Diss & Attleborough Dispatch November 2013

NOVEMBER | PRICELESS

Taylor’s petfoods

motoring review NEWS & EVENTS

Energy bills FOR DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

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November 2013

WELCOME

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

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Editor: Jonathan Horswell

Issue 146 November 2013

Advertising: sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is: November 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.

November 2013

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Sound Sleep Bed Store Are you getting a good nights sleep?

For most of us a third of our life is spent asleep, meaning the wear on our mattress over time is considerable, yet a staggering 25% of people wouldn’t consider changing their mattress – even after more than 10 years.* It is hardly surprising then that 58% of the population complain of waking feeling stiff and achy.* How do you know if you need to replace your bed?

• Is your bed more than 7 years old?

• Is it uncomfortable? Or when you sleep in someone else’s bed, does that feel better than your own?

• Do you wake in the morning with a painful back or stiff limbs?

• Can you feel the springs beneath the surface of the mattress?

• Do you and your partner roll together?

• Is your mattress just generally warn and discoloured?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then it could be time to invest in a new bed!

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The key with mattress buying is to try out as wide a variety of options as possible to find the most suitable mattress for you (and your partner).

Given the amount of time you spend in bed, it is important to spend a reasonable amount of time in store trying out new ones, especially if you have been experiencing pains that could come from your existing mattress. It this instance, it may be worth having a chat with your chiropractor for some advise on what they advise is suitable for your back.

At Sound Sleep, we stock a variety of brands and different types of mattresses, for example pocket sprung, memory foam, latex and so on. Each manufacturer has different mattresses that offer different levels of support and comfort.

When mattress shopping, it is essential to ask for help. We are highly trained mattress specialists and are on hand to advise you, not to high pressure you in to buying something that may not be suitable.

How do I know which one is right for me?

A mattress that is supportive and comfortable is important, but remember, your requirement for support will differ depending on your weight and build.

The best bed for your back is not always a firm one. You need a bed that will provide the right support and comfort for you.

When laying on your side, ideally your spine should be parallel to the mattress and your spine should not sag down or bow up.

Trying them out Give your self plenty of time and wear loose clothing, this helps you turn and get in and out of beds in store. Our Mattress Specialists will point you in the right direction. Try the advised mattresses for as long as possible to get a good ‘feel’ for them.

If you sleep together, shop together Always shop with your partner, the bed

must be suitable for both of you. As it is inevitable one of you may have to compromise!

Size matters It is scientifically proven that couples sleep better in a bigger bed. The more space you have the freer you can move without disturbing your partner. This is also a good idea if one or both of you get hot in bed. Now that you have chosen a new mattress, don’t forget that pillows are very important too. A cheap, unsupportive pillow can cause neck and back problems.

For more help and advise, visit our in store Mattress Specialists who can talk you through all the pros and cons of various mattresses. We also pride ourselves on having the most up to date mattress technology. Geltex launches this month, come in and try it! Sleep has never felt so good!! *Research by British Chiropractic Association and Sealy 2012

SLEEP has never felt

SO GOOD

WAKE UP TO Geltex inside Many people fail to enjoy a full and deep night’s sleep because of overheating.

Geltex has a unique open cell structure which provides unparalleled breathability, allowing air to pass through easily preventing the body from overheating.

A unique fusion of gel molecules, foam crystals and air makes Geltex extremely flexible and adaptable.

These advanced properties distribute body weight evenly, preventing pressure points from building by relieving pressure where you need it most - helping reduce the discomfort of aching joints and reduce circulatory problems.

Innovative elasticity ensures immediate spring back for ultimate support.

As no two individuals are the same, Geltex responds to the individual contours of the body - providing perfect spinal alignment and support throughout the night.

To celebrate the arrival of the new Geltex beds, we are giving up to ÂŁ100 OFF Silentnight Ultimate & Sealy Hybrid beds Geltex launches w/c 4th November * Conditions apply, see instore for details

MILE ROAD - WINFARTHING - IP22 2EZ - 01953 861177 Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00

Saturday 10:00 - 4:00

Sunday 10:00 - 1:00

Find us on the main B1077 between Diss & Attleborough. Look out for our yellow signs!

FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY - CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED - OLD BED DISPOSAL SERVICE

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Jackamans Commercial Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, It’s Supersession!

The principle of “Supersession” can arise in cases involving damages for breach of repairing covenants in long commercial leases . In a recent High Court case (Sunlife -v-Tiger Aspect 2013 EWHC 463) involving two 35 year commercial leases for office and retail premises in Soho where the current and previous tenant had carried out minimal repairs.

The landlord prepared a schedule of dilapidations and costs totaling £2.1 million. The tenant in defending sought to rely in part on “Supersession”, which essentially said that to put the properties back into their 1973 condition would result in a property that would not only be worth little extra but would still require modernising.

The argument is to ask that if the building had been properly maintained to its 1973 specification could the landlord have sold or let it without a significant discount?

If established, supersession would enable the tenant to avoid paying the amount of

the repairs attributable to bringing the building up to the standard required to achieve a sale or letting at a reasonable current market rate .

However the tenant in the end was persuaded to abandon this argument of supersession when the expert evidence showed that; if repaired to 1973 standards according to the repairing covenants in the leases the buildings could still have been re-let with relatively modest work.

The tenant then argued that the repairs carried out by the landlord were more extensive than was required under common law to comply with the repairing covenants.

For example tenants are not required to carry out repairs which will alter or modernise the premises, only like for like. The tenant is entitled to repair in the manner that is least onerous to him, and is not required to deliver up the premises with new equipment or that which has any remaining life expectancy.

The standard to which the building is to be repaired or kept in repair is the condition of its fabric, equipment and fittings at the time of the lease, not the condition that would be expected of an equivalent building at the expiry of the lease.

In fact the court process should have been preceded by the exercise of the Pre-Action Protocol for damages in relation to the Physical state of Commercial property at the termination of a Tenancy.

The Judge went through each of the schedules and decided to award the landlord a figure for damages of £1.32 million.

This is contained within the Civil Procedure rules which require the parties to try and resolve such disputes without going to court. The Protocol requires the service of a schedule of dilapidations breaking down the items of repair, redecoration, reinstatement. This should usually be served within 56 days after the termination of the tenancy.

The Judge had to deal with the issue that tenants are liable for damages only up to the statutory maximum which is the amount by which the landlord’s interest has been diminished by the lack of repair.

This is pursuant to Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 .In this case that figure was more than the Judge had awarded so no further adjustment was made.

The moral of this case is that it pays to repair as you go as a significant claim can be made after the lease has ended. The cost of repair can then be spread over the term.

There should also be a Quantified demand showing the sums claimed as related to the breaches of repair alleged against the tenant. The tenant will then have to serve their response within 56 days followed by negotiations.

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

Better business advice from our team of experts t Buying and Selling a Business t Commercial Agreements t Commercial Property t Business Start-ups t Debt Recovery t Dispute Resolution t Employment

Ipswich 01473 255591 Diss 01379 643555

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

November 2013

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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

November 2013

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Prostate Awareness Diss Museum November 2013 is ‘Prostate Awareness month’ in the canine world.

Scrapbooks by Neville Brundell

In aid of this, Uplands Way Vets Ltd are offering 20% off dog castrates during the month of November.

The museum possesses a collection of scrapbooks compiled by the late Neville Brundell, with many cuttings of postwar Diss.

Next to him is Frank Raynor, son of one of the Greyhound landlords, and who ran a clothing business near the Crown Hotel.

These smart chaps, photographed just over a century ago in their straw boaters, were known as the Diss Clique.

The car was the first Model T Ford ever seen in the Diss area, in 1912, and was hired at fourpence halfpenny a mile.

The car was renowned for leaving the Market Place and reaching the Crown in top gear. It had gas headlamps and oil sidelamps.

Un-castrated dogs may develop prostatic disease secondary to the influence of testosterone, including prostatic abscesses and enlargement and prostate cancer.

Secondary infection can occur and castration may be recommended to prevent the condition from occurring again. At this stage, castration and treatment become more difficult and risky to your pet. Some of these conditions are extremely serious, require extensive diagnostic work and are even life threatening.

Signs of prostate disease to look out for: • • • • • •

Incontinence Difficulty in passing urine Blood in urine Abdominal Pain Straining to pass faeces Infertility

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The prostate gland can be examined by either feeling the abdomen or by rectal exam. If you are worried about any of the above symptoms please contact us to arrange a consultation with the vet.

The prostate completely regresses after castration and is therefore unlikely to develop disease late on in life.

At Uplands Way Vets, we offer complete care for all animals, large and small, throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. We have branches in Diss, Attleborough and Stanton, offering 24hr emergency cover by our own vets, meaning you benefit from seeing a friendly, 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 also offer loyalty schemes for dogs, cat, rabbits and horses, helping you save money with your routine pet care. For more information please ring any of our branches or visit our website.

(This offer is only available to male dogs in November, and cannot be used with any other discount scheme. By appointments only.)

Top left is Billy Cobb, of the well-known former cycle business in St. Nicholas Street . Next to him is Fred Read, who worked at Aldrich the ironmongers, and a young man called Harper. Standing is Tommy Preedy, who went to live in Belgium.

At the wheel is Mr. Charles Firman, who worked at Nice’s cycle shop in the Market Place.

It had to be hand cranked to start and had a hazardous tendency to run forward and pin the person against the wall.

The cutting is from one of the local newspapers in 1957. The advertisement for Argenta lamps, with its Diss limerick, is from 1956.

Submitted by Basil Abbott

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

Christmas Lights Switch On

My Tax Return Catch Up

It’s that time of year again

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

Music, stalls and lots of festive fun are to be had at the Diss Christmas Lights switch on event in the town centre, Market Place and Mere’s Mouth.

This years event will be held on the evening of 30th November, come down and enjoy the Christmas spirit.

Telephone: 01379 643848 Email: towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

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.

• An increased chance of saving a

higher penalty based on behaviour.

• Avoiding receiving a determination of the tax you owe and action to collect - including telephone calls, visits and the courts.

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)

November 2013

10 Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Charities Fayre Local charities join forces Friday, 15th November at Diss United Reformed Church, 9am-1pm.

A chance to buy Christmas presents and support local and worldwide charities, a Win/Win situation!

Charities participating are: St Elizabeth Hospice, Prostrate Cancer (10,000 Challenge), East Anglia Children’s Hospice, Air Ambulance, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People,

Solo Housing, Traidcraft, Diss Community, Bank Credit Union, Amnesty International, To Kenya with Love, Christian Bookstall and Church Stall.

Christmas Cards, Gifts, Quality Bric-a Brac, Home Baked Cakes and Lots more will be available on the day.

Refreshments Available: Tea and Coffee and Biscuits

Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society Looking at modern art Mary Acton, the leading Oxford University expert on Modern Art, presented the October lecture for Diss DFAS before approximately 120 members including many new to the society and who had received their formal welcome at a lunch before the event.

Mary commenced by asking why “Modern Art” was so different and why it may be difficult to understand. She was then able to show her dramatic depth of knowledge by taking her audience through the context of the late 19th and early 20th century and its multiplicity of visual images within the great changes in science and social development. By emphasising the awareness by the great emerging artists of these changes, she was able to explain the thinking that created this major change in the presentation of visual art.

This was a serious and deep lecture that went behind some of the general

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understanding of Modern Art. It left many in the audience enthralled but overwhelmed. Within the range of Fine Art lectures for which Diss DFAS is famous this was important to the understanding of the wide range of the society’s offering.

Mary’s audience was left equipped to know why and how it developed and to look upon the many known examples with more comprehension.

The next lecture of 2013/2014 season is at Royden Village Hall on Tuesday, 19th November 2013 and will be quite different: The Corkscrew, A thing of beauty presented by John Ericson. A fascinating and intriguing history of what you may have thought a mundane object!

For details of Membership and other aspects of our wide programme, please contact Beverley VanKoningsveld through email at info@dissdfas.org.uk or visit the website – www.dissdfas.org.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

Comer Crawley Your questions answered...

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.

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.

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. This includes ensuring that all skaters skate in accordance with the safety rules for using the 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.

Diss 11

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.

Salvation Army Christmas Dinner Enjoy a festive meal and some friendly company The Salvation Army in Diss will be providing Christmas Dinner at their centre in Sunnyside on Christmas Day. This is for people who would otherwise be on their own.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to come and spend Christmas Day with us contact Major Fawcett on 01379-642448 for further details and to book in, by 16th December.”

Diss Town Football Club Bonfire Night Come down for the annual bonfire night event on the 5th of November.

A fun atmosphere for all the family to enjoy. Food ��������������������������������� and drink will be available

and Gates ����������������������� will open at 6pm.

Located on Brewers Green Lane, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4QP

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Peter Beales Roses Autumn garden maintainance As I write at my desk, we have an unusual abundance of colour with our roses and some are now showing buds for a second flush of flowers. However, autumn has really begun to set in, giving all the usual colourful displays of different leaf colours and hips and berries of varying size, shape and colour.

The cultivated Species roses, like the wild dog rose, are grown mainly for the autumnal interest from their fruits.

Planting a rose that bears hips into a mixed shrubbery or an herbaceous border can provide colour well into winter.

Although many roses provide hips, single flowered types produce better quality hips.

These can vary in size from pea sized to large flagon or bottle shaped hips.

The colour range is also vast from vibrant orange, red to deep maroon, purple or black. It is not just shrub roses that produce hips, but several ramblers will do too.

Amongst my favourites are Rosa pimpinellifolia with cream flowers and black hips; Rosa virginiana has clusters of pink flowers with plump red hips and great autumn foliage; Rosa moyesii Geranium has waxy blood red flowers with large spiky red flagon-shaped hips.

Even when the leaves have fallen there is plenty of interest in the garden. Colourful stems and bark, the shape and structure of larger plants such as trees, and uncovered mysteries like rookeries or

witches broom. All these factors can help in deciding how to brighten a dull area in the garden or what to choose to fill gaps.

Bulbs can still be planted in almost any place possible, even in hanging baskets to make tulip balls for example.

Hanging baskets and containers can be made up from a variety of plants, mostly evergreens, flower orientated or a combination of both. Some bulbs can be used to force for indoor displays. This is also an ideal time to select bare root roses from the procumbent range to grow in hanging baskets, or many others in containers. (Details for these ideas from Peter Beales Roses).

Garden maintenance is more about keeping everything nice and tidy including dead heading, clearing leaves, shaping shrubs and trees. In mild conditions, that are not too wet, lightly cut the lawn, making mental notes of poor areas that need spiking, topdressing or re-seeding next spring. Beds and borders can be weeded, lightly forked over and hardy bedding or bulbs planted to continue the display. Don’t be tempted to cut down all dead stems of perennials, as they can be structurally attractive when covered in frost or cobwebs. Some seed-heads will also be welcome to many birds.

As various produce is harvested from the vegetable garden, clear away spent leaves and plant litter. Cleared areas can then be forked over, a little fertiliser applied and then replanted with spring vegetables.

Many things can go to the compost heap, but some such as diseased material may have to be burnt at a time of year when there are usually plenty of bonfires. Take care where you site any bonfire and check for sleeping hedgehogs.

Simon White & Peter Chinnery of Peter Beales Roses

“Outstanding”

Independent Schools Inspectorate…

An independent, co-educational day and boarding school for ages 5 -18 …………...………………………………………………………………………

Forthcoming events at

Please join us for an informal look around the school at our

OPEN DAY Saturday 16th November Drop in any time between 10.30am – 2pm Or call us to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit during the week

Christmas Craft Fair Thursday December 5th from 6pm in aid of Big C, Norfolk’s Cancer Charity

Richard Durrant in Concert Thursday December 12th 7.30pm One of the world’s most accomplished and experimental players.

Guitarist Magazine #

The New Eccles Hall School Quidenham, Nr Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2NZ Tel: 01953 887 217 admin@neweccleshall.com www.neweccleshall.com

November 2013

@Dispatch_Mag

ATTLEBORoUGH 13

Breckland Art Trail 2013 Norfolk & Suffolk Power Flushing Coming to a venure near you in time for your christmas shopping The 2013 Breckland Art Trail has some fantastic local artists showing and selling their work this year! The ��������������������� Trail, organised

by Breckland Council, will feature a whole range of unique arts and crafts work including painting, sculpture, ceramics, prints, textiles and photography.

Between 30 Nov and 8 Dec, over a hundred local artists will be showing their work at 22 venues throughout the Breckland district. You could enjoy the work of budding young artists at Parkers Primary School in Saham Toney, or maybe drop in at Roudham’s Whisky Distillery to view the work of award winning wildlife photographer Phil Croucher. Many local artists will be opening the doors of their homes and workshops over those nine days to show their work to a wider audience.

Any of these symptoms in my advert could indicate that your central heating system has problems from internal corrosion, rust, sludge and scale.

Put a date in your dairy to catch the work of a collective of artists from the Elsing area who are exhibiting in the Trail for the first time this year. The four potters, three painters, textile artist and maker of hand-carved walking sticks will have some great work on show but will only be exhibiting their work over the first weekend of the Trail, You can find out more about the Trail on the Breckland Council website www. breckland.gov.uk/arttrail. The new brochure, which can be viewed on the website, has a map and gives details of venues and of artists’ work. Printed versions will be available at each town Library, Customer Service Centres, Tourist Information Centres, Leisure Centres, Community Centres and Breckland Council Offices from 4th November.

A power flush can restore circulation and efficiency to your central heating system by removing these products.

The process involves connecting a power flushing pump to the existing central heating pump valves, or across the tails of a radiator.

Specialist chemicals are then pumped around the heating system to loosen and mobilise the unwanted debris.

Each radiator is then individually flushed until clean and on completion, an inhibitor is added to prevent further corrosion. The whole process is carried out with minimal disturbance and disruption.

For more information or for a free no obligation quote, ring Paul on (01508) 532671 or 07879 414197.

Or alternatively go to www.suffolkpowerflushing.co.uk.

Breckland ART TRAIL 30 November - 8 December 2013

www.breckland.gov.uk/arttrail @BreckArtTrail

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www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Macmillan Cancer The Civil Service Support Christmas Fair Retirement Fellowship Find some Christmas present ideas whilst helping to raise money

Remember and Reminisce

The Attleborough Fundraising Committee will be holding their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 30 November 2013 in the Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough from 10.00am until 2.00pm.

There will also be various raffles, tombola, teddies, jewellery, crafts, refreshments, a Grand Draw with the First Prize being £100, Second Prize £50 and Third Prize £25 and lots more so come along and support this worthy cause.

The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship met on the 21st September for their monthly morning of reminiscences of the war and post war years.

You will find many interesting stalls displaying a variety of wares, including Christmas cards, Christmas crackers, books, cakes and preserves, new and nearly new items for sale and lots of ideas for Christmas presents.

Our events aim to raise money to enable Macmillan Cancer Support to improve the lives of people in Norfolk affected by cancer and their carers by providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support.

Several members recalled and related childhood memories of evacuation, bombing, plane spotting (dog fights) etc, and all remembered the years of rationing which lasted into the fifties.

Great stories were told and heard by all. Then literature was passed round to members relating to forthcoming holidays on offer for next year.

The meeting in October will be for the popular “Wine and Cheese” event and in November we will be having a Quiz. The December morning will host the Christmas Party as usual.

We welcomed a new member this month and we are always looking forward to this happening. If you would like any

November 2013

information relating to joining us Mrs. Doreen Parker on 01953 456958 will be pleased to help.

The Fellowship meet on the third Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon at the Methodist Church Hall, London Rd. Attleborough

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.

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Do You Know How To Revive Your Child?

New Buckenham Players

Is your business first aid compliant?

Decembers Peter Pan performance

Would you know what to do in the event of a family first aid emergency? If your baby or child stopped breathing, would you know what you should be doing in addition to calling the ambulance? Could you start performing life saving first aid at the same time? Although ��������������������� many people have some first aid knowledge, when it comes to an incident affecting your own family, many people won’t know how to react and panic.

For less than the cost of an average theme park day out, you can learn skills to save members of your family in first aid emergency situations. Your babysitter can attend at a reduced rate and successful delegates will gain a first aid certificate (maximum of 12 per course.)

KM First Aid is a new First Aid Training business based in the Attleborough area, with the aim of providing affordable first aid training to more people locally, with an emphasis on training young people and parents /carers. Training is provided by a qualified teacher and trainer, with experience of first aid support in schools.

KM First Aid can also help your business by ensuring you have the correct level of first aiders and training required for your particular business activity and number of employees. Courses are affordably priced and will be held in Old Buckenham or at your premises if you book a group course. Courses include Emergency First Aid, First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid and refresher courses. All courses are certified by SkillBase First Aid in Leicester.

Why not sign up to the next Family First Aid course being held in Old Buckenham Memorial Hall on Tuesday 19th November at 6pm.

For more information and advice, please contact KM First Aid on 07971 442 347, www.kmfirstaid. co.uk or info@kmfirstaid.co.uk

November 2013

This December, New Buckenham Players are staging Peter Pan by J M Barrie. The story tells of Peter Pan, a mischievous little boy who can fly, and his adventures on the island of Neverland with Wendy Darling and her brothers, the fairy TinkerBell, the Lost Children, the Indian princess Tiger Lily and the pirate Captain Hook. This wonderful tale full of magic and adventure will be performed on the 5th, 6th and 7th

of December at 8pm in New Buckenham Village Hall. There will be a matinee on the 7th at 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £7.50, £6.50 for concessions and £3.50 for children aged 14 and under. They will be available from the beginning of November from Kings Stores New Buckenham or from our Box Office 01953 860320/861438

@Dispatch_Mag

Wymondham Players Presenting: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Following the success of Calendar Girls, to further celebrate their 60th Anniversary, Wymondham Players return to the pen of Agatha Christie and present the play she considered to be the one which formally started her career as a playwright.

of ������������������������������������� “Ten Little Soldier Boys”. How? Why? Where? When? Who will be next?

Ten people find themselves stranded in the lonely house on Soldier Island. A mysterious message accuses each one of them of murder. In turn they begin to die; each death according to the rhyme

Tickets £8, £7 concessions from; Box Office 01953 601198; Geo Reeve, Market Street, Wymondham or online at www.wymondhamplayers.org.uk

Find out; join Wymondham Players at Central Hall, Back Lane; Wed 20th – Sat 23rd November 2013, curtain up at 7.45pm.

Holly Court Bazaar Help fundraise for local charities Holly Court Bazaar is to be held on Thursday 14 November from 10am.

25p entrance (to include tea or coffee).

Stalls to include Bric-a-brac, books, cakes, raffle, tombola.

All proceeds to go to Holly Court Social Club

There will also be a stall for Holly Court Knitting Circle who are raising money for various local charities The event will be held at: Surrogate Street, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2AW

ATTLEBORoUGH 17

It’s Official, Autumn is Here We can no longer pretend that winter isn’t just round the corner...

Time to look for good things about this time of year: hot chocolate, soup, warm boots, oh, and your hourly rate!

If you are an employee on the minimum wage – make sure that your pay increased from 1 October 2013. If not it’s time to speak to your boss! If you are an employer then I’m sure that this is old news but if could do with a hand with your payroll then why not come and talk to us here at KBA. We told our clients about the increases in plenty of time so that they could budget, with no nasty surprises looming. Don’t forget that we can also help you with the Real Time Submissions plus all of the statutory payments like sick pay etc.

While you are busy keeping up to date with paying your staff – have you kept an eye on whether you should be VAT registered? Here at KBA we have found that some business owners are a little confused about the VAT threshold.

Remember this is a rolling 12 month calculation and is based on turnover and not profit. Make sure that your turnover doesn’t exceed the current threshold of £79,000 – of course if you need any help checking your turnover or registering for VAT why not come and talk to us? We can help put your mind at rest.

Finally – you didn’t really think I could manage not to mention the lovely deadline for self assessment did you? This is now looming ever closer so don’t leave it too late before you get your affairs sorted and your tax return filed. Remember – from 7 January 2013 child benefit eligibility changed. If you or your partner earn over £50,000 per year then you still qualify for child benefit but you may be liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

If you have any concerns why not come and talk to us here or call on 01953 457173, We hope to hear from you soon.

All Saints Church Deck the Halls christmas concert All Saints Church, Old Buckenham will be hosting a Christmas Concert in the church on Friday, 6th December at 7.30pm The concert (Deck the Halls) is made up with lively carols (some with audience participation), festive music and seasonal readings and anecdotes.

Chanter’s Jigge is a professional duo

performing a mix of early, traditional and folk music with a touch of jazz.

Tickets at £7.00 (children at half-price) are available from 01953-860845 Admission charge includes a glass of mulled wine and mince pie.

Submitted by Doris Monkhouse�

November 2013

18 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

The Happy Angel Cleaning Company

Attleborough Heritage Group

The Happy Angel Cleaning Company offers so much more than a cleaning service.

“Over Paid, Over Sexed and Over Attleborough”

The Happy Angel Cleaning Company offers a very flexible and reliable service, which is designed around the needs of the individual. We offer daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits. Every home is unique and your requirements will be different from your neighbour’s and because each home is different, we do not operate a fixed price matrix.

properties that are let, after party cleaning, moving home cleaning, whether it be moving in or moving out. Maybe you are looking for a thorough Spring clean for your home, preparing your home for sale or rent, Having the in-laws to stay, after building or renovation works, or if you just want a complete freshen up in advance of a party or family get together.

The car park at Connaught Hall was full and eager audience members were queuing for admission to the Autumn presentation by Attleborough Heritage Group (AHG).

We offer a “Hospital to Home” service. If you are feeling unable to cope with your domestic matters following surgery or birth, we are here to help with shopping and collecting prescriptions, light meal preparation, ironing, as well as cleaning your home. Unfortunately we do not offer any form of personal care.

Not only does The Happy Angel Cleaning Company cater for domestic needs, we also offer a first class quality cleaning service for offices and shops. Make your employees feel valued and impress your clients with spotless offices and showrooms.

We look after holiday and second homes.

We also change bed linen and towels, turn on heating and lights, light fires and we can provide a welcoming meal for you after a long drive – call us for more details. We offer end of tenancy cleans on

We are fully insured, and we supply all of our own materials. All of our staff are fully reference checked. We train and manage our staff very closely to ensure that we provide a first class service.

So, put your vacuums and dusters away, and let us do the work for you.

THE

HAPPY ANGEL CLEANING company WHAT WE OFFER YOU: A full range of domestic support Professional and reliable service Fully insured and vetted staff Highest cleaning standards Flexible hours to suit Quotation to suit your budget All cleaning material and equipment supplied Daily/weekly/fortnightly/monthly - times to suit you

Other Services Include: Hospital to home care - Shopping, light meal preparation, ironing, cleaning. No personal care. You may have just had a baby, an operation or recovering from illness and need a bit of help around until you are back on your feet.

Deep spring clean After party clean End of tenancy clean Ironing service Maintenance service Light meal preparation

07796 108245

happyangelco@btinternet.com

November 2013

They were greeted in the foyer by the Group’s Chairman wearing the uniform of a high ranking American soldier of WWII which set the scene for AHG to recall events of seventy years ago when the Town was at the hub of a “friendly invasion” of several thousand United States Army Air Force (USAAF) troops based within five miles of Attleborough.

The Connaught Hall began life as an Anglo-American club catering for off duty forces personnel during this time and as such it was the perfect venue for the evening.

The Heritage Group is undertaking a project to trace the impact that these Americans had on the life of the Town during eighteen months between 1943 and 1945 and is recording and archiving the memories of people who were living in Attleborough at that time.

Many of course, were school children and were, therefore, shielded from the full horrors of the time. The presentation included sound bites from the recordings as well as contemporary film clips and music of the period together with photographs.

Some of the latter were lent by the contributors to the archive and some were from the considerable archive held

by AHG. The audience was reminded of the famous movie stars of the time who were in East Anglia such as Jimmy Stewart, based at Old Buckenham; of the Christmas parties put on for local children by the Americans, many of whom were young lads only a few years older than the local children; the adventures of some of the older children on illegal flights with the Americans to Paris and of friendships forged so many years ago.

The subject of GI brides and the thousands of babies born as a result of liaisons between the soldiers and English girls was discussed – not all were in Attleborough of course!

The buzz of the evening continued after the presentation as members of AHG and guests enjoyed a splendid wartime style buffet and had the opportunity to read in full the memoirs so far recorded for posterity.

Heritage Group Treasurer George Ridgway, on whose research the presentation was based, said “We are delighted with the response from our contributors to this living History.

The results of our project will form a comprehensive archive for local historians and researchers as well as an important record for the Town.”

@Dispatch_Mag

HARLESTON 19

A Look At Liability Insurance!

Harleston & Diss Job Clubs

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

Are you looking for work?

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

Then please visit your local Jobs Club where you will find friendly and informal support. The team can help you with your CV, covering letters, application forms, courses and apprenticeship information, interview tips and advice, business start up information and much more. You can access the latest apps and use the internet to search and apply for jobs.

In addition to our weekly clubs, we also offer monthly 1:1 appointments with a Careers Adviser. Please contact your local club to find out when a Careers Adviser is next visiting.

The Wednesday Jobs Club is an independent Club open to everyone of any age and is currently funded by The Big Lottery Fund. We are now seeking funding to help us continue to run our free services next year when The Big Lottery Fund comes to an end.

Both the Tuesday and Thursday Job Clubs are specifically designed for 16-24 year olds and are funded by South Norfolk Council.

• Every Tuesday at Diss Library 1.30- 3.30pm, for 16-24 year olds • Every Wednesday at Harleston

Information Centre 10am-2pm, everyone welcome • Every Thursday at Harleston Information Centre 12-2pm, for 16-24 year olds 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, E: jobsclub@harleston-norfolk.org.uk Or pop into your local club: Harleston Information Plus, 8 Exchange Street, Harleston or Diss Library, Church Street, Diss

November 2013

20 Homes & gardens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Energy Prices set to soar Energy price rises are expected ‘within weeks’ with bills set to soar by up to £142 a year. It could push up annual gas and electricity bills to more than £1,500 for the first time, piling fresh misery on hard-up customers.

Experts predict that power firms will raise bills in November and December by up to 10 per cent, more than three times the rate of inflation.

A source said: “Unfortunately, we are expecting more announcements about price rises within weeks.Once one of the big six energy companies moves, the others will follow. We’ll see rises that add more than £140 a year to most family bills.” 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.

November 2013

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.”

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

Customers will receive details of the

increases next week with the higher prices taking effect from January 4.

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.”

News of the price increase came just 24 hours after BT was roundly criticised for delays to the roll-out of superfast broadband internet in rural parts of the country. MPs said BT had “exploited its quasi-monopoly position” as the main provider.

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.

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”

@Dispatch_Mag to existing BT broadband customers.

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

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.

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.

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.

HOMES & GARDENS 21

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

“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.”

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.

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

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

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 distributer in Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Dereham, Diss, Watton, Wymondham and the surrounding villages can be contacted on: 07802 690589.

Via a 10 minute FREE utility assessment, you’ll be surprised at just how much money you can reduce your monthly utility bills by.

Surely it’s worth having a look! www.Utility-Bills.co.uk

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

So What’s The Answer?

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

“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.”

3 for 2 offer!

on selected blinds Offer ends 30th November QUOTE DP13

Call today to arrange your free home visit.

01603 615945

8 St. Benedicts Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4AG

01953 455415

Haverscroft Industrial Estate, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 1YE

www.sunblinds.co.uk www sunblinds November 2013

22 Homes & gardens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Renewable Energy Another big leap in clean power generated from renewables RenewableUK has welcomed new official Government statistics published today by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) showing that the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources reached a new record high of 15.5% of total electricity generation in the second quarter of this year. This is a jump of 5.8% compared with the same period in 2012, when the figure stood at 9.7%.

Generation from onshore wind was up 70% on the same time last year, while offshore wind showed an increase of 51%, due to increased capacity onshore and offshore, as well as high wind speeds, according to DECC. Nearly half of the total generation from renewables came from wind (48%).

Maf Smith, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK said:

“This confirms what we have been seeing for some time, which is renewables steadily becoming more important in meeting our electricity needs, and wind being responsible for the lion’s share of the progress.

That this period coincided with one of the coldest Springs on record means that wind was providing this power at a crucial time.”

“The fact that we have seen the record for renewables generation broken twice in the space of a few months shows for itself the progress being made in the race to decarbonise our economy and secure our future electricity supply.”

See more at: www.renewableuk.com

When The Temperature Drops Should we crank up the heating? How can savings be made?

When the temperature drops, it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat and keep rocking the beach wear all winter long.

But by mastering your heating controls and hunting down draughts, you can make sure it’s only indoors that’s warming up.

can bring serious savings. Don’t worry if 18 still feels too cold though; each onedegree step cuts your fuel consumption by up to 10%, so even a small change here can bring serious savings.

Here’s four things you can do right now to save on heating without spending any money.

If your boiler has a timer function, it’s worth taking a minute to get the hang of it – with clever use of the timer, you can always wake up and come home to a warm house without leaving the heating on 24/7.

1. Think 18 18 is the magic number. With the thermostat at 18C most people should be warm enough in jeans and a jumper.

If that feels too cold, try bringing it down in stages, starting at a comfortable temperature and going down by one degree each week to give yourself time to adjust.

Turning your thermostat down by one degree cuts your fuel consumption by up to 10%, so even a small change here

November 2013

2. It’s all about timing

Remember that your house will take a while to heat up after you turn it on, and cool down after you turn it off, so try setting the timer so the heating kicks in 20 minutes before you wake up and switches off 15 minutes before you leave.

In the evening, set it to come on 20 minutes before you get home from work, and turn off 20 minutes after you go to bed.

3. Don’t heat what you don’t use This one’s obvious, but easy to forget: only heat the rooms you use every day.

If you’ve got a spare room, or any other bit of the house you don’t spend much time in, turn those radiators down or off until you need them, and keep the doors closed so heat doesn’t leak in from the rest of the house.

You can also keep temperatures a bit lower in hallways and corridors, as you’ll never normally be in there for more than a couple of minutes at a time.

4. Hunt down hidden draughts Draughtbusting time! Some leaks will be immediately obvious (if you can see daylight through it and it’s not a window, it could probably use some attention), but some are harder to spot. You’ll often find big gaps where pipes or cables go into the wall: check behind the washing machine, under kitchen cupboards and around

sinks and toilets.

Check for draughts behind the washing machine, under kitchen cupboards and around sinks and toilets These spaces can be a pain to reach, but because they’re out of sight, you can get away with some improvised (i.e. ugly) techniques to block them up. Think scrunched up carrier bags, old socks, back issues of the Daily Mail – that sort of thing.

@Dispatch_Mag

Martin Christopher Opticians 23

James Christopher joins his father in optometric practice Optometrist James Christopher has joined his father’s optical practice Martin Christopher Opticians in Attleborough. James graduated from Aston University in Optometry and completed his professional qualification while working in Norwich two years ago. James says that he is very much looking forward to working with his father and continuing the high standard of eye care. Mr Martin Christopher says that we have always believed in giving time to our patients, as well as using modern technology.

There are exciting and changing times ahead of us, with more primary care eye services likely to be entrusted to the local optometrist by the NHS. With James joining the practice we will be ideally placed to develop these clinical services for the patients benefit.

Martin and James Christoper

James is interested in all aspects of optometry including: dry eyes; coloured overlays; diabetic and glaucoma screening.

With new diagnostic equpment and lens designs now available Martin Christopher Opticians is certain to continue its 25 year history of providing quality eye care on Attleboroughs Church Street.

Martin Christopher Opticians Is A Zeiss Lens Accredited Practice

Your Local Independent Opticians

The practice staff with Mr. Christopher (centre)

November 2013

24 PETS

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

K9 Home From Home Autumn For Your Pets K9 Home From Home offers a first class country retreat for your pet whilst you are away on holiday.

All guests live with me and my family in the comfort of our home – no more kennels!

While you are on holiday so is your pet, and I will endeavour to stick to whatever routine they are used to – whether it be a long walk, short walk, two walks or three walks a day.

On cold winter nights they can sleep in front of our cosy open fire, or have a cuddle on the sofa with us. I have a fully enclosed garden to which the dogs have free access throughout the day.

I have twenty years’ experience of caring for different breeds of dog, with varying needs and temperaments. I am fully insured and CRB checked, and can provide references upon request.

My passion has always been dogs, and I truly enjoy meeting different characters and giving them a comfortable, stress-free holiday whilst their owners are away.

One of the best parts of my job is when the dogs return for another visit they are always pleased to see me!

Dogs can come and live with me for £12 per 24 hours, and I offer a reduced rate for second and subsequent dogs.

If you are interested in your dog coming to stay, please give me a call or drop me an email to arrange a visit, where we and the dogs can meet and get to know each other and we can discuss your exact requirements

I have been established and running the business for two years; prior to this I fostered dogs on behalf of local animal charities.

You can contact me on 01379 674479, 07586 327088, stacey.pitcher@btinternet.com

Marc Lee Abraham -TV Vet, founder of PupAid It looks like our glorious British summer maybe well and truly over for another year so what better time to highlight some important autumnal hazards now facing our beloved pets?

With temperatures dropping fast and dark wet night’s drawing in to quickly replace the warm sunny ones please make sure your dogs are kept dry when walked, wearing waterproof - and ideally reflective - warm coats. It’s so important to make sure your pet is micro chipped too remembering to keep all-important contact details up to date.

Central heating turning on can often mean annoying fleas hatching from eggs in carpets so make sure both pets and houses are protected with products purchased from your vet, i.e. that work!

Other seasonal parasites observed niggling our poor pets at this time of year include tiny orange harvest mites picked up from long grasses which congregate around ears, eyelids, and feet, even under your pet’s abdomen. Just like fleas

these mites can cause intense itchiness resulting in uncomfortable crusty lesions.

Many car owners will be getting their vehicles ready for the winter months so please remember that antifreeze - commonly used in car radiators - is extremely tasty to inquisitive pets (especially cats) and more importantly extremely toxic too; with even tiny amounts ingested resulting in irreversible kidney failure and death.

To all you tortoise-owners out there, start thinking about hibernation preparation if they need it, making an appointment with your vet ASAP for essential weight and length measurements.

Please be aware older dogs and cats tend to feel their joints more in cold weather, so make sure they’ve plenty of warm bedding, with any changes in mobility or even lameness investigated by your vet.

Stiffness and soreness can easily and safely be treated nowadays making the forthcoming colder months much more bearable.

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

November 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.

@Dispatch_Mag

PETS 25

Who we are Taylor’s Petfoods is a family run Pet Store established in 1984. What started out originally as a local pet food delivery service soon bloomed, market stalls in Attleborough and Thetford were subsequently set up. The market stall in Attleborough proved to be a great success and before long a bricks and mortar shop was established on Station Road Industrial Est. Having a huge selection of pet foods, however, is only part of what Taylor’s Petfoods has to offer. In store you’ll find foods and accessories for Cats, Wild Birds, Chickens, Dogs and Small Animals. There’s everything from Ferret food to Dog beds, even a tasting table for your dog or cat.

Taylor’s Petfoods pride themselves on giving honest advice based on knowledge through research and experience.

This year saw a re-shuffle of the store giving more space for the growing demand of raw and natural pet foods.

That’s why we believe we are Norfolks #1 Pet Shop!

Project cut-backs Earlier in 2013, after doing lots of extensive reseach into dog and cat food ingredients we found many well known household brands contained some very undesireable ingedients. This leads us to the conclusion that these big brands are making cutbacks and putting profits before the quality of their products and the well being of the consumers pets. Some of these ingredients include: •Food colouring which can increase hyperactivity •Meat content as low as 4% •Cellulose powder: A fibre filler made from paper and wood pulp

Our plan of action We decided to make some cut backs of our own and started taking some of the biggest names off our shelves. We’ve been replacing them with better value, independant and local brands that put ingredients first as well as our own label premium dog and cat food. To remove all these brands at once would have been a lot to handle in one go so we decided to start with the least popular brands and work our way up. The response we have received from our customers has been very positive as they often see their pets health and behaviour improve after taking our advice and switching to a different diet. As a result of our Project CutBacks campaign we have seen the sales of many household brands decrease and sales of independent brands increase.

We would like to take this oppertunity to thank all our customers for their support throughout this campaign. If you would like any advice about your pets diet please speak to one of our pet advisors who will be more than happy to help and recommend.

To find out more about pet food ingredients visit www.whichdogfood.co.uk and click on the ingredients tab.

Taylor’s Petfoods Ltd, Station Road, Attleborough, NR17 2NP - 01953 455186 - www.taylorspetfoods.co.uk

November 2013

26 What’s on

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

What’s On At Norwich Theatre Royal Cinderella Panto Star Joins Santa At Norfolk Festive Spectacular With Baron Hardup being careful with his money this Christmas, Norwich Theatre Royal panto favourite Buttons has managed to pick up some extra festive work from the Mayor of Wymondham.

The cheeky chappy, aka Norwich Theatre Royal panto favourite Richard Gauntlett, will be joining Father Christmas and a host of dignitaries to help switch on the town’s Christmas lights on Saturday November 30 at 4.30pm.

The special ceremony will form part of the town’s Dickensian Steampunk Christmas Fayre in the Market Place which gets under way at 2pm and features a host of attractions including food and charity

stalls, live music, Punch and Judy, and even fire-eating all in a Dickensian-style setting.

Organised by the town’s Lions Club, it aims to raise lots of money for good causes as well as provide an exciting community event for all ages.

The appearance comes just two days before Richard starts rehearsals for this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Cinderella, which is sponsored once again

by Almary Green. It will see him return to the city to star opposite an all-star cast including stage and pop sensation Sheila Ferguson, former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks hunk Matt Milburn, and versatile actor Christopher Ryan, whose

well-known roles include Mike in The Young Ones, and Marshall in Absolutely Fabulous.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “Richard loves to get involved in an event which is a little quirky and out-ofthe-ordinary and was delighted to be part of the Wymondham Steampunk Christmas Fayre for the first time. The event combines a fantastic festive atmosphere with a Victorian-style setting and likes to get involved with an event. Who knows what he will get up too?”

Dates Tuesday December 17 Sunday January 19.

Roots Three ex-Norwich Theatre Royal arts course students hit the West End. It’s the show that’s bringing Norfolk to the West End – in more ways than one. Roots, Sir Arnold Wesker’s kitchen sink drama set in 1950s Norfolk, has just opened at The Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden.

But it’s not just the show’s characters that have Norfolk roots, as three of the cast are graduates of the Norwich Theatre Royal’s Arts Course. Lisa Ellis, Carl Prekopp and Nic Jackman have all taken the journey from the Theatre Royal Arts Course to getting lead roles in the West End’s hottest ticket.

Roots is the centrepiece of ‘The Wesker Trilogy’ and focuses on young Beatie Bryant, once a chambermaid at The Bell Hotel in Norwich. Beatie has returned from London to her parents’ Norfolk farm with her boyfriend Ronnie but finds the culture change from the metropolis to rural East Anglia harder to adapt to than she thought.

Carl studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama after completing the Theatre Arts Course and has since performed in a UK tour of Calendar Girls, as well as a number of other theatre productions, and won the acclaimed BBC Carleton Hobbs Award, while Roots represents Nic’s professional theatre

November 2013

debut, following a three-year LAMDA acting course.

Lisa, who plays Beatie’s sister, Jenny, stars in the play after her part in the recent UK tour of The Canterbury Tales and is thrilled at getting the chance to appear in a lead role in the West End. “I’m so excited! I keep pinching myself and wondering ‘is this really happening?’

When you’re involved in a production, you think about it all the time, you can’t wait to go through the lines again and get that feeling of being part of something, and that’s what I’ve got right now.”

Lisa recalls that the Theatre Arts Course helped her decide that the world of theatre was one that she wanted to explore.

She said: “For so many different reasons, the Theatre Arts Courses at Norwich Theatre Royal are a good thing to do.

“Socially, it really is a wonderful thing to get involved in and I’ve got such strong, fond feelings for so many people. It really stood me in fantastic stead – I’ve met so many beautiful, lifelong friends that were a part of it.”

Lisa returned in July to teach and assist with the production of Sinbad and the Pirate Curse and can still remember her first day as a Theatre Arts Course student.

She said: “I came with a friend from school and it was nerve-wracking but we played lots of really fun drama games and did lots of improvisation. I ended up living for Saturdays and I couldn’t wait for school to finish on a Friday so I could get with all my drama friends at the weekend.

“I would urge anyone to do the course, it will open doors for you. I really can’t talk about it highly enough.”

Roots runs at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre in London until November 30.

To book, log on to www.donmarwarehouse.com For further information, please contact Steve Sanders, Norwich Theatre Royal press assistant, on 01603 598527

Tickets £5.50-£20.50. Discounts for Over-60s, Under-18s, and Groups.

Signed performances on January 18 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Audio described performances on January 12 at 1pm and January 17 at 6.30pm.

Relaxed performance on January 15 at 5.30pm.

BOX OFFICE 01603 630000. For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

what’s on 27

What’s On At Diss Corn Hall This November Blackadder II

The Government Inspector

7th November @ 19:30

21st November @ 19:30

The Seagull Rep have taken you to Fawlty Towers and visited the Vicar of Dibley.

Now it’s time to drop in on one of the most cunning dynasties of all with the first three episodes from the classic BBC comedy, Blackadder II. Featuring episodes ‘Bells’, ‘Head’ and ‘Potato’, this is a rare chance to join Lord

Blackadder and Queenie, Melchy, Nursie and Percy, Flashheart, ‘Bob’ and Baldrick, as they are recreated in meticulous detail, live on stage.

Presented by Seagull Rep Running time 1hr 50mins including interval.

Tickets: £7.50 - £10.00

When news arrives that a Government Inspector is on his way to a small Russian town the corrupt and complacent local officials are thrown into a frenzy. In their panic, they mistake a gormless, penniless and down-on-his-luck skiver as the said Inspector - with hilarious results.

as fresh, feisty and funny today as it was at its first performance (it even inspired a famous episode of Fawlty Towers.)

RoughCast’s fast-paced production relishes the play’s every farcical, satirical and hysterical twist and turn.

By Nikolai Gogol

Widely held to be Russia’s greatest comedy, Nikolai Gogol’s timeless play is

Tickets: £5.50 - £9.00

The Blues Band

Appalachian Roots

14th November @ 20:00

23rd November @ 20:00

The individual members of The Blues Band – Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher – were already held in admiration by generations of rhythm & blues fans when they formed back in 1979.

not unheard of to find three generations from the same family at a gig. Today they are acknowledged throughout Europe and beyond as being among the very finest purveyors of rhythm & blues.

Running time 2hrs 30 mins incl interval

Almost two and a half decades and over 16 albums later they continue to add to their growing army of followers, and it’s

Tickets: £18.50 - £20.00

The White Reindeer 16th November @ 14:00 Big Mouth who brought us The Snowman are back with an exciting new story about a boy called Aldred.

He meets a magical White Reindeer and finds himself flying and having a midnight feast!

But when he is caught by the Scary Squire, only the audience can help him escape - they must sing, act, dance, and above all, listen to the music wherein lies the key to the mystery of The White Reindeer...

Age 3-8 yrs Running time 1 hr Tickets: £3.00 - £5.0

Ira Bernstein and Riley Baugus make a welcome return to the Corn Hall to perform their hugely popular old-time music and dance show – a dynamic mix of humour and skill, fiddles and feet, banjos and ballads – traditional dance, song and instrumental music from the southern Appalachian region of the US. Ira’s repertoire of dance-styles all share a common thread, the production of rhythmic, percussive sounds. His feet are the sticks, the floor is the drum. Ira has shared

the stage with many great tap and step dancers, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover and Chuck Green.

Riley is a genuine South Carolina banjo man and a virtuoso old-time musician, singer, and raconteur. He was the singing voice of Pangle in Cold Mountain and also appeared on the 2009 Grammy Award-winning Album of the Year, Raising Sand with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

Tickets: £8.50 - £12.00

Corn Hall Comedy Club 29th November @ 20:00 Comedian, actor and writer Alistair Barrie has been performing all over the world for nearly an entire century (this one). He has made numerous radio and television appearances and hosts ‘No Pressure to be Funny’ in London’s West End. ‘Barrie’s ... store of snappy gags mark him out ...

Excellent.’ The Independent

brilliance’ The Times

Since reaching the final of the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ competition, Rob Collins has been wowing audiences on the UK comedy circuit and at Festivals such as Glastonbury, V Festival and Reading.

‘Occasionally you find a comedy gem.

Tonight I found Rob Collins. Pure comic

Buy in advance and save £1.

Sorry folks, the minimum age is 18.

Food and bar from 6.30pm Line up is subject to change

Kieran Boyd (compère) With his inventive, high-energy Stand Up and easy charm, Kieran Boyd is in great demand across the country. ‘Like a young Simon Amstell…Impressively funny…

Terrific material’ The Scotsman

Tickets: £7.50 - £9.30

November 2013

28 Food & drink

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Apple Dessert Cake

Battle of the Bangers

Bake yourself a tasty treat with those leftover apples

Waveney Valled food & drink festival

The apples can be windfalls or even shrivelled ones left in the fruit bowl. Serve warm with ice-cream or crème fraÎche as a dessert, or with coffee in the morning as one would a Danish pastry, again warm, dusted with icing sugar.

Ingredients: 225g (8oz) self-raising flour 1 level teaspoon baking powder 225g (8oz) caster sugar 2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 150g (5oz) butter, melted 250g (9oz) cooking apples, peeled and cored 25g (1oz) flaked almonds

Achieving the perfect results 1. Preheat the oven to 160ÂşC/140ÂşC Fan/ Gas 3. Lightly grease a deep 20cm (8in) loose-bottomed cake tin.

2. Measure the flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, almond extract and melted butter into a bowl, mix well until blended, then beat for a minute.

3. Spread half this mixture into the prepared tin. Thickly slice the apples and lay on top of the mixture in the tin, piling mostly towards the centre. Using two dessertspoons, roughly spoon the remaining mixture over the apples.

4. This is an awkward thing to do, but just make sure that the mixture covers the centre well as it will spread out in the oven. Sprinkle with the flaked almonds.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 11/4 - 11/2 hours until golden and coming away from the sides of the tin.

Preparing ahead.

Hundreds of visitors enjoyed a Sausage themed fun day on Sat 5th when the Waveney Valley Food Festival held an event in Diss for the first time.

Event organiser ZoĂŤ Denham said “the combination of food, music and competitions worked a treat!

The Battle of the Bangers and Sizzling Sausage trail not only highlighted the fab food made and produced within the Waveney Valley but the ‘best dressed independent retailer window competition’ gave viisitors an opportunity to experience the wealth of Independent retailers Diss has to offer.�

(The winner of the Battle of the Bangers was Diss and Harleston Butchers; Brownes)

ZoĂŤ added “I would like to give big thanks to all who gave their time to help make this event a sucess.â€?

Best made to serve warm, but can be made the day before. And, once cooked and cold, you can wrap and freeze it for a maximum of three months.

XQGHU QHZ RZQHUVKLS (The winner of the best dressed Autumn window was independent insurers; Merrick Hill)

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(The Winner of best dressed Haloween window was independent retailer; Rags, Bows & Curious) - Above and below.

November 2013

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@Dispatch_Mag

FOOD & DRINK 29

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 November 2013

eastofengland.coop/stores

/eastofenglandcoop

November 2013

@Dispatch_Mag

From Me To You 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.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING 31

Attleborough Christmas Carnival This years local celebration

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

This year’s Christmas Carnival and Lights switch on will take place on Sunday 1st December.

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

As in previous years, the lights will be switched on around 4pm There will be the usual craft stalls, music and fun fair rides with childrens entertainers and, or course, Father Christmas with his reindeer in Queens Square.

Janet Marshall From me to you.

So come down and join in the celebration, a fun event for all the family.

Local Walks This Christmas

Preperations already taking place in the town centre

Looking for somewhere to walk off that large christmas dinner?

If your idea of a good Christmas walk is a quiet family stroll for people of all ages then Redgrave and Lopham Fen is for you.

In dry weather, the paths are suitable for wheelchairs and prams and the routes are of different lengths to cater for those who just want to stretch their legs and those interested in a lengthier walk.

Covering Norfolk and Suffolk, the fen is at the source of the River Waveney and is a beautiful fen walk in an oasis of calm and tranquillity just five miles from the hustle and bustle of Diss.

website to paln your own walk on them this christmas.

Distance: various Parking: free car park at visitor centre; café open on weekends and some bank holidays for information please vist: http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/ reserves/redgrave-lopham-fen

Redgrave and Lopham Fen is the largest remaining river valley fen in England.

It is home to some itriguing species of animals and wildlife including: The Raft Spider, The Lapwing and the Black Poplar There are five waymarked trails to enjoy around this Suffolk Wildlife Trust owned site and you can take a look on their

November 2013

32 HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Fabulous Autumn Skin Ear Candling, What Is It? Adjust your skincare routine to keep that precious moisture As the days grow shorter, the temperatures drop, and the air becomes drier, your skin may lose precious moisture. Autumn is a time of transition, and the best autumn skin care routines will correct any summer damage that has occurred and prepare your skin for winter.

Sun, chlorine, and saltwater may have taken a toll on your skin throughout the summer, so autumn is a time to exfoliate and moisturize.

Follow these autumn skin care tips for fabulous, healthy skin: Ditch the soap. Fragrant soapy scrubs might feel (and smell) wonderful after a day at the beach, but they leave your skin dry.

When autumn arrives, switch to a soapfree hydrating cleanser. It’s time to put away the gels and bring out the creamy body wash.

Exfoliate with an oil-based scrub. The summer sun and chlorine may have left

your skin feeling dry and flaky. Start the new season off with a full-body exfoliation session. Oil-based scrubs are wonderful because they exfoliate and hydrate.

Switch from lotion to cream. As the air becomes drier, your skin needs a thicker moisturizer.

Creams provide a stronger oily barrier, which means they both reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin and provide hydration to this layer of skin at the same time.

Protect your lips. Start moisturizing now to prevent dry, cracked lips this winter. Use a non-petroleum based lip balm for best results.

Invest in hand cream. Hands often become dry and cracked during autumn and winter.

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Start moisturizing your hands now to ensure soft, supple hands all winter long.

Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

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DispatchMag

YOU LOOKIN’

AT ME? 27,000 other people are too.

They could be looking at YOUR business.

NORWICH

November 2013

DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

WYMONDHAM DEREHAM & WATTON

BURY ST EDMUNDS

The basis of the technique involves the use of a candle which looks like a 10” long hollow straw with a diameter of ½”.

It has a hollow cotton structure, tapered at one end and coated in wax. The recipient lays on their side with the tapered end of the candle gently but snugly resting in the ear canal. A second person lights the top end of the candle.

As it slowly burns down, the heat created by the candle burning (since hot air rises) creates a very slight, warm swirling current of air and a slight, relative vacuum. Most of the changes that occur are a result of heat and energetic stimulation of reflexes (Webb, 1993).

Examples of positive outcomes from Ear Candling are: • Enhanced lymphatic clearing (recipients face is instantly less puffy) • Improved sinus drainage • Helps with symptoms of seasonal allergies, colds, flu, sore throats, ear infections • Atmospheric pressure-related headaches • Ear problems pressure related through regular flying or scuba diving • Swimmers Ear

During treatment recipients report feelings of relaxation and calm. After treatment there are reports of improved mental focus, a more open feeling in the sinus and “a nice clearer feeling.” Live blood analysis done before and after ear candling treatment has found a positive change in the activity of the white blood cells and macrophages (immunity cells) (Webb, 1993).

For more information visit www.relax-revitalise.com

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HEALTH & WELLBEING 33

November 2013

34 ELDERLY

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Manorcourt Daycare

Wrap Up

...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.

Keep yourself warm this Autumn and Winter

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

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

As tempting as that thick woolly jumper may be, layers are the key to keeping warm. Several thinner layers will trap warm air close to the body, and clothes made from wool, cotton, polyester or fleecy synthetic fibers work best. Thermal underwear works wonders, but if money’s tight, thick tights or long socks will still make a big difference.

up the cupboards so that you don’t have to struggle to shops if it’s cold outside.

Regular hot drinks will help to stave off the chill between meals.

If you feel the chill whilst indoors, don’t be stoic - wrap up further with a hat or scarf, and be sure to wear a warm pair of slippers with grip to help protect you against falls.

Home Heating

In very cold weather, thermal underwear, bed socks and a hat will keep you warm in bed, while a cosy blanket or shawl will provide extra warmth if you are sitting for any length of time.

Get Moving Long periods of inactivity will leave you feeling the cold, so if possible try to move around every now and again.

Simple activities such as vacuuming or walking to the shops will raise your body temperature, although avoid going outdoors if it is very cold. For those who have difficulty walking, try to move your arms and legs, fingers and toes to help keep the chill away, and keep your feet up where possible as the air will be considerably cooler at ground level.

Eat Well Burning the calories you’ve eaten keeps your body warm, so eating properly is essential in the colder months. Regular hot meals containing plenty of carbs like potatoes, pasta or rice are a good choice, as are soups and stews. Porridge for breakfast is a cheap way to keep your energy levels up, and protein from fish and meat will provide energy.

Fruit and vegetables are a must as they will give you essential vitamins and nutrients to make sure you stay healthy.

And remember - tinned fruit or frozen veg is just as good as fresh, so try to stock

November 2013

If you struggle to cook at home, contact your local council and check whether Meals on Wheels can provide daily hot meals in your area.

Help the Aged advise that the ideal temperature is 21 degrees Celsius so try to keep those most-used rooms at that warmth. If the temperature falls below 16 degrees Celsius, the elderly are at greater risk of hypothermia, heart attack or stroke.

The most important areas to keep warm are the living room and the bedroom, so even if you heat just the two rooms, do so.

Alternatively, keep your living room warm and set the heating to come on before you go to bed and get up so that you don’t feel the chill overnight and when you wake in the morning.

If paying the bills is a real problem, a last resort may be to use just one room, but if that seems the only option, ask friends or relatives to move your bed into the living room to ensure you still get a good night’s sleep.

Remember to draw the curtains as the night draws in, as it will keep the heat in and the draughts out, and if possible, put a curtain across doors for the same reason.

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ELDERLY 35

Attleborough Day Centre ...was set up in 1994 and is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 50 weeks of the year.

The Centre provides a meeting place and service for older people, living alone or who may be socially isolated, who may require a high level of support from their family or carers, who may be physically frail or disabled, who may have dementia or mild mental health problems.

The Centre Manager is happy to discuss an individual’s circumstances or needs for day care. Referrals are accepted through Social Services or privately.

The Centre provides opportunities for older people to become, and stay, physically, mentally and socially active.

Our aim is to support users of the service to maintain and improve their independence and well-being, enabling them to remain living at home.

We provide the opportunity for its users to have regular social contact, whilst at the same time providing carers and families with much-needed respite.

The Centre offers a wide range of activities and outings during the year.

It also provides accompanied visits to Doctor, Dentist, Chiropodist and hairdresser.

Attleborough Day Centre operates from the Hall attached to St. Mary’s Church; it has a fully equipped kitchen a specialist bathroom and its own wheel-chair accessible tail-lift minibus.

The minibus driver, and escort, will transport people to and from home. Each day that the Centre is open a freshly cooked two course meal is prepared by our Cook, who is able to cater for special dietary requirements.

Attleborough Day Centre is subject to the standards of Norfolk County Council’s specifications for Day Care and also to the Care Quality Commission’s “Essential Standards of Quality and Safety” Placements at the Day Centre are funded through Social Services or funded privately. Other sources of funding come from donations and fundraising in the local area.

The Centre acknowledges, with gratitude, recent donations from: Attleborough Town Charities, The Warm & Well Fund and the Bishop of Norwich’s Community Fund. The latter two donors have been via the Norfolk Community Foundation.

If you wish to contact the centre their phone number is 01953 454613, please give us a call!

The Centre is managed by a Registered Nurse with over 17 years experience of working in health and social care settings. She is also a qualified trainer, specialising in Behaviour Management and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.

The Manager is assisted by both paid and voluntary carers who are all experienced in working with elderly people.

October 2013

36 MOTORING REVIEW

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

2013 Chevrolet Trax

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist.

The Trax went on sale in August and can be yours for as little as £15,495.

It’s the newest addition to the Chevrolet family and is available with a diesel or petrol engine. You can also choose to have two-wheel or all-wheel-drive (AWD).

I decided to get behind the wheel of the 1.4T AWD LT. At £19,795 this variant is straying away from the ‘affordable’ price-tag, but with 138 horses and a turbocharger under the bonnet, it’s one of best in the Trax line-up.

So what is it? Well, it’s cast in the style of a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) but without the archetypal running costs.

It all sounds a bit ‘Mickey Mouse’, but you’re in good hands if you buy a Trax.

You see, Chevrolet lays claim to inventing the first ever SUV with the introduction of the Carryall Suburban in 1935.

Tweet Tim: @carwriteups

Today, nearly 80 years later, the Trax is the modern expression of the company. Yes, it’s got SUV in its DNA, but with a big twist of funkiness to boot.

Conveying brawniness, and agility, the Trax looks good. A grille featuring the iconic Chevrolet bowtie logo, prominent wheel arches, powerfully built rear haunches, and a fast, rearward-swept roofline are key elements that define the car’s exterior.

The cabin is also well turned out.

It’s practical, well-organised and characterised by sinuous lines. The rear seat row even boasts an electrical socket that can be used for recharging laptops and other electronic devices without the need for an adapter.

Storage facilities are abundant too.

Compartments include an under-seat storage tray and two glove boxes, one of which contains a USB outlet that enables

Visit: www.carwriteups.co.uk connectivity for your iPod or smart phone.

The Trax’s boot space isn’t massive because, let’s face it, this car is a compact vehicle. That said, it does a lot with what it’s got. Without a spare tyre, there’s more room available under the cargo floor. It comes in handy for storing items securely – but not so convenient if you get a puncture and have to use the do-ityourself repair kit, which comes in lieu of the emergency wheel.

PROS and CONS • • • •

Funky √ Practical √ Safe √ No spare wheel X

FAST FACTS Driving the Trax is a pleasure. It’s been tuned to deliver European driving dynamics and the car flies its own kite when it comes to sophisticated electronic aid systems. The car I drove came fitted with a six speed manual gearbox and petrol saving Stop/Start functionality. 062mph is achieved in 9.8 seconds and the top speed is 121mph.

The AWD system adapts to the road conditions and notably improves traction on slippery or gravelled roads. That’s a big bonus if you live in the countryside or you want a car that won’t give up the moment winter kicks in.

The strength of its structural design makes the Trax very safe. Should the worst happen and the car rolls over, it’s been engineered to carry more than four times its own weight.

What’s more, the Chevy is equipped with Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

Customary kit also includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and Anti-Lock Brakes. Six airbags and ISOFX

November 2013

anchoring systems for children’s safety seats are equally part of the standard safety features onboard the Chevrolet Trax.

• Max speed: 121 mph • 0-62 mph: 9.8 secs • Combined mpg: 44.1 • Engine: 1364 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo petrol • Max. power (bhp): 138 at 6000 rpm • Max. torque (lb/ft): 147 at 1850 rpm • CO2: 149 g/km • Price: £19,795 on the road

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MOTORING 37

Autumn Driving Advice Don’t get caught out by the seasonal change in driving conditios Autumn isn’t all about blackberries and crunchy leaves – it also brings many changes for road users, from dazzlingly blinding sunlight to the first icy windscreen of the season. Be prepared – plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

Autumn is particularly bad for dazzle from low sun. Improve vision by making sure that the windscreen is clean – inside and out. Even non-smokers find a hazy film builds up on the inside surface of the windscreen over time. Scratches, abrasions and chips on the outside can intensify the sun’s dazzle too.

Windscreen washer fluid Top up and treat with a good quality, purpose-made additive to reduce the chance of freezing. Don’t use ordinary

engine anti-freeze but do check the handbook carefully to make sure you fill the right reservoir.

Bulbs Check all bulbs regularly (at least once a week) not forgetting brake lights and number plate lights. The handbook will show you how to change bulbs, though some headlight bulbs may require a visit to the garage. Carry some spare bulbs.

Windscreen wipers Blades will last for two years at the most. New blades clear the screen more effectively and so help reduce dazzle from the sun. Now is a good time to renew worn blades.

Battery This is one of the most common causes of breakdown at any time of year, but particularly in the winter when electrical loads are higher. If there’s any sign of the battery struggling now, the likelihood is that it’ll let you down at some time during the winter, particularly if it’s more than five years old.

It makes sense to renew the battery now to avoid the hassle and inconvenience of an unplanned failure later.

improve summer cooling too. It should be checked as part of the regular service schedule.

A frozen engine is very expensive to repair so if there’s any doubt now is a good time to check the concentration.

The handbook will give details of the correct antifreeze to use for your car there are different types and mixing them could cause engine damage.

If in doubt get a garage to check for you many offer cheap or even free winter checks at this time of year.

Antifreeze Not just for winter, antifreeze is important all year round as it contains additives to prevent corrosion and

For more information visit: www.theaa.com/motoring_advice

November 2013

38 DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY

www.DispatchDirectory.co.uk

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

Call The Dispatch Team Now 01953 456789

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Stuck with economy 7 storage heaters, bring your heating system upto date with minimal disruption.

For more information call us today or check our website.

01508 489088 07787 376416 www.ashleyselectrical.co.uk November 2013

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DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 39

November 2013