

Supported by The Friends of Moyse’s Hall and Associated collections. £6 adults/£5 concessions including refreshments.

Booking essential call 01284 757160 or email moyseshall@stedsbc.gov.uk

Saturday / Sunday 25th & 26th June End of Time Weekend See the return of Dr Who (David Tennant lookalike), Davros, Daleks and memorabilia as the Solstice approaches and the Keeping Time exhibition draws to an end.

WEBSITE: www.moyseshall.org or contact 01284 757160, email moyseshall@ stedsbc.gov.uk for more details.

ADMISSION Moyse’s Hall is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm).

News from across your region

Don’t Forget Your PJs For The Girls Night Out Don’t forget your PJs – that is the message being sent out by St Nicholas Hospice Care as it launches what it hopes will be its biggest and best ever women’s only fundraising event.

In their haste to sign up for the third annual Girls Night Out moonlit walk, this sassy group of women forgot one essential – their nightwear! But hopefully come the big night itself they will be clad in their pyjamas and dressing gowns, ready to go.

Girls Night Out will see hundreds of pyjama-clad women departing Angel Hill on 17th September, before walking an 11.2-mile route around the streets of Bury. And this year, a new six-mile route is being introduced to ensure everyone can take part.

“September may seem a long way off, but if you already know you want to take part in the Girls Night Out, why not sign up now and get started with raising sponsorship money?”

For more information, contact Jenny on 01284 715583, email jenny. baskett@stnh.org.uk or go to www.stnicholashospicecare.org.uk.

In 2010, 550 women took part in the Girls Night Out raising nearly £90,000 for the Hospice, making it the most successful fundraising event in the charity’s history.

But this year it is hoped to smash that total, so more women are encouraged to get on board and sign up.

Registration opened on Friday, 8 April.

Jenny Baskett, Events and Challenges Fundraiser, said: “As well as the Girls Night Out being a great way to support your local Hospice, there is a tremendous sense of fun and camaraderie on the walk.

“We hope those who took part last year will invite their friends, family and work colleagues along this year,” said Jenny.

“Women who took part last year will remember the eye-catching flashing bunny ears they wore – but this year we have something even more ‘girly’ in store.

“As well as raising great sums of money for the Hospice, the aim of the Girls Night Out is to have fun – which means all women, of any age or ability, can take part.”

Suffolk Circle Suffolk Circle is a new membership organisation for people over 50.

Covering Bury and surrounding areas Suffolk Circle members get practical help around the home and can come along to social get togethers each month.

Getting Things Done If you need a hand to put up a shelf, set up an email account or to clear the garden out now Spring is here, then Suffolk Circle will find a local Helper to give you a hand.

Everyone has different to-do-lists, we’re pretty sure that we can help with whatever is on yours. Once you’re a member you can just give us a call, tell us what you want and we’ll do the rest.

Getting Out And About Suffolk Circle members receive a packed monthly newsletter, featuring money saving offers and a monthly calendar of events which all members can come along to.

arrange a Helper to drop you off and pick you up. Events on our May calendar, include a pub lunch, an exclusive tour of the Abbey Gardens and a walk at Lackford Lakes. Get in touch and let us know what you’d like to see and do!

Membership costs just £30 a year or £2.50 a month – and then members buy tokens to get a hand from a Helper or to join events that are paid for (some are always free). Join now and start to get more out of life!

To join or find out more call: 01284 774880 or visit: www. suffolkcircle.org.uk

If you need a lift to an event we’ll try our best to link you up with someone else who’s going. If this isn’t possible we can

Dispatch May 2011

www.burystedmundsonline.com

BURY ST. EDMUNDS News

Forthcoming Events At Stacey & Partners West Stow Country Park & Anglo-Saxon Village

Do you hold properties that qualify as Furnished Holiday Lets for tax purposes? Will they still qualify under then new rules asks Mark Wallace of Stacey & Partners.

If you have a rental property that qualifies as furnished holiday let, you are able to claim preferential tax treatment. The rules have changed since the Budget in 2011.

April To June 2011.

Thursday 28th – Saturday 30th May Fashion, Forging and Family Life Costume Group CHES bring us a vivid glimpse of the colourful and highly skilled talents of the Anglo-Saxons - with spinning, dyeing, forging, cooking and even a fashion show

Wednesday 1st June We Dig Archaeology Discover Archaeology at West Stow, try ancient crafts, bring along your finds for identification, get excavating, handle objects and find out how we preserve them.

Saturday 30th May – Monday 2nd June Village life in the 7th Century Living History group Westcentingas come to populate the Village as 7th C Anglo-Saxons. Living history, weaving, dyeing,wood, leather and metalworking.

Saturday / Sunday 4th & 5th June Anglo Saxon Death and Burial The Wulfingas return to the Anglo-Saxon Village, with costume re-enactment, cooking, crafts, games and special performances of the rituals of death and burial.

Watch them prepare their authentic meals, make arrows and settle disputes by single combat!

For All Events: Call 01284 728718 Or Email Weststow@stedsbc.gov.uk For More Details.

Tuesday 31st May Fantastic Falcons!

Birds of Prey flying displays...

Meet Ronnie and Scrappy.

Dispatch May 2011

The rules that apply as from 6th April 2011 are as follows:In order to qualify as a furnished holiday let, the following conditions have to be met:1. The property needs to be available for commercial letting as holiday accommodation to the public for a period of generally at least 210 days (previously 140 days).

2. During that period, the accommodation must be commercially let as holiday accommodation to member of the public for at least 105 days (previously 70 days).

3. Lettings must be no longer than 31 days.

If the property qualifies as being a furnished holiday let, then the losses can only be claimed against the furnished holiday let concerned, any remaining losses can be carried forward against the first available profits.

The benefits of owning furnished holiday letting accommodation are as follows:1. You can get allowances for furnishings inclusive of VAT 2. Low interest rate 3. An effective CGT rate of 10% for gains less than 8 million or 18% if higher – this is much better treatment than for non-furnished holiday accommodation which would be taxed at 18% or 28% 4. Optional rollover relief 5. Potentially exempt for the treatment of Inheritance Tax There will also be a “period of grace” to allow properties that don’t continue to meet the actual let period for one or two years to elect to qualify throughout that period.

If you wish to discuss any aspects of tax treatment then please contact Mark Wallace of Stacey & Partners who can be contacted on 01842 826100 or 07799 866022, or via email at mwallace@staceys.co.uk.

News from across your region

Toot Arts

JW Car Contracts

The first week in June 2011 sees the return of Toot Arts to the Edmund Gallery on Angel Hill.

JW Car Contracts started business in 2010 based at Chedburgh just outside Bury St Edmunds.

Toot Arts is the collective name of the dynamic duo of Suffolk artists Susan Miller and Deborah Eileen Burrow.

East Anglian based finance broker.

“Having worked within various sectors of the industry I have gained experience in many situations and feel that I can offer a personal service as well as having access to many of the best deals around at the time”

In January 2010 Susan Miller and Deborah Eileen Burrow brought their skills together to form Toot Arts – a brand they have given to their business of hosting exhibitions in East Anglia to promote local talent as well as themselves. They launched Toot Arts with a successful exhibition in June 2010 at the Edmund Gallery.

Both Susan and Deborah are professional artists living and working in Suffolk, and are passionate about enjoying the process of being an artist. As teachers they are regularly engaged in encouraging others to take pleasure from making art, and now they want to extend this to others.

They have a professional but friendly approach to enable art lovers and the public to really enjoy their browsing.

They want to remove any barriers between the artist and the browser by

Above: Julian Wood from JW Car Contracts. encouraging informal chat and questions at their exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations.

The Exhibition in June runs from 4th to the 9th inclusive of Sunday, 10.30am to 4.30pm every day.

In October they will be back with 10 guest artists at the Edmund Gallery.

For more information please contact Deborah: creativedebs@gmail.com Toot Arts website: www.toot-arts.co.uk

We aim to provide financial solutions for all vehicle requirements, whether cars, light commercial vehicles or plant and machinery. Finance options include contract hire for both businesses and private individuals as well as personal contracts for people with car allowances from their employers.

Julian has had over 25 years experience in the motor industry. This has included 13 years with two Suffolk Vauxhall dealerships followed by 10 years with Siemens Financial Services as Sales Manager of their contract hire division.

That was followed by 3 years with an

“I can assist in all aspects of the acquisition of a vehicle ranging from organising the best finance option for a vehicle already chosen by a customer to helping with vehicle choice. I can advise on finance options and company and personal tax allowances including benefit in kind (BIK) payments” “Many people like to have a new vehicle but dislike the bother and stress of sorting it all out whether through time constraints or for other reasons”.

JW Car Contracts customers include local businesses, both large and small, individuals and also people from as far afield as Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Dispatch May 2011

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Out & About Revisit Your School Days At St John’s!

The Centre in St John’s Street is calling for former pupils and teachers to come forward to take part in its official Opening Day celebrations on Saturday 18th June. community, as well as continuing to house the Just Traid shop and café.

Above: Victorian Schoolroom reconstruction. Reproduced with kind permission from Stowmarket Museum of Rural Life.

The newly refurbished building was formerly St John’s Infant school until 1972 and many local people will have fond memories of going to school or working there and of the building as it was. The Centre has now been transformed through extensive restoration and improvement. It now aims to be a thriving centre for the

10 Dispatch May 2011

A full day of events is planned for 18th June, including photographic displays of the restoration, as well as live music and a variety of performances from local dance and singing groups. The Centre and St John’s Church will also be celebrating their 170th birthdays - so there will be an opportunity to delve into their history as well as that of St John’s Street itself with a talk and book launch from local historian Clive Paine, a talk from Moyses Hall Museum on Victorian corsetry and the reconstruction of a schoolroom in Victorian times, complete with live pupils! Both The Centre and St John’s Church were founded in 1841 around which time the name of this

part of the street was then changed from Long Brackland to St John’s Street.

The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 12 noon and all are welcome to come and take part and also bring any memories/ photographs along. A new artwork from Artheads, designed specifically for The Centre will also be unveiled on the day.

The 18th also coincides with the popular St John’s Street Fair, which sees the street closed to traffic and an array of events for all the family.

Further information on the day’s events, which start at 10am, can be obtained from Sue 07826 285 041 or from the website: www.stjohnscentrebury.co.uk

Text Competition Enter May’s TEXT Competition To Win...

A SONY CYBER-SHOT 12.1MP DIGITAL CAMERA Sony Cyber-Shot W310 Compact Digital Camera Enjoy sophisticated photo-taking capabilities with the stylish Sony Cyber-shot W310 Compact Digital Camera.

Encased in a durable black brushed metal exterior, the 12.1 mp Cyber-shot W310 Compact Digital Camera boasts a wide-angle 28-112mm lens. This 4x optical zoom range is ideal for capturing subjects near as well as far, be they stunning nature shots or fun Facebook pics. Don’t worry too much about camera-shake either: the incorporated image stabilisation helps to take care of that, keeping your pictures pin-sharp and blur-free.

Choose from a wide selection of shooting modes, depending on your ability or level of camera-wielding confidence. The Sony Cybershot W310 offers an Easy Shooting mode for beginners, plus an Intelligent Auto mode optimising all camera settings automatically to suit your subject. Select from 7 scene modes to get the best from a variety of photographic scenarios.

February’s Winner...

Of The Amazon Kindle is

Answer The Following Question: What Megapixel is the Sony Cyber-Shot W310 Compact Camera?

12.0, 12.1, 12.2

Simply Text Your Answer:

12.0 / 12.1 / 12.2

78070 To

Dispatch Editor, Jonathan Horswell presen ts the

...Tracey Newby from Wymondham!

prize to...

s!

Congratulation

The closing date is May 31st 2011.

Messages charged at your normal operator rate for sending plus £1.00 per entry Text competition is monitored on behalf of Dispatch Magazine by: BCH, PO Box 807, Manchester, M60 2XT. Helpline 08444123021. iPhone 4 graphic used for illustrative purposes only, and not a part of the competition.

Dispatch May 2011 11

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Homes & Gardens Supreme’s New Range Now In Stock

Home Decorating Ideas

Supreme Bathrooms has just taken stock of their new range of quality vanity units.

Rearrange The Furniture - Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.

All available in a high gloss white finish or 3 different wood effects there is something that suits everyone’s space within their very own bathroom. All units come with a ceramic slab top washbasin which makes cleaning easy and maintenance free.

With sizes starting at 400mm for the small cloakroom unit and up to the large 1000mm bathroom unit you are spoilt for choice. Along with the floor standing units our new brochure shows a wall hung version as well. To complement these new vanity units we can also supply a full range of mirrors and cupboards.This can also be supplied with a built in cornice which features lights and a shaver point within.

12 Dispatch May 2011

All our washbasins, baths and toilets are all made in European White which means all items can be mixed but most importantly matched for your new supreme bathroom.

With prices starting from £175 for the 400mm unit and £445 inc vat for the 1000mm vanity unit,our prices are genuine but very competitive.

Why not visit us now to view the full range and take away our free Supreme Bathrooms catalogue which has over 400 pages of the latest bathrooms around or visit us at www.supremebathroomcentre.co.uk

If you’re looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these tips:

Paint A Wall - Paint one wall your favourite colour and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there.

it at an angle beneath your coffee table.

Hang Pictures or Mirror - Hang pictures that reflect your personality. Try frames that are more ornate. When hanging a mirror, try and position it so that it reflects and nice view or an interesting architectural element.

Add Decorative Pillows - The good news about decorative pillows is that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a Bring In Plants - Greenery always adds a room. Still better, they can be changed to breath of fresh air to a room. If you don’t have jazz up a sofa or chair before your room is a green thumb, try silk plants and trees. The ready for a major makeover. quality has gotten so good that its hard to distinguish them from the real thing.

Replace Lamps - Lamps are probably the one thing in your home that will give Lay An Area Rug - An area rug is a others a clue that your room is outdated. wonderful way of defining a conversation Seek out new and fresh lamps that make a area. Try one that complements the room. Lay statement.

News from across your region

Granite Transformations Granite Transformations, whose showroom is located in Stratton Strawless, is a family run business headed up by Malcolm Whitwood and his two sons Oliver and Thomas. any home. There are over 50 colours, designs and materials to choose from, including this seasons’ hottest trend - recycled glass, which can be seen at the new showroom on Shortthorn Road, Stratton Strawless.

The company has been based in Stratton Strawless since 2005 and due to the success of the business, moved to larger premises with the new showroom in 2009.

The company is leading the way in transforming the look and feel of your kitchen by offering a new and exciting alternative to replacing traditional worktops and surfaces.

The product, exclusive to Granite Transformations, bonds directly onto your existing work surfaces and is made from natural raw materials blended with high performance polymers to produce a beautiful, durable, scratch, stain and heat resistant surface that would grace

Malcolm explains “With the economic downturn still affecting people a totally new kitchen is beyond some households at present; however an affordable facelift is within many budgets. A new worktop, perhaps new doors or handles and a coat of paint is all it takes”

see of us until we come back with the readymade worktops which we generally fit in just one day. No demolition, no waste to get rid of and no mess with the minimum of disruption to the household.”

There a bonus too because now Granite Transformations offers a range of replacement doors, sinks and appliances to make a complete transformation even

easier, and with over 800 combinations possible our range should meet everyone’s taste in decor.

As Justin says “Take a tired old worktop showing signs of age then overlay it with a smooth, youthful and highly desirable Granite Transformations surface, and you’ll be amazed at how new your kitchen looks”

Maybe the thought of a prolonged disruption with workmen in and out of your home for days on end puts you off the idea of a face lift, but with Granite Transformations you don’t have that, as Justin Peat, sales and marketing, explains “We come to your home and measure up, discuss the finish you want and any appliances you may require, we then make a life size template of the surface to cover. Then that’s the last you

Dispatch May 2011 13

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Health, beauty & wellbeing Ready, Set, Stretch!

Running, cycling, swimming, dancing, aerobics, pumping iron, playing tennis, rowing, kickboxing, and weightlifting. These are what most of us think of when it comes to exercise. But, what about stretching? Do you see stretching as an important factor in your physical fitness?

The Mayo Clinic in the US lists stretching as one of the basic components of a well-rounded fitness routine. Because cardiovascular and strength-training exercises typically cause muscles to contract and flex, it’s vital to stretch those muscles as part of a balanced fitness regimen.

Stretching promotes better posture, improves the range of motion in your joints, and helps to reduce stress.

Stretching increases blood circulation, maximizing the blood flow to your muscles.

Regular stretching also makes it easier to perform everyday tasks, such as reaching up to grab a glass out of the cupboard or bending down to tie your shoelaces.

14 Dispatch May 2011

Jazzercise choreographs stretch sequences that are used in 32,000 group fitness classes taught weekly around the world. Jazzercise offers these suggestions for safe and effective stretching.

• Hold Steady – When you engage in a stretch, hold a steady position and don’t bounce. Bouncing creates tears in your muscles that leave scar tissue, making you even less flexible.

• Warm Up – Stretching cold muscles can lead to injury. Start with lowintensity movements for approximately five minutes before performing your stretches. Save deep stretches for the end of your exercise routine, when your muscles are warm.

• Use Caution – Ease into your stretches slowly and take your time before going deeper. You should feel some tension with each stretch, but not excruciating pain. If your muscles are screaming for mercy, then you’ve gone too far.

• Focus on the Majors – Target major muscle groups. Stretch your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, lower back, and shoulders. Pay particular attention to any muscles that you regularly use in your daily work or leisure activities.

• Breathe – Many of us unconsciously hold our breath while stretching.

This actually causes tension in the muscles, which is counterproductive to stretching. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply, allowing the blood

flow and the oxygen to seep into your muscles.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world’s leading dancefitness program with more than 7,800 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly around the globe.

Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.

For more information on Jazzercise in Bury St Edmunds go to www.jazzercise4u.com, call 07963 161246 or email jazzercise_bury@yahoo.co.uk

CARING FOR THE ELDERLY My name is Julie and I suffer with multiple sclerosis.

Approximately 30 months ago I fell and broke some of the bones in my right foot. Until then I had limited mobility and was able to walk with the aid of a frame or walking stick. Following these breakages I lost this mobility and was unable to walk at all and am now restricted to a wheelchair.

This also precluded me from getting out of bed, washing and dressing myself unaided. Care is needed to carry out any of these functions.

Manorcourt get me out of bed in the morning, assist with my personal care and at lunch time make sure I am comfortable for the rest of the day until my husband comes home from work.

Without Manorcourt my husband would have had to give up his job which would have meant our standard of living would have been lowered considerably. He is able to go to work knowing I am in good hands.

I am able to feel comfortable in my own home and relaxed knowing that this service is provided to me by “angels� that treat me as a human being with dignity and courtesy.

Manorcourt has always been flexible and accommodating as and when situations have arisen that dictate arrangements have to be altered. They have also been most understanding and helpful when problems have arisen. I can assure you this has occurred and were not only the normal run of the mill problems but Manorcourt have not been fazed and have assisted in resolving them to both parties satisfaction.

Without the staff and services provided by Manorcourt both mine and my husband’s lives would have had to change drastically.

We thank you for the first class services provided.

Dispatch May 2011 15