Diss & Attleborough November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014 | PRICELESS

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS GEORGE FREEMAN MP

ATTLEBOROUGH FC INTERVIEW: ROBERT ASHTON

FOR DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

November 2014

WELCOME 3

BRECKLAND HOMECLEAN

for Permanent & Temporary Recruitment

Quality People continue to provide a recruitment service for the towns of Attleborough, Dereham, Diss, Thetford, Watton & Wymondham plus the surrounding areas throughout Breckland & South Norfolk as they have for the

DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICE We provide the following services: • Regular Weekly or Fortnightly Cleans • Home Shopping • Preparation of Light Meals • Laundry Service • Maintenance Tasks • Gardening

past 16 years.

Visit our website...

www.quality-people.co.uk Telep ho ne: 0195 3 4 5 3 6 4 4 Email: results@quality-people.co.uk

Telephone: 01953 458447 www.brecklandhomeclean.co.uk Email: quality@brecklandhomeclean.co.uk

Find us at: Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE Tel: 01953 456789

&

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk www.FineCity.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag @FineCityMag

Editor: Jonathan Horswell

Issue 158 November 2014

Advertising: sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is:

Editorial: editorial@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

© Dispatch Magazine Disclaimer:

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

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motoring November 13 2014 th

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 2014

Service only your local independent electrical retailer can provide For over 125 years, the Bosch name has been synonymous with engineering excellence. Bosch home appliances are renowned for their quality, reliability and performance which derive from their inherent, unflagging commitment and the painstaking thoroughness with which every unit is made. There are no gimmicks or frills with our products – just pure, clean lines and beautiful, functional simplicity that will enhance any kitchen.

‘Bosch have won a Which? award 4 years in a row – another reason to have Bosch in your home’

FREE LOCAL HOME DELIVERY Delivered direct to your door with our free home delivery service from your local independent electrical retailer when you buy a selected Bosch home appliance.

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A.W.MYHILL & SON LTD Exchange St, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AB

T: 01953 453107 Mavery House, Victoria Rd Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4EX

T: 01379 644078

*T&C’s Apply. Ask Instore For Full Details.Selected Models Only.

Promotion valid 01.10.14 - 31.12.14. Sold As An Agent For Euronics Limited

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Diss 5

Jackamans Solicitors Care Act 2014 The long-awaited Care Act 2014 aims to modernise the social care framework by consolidating decades of confusing legislation.

In the past it has been suggested by some that a share of property has no value but this cannot be argued in the future.

Whilst many important changes will be implemented over the next few years, one is of particular note as it is likely to have a major impact on care fee planning.

The situation is complex and lifetime gifts are not to be considered lightly without obtaining advice on your particular circumstances.

This article provides only a general summary and is not intended to be comprehensive.

Specific legal advice should be taken in any individual situation.

For more advice on this and any other matter, please feel free to contact our Private Client team by email or by phone on 01379 643555

Under section 70 of the Act, local authorities may be able to claw back any care fees avoided by an individual who has previously given away assets in an attempt to avoid such fees.

It will be possible for the person who receives the gift to be assessed and held liable for the fees, at any time after the transfer.

If a share of property is gifted its value is to be assessed at the price which it could raise if sold on the open market to a willing purchaser.

LORNA DENTON-CARDEW

WILLIAM CASON

STEPHEN ABBOTT

lorna.denton-cardew@jackamans.co.uk

william.cason@jackamans.co.uk

stephen.abbott@jackamans.co.uk

Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts & Probate personal attention guaranteed

Ipswich 01473 255591 Diss 01379 643555

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

November 2014

6 Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Robert Beck Financial Services Ltd

TT057V1_92x133_Spend_or_Invest_Beck_TT057 05/08/2014 09:44 Page 1

Independent Financial Advice Our company is committed to providing a customer care focused service to our clients building up long term relationships with both individuals and families, looking after their financial needs, often over several generations.

We moved to Diss (Mere Street, above Costa Coffee) in August 2010, with over 25 years experience, our aim is to find a solution to your financial requirements. Whether it is a review of an existing investment policy, or you wish to look at new investments and savings, then we have a wealth of experience and up-to-date technology to undertake a review.

As Independent Financial Advisors, over recent years, we have developed an Investment Reporting Service, offering quarterly investment report, produced within a few days of the report falling due.

These reports show all your polices in one place and more importantly, show which investment have increased and which have not.

Are you near to retirement? I can help you make the right decision. Looking at were you are invested and help to find the best Annuity. Our company is committed

to providing a customer care focused service to our clients building up long term relationships with both individuals and families, looking after their financial needs, often over several generations.

Our clients are spread throughout the UK however we would like to develop new clients more locally. Robert Beck Financial Services Ltd offers a range of services backed by knowledge, expertise and experience. Whether you are concerned about your eventual retirement or simply feel you are paying too much tax, we can help you find ways of making the most of your money for both the present and the future.

A small change in the way you manage your finances today can make a very considerable difference to your finances in the future.

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Spend or invest your pension?

New options from 2015 for retirees

Over recent years, we have developed an Investment Reporting Service, offering quarterly investment report, produced within a few days of the report falling due.

These reports show all your polices in one place and more importantly, show which investment have increased and which have not.

If you’re coming up to retirement you have new options brought about by the Budget, which includes giving you access to the cash in your pension.

For more information, get in contact - details on the advert to the right.

Telephone: 01379 741700 • Email: robert@robertbeck.co.uk

As Independent Financial Advisers we can explain your new options to you and put together a plan that’s tailored to your individual needs and goals.

To find out how we can help you plan a worry-free retirement, have a chat with one of our experts today.

Robert Beck Financial Services Limited

Dentabrite Clinic DentaBrite Clinic is an independent family dental practice in Diss. At DentaBrite Clinic we aim to provide you with the best possible dental care in a warm and modern, purpose built environment.

Family dentistry is our focus and our team are always ready to help you feel comfortable and at ease with any procedure

you may require. We offer a range of dental treatments including: · teeth whitening · cosmetic crowns · white fillings · root canal treatment · general dentistry New to our Practice, is our Nervous Patient Programme aimed at providing help to

patients who may experience anxiety when visiting the dentist.

The treatment is completely drug free and utilizes proven hypnotherapy techniques to help bring about beneficial change. It consists of a course of five sessions, each an hour long, in a dedicated treatment room at the Dental Clinic.

If you wish to book an appointment or wish to enquire about any of our services, you can visit our website at : www.dentabriteclinic.co.uk email dentabriteclinic@surfanytime.net or ring Susanna, Vicki or Beverly on 01379652580.

01379 652580 E: dentabriteclinic@surfanytime.net | 4 Church Street, Diss, IP22 4DD November 2014

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Diss 7

A Waterfield And Sons - No 1. For Tarmac In Norfolk And Suffolk 74 years of civil engineering excellence from family firm Established 1950, this Scole-based family concern specialises in road reinstatements in asphalt and concrete, hot bitumen spraying, constructing and repairing farm roads and drives, brick weave paving, road construction, kerb laying and private driveways. In addition, the

building division carries out new works, renovations and repairs to commercial and farm buildings to a high specification.

Now entering a new era, business is good at A Waterfield & Sons, with much of the company’s work still

coming through repeat business and word of mouth. This success has been fuelled by a highly skilled and very loyal workface, which has allowed the company to successfully win business from bluechip organisations such as Essex & Suffolk Water, Lafarge Tarmac,

NW Christmas in Lancashire 23rd – 27th December (5 Days) - £479.00 Includes Executive Coach Travel, 4 nights dinner bed & breakfast at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, festive programme & visit to Christmas Panto Vintage Christmas 23rd – 27th December (5 Days) - £499.00 Includes Executive Coach Travel, 4 nights dinner bed & breakfast at the De Vere Staverton Park & special Christmas 1940’s programme with visits to Royal Leamington Spa & Daventry New Year in Hampshire Dec 30th - 2nd Jan (4 Days) - £355.00 Includes Executive Coach Travel, 3 nights dinner bed & breakfastat the Best Western Royal Beach Hotel, admission to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard & special New Year’s Eve Gala dinner.

Prices based on twin share

Call today for your copy or visit our website for details. www.simonds.co.uk

NORFOLK WOODBURNERS

Smurfit Kappa, British Sugar & Saffron Housing.

For further information and to find out how you can take advantage of A Waterfields & Sons’ expertise, telephone 01379 740255. www.awaterfield-sons.co.uk

Norfolk Woodburners offer the best local service for the supply and installation of:

• •

Wood Burners & Multi-Fuel Stoves

• • •

Flexible Chimney Liners

Main agents for Aga, Hunter & Cleanburn Stoves Twin Wall Chimney Systems Fireplaces Opened Up

For a free site visit and quotation contact us on:

01508 498393 m: 07847 426953 t:

e: norfolkwoodburners@outlook.com

www.norfolkwoodburners.co.uk November 2014

8 Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Who are you sharing your bed with?

It is advised by the National Bed Federation to change your bed every seven years, to ensure that we get the best comfort and support during our sleep. Although the majority of couples openly admit that they change their bed on average every 17 years!

Did you know that your bed will have lost over 70% of its support after just 7 years? As we get older our need for comfort and support increases, yet the majority of people do not regularly change their bed even after complaining of backache, poor sleep and even breathing problems.

figures like that, it’s not hard to see why beds wear out in time. If your bed doesn’t come up to scratch, why not invest in a new one!

Yes, we all like to hold off spending money wherever possible, but the reality is that people change their sofas far more regularly than their bed. When you think about it, we should spend eight hours or more in bed per night, that time in bed where you need restful sleep to allow our bodies to rest, our muscles to repair and grow and for our brains to wind down to help us function the next day. Do you spend that length of time on your sofa?

Answer yes or no to the following questions.

Support and comfort is a big reason for changing our bed, but there is another factor to consider, hygiene.

The grim facts are that we don’t just sleep with our partners, no we also share our beds with house dust mites. Dust mites feed off our skin scales and moisture through perspiration, as the average couple sweats around a pint per night and shed around two pounds of skin per year, our little friends have plenty to eat and drink.

Dust mite droppings contain the allergen that causes asthma, which is very bad news for the 2-3 million asthma sufferers in the UK and with around 10,000 dust mites in your bed, that can equate to several million dust mite droppings.

In 7 years, you spend over 20,000 hours in bed ( that’s over 850 days; or two years 3 months plus!!), not just lying there, but tossing and turning as much as 60-70 times a night, sitting up and lying down. With

November 2014

Take our Bed MOT (Mattress Obsolescence Test) to find out if you need a new bed.

• Is your bed seven years old or more?

• Would it be embarrassing if the neighbours saw it without the covers?

• Does it make suspicious noises in the night?

• Did you have your best recent nights sleep in a bed other than yours?

• Are your waking up more frequently un-refreshed and aching?

• Do you and your partner roll towards each other unintentionally?

• Are you too close to your partner to sleep comfortably?

• Is it sagging?

• Does it feel lumpy in the night?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then your bed has FAILED its MOT and a trip to Sound Sleep for some new bed or mattress advice is essential.

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 advice 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.

If you are thinking about just a new mattress, before coming to visit us in store, check what kind of base you have and it’s condition, as some bases may be unsuitable for a new mattress. We will of course be on

hand to give you the correct advice and information.

All of our divans and mattresses are sourced from National Bed Federation members, so what you are buying is exactly what it says it is, it’s made from new and clean materials and it meets the strict British Standard fire regulations.

More information can be found at www.bedfed.org.uk Once you have chosen a new bed and mattress, don’t forget that pillows are very important too. A cheap, unsupportive pillow can cause neck and back problems. These are just as important as your new mattress.

For more help and advice, 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 (as well as the old fashioned technology too!). Sleep has never felt so good!!

www.soundsleepbeds.co.uk www.sleepcouncil.com

Then say hello to the brand new collection from Silentnight

Diamond 1400 Natural Supreme

Diamond 2000 Memory Wool

Diamond 2800 Latex Supreme

Diamond 4000 Memory Wool Supreme

The brand new Silentnight Diamond Collection launches this month with a great redesign on its existing models and a the exciting addition of the new 4000 pocket sprung model! The range uses the highest quality natural fillings and Silentnight’s brand new filling memory wool. Memory wool is completely natural and heat free with the added benefit of rebound properties.

Come and try these great new models which are available in a new range of colours with some great new headboard designs.

Come and visit our huge showroom at Aloe Farm - Mile Road - Winfarthing - IP22 2EZ Between Diss & Attleborough on the main B1077 - Look for our bright yellow sign!

For mattress advise please call 01953 861177 Open Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00

Saturday 10:00 - 4:00

Sunday 10:00 - 1:00 All of our beds and mattresses are NBF Approved for your comfort & safety

Credit & Debit Cards Accepted - Old Bed Disposal Service Available

10 Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Susan Whymark Funeral Services A Family-run Funeral Directors Susan Whymark Funeral Service is an experienced and professional firm of Funeral Directors established in 2004.

Our company is independent of any other corporations and is truly family run by mother and daughter Dianne and Susan Whymark.

We are here to help you through a difficult time. Arranging a funeral can be a very daunting task, as not only is it the final thing you can do for somebody, you may not always know what that person’s wishes were. If you need us, you can expect a warm welcome by our family and experienced members of staff to guide you through the decisions and questions you face.

A funeral can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. It can consist of many different aspects or be a very straight forward service. The most important thing is that it reflects the person it is being arranged for.

We offer a complete service and believe greatly in giving individual care and time to make the choices you want.

Everything is carried out under one roof, from arranging the funeral to visiting our Chapel of Rest and we offer free transport for all those necessary appointments relating to the funeral, should you need it.

You can always be assured of a professional friendly service, as our many satisfied customers will attest to. We are here to help make funeral arrangements as painless as possible so do not be afraid to ask questions or query anything you do not understand.

If you would like information concerning any aspect of arranging a funeral or indeed a funeral plan, our Eye office telephone number is 01379 871168 and our Harleston telephone number is 01379 851253.

Providing a PROFESSIONAL

and caring service

Susan Whymark

Funeral Service Susan Whymark Funeral Service is owned and run by the Whymark Family.

Independent Funeral Service serving Eye, Harleston and the surrounding areas

Susan Whymark

Funeral Service

Telephone personally answered 24 hours a day

Eye 01379 871168 Harleston 01379 851253

Independent and Family Run

www.susanwhymark.co.uk email susan@susanwhymark.co.uk

Chestnut House, 12 Progress Way, Langton Green, Eye, Suffolk, IP32 7HU And 31 Redenhall Road, Harleston, IP20 9HL November 2014

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Diss 11

Park Radio Events

MDB Plumbing

Support you local radio station’s events!

Local Plumber specialising in bathroom fitting, but carrying out all types of plumbing work, as no job is too small - 24 Hour Call Out

Wednesday 19th November Sophie’s Bistro, 16a Mere St, Diss, IP22 4AD Another night, another new venue! The Park Radio Quiz night starts here at 7.30pm, entry £5 per person and a maximum of 4 per team. Booking advisable on 01379 642336.

At M.D.B Plumbing the focus is on providing a first class service that’s value for money. All work is carried out promptly, safely, and correctly by a team of professional and courteous engineers.

Covering everything from the simplest of plumbing jobs, to kitchen and bathroom installations.

The Park Radio Roadshow will also be hosting an afternoon of family festive fun on Saturday 29th November in Diss Market Square for the Christmas Lights Switch-On The fun starts at 3pm, with music, stalls and funfair. Switch-on at 6pm.

Services Include

• Full bathroom design and • installation • Tiling • General handy man • D.I.Y service Please feel free to call at any time as this is a 24/7 call out business.

Call today on 07943 368537 or 01953 669033

• bathroom plumbing • blocked sinks • central heating equipment • plumbing leaks • emergency plumbers • hot water plumbing • kitchen plumbing • radiator repairs • shower installation • dripping taps • water leaks • water systems • burst pipes • water tanks • Washing machine installation • Dish washer installation

Looking for a TAXI?

Reliable Quality Service One of the longest established taxi firms in Diss

J B Taxis

01379 652014

Local Shopping Trips - Airports/Seaports Business Trips - Weddings Cars - Special Nights Out e-mail: mail@jbAirportTravel.co.uk www.jbairporttravel.co.uk

November 2014

12 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

What Are Easments?

An easement is a right to do or use something in connection with a property, for example a right of way over a private road or a right to use a drain When buying a property it is important to check whether it has all the relevant rights that are needed for its use. These usually relate to access and rights to use service connections.

Absence of the necessary rights can severely restrict the use of a property and cost the owner a lot of money. It is also important to check whether the property is subject to rights in favour of others as this could also affect the use.

Most easements are created by deed and would be shown on the deeds to a property or recorded at the Land Registry. It is however possible to establish an easement by other methods most commonly by long use.

These easements would probably not be recorded anywhere.

Subject to certain preconditions where a right of way has been exercised continuously for more than 20 years the right becomes established. In Norfolk situations often arise where properties have no documented rights even though they have existed for hundreds of years.

had come into common ownership was subsequently sold.

Sometimes a check of the enclosure awards in the County archives will evidence an ancient grant of a right but often the fact that the right has been exercised for many years has to be relied upon.

easement and the area over which the easement is exercised. If an easement is granted in favour of a specified area, the land owner cannot necessarily add further additional land in and claim the benefit of the easement for that as well.

As far as unrecorded rights are concerned these should be revealed by the standard questions asked of any Seller during the house purchasing process.

Furthermore, for an easement to exist land has to be in separate ownership so that the land that benefits from the easement and the land that is subject to it are owned by two separate individuals or organisations. If the two areas come into common ownership then the easement will simply cease to exist and would have to be recreated or re-granted if any part of the land which

When looking at easements it is important to note how they were created, the specific area of property which was said to benefit from the

If an easement is created it is important that a note of the benefit of the easement is registered at the Land Registry as since 2002 registration of easements has been compulsory. The same applies if anyone believes that they have established an easement by long usage. Whilst the Land Registry will not necessarily establish that such a claim is valid, they will make a note on the title of the land which is the subject of the claim that a right is claimed and the nature of that claim.

There is a massive amount of case law and literature on easements and property rights in general and the message has to be that when purchasing property or when considering a change of use or expansion of the use of any property advice must be sought as to whether the relevant rights, that are required, exist and will continue to exist in the future.

Diss: 01379 641221 Attleborough: 01953 453143 | www.spiresolicitors.co.uk | info@spiresolicitors.co.uk November 2014

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ATTLEBORoUGH 13

Look After Your Income Employment Law, Rental Income and keeping up with Tax Returns Is it just me – or does it seem much harder to be an employer in 2014 than it was maybe 30 years ago?

Now of course although I may look and feel 100, in reality I was just starting school then. I did get to help out in my Mum’s office where she was a secretary in the holidays though.

It seemed really good fun – the boss seemed to be able to tell everyone what to do and sat in a big office with a big desk and gave orders – got paid a nice big salary and everyone else ran around and did what they were told. (Especially me, my job was to wash the cups up and if I was lucky I got to frank the letters through the machine!)

The reality of 2014 seems to be that you really do have to be so very careful when employing staff.

Of course all of the health and safety is a good thing – but by the time employers have checked the minimum wage, automatic enrolment

for pensions and real time for pay roll not to mention all of the insurances and tribunals – being an employer is now officially a minefield in my opinion. Now I am sure that if you are an employer – you make sure that as part of your job you make sure that you are au fait with all new legislations – so of course we all knew that from October 2014 real time penalties were going to start in earnest – but if you have less than 50 employees then you have been given a reprieve – until 6 March 2015 and if you have less than 9 employees you won’t get fined until 6 April 2016 – so there is lots of time to get your payroll right – which has to be good news.

However you do need to start as you mean to go on – time will soon slip away and you definitely don’t want to get caught out. At KBA we offer payroll from as little as £7.50 (plus VAT) per month depending on requirements - we think this is a pretty good offer even if we do say

so ourselves – so why not come and talk to us about putting in place some preventative measures before those fines really do kick in. And don’t forget paying wages to the right person can be a real tax saving.

There have been lots of articles over the last few weeks about the crackdown that HMRC are going to have on any tax payers that they believe may be benefiting from a rental property and not declaring this rent received on their tax return.

Don’t forget that even if you rent out your own home and live in another rented house – you still need to declare the rent you receive for tax purposes. Now of course like anything there are expenses and allowances that you can claim as relief so don’t get caught out, come and chat to us – we can help you with your rental income. But don’t leave this until the last minute as authorisations are needed and these can take a while to sort – we really

are a friendly bunch and the initial consultation is free – so why not come and see us and put your mind at rest. But don’t ignore the warnings from HMRC because they advise that they are going to set up a lot of investigative enquiries – so don’t get caught out!

And finally – only a couple of months now till the main self assessment tax return deadline – it is getting closer so don’t get caught out by that either! Tax really doesn’t have to be taxing so make sure you have someone on your side to keep you on the straight and narrow.

We hope that you might choose us to be your someone – why not give us a call or an email.

T: 01953 457173 E: kerry@kerrybutcher.co.uk www.kerrybutcher.co.uk

November 2014

14 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Civil Service Retirement Fellowship WISEArchise visit The Attleborough Civil Service Retirement Fellowship The Attleborough Civil Service Retirement Fellowship had an interesting morning in September when two ladies from WISEArchives came to chat to the members.

This is an organisation looking into the working lives of older people, they plan to make a recording of interesting stores for the Norfolk Archives.

Barbara, Michael, Pat and Doreen were among the members relating their memories. During August the club held the annual Barbecue in the Chairman’s garden (it did rain of course so ended up indoors) but was enjoyed by all.

A very successful, coach, train and boat trip was also held plus a Bring and Buy sale in the Church Hall. A very busy and enjoyable month.

At the October meeting we look forward to hearing from the “Older Persons Forum”. and on the 20th November there will be a Cheese and Wine morning. On December the 18th the Christmas Party will be held.

So ends another year of interesting meetings of the Fellowship. The Fellowship is for retired Civil Service and Post Office workers, they meet on the third Thursday of the month at 10.00 till noon in the Methodist Church Hall Attleborough.

This is usually followed by several members going for lunch together in a local establishment.

New members are welcome and Mrs. Doreen Parker on 01953 456958 will be pleased to give you any further information.

UPVC, Aluminium & Timber Replacement of Locks, Hinges, Handles Letterboxes, Patio Wheels, Double Glazed Units including Velux Windows & Door Adjustments Cat Flaps and Fly Screens

We also supply & fit UPVC Windows & Doors 10 year Insurance Backed Guarantee on every installation

01953 630005 or 07900 265995 email: c.highe@btinternet.com

The number one choice for Norfolk & Suffolk village people

Our curtains and blinds have a luxurious finish, conveying the highest levels of quality and style.

Call 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.norwichsunblinds.co.uk November 2014

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Attleborough Travel Have Moved And Are Open For Business!

Recently relocated travel agent open for holiday business Last month we told you of Attleborough Travel’s move from the Defiant Precinct in Attleborough, to Queen’s Square.

Well, the move is complete and the doors are open for business. The shop faces out on to the Square inbetween the London Tavern and Myhills Pet and Garden. The shop has a vast array of brouchures to whet the appetite of the hopeful traveler, and the friendly team are ready to help you book your dream holiday or trip.

There are always a number of excellent deals available to save

you money, so why not pop in and take a leisurely look at what is on offer for a last minute summer break, or plan ahead for autumn, winter or even next year!

You can see what’s on offer by visitingt he website too, at: www.attleboroughtravel.co.uk.

The new address is: Queens’s Square Attleborough Norfolk NR17 2AE Tel: 01953 455003 www.attleboroughtravel.co.uk

ATTLEBORoUGH 15

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

November 2014

16 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Suffolk & Norfolk Youth Action Suffolk and Norfolk Youth Action were invited to deliver School Assemblies about the opportunities that are available here in Norfolk, to the students at Attleborough Academy Norfolk Opportunities Sam Winfield, who attends The Sixth Form, told the vertical Form groups about his voluntary work, as the breakfast show disk Jockey, on SNYA Radio. He explained how his show is produced and some of the set content that he has to include.

Steve Thomas, SNYA Co-ordinator, went on to talk about other voluntary

Matt has mainly hosted his own shows but has collaborated with many other young presenters including Bradley Biddlecombe, Alfie Unsworth ,Jack Critten, Jordan Knights, Harley Golder, Joshua Worley and Rob Thomas.

Matt was a Year Nine student, aged either 13 or 14 years old, when he volunteered with us but within one

what I had not wanted to do was raise Matthews hopes if I couldn’t get everything sorted. Well what a mistake, everyone in the school knew about it, except him, with students asking him questions all day about something he knew nothing about (Oops). Anyway, the interview went out live at the appropriate time but that is a humorous story for another day.

Matthew has interviewed many TV personalities, music celeb’s and politicians, on behalf of SNYA Radio, including singer song writer, Harry David, TV’s Warterloo Road star and pop artist, Karen David, Conservative Politician, Richard Bacon, European Member of Parliament, Rupert Read, from the Green Party, CEO of South Norfolk District Council, Sandra Dinneen, and the Internet sensation Alex Day, to ‘name drop’ just a few.

journalistic, IT and audio opportunities available within the organisation. He was able to give real life examples of young people who had taken advantage of the opportunities available within SNYA and how this has opened up additional doors for them.

Adam, aged 19, started by making tea and setting up the studios at SNYA, and now works freelance at BBC Radio Norfolk, BBC LookEast and BBC outside broadcasts. Simon, aged 17, is a radio producer and computer programmer at SNYA and is now a Runner for BBC Radio Norfolk’s Introducing programme and David is a self- employed recording engineer.

Some of our members have won local, regional, and national awards and certificates whilst taking advantage of opportunities at Suffolk and Norfolk Youth Action. Some boys and girls stay for a few weeks whilst other stay for years. One such person that has been with us since the birth of SNYA Radio is Matthew Dowse.

Matt played the first track ‘I gotta feeling’ by the ‘Black Eyed Peas’ on his, and SNYA Radio’s, inaugural radio show back in 2009, before going on to host two shows per week on Thursdays and Sundays.

November 2014

year, he became part of the SNYA Management Team.

Matt has always been an inclusive person, and in 2010 he was analysing the motivation of our members and our ability to communicate with them and our listeners. He said after one particular meeting, on November 16th 2010, “I think one major thing we need to do is sit and think for ourselves.

What do we want from SNYA Radio? We need to be asking ourselves this from the perspective of young people who are Presenters and Producers at SNYA Radio……… we should be making decisions on what other people have said”. Matt and the other young people involved, set the standards and ethos for today’s SNYA Radio.

During the five years that Matthew Dowse has broadcast on Suffolk and Norfolk Youth Action Radio, he has represented us at the “Children and Young People Now “ offices in London; where he was one of a team who selected the winners of the National Awards for the year preceding our win back in 2010. Most recently, he represented SNYA at a new youth national ’Alcohol Awareness’ group in Newcastle.

Matthew took advantage of many opportunities available at SNYA, including a broadcast on Park Radio, when they were at Diss. Matt enjoyed meeting the listeners and the general

public at our outside broadcasts from the Sport Relief Mile, Teenage Cancer Trust’s event, The National Canoe and Kayak Championship, The Lord Mayor’s Show and distraction events in Diss. He also liked to appear on our internet TV channel hosting many interviews and Gaming shows.

Matt was the TV Anchorman at our political debate before the last General Election. The show was called ‘The Political Mash-up’ and was filmed at South Norfolk District Council’s Chamber in front of an audience of children from schools from across south Norfolk. The candidates present said that they felt it was an in depth question time with knowledgeable young people. They, and the participants, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Matt also appeared on our game show alongside team captain, Eugene Sully, from ‘Big Brother’.In 2012 and again in 2013, armed with his ‘press pass’ and ‘handheld recorder’, Matt and his faithful sidekick, Jack Critten, descended on Eurogamer Expo to interview acclaimed game developers Peter Molyneux and Mike Bithell, ‘SpecialEffect’s’ Mick Donegan, and the indie developers behind ‘Forced’ and ‘Prison Architect’.

He caught up with comedian, musician, actor, TV and radio presenter, Bill Bailey, Ali-A, and ‘The Syndicate Project’. This is an ordinary Norfolk boy’s journey at SNYA; we have been able to offer many more exciting activities to other young people since our organisation started ten years ago.

I would not describe Matt as a leader at SNYA but he was definitely a workhorse and mostly at the centre of all things SNYA. Back in 2011, I organised an interview with Tulisa Contostavlos, she was a singer with the band N-Dubz and about to become one of the Judges on X-Factor. I got in touch with Matt’s Headteacher, to see if I could take him out of school because the interview was going to take place at 12:00 noon.

The Headteacher and his parents agreed and now all I had to do was tell Matthew;

The Slides - (back) Keilan Hennesey, (left) James Jordan, (centre) Taylor Gathercole (right) Emily Upright

@Dispatch_Mag

Matt’s last performance with SNYA Radio was broadcast on Thursday 26th September 2014, before leaving to study Film and TV Production at the University of Hertfordshire. We shook hands, whilst Matt said “Thank you for the opportunity” and he left, to start the next exciting stage of his life.

Duncan Norvelle Comedian, Duncan Norvelle, marked his return to the stage in front of a sell-out audience at Connaught Hall in Attleborough, Norfolk. Duncan who suffered a stroke in 2012 had the audience chuckling and laughing from the off, with his famous catch phrase ‘Chase me’.

Duncan Norvelle demonstrated that he wasn’t going to let paralysis of the left arm and leg stop him from doing all the things that he does best, from audience participation to singing and cracking gags. Duncan aged 56, who specialises in ‘Camp’ comedy, was seen most weekends on national television throughout the 1980’s.

The evening was a sensational mix of comedy and song, hosted by Tony Barton, famous for his TV performances and stand-up comedy routine. Tony had the audience singing along and rocking in their seats to his comedy songs and hilarious jokes. He introduced Miss Eve Bridger, from Norwich, who was absolutely mesmerising as she sang songs from the stage, movies and shows.

Then to thunderous applause, the man that we had all been waiting for, Duncan Norvelle, came on to the specially adapted stage, to the sounds of Lionel Richie’s ‘Hello’. You are going to have to check out Duncan’s new touring show to find out what it is all about but I can assure you the Connaught Hall audience gave him a standing ovation after an hour and a half of songs, jokes and anecdotes.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the evening was ‘only’ concluded by the 1974, ‘Billy, don’t be a hero’ band, Paper Lace. Lead singer, Carlo Santana, wrapped up their set with his absolutely amazing rendition of Nessun Dorma.

The after show party gave me time to catch up with Duncan and get my copy of his album ‘The Other Side’, first released in 2008, autographed. Duncan

ATTLEBORoUGH 17

told me that he was privileged to be asked to perform at this charity event, in aid of The British Heart Foundation, and delighted that so many of Attleborough’s residents had come out to see him.

Duncan joked; I never know if people are going to remember me after being off the circuit for a couple of years but everyone has made me feel so welcome. As my health continues to improve, I intend to do more and more gigs.

The Slides Suffolk and Norfolk Youth Action’s recording studio has been busy throughout September with the band, ‘The Slides’, recording their second Extended Play (EP) album.

The band is part of a project called Community Music East, based in Norwich. The Slides, Emily Upright on Vocals, Taylor Gathercole on Drums, James Jordan on Guitar, and Keilan Hennesey on Bass, have only been together since July but they have already performed at EPIC and three other gigs in Norwich. You can see them next at The Birdcage in October, or as they say “we are all over the internet so you can listen to us everywhere.”

James is responsible for the band’s name, ‘The Slides’, after watching Keilan’s slick slides on the bass.

Although, Emily writes all the lyrics; the actual tracks are a collaboration of their combined talents. They describe themselves as a cool band performing indie, rock music.

Duncan Norvelle with Sarah (left,, Tyler (rear) and Rebecca (right)

regularly in his shed as well as Plug Studios in Norwich.

James is the glue that connects the fifteen year olds together; as he has performed with both Emily and Taylor in previous musical incarnations and they are all currently studying GCSE’s at the same High School at Old Buckenham in Breckland. SNYA has a long history with this school; previously recording both The Easy Brothers and The Rumble.

Finally, I asked them where they see themselves in five years’ time and Keilan

said ”back in The States” and the rest of the band replied “looking for a new bassist”. ‘The Slides’ will use this demo track to promote their music to record labels and radio stations.

We wish them the best of luck.

Attleborough Cinema After the successful showing of Captain America, Godzilla, and The Nut Job at North Wymondham Community Centre, SNYA Cinema is coming to Attleborough.

Look out for our first film showing at Connaught Hall in November.

Their music depends on how they are feeling at the time, with Keilan telling me that he wrote one of his best songs after eating a packet of bourbon biscuits (Inspiration personified), Emily say that although she has sat down and written songs in one day, she prefers to capture lyrics on a note book app on her phone, “whenever I write a song, I look back to see what I can use.”

Keilan, original from California, USA, told me that they are concentrating on writing and performing some new stuff. We have had a great time here at SNYA Recording Studios; “you guys are pretty funny. We have previously recorded at Grange Farm Studios in Cambridgeshire”. Taylor, the drummer, insists that he gets on with his neighbours just fine and he practices

November 2014

18 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Attleborough Cinema Keep up with what’s coming up at the cinema On Sunday, 16th November 2014, SNYA presents, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, at Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough.

There is a licenced bar, refreshments, food and confectionery available to purchase throughout the afternoon and evening. Come and join us at Attleborough’s inaugural film showing of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’.

Guardians of the Galaxy - 12 From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and Avengers Assemble, comes a new team—the ‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY’.

This film is brought to you as part of ‘Village Screen of the Damned’ series

by Creative Arts East’s, Village Screen, with funding through Film Hub Central East and the British Film Institute (BFI) as part of their SCI-Fi : ‘Days of Fear and Wonder’ Season.

In addition to the matinee performance, we will be showing the short film ‘A Trip To The Moon’, a 15 minute silent

a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer.

An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan,

But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand—with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

The Fault In Our Stars on

Sunday 16th Novemeber 2014

Price on door: £3 Teen Ticket £5 Adult Ticket £3.75 Senior Ticket £14 Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Teens)

Doors open 18:00hrs Main Film starts 18:30

Located at: Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, Norfolk. NR17 2AP Phone: (01953) 452109 | Visit: cinema.snya.co.uk | Email: office@snya.co.uk

Aliens of the genre at www.bfi.org.uk/sci-fi/greatest-sci-ficharacters-all-time

In addition, get involved with a mission to find the best ever characters of sci-fi film and TV. Vote now for your favourite heroes and heroines, villains, machines, Robots and

Attleborough Cinema presents

Guardians of the Galaxy on

Sunday 16th Novemeber 2014 B Film ‘A Trip To The Moon’ by French cinema pioneer Georges Melies will also be shown beforehand.

Proof of age may be requested.

Licenced Bar, comfy chairs, refreshments and Price on door: snacks available. £3 Teen Ticket Book online to get priority entry tickets and £5 Adult Ticket further discounts. £3.75 Senior Ticket £14 Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Teens)

Doors open 15:00hrs B Film starts 15:15hrs Main Film starts 15:30

Located at: Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, Norfolk. NR17 2AP Phone: (01953) 452109 | Visit: cinema.snya.co.uk | Email: office@snya.co.uk

The Fault in our Stars – 12A Hazel and Gus are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them -- and us – on an unforgettable journey.

Attleborough Cinema presents

Proof of age may be requested.

Licenced Bar, comfy chairs, refreshments and snacks available.

Book online to get priority entry tickets and further discounts.

film from 1902. This is Cinema’s first ever science fiction story, and the most famous of many short films by French cinema pioneer Georges Melies.

Their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. ‘THE FAULT IN OUR STARS’, based upon the number-one bestselling novel by John Green, explores the funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.

MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS

UPVC Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Patio Doors, Folding Doors, Composite Doors, Vertical Sliders

Tickets are either available on the door or to book in advance visit cinema.snya. co.uk . For further information telephone 01953 452109.

Lookout for those ‘Golden Tickets’ hidden around Attleborough for your chance to win a free ‘Family Ticket’ to see either film on 16th November 2014.

SNYA is sponsored by The Mason Trust and funded by South Norfolk Council and South Norfolk Youth Advisory Board. mysterious orb coveted by Ronan,

A RATED

We can supply A rated windows, 36mm triple glazed and coloured profiles as optional extras. PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS Unit 3, Hereward Way Business Park, Roudham Rd, East Harling, NR16 2SR November 2014

T: 01953 714714 F: 01953 714715 Email: wicwindows@gmail.com

@Dispatch_Mag

ATTLEBORoUGH 19

MacMillan Cancer Support - Christmas Fair 15th November 2014 in the Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, from 10am to 2pm.

The Attleborough Fundraising Committee will be holding their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 15th November 2014 in the Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, from 10am to 2pm.

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.

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 kore so come along and support this worthy cause. 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.

First Responder Scheme chosen as ‘Charity of the year’ by Sainsbury’s Attleborough Sainsbury’s Attleborough present Attleborough First Responders with £1500 cheque Colleagues from the Attleborough Sainsburys store, including Deputy Manager Ali Evans presented the Attleborough First Responders with a cheque for almost £1,500.

The First Responder Scheme was chosen as the stores ‘Charity of the year’ for 2013-14. Over the last year, with the support of their customers, staff have been raising funds through raffles, tombola’s, collections in store and even a stall at last year’s Attleborough carnival.

The money has already been used to purchase an i-PAD defibrillator and a secure cabinet to set up a cPAD (Community Public Access Defibrillator) site for the Town. We always hope that there is an Ambulance in the Town should we need one, but there will always be times that this is not the case.

cPAD site will be registered with the Ambulance Trust, so that once sited, should a person in the Attleborough area suffer a sudden cardiac arrest, that bystanders or relatives will be able to gain access to the defibrillator and use it to try and resuscitate the person whilst the Ambulance is on route.

It is a well-documented fact that for every minute that the use of a defibrillator is used, the chance of survival decreases by 10%. The combination for the

Over the next few months the First Responders will be looking for a suitable location, so that it can be available to everyone if needed, as a lasting legacy of

The Gold Shop Gold, Silver, Coins & Collectables!

The Gold Shop is a recent addition to Queens square, Attleborough; although the owner, Adam has had over 12 years experience in buying and selling jewellery, gold, silver, coins and collectables.

Adam prides himself on managing his business locally from within the town so that he will always be available to talk to his customers and provide them with polite customer service and competitive prices.

The shop has been located in Attleborough for four weeks now and has lots of new stock, which will change daily… So pop in and have a look!

The Gold Shop serves Diss, Attleborough, Long Stratton, Watton, Thetford, Wymondham, Dereham, Swaffham and all the little villages in-between.

The shop is in the centre of Attleborough, which means that customers can make use of the various free parking facilities close by.

the superb efforts in fund raising that the Sainsburys staff have achieved.

Andy Housego, coordinator of the Attleborough First Responders said that he would like to thank all staff and customers who have contributed to the donation. Although we hope no-one ever has to use the defibrillator, there can be no greater legacy of the year’s effort than if the defibrillator is used to save a life in Town.

THE GOLD SHOP Attleborough

we would like to buy

GOLD & SILVER Come and see our quallity Gold & Silver Jewellery for sale. Coins, Curios, Metail Detector Finds and Antiques Bought and Sold. Anything Considered.

Gold & Silver Scrap or Items Always Wanted CASH PAID - COMPETITIVE PRICES

THE GOLD SHOP Bush House, Queen’s Square, Attleborough NR17 2AF

THE GOLD SHOP

Tel. 01953 458030 or 07855 402562 November 2014

20 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Attleborough Town Football Club The latest on ATFC At the AGM in June 2014, history was made with the merger of the Junior & Senior Football clubs within the town, now operating as one under the name “Attleborough Town Football Club”. At the meeting the new Club Management Team and Football Management Team were formed, seeing many new faces joining the club to drive the club forward.

Since that time the club now boasts eight football teams (4 senior and 4 junior) , all in new kits sponsored by local businesses, with a new identity of “Boro Blue”.

The club has also seen new and improved lighting for the training areas in Station Road, the achievement of sponsorships, grants and donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals, football programmes for first team home matches available @ £1.00 each, and an active improvement in communication through the press, facebook, twitter and the website.

Under the management of the ”Large Family” the Social Club has refurbishment with new seating, new

flooring, been redecorated, seen the installation of big screen Sky TV and WI FI, plus plan for further improvements and enhancements throughout the next 12 months.

fundraise and prote the club, if you are able to support us in any way through sponsorship, a donation or a prize for one of our many fundraising activities we would like to hear from you.

Seniors play at the Recreation Ground at Station Road on Saturday afternoons, the “Tea Hut” is open for hot and cold drinks throughout the game, and the clubhouse is open from mid afternoon onwards where you can relax, have a beer or soft drink and a snack and be part of the “Boro Family“ camaraderie after the game.

Club Management

Juniors play at Gaymers Meadow normally, on a Sunday morning, where Hot Drinks, Bacon Rolls and other snacks are available before and during the matches.

ATFC looks forward to visitors to come along and support the teams on match days – you will be made very welcome.

If you are looking to join the club as an active footballer, just speak to one of the Team Mangers or coaches for training details. The club continues to

Roger Thompson (Chairman), Richard Seaman (Secretary), Sarah Seaman (Minutes Secretary), David Young (Assistant Secretary), Angela Lawn (Treasurer), Debbie Perry (Assistant Treasurer), John Vincent (Head of Football), Jeremy Burton (Revenue Generation), Peter Neal (Head of Communication), Tony Perkins (Town Council Representative), Christine Wright, Damon Lusby, Derek Bint, Ian leech, Jo Wright, Lee Brooks, Matt Wright & Peter Large.

Rob McGeachy & Paul Allen (Under 12’s), Jo and Matt Wright (Under 10’s), Martyn Sharp (under 7’s).

Forthcoming Events at the Clubhouse, Station Road.

Saturday 22nd November - Race Night, 7.00pm, Tickets £5.00 each available from the clubhouse.

Wednesday 31st December – New Years Eve Party, Tickets £5.00 each available from the clubhouse Saturday 7th February – Quiz Night 7.30pm – more details later Contacts Phone; 07857 282989

Football Management

Web: - www.attleboroughtownfc.co.uk

Craig Bibby (First Team), James Langley (Reserves Team), Terry Macarthur & Andrew Beales (“A” Team), David Hammond & Adrian Binks (Under 19’s), Derek Bint & Damon Lusby (Under 15’s),

Facebook :-Attleborough Town Football Club Twitter : - @AttleboroTownFC

ATFC ‘A’ TEAM

ATFC UNDER 7’s

ATFC FIRST TEAM

November 2014

ATFC RESERVES

@Dispatch_Mag

ATTLEBORoUGH 21

ATFC UNDER 10’s

ATFC UNDER 12’s

ATFC UNDER 15’s

ATFC UNDER 19’s

ALDERCARR HALL DAY & WEEKEND SPA

Treatments and Packages include: Facial Treatments • Body Treatments • Detoxifying Treatments • Hair Treatments Health & Beauty Essentials • Spa Packages • Christmas Vouchers Visit our extensive Website: www.aldercarrhall.co.uk You can also find us on Facebook!

Telephone: 01953 453 400 Aldercarr Hall, Attleborough Road, Great Ellingham, Norfolk, NR17 1LQ November 2014

22 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

A Christmas event with all the bells & whistles EVENTS LISTING Blackthorpe Barn Be inspired throughout November and December at Blackthorpe Barn in Rougham just outside Bury St Edmunds.

In addition to being the largest Country Christmas shop in the area, every weekend, from Saturday 15th November, until 14th December, it showcases the greatest crafts people in Britain with a truly inspiring display of quality and pure creative talent. There are over 60 exhibitors offering a wonderful mix of fabulous crafts. Plus, from 29th November a huge choice of famous Rougham Estate Christmas Trees are available. www.blackthorpebarn.com Event times & dates: Country Christmas Shop Sat 1 - Fri 28 Nov, 10am-5pm Sat 29 Nov - Mon 22 Dec, 9am-5.30pm British Crafts Sat 15 - Sun 16 Nov Sat 22 - Sun 23 Nov Sat 29 - Sun 30 Nov Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec Sat 13 - Sun 14 Dec, 10am5pm adults £2, oaps £1, children free, season tickets £6

Christmas Workshops: 1: Festive Collage for Families Sat 1 - Sun 2 Nov Sat 8 - Sun 9 Nov Sat 20 - Sun 21 Dec 10-3pm 2: Felt Making Tues 2 Dec Tues 9 Dec Tues 16 Dec 10-1pm 3: Wreath Making Wed 26 Nov Wed 3 Dec Wed 10 Dec Wed 17 Dec 10-1pm Santas Grotto Weekends between Sat 22 Nov - Sun 21 Dec & Mon 22 Dec - bookings on-line only Christmas Trees Sat 29 Nov - Mon 22 Dec, 9am-5.30pm Christmas Cafe Sat 1 Nov - Mon 22 Dec 11am-4pm weekdays 10am-5pm weekends Parking and disabled access Parking is free with spaces for 350 vehicles.

Blackthorpe Barn has disabled access.

Hidden within the mature trees of Rougham Estate, just outside Bury St Edmunds, is historic Blackthorpe Barn. During November and December the beautiful Barn turns into a festive wonder.

Christmas begins at Blackthorpe Barn and each year the rustic medieval barn becomes home to some amazing festive delights. A Country Christmas Shop absolutely teeming with Christmas decorations, traditional games, Christmas lights, gifts and so much more. Plus, a craft event like no other, showcasing the skills, talents and unique wares of the best quality British Crafts people in the country.

Also available are the famous Rougham Estate Christmas Trees renowned for their quality and longevity. Not to mention our breath-taking Santa’s Grotto which is destined to deliver even more delights and surprises this year.

The Country Christmas Shop opens every day from 1st November until 22nd December, offering a glorious range of

essential festive treats from traditional and sparkling baubles, candles and ornaments, fabulous decorative displays and wondrous delights to the most amazing handmade creations.

The focus on British Crafts begins at the barn on Saturday 15th November and continues each weekend until 14th December. With over sixty stalls it showcases pure British talent offering the very best of British handmade crafts. Everything from sculpture and ceramics to leather items, textiles, art and jewellery, many of the crafts people change each weekend.

Be quick to choose a famous Rougham Estate Christmas tree. Available from 29th November they are nurtured just metres from the Barn. Highly popular they are renowned for their beautiful forms and colours, luxurious shapes and those unmistakable scents. Choose from pot grown or freshly cut, compact and elegant or excitingly large and extravagant, each tree is totally unique.

Mistletoe, holly and wreaths are also available. www.blackthorpebarn.com

01953 452622

scrap@mellormetals.com

Est. 1981

Any old iron... and cars and batteries and copper and lead and stainless steel and aluminium and...

AmaZINC or what!

Find us at metalrecyclers.co.uk facebook: Mellor-Metals twitter: @mellor_metals

Making light work of heavy metals November 2014

ATTLEBORoUGH 23

Attleborough Christmas Lights Attleborough Christmas Carnival 2014 The Attleborough Christmas Carnival 2014 this year will take place on Sunday 7th December.

a sponsored engine pull. There will be stalls at the Church Hall Town Hall as as usual the Sports Hall.

We have the best dressed window competition and the theme this year is White Christmas.

The lights will be switched on at 4.15pm and we ask you to join us round the Christmas Tree to sing carols followed by the blessing of the Christmas Tree which will be carried out by the Reverend Matthew Jackson.

annual event and is very popular so go early to make sure you get a seat.

The committee would like to thank everyone in advance for all your help and support you give to this event. It would not be possible without your support.

We have in excess of 60 craft stalls plus lots of side shows and fun fair rides it promises to be just as good as usual. There will literally be something for everyone. Father Christmas will be arriving at his grotto at 2.00pm and the Fire Brigade will be taking part in

Judging will take place on Saturday 6th December so look out to see if your favorite is this year’s winner.

Why not join him after the switch on at the Church and take part in the Caroloke this has become an

Anyone wishing to get involved or help in any way please contact Karen on 01953 455755

ATTLEBOROUGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

The Coffee Lounge Come and join us on Sunday 7th December for the Christmas Carnival and light switch on.

SEE THE LIGHTS TURN ON

EAT | DRINK | SURF We will be open from 11am, serving a variety of hot food and drinks including Soup Pasties, Jackets, Hot Chocolate & Sausage Rolls.

We Look Forward to Seeing You Queens Square, Attleborough, NR17 2AE | Tel: 01953 457766 | info@the-coffee-lounge.co.uk | www.the-coffee-lounge.co.uk

November 2014

24 ATTLEBORoUGH Lighting Up The Property Market In Attleborough & The Neighbouring Villages We are delighted to support the Attleborough Christmas Lights Contact Us Tel. (01953)453838

e-mail info@millbanks.com www.millbanks.com

BAILEYS SA N D WI CH & COF F E E SHOP Wishing all my customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lorraine & Staff

Q ueens S quare Attleborough Nor folk

07899 636361

Telephone Orders Welcome

ATTLEBOROUGH SCAFFOLDING HIRE FOR THE COMPLETE SERVICE SUPPLY & ERECT

CONTRACT HIRE ONLY • POLE & FITTING • 7 DAY SERVICE For a professional yet personal service at very competitive rates

ATTLEBOROUGH (01953) 453921 FAX (01953) 456906 www.attleboroughscaffoldhire.co.uk 4 LONDON ROAD, ATTLEBOROUGH

Supporting Community Events

TRIMMERS Late Night Fridays Senior Citizen Rates Tues & Weds 5 Defiant Precint Church Street Attleborough 01953 453169 November 2014

Opening Hours

Mon-Thurs 11:30am - 11:30pm Fri-Sat 11:30am - Midnight Sunday: 4:00pm - 10:30pm

Now n7 Ope a s y Da k e W e

SeaStar FISH BAR

Telephone Orders Welcome

22 London Road, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2BU

ATTLEBORoUGH 25 Donna Kissinger Estate Agents Exchange Street Attleborough Norfolk NR17 2AB T: 01953 454272 F: 01953 457773 E: mail@donna-kissinger.co.uk www.donna-kissinger.co.uk Free

Join our Facebook page

New Longer Opening Hours DKs Coffee House will be introducing NEW coffee

TAKE AWAY MENU Also Available

Coffee House

that is supplied to us by a micro roaster right here in Attleborough, and it will be the freshest coffee you will ever taste!

Now open from 8am - 5pm 5 days a week Brand new Breakfast Menu Deliverys Available All food Freshly made on site NEW Lounge area New owners but the same great staff Free WiFi

Managing Director Mr Marck Funchal E: marck@pdarchitectural.com

T: 01953 456 722

Connaught Plain, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2EJ. 01953 456600

www.dkscoffeehouse.co.uk

Odds and Sods

2 Exchange Street, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AB

Sole Man Ltd.

Tree’s Coming Soon!

SHOW R ER

ERS LTD EPAIR

07717 138360

CIETY OF M AST TH E S O

Connaught Plain Attleborough, NR17 2EJ

GUARANTEED SHOE REPAIRS

2 Queens Road, Attleborough Norfolk, NR17 2AG

T: 01953 456284

Greg Ward specialising in second-hand furniture, plants and gardening accessories

Griffin Hotel Attleborough

- Quality Shoe repairs - Key Cutting - Shoe Care - Watch straps and batteries - Belts, Watches, Purses

THE HAIR EXCHANGE

19 Church Street, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AH Tel: 01953 452149 | www.griffinhotel.co.k

EXCHANGE STREET ATTLEBOROUGH NR17 2AB 01953 456612 November 2014

26 GENERAL

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

2014 Breckland Art Trail – Bigger & Better Than Ever Building on the success of previous years, the third Breckland Art Trail will offer residents the opportunity to get even more involved with the The 2014 Trail not only showcases the work of 57 fantastic local artists, but also gives visitors the opportunity to watch demonstrations and to learn a new creative skill.

Running from 8 – 16 November at 25 venues throughout the Breckland district, the Trail will feature a whole range of unique arts and crafts work including

painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, prints, textiles and photography. Feeling creative? Then why not sign up for one of the new workshops? You can make you own ceramic Christmas decoration, have a go at building slab or coil pots, or even try your hand at ironwork!

The Art Trail aims to support local artists and encourage people to explore the

district, whilst enjoying a range of work on display at different venues.

about the Trail on the website www. brecklandarttrail.com or call Breckland Council on 01362 656870.

A brochure, giving details of artists’ work and featuring a map showing the venues will be available in October at each town Library, Customer Service Centres, Tourist Information Centres, Leisure Centres, and Town Council offices.

Alternatively, you can find out more

New Buckenham Players Present Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty comes to New Buckenham Village Hall New Buckenham Players are returning to traditional family panto this Christmas with their production of Sleeping Beauty.

Set in a gothic castle amid rambling roses, all the usual ingredients are

there – a beautiful princess, a shameless dame, comic courtiers - but also some quirky touches, like boy and girl fairies and a punky witch. It’s a modern script with lots of colour and romance, humour

Residential care from Norfolk’s largest care provider At NorseCare, we aim to provide individualised care in our homes in a warm and friendly environment, with well-trained staff to care and support our residents and their loved ones.

We are Norfolk’s largest care provider, managing 23 residential care homes and 14 housing with care schemes in Norfolk. A number of our homes specialise in the care of people living with dementia.

We also manage housing with care schemes providing people with care and support, together with the independence of living in their own flat under a tenancy agreement with a housing provider.

To find out more about our homes and room availability, please visit our website: www.norsecare.co.uk, call us on 01603 894366 or email info@norsecare.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter: @norsecare

November 2014

and slapstick, music and dancing, but a few dark moments…..The magical tale will be spun on the 4th, 5th and 6th of December at 8pm in New Buckenham Village Hall with a matinee on 6th at

2pm. Bar opens at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £7.50, £6.50 for concessions and £3.50 for children, available from the box office 01953 861438/860320 or Kings Stores, New Buckenham.

@Dispatch_Mag

GENERAL 27

South Norfolk Consults Local Businesses Businesses in South Norfolk are being asked to join in a budget consultation on services they consider priorities for Council spending The District Council is preparing its budget for next year, and has launched an online consultation so local businesses can suggest which services they want to see prioritised.

Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources said: “Councillors are elected to make decisions for everyone, but it does help to have ideas and feedback from local businesses.”

The consultation can be found at www. surveymonkey.com/s/SNCBusiness and will be open until the end of October.

Councillor Garry Wheatley, South Norfolk

“South Norfolk Council’s main sources of income are from central government funding, council tax, business rates and the money received from services like

our garden waste bins.” Every year, central Government funds a large part of district council revenue spending through grants. But councils have seen big cuts across the country, and South Norfolk is no exception.

Councillor Wheatley added. “With reducing funding from central government South Norfolk Council

is now facing increasing pressure on its ability to deliver a balanced budget and faces a funding gap, over the next three years, in the region of Ł491,000.” This is a great opportunity to contribute to the discussions the Council is having on the budget for next year. The responses to the online consultation will help the Council find out what services businesses want to see prioritised”

Fit 4 Work launches In South Norfolk A free programme designed to address the problems of workplace health was launched at an event at Long Stratton Leisure Centre on Friday Fit4Work, supported by Active Norfolk, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council Public Health, provides bespoke training and health assessments to increase employee’s overall health.Project officers work with local businesses to create health improvement packages for their workforce, organising a range of activities and helping employees stop smoking and cut down on their alcohol intake.

Recent evidence from the Department of Health shows that physically active

employees are less likely to suffer from major health problems, less likely to take sick leave, and less likely to have an accident at work. Employees that are physically active take fewer sick days, are better motivated, and more productive.

And with employee sick days costing UK businesses £29 billion annually, addressing workplace health is important not just for our health, but for our economy. South Norfolk Council (SNC) has invested heavily in the Fit4Work scheme as part of its commitment to increase workplace health

in South Norfolk, and one of the first businesses to take up the programme is the Council itself.

South Norfolk Councillor Yvonne Bendle, Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Health said. “South Norfolk Council takes the health and wellbeing of its staff very seriously. Being active is essential for good health and it’s recommended that adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. It isn’t always easy to fit physical activity into our busy lives, and

with many of us spending half of our day at work, and a lot of that time sitting in front of a computer, it makes sense to find opportunities to be more active during the day. Even ten minutes during break times and choosing to take the stairs instead of the lift will make a difference and can help towards achieving your weekly target.”

Contact Active Norfolk today on 01603 731569 to find out how Fit4Work can benefit your business.

November 2014

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GENERAL 29

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk Challenges come in all shapes and sizes – cycling, walking, running or climbing a mountain – whatever you decide, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) would love you to take the plunge and raise funds.

Whatever your reason; realising a lifelong dream, setting yourself a new goal or getting fit, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that the funds you raise will ensure EACH can continue their vital work in caring for local life-threatened children and young people and supporting their families.

Tom Bobbins, owner of Heywood Sports and Leisure in Diss embarked on the challenge of a life time, running four marathons in five weeks earlier this year.

The challenge saw Tom run the Paris, London, Madrid and Rome marathons; an incredible 104 miles in total, raising over £2,000 in the process.

Tom said: “Running a marathon takes a lot of dedication and training, but when you’re running for a charity you know all the hard work is worth it. So worth it in fact, that I’m planning on tackling the Forces March. It’s one of the UK’s top endurance races which involves running from Devon across the moors all the way to Wiltshire in aid of EACH next year.

The distance involves running five ultra marathons in five days while carrying the majority of equipment needed for the race - and there are some serious hills!”

Laura Carver, EACH Norfolk Fundraiser said: “It’s great when people choose to complete a challenge event for us because they can do something they love while raising vital funds for lifethreatened children, young people and their families at an unimaginably difficult time.

“Tom loved it so much he’s taking on another challenge – I hope his efforts inspire other to follow his lead!”

Hethersett Old Hall School

Independent day school for girls 3-18 and boys 3-11 with boarding for girls from 9

THE FRIENDLY, HIGH-ACHIEVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL CLOSE TO HOME

ASK ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS! www.hohs.co.uk

Hethersett Old Hall School

enquiries@hohs.co.uk Norwich Road

Hethersett

01603 810390

Norwich NR9 3DW

To find out more visit: www.each.org. uk/challenges or contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team: Tel: 01953 666767, norfolk@each.org.uk, @EACH_Norfolk

Hethersett Old Hall School A friendly and high-achieving independent school.

Established for over 75 years, Hethersett Old Hall School is a small, happy day and boarding school community where young people have the space to grow. Pupils, parents and staff all work together to provide a warm and friendly place where everybody can contribute and feel valued.

Visit and you will see for yourself the extensive beautiful grounds, fine facilities and range of historic buildings – but you’ll also notice that everything is on a human scale and geared to providing the best learning and allround experience for every pupil. This is apparent throughout the school - from our outstanding-graded nursery and reception classes through to the sixth form where, year on year, thanks to excellent tutorial-style teaching and individual guidance, every girl achieves entry to her first choice university.

The school offers the perfect blend of support and challenge, nurture and opportunity, allowing each pupil to achieve their top potential. There’s a strong academic tradition with excellent exam results at both GCSE and A Level, a broad curriculum and an emphasis on exciting, innovative teaching in small teaching groups. Academic work

is balanced by an exciting range of extra-curricular activities that includes sport, drama, music, public speaking, Young Enterprise Award Scheme and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (from which multiple Golds are earned each year). There is something here for everyone, and with scholarships available, it may be more accessible than you think.

Girls can board from Year 5 and enjoy a truly home from home experience in attractive accommodation and with kind, experienced staff. As well as full boarding, the school offers weekly and flexi-boarding to suit the needs of our families – even our local girls may sometimes enjoy a ‘sleepover’, whether it’s because their parents are away or just for fun with their friends!

Why not come and visit and see for yourself what makes Hethersett different? Simply call our Registrar Linda Jones on 01603 810390 or email enquiries@hohs.co.uk - we’ll be happy to organise a personal tour of the school for you and your family, with a chance to talk to staff and pupils as well as see the facilities on offer .

November 2014

30 GENERAL

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Who Do You Think You Are? Would you like to discover your family tree?

Heritage Discoveries is committed to providing a range of professional and affordable worldwide research services in Family History, House History, Missing Persons, and Probate Cases.

Solving the mystery of who your ancestors were and where they came from is always a very exciting discovery. Having a written record to treasure and enjoy for yourself and future generations enables these ancestors and their stories to live on.

The ever rising popularity of the TV programme WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE has inspired many people to look into their own family tree. But it is not in truth as simple as the Ancestry TV advert portrays. Some of the sources available on the internet may not be correct due to exaggeration, transcription error or gaps in information. These errors are then often passed on into private and public family trees.

Yes there is an overwhelming amount of family archives available online which is added to each day. But these records are just the very tip of the iceberg. It has been said that only 5% of family archives have been digitised.

By neglecting to take the time to visit your local or national archives you will not be putting together in its fullest the true story of your family. When researching you want more than just a list of names and dates. Bringing social history alive by using other resources

such as poor records, prison records, service records, manorial records, wills and inventories and newspaper reports makes a more complete and satisfying family story.

By hiring a professionally trained genealogist you can save many unnecessary hours of research and expense. A professional genealogist is able to overcome dead ends and solve mysteries due to their great knowledge of family history sources.

Heritage Discoveries is a local genealogy research service run by professional genealogist Catherine Pawsey. Catherine has always had a passion for history and genealogy and holds a BA History (Hons) degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies.

Catherine has vast experience using a wide range of archives online and at local and national record offices.

Christmas Visits Bressingham Sun 30 Nov 2014 - Wed 24 Dec 2014 For details of forthcoming events and prices, visit www.bressingham.co.uk Telephone: 01379 686990

November 2014

Whether your goal is to validate a family story, find a famous connection or locate an adoptee’s birth family we endeavour to do all we can to assist.

Another interesting study is to look into the history of your house. Have you ever wondered who stood at your window looking out into the world? What children chased up your stairs? A house history can provide a fascinating insight into the story of your home.

By studying genealogy sources that are available it can be possible to discover when your house was built, any building

alterations, and the lives of those who lived there.

Heritage Discoveries offers a free initial interview in order to determine the needs and proposed aim of the client. After which a full investigation will be carried out which will then be presented in a detailed fully referenced report complete with a family tree image in order to clearly see every member’s link. Investigating the lives of your ancestors enables you to appreciate the person you are today.

A family or house history investigation would make a unique gift for yourself or a loved one to treasure this Christmas.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any enquiries.

Website: www.heritagediscoveries.co.uk Email: enquiries@heritagediscoveries.co.uk Tel: 01953 716015

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32 GEORGE FREEMAN MP

www.georgefreeman.co.uk

East Anglian ‘Digital Divide’ Business Campaign meets Digital Economy Minister “Digital Divide” Alliance of East Anglian businesses to lobby Digital Economy Minister, Ed Vaizey MP, with a proposal for a new scheme to accelerate broadband and mobile signal to the most rural areas The £1.8m proposal would see most rural residents given a Voucher to allow them to purchase broadband from alternative local providers to BT, fund a network of WiFi Broadband masts and a new ‘Roving Rural Sim’ which would allow rural phone users to migrate between networks at no charge, dramatically improving the signal.

The proposal, led by Anglia Farmers, would see thousands of rural communities

and businesses getting fast broadband and digital signal in months rather than years.

The meeting follows three highly successful Broadband Summits I have led over the last six months bringing together rural businesses, community groups, parish councils, and the NFU, CLA, and Countryside Alliance.

For far too long rural areas like ours have been condemned by some as backwaters. But with faster digital communications, I believe we can unlock a “Rural Renaissance”. That’s why I first launched the Digital Divide Campaign, bringing together business leaders and campaign groups across East Anglia to secure faster broadband in our area. To do that, we need a voucher to empower local

communities to find solutions themselves, which the Minister yesterday was very supportive of, and has asked us to work up.

Yesterday was a major step forward in accelerating 21st Century digital communications for our most rural areas.

Community Led Plan At Blenheim Grange Housing Estate I have long taken an interest in rural planning policy and believe that the Blenheim Grange Estate in Carbrooke illustrates how plans for housing a large population can go astray That’s why I was delighted to convene a meeting of all the interested parties: from the Police to Sure Start, the local Primary School to local Churches, one of the local Housing Assocations and of course the local Councillors, Residents Association and members Carbrooke Parish Council.

Together we set out our aims to see a proper Community Centre and proper facilities installed on the estate as soon as possible.

Conference Diary 2014 A packed schedule at the Conservative Party Conference this year This year I have had a packed schedule at the Conservative Party Conference, talking at over twenty events about innovation and enterprise in healthcare and for SMEs. On Sunday, I spoke at a joint event with the Institute of Directors and Open Europe on how we need to reform and renegotiate our relationship with Europe to deliver for Britain. Having been an active member of the Fresh Start Group campaigning for EU reform, and recently writing a report on how the EU affects the UK Life Science sector, I think the Prime Minister’s landmark strategy for renegotiation followed by a

November 2014

referendum provides us with a unique opportunity to reshape our relationship with Europe.

I also spoke at a Bright Blue dinner on making Britain an ‘Enterprise Nation’, backing small and medium sized businesses to grow and export to the fastest-growing emerging markets.

As a Minister at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, and having spent fifteen years founding over ten new companies before coming to Parliament, I am passionate about the role SMEs play in training, job creation

and economic growth.On Monday, I spoke at an Alzheimer’s Society event on ‘Where next for dementia?’, where I highlighted the role of charities and the importance of breaking down the silos between research, treatment and care. Having been involved in the G8 Dementia Summit, and co-ordinated the Life Science Strategy in 2011, I know the progress we are making in combating this terrible disease and the work we still have to do. Later, I spoke about ‘Innovation and Intellectual Property’ at a party business day and then addressed conference in the main hall about how

Life Sciences is a central plank to this Government’s long-term economic plan.

I was also delighted to be part of a roundtable at a Science Council event, talking about how research and innovation adds to our national wealth and creates jobs all over the country. My final event on Monday was speaking at a Social Market Foundation dinner on how we can create an integrated patient experience, using data and electronic patient records, something I have previously worked on in my Patient Data Bill I introduced to the House earlier this year.

ce in n e l l e c x e ion g t n a i v s i o n n g n I o c d Re y an g o l o n h c e lk Science, T ng people of Norfo ou from the y

7pm at Wymondham High Award ds willl inclu ude:

• Best Achiever – Years 8 and 9 • Best GCSE Science Project • Best A Level Science Project • Most Inspiring Junior School Science Teacher • Most Inspiring Senior School Science Teacher • Most Dedicated School Science Technician • School which Achieves Most with Least • Best Innovation Idea • Best Idea for a Commercial Innovation • Lifetime Achievement Award – for Services to Science, Technology and Innovation in Norfolk

Start thinking now about who you might nominate

How to nominate and prizes will be announced in September 2014 Deadline for applications is likely to be late October

Supported by George Freeman MP (Minister for Life Sciences) an nd Ed duc cation n and Busine ess Le eaderrs acros ss Norfo olk

34 AN INTERVIEW WITH...

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An Interview with Robert Ashton Pete Goodrum meets The Barefoot Entrepreneur Robert Ashton is a man with firm views and a multi-faceted career. In a fascinating conversation I found out a lot about what makes him tick.

We’re lunching on coffee and cake, which some would say is a little unusual for two middle aged men in the middle of the week. But then Robert Ashton doesn’t do conventional.

What he does do though is see a clear vision for commerce, and charities, in a changing world. I begin by asking about his origins………..

Mr Ashton arrived in the world in 1955, via the Clacton Maternity Ward.

His parents worked at Barclays Bank and his father’s various moves around the company’s branches meant that the young Robert lived variously in Manningtree, Needham Market, and Leiston. Schooling was in itself conventional, until he was eleven, when what was perhaps the first instance of rebellion arose. ‘I failed the Eleven Plus’, he says. ‘On purpose’. It takes no probing from me, but rather a moment’s reflection from Robert, for him to add that he probably did that not as snub to the educational system, but a gesture of defiance to his father.

As pupils who’d not passed the exam did in the 1960s he went next to the local Secondary Modern School.

By the age of fourteen he had a weekend job on a farm, and not long after, via college in Ipswich and Chelmsford, he gained an HND. He’d also got to know his weekend employer’s daughter who, later, he would marry.

In fact the farming job had sown other seeds too as he entered the world of work as a Technical Sales Representative for Fisons. Surely, I ask, this application to working at the weekends, gaining a qualification and securing a job had eased relations with his father. ‘Hmm’, reflects Robert, ‘I think he liked the ‘Technical’ bit of my job title, but not the ‘Sales’ word’.

But Robert liked sales. And he was good at it. He sold fertilizer, built client relationships and climbed the ladder.

The next posting brought promotion and a move to Lincoln. In a typically self-effacing, and wincingly accurate, comment on the sales force structures of the day he adds, ‘It got me a pay

rise and another letter on the back of the company Sierra’.

Married and moved again to North Yorkshire he now began to see changes in the industry.

From a salesman’s point of view the products had become commodities, and that unsettled him. Seeing the chance to shift his role, in 1986, he applied for, and got, the job of Marketing Services Manager for Norsk Hydro, as Fisons had now become. And he started to enjoy his work again. It was a national role, it plugged him in to the creative aspect of marketing and it put him in touch with advertising and marketing agencies.

I can sense the change that brought for him, listening to him all these years later. He’s more engaged as he talks of the chance to actually think about the strategies, the customer and the bigger picture.

By now he and his and wife had two children, but family life was not the only thing changing. The company, and its market, was going through another period of transition. He saw it through but felt deflated when it was done.

‘I think too I was becoming tired of head office life’, he says. ‘So I looked around’.

What he found, in 1988, was a marketing role at Omar in Brandon.

His brief was to take the mobile home manufacturer into the leisure market.

It took him into the business exhibition circuit, travelling the country, and abroad. It also brought into focus the fact that Robert Ashton likes not just a challenge, but to do things differently.

‘I was always pushing to try new ways of approaching the problem’.

He left in 1990 and spent just under a year selling on a commission only basis for Allied Dunbar. By his own admission he was good at it. And, as if to justify the achievement he adds, ‘I’m competitive, so the targets and goals suited me. That’s what made me good at it, although I did not enjoy selling insurance’.

Reading the local press one day he saw an opportunity at the newly formed Datadrum. He joined and for the next seven years was a partner in the marketing company working on a wide spread of clients, in all sorts of sectors.

He doesn’t dwell on the partnership ending, which it did in 1997. It’s not his style. Capable of nostalgia he’s not given to ‘what ifs’ or looking back.

In 1997 he certainly looked ahead.

He formed The Marketing Catalyst and with a small staff of designers and administrative people he started to explore a new area. It was a time when

bodies such as Business Link had begun to emerge and for Robert that opened up two key avenues. ‘I began to provide marketing advice for people in the interface between the public and private sectors’, is how he describes the activity.

But behind that was the second revelation. ‘When I looked around I discovered that there was a wealth of academic business knowledge already documented, but not shared with those best able to benefit; small business owners With more knowledge and more activity came more fuel to do things differently.

But the pressure came too. He’s characteristically honest, but not needlessly detailed, when he says that by 2000 he’d begun to lose his way. It made him examine his own self- awareness, and self prescribed psychotherapy which he says, is perhaps the main reason I’m still here today.

He was bought out of The Marketing Catalyst, which with some irony seems to have been a catalyst for change. He started to write, did a part time course at UEA, and his first book was soon published. Others would follow.

The current tally is seventeen, the latest,’ Sales for non-Salespeople’ was published by Hodder this summer.

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‘I also started to work on marketing projects with people I knew’. He was now, he says, ‘Writing and doing stuff’.

It’s another understatement. He was engaging himself in a plethora of projects, including pro bono work for charities. ‘Always getting involved’ is how he describes it, but it’s deeper than that. Commercial and corporate relations, together with a zeal for raising awareness of Mental Health Charities were all now absorbing him.

Ignoring convention, a germ planted perhaps at the Eleven Plus, now meant that he was talking to charities not just about how to increase their income from donations, but how to run themselves better as the emerging third sector. There was, and is, a ‘flavour of activism’ about it all.

their employers’ businesses ‘The way to grow jobs is to grow businesses,’ he adds Through all of what he does now there’s a philosophy that is genuinely interesting. Robert Ashton believes that in a post-recession economy people are becoming more aware of what they do, rather than what they make.

‘People want to buy from companies with a social conscience. There is every reason to believe that it’s an attitude that can feed straight into the local economy’.

And it was around this time that the Barefoot Entrepreneur brand emerged.

Influenced by an African intern on his staff they talked to people who knew Robert. What emerged was a picture of a man with undoubted acumen and motivation, but who was also sensitive and liked to tread carefully. The brand encapsulates both facets. Barefoot Entrepreneur.

We’ve talked for some time. A lot of coffee has been drunk. Looking back over his story the early years are relatively conventional, albeit tinged with a little rebellion.

As we bring his story up to date Mr Ashton takes a moment to craft his next phrase. ‘It’s always been a logical progression’ he says. And as ever balances it with modesty and humour by adding ‘Even if it’s not always been planned’.

This belief is plainly heartfelt, but intellectually thought through as well as emotionally powered. ‘This is’, he says, ‘the era of smaller businesses.

The social enterprise’.

But, as his career has progressed Robert Ashton has arrived at a more imaginative place. In truth, some might find it hard to grasp exactly what he does do. In reality he operates in a space just a bit ahead of where many entrepreneurs are. It’s a space that many will follow him into.

AN INTERVIEW WITH... 35

He might, by his own admission, not always have had a plan, but has followed writer Douglas Adams, a man he describes as a ‘great philosopher’ who is quoted as having said: ‘I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.’ . But make no mistake, Robert Ashton has a strategy and a philosophy now.

It’s innovative. It’s result driven. It’s also sensitive and caring. And that is the mix that is the man.

The Quick Fire bit…

Academic or vocational?

In my experience both are important. I did badly at school, chose a vocational route, then later joined Mensa.

My son has a Masters and my daughter a PhD and for them, the academic route was right. What really matters is that young people have the chance to make their own informed choices, unbiased by parental or teacher preference or aspiration.

People are becoming as intolerant of exploitation as they are of righteous tin-shaking.

Social enterprise is a growing trend as people try to balance profit with people and planet. But where we will end up, is not where it is right now!

Golf or squash?

I loathe them both. Not because they are bad for you but because I prefer to challenge and compete with myself rather than with anyone else.

That’s why I go to the gym regularly and recently bought myself a new, fast road bike. I don’t do competitive or social sport.

City or country?

I worked on farms from the age of 14 and even now, have 2.5 acres and a classic tractor. It’s important to me to be in sync with the seasons and the farming cycle.

It’s one of the reasons I cycle too, to see what’s happening on the land. www.robertashton.co.uk

For profit or charity?

Today, it is as important for a charity to be businesslike as it is for a business to have a visible social conscience.

Continuing the reflective mood he goes on to say, ‘I’m never really content’. It comes as a shock from this seemingly content and certainly cheerful man. He explains though by saying that what he means by that is he’s ‘never really satisfied with what I’ve done’. Robert Ashton is competitive alright. He actually competes with himself in the race to do something well. Differently maybe, but well.

Currently his, abundant, energies are being put to use in helping less than successful charities ‘turn themselves around’. Amongst many other things he’s a Vice Patron of The Norfolk Community Foundation, and a Patron of Hertfordshire Action on Disabilty.

He’s also heavily engaged in Swarm Apprenticeships, a social business of his own imagining that helps young people into workby helping them grow

November 2014

36 Food & drink

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

THE GAMEKEEPER FREEHOUSE

Christmas Party Menu Preorder only £19.95 2 courses / £25 3 courses Starters Roasted butternut squash & coconut soup with crusty bread & butter Warm kiln smoked salmon with a beetroot fritatta & crème fraiche Ham hock terrine with apricot & ginger jam, toasted brioche & pistachios Pan fried wild mushrooms with potato blinis & a caper, lemon & wholegrain mustard dressing

www.thegamekeeperfreehouse.co.uk

01953 860 397

Welcome to The Gamekeeper, a family run business with over 50 years catering experience between us. We offer truly delicious food, real ales & fine wines Located on East Anglia's largest village green, our 17th Century Grade II listed pub overlooks the pastures & ponds of Old Buckenham. We are situated 14 miles from Norwich and 9 miles from Diss.

Main Course Slow roasted featherblade of beef with a mustard cream sauce, champ potatoes, carrots & savoy cabbage Chestnut, blue cheese & braised shallot wellington with dauphinoise potatoes, sprouts, parsnips & a Madeira sauce Seasonal roast turkey with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, sausage stuffing, winter vegetables, gravy & all the trimmings Fillets of lemon sole in a herb & orange crumb with green beans & a tiger prawn & parmesan risotto

Dessert Clementine panacotta with chocolate & stem ginger icecream Traditional Christmas pudding with vanilla custard Chocolate, cherry & brandy trifle Stilton, biscuits & grapes with a shot of port

Tea or coffee Allergy sufferers please inform us at time of ordering | Service not included

Opening Hours

Find Us

Monday - Saturday Bar 12:00pm - 3:00pm/Bar 6:00pm - 11:00pm Food 12:00pm - 2:30pm/Food 6:00pm - 9:30pm Sunday Bar 12:00pm - 5:00pm Food 12:00pm - 3:00pm

The Green Old Buckenham Attleborough Norfolk NR17 1RE

Christmas Party Menu 3 courses £25 / 2 courses £20 Starters

“DELICIOUS FOOD IN A SMART VENUE”

Spiced Thai butternut squash soup with a seeded knot roll Pork and cider terrine, piccalilli & toast Cod, pancetta and dill fishcake, dressed leaves and lemon aioli Marinated goats cheese balls, beetroot and rocket salad and red onion marmalade

Mains Turkey parcel with apricot stuffing, chipolata & bacon pin wheel, bread sauce, roast potatoes & vegetables The 'Inn' Steak, mushroom and ale pie served with roast potatoes and vegetables Trout, fennel and pea en papillote with lemon roasted new potatoes and a shrimp butter Glazed carrot, mushroom and hazelnut tart with roast potatoes, parsnips and greens

Desserts

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November 2014

Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Brownie and vanilla cheesecake, white chocolate and brandy soaked cranberry ice cream and chocolate sauce Mincemeat and frangipane Bakewell, sloe gin sorbet and berry compote Stilton with celery, grapes home made chutney and biscuits

Tea or coffee Allergy sufferers please inform staff

Service charge not included

@Dispatch_Mag

FOOD & DRINK 37

Ry’s First Christmas Menu Ry’s Bar & Grill, Attleborough’s newest restaurant, is delighted to announce it’s first Christmas Menu. Available from the 1st November - please book in advance.

Prices are just £24.95 per person choosing three courses from the set menu below with coffee and mince pies to finish.

STARTERS

DESSERTS

Surf and Turf Kebabs with warm Garlic Butter - Succulent bite sized pieces of beef with king prawns.

Brandy Mocha Cup - A rich, delicious chocolate dessert.

Chesnut & Mushroom Soup - Homemade rich, thick & creamy soup served with a warm roll.

Christmas Pudding - Traditional, homemade and served with cream.

Port Trifle - A warming homemade trifle.

Grilled Walnut Bread laden with Pear Parma Ham and Roquefort.

Amaretti Figs with Raspberry Coulis - luscious figs served with amaretti cream.

Mackerel and Horseradish Pate - a moreish pate served with crusty wholemeal roll and rocket salad.

Cheese Board.

MAIN COURSES Individual Beef Wellington served with wholegrain creamed potato and seasonal vegetables.

Traditional Roast Turkey with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and parsnip crisps.

Cranberry & Chestnut Nut Roast served with two potato mash and seasonal vegetables.

Ry’s Christmas Burger - Turkey Fillet stuffed with brie and cranberry wrapped in bacon served with chips or fries.

In addition RY’s will also be OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY for a traditional Christmas Lunch 12.30 - 3.30 at a price of £59.95 per person.

Booking is available and space is limited.

Call Now on 01953 455511

November 2014

38 Homes & gardens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Reliable Removal Company In Norwich & Across Norfolk At Bunn Removals we offer the complete removals package across Norfolk and Suffolk.

We have trained staff to make sure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. We understand that moving home can be a stressful and hectic task.

That is why we aim to ensure that your relocation runs as smoothly as possible, working closely with you throughout the entire process and catering to specific requirements.

We pride ourselves on our high quality

Groundworks Digger Driver/Hire Fencing Landscaping Garden Maintenance Contact us Kurt: 07795 148465 James: 07833 054308 kurt.wcs@gmail.com November 2014

removals service and low prices. We will happily provide you with a free quotation so you can see our competitive rates for yourself.

Testimonial: Maria15, Holbeach, 28th August 2012. Moved from a bed 2nd floor lat (NCH) to a 2 bed house (Lincs)

“Thank you for a very professional service, would highly recommend this removal company. All my items were very well protected. Very stress free move in every way. Very punctual and professional.�

Call today for a free, no obligation

@Dispatch_Mag

HOMES & GARDENS 39

The Fireplace Centre Over past years, Fireplaces and Wood Burning Stoves have come back in to their own as the focal point of many rooms and for both contemporary There is so much scope in style and finish for fireplaces today and one of the best places to realise the truth of this is at the new relocated showrooms of “The Fireplace & Plaster Centre” at Brunel Way in Thetford.Established in 1993, they can offer the consumer professional advise on the most suitable choice of Fireplace & Stove for their home, being the only HETAS Approved retailer in Norfolk & North Suffolk.

Here choice has never been greater, with Surrounds manufactured from Marble, Limestone, Sandstone, Solid Timbers and Cast Iron, all in different sizes and designs, including Period to Traditional styles through to more Modern and Contemporary styles, offering superb finishes to any rooms. Here you will find over 50 displays complimented by a superb range of Wood Burning & MultiFuel Stoves, natural looking coal effect gas fires, as well as a vast range of Electric Fires.

There are even Gas Fires if you have no chimney. This is an ideal place to find new ideas to give your home that very

individual look with the addition of a new fireplace which can even be made bespoke to your requirements. They offer a full and professional installation service, having their own In-House HETAS installers, which has to comply with the current building regulations.

Anybody wishing to have a Solid Fuel Appliance installed must have the installation carried-out by an installer who is HETAS registered so as to conform to building regulations, if not, approval from local building control must be sought, which can sometimes be more costly than having “The Fireplace & Plaster Centre” do the work Failure to carry out this will result in your building & contents insurances possibly becoming invalid. The company also offer a professional Chimney Sweeping Service, from their NACS trained InHouse engineers, using the latest PowerSweeping equipment, which is much more thorough than traditional methods, giving a cleaner and more efficient flue. www.stoveandfireplacecentre.co.uk

One of the biggest and best selections in Norfolk and Suffolk!!...

MAIN STOCKISTS OF STOVAX STOVES, CAPITAL FIREPLACES & STOVES, ELGIN & HALL, FOCUS FIREPLACES, COLIN PARKER FIREPLACES,DIMPLEX, VALOR, KINDER FIRES, KHOLANGAZ FIRES, NEWMAN FIREPLACES & STOVES, EKOL STOVES... ...AND MANY MORE

Come and visit our new relocated showroom.

Over 60 displays to view. Choose from stone, marble, timber and cast iron.

Gas / Electric / Solid Fuel Full installation service by our own in-house installers Norfolk’s only HETAS - APPROVED RETAILER, meaning you get the best advice and installation.

OPEN Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 3pm

Established 1993

01842 766999 29 Brunel Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1HP

Email: fireplaceman@btconnect.com | www.stoveandfireplacecentre.co.uk

November 2014

40 ELDERLY

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Specialist Dementia Care at Its Best Live-in carers can provide domestic, personal and social care With a number of recent news articles portraying poor care within care homes, especially within the Dementia market, one Norfolk care home in particular is bucking the trend.

The Beeches is a registered care home for the Elderly and those suffering from Dementia. The home is set in 2 acres of beautiful gardens in the town of East Harling. All rooms are furnished to hotel standards but are personalised to suit each new resident, with residents encouraged to bring in their own personal belongings. There are 44 bedrooms with a separate specialist dementia wing for 15 residents.

The Home provdes a range of assisted bathrooms, showers and accompanying mobility aids.

The Home also has a number of spacious lounges. A balanced and nutritious diet is offered with

emphasis placed on fresh homemade meals. Hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks are available throughout the day.

The Home has an Activities Coordinator who organises activities on a daily basis for the Residents.

These are led by resident’s requests and family’s suggestions. Resident’s parties are organised on a regular basis and at all times the Home believes in maintaining social interaction between residents, their families and friends.

The Beeches is owned by Norfolk based company Black Swan International Limited who have 13 care homes in Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. For more information, to request a brochure or to arrange a visit The Beeches can be contacted on 01953 717584 or visit their website www.blackswan.co.uk

Live-in Care, The Real Alternative to a Care Home Live-in carers can provide domestic, personal and social care Given the choice, many people would prefer to be cared for in their own home and Able Community Care has enabled thousands of people to exercise this choice.

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

Able Community Care provides livein carers whose role is to provide domestic, personal and social care tailored to each individual’s needs and wishes.

Each live-in carer lives in a person’s home for a fortnight providing a safe, secure and reliable care package.

Able Community Care’s objective is to establish two or three liked carers who return on a rotational basis in order to provide a continuous service with as little disruption as possible.

November 2014

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

Able Community Care’s website www. uk-care.com provides comprehensive information, including many moving and heartfelt client comments. There is also an option to sign up for their free email Newsflash, written by the MD. Angela Gifford each week.

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

For a Free Information Pack please don’t hesitate to contact Able Community Care on 01603 764567 or email Ablemg@aol.com. www.uk-care.com.

O VER £550,000

SPENT ON UPGRADING THE HOME !

THE BEECHES

Rooms from £550 per week Single En Suite Bedrooms Permanent, Respite and

Holiday Care Chiropody and Hairdressing in the Town Centre Individual Centred Care Home Cooked Meals Daily Activity Flat Screen TV in

Every Bedroom

THE BEECHES

The Beeches 1 West Harling Road, East Harling, Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2N Telephone +44 (0)1953 717 584 Fax. : +44 (0)1953 717 584

thebeeches@blackswan.co.uk www.blackswan.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

ELDERLY 41

Winter Safety Tips for keeping safe in Winter When the temperature drops, older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather, including hypothermia, frostbite, and falls in ice and snow.

Stay Indoors when it’s very cold outside, especially if it’s also very windy. Keep indoor temperatures at about 65 degrees. If you have to go outside, don’t stay out for very long, and go indoors if you start shivering.

Stay Dry Wet clothing chills your body quickly Wear Layers Wearing two or three thinner layers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing.

Shoveling can also be dangerous if you have problems with balance, or “thin bones” (osteoporosis). Ask Your Healthcare Provider If It’s Safe for you to shovel snow or do other hard work in the cold.

Falls

Championing dementia in Norfolk

An enjoyable & sociable day out The perfect place to make new friends

It is easy to slip and fall in the winter, especially in icy and snowy conditions.

• Hair salon & barber shop • Reminiscence room

Carefully Shovel Steps & Walkways to your home or hire someone to shovel for you.Do not walk on icy or snowy sidewalks; look for sidewalks that are dry and have been cleared. Wear Boots With Non-skid Soles so you’re less likely to slip when you walk.

• 1950’s kitchen and parlour • Chiropody & sensory therapy room • Art area & exercise hall • Adapted garden

Injury While Shoveling Snow When it’s cold, your heart works extra hard to keep you warm. Working hard, such as shoveling show, may put too much strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease.

• Mini bus service available

If You Use a Cane, Replace the Rubber Tip Before it is Worn Smooth. You might also buy (at a medical supply store) an ice pick-like attachment that fits onto the end of the cane to help keep you from slipping when

Book a day with us now on

01953 889 230 A Dementia Centre from

HASSINGHAM HOUSE CARE CENTRE HINGHAM | NORFOLK | 01953 851 890

FUN & FROLICS - Is this really a care centre?

Happy Residents I hope I’m putting the glue in the right place, I bet they will be stuck to the table

Arts & Crafts

Music Afternoon

Give us some instruments, and a bit of music and there’s just no controlling them!

Carehome! Really? ...Cheers

Cheese & Wine After

noon

Our philosophy is not to fix people, but to find effective environments to empower their wellbeing.

Different behaviours are messages which can tell us important things about a person and the quality of his or her life.

November 2014

42 HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

South Norfolk Mobility Centre A local, small independent company, making customer service their As we head into the colder weather, you might want to make sure your scooter is serviced in order to keep it in tip top condition for the winter months.

We offer a full service, which is undertaken in our workshop.

We will collect and deliver for you, and aim to have your scooter back to you within 24 hours. We test the batteries so that you can be confident to know that they are in good condition, or if they need replacing.

We stock coats and capes for the scooter user, and if you don’t have a shed or garage to house your scooter, we have scooter covers and protectors. So, you can be well prepared for the winter weather.

Please visit http://www. southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk/ Our opening times are Tuesday through to

November 2014

Friday, 9.30am - 5.00pm. Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.

We are situated directly opposite the Household Recycling Centre at, 22 Oakwood Industrial Estate, Harling Rd, Snetterton, Norwich, NR16 2JU Tel: 01953 887777

Contact Care For less than 43p a day, you can maintain your independence secure in the knowledge that you’re never alone.

Since 1987, we’ve been helping people and offering reassurance to Clients and those who care about them.

We aim to install a Lifeline alarm within 3-5 working days, sooner if it’s an emergency, and we ensure the whole process is easy and straightforward.

We’ll make sure you understand how your Lifeline works and what’s involved.

info@southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk www. southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk

The Contact Care Lifeline is there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you’re hurt, concerned or in need of advice, press your red button and we can help.

Installing your Lifeline alarm is an easy and straightforward process. Here’s what you need: A standard electric plug socket An existing telephone socket – on the

same wall, close to the electric socket At least 2 emergency contacts who are key holders to your home and live locally in case of an emergency The pendant works within 50 metres of the unit we have plugged into the telephone line and, therefore, may be used within the property or garden.

The pendant can be worn on a cord around the neck, or as a wrist strap. An appointment can be arranged for us to visit you and demonstrate the equipment before installation.

If you prefer, you can self-install your Lifeline alarm with clear instructions included in the pack sent to you.

We’re good at what we do. We listen, we give you time and we look at the whole person. We care.

For further information, please visit our website: www.contactcare.org.uk or call Freephone 0800 917 4680.

@Dispatch_Mag

Winter Driving

MOTORING 43

Top Tips for your car this winter 1. Get your car serviced The peace of mind a professional check could offer is well worth paying for.Therefore before the winter weather gets any worse, it’s a good idea to book your car into a garage and have it looked over by a mechanic.

Fixing any mechanical problems now will hopefully reduce the risk you will break down at a later date.

2. Pump up your tyres At this time of year, heavy rain, snow and ice can make the roads lethal for motorists.To help lower the risk of skidding, check both your car’s tyre condition and pressure are correct before you drive. The current legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but during the winter months it is a sensible idea to ensure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth.

This should also help increase your car’s fuel efficiency and lower your petrol costs as you won’t have to put your foot down as hard on the accelerator.

3. Look after your lights Dark mornings and dark evenings can make driving extremely dangerous. It is therefore crucial to ensure all your lights are clean and working properly.

Always replace any broken bulbs immediately.If you don’t, you will not only find it difficult to see the road clearly, you run the risk of not being seen by other drivers. Make sure you know where your front and back fog lights are.

4. Fill up your fuel Before you hit the road, make sure you have sufficient fuel in the tank. The last thing you want in the cold weather is to run out of petrol and be stuck on the side of the road somewhere.

It is also important to check you have the right level of oil in your car, and top it up if it gets too low.

5. Ensure you can see Winter weather can make it more difficult to see clearly when you are driving.To help lower the risk of having an accident always make sure the

windscreen is clean and clear, you have plenty of screenwash and your wiper blades are in good condition.

If your windows are covered in frost, make sure you de-ice them before driving and don’t forget to clear your mirrors too.

When you’re warming up your car, never leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked. You only need to turn your back for a second and an opportunist thief could jump in and drive off.

6. Be prepared It is a sensible idea to put together an emergency winter survival kit so that you are prepared should you break down or have an accident.

Remember to include a torch, warm clothes, blankets, food, ice scraper and a first aid kit.

It’s also important to always carry a fully charged mobile phone and the number of your car breakdown service

with you so that you can call for help should you need it.

7. Drive safely Finally, make sure you take extra care on the roads. Allow more time for journeys and try to avoid rushing.

Keep a safe distance from the car in front, and leave more time to brake and accelerate in wet or icy conditions.

If there is snow and ice on the roads, use high gears to reduce the need for sudden deceleration or acceleration.

And in the fog watch your speed as fog can give the impression of slow motion in oncoming traffic.

If you can it’s a good idea to avoid driving in the dark and bad weather altogether as the number of accidents increase during these conditions.

Wherever possible try to use major routes which have been gritted or salted. Be aware that not everyone on the road will be experienced in driving in these types of conditions so remain alert at all times.

DC Last Family run firm at your service!

DC Last Vehicle Repairs was established in 1980 by David and Patricia Last. Since then we have moved into three gradually bigger sites in Scole before moving into our current site in August 1999. At this time, son James joined the company from a large main dealer where he was a salesman and DC Last vehicle Repairs and sales Ltd was born.

For the last five years, we have rented our workshop facilities out but due to public demand, we are reopening our workshop and MOT testing station under our original name of DC Last Vehicle Repairs and Sales.

Guy Evans who has worked for us for over 16 years has now come back to us as our workshop foreman. As he has worked for us for such a long time, he is familiar with our customer base so all exisiting

customers will still see lots of familiar faces.Also all our car sales vehicles will all be serviced and MOT’d on site, so they can be thoroughly prepared, prior to collection.

We pride ourselves on giving all our customers both old and new, a personal service. We regard our customers as our friends and know nearly 100% of our existing customers on first name terms. We

are a family business and intend to remain so. We firmly believe that our family values set us apart from many other companies.

David, Patricia and James Last offer a warm welcome to both existing and new customers and we would like to have your custom. For workshop booking, Mot’s or car sales enquiries feel free to call on 01379 740568.

November 2014

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46 DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY

www.DispatchDirectory.co.uk

A lasting tribute in stone for your loved one H. L. PERFITT Stonemasons Serving local families since 1842

Diss Vinces Rd. IP22 4YS • 01379 652211 Bungay Chaucer St. NR35 1DT • 01986 892359 North Walsham Midland Rd. NR28 9JR • 01692 403235

November 2014

www.hlperfitt.co.uk

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P&R

CARPENTRY For all your carpentry needs All work undertaken

Phil Ray Time served carpenter 30 years experience

01953 459974 07810 787436 philray2@tiscali.co.uk

DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 47

ORCHARD GARAGE (ATTLEBOROUGH LTD)

CAR SERVICING REPAIRS M.O.T.S AND M.O.T WORK

TEL: 01953 455955 FAX: 01953 455955 UNIT 8A STATION RD IND EST. STATION ROAD, ATTLEBOROUGH NR17 2NP

November 2014