Diss and Attleborough Dispatch Magazine. December 2013

DECEMBER | PRICELESS

Happy christmas

church services motoring

energy review FOR DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

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December 2013

WELCOME

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

DispatchMag

Editor: Jonathan Horswell

Issue 147 December 2013

Advertising: sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is: December 11th 2013

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

Š 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.

December 2013

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

Merry Christmas to all our customers and readers from the Dispatch Magazine team

December 2013

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

My Tax Return Catch Up

Oh Tannenbaum!

Taxpayers who owe tax are currently being targeted under an HMRC campaign known as My Tax Return Catch Up.

While trees bring such joy to us all for many reasons, their size can present problems for us when we come up against them in certain circumstances. When things go wrong who is to blame?

The campaign is aimed at taxpayers that should have filed Self Assessment tax returns for 2011/12 and earlier tax years.

The campaign ran until 15th October 2013.

Taxpayers who wish to take part in the disclosure opportunity must submit completed tax returns and pay any tax and National Insurance due by the 15th October 2013 deadline.

HMRC have listed the following benefits for taxpayers taking part in this disclosure opportunity: • A quick and straightforward way of bringing your tax affairs up to date.

• The use of a dedicated helpline.

• Avoiding receiving a determination

of the tax you owe and action to collect - including telephone calls, visits and the courts.

• An increased chance of saving a higher penalty based on behaviour.

It is likely that taxpayers that come forward as part of the initiative will also receive better terms and lower penalties than if targeted by HMRC. Taxpayers can register to take part in the campaign by completing an online registration form available on HMRC’s website.

The form can then be sent electronically or printed and posted to HMRC. Wayne Goddard FCCA (Director of Newman & Co. Chartered Accountants)

Yes Christmas is approaching and the season could not be better illustrated by a brightly lit and decorated Christmas tree.

The recent storms which battered our shores brought many trees down which caused damage to property and people.

Anyone suffering loss could consider a claim against the person or authority with control of the tree’s management.

This could be the owner or tenant of the land where the tree was. The highway authorities are responsible for managing trees within the highway zone.

On private land any claim will be brought in negligence, nuisance or pursuant to the Occupier’s Liability Acts against the person concerned for the loss and damage caused. Liability can be established if the “manager” of the tree has failed to take reasonable care to avoid acts and omissions that cause a reasonably foreseeable risk of injury or damage. The standard of care is that of the reasonable

and prudent landowner, and will be higher in respect of public areas such as Parks and Gardens. The claimant will need to show the tree had some weakness rendering it hazardous, which the defendant knew or ought to have known of (such as disease or storm damage). A storm will bring down many healthy trees for which no-one will be liable.

Trees can cause damage because of their roots undermining the foundations of neighbouring properties if they are too close. The tree owner should therefore take steps in certain circumstances if trees are too close to a neighbouring property as they may be held liable for the repair costs and those could be substantial. It would be wise to get an opinion from an arboriculturalist and if necessary take action to remove any risks.

Always ensure you are insured against liability claims for trees on your land, and have legal expenses insurance for claims you may have to make for damage you have suffered from.

Our expert team of lawyers is

here to help t Accident Claims t Clinical Negligence t Commercial t Debt Recovery t Dispute Resolution t Employment t Family t Landlord and Tenant t Powers of Attorney t Property t Wills, Trusts & Probate

Ipswich 01473 255591 Diss 01379 643555

Felixstowe 01394 279636 Harleston 01379 854455 www.jackamans.co.uk

December 2013

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

Window Geeks “Replacing your steamed-up windows doesn’t mean you have to replace the whole window…Save thousands by changing only the glass”…

It can be stressful when things break or go wrong, especially when it seems the only solution comes at great expense.

Unexpected bills can hit households very hard at a time when every penny counts and it means that thousands of homeowners put off fixing their windows or doors for fear of the high costs usually associated with these types of products...

Well now you can relax…because WindowGeeks, a national window, door and conservatory repair specialist, has expanded into Norwich and will service the whole of the Norfolk region, giving local home owners access to real money-saving options; one that can reduce what could be an alarming bill in the thousands to a far more acceptable one in the low hundreds - and in most cases even lower than that.

The fact is that the average single repair or replacement undertaken by WindowGeeks, which includes locks, handles and hinges, as well as the usual replacement of steamed-up double glazed units is less

than £60...not surprising really when you consider that the replacement of a single steamed-up double glazed window starts from as low as £30 including VAT and fitting…which is why, at this point, many people take the opportunity to upgrade to energy efficient double glazed units.

Our new local and experienced team, headed up by Steve Olley, join all of our other skilled craftsmen and women throughout the UK, each providing a professional and cost effective service to 1,000s of customers from Plymouth in the Southwest, through Norwich in the East, up to Preston in the North and all points in-between…

“Lots of people have problems with their windows,” says Steve, “They get steamed-up and won’t clear, or the locks stick or the handles get loose…and it becomes even more of a problem at this time of year when cold draughts get through...but what’s really surprising is that most people don’t realise that all of these problems can be fixed quickly and without spending a fortune or having to

sell one or more of their children, unless they want to of course”…

WindowGeeks has over 38 years’ experience in the glazing industry and it’s sad to think that there are still quite a few traditional window companies that either refuse or just don’t want to carryout repairs…now were not saying that all double glazing companies don’t carry out repairs, many do, and do a great job, but Steve adds, “In most cases they’re not really interested in the smaller jobs and that’s what’s so great about WindowGeeks, we offer a real cost-effective solution, which makes it a very easy decision for our customers to choose us...there’s no pressure sales from us because there’s no viable alternative, unless, that is, you want to spend 10, 20 or even 100 times more on replacing all your double glazing!”

While the cost savings might be the biggest draw, there’s another reason customers should choose WindowGeeks and one that has inevitably convinced many customers throughout the UK to use us;

“It’s all about honesty and trust,” says Steve. “There’s integrity in what WindowGeeks do and that’s very important to me, we tell the truth, only charge for what needs doing and we always honour our promises…We run a very successful and ethical business based on good old fashioned customer service backed up with top quality products and support from our head office.”

WindowGeeks provides free quotations with; • No call out charges • No credit card charges • No deposits • No minimum order values, • No high pressure sales men or women • No hidden extras • 10 year guarantee on all glazed products All our quotes include VAT and Fitting Call now for a FREE QUOTE on 0800 61 22 943 or visit us at www.windowgeeks.co.uk

WindowGeeks don’t flog double glazing They Fix It! SPEEDY, AFFORDABLE, NO FUSS, NO MESS

10 Year Guarantee On The Glass No Minimum Order No Credit Card Charges Think sorting it is going to cost a fortune?

Contact your local WindowGeek today for a free, no obligation quote

0800 5 118 007

December 2013

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Uplands Way Vets Ltd We are incredibly excited to be offering a new pet food range which has just been launched in the UK. It is called Virbac Vet Complex and has been an established brand in Europe for many years. It has a unique manufacturing process using human-grade meat and fish as its primary ingredients.

Virbac are using the latest technologies and ideas to make exceptionally high standard products, not to mention the tastiest!

The necessary fat component, made with duck fat, coats the outside of each kibble making them undeniably lip-smackingly tasty for our dogs and cats!

We offer life stage and prescription foods at all of our branches. And the icing on the cake? These foods are cheaper than any other prescription standard food we have offered!

With a money back taste guarantee, nothing can stand in your way of taking advantage of this fantastic offer...

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on all 1.5kg and 3kg bags of food until 13th December.

Please pop in for advice and to collect your free bag of goodies with your purchase. Goodies include a free cat and dog water bowl and a bag clip.

It must be Christmas! And with Christmas fast approaching, here at Uplands Way Vets Ltd, we are getting ready for the festive season!

At Uplands Way vets, we offer complete care for all animals, large and small throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.

a familiar face in an emergency.

We have a dedicated team of staff who will look after and care for your pets just as you would.

We have branches in Diss, Attleborough and Stanton, offering 24hr emergency cover by our own vets; meaning you benefit from seeing

We also offer loyalty schemes for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses, helping you save money with your routine pet care.

Diss Museum Although it’s closed for the winter, the museum is looking its best again.

The toy stand is stocked, the decorations are being sorted and the vets and nurses are standing by for your animals 24hours a day throughout Christmas and New Years.

But, just so we get some sleep (so Santa can visit), hang those baubles high up on the tree to avoid thefts and remember chocolate and Christmas cake/pudding are poisons to animals.

The damp problem and roof have been fixed, the cracked marble and inefficient gutters replaced, the re-painting completed. When I look at it I feel that a continuity of effort and promotion has led up to its current state.

When I got the Honoured Citizen Award for 2009, it was the third time that someone from the museum had won it, the others: Ben Sasada and Clifford Bird.

Soon afterwards the Tom Paine Festival won the East of England Market Towns Culture Award, previously won for the town by the 2004 Skelton Festival. Then the Paine Festival won a Museums & Heritage Award for Excellence, the Oscars of the museum world.

We built on that with Friends in High Places: The Manning Story, commemorating a family of Diss rectors, one of whom was the first European to meet the Dalai Lama.

Through contacts made via the visit of the Tashi Lhunpo monks and their residency

December 2013

at the Corn Hall, we re-created the meeting of a Manning and the current Dalai Lama.

About this time, and with the museum’s profile and reputation sky-high, we found that extensive repairs were necessary to The Shambles building.

Anyone in the arts, heritage or culture will know all about funding bids and what a grind they are. “Explain in no more than 200 words why there is a need for this project.”

At least we could answer that one. If we didn’t get the money one of the town’s best assets and tourist attractions would fall down.

But we also had a terrific track record of projects. “Award-winning” is a gold-dust phrase. Everything we have done and achieved over the years has led up to the museum looking as spruce as it does today.

Basil Abbott

@Dispatch_Mag

Park Radio

Comer Crawley

Back on air 2014!

Your questions answered...

Staffed purely by volunteers, including some well known local radio presenters, and funded by local advertsiers and sponsors, Park Radio first took to the air at Christmas 2010.

7th Dec - Harleston Christmas Lights Switch-On 11th Dec - Quiz League - Final - Italian Job 14th Dec - Harleston Leisure Club

Providing local news, interviews and music plus plenty of listener interaction and specialist evening music shows for lovers of rock, blues, soul and country; Park Radio will be returning to the airways in 2014 Whilst not on air this December, Park Radio are supporting the following events:

18th Dec - Quiz Night @ Rickinghall Bell For more informaton on park radio, the events it supports and it’s future radio shows please visit their website at: www.parkradio.co.uk

Question: I recently took my young son ice skating at a local tourist attraction. My son was injured when he was knocked over by another skater and then when he was trying to get up another skater ran over his hand with his ice skate. It seemed to me that there were too many people on the ice and that some of the skaters were very experienced whereas my son and I and others were very inexperienced. Could my son claim compensation for what happened to him?

Answer: Your son will be able to successfully make a claim for compensation if he can prove that he was injured because of someone else’s negligence or breach of some other legal duty that gives rise to a claim for compensation.

4th Dec - Quiz @ Diss Golf Club 6th Dec - Quiz @ Heywood Sports Club [TBC]

It is unlikely to be an option to pursue a claim against either of the other skaters as even if it was possible to prove that they acted negligently, they are not likely to have insurance cover and may not have the financial resources to pay for your son’s compensation and any legal costs.

Diss

It may however be possible to successfully pursue a claim for compensation against the organisers of the ice skating activity. Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 (and also under the law of negligence), the organisers owe a duty of care to ensure that those using the ice rink are reasonably safe. In seeking to ensure that skaters are reasonably safe the organisers should ensure that a safe number of people use the ice rink at any one time and also take into account other relevant considerations such as the age and level of experience of the skaters using the rink.

The organisers should also exercise a certain level of instruction and supervision of those using the ice rink. They should also have staff members ��������������������������� on the ice who can promptly come to the assistance of anyone who has fallen over and provide appropriate instruction to ensure that skaters are as safe as is reasonably possible.

If you have a question for our legal advice team you can submit it by email: enquiries@ comercrawley.co.uk or in writing to: Chancery House, Victoria Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4HZ.

Big C Cancer Charity Annual ploughman’s lunch fundraiser at Bunwell Village hall Ann with Joy Tunmore, Kathleen Flowerday, Ursula Jackson, Janet Skiddmore and Norma Howes have been instrumental in raising over £80,000 for Big C since they started ten years ago.

The group lay on their annual ploughman’s Lunch at Bunwell Village hall which in its self raised over £1700.

The occasion was marked by guest Speaker David Claydmore from Radio Norfolk and was rounded up by a flower demonstration of which the exhibits were then raffled to help raise funds.

Diane Northway, community fundraising manager, said Ann and her team are marvellous in the way they have committed themselves to raising funds for Big C and their hard work and dedication is appreciated by the charity and ultimately will benefit those in Norfolk and Waveney who are effected by cancer as the money will be commited back into providing much needed equipment, research and care for the county.

For more information on Big-C Call 01603 619900 or visit www.big-c.co.uk

The group who have either lost husbands or themselves have been affected by cancer have traditionally had two main events a year, salmon and strawberry lunch in the summer and a ploughman’s in the autumn.

December 2013

10 Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Virtuosi GUS Band to Perform in Norwich

The Friends of Wortham Church

2013 Butlins Mineworkers Champions to visit Norwich

Annual Victorian Christmas market

On Sunday 11th May 2014, the East Anglian Brass Band Association is proud to present its 76th Annual Gala concert.

The Friends of Wortham Church are holding their annual Victorian Christmas Market outside the Post Office and Tea Shop on the 6th December between 4 & 7pm.

In 2014 the Association welcomes the famous Virtuosi GUS Band, who are currently ranked 16th in the world, to St Andrew’s Hall Norwich.

Virtuosi GUS are the 2013 Butlins Mineworkers Champions, having been placed first in both the set work and the entertainments sections at the contest.

This is only the 2nd time in 10 years that a band has achieved this feat.

The concert commences at 6.30pm.

Tickets costing £14.00, £16.00 and £18.00 are now on sale and are available from the Association Secretary.

For more information and tickets email: administration@eabba7.freeserve.co.uk or telephone 01473 626986.

East Anglian Brass Band Association Presents

2013

Butlins Mineworkers Champions

Virtuosi GUS Band

This event is growing in popularity every year so as well as a wonderful variety of stalls selling gifts, crafts, cakes and much much more we will also have some new games and residents of our twinned town of Hede selling delicious French crepes and mistletoe.

The Tea Shop will be open for teas, coffees, mince pies and mulled wine.

There is also a hot dog stall, Tombola and Raffle including a fabulous Christmas hamper. Entertainment will be provided from local singers of Discord, carol singing by the local primary school children and music from Jonny Ling’s fairground organ.

And of course we shall be visited by Father Christmas who shall arrive on his beautifully decorated sleigh.

We now have a Facebook page so for all the latest information just search for Friends of Wortham Church.

Sunday 11th May 2014 St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, 6.30pm Box office 01473 626986

administration@ eabba7.freeserve.co.uk Charity number 1062760

Susan’s Work-Basket A thankyou for 5 years of marvelous customers and great support Recently celebrating their 5th anniversary, Susan’s Work Basket is a friendly familyrun business in Attleborough.

With a wide selection of dress-making and fashion fabrics, as well as a huge variety of quilting cottons and an ever expanding wool department, you won’t be disappointed when you enter this Aladdin’s Cave!

December 2013

Susan and her staff would like to say a big thank you to all her customers for their support, and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

@Dispatch_Mag

HARLESTON 11

WANTED: 2 Brilliant New Novels

Harleston & Diss Jobs Clubs

Rethink Press, a fast growing Norfolk-based publishing business, is launching another competition for unpublished fiction writers.

Aiding Jobseekers in your local community

Set up by Lucy McCarraher, a novelist and self-help author, Rethink Press has had an incredibly successful 18 months, having published 25 niche titles – including fiction, self-help, business books, travel, cookery and poetry. It has just become the publishing partner of the Key Person of Influence (KPI) organisation, and has been shortlisted for Archant’s Future 50.

The international New Novels Competition gives two new fiction authors a chance to get their novels published on Amazon. co.uk and Amazon.com in paperback and e-book format, and benefit from the publicity and marketing experience of the Rethink team. 10 shortlisted entries will receive feedback from the judging panel and a coaching session with Lucy.

Lucy McCarraher’s first novel, Blood and Water, was published by Macmillan after she entered the Richard and Judy ‘How to be published’ competition in 2004.

She loves giving other writers the chance to get their novels in print and is looking forward to discovering some exciting new talent.

Lucy says: “Last year we found three amazing novelists and have been privileged to work with them to get their books published. James Ferron Anderson’s literary romance, The River And The Sea has received wonderful reviews; Angela Lawrence is much in demand as a speaker on her WW1 true story, Rumour; and Keri Beevis’ campus murder story, Dead Letter Day, has been a runaway best-seller – we’re looking forward to publishing the sequel.”

To help competition entrants, and all aspiring novelists, Rethink Press has published Lucy’s own book, How To Write Fiction Without The Fuss which is based on her extraordinarily popular online fiction-writing course on www.howtowritebetter.net.

The book is also launched today and gives writers tips on plot structure, characters, setting, theme, writing style and formatting manuscripts – as well as grammar and punctuation.

Sarah Bower, author of the international bestseller, Sins of the House of Borgia and The Needle In The Blood, said, “Lucy McCarraher has distilled all her common sense, wisdom and experience into a concise, readable and practical guide to anyone embarking on the daunting and terrifying task of writing a novel. Not only do I appreciate the book as a novelist, but am also inclined to steal her ideas wholesale as a Creative Writing teacher!”

The other New Novels Competition judges are Norfolk novelist, Amanda Addison; James Ferron Anderson, last year’s novel competition winner; Sam Ruddock, literary blogger and programme manager at the Writers’ Centre Norwich; and Rowan Whiteside, also from WCN and bookseller at Waterstone’s, Norwich.

The final date for entries to the Rethink Press New Novels 2014 Competition is 31st January 2014. To find out more and enter the competition, visit http://rethinkpress.com/new-novelscompetition-2014/

2013 has been a busy year for the Jobs Clubs, we have seen over 150 jobseekers attend the clubs and we have been able to help over 100 members find employment, training and/or voluntary roles.

This year we have also been able to offer training direct at the Jobs Clubs which has resulted in over 40 jobseekers gaining certified qualifications in Microsoft Excel, Sage 50 Accounts, Food Safety, First Aid and Health & Safety in the Workplace.

We hope to be running more courses in a range of subjects in 2014 so please call into the Jobs Clubs to ensure you’re kept up to date.

We would like to wish all our Jobs Clubs members and partners a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

Christmas Opening and Closing The Jobs Clubs will close at 2pm on Thursday 19 December in Harleston and

will re-open at 1.30pm on Tuesday 7 January 2014 in Diss.

What’s on in December Careers Advice – Tuesday 17 December 9.45am-3.30pm – please book A professional Careers Advisor will be holding 1:1 appointments offering additional support if you are looking for work or seeking training/learning opportunities.

For more information about the Jobs Clubs and the free services we offer please contact Lucy Marjoram or Jake Kubala Call 01379 851920, Text 07857 374857, Email jobsclub@harleston-norfolk.org.uk Or pop into your local club Harleston Information Plus, 8 Exchange Street, Harleston Diss Library, Church Street, Diss

Fressingfield Scout Group Old Boys (and Girls) Network Fressingfield Scouts are trying to contact anyone who was involved with Scouting in Fressingfield in the past.

The Old Boys (and Girls) Network is an informal group with the simple aim of meeting up, reviving memories and catching up with old friends. We plan

to have 2 or 3 get togethers a year as well as supporting Scout Group social activities.

Whether you were involved as a Beaver, Cub, Scout, Venture Scout, Explorer, Leader, Helper or on the Group Executive (Parents) committee in the past please get in touch to join this informal network.

If you were a member of the group but do not wish to join the network, we would be very interested in any memorabilia such as badges, uniforms, books, and especially photographs you may have either as a gift to our archive or to copy.

Please contact us if you have anything.

Michael Knights on 01379 ������������� 668060, daganyafarm@tiscali.co.uk OR Eammon Andrews on 01379 ������������� 384207, eammonandrews@gmail.com

December 2013

12 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Sound Sleep Beds Combat sleep disrution with Sound Sleep Bed’s guide to a good nights sleep Just like good nutrition, a balanced diet and exercise, sleep plays a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy and happy.

We need a good night’s sleep to ensure we are feeling fit, thinking sharply and to generally give us the appetite and enthusiasm to make the most of everyday living.

According to the University of British Columbia the average person requires eight hours sleep per night, losing just one hour of sleep can lower your IQ by one point the following day. Reduce this to a whole week of six hour nights could lose you 15 points. Sleep is important for the body and mind!

What most people don’t realise is that poor sleep and fatigue are the biggest issues that affect millions of people worldwide.

This time of year can be the most stressful time of year, Christmas is fast approaching, the mornings and dark and the nights even darker! With December being party season also, the late nights, copious amounts of alcohol and over indulging on food is likely to cause sleep disruption.

When sleep deprivation mounts up, people start feeling tired during the day time which affects our ability to make decisions and helps us make mistakes, have shorter tempers and can make us have slower reflexes. With many of us driving on the roads, this can have devastating effects.

The number one key to a good night’s sleep is ROUTINE; Keeping regular hours and going to bed and getting up at the same time every day will help program the body to sleep better.

Research from all over the world confirms that a comfortable, uninterrupted seven or eight hours sleep each night can help reduce stress, boost your mood, your physical and mental performance, cure a wide range of aches and pains as well as slowing down the aging process.

A lack of sleep suppresses your immune system making you vulnerable to infections and metabolic and hormone changes which have the same effect on your body as ageing.

December 2013

It is very important to keep that routine all year and even more so during the festive season. If you feel that you are not getting the rest you need, follow the tips below and see how much better you feel.

• Create a restful environment.

Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature and as quiet and dark as possible. Turn off that iPhone! Vibrations and flashes through the night will disturb you and in your subconscious; You will also think about that message you’ve just received.

• Exercise. We all hate it but regular exercise will help relieve the day’s stresses and strains. Consider taking a walk or going swimming.

• Cut out stimulants. Tea, coffee and sugary drinks in the evening will interfere with falling asleep. Try a nice herbal tea or

a milky drink instead. If you smoke it will take you longer to get to sleep; smokers tend to wake more often through the night.

• Don’t over indulge. Too much food or alcohol before bed could disrupt your sleep. Alcohol can make you pass out, but will no doubt interrupt your sleep during the night.

• Relax. Turn off the television before bed and have some relaxation time. Read a book, have a warm bath or listen to some music. Remembering to turn off that phone!

• Don’t worry. Easily said, but laying in bed worrying about jobs you need to do tomorrow will keep you awake, tossing and turning. Have you considered writing a list before bed, all your jobs are on paper and you can cross them off one by one giving you a sense of satisfaction.

• Don’t sleep on an argument. Conflicts are not conducive to putting you in the right frame of mind for sleep.

• Comfortable Bed. One of the most important factors in a good night’s sleep is your bed. In Sleep Council research, 79% of people saw a direct link between the way they sleep and how they feel the next day. Astonishingly, only 11% thought that there might be any link between their bed and sleep. It is recommended that your bed should be change at least every seven years; this will ensure you maintain comfort and support every single night.

If your bed feels uncomfortable before seven years, look to change it! Did you know that your bed may have deteriorated by as much as 70% from its ‘as new’ state after ten years?

Research also showed that beds as little as six years old could offer significantly less support and comfort than a new one, thanks to wear and tear, not just from body weight and movement but from sweat and debris too.

A comfortable and supportive bed is important to assist in achieving those eight, uninterrupted hours. At Sound Sleep, we are fully trained mattress specialists who are able to give you advice on which mattresses are suitable to your needs.

We have over 100 beds on display in store and with stocking all the latest mattress technology available.We are best placed locally to help aid a good night’s sleep and hopefully make your dreams come true.

Information and research provided by The Sleep Council. www.sleepcouncil.org.uk www.soundsleepbeds.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

ATTLEBORoUGH 13

December 2013

14 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Remembering At Christmas With:

A Look At Liability Insurance!

Andy Free Independent Family Funeral Director

Public Liability is designed to cover Businesses or Sole Traders for claims made against them by members of the public.

Myself, Jane and the team have been privileged to help lots of families, over many years in Attleborough and the local area, with years of experience between us all, we know that naturally Christmas will be a difficult time for the bereaved.

We believe in remembering loved ones with warmth in our hearts and never forgetting them. It’s been our privilege to see first-hand, just how comforting it can be for someone to write a message to a loved one, and place it on a Christmas tree in a private, quiet warm setting.

We have had families coming to see us year after year to write special messages for people that sometimes lived far away too. This year will be no exception; you will always receive a very warm welcome from us. You may even like to light a

December 2013

candle too and perhaps take a few minutes of quiet reflection time.

As of Monday 2nd December our Remembrance Christmas tree will be in place in the welcoming and warm setting of our own reception area.

If you would like a message tag for our tree, please don’t hesitate to call us on: (01953) 452455 or pop in and see us at: Fairfields, (next to the Methodist Church) High Street, Attleborough.

If you are unable to come in during office hours please give us a call and we will be only too pleased for you to come in during the evening.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Warm greetings at Christmas.

With easy access to ‘no win no fee’ Solicitors, claims are becoming more frequent as alleged negligence is tested in Courts.

It is therefore essential that adequate cover is provided to ensure that defence costs can be met and protection is provided, as in many cases a large claim could effect personal assets and cripple the business.

Our Liability Division handles Employers, Public and Products Liability cover for indemnity levels to £10,000,000. Higher levels are available and can be arranged if required.

We have an extensive specialised panel of Insurers with whom we place this type of risk, including Aviva, Axa, Ageas, NIG Insurance

as well as specialist Lloyds Underwriters to ensure you receive the best possible rates.

Our experienced staff will ensure that we tailor the policy to meet your specific needs, so you only pay for the cover you need.

Whether you are a Sole Trader or Limited Company, large or small, we will provide you with a dedicated account handler who will always be on hand to discuss policy covers.

For more information or advice, please feel free to call in to our Wymondham Office.

4 Fairland Street, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0AN Tel: 01953 602866 Visit: www.prioryinsurance.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

ATTLEBORoUGH 15

Civil Service Retirement Christmas Is Calling Fellowship

So we’ve changed our clocks, let off the fireworks and had a bonfire...

The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship in Attleborough meet in the morning of the third Thursday of the month at 10.00 until 12 noon in the Methodist Church Hall, London Rd. Members enjoyed a wine and cheese morning in October and on November 21st there was a Quiz.

On December 19th we will have the Christmas Party. Thus ending a very enjoyable year of meetings which included some very interesting speakers.

The speaker for January will be from “Age U.K.” and the February meeting will be for the A.G.M. Mrs. Doreen Parker the Secretary (Tel No. 01953 456958) will be pleased to give any information required as to the possibility of joining the Fellowship which consists of Civil Service and Post Office retired personnel and some associate members. you would also be welcome to join us for coffee and biscuits to find out more.

Attleborough & District Horticultural Society In December members and their guests enjoy their annual Christmas party, but regular meetings resume in January with a talk on herbaceous borders by Shelagh Ashe entitled “Mind the Gap”.

This takes place on Wednesday 15th January, starting at 7.30pm, at Attleborough Junior School and nonmembers of the society are very welcome to come along. The AGM of the society will also take place and with any luck will prove to be a brief affair!

At the October meeting Richard Hobbs was the guest speaker and his talk, entitled “ The Garden in Winter”, certainly proved the point that you don’t need to “ put your garden to bed” for the winter period.

An excellent powerpoint presentation which accompanied his talk demonstrated

the enormous range of plants which produce winter colour, ranging through bulbs, shrubs, trees, grasses and flowers.

He also suggested that to see what can be achieved in the winter a visit to the Winter Garden at Anglesey Abbey, near Cambridge, is a must – best time to go being February, when carpets of snowdrops add to the scene.

We have had Remembrance Day and bought our poppies which was very important, lest we forget and now we are hurtling rapidly towards Christmas.

Where did the time go? Do you still have lots left to do before Christmas?

Here at KBA we may not be able to help you with writing the Christmas cards or the Christmas Shopping but we can help you with running your business and getting your tax affairs sorted before the Christmas holidays officially start.

If you are struggling with cash flow issues: customers who won’t pay, or you are worried about your tax bill and how you are going to pay it then call or email KBA, these are just a couple of the things that we can help you with.

We offer debt collecting assistance and can even submit claims to court on your behalf if you would like us to. We can also negotiate a time to pay arrangement with the tax office if you are faced with a large tax bill that just won’t go away.

If you haven’t yet completed your accounts and/or tax return and are

worried about how much your tax bill might be – then why not come and see us before Christmas so that we can help you to get organised and well under way.

A good accountant will always try to save you their fees in tax saved, so let’s hope that we can do just that for you!

If you are planning to leave the UK for Christmas, why not pop in to see us here at KBA first. We can organise any payroll that needs completing or can be preparing your accounts and tax return to be agreed by email so that you don’t miss any deadlines. Plus don’t forget your outstanding VAT returns – HMRC wait for no man – even at Christmas!

If you are taking your staff or business associates out for a meal over Christmas don’t forget to ask us about what is allowable for tax and what is not!

You don’t want to be out of pocket – especially at Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Kerry Butcher Accountancy Services

A very well supported Table Show produced the following winners: Tina Douglas was awarded first place for her three cooking apples and also her presentation of autumn leaves.

Successful with three stems of flowers was John Phoenix whilst John Frost took the award for his vase of perennials. Sally Westrup was the winner of the “any other vegetable” category.

December 2013

16 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

From Me To You

Connaught Hall

Christmas is just around the corner (sorry folks) and as always, we have an enormous array of family and boxed cards. Also gifts, balloons, decorations, jigsaws and stationary.

Spiralling maintenance costs have forced the Trustees of the Connaught Hall in Attleborough to decide to introduce hourly car parking charges to members of the general public who wish to park their cars on the Hall’s 100 space tarmac car park.

During December we will be trading 7 days a week and some later night openings.

In David’s memory please support us throughout the festive seasons. And thank you to all our loyal customers for your continued support.

Janet Marshall From me to you.

In addition to the Trustee’s facing another £5,000 annual repair of the surface of the car park they are also facing a £1,200 + cost for removing a large dead Chestnut Tree on the edge of the car park.

The Connaught Hall is a Charity run on a voluntary basis by Local Trustees and Chaired by Peter Thatcher and have been in negotiations with the adjacent Dr’s Surgery and Attleborough Town Council for a number of months to see if the financial burden of maintaining the large car park could be shared.

With no financial commitments forthcoming from these organisations and the costs of repairs continuing to increase, and becoming a large burden on the Connaught Hall, the only 2 alternatives were to close the car park to all non – hall users or to charge for the use of the car park.

December 2013

Peter Thatcher( Chairman) said that ‘we have looked at all other alternatives and have no other option but to try to recoup some of the costs for the upkeep of our large, privately owned, car park which is used extensively by non – hall users and we did not want to close off the car park completely to non – hall users’.

Most users of the Connaught Hall will still be able to park their cars on the car park free of charge as a permit system will be introduced for hirers.

Hourly and daily car park charges are currently planned to be introduced during December for parking between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00 pm during week days and the car park will be managed by RCP Car Parks who are an local experienced company in this area.

Proceeds from the car parking will be ploughed back into running of the Connaught Hall as a facility for the whole of the Community to enjoy Jeremy Burton Connaught Hall Trustee

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ATTLEBORoUGH 17

Cream Of Skating Talent Confirmed For Exciting Norwich Show, Ice. Some of the world’s top ice skaters are set to bring the Norwich Theatre Royal stage to life in a brand new production.

Robin Cousins has selected both solo and pair skaters from around the globe to star in Ice, which comes to the city on March 19-23.

Between them, the cast have won countless Olympic and national medals, performed principal roles in some of the world’s biggest shows and delighted audiences on ITV’s Dancing On Ice, which is scheduled to return for its final series early next year.

They include Durham-based Lisa Brewin who was discovered by Robin himself at an ice rink in Newcastle and has gone on to skate professionally worldwide on stage, TV and even at Wembley Arena, and cannot wait to perform in her mentor’s newest production.

Others in the show include Canadian Olympian, medallist and coach Vaughn Chipeur, top Australian performer and

coach Katie Endriulaitis, and Blackpoolbased Adam Jukes who has skated worldwide.

The casting announcement comes a few days after Robin visited Norwich to officially launch the production. He said: “I am excited to have hand-picked such a great international cast of performers. Many are friends who I have worked with before, and I know they will bring something unique to the creation of this show.”

exception and we are delighted to welcome the production to Norwich ahead of its high profile global tour. Get your skates on to secure the best seats” Ice, Wednesday 19-Saturday 22 March at 7.30pm, and Wednesday 19, Thursday 20, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickets £6.50-£31.50. Discounts for Friends, Corporate Club, Over-60s, Under18s and Groups.

BOX OFFICE 01603 630000 For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk For more info on the show please visit www.robincousinsice.com

Meanwhile Ice is set to be seen by even more people worldwide. The production’s UK tour which includes the Norwich date is going to be followed by an international tour which will be announced next year.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “Robin is known for creating spectacular high-quality shows which attract the cream of the crop from the skating world. This one looks like being no

Jangles Clothing Store Santa Claus is coming to town...

Jangles Clothing Store was opened in the middle of July this year by a local lady, Linda Malt. The store sells children’s clothing, toys, books, cards, bags and much more.

All items are new and prices have been kept as low as possible. On entering you will be greeted by a bright and cheerful shop with an inviting friendly atmosphere and easy access for all.

The items for sale have been laid out in sections for easy browsing: girls clothing, boys clothing, babies clothing, bagsm toys, books, birthday cards and part bag toys.

A fitting room is also available if needed.

Santa will be at Jangles this Christmas between 1st and 24th December 2013, details of the times Santa will be available can be found in store / on the website Jangles Clothing Store can be found in the little barn just off the high street, on Eden Lane, just opposite Edenside car park where you will find ample easy parking if required.

Our online Shop can be found at www.janglesclothing.co.uk where you can find a selection of our items ready for purchase.

If you have any queries for us please don’t hesitate to call us on 01953 455233 or email us at jangles@malty123.plus.com. Links for our facebook and twitter accounts can also be found on our website.

Our December opening times are as follows: Monday - Saturday 9am to 5pm Late night closing on Friday - Until 7pm Also open select Sundays - 1/12/13 & 15/12/13 from 10am until 4pm We’re currently running a free December raffle that will be drawn on 20/12/13 so grab yourself a ticket for your chance to win some of the great prizes we have on offer!

We wish you a very pleasant christmas and hope to see you in store soon!

December 2013

18 Homes & gardens

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Eagle New Energy Eagle New Energy Ltd is a specialist renewable energy business With a head office based in Mildenhall, Suffolk, and a showroom in Old Buckenham, Norfolk, we are ideally placed to install solar panels throughout East Anglia.

Eagle New Energy installed a 3.78kWp ground-mounted solar PV array for Mrs Lewis in North Norfolk at the end of the summer in 2011.

The system comprised 18 210w Schueco modules and we estimated the annual yield at 3245kWh. We recently visited Mrs Lewis to find out how the PV system was performing and she gave us the following comment: “This solar array was installed two years ago. It is performing even better than anticipated giving almost 12% per annum return on capital.

From my initial enquiry to completion of the system installation, Eagle New Energy handled everything in a

December 2013

professional and competent manner.

I would not hesitate to recommend them.”

Mrs Lewis is generating her own electricity on site – reducing the amount of electricity she has to buy from the grid and minimising the impact of increasing electricity rates.

Mrs Lewis also receives an income via the Feed-in Tariff for every unit of electricity that her solar array generates – regardless of whether she uses the power herself or whether it is exported to the grid; This income is tax free.

As an approved MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) company operating within the strict guidelines of the Renewable Energy Association (REAL), you can be assured of a fully compliant installation entitling you to the generous “feed-in tariffs” available.

This scheme obliges the electricity companies to purchase the electricity you generate, at a rate of 14.90p per kWh. Stop to think about this for a moment – not only are you receiving the electricity you generate free of charge, but you are actually being paid for the privilege! This is in the form of a quarterly payment, paid back to you by your electricity supplier.

The commitment to this tariff being index linked has already been demonstrated, by the increase in the tariff of 4.8% for the year commencing 1st April 2011, 4.8% in 2012, and a further 3.1% from 1st April 2013.

As a part of the Architectural Glazing Ltd Group of companies which includes a large construction industry sub-contractor and a specialist niche manufacturer, our senior management have 25

years’ experience in multi-million pound complex cladding and façade installations, experience which we can bring to your installation however large or small.

Our sister companies provide technical support, and being part of a large group of companies provides financial strength and stability.

We won’t quote figures or array output levels over the net or on the phone as no two properties are the same and therefore there is the potential to over-quote the output your array will actually achieve.

However, we will undertake a without obligation detailed feasibility survey of your property by one of our specialist technicians.

Call us on 01638 582111 to find out how your business or home can benefit in the same way or visit our website: www.eaglenewenergy.co.uk.

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HOMES & GARDENS 19

The Garden Enclosure

Be Safe With Candles

To have a complete Christmas you need a festive tree, and there’s nothing quite like a real Christmas tree to bring the season’s magic alive!

Candles are becoming a popular way to add relaxation to our homes...

Thousands of commercially-grown Christmas trees are sold in the UK each year, many of which are transported in from Europe and beyond.

Once cut they start to deteriorate, so look for local, regional or at least British grown (ours are grown in Norfolk and Suffolk), and choose early while there’s a good selection available, as some retailers have just one big delivery due to transport costs.

There are several different types of cut tree available. If your house is cool try Norway Spruce, a traditional bushy tree with thin hard needles and a strong pine fragrance, this variety is fast-growing which is an advantage in terms of cost, but needle-drop indoors can be a problem.

If you don’t like pulling needles out of your carpet, try a ‘non-drop’ choice such as a Nordmann Fir, a beautifully elegant well-tiered tree with a fresh smell and wide glossy soft needles which hold extremely well, an excellent choice for homes with children or pets.

Make your selection personally from trees which are not netted, that look and feel fresh, and that don’t drop handfuls of green needles when tapped on the ground.

Real trees aren’t perfectly even in shape, so get someone to hold a tree out and give it a spin to find its best side, compare one with another until you’ve made a decision, then have the

tree netted for transport home.

Once in your care, remove its stocking and keep it cool and moist until it’s time to take it indoors, where it should be positioned away from drying radiators and open fires.

As the sales of candles has gone up by 50% this year, this trend is unfortunately going to continue unless people are educated as to the dangers of candles and the damage they can cause.

The Do’s and Dont’s

Fix your tree firmly into a stable water-retaining stand and keep the level topped up, a tree can drink up to 5 pints a day (good job they don’t like spirits!)

• Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. Be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. TVs are not fire-resistant objects.

Of course you may prefer to put up and decorate a tree outdoors each year, particularly if you like a big display that just won’t fit inside your home!

• Position them away from curtains.

Don’t put candles near curtains or other fabrics – or furniture. And keep them out of draughts.

The Norway Spruce is a great choice for this, but as an alternative you could consider planting a containergrown conifer and enjoy wonderful colour and structure all year round.

Possibilities might include a fir such as Abies lasiocarpa Compacta, or perhaps a blue spruce, Picea pungens, but do seek advice regarding a suitable specimen for your garden.

• Put them in a proper holder. Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won’t fall over either.

• Don’t put them under shelves. It’s easy to forget that there’s a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surface then it can burn the surface.

Make sure there’s at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it.

• Take care with votive or scented candles.

These kinds of candles turn to liquid to release their fragrance, so put them in a glass or metal holder.

• Don’t move them when they’re burning.

Extinguish candles before moving them.

Also, don’t let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks.

• Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.

• Don’t leave them burning. Extinguish candles before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning. And never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child’s bedroom.

• Double-check they’re out. Candles that have been put out can go on smouldering and start a fire.

A final thought on the subject of trees at Christmas, why not give a living tree (either ornamental or fruit) as a special and long-lasting gift this year!

Merry Christmas!

Cheers, Ken The Garden Enclosure, Banham – for choice trees! www.gardenenclosure.co.uk

December 2013

20 Homes & gardens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Enery Price Round-Up Energy prices have soared as the big energy companies have push up annual gas and electricity bills to more than £1,500 for the first time, piling fresh misery on hard-up customers.

Experts predictions were correct that power firms would raise bills by up to 10 per cent, more than three times the rate of inflation.

It comes as figures from regulator Ofgem show that the six biggest suppliers have seen profit margins per customer almost double.

British Gas, Scottish and Southern Energy, Eon, nPower, EDF and Scottish Power now make £65 a year per household, compared to £35 last autumn. Average bills are now £1,420 a year and further rises could push them up to £1,562.

Labour shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint said: “When times are tough energy companies should be helping their customers, not clobbering them with even more price rises to boost their profits.”

Mark Todd, of the Energy Helpline. com, said: “Turning on the heating is

December 2013

fast becoming like emptying the entire contents of your wallet into the hands of your energy company.

If this winter is cold it will be incredibly tough for working families to afford extra heating costs. On really cold days you could be spending almost £20 a day on gas and electricity.”

Energy firms have blamed rising bills on factors outside their control, such as green taxes and wholesale gas prices, and Ofgem has warned that increased reliance on foreign gas could further drive up bills.

Millions of people are already in ìfuel poverty, where they spend more than a tenth of their income on gas and electricity.

Charities and consumer groups have demanded that energy firms freeze prices to help families keep warm this winter.

BT to hit millions with New Year price rise of up to 6.5pc Millions of BT customers will see the price of their phone and broadband packages rise by up to 6.5 per cent in January to help pay for the telecom giant’s £1bn investment in sports TV broadcasting.

BT is also increasing the “termination fees” on customers looking to leave mid-contract by as much as 30 per cent, and will also start charging for BT Answer 1571 for the first time.

Even the cost of calling Timeline, the old Speaking Clock, is going up from 34.4p per minute to 36.6p per minute, a rise of 6.3 per cent. Line rental is going up by 3.5 per cent.

The increases will also trigger concerns that BT’s ten million customers are having to foot the bill for its unprecedented investment in sports broadcasting.

A BT spokesman justified the increases by explaining that BT was investing in “sport and superfast broadband”. He added: “They are not the only things. We have shareholders and dividends to pay.”

BT has spent around £1bn in picking up the rights for live Premiership football and rugby games for its flagship BT Sport venture, designed to rival Sky. The group has signed up star presenters and pundits such as Clare Balding and Rio Ferdinand.

BT insisted earlier this summer that BT Sport would be “free or charge” to existing BT broadband customers.

So far around a million have opted to receive the sports channels.

BT 1571 will now cost £1.75 a month, while the price of other ‘Calling Features’ will rise by 6.5 per cent.

Anonymous Call Reject, used by households to combat nuisance or cold calls, will also go up to £4.75 a month.

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The price changes detailed by BT revealed that its standard line rental charge will rise and customers on its unlimited anytime plus, unlimited anytime and mobile, and unlimited anytime plan will suffer increases of up to 6.4 per cent.

The Utility Warehouse is an independent company with around 600,000 customers. It is a discount club owned by Telecom Plus PLC a FTSE250 company, which does not advertise but relies on customer recommendations instead.

It should also be noted that complaints about BT’s broadband and TV service were on the rise. Ofcom said that BT broadband “generated complaints in excess” of the industry average, at 0.28 for every 1,000 customers.

Besides gas and electricity, Utility Warehouse offers other services including home phone, broadband and mobile phones, all on one monthly bill. Utility Warehouse promises to keep its prices competitive with the big six energy suppliers.

The Answer. . .

When Which? asked Utility Warehouse customers what they thought of their supplier, here are some of the things they told us:

The Prime Minister is encouraging people to switch their utility provider and to shop around for the best deal.

Consumer magazine WHICH? regarded by many as the bible when it comes to recommendations, recently reviewed energy company Utility Warehouse.

HOMES & GARDENS 21

“We chose them for their reputation with customer service, and have found that they are also very good value and cheaper than all the others.”

Utility Warehouse scored a top fivestar rating in Which?’s tariff test which compared Utility Warehouse’s tariffs to our best practice criteria in.

Utility Warehouse also scored highly overall in our customer satisfaction survey. They offer competitive prices on gas and electricity, home phone, broadband and mobile.

The local Utility Warehouse distributor in Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Dereham, Diss, Watton, Wymondham and the surrounding area and villages can be contacted on: 07802 690589 Via a 10 minute FREE utility assessment, you’ll be surprised how just how much money you can reduce your monthly utility bills by.

Visit our website for more information: www.Utility-Bills.co.uk

“I love the one bill, I can pick up the bill and within a very short time have all of the information that I need in front of me. Colourful and easy to understand and all services visible on the front page.”

December 2013

22 Homes & gardens

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An Opportunity...

A Quick Story which just might help you and your business!

Back in 2005 I bought a small traditional business and set about turning it around and growing it. For 6 years, the business was pure aggravation, full of constant problems, negativity, staff difficulties, out sourcing dilemmas, accounts issues etc.

Almost every day I wonder why I was putting so much effort in, when it was just aggravation that I was getting back. This appears to be the case with most small businesses today.

2 years ago, I was introduced to an opportunity via a businessman who became a very close friend. An opportunity which changed my life, my outlook and also my small business, which I have now gown and expanded.

The businessman asked me: Jonathan how much extra money per month would make a difference to you right now?

and implemented the feedback I was given that I absolutely would earn £200.00 per month starting that very month, AND as the opportunity was residual income based, if I duplicated what I did every month the £200.00 per month would turn into £400.00 per month then £600 per month and so on!

I was staggered! I’d never seriously considered what a Residual income was.

But here I was, sat with someone who’d been there and done it and he was 100% certain that I could do it too.

At the time I had no experience whatsoever, but I had a passion for personal development and a hunger to learn and develop my skills. I figured, if I could master the art and learn from someone who had already cracked it, then one day Id be able to repeat what my friend was showing me.

£200.00 per month I answered.

He then went on to explain that if I followed his instructions, worked hard,

December 2013

In the 12 months that followed, during my spare time, I achieved my original goal and some!

And it was all possible thanks to the incredible amount of high-quality training and support I was given for FREE! The decision to take the opportunity has changed my life forever, and the massive amount of training and personal development has also enabled me to build my original business which used to be pure aggravation. Today I have managed to grow and expand it far and beyond what I thought was possible.

Now, 2 years later, Im looking to pay it forward and give another person the very same opportunity I was given.

As part of the rapid growth of my business Iím looking to recruit a couple of people (yes, we actually have too many highquality leads for one person to manage on their own, and we’re losing money because we can’t cope with the demand!)

These people will work closely alongside me and my team in the coming months and get what I believe is the very best training available when it comes to

growing a business in our industry.

Now, I’ll tell you up front this is going to be hard work!

But, I GUARENTEE the right person WILL easily earn £200.00 per month (and probably more).

So, do you know anyone who might be interested?

Ideally I’m looking for someone who gets our industry. They don’t need any experience (remember I had zero when I started out) but they do need to be hungry, keen to learn, and willing to work hard!

If you know anyone who might be a good fit (or indeed you think you might be!) please send an up to date CV via email to jon@thanhorswell.com and weíll be in touch.

Contact: Jonathan Email: Jon@thanHorswell.com Tel: 07802 690589

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The Perfect Mince Pie

Bar 33

These luxurious treats, courtesy of the 2014 Dairy Diary, are guaranteed to wow your guests over the festive season.

What’s on in December

Makes 24 Time 35 mins Calories 196 Fat 10g of which 4.7g is saturated You will need: • 225g (8oz) plain flour • 50g (2oz) ground almonds • 75g (3oz) icing sugar • 175g (6oz) butter, diced • 1 medium Egg yolk • 450g (1lb) homemade mincemeat • 150g (5oz) natural marzipan • Sifted icing sugar to serve 1. Tip all ingredients except mincemeat and marzipan into a processor and blend to make a smooth pastry dough. Divide dough in half and roll out each batch on a lightly floured surface. Using an 8cm (3in) cutter, stamp out 24 rounds and use to line mince pie tins. Chill in fridge while rolling out topping.

3. Preheat oven to 180C/Gas 4. Pop a spoonful of mincemeat into each pastry case, top with a marzipan star and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and cooked.

4. Remove from tins and serve warm, dusted with a little sifted icing sugar.

The 2014 Dairy Diary, published ������������� by Eaglemoss Consumer Publications��, features over 40 delicious recipes to suit all occasions and tastes, from quick and simple salads and snacks, to hearty winter staples.

To order a copy, priced ���������������������� at £7.25,������ visit www.dairydiary.co.uk or call 0845 0948 128. If you have a milkman, simply put a note out with your empties.

Sun 1st - join us for festive fun and help us celebrate our first birthday weekend along with the towns Xmas carnival celebrations! Hot and Cold drinks served all day, mulled wine and live music from up and coming star Mila Falls as heard on bbc radio 1 extra. Free bar snacks and mince pies, families welcome!

Every Monday - Nuts Poker league, free snacks, 7:30pm all welcome! FREE POOL Tuesday 3rd - Royal British Legion meeting, 7pm start. New comers always welcome, if you’d like more information please feel free to pop in and see us.

Friday 6th - live music with Son of arkman (Rock) 8:30 - 11pm Friday 13th - live music with ML&T (acoustic covers) 8:30 - 11pm Friday 20th - live music with Against All Odds (Rock/pop anthems from 80’s - today) Every Friday & Saturday Night� DJ’s from Elevation Entertainment until 2:30am, playing the biggest hits from the 80’s to today’s club anthems.

2. Roll out marzipan on a lightly floured surface and cut out 24 small stars measuring about 5cm (2in) in diameter.

FOOD & DRINK 23

Every Tuesday (except dec 3rd) - Total Body Workout with Laura Jamie PT it he club room. 7pm - 8pm. New members welcome.

Super Sundays - Free Bar Snacks, live sport and great drink offers!

Christmas Eve - Massive party anthems with Elevation Entertainment, Christmas fancy dress & great drink deals all night to see us through to Christmas Day! New Years Eve - Dress to impress, let us take you into 2014 in style! Join us for all the biggest hits of 2013, massive rock anthems, party tunes from the 80’s, 90’s & 00’s.

Live sport shown 7 days a week We’d like to thank our Old & New customers for a great first year!

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from all the Bar 33 team.

Like us on Facebook to receive event updates Facebook.com/bar33attleborough

The Best Mulled Wine

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Here we bring you the best mulled wine recipe for a tight festive budget The great thing about mulled wine is that thanks to all the tasty fruit and spices that you add to the mix, it doesn’t even matter if you use a cheap bottle of red wine that would give you change from a fiver (if such a thing still exists).

You will need: • 4 Oranges • 1 Lemon • 250g Caster sugar • 12 Cloves • 2 Cinnamon Sticks • 2 Bottles of red wine 1. Grate the zest of one of the oranges into a saucepan and squeeze the juice into a cup.

2. Grate the zest of the lemon into the saucepan and squeeze the juice into the cup.

3. Stick four cloves into each of the remaining three oranges and place them in the pan.

4. Add the cinnamon sticks to the pan.

5. Pour both bottles of red wine and the orange and lemon juice into the pan and heat gently at around 60°C - do NOT let the mixture boil. Add the sugar to taste, stirring it to ensure that it has all dissolved.

6. As your mulled wine simmers away it will be enfused with the flavours of the fruit and spices - so keep it going on a low heat and serve as and when you need it; At a Christmas party, When friends unexpectedly drop by or when you’re bored and home alone. Every day is a mulled wine day.

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A big bang

y Locall

BUY 2 FOR ÂŁ4.50 The Taste of Suffolk Sausages Pork & Honey/Pork & Apple 6s

/eoecoop

Dairy Crest Rural Action Award Winner

Valid at Co-op Supermarkets, Foodstores and Co-op Daily until 29th November 2013. Offers subject to availability and change without prior notice. Product may be stocked in larger stores only, excludes Norwich station store. Information correct at the time of going to print.

East of England Co-op

eastofengland.coop/stores

/eastofenglandcoop

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FOOD & DRINK 25

12 Days of Christmas Food Waste Tips Waste less with Unilever and Love Food Hate Waste Every Christmas, British consumers throw away an estimated 2 million turkeys, 74 million mince pies and 5 million Christmas puddings, according to Unilever and Love Food Hate Waste.

With a Christmas food bill averaging £169 per household and over a third (35%) of us admitting to throwing away more food at Christmas than at any other time of year, Unilever is partnering with Love Food Hate Waste to help 12 families across the UK to cut down on their food waste in the run up to and over Christmas. The families are taking part in the Unilever Sustain Ability Challenge where they are being challenged to reduce the amount of food they throw away by a quarter and to cut their grocery bills by 15 per cent.

The average weekly grocery bill has risen by £5.60 since last year and disposable incomes are currently under pressure.

Seven out of ten adults believe that it costs more to lead a sustainable lifestyle so by challenging the 12 families to throw away less food, Unilever aims to bust this myth and prove that it in fact can help them save money.

Unilever and Love Food Hate Waste have worked closely to pull together 12 simple ways to reduce the amount of food being thrown away at such a wasteful time of year because it is not only detrimental to our wallets, it is bad for the environment

too. The tips aim to help people save on their grocery bill by planning carefully, storing food sensibly and cooking cleverly, leaving them with more money for all of those Christmas gifts and January sales.

As 62% of adults say a lack of knowledge about what they can do to live more sustainably prevents them from living a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle, Unilever and Love Food Hate Waste are sharing advice and recipes with households across the UK to help them make the most of leftovers and store food cleverly in the run up to Christmas.

12 top tips to help you waste less this Christmas from Unilever & Love Food Hate Waste 1. Left with too much stilton once the festivities are over? Did you know that it freezes well and last for ages in the freezer? Defrost it in the New Year for the cheese board, a quiche or soup.

2. Cooked meat like turkey and ham can be frozen so if on Boxing Day you have lots left over, pop it in the freezer and then thaw it in the fridge when you fancy making a casserole, curry, stew or ham, turkey and leek pie.

3. Loads of sprouts leftover? Use them with leftover roast or boiled potatoes to

make bubble and squeak. Simply chop or fry together in a pan with some butter.

4. Bought too much mincemeat? Heat a small amount in a pan and spoon over ice-cream for an alternative Christmas pudding.

5. Use up satsumas with this quick pudding. Peel and place the whole fruits in an oven proof dish, sprinkle with a little ground cinnamon, spoon over a tablespoon of whisky and sprinkle with soft brown sugar. Cover and bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) mark 4 for 40 minutes serve with cream, yoghurt or ice cream.

6. Control your portions and minimise your food waste when cooking Christmas dinner with this simple formula. Simply multiply it by the number of people you are hosting: Adult: 140g turkey + 2 tablespoons carrots + 2 florets cauliflower + 4 Brussels sprouts + 1 parsnip Child: 100g turkey + 1 tablespoon carrots + 1 floret cauliflower + 4 Brussels sprouts + 1/2 parsnip.

7. Get ahead of the food preparation by preparing roast potatoes and parsnips.

Just parboil them, cover them in fat and freeze them. Once frozen, pack them into freezer bags, seal, label and return to the freezer.

8. Leftover fruitcake you don’t know what to do with? Add a spot of mayonnaise, custard and butter, along with a sprinkling of sugar, to make a delicious fruity bread pudding.

9. Collect sandwich crusts in a plastic bag and store them in the freezer. Once you’ve got enough, whizz them in a food processor and use them for making the Christmas bread sauce or keep for toppings.

10. Make these spicy nuts out of any half opened packets of nuts. Take a mixture of Brazil nuts, almonds, pecans and put them in a roasting tin. Sprinkle over ½ tsp each of cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, sea salt, black pepper and 2 tsp caster sugar. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and bake for 15 min. Cool before storing in air tight jars or Tupperware containers. They will keep fresh in a screw top jar until the big day.

11. Have a rummage around your kitchen cupboards; you might be surprised that you can make free foodie gifts from packets of sea salt and sugar. To make spicy salt, add a few dried chilies, red peppercorns and star anise to the sea salt and put into a nice jar and decorate with ribbons. For spicy sugar, add cinnamon sticks to a jar of coffee sugar and dress up in a pretty jar.

December 2013

26 What’s on

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Christmas Events Happening In Your Area Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors this holiday season, join in the festive spirit at one of the great activities happening Locally.

UEA Choir Christmas Carol Concert Wednesday 4 December 2013 Doors open 6.45pm for 7.30pm start UEA Choir, under the direction of Tom Primrose, invite you to join them for a Christmas Carol Concert at St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cathedral, Norwich.

The 120-strong choir will perform a feast of festive favourites, including Ding Dong!

Merrily on high and The Twelve Days of Christmas, in the atmospheric setting of Norwich’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, with opportunities for the audience to join the choir in many well-loved carols. For more information about the concert, visit www. uea.ac.uk/music/music-events or email musicevents@uea.ac.uk Tickets for UEA Choir Christmas Carol Concert cost £8 (full price) or £5 (UEA staff, students and seniors) and are available to buy now from UEA Box Office (01603 508050 or www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/events), Prelude Records (01603 628319) and St George’s Music Shop (01603 626414).

St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cathedral Norfolk NR2 2PA

live music from the Freddie Hall Band and DJ & disco. Whether you’re looking for a company party, a small group or just for you don’t miss out and book your Christmas party now. Tickets £35 each available from Leaping Hare Carnegie Rooms, Cage Lane, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2DS Norfolk IP24 2DS Contact telephone: 01842 751975

Winter Family Fun Day Saturday 7 Dec 2013 10:30am - 2pm

region so come along and get that Birthday or early Christmas present.

gifts. The charity we are supporting this month is Relate. £1 entry under 18s free

There are refreshments with lovely homemade cakes With free entry and parking why not come and make a day of it in Reepham which has many other attractions. Crafters stalls are £20.00 per day, for further details contact sandy. nevard@btinternet.com

St. Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls, St. Andrew’s Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AU

St Michaels Church Hall Reepham Norfolk NR10 4JJ Cotact Telephone: 01603 871600

‘On Christmas Night’ - Music from the Thetford Singers. A sizzling selection of seasonal songs to get you in the festive mood - from favourite traditional carols to spirituals and jazzy arrangements.

Bring the family along for some great activities suitable for all ages, including face painting, nature and wildlife activities, climbing wall, and arts and crafts. Don’t forget a visit to Santa’s Grotto. If you are looking for something more active there will be basketball, street dance and power hooping. There will be competitions, raffle and prizes to be won. Families welcome and all activities are free or pocket money prices.All activities are free or pocket money prices.

Christmas Flower Arrangements Thursday 12 Dec 2013 Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start

City Academy Norwich, 299 Bluebell Road, Norwich Norfolk NR4 7LP Contact telephone: 01603 452628

Further details of the event and contact details for information can be found on the website - www.thorpefloraldesignclub.com Visitors cost is £5.00 and are very welcome

Christmas Craft and Gift Fair Saturday 7 Dec 2013 10.30am - 3pm

Methodist Hall, Heartsease Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 9NR

Craft fair for handmade items. All stands are for handmade goods, Money raised at the fair goes to East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Contains 23 Craft Stands selling all kinds of wonderful Products, from soaps, Candles, Glass, Jewellery cards to Chocolate and treats for all. Free Admission.

The Norwich Original Fleamarket presents The Christmas Nostalgia Fair Saturday 14 December 2013 9am to 4pm

Craft and Produce Fair

A relaxing evening where you will be entertained by the Thorpe Floral Design Club Committee/Members who will show you many ideas for decorating for Christmas. After the demonstration there will be light seasonal efreshments and an opportunity to get a closer viewing of the displays.

Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 December 2013

A showcase of local crafts and produce, offering a range of gifts for Christmas.

Buy Local members taking part in these events are ReLoved in Norfolk (Vintage Fair) and Lady Jayís Specialities and Bittersweet Coffee (Craft and Produce Fair). Everyone taking part is local and makes whatever they are selling themselves so hopefully this will be a really good showcase for what Norfolk can offer. http://www.theforumnorwich.co.uk/events/ view/christmas-craft-and-produce-fair Our mailing address is: Buy Local Norfolk, 23 Fiennes Road Norwich, NR7 0YP Contact Telephone: 01603 383363

Christmas Vegas Style Party Nights Friday 6 and Saturday 7 Dec 2013 Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start These fantastic Christmas Party Nights have it all - Fun casino, 3 course meal,

December 2013

Cloisters Hall, St Andrews Plain, Norwich Norfolk NR3 1AU

Reepham Art & Craft Christmas Fair Saturday 7th December 2013 10am to 4pm The Reepham Art & Crafts Christmas Festival Saturday December 7th St Michaels & St Marys Church, Church Street ,Reepham, Norfolk We have 20 art & craft stalls with a wide diversity of handmade goods to include wood, ceramics, art, photography, pottery, jewellery, and many more made by crafters and artists from our

The Norwich Fleamarket presents The Christmas Nostalgia Fair, The most original Christmas shopping in Norwich! 100 stalls selling antiques, vintage and retro to recreate an old-fashioned Christmas.

Children’s books, toys, games, puzzles, dolls, dolls’ houses, dolls’ clothes, prams, teddies, ephemera, Christmas cards and decorations, old-fashioned table settings, linens, lace, cutlery, china, glass, silver, furniture, kitchenalia, beautiful vintage clothes and accessories for dressing up on the day, gorgeous precious and costume jewellery, and so much more! plus all the stalls you expect from our normal Fleamarket for unique Christmas

On Christmas Night Wednesday 18 Dec 2013 From 7:30pm

Tickets £6 each (£5 concessions) available from Leaping Hare at 20 King Street, Thetford or online at www.leapinghare.org The Guildhall, Market Place, Thetford Norfolk IP24 2BA

Xmas Eve Party Tuesday 24 Dec 2013 11am – 12am Xmas music and DJ entertainment brought to you by Strobe O’Scania from 8pm. plenty of food and drink offers, beer garden, showing live sports, family friendly pub with great service and atmosphere.

The Bull, 25 High Street, East Dereham Norfolk NR19 1DZ Contact Telephone: 01362697771

New Year’s Eve Party Tuesday 31 Dec 2013 11am – 12am.

Come celebrate the new year in with DJ entertainment brought to you by Strobe O’Scania from 8pm. Plenty of food and drink offers, beer garden, showing live sports, family friendly pub with great service and atmosphere.

The Bull, 25 High Street, East Dereham Norfolk NR19 1DZ Contact Telephone: 01362697771

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what’s on 27

Christmas Church Services In Your Area Attleborough

Diss

Sunday 1st December

Sunday 22nd December

15th December 2013

24th December 2013

16:30 Carol-oke with the Livewire Opera Company at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough

18.30 Carol Service at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough - with mulled wine and mince pies served after the service in the Hall

9.30

12.30 Lunchtime Carols at Saint Mary’s, Diss

17:00 Crib Service at Saint Mary’s, Diss 17:00 Crib Service at Roydon 18:00 Mass at Roman Catholic Church, Diss 23.30pm Midnight Eucharist at Saint Mary’s, Diss 23.30pm Communion Service at Diss Methodist Church 23.40pm Carols followed by Midnight Mass at Roman Catholic Church, Diss

Sunday 8th December Tuesday 24th December 2013 18:30 Advent Procession at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough Saturday 14th December 19:00 Christmas Concert with the Diss Salvation Army Choir at All Saints’ Church, Besthorpe

Saturday 21st December 10:00 Children’s Christmas Workshop in St Mary’s Church, Attleborough

17th December 2013 15:45 Church

URC, Christmas Doughnut

16.30 Christingle & Blessing of the Crib at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough 19.30 Holy Communion with Carols at All Saints’ Besthorpe 23.30 Midnight Mass at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough

21st December 2013

22nd Decmeber 2013

25th December 2013

Wednesday 25th December

14.30 Carol Service at Roydon 18:00 Carol Service at Diss Salvation Army 18:00 Festival of Lessons and Carols at Saint Mary’s, Diss 18:30 Family Carol Service at Diss Christian Community Church

8:00 Eucharist at Saint Mary’s, Diss 9:00 Mass at Roman Catholic Church, Diss 10:00 Family Service at Diss Methodist Curch 10:15 Christmas Day Service at Diss Christian Community Church 10:30 Family Eucharist at Saint Mary’s, Diss

Sunday 15th December 16:30 Carol Service at All Saints’ Church, Besthorpe

Eucharist at Roydon�

8:00 Holy Communion (BCP) at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough 8:30 Mass at Attleborough Methodist Church 10:00 Parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough 11:00 ‘Open Christmas’ at St Mary’s Church Hall, Attleborough

Quidenham Sunday 8th December 2013

Tuesday 24th December 2013

08:00 Holy Communion at Old Buckenham 09:30 Parish Eucharist at Banham 09:30 Morning Worhip at Old Buckenham 09:30 Parish Eucharist at Wilby 11:00 Mattins at New Buckenham

19:00 Service of Lessons & Carols at Old Buckenham 19:30 Parish Eucharist at Eccles 23:30 Midnight Eucharist at Banham 23:30 Midnight Eucharist at New Buckenham Wednesday 25th December 2013

Sunday 15th December 2013 09:30 Parish Eucharist at Banham 09:30 Parish Eucharist at Old Buckenham 09:30 Parish Eucharist at Quidenham 18:30 Lessons and Carols at New Buckenham

09:30 Parish Eucharist at Banham 09:30 Parish Eucharist at Old Buckenham 11:00 Family Service at New Buckenham 11:00 Parish Eucharist at Quidenham Sunday 29th December 2013

Sunday 22nd December 2013 10:00

Group Service at Quidenham

10:00 Prayer Book Holy Communion at Quidenham

December 2013

28 PETS

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Festive, Fun-Filled Open Pets During Winter Weekend

Make sure your pets are appropriately looked after this winter

On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December, Redwings Horse Sanctuary will open the gate to its headquarters (free entry) for a fun and festive weekend with rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.

Redwings’ headquarters at Hapton, near Long Stratton, will open its gates to visitors from 10am to 3pm each day. As this is not usually open to the public its offers the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at this busy charity.

The 350-acre headquarters are home to its Horse Hospital, Rehoming Centre and administration offices as well as more than 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. During the open weekend, visitors can enjoy rehoming and handling displays, tack sale and gift shop, a café with delicious snacks and hot drinks, pony grooming sessions, fascinating farm tours and Young Redwings fun for young supporters.

Visitors will be able to meet lovely Lottie, the ‘Parasol Pony’, who was found roaming the streets of Diss earlier in

the year and on her arrival weighed just 49kgs, she is now doing fantastically well and looking forward to meeting all her fans.

Redwings has also recently become home to two abandoned foals, one called Derek and the other Matty. Matty was particularly poorly on his arrival from a site near Diss, he had a maggot-infested foot, was severely underweight and had very little fight left in him. Matty is now picking up thanks to his round-the-clock care, and visitors to the weekend will get the chance to see Matty being given one of his milk feeds – a lovely sight not be missed.

The horses, ponies and donkeys at Hapton are either recent admissions, receiving veterinary care and rehabilitation or those who require long-term specialist attention so this is a rare opportunity to see them relaxed and grazing in their forever home.

To learn more about the work of Redwings, please visit www.redwings.org. uk or call 01508 481000

Household pets and the winter don’t always mix. Be aware that they’ll need that extra bit of care over the colder months. Consult our top tips to ensure your pet receives all the attention they need this winter!

• Be sure the pet has a warm place out of the elements to get warm. Check on your pet often and observe its behavior.

• Sick dogs and those with thin fur, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Dobermans benefit from wearing clothing when outdoors.

• Give outdoor pets such as rabbits extra food and bedding.

• Move hutches into the garage of a sheltered spot.

• Check water regularly. Horses and ponies need rugs and shelter.

• Thaw pond ice by standing a saucepan of boiling water on it. Never smash ice as the shock can kill fish.

• Frostbite can be a problem for your pet. Remove ice and snow from your pet’s paws and coat at once.

• Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white, or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing.

If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately.

• Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels. Contact your vet as soon as possible so they can review the situation.

• Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk the horn. Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor’s cat might have taken shelter there.

• Feed smaller portions more often (morning and late afternoon feedings) and be sure there is fresh water.

• Allow indoor pets outside long enough for exercise and to “go” only.

Dapper Dogs At Dapper Dogs it’s very spacious, cool and friendly environment.

We have a lot to offer whether it’s just anal glands/nail clippings/ a brush or just simply a soothing bath; we are here for your dog and your needs.

We groom all breeds and cater for all temperaments and style to your dogs requirements.

If booked by prior appointment we can offer exclusive use of the salon for your

December 2013

dog and you. If he or she is nervous with other dogs, we can help!

We’re open between Monday-Friday 9am until 5pm and occasional Saturdays to suit everyones needs.

So if you have any questions contact on: 01953 453459, www.dapperdogs-attleborough.co.uk or just pop in and see us.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING 29

How to Prevent Cold and Flu. Cold and flu season is upon us -- but that doesn’t mean you’ll end up sniffling on the couch this year.

• Stay active at work

• Sleep more

• De-stress your life

Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be highly detrimental to your health, even if you regularly exercise during those times you aren’t seated.

Indeed, a 2009 report revealed that the more time people spent seated, the higher their death risk, so if you work in front of a computer all day, be sure to take breaks every 45 minutes to walk around and boost circulation.

The number and effectiveness of disease-fighting immune cells increases with the more sleep you get, while a lack of shut-eye has been found to promote health-attackcausing calcium buildup in the heart arteries, and restricts the production of human growth hormone, which limits the body’s ability to repair itself; Try to take a kip when feasible. The ideal time is 1-3 in the afternoon; this is when our bodies are most in need of rest.

Frazzled and fried? Better calm down -- too much stress can invite sickness. Indeed, studies have shown that a high level of stress can cause backaches, diarrhoea, constipation, depression, bloating, cramping, changes in appetite, listlessness, irritability, rashes, hives, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and high blood pressure; However, scientists say exercising at least three times a week, inhaling calm-inducing aromatherapy candles, taking a

• Take a cold shower Finishing your shower with a splash of cold water may be a boon to your health, the reason: Studies show a shot of cold water during a shower can improve circulation, strengthen skin, bolster immunity and improve mood. In fact, a recent study of swimmers in Berlin revealed that exposure to ice-cold water elevated levels of glutathione, one of the body’s natural, sickness-fighting antioxidants.

• Be more social People who report having a strong social support system possess the robust immune systems and are less likely to succumb to inflammatory disease; indeed, a recent Swedish study revealed that having few or no close friends increases the risk of having a first-time heart attack by about 50 percent. To maximise the benefits of your social network try this: For the next few weeks, strike up at least two conversations with someone whom you haven’t talked to before and make an effort to keep in contact with friends by face-to-face visits or phone conversations, as opposed to email or Facebook.

• Eat more yoghurt.

The probiotic, or ‘good,’ bacteria present in yoghurt has been shown to have a beneficial impact on many gastrointestinal conditions -- they also have been found to lower blood pressure, decrease cholesterol and strengthen the body’s immune system.

Want to nab the benefit? Strive to spoon up a carton daily.

• Sip a spirit or two Moderate drinking increases longevity and decreases the risk of heart disease by 14 to 25 percent, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. People who drink moderately have also been shown to also undergo fewer hospitalizations and have fewer disabilities than the general population. On caveat: A drink or two a day is fine, but speak with your doctor before you boost that number to avoid going overboard.

• Try yoga Practitioners claim yoga’s body/ breath/mind exercises strengthen and balance the immune system, stimulating it to more effectively destroy sickness-causing microbes.

Regularly engaging in yoga sessions can also reverse several risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar and obesity. Research classes in the area, or consider purchasing a yoga DVD to practice at home.

• Cut calories

• Go for garlic Garlic has been shown to blood pressure and cholesterol levels and fights off staph and other healthsapping bacterial infections; In fact, scientists from the University of Western Australia recently found that people who regularly consumed garlic cut their number of sick days in half.

One caveat: Eat it raw or cooked, but steer clear of supplements.

Why? Many garlic experts claim that the process of making them often destroys the food’s naturally potent health powers.

relaxing bath or simply sharing a laugh with friends can work wonders in reducing stress.

Surprise: Eating less can do more than whittle your waistline. It has also been shown to have positive effects on overall health; In fact, a calorierestricted diet in which participants eat up to 25 percent less than they would normally eat has been shown to reduce overall cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure; However, to avoid vitamin deficiencies, make sure that whatever you’re eating is “nutritionally dense,” avoid simple sugars, make sure your protein intake is sufficient and don’t forget to eat your veg!

A Perfect Christmas Gift Massage is a wonderfully thoughtful gift to give and vouchers can be a great way to introduce someone to the benefits of massage.

Sometimes friends and family don’t have the time or money to be able to receive regular massage so it’s a lovely thing to give a gift that will make a real difference to them.

There are also those people who are just so darnn difficult to buy presents for; giving the gift of an experience rather than an unwanted ornament saves the receiver the stress of having to remember to put the ornament on show every time you call round!

bought in December; just quote ‘Dispatch voucher discount’ when you order.

Details of treatments are on the website www.relax-revitalise.com and to order either email lara@relax-revitalise.com or call 01379 870707 or 01379 871926.

Joking aside though, Christmas can be quite a stressful time for a lot of people so the thought of having a massage or relaxing facial when it’s all over will be something to look forward to.

Gift vouchers can be bought for the duration of the treatment therefore allowing the receiver to choose which treatment they would like when they book. Vouchers start from £20 upwards, however for Dispatch readers there is a 15% discount for vouchers

December 2013

30 ELDERLY

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Manorcourt Daycare

All Hallows Day Services

...is a community based 7 hour care centre; it is set in a detached building within the village location of Griston close to the market town of Watton, in the Breckland district of Norfolk.

...are available every day except Saturdays, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Manorcourt Daycentre specializes in a service for individuals aged 50+ who require time out at an independent facility which allows individuals the freedom to be an independent person within their own right.

Our goal is to provide a high quality and flexible 7 hour therapeutic day-care service for those individuals who currently live within the community but it is also a service for those individuals who have a caring role to play and need a reliable support system which allows them as a carer, time out from their caring role.

The service is staffed by trained staff that uses therapeutic activities with the primary goal of supporting self expression and communication; it provides a social and enjoyable day out from home, it’s the perfect opportunity for individuals and staff to make new friends and enjoy regular social interaction. The aim of Manorcourt Daycare is to promote a high standard of service which promotes independence at all times and one which recognizes the unique value

December 2013

every person has. Within this we encourage the building of positive relationships with the individual, their family and friends. We work closely with outside agencies, the individual’s doctor’s surgeries, social services and other relevant agencies.

Since the day centre was first developed it has changed consistently with the care needs of it users; from relocating to a purpose building in 2004, a gradual development of dementia services and now in 2013 we will be developing the service further by offering a extended sensory garden, a 1950’s style living room for enablement and dementia services and refurbished hairdressing facilities.

Alongside these new developments we will be offering an outreach /signposting service for those who do not wish to take up the opportunities with the centre.

For more infomation Call: 01953 889230 or email: daycentre@manorcourtcare.co.uk

The centre is a safe place for elderly people to socialise, enjoy home cooked food and provides an opportunity to participate in a wide range of recreational activities encouraging physical and mental stimulation.

Organised day trips are arranged most weeks. Regular outings include a trip to Southwold for an ice cream and/or fish & chips, river trips on the Waveney Stardust (a boat with disabled access), local garden centres and large shops for a general look

and afternoon tea, visits to Yesterdays World in Great Yarmouth and much more!

Special diets can be catered for and it is well equipped with aids for less able and dependent people.

If you require any further information including funding advice please do not hesitate to contact the team at All Hallows.

Day Care is equally beneficial to carers enabling them to enjoy a well-deserved break.

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ELDERLY 31

Rosedale Remembers at Christmas Someone to talk to and support you during one of the most difficult times in your life is how the funeral directors at Rosedale Funeral Home see themselves.

Rosedale Funeral Home has established itself as a thoughtful company for families to honour and remember loved ones who have died.

Christmas can be a very difficult time for the recently bereaved who cannot avoid the reminders that “tis the season to be jolly” but you miss the person who has died and you don’t want to be encouraged to go on as if nothing has happened.

For anyone facing their first Christmas without a loved one, Rosedale have available a free small booklet entitled “A not so jolly Christmas” offering practical advice on reducing pressure, re-evaluating traditions, re-defining expectations and re-living the memories. It also includes a

section for helping children with their loss.

Every December, Rosedale has traditionally placed a memorial Christmas tree in each of their funerals homes and also in St. Mary’s Church in Diss. We are delighted that this year the libraries in Diss, Hingham and Attleborough have also agreed to host a memorial tree, alongside other local churches.

Over the Christmas period, funeral directors at Rosedale will be working day and night ensuring that the bereaved receive the same high level of service for making funeral arrangements.

They don’t just stop with the funeral either; they can offer practical support to stop unwanted mail addressed to the deceased, provide memory boxes and work books for

bereaved children as well as resources for parents and teachers – all free of charge.

The dedicated staff have over 100 years of experience and the emphasis is on working for the rest of the community, with fair pricing, flexibility and exceptional service.

Diss 01379 640810 Attleborough 01953 452538

Rosedale provides attractive cards for families and friends to write messages for their loved ones, no matter how long ago, or where they died. Each card is carefully hung on one of their Christmas trees, a simple but thoughtful gesture. If you would like to receive a complimentary card, please telephone the funeral home nearest to you, listed below.

December 2013

Plan for the future, today...

t en ym pa e pr r ...with ou funeral plans...

Give us a call on our funeral plan advice line 0800 0744 361* to find out more eastofengland.coop/plans * Free from a landline, mobile charges can vary.

Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

MOTORING REVIEW 33

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Viva España....

Tweet Tim @carwriteups | www.carwriteups.co.uk

Motoring Journalist Tim Barnes-Clay gets up close and personal with two fresh Spanish models...

New SEAT Leon FR 2.0 TDI 150 PS SEAT enjoyed a record-breaking year for sales in the UK in 2012 – its best since the brand was introduced into the country in 1985.

And the Spanish automaker’s popularity is likely to continue, if the all-new Leon is anything to go by. Indeed, the hatchback which was first launched in 1999, is unquestionably one of SEAT’s most significant cars ever.

I drove SEAT’s athletic version of the Leon - the FR. Those letters stand for Formula Racing, so, predictably, the car comes with ‘sporty’ features. These include 17-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows, and front sports seats.

The driver’s seat is set lower than that of the previous Leon, but has a broad range of movement, as does the steering wheel. This provides a confident driver set-up – and a fun one, especially when you hit the road after selecting ‘Sport’ from the SEAT Drive Profile.

This is a menu of driving modes which allows you to change the character of the Leon. On the list of options you can also choose Normal, Eco or Individual set-up.

It’s a cool bit of gadgetry and is accessed at the touch of a button.

New SEAT Toledo startlingly efficient with the oil-burner averaging 68.9 mpg.

The newest Leon comes in a package that’s enormously practical too. The SEAT is a full five-seater with a 380-litre boot.

The luggage compartment has increased by 39 litres, its rear knee room by 14 mm, and headroom by the same amount.

It’s among the most voluminous motors in the family hatchback class.

But, most importantly, the Leon has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP in its safety tests. It scored 94 percent and 92 percent for the adult occupant and child occupant elements respectively. What more could you ask for? Not a lot. And if I had £21,385, I’d be buying a Leon FR now.

FAST FACTS • Max speed: 134 mph • 0-62 mph: 8.4 secs • Combined mpg: 68.9 • Engine: 1968 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel • Max. power (bhp): 148 at 3500 - 4000 rpm • Max. torque (lb/ft): 236 at 1750 - 3000 rpm • CO2: 106 g/km • Price: £21,385 on the road

On the road, the new Toledo is no speeddemon, but it always has enough ‘get up and go’ to prevent accusations of sluggishness. Its 1598cc, 16 valve, four cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 103bhp – and that’s enough to get you from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds.

Top speed is a more-thanrespectable118mph and CO2 emissions are low at only 106g/km. That means the Toledo is not only eco-friendly, the small amount of carbon dioxide it releases into the atmosphere also brings it into cheap annual road tax territory.

The SEAT embraces corners and soaks up lumps and bumps without difficulty.

The switchgear is nicely damped and the steering is direct. The well-weighted wheel also gives you good feedback – thoroughly communicating what the road surface is like beneath the four rubber corners.

Looks-wise, the latest Toledo is peculiar.

It has the appearance of a saloon but actually it’s a hatchback. The front looks modern, with aggressively shaped headlights, but the further back you go,

SEAT’s designers have lost their way.

The rear-end is the visual equivalent of a song that’s been ‘faded-out’ because the guys in the recording studio didn’t have a clear-cut way to finish the track.

My test car, in SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive 105 PS guise, produced 70.6mpg. That’s pretty staggering. The tank is big too – with a potential range of around 600 miles.

The standard safety package for all SEAT Toledos includes driver and passenger airbags, front side, head and thorax airbags. The car is available from as little as £12,500 on the road, but the flagship form I test drove comes with a price-tag of over five grand more at £17,840.

FAST FACTS • Max speed: 118 mph • 0-62 mph: 10.4 secs • Combined mpg: 70.6 • Engine: 1598 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel • Max. power (bhp): 103 at 4400 rpm • Max. torque (lb/ft): 184 at 1500 rpm • CO2: 106 g/km • Price: £17,840

Tweet Tim Barnes-Clay @carwriteups www.carwriteups.co.uk

The Leon FR 2.0 TDI 150 will sprint from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds and on to 134mph. The SEAT hugs the corners as though super-glued to the road. In fact body roll is virtually non-existent – it feels a million miles away from a standard, efficient, family hatch.

But it’s not that far from one as far as fuel savings go. In fact, fuel economy is

December 2013

34 MOTORING

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Attleborough Service Centre Servicing and maintainance of your vehicles at the Roundham Road site.

Attleborough Service Centre has been operating from their present site since 1984, servicing and maintaining cars, vans, and commercial vehicles.���������������������� Some of the original staff are still employed in the workshop, which gives Attleborough Service Centre a wealth of experience and knowledge in the automotive profession.

The workshop, at its Roudham Road site, is able to service and maintain all makes and models of vehicle and can also carry out class IV and class VII MOT testing (cars, small vans and large vans up to 3500 G.V.W.). We also cater for owners of the large motor homes, providing servicing and MOT. The equipment includes the latest tools for servicing and maintaining your vehicle’s air conditioning. The workshop staff are fully trained and have a comprehensive knowledge base available. Courtesy cars are available to keep you mobile while we service your vehicle, however these need to be booked in advance.

November 2013

Attleborough Service Centre can also provide a collection and delivery service within the local area, there is normally no charge for this service, please ask for details.

There are 13 qualified technicians based at Attleborough Service Centre so whether you’re looking for a simple oil change or a full service we can accommodate all makes and types of vehicle. With our rolling road we can offer brake testing facilities on all types of cars/vans and HGV’s as well as testing your exhaust emissions to the latest standards.

HGV vehicles can be inspected to VOSA standards by our skilled technicians to meet all your operational requirements.

We offer a power wash facility to get rid of that weekly road grime plus a steam cleaning service prior to your annual MOT inspection or paintwork preparation.

Travel Games Activities to avoid the ‘are we there yet?’ scenario this holiday season If you’re going away this Christmas, or making that long car journey to see family then these in car games will help the time pass and distract the kids from their iPods.

- Guess the object Keep them guessing with 20 questions. Kids will have a great time making up an object or choosing an object from their surrounds to keep their opponents puzzled all trip long!

From fruit to flies, everyone can have fun with this great family game!

Activity: One person starts the game and thinks of something which falls under the category of animal, insect, or fruit.

That person discloses ONLY the category their chosen object falls into.

The player’s then take turns asking questions which can be answered with a YES or NO.

For instance, if the category is an insect a player might ask “Can it fly?” or “Is it poisonous?”

Up to 20 questions can be asked.

If the players have not guessed the answer in 20 questions, each player gets a last chance to make a guess at the object. Afterwards, a new player starts with their chosen category.

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MOTORING 35

Stratton Motor Company An independently owned garage established for over 40 years since 1972.

The company started off as a small village fuel station and we still stand on the same site today, although our premises are somewhat bigger now! However we are still a small and friendly team to deal with and we are able to help with most requirements. We like to think we are very flexible to fit around our customers.

Although it is widely known we work alongside Aston Martin, Lotus and Morgan, many customers do not realise that we actually work with all other makes and models of vehicle too. In fact, we can service, repair, MOT or completely restore any car. We have a large parts department and can source most parts quickly and at sensible prices, so your car is not out of action for too long.

We acknowledge the fact that today’s motoring is becoming increasingly expensive and are currently offering a special winter labour rate to help, especially with the run up to Christmas!

Why not book your car in with us today from ÂŁ39 per hour plus VAT. In addition to this if you book a service with us before 31st January 2014, you will get a free MOT. Our main site is based on Ipswich Road in Long Stratton, and we very easy to find, situated right on the A140. However, we do understand that our customers lead busy lives, so we can collect and deliver your car to your doorstep, whether it be at home or even work, at a time to suit you.

We are also a category A approved bodyshop and are approved by all major insurance companies so are able to work with you should you have suffered accident damage to your car, or need some minor or even major paint work carried out.

We have an additional site which specialises in motorsport preparation and race support and a fleet of race cars available to hire. We can also help you obtain your race licence if this is a new challenge you would like to explore in the new year!

We also have a modern warehouse facility on our second site and can offer long term or short term storage in a secure environment with 24 hour CCTV. We can store anything,

whether it be your car, bike, boat, or in fact anything you need looking after! We can build a package to suit your individual requirements.

If you are stuck for ideas for Christmas, why not think about some of the branded goods and accessories we have available from Aston Martin and Lotus.

We will be running some special offers in December on certain items. Please keep an eye on our facebook page for further details or contact if you would like a list.

For further information on prices or anything else that we can help with, please contact Kate Cummings on kate@strattonmotorcompany.com

November 2013

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**Minimum spend £100 to qualify for the £25 off voucher. Offer valid until 31st January 2014. Voucher must be mentioned at time of booking and handed in on arrival. ***Offer available on vehicles up to 2000cc and valid until 31st January 2014. **** This price match offer is only available at the time of purchase and the tyre must be identical (i.e manufacturer, pattern, size). Loyalty club discounts are not applicable to any tyre purchase. The tyre must be in stock at the competitor. Internet, mail order, trade and wholesale prices are excluded. The price match cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only. Hja[]k [gjj][l Yl lae] g^ _gaf_ lg hj]kk af[dm\] N9L$ \]dan]j [`Yj_]$ fmeZ]j hdYl]k$ ) q]Yj k jgY\ fund licence and £55 registration fee

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MOTORING 37

Banham Vehicle Services Phrenz If you need your car servicing Banham Vehicle Services should be your first choice! With over 33 years of experience, and being based locally, they are ideally located for customers throughout the South Norfolk area requiring MOTs and services.

Everyone at Banham Vehicle Services would like to thank all their customers for the continued support and custom received during the year and wish them all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas Phrenz is an Attleborough based online supplier of Car, Caravan, Motorcycle and Marine Craft cleaning chemicals, tools and equipment to the trade and public.

Since its launch in August, Phrenz has become appointed distributors of some of the most respected brands on the market including 3M, GMC, Fenner’s, Flexipads and SIP Industrial, so whether you own a classic car, yacht, cafe racer, grand tourer or a daily runabout, we will have something for you.

Fenner’s, a Snetterton based company, and 3M are well suited to provide a comprehensive range of cleaning and polishing solutions as well as an extensive list of essential accessories to deliver outstanding results. The Fenner’s range has proven to be so effective that it is now recognised as the affordable choice of discerning enthusiasts, valeters, garages and motor racing teams across the region.

Diss Accident Repair Centre

To compliment its impressive range of power tools, Phrenz recently became offcial distributors of the SIP Group range

of tools, machinery and equipment which include Space Heaters, Battery Boosters & Chargers, Air Compressors, Air Tools, Generators, Welders and a host of professional garage and home workshop equipment.

Hand tools are provided by Force Tools, a distinguished company offering a wide selection of professional tools suitable for a range of applications, combining superb design and manufacture with outstanding value for money and a lifetime warranty, please do contact us for a free brochure.

Find time to visit our website where you will find something to help keep your pride and joy in a shining, showroom condition.

Why not make yourself known to us by becoming a Facebook friend and spread the word.

We are an online store and do not operate a walk in shop facility, however, you can contact us by phoning 01953 665027 during normal business hours, or any time via our email address which can be found on our website www.phrenz.com.

Diss Accident Repair Centre are located on Forge Business Centre, Upper Rose Lane in Palgrave. They have a Workshop area measuring 3,600 square feet.

All repairs are carried out to first class standard and all employees are highly trained and every car is cleaned before it is returned to you.

Opening hours are Monday - Friday: 08:30-17:30 or Saturday; by appointment only.

Diss Accident Repair Centre Would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas!

November 2013

38 DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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+56 '$<6 $ :((.

FREE HOME/BUSINESS SECURITY SURVEYS

01953 717677 www.dyno.com

December 2013

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DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 39

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? Your business could be here.

Call The Dispatch Team Now 01953 456789

THE

HAPPY ANGEL

CLEANING company

WHAT WE OFFER YOU:

A full range of domestic support Hospital to home care Moving home clean-moving in/out End of tenancy clean After party clean Fully insured and vetted staďŹ&#x20AC; All equipment & materials supplied Quotation to suit your budget

07796 108245

happyangelco@btinternet.com

December 2013