Bury St. Edmunds Issue 19

ISSUE 19 | PRICELESS

HEALTH & BEAUTY

LOCAL NEWS

MOTORING REVIEW

food & drink

FOR BURY ST EDMUNDS

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Issue 19 2014

WELCOME

Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk @Dispatch_Mag

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Editor: Jonathan Horswell

Issue 19 2014

Advertising: sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is: March 13th 2014

Editorial: editorial@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Design: design@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Dispatch Magazine: 01953 456789 Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk. NR17 2AE.

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Issue 19 2014

Bury st edmunds

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No Council Tax Increase This May Hurt a Bit For Bury Town Council New play about the NHS has World Premiere in Bury St Edmunds!

Full Council Meeting 2014 Bury St Edmunds Town Council resolved to freeze its share of Council Tax for the financial year 2014/15 at £13.50 per Band D equivalent property.

It was able to do this as a result of receiving a compensatory grant of £14,492 from Government to top up the actual precept of £170,744 (the grant being 25% less for this year, approx. £5,000 which is reflected in lower budgeted expenditure, hence being able to freeze its share of Council Tax again this year).

It also agreed the wording for the information/questionnaire flyer to be included with the Council Tax demands which will go out to all Bury St Edmunds households in March.

In addition to providing information about Council’s activities in the current year it will seek residents’ views on possible future projects or services.

Council hopes that residents of Bury St

Edmunds will take this opportunity to express their opinions.

The wording and content of the fourth edition of the Official Guide to Bury St Edmunds was agreed; this is a publication funded by local business advertisements and is free to residents and tourists and distributed via various organisations and businesses in the Town.

A grant application from Horringer Court Residents Association for funding of road-calming measures on Glastonbury Road has been deferred whilst the Clerk writes to Suffolk County Council’s Highways department enquiring if Suffolk Council is able to at least part fund the works.

The Town Council has decided to fund a fete in the Abbey Gardens jointly with St Edmundsbury Borough Council on 4th August 2013.

Playwright Stella Feehily and renowned Director Max Stafford-Clark will premiere their new play, This May Hurt a Bit, at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, as they rip the plaster off the NHS and take a look beneath – steel yourself, because this may hurt (a bit!)

In a world premiere (from 6 – 15 March), dynamic drama duo Stella Feehily and Max Stafford Clark will be bringing their play inspired by Stafford-Clark’s series of strokes in 2006, and his subsequent six month journey of pain, frustration and hilarity through the digestive system of the nation’s most divisive institution – the NHS.

creative team it promises to be a fantastic production of the highest quality.

Out of Joint Theatre Company was founded in 1993 by Max Stafford-Clark following his 14 year stint as Artistic Director of the Royal Court, and tours extensively both in Britain and internationally. It specialises in commissioning and producing new writing, along with occasional revival and classic pieces.

For tickets and further details please call the Box Office on 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org

Told through the character of a lady in her late 80s, who has suffered a major brain haemorrhage, this play explores what it’s like to be beholden to an institution that has been battered by the stormy seas of politics and economics for nearly 70 years.

Starring Stephanie Cole (Coronation Street, Open All Hours) and Jane Wymark (Poldark, Midsomer Murders) this piece is bubbling with wit, satire, pathos and a sprinkle of the surreal, and with such a strong cast and

History Will Come Alive In Bury St. Edmunds With £86,400 Heritage Lottery Grant Plans to celebrate the 800-year-old link between Bury St Edmunds and the Magna Carta Vibrant events to bring history alive will go ahead following the news of a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

The Bury Society, which is working with St Edmundsbury Cathedral and St Edmundsbury Borough Council to stage a number of events in 2014, put in a bid for £86,400 to cover a spectacular light and sound event as well as bringing the Magna Carta itself to the town and a range of educational activities.

Set up in 2011, the Bury Society Committee has representatives from a range of local organisations including St Edmundsbury Borough Council whom have pledged £15,000 towards the cost of the Magna Carta events Margaret Charlesworth, Chairman of the Magna Carta 800 Committee, said: “This is simply wonderful news. We have been determined to celebrate the crucial role

Issue 19 2014

that Bury St Edmunds played in the Magna Carta story in the year before it was sealed

by King John and now we can put our plans into action.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, said: “We at HLF are delighted to support this project that will offer residents of Bury St Edmunds the very rare opportunity to view the Magna Carta, whilst also exploring the town’s somewhat unknown connection to this important historical event.”

There will be national 800th anniversary Magna Carta commemorations in 2015 but Bury St Edmunds is celebrating a year earlier because tradition says it was in 1214 that the Barons of England secretly gathered at the altar in St Edmund’s Abbey.

There they vowed that they would force their king to put his name to a Charter (which later became known as the Magna Carta)

which would protect his people’s rights.

Principles established at that time, such as habeas corpus (which requires a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court and not detained unlawfully), are still enshrined in law today. The constitutions of several countries, including the United States of America, are based on the principles of Magna Carta.

Mrs Charlesworth said: “The motto of Bury St Edmunds is ‘Shrine of a king, cradle of the law’ which reflects the pivotal role this town has played over the years and now, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, we will bring that story alive for people of all ages.”

The funding means that one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta will come from Lincoln to St Edmundsbury Cathedral, linked to an education programme encouraging local school children to understand its importance both nationally and locally.

The light and sound event in October is designed to take people on an exciting trail through town, drawing strands from the past and present to show how the Magna Carta is still part of the town’s heritage.

There will also be other activities during the year and the Committee is looking for local sponsors to help celebrate the anniversary.

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Norfolk Volunteer Health Champions South Norfolk’s free personal health programme still has a few spaces With 6% of Britain’s population now diagnosed with diabetes (that’s around one person in 17) and national levels of obesity giving the country’s clinicians sleepless nights, schemes like Voluntary Norfolk’s Health Champions programme, which operates in South Norfolk, can play an important part in boosting health and fitness levels.

We all know that we should watch our weight, drink a little less, take regular exercise and be more active... but for most people, knowing and doing are two very different things and few of us can find the self motivation to make it happen.

That is where Voluntary Norfolk’s Volunteer Health Champions can help.

The Volunteer Health Champions programme is working in co-operation with local health and social care services to ensure that a minimum of 100 people in South Norfolk’s market towns and villages will have been supported and inspired to achieve their key health and wellbeing goals, leading to better health and a decreased need for acute interventions.

Researchers believe that lifestyle and diet can be contributory factors in a range of illnesses and conditions including strokes, diabetes and certain cancers and that by changing what we eat and drink and by taking more exercise, we can potentially lead longer, healthier lives.

That is why our Health Champions have been specially trained to give advice and support on a one-to-one basis to those who want change their lifestyle and they can assist people to: • • • • •

Quit smoking Lose weight Reduce their drinking Increase their exercise Change their diet

“Our volunteers are keen to help more people in the South Norfolk area and we still have a few spaces on the programme for those who want to better their health and lifestyle,� said Matthew Jones, the Volunteer Health

Champions Co-ordinator. “With the help of a volunteer to advise, support and mentor them, they have a much better chance of achieving their goals and of making a real and long-lasting change. Any Dispatch readers living in South Norfolk who feel that they would benefit should get in touch without delay.�

The Health Champions scheme aims to help people who cannot access formal support and who are rurally or socially isolated and who don’t (for example) have time to regularly attend support groups or clubs, are intimidated at the idea of joining a gym, or who simply don’t know where to start.

bury st edmunds

Art Unequalled Sally Dunham’s three day art event from 3rd to 5th May 2014 Following the success of Art Unequalled in Ely for the last three years, Sally Dunham is proud to be launching an additional three day event at the beautiful Atheneaum in the centre of Bury St Edmunds this early May bank holiday.

Art Unequalled was set up by local sculptor Sally in 2011 to bring together makers of high quality Art and Craft to showcase direct to the public. A defining feature of the show is that all work must be handmade by the artist presenting the work. There is a strict policy of no brought in goods allowed.

ceramics, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, wood jewellery, glass and photography.

There will be items for all budgets from £5 to £2000, so whether you are searching for a unique gift, a special something for your self or home or simply enjoy meeting interesting artists passionate about what they do then this is an event you don’t want to miss. A warm welcome awaits.

Further information can be found at www.artunequalled.co.uk or don’t hesitate to contact Sally on info@ artunequalled.co.uk or 07850 286566

You will find a fantastic collection of handmade work including paintings, mono and limited edition prints,

The Volunteer Health Champions have been trained by Voluntary Norfolk using the Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 course in Understanding Behaviour Change. They are carefully matched with individuals who have been referred by local health and social care services, or who have self-referred, and who have a specific health and wellbeing goal in mind.

The volunteers provide support, advice and information, helping to instil selfconfidence in people and leaving them better able to manage their own health and wellbeing in the future.

The Volunteer Health Champions are working alongside South Norfolk District Council and a range of organisations and health professionals.

Clients can be referred via their GP or can request support themselves by visiting the Voluntary Norfolk website voluntarynorfolk.org.uk/vhchampions

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Issue 19 2014

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bury st edmunds

Sarnies at Heart of British Diet

Jazz Up Your Routine

Despite all the negatives of the recession, it seems that ready-to-eat sandwiches are now such a big part of our lives that we no longer see them as a luxury.

Maxine Rustern runs Bury St Edmunds Jazzercise classes at St Benedicts School and County Upper School, with the times and days to suit everyone. So there is no excuse not to come!

New figures show that we chomped our way through 126 million more prepacked sandwiches last year than in 2008, bringing the total consumed to a whopping three billion sarnies across the UK. And although another three billion lunch boxes were taken to work, more people bought ready-made sarnies from supermarkets to take home - an increase of eight per cent - to put into lunch boxes the next day.

Sandwiches are also highly fashion-led with constant changes in the 20 most popular fillings, although chicken salad remains at number one. In fact, chicken is the most popular filling, accounting for about 30% of all ready-made sandwiches, or 68,000 tonnes of the stuff

between toasted slices of bread so that he could continue gambling while he ate.

The world’s largest pre-packed sandwich is believed to be one created by Roberts Bakery in Norwich that was 2.5 metres long, packed with Marmite, tuna and mayonnaise and weighing the same as 1,000 loaves.

Britain’s biggest sandwich retailer is now the American franchise chain Subway which shot ahead of Tesco, Greggs and Marks & Spencer to take the lead in 2006.

In total British consumers managed to munch their way through over 11.5 billion sandwiches last year with more than half of them made and eaten at home.

Nearly 20% of all sandwiches are purchased in London with the Midlands just behind at 17% followed by Yorkshire on 12% and 11% in Lancashire while people in the North East and South West buy the fewest.

Jim Winship, Director of the British Sandwich Association, says: “It seems that while some consumers reacted to all the negative publicity by making more sandwiches at home, this was short-lived. The evidence suggests that people get bored with the limited choice of ingredients they have in the home for making up lunch boxes - the choice of fillings in sandwich outlets is generally much greater”

However, it did not get its name until 1762 when the 4th Earl of Sandwich called for some cuts of beef to be placed

“We suspect people also value that extra 10 minutes in bed each morning if they don’t have to make up a lunch box!”

The statistics from the British Sandwich Association show that the humble sandwich has come a long way from its origins as a snack for field labourers in the middle ages.

Try a new class that will ensure you have as much fun as possible whilst getting fit at the same time.

It’s a great way of meeting people and working out, for all ages, shapes and size.

Offering fun, interactive and very effective body workout Jazzercise group classes have work-outs choreographed to all the latest music, with her ever changing routines so that you will not get bored. We promise you will leave our class wanting more.

with age the weight bearing and muscle toning of Body Sculpture is a very useful form of exercise.

All Jazzercise classes are run by professional instructors. Maxine and her team will do everything to help you get that new year body whilst enjoying the workout, exercise really doesn’t have to be a chore!

So give Maxine a call and book your first class for only £5.

Telephone her on 07943 161246 www.jazzercise-uk.com

Don’t worry if you are not the most coordinated person in the world, and don’t enjoy jumping around, we also offer Body Sculpting classes at some of our locations.

So ring for more information, no need to give up on exersice altogether, as these classes are great for maintaining bone density. For older people who are suffering with the normal aches and pains that go

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HOMES & GARDENS

Energy Blog If your Electric or Gas is supplied by any of the BIG 6, you ARE paying to much – fact!

It’s your high prices which are inflating the BIG 6 profits. British Gas for the last three years have charged the highest prices, and that’s why they have the most adverts on TV. This is the Government saying this not me!

The prices and profits of British Gas have been questioned by the energy minister, who suggested it might have to be broken up.

prices to domestic customers in the past three years. If regulators found evidence of a monopoly, this could see a company being broken up.

The ‘Big 6’ meanwhile were roundly criticised in the report. Here’s how Utility Warehouse compare against the UK’s biggest energy companies:

British Gas currently has 41% of the domestic gas supply market, the largest share of any of the big six. It said the data highlighted by Mr Davey had already been fully disclosed.

PROVIDER Utility Warehouse EON EDF Scottish Power SSE British Gas Npower

So what is the alternative?

In a letter to regulators, Ed Davey said profit margins made by the “big six” energy firms when supplying gas were higher than previously thought.

He called on regulators to study the dominance of British Gas, which said it would participate in any discussions.

The company’s owner, Centrica, saw its shares fall by 3% in early trading.

Mr Davey wants a market investigation, pointing out that British Gas had charged among the highest

Once again, Utility Warehouse are in the enviable position of not just beating the ‘Big 6’ energy companies when it comes to customer satisfaction, but thrashing them!

In its latest survey of consumers, Which? has once more named Utility Warehouse in the top three energy companies in the country, awarding them a fantastic 75% customer satisfaction score. What’s more, Utility Warehouse were awarded a Five-Star rating for customer service, value for money, and billing accuracy & clarity.

SCORE 75% 45% 44% 41% 41% 39% 31%

The latest annual Which? energy survey polled more than 8,000 consumers. It condemned the bigger companies for “falling short” of customers’ needs, while praising their challengers. Utility Warehouse is singled out for offering a “very attractive package” thanks to our Gold Bundles.

This result means that Utility Warehouse is the only provider that has been in the top three energy companies according to Which? since

surveys began in 2008. And this is on top of the recommendation Utility Warehouse receive year in, year out from Which? for their Home Phone & Broadband services.

All of this means you can confident that you’re in great hands when you switch to Utility Warehouse. You can be confident that you will receive Five-Star customer service and value for money... just ask Which?!

To switch your utility services to the Utility Warehouse, call the local UW representative: Jonathan – 07802 690589 or via email at Save@Utility-Bills.co.uk Jonathan can speak with you over the phone, or arrange to pop in to carry out a FREE energy assessment.

You work hard for your money, so don’t burn it away!

Issue 19 2014

10 Homes & gardens

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Indulge Your Passion For All Things Gardening Suffolk Plant Heritage’s Spring Plant Fair At Helmingham Hall, Sunday May 25th, 10.00am – 4.00pm The annual Spring Plant Fair, organised

by Suffolk Plant Heritage in partnership with Helmingham Hall will be held in the beautiful grounds of Helmingham Hall on May 25th 2014 Great Plants to Buy A wide range of unusual and popular plants will be available from over 50 nurseries, local National Plant Collections and the Suffolk Plant Heritage propagation group, which will be selling rare plants, some not offered for sale elsewhere.

Pollinators’ project; ‘Growing Meadow Flowers in your Garden’; ‘Brilliant Dahlias and ‘Vegetables to Sow in Midsummer’. Our Plant Doctors will be available to offer advice on any gardening topic, to identify your mystery plants and plant problems.

Garden and Home Ornament Visitors can also browse among a wide range of exhibitors offering everything from hand tools to soap and garden furniture to sun hats.

A Free Plant for 800 Visitors A plant of Liatris aspera, the ‘rough gayfeather’, will be given to the first 800 visitors to claim them. With attractive spikes of feathery purple flowers, it was used in the beautiful naturalistic plantings at the Olympic Park in 2012.

Eat, Drink and be Merry The Plant Fair gives the whole family a full day out, live music, a dance tent, home made teas and lunches as well as a range of food stalls. Visitors can enjoy the Grade 1 listed gardens of Helmingham Hall, with walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, roses and ancient deer park.

Lots to Learn The Garden Marquee will host Gardening Workshops, including the RHS introducing their ‘Perfect

Tours of the gardens with Lady Tollemache, tickets £15 each, are bookable from the Helmingham Estate Office tel no 01473 890799

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Entry to the Plant Fair and Helmingham Hall Gardens is £6.00 per adult.

Children are free.

Location: Helmingham Hall is 9 miles NE of Ipswich on the B1077. Post Code IP14 6EF

DUTCH BARN NURSERIES 11

Dutch Barn Nursery & Coffee Shop Blo Norton House Farm, Blo Norton, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2JB. I believe by looking at a garden you can get an idea of the personality of the owner.

You have your traditional gardeners, with neat rows of bedding plants along the edge of the perfectly manicured lawns, then you have a more wild plot with the odd thistle poking through the flower bed and next door’s cat hiding under the hedge. What is your garden saying about you?

Whatever your style of gardening you are sure to enjoy looking around Dutch Barn Nursery, an independent plant nursery and Coffee Shop on the Norfolk/ Suffolk border. Here you will find a great choice of cottage garden perennials, alpines and herbs, along with seasonal vegetable plants, soft fruit

NEW FOR 2014!

Bedding Plants

and new for this year bedding and basket plants.

“We try to be as different as possible from the big, chain store garden centre’s” says owner Eleanor Corble, on whose family farm the nursery was set up on 3 years ago.

“You never know what you will find. We keep it interesting, with unusual varieties of plants and inspiring ideas for the garden.

We have expanded our range this year to include locally produced bedding and basket plants so there really is something for everyone” As well as the plant nursery there’s a Coffee Shop and a small gift/home-wares shop. The coffee shop has undergone a makeover for 2014 and will now offer light lunches, alongside the ever popular home-made cakes we have become well known for.

When the weather warms up enough why not cycle over with the family? The nursery is around 7 miles from both Diss and Thetford, being off the beaten track you could plan a route on some of the areas tranquil back roads.

Bike parking available, refreshments on standby!!! If you are not a fan of 2 wheels there is ample parking, with disabled access and WC facilities.

Are you planning an event? Or searching for somewhere to meet up with friends and family, or to bring your group or organization?

Then look no further! With it’s tranquil atmosphere and friendly service, Dutch Barn Nursery Coffee Shop is the ideal location for a get-together.

Please call or email to discuss your requirements, we will do our best to make your day special.

Opening Times: Monday : 10am - 5pm Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : 10am - 5pm Thursday : 10am - 5pm Friday : 10am - 5pm Saturday : 10am - 5pm Sunday : 11am - 4pm Blo Norton House Farm, Blo Norton, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2JB www.dutchbarnnursery.co.uk dutchbarnnurseries@aol.co.uk Phone: 01953 681182

There is a new indoor seating area plus our tea garden where you are welcome to sit and enjoy the sunshine!

IMPROVED FOR 2014!

Coffee Shop

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12 ELDERLY

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Live-in Care The Real Alternative to a Care Home Getting older sometimes means that a person needs to be cared for twenty four hours a day.

who return on a rotational basis in order to provide a continuous service with as little disruption as possible.

Such care can be provided in a care home or in a person’s own home.

Given the choice, many people would prefer to be cared for in their own home and Able Community Care has enabled thousands of people to exercise this choice.

Every person receiving care from Able Community Care has their own Care Manager and the company overnight ‘on call’ system is run by our staff and not contracted out.

Our experience has shown that having a regular rota of experienced carers in your own home is often a much happier alternative than moving into a care home.

Able Community Care provides livein carers whose role is to provide domestic, personal and social care tailored to each individual’s needs and wishes. Each live-in carer lives in a person’s home for a fortnight providing a safe, secure and reliable care package.

Able Community Care’s objective is to establish two or three liked carers

Angela Gifford formed Able Community Care in 1980 and as Managing Director she continues to benefit this successful company with her long experience of the care sector.

also consults at an international level on the subject.

Angela is highly regarded as an expert in the field of home care and

Tel: 01603 764567 Email: Ablemg@aol.com.

Able Community Care also provides live-in ‘home from hospital’ cover, respite care and holiday companions.

Services are available in England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and varying holiday destinations.

South Norfolk Mobilty Centre

Able Community Care’s website www.uk-care.com provides comprehensive information, including many moving and heartfelt client comments.

Is Spring on the way? We certainly hope so!

There is also an option to sign up for their free email Newsflash, written by the MD. Angela Gifford each week, to keep up to date with the latest care information and news which may affect yourself or your family.

We have a great range of new and second hand scooters from all the well known brands, so we can supply you with a boot scooter, which comes apart for easy lifting and transportation - brilliant for days out or for just going to the local shop. We sell road going vehicles too, so that if you need to drive on the road, you can do so.

Here at South Norfolk Mobility, we are ready to help you with your mobility needs.

If you have never driven a car or a scooter before, don’t be put off! We give

Issue 19 2014

For a Free Information Pack please don’t hesitate to contact Able Community Care on -

you careful guidance on how to drive a scooter, and of course show you the right way to disassemble and load into the car boot.

We stock a wide range of walking aids such as folding canes, three and four wheeled walkers wheelchairs and zimmer frames, so you are covered for indoors and outside too.

Take a look at our wesite for more information www.southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk We look forward to seeing you.

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HEALTH & Beauty 13

Mary-Anne Morrison Fashion Fusion Millinery Friday 9th May 2014

Mary-Anne is an independent Milliner providing a bespoke service Her aim is to design an elegant hat or headpiece for you. She is a trained textile artist and exhibits nationally and internationally; her unique art has evolved into eye-caching headwear which is on display in her work room.

Mary-Anne’s business and reputation is renowned for customer service. Her studio is in a converted barn in Suffolk where she fulfils her passion for designing high quality millinery.

She is a trained textile artist and exhibits nationally and internationally and frequently has textile pieces touring Europe. Her millinery business evolved from the same concept she has in her textiles “Rhythm, Movement and Balance”.

Over the years she has discussed techniques with royal and many other high profile milliners which has enabled her to stamp her unique touch on every glamorous head-piece.

Mary-Anne supplies boutiques across the U.K. and her wearable art is becoming increasingly popular at home and internationally.

All pieces are crafted with love and care a prestigious Mary-Anne Morrison piece will be treasured and cherished long after its debut.

Please call if you wish to find out more details or visit by appointment and try a showroom sample on. She will ensure her hats enhance your outfit leaving you feeling confident and perfectly dressed for your special occasion.

If you have any special requirements when choosing the perfect hat to complement your outfit or wish to order anything from the collection pages please don’t hesitate to phone or email Mary-Anne to discuss how she can help bring together ideas with references from the website in alternative colours and fabrics.

Once again, The Apex is delighted to present Fashion Fusion - the annual event that should be in all fashionista’s diaries!

Now in its 4th year at The Apex, Fashion Fusion showcases the exciting new ranges from Bury St Edmunds’ retailers and all proceeds from the event go to St Nicholas Hospice.

Over 20 shops and designers will take part in the style extravaganza, which will be split into two parts to showcase ‘young fashion’ and ‘exclusive fashion’.

Lively music, continuous catwalk models and video footage will create an exciting atmosphere and with a mix of independent shops and high street stores, there will be something to suit everyone’s taste.

possible for the Hospice – last year we achieved £5,803.64. This year we will be changing the format a little to keep the momentum fast paced and exciting and delivering more of a ‘Fashion Week’ style atmosphere. So do come along and enjoy this fun event for a good cause.”

All tickets include welcome drink and interval refreshments, all seat numbers will be entered into a raffle with great prizes.

Drinks reception starts at 7pm, show starts at 7.30pm. Front row tickets are £15, with all others at £13.50. For more details or to book tickets to the show, visit www.theapex.co.uk or call 01284 758000.

Lorraine Callow will be inspiring the audience with style tips, St Nicholas Hospice Shop will put on a catwalk show & West Suffolk College beauty students will be in charge of hair and make-up.

Julie Warren, Marketing Manager at The Apex said “our aim is to raise as much as

Issue 18 2013

14 MOTORING REVIEW

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New MG3 Some cars try too hard to look funky. The new supermini from MG is one of them.

For me, the renowned MG name should be associated with class – not boy-racer, go-faster stripes and cheap interior plastics. Sorry to say the MG3 has both.

But all is not lost because this little car will attract a wedge of the British motoring population for one big reason – the very low price tag.

You see, the MG3 3Form Sport VTi-Tech model I drove only costs £9,549. For that sub 10 grand figure you get a small hatch which will certainly appeal to young and style conscious buyers.

Exterior highlights include 16 inch diamond cut alloy wheels, light-emitting diode (LED) lights, a sport-design bumper, side sill extensions, a rear spoiler, a sports-design rear valance, chrome exhaust finishers and MG insert headlamps.

Furthermore, as it’s all the rage for cars aimed at the younger end of the motoring market to have an array of styling options, MG has made its latest model a blank canvas so it can be ‘personalised’.

With three trim levels, 10 colours and a range of at least 10 graphic packs, young drivers with their first pay packet will be spoilt for choice!

The combinations are almost endless.

It’s all been done before by other manufacturers though and the attempt seems a tad contrived.

Step inside and key features of the MG3 include air conditioning; a six-speaker audio system; Bluetooth; DAB radio, USB input, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, and fabric seats with part-leather trim. That’s a whole lot of kit - but the plastic-fantastic cabin spoils the party. Most surfaces, from the

doors to the dash, feel hard and, well, cheap. That said, the car is cut-price – so it’s a classic case of ‘you get what you pay for’.

The most surprising aspect of the MG3 is the amount of space and versatility in an incredibly compact five-door package. The ‘rolled and raised’ front dashboard design creates an airy forward cabin space and increased legroom, while allowing excellent access to the controls.

This theme is continued in the rear of the car, where the front seats are sculpted to allow your rear passengers enough space to travel in comfort. Best of all, the MG will accommodate four six footers; a level of room typically associated with larger cars.

Behind the wheel, the MG3 delivers impressive levels of body control,

sharpness and a willingness to corner.

Powered by a hale and hearty 103bhp 1498cc petrol engine, it darts about like a minnow, delivering sure footed handling and impressive ride comfort.

The 0-62mph scurry of 10.9 seconds and top speed of 108mph makes the MG3 suitable for most trips, from jampacked urban routes, to fluid British B-roads or cruising on a European motorway.

At just four-metres long and with five doors, the MG3 is really easy to drive and park too. It’s also practical with a small, but deep rectangular boot that will take the weekly shop – or even a child’s buggy.

It has a distinctive stance and its ‘hockey stick’ shaped daylight running lights help give the MG3 a front ‘face’ unlike any other car.

PROS ‘N’ CONS • • • • •

Good to drive √ Easy to park √ Cheap to buy and run √ Contrived X Interior plastics X

FAST FACTS

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist

Issue 19 2014

-

• • • • • • • • Follow Tim on twitter @carwriteups www.carwriteups.co.uk

Max speed: 108 mph 0-62 mph: 10.9 secs Combined mpg: 48.7 Engine: 1498cc 4 cylinder 16V petrol Max. power (bhp): 103 at 6000 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 101 at 4750 rpm CO2: 136 g/km Price: £9,549

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DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 15

Cloudy2Clear Windows - Service With A Smile It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear windows.

The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.

Managing director Tim Law feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee.

Cloudy2Clear service the Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge areas and Tim is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense.

But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps.

Many trades’ people have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done.

We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer

I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Tim a call for free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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NORWICH

DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

WYMONDHAM DEREHAM & WATTON

BURY ST EDMUNDS

Issue 19 2014