Dispatch Magazine For Diss & Attleborough October 2013

OW BOOK N S MA CHRIST G IN IS COM

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

COMPETITION

NURSERIES & SCHOOLS

NEWS & EVENTS

FOR DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

October 2013

WELCOME

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

Editor: Jonathan Horswell

Advertising: sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Chris Lotarius ( Sales ) Harry Cawley ( Sales )

Design: design@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Colin Jeffery ( Senior Designer ) Joe Mellor ( Trainee Designer )

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

DispatchMag

Issue 145 October 2013 Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is: October

11th 2013

Š Dispatch Magazine Disclaimer: No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate, but the Publisher can not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the Publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

October 2013

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Diss Museum These pictures used to hang in the corridor of Diss Grammar School; but who are the men?

The handsome chap at top-middle is Ernest Thompson, headmaster until he joined up near the end of the First World War. He became a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery and was killed a few months later.

You wonder what soul-searching he must have gone through to leave his safe

teaching post and join the army at the age of 34.

Bottom right is Mr. Charles Gray, headmaster in the 1930s. Top right is thought to be Dr. Pearce, who was probably a Governor of the school, as were the other pictured men. Does anyone know who they are?

Basil Abbott

A Country Harvest Flower Festival All Saints Church Thorpe Abbotts, IP21 4HS. Sat/Sun 12/13 October 11.00am - 4.00pm. Free Admission.

A Church full of glorious flowers and floral

decorations together with refreshments, produce and a very warm welcome.

For more detail contact Chris on 01379 669116.

Messy Church Saturday, 5th October, 10-12am at Diss United Reformed Church, Mere Street, (opp Co-op).

theme followed by a period of reflection, prayer and music and a light lunch.

Theme: The Gifts we see in others.

Lots of fun activities around the

For all ages, children with a carer, entrance free.

Doughnut Church Tuesday, 15th October, 4-5.30pm at Diss United Reformed Church,Mere Street, (opp Co-op).

Enjoy a free doughnut and Cafe styleChurch with fun activities

October 2013

exploring the theme of the gifts we see in others.

For all ages, children with a carer, entrance free.

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

Diss Funeral Home

Park Radio

...Short-listed For National Awards.

...the community radio station for Diss and the Waveney Valley, having completed four 28 day broadcasts since 2010, will be applying for a full time 5 year licence this year when Ofcom, the licencing authority, accepts applications from East Anglia.

Local funeral home, Rosedale has been short-listed in four separate categories for the national Good Funeral Awards with three of them coming from the Diss funeral home. General manager of Rosedale Richard Green has been short-listed for best funeral director of the year alongside Christain Fairbrother as the most promising new funeral director and Paul Rackham as best grave digger. Dee Besley based at the Halesworth branch has been nominated as best funeral arranger.

“It’s an honour to be short-listed” said Richard “when you find out there were over 600 nominations and to think we are up against huge corporate giants we should be very proud to receive just one short-listing let alone four” Anne Beckett-Allen of Rosedale was also thrilled. “Coming on the back of winning three prestigious awards recently, including the Community Impact award 2012 it’s a credit for our staff to be recognised individually for the professionalism and dedication

they show to Rosedale and the families that they care for at such a difficult time” she said.” I shall certainly have my fingers crossed for them on Saturday.” The awards will be presented in Bournemouth on Saturday September 7th, by actress Pam St Clement, well known for playing Pat Butcher in EastEnders.

Established eight years ago Rosedale has six branches across South Norfolk and North Suffolk - in Diss, Attleborough, Wymondham, Halesworth, Bungay and Beccles.

Over the summer Park Radio have been heavily involved in supporting many community events, including local carnivals, fetes and garden parties.

events. As a non-for-profit organisation Park Radio relies on the support from the local community to ensure the project is sustainable and would thank everyone who has helped so far.

They have also been running a regular Quiz League in a different location each month and have hosted numerous Car boot sales & family fun days, the most recent in a joint venture with Brome Grange Hotel on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Dispatch magazine for more information on the licence application.

Here’s to the first 5 years of some great local radio for Diss, Harleston and the Waveney Valley!

Before Christmas, Park Radio are planning a Party Night at the Park Hotel on October 25th and will be playing at the “Battle of the Bangers” in Diss Market Place on October 5th as part of the Waveney Valley Food & Drink Festival, not forgetting entertaining the crowds at the annual Fireworks extravaganza at Diss Rugby Club on November 2nd and the Diss & Harleston Christmas Lights Switch-On

October 2013

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Uplands Way Vets Tortoise Day: On Sunday the 2nd of September we held a ‘Tortoise Check- up Day’ in conjunction with Norfolk Tortoise Club.

We saw tortoises of all sizes for worming, microchipping and general health checks prior to their hibernation this winter. It was a great day for all tortoise loving people young and old to get together and share their experiences and knowledge regarding the care and husbandry of tortoises, as well as a get together for tortoises who had a fun time roaming around our garden in the sun-butting shells! A very enjoyable day.

Coming up… As part of our on-going effort to provide the best service we can to our clients we hold evening meetings/ practical classes for you every year. This year already we have held an equine and a small holders meeting. Next up is our farmers meeting. The farming world is always changing with the seasons and with new emerging diseases, so we endeavour to give you as much help and new information as we can…so watch this space this Autumn.

Case of the month: We often find ourselves presented with naughty dogs

October 2013

who find inanimate objects tasty treats!

The things we surgically remove from stomachs never cease to amaze us!

This month we removed a coconut door mat from one dog and a golf ball from another offender, a week later!

My Tax Return Catch Up Taxpayers who owe tax are currently being targeted under an HMRC campaign known as My Tax Return Catch Up. The campaign is aimed at taxpayers that should have filed Self Assessment tax returns for 2011/12 and earlier tax years.

At Uplands Way Vets, we offer complete care for all animals, large and small, throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. We have branches in Diss, Attleborough and Stanton, offering 24hr emergency cover by our own vets, meaning you benefit from seeing a friendly, familiar face in an emergency.

The campaign runs until 15th October 2013.

We have a dedicated team of staff who will look after and care for your pets just as you would. We also offer loyalty schemes for dogs, cat, rabbits and horses, helping you save money with your routine pet care.

HMRC have listed the following benefits for taxpayers taking part in this disclosure opportunity:

For more information please ring any of our branches or visit our website.

• The use of a dedicated helpline.

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

• A quick and straightforward way of bringing your tax affairs up to date.

• An increased chance of saving a

higher penalty based on behaviour.

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

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

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

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 2013

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

New Rules Regarding Personal Injury Claims Following the introduction of new rules in April people bringing claims for personal injuries need to be aware that they may lose some of their compensation by way of legal costs.

Dracula!

Thursday 17th October 7.30pm.

The Keeper’s Daughter present their frighteningly frivolous production of Bram Stoker’s.

Don’t forget to put your teeth in!

It was previously possible for claims to be brought on a ‘no win no fee’ basis which gave clients the assurance they would not incur legal costs if the claim was lost. If the claim was successful the legal costs would increase but these would usually be paid by the other side, together with the sometimes hefty cost of a supportive insurance policy. Under the new regime these additional costs cannot be claimed from the other side. They will need to be paid by the injured person out of the compensation they recover.

Until recently, many advertisements for this type of work guaranteed claimants would keep 100% of their compensation. This guarantee is now likely to be missing. Many organisations seeking work will now be looking to recover part of their costs from the compensation.

October 2013

However, it is not always necessary for a case to be pursued on the basis that these additional costs are incurred. Even if they are, the sums in question can be negotiated - the ‘cap’ of 25% which is meant to apply can be reduced.

Accordingly if you are involved in any accident and want to keep as much of your compensation as possible you should visit your local solicitors (many of whom offer a free interview for this purpose) and ask them to discuss how much, if any, of your compensation they may take by way of costs.

You can then contrast this with the deduction proposed by other organisations who contact you - many of whom may only leave you with 75% of your damages.

For further information please contact Paul McGrath on 01379 643555 or by email to paul.mcgrath@jackamans.co.uk

Enacted by a cast of five slightly deranged and definitely contagious actors and told with all the grace of a 1930s Hollywood horror. This rapid retelling of strangers binding together in order to defeat a greater evil thunders along at lightning pace juxtaposing comedy with horror amidst startling styles of storytelling.

The Keeper’s Daughter is theatre company in residence at Diss Corn Hall. They bring modern methods of storytelling to rural areas, offer professional guidance and teaching through theatre production and encourage development in young people and rural communities through theatre and storytelling.

‘There can be few small theatre companies around today able to rival the

wit, originality and vigour of The Keeper’s Daughter’ - Diss Express Running time approx 85 minutes.

A family show for ages 8+ www.thekeepersdaughter.org.uk Tickets available online at www.disscornhall.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01379 652 241.

10 Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Ask The Audiologist Norfolk Audiologist Simon Myhill RHAD MSHAA, from The Hearing Care Centre, takes a few minutes out of his diary to answer some of the most frequently asked questions he hears from his patients.

• Having difficulty hearing people talking from other rooms • Hard to communicate in group situations • Asking people to repeat themselves often How often should I have my hearing tested?

To ensure optimal hearing we recommend you have your hearing reviewed every 2 years as your hearing is constantly changing.

How do I know if I need a hearing test?

What happens during a hearing test?

As hearing loss is often a gradual process, its occurrence is not always obvious to us. Often it is those closest to us that notice we are not hearing things the way we once used to. There are a number of possible symptoms that may be indicative of an underlying hearing loss. If you recognise any of them, book yourself a hearing test:

The assessment begins with an examination of the ear, the ear canals, and the ear drums. A measurement is then taken to assess your middle ear health and function. Speech Testing is then carried out to determine how clearly speech is perceived at a comfortable listening level. Lastly, Pure-Tone Testing is completed by having the patient listen for very soft tones or beeps. The Audiologist will then review the results with you.

• It seems as though people are mumbling • Being told you have the TV up too loud

October 2013

How much is a hearing aid?

The cost of a hearing aid is influenced by a variety of factors, but mostly by the level or sophistication of the hearing aid technology. An entry-level hearing aid will be less expensive and will also have fewer features, whereas a more advanced hearing aid may be more expensive and will have many more features that enhance sound quality and your ability to hear speech when in background noise.

Hearing aids with The Hearing Care Centre start from around £300 and can go up to £2,500.

The Hearing Care Centre Ltd East Anglia’s multi-award winning, private hearing care company Freephone 0800 096 2637 Web: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk Local centres: Attleborough, Botesdale, Eye, Harleston, Thetford and Wymondham

12 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship

Attleborough Amateur Boxing Club

...enjoyed a Craft morning on the 15th August when members brought their own work.

18 members of Attleborough Amateur Boxing Club successfully completed a gruelling 24 hour Boxathon starting at noon on Friday August 23rd and raised £2,500 towards club funds.

There were paintings of all medium , beautiful lace work, knitting, patchwork, quilting and card making. Rod the chairman was very surprised at the talent shown. It was a very interesting morning.

The next meting is on 19th September , the theme will be “Nostalgia” when members will recall their time during and after the war.

The annual B.Q. was a great success, held in the chairmans house, as unfortunately, it was on Thursday the 22nd, the only day of the week when we had rain.

The meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month. Between 10.00 and 12 noon at the Methodist Church Hall London Rd. Attleborough.

New members will always be welcome to join us for coffee and biscuits.

Nevertheless we all had a very good time with plenty to eat and drink. Thanks to the very hard work by Rod and Angela.

Mrs. Doreen Parker, Secretary will be willing to give you any further information on 01953 456958.

Head Coach Jon Dennis together with 6 of the Club’s Coaches also went the full distance and were full of praise for the determination, stamina and camaraderie that meant that all Squad members completed the event which consisted of ring work, shadow boxing, pad work, running, skipping and circuit training. The Boxathon was organised by Club Secretary Pam Riley together with Rachel Stratton

who also ran a BBQ during the 24 hours to provide much needed refreshments to the members and supporters.

Attleborough ABC is now entering its 5th competitive season and trains at its Deopham Road Gym in Attleborough gym 6 days a week and members can join from aged 8 upwards, further details can be obtained on 01953 457329.

Forncett Craft Fair Saturday 19th October, at Forncett St. Mary Church, 11am-3pm. Admission 50p.

A wide range of craft stalls, including wrought iron work, handmade jewellery,

gift boxes, cards, china and linen gifts ,and home-made cakes.

Refreshments and tombola. Proceeds to Forncett St. Mary and Forncett St. Peter Churches

Club Members and Coaches at the end of the event with their Achievement Certificates

Prize Winning Floral Display The winner has been announced in Attleborough’s PATIO (“Put A Tub In the Open”) project.

Older people care establishments in the town were invited to take a container of wildlife-friendly flowers to the Attleborough & District Horticultural Society’s autumn show and the tub prepared by tenants of Holly Court was judged to be the competition winner.

Tenants of the retirement properties in Surrogate Street received the prize of a bouquet of flowers, provided by The Flower Box in Attleborough and sponsored by Rosedale Funeral Home.

Manager of Holly Court, Lesley Harper said: “We were really surprised and pleased to be judged the winners in this group”.

The PATIO project was suggested by Essexbased Dementia Adventure, a not-for-profit community interest company, which assists people living with dementia (in the wider community and in care settings) and their family carers, to experience the therapeutic

October 2013

value of connecting with nature and the green environment.

The local spokesman for Dementia Adventure is Tony Vale. He said: “The PATIO project has shown how a nature-themed activity can be used as a means to bring the local community together”.

For more information about Dementia Adventure visit the website www.dementiaadventure.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

Jangles Clothing Jangles clothing store was opened in the middle of July this year by a local lady (Linda Malt), you will find the store in the Little Barn just off the High street, on Eden lane, just opposite Edenside car park, where you will find ample easy parking if required.

The store sells toys, books, bags and children’s clothing, rangeing from birth upwards. All items are new and prices have been kept as low as possible.

On entering you will be greeted by a bright and cheerful shop, with an inviting friendly atmosphere, with easy access, the items for sale have been laid out in sections for easy browsing, girls clothing, boys clothing, babies clothing, bags, toys, books, birthday cards, party bag toys and a fitting room is available if needed.

The store has just started to receive in the autumn/winter stock, including babies and children’s coats (current stocks of coats are from only £9.99), scarves and gloves, great for those cold winter days, trousers, jumpers, cardigans, tracksuits, skirts, nightwear, underwear and much much more.

A range of toys ideal for Christmas, christmas cards and wrapping paper etc. are also due in shortly.

The stores address and contact details are: Jangles Clothing.

Eden Lane. Attleborough NR17 2EN. Tel 01953 455233 and email address is: jangles@malty123.plus.com Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 9am till 5.30pm (please note the shop closes between 12 o’clock and 1pm for lunch) We also open on the first Sunday of each month between 10am and 1pm, why not call in and see us and feel free to browse around the rails of clothes and shelves of toys, books etc. ** During December we will be open Monday to Saturday 9am till 5.30pm (please note the shop closes between 12 o’clock and 1pm for lunch) Late night on Friday (open till 7pm)**

ATTLEBORoUGH 13

Macmillan Cancer Support ...invites you to “An Afternoon with Liz” (formerly of She Fasions) for the sale of her remaining stock at rock bottom prices.

The event will take place on Wednesday 9th October between 2pm and 5pm at Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough.

Tickets cost £2 and the afternoon will include afternoon tea, cakes and a raffle, all are welcome!

Donations will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Stock includes shoes, slippers for both men and ladies, underwear, nightwear, accessories and clothing for all occasions.

For further information please contact Sandra on 01953 453361.

New Buckenham Film Showing The latest film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, will be shown at New Buckenham Village Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday 26th October.

Doors open at 7pm.

The bar will be open before the film and during the interval.

Advance tickets can be purchased from Kings Stores in New Buckenham for £4 or for £5 on the night.

You can also: Find us on Facebook Follow us on twitter A website is currently being set up, where you will be able to purchase items, to be delivered or for collection in person from the store.

October 2013

14 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Rosedale Funeral Home Tom And Victoria Saddle Up For Charity Challenge ...Wins Best Funeral Arranger Of The Year.

Staff at award winning funeral home Rosedale had everything crossed on Saturday night in Bournemouth.

They had been short-listed in four categories at this year’s Good Funeral Awards hosted by Pam St Clement, well known for playing Pat Butcher in BBC TV’s EastEnders.

There was great applause as Rosedale’s Dee Beesley was announced Best Funeral Arranger of the year with Paul Rackham just being pipped at the post as best grave digger of the year. “I am just speechless” said Dee “It is such a privilege to be able to arrange the funeral of a loved one and to find out you have been voted the best by the Good Funeral Guide, well I am honoured.”

Anne Beckett-Allen, director of Rosedale said “I am thrilled not only for Rosedale but for Dee who strives to deliver the most personal and professional service at all times.”

Established nine years ago Rosedale has six branches across South Norfolk and North Suffolk - in Diss, Attleborough, Wymondham, Halesworth, Bungay and Beccles.

Below: Simon and Anne Beckett-Allen with actress Pam St Clement host of The Good Funeral Guides Awards Night 2013

Two Scole children saddled up for their first major charity fundraising challenge - to help sick youngsters at Quidenham Hospice.

Inspired by their challenge-loving parents, Tom Beckett-Allen, 10 and his seven-year-old sister Victoria decided to tackle the North East’s 140-mile coast to coast cycleway. And they completed the journey this week - after six days pedalling, riding tandem with mum and dad Anne and Simon.

“They’ve seen us get involved in all sorts of things for charity and decided they wanted to do something themselves.

They started off saving birthday money and doing odd jobs before deciding on

the cycle challenge to really give their fundraising a boost,” said mum Anne. It was totally their own idea so we made sure they certainly did their share of the pedalling,” she added.

As directors of Rosedale Funeral Home, Anne and Simon are well known locally for their support of local charities, regularly raising money through marathons and iron man challenges. www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk www.each.org.uk

Gearing up: Tom and Victoria, front, pictured with parents Simon and Anne Beckett-Allen.

Charity Garage Sale 17th/18th August - Update.

The weather stayed good and the public response was brilliant all weekend.

Never thought we would have made such a fantastic amount of money for the EAAA, £1,711.88 (double last year’s amount).

So a very big thank you to all who helped, donated and supported us, we are very

October 2013

greatful Yvonne and Henry Large. (Karmel The Green Old Buckenham)

16 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Anglia Computer Solutions A Look At Liability Insurance!

If you are setting up a new office, or expanding a business you may need a Telephone line, ADSL, a PC, a Wireless or Cabled Network, CCTV or Portable Appliance Testing.

Anglia Computer Solutions Ltd can provide you with a complete office solution with the following range of services: • Cabled networks, Category 5 and 6 can be installed, certified and upgraded as required.

• Wireless Network Surveys using an industry standard software tool Airmagnet will enable correct planning, ensure adequate coverage and find areas of low coverage.

Surveys are available from £50.

Implementation follows!

• Telephone lines can be provided with a low monthly cost of £12.65 +VAT. Installation is a standard cost of £105 + VAT, if required.

• Business grade ADSL can be provided from £22.50 + VAT per month.

• Telephony services: 1. Add a second phone line and have

October 2013

no monthly costs. Use an existing broadband connection with Voice over IP. Allows employees to call the office without tying up the main customer line.

2. For larger businesses save money on an expensive and inflexible PBX and use Voice over IP technology instead. Free calls between sites/phones, cheap calls to landlines and mobiles, a multitude of call features all controllable by you via a web portal.

• Analogue and IP CCTV systems for protecting staff, as a theft/behaviour deterrent or as an extra set of eyes for areas such as car parks, door entrances, counters, shop floors and stock areas. A high resolution four vandal proof dome camera and DVR system starts at £540 (hardware only).

• Portable Appliance testing for small Offices and Businesses will ensure that equipment meets Health and Safety regulations.

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.

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

@Dispatch_Mag

Disney On Ice Dare To Dream Tickets now on sale.

Carry on the festive spirit with Disney on Ice - Dare to Dream on Friday 27th December 2013 at London’s O2 Arena.

Attleborough Travel has arranged a coach with Eastons from Attleborough to see this magical performance.

“Join a celebration of royal proportions when Rapunzel, Tiana and Cinderella star in Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream”!

“Experience hilarious hair-raising escapades with Rapunzel, Flynn and Maximus. Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. Fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming. Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream”!

The ticket price is £47.00 for adults and £45.00 for children. This price includes coach travel to/from Attleborough Queen Square. The show is a family production suitable for all ages from 0-100!

The show contains unique Disney characters, popular theme scores, loveable stories, dazzling costumes, superb world class ice skating, stunning pyrotechnics and fantastic effects, all of which are performed on a huge ice pad on the floor level in the middle of the arena.

We have allocated seats at the O2 Arena in the lower tier which are ideal for children, with the performance starting at 4pm.The performance lasts for approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute interval. Coach will depart approximately 1pm from Queens Square.

Treat the family or someone special with this magical Christmas present!

Reserve your seats now to avoid disappointment at Attleborough Travel 01953 455003. We are aiming to arrange other day trips so if you belong to a group or organisation and would like us to help you to arrange a fabulous day out or even a short holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

ATTLEBORoUGH 17

Attention!!

DEADLINE LOOMING!!!

Did you know that the deadline for completing your tax return is 31th October 2013 - BUT ONLY if you want to complete this on paper? If you complete your tax return online (or get someone else to do it for you) then you have another whole 3 MONTHS until 31th January 2014. I am sure you will agree that sounds a whole lot better.

If you don’t fancy completing your tax return then why not let the experts do this for you.

Here at KBA we still have time to offer you a free initial consultation and then to complete your accounts and your self assessment tax return by 31th January 2014, but not if you leave it too much longer before you get in touch.

Interesting fact number 2 - Did you know that self assessment tax payers who have failed to file tax returns for any year up to 2011/12 are currently being granted an amnesty by the tax office. Those nice people at the tax office set up a new campaign called “My Tax Return Catch Up”. This started way back in July but you still have until 15th October 2013 to get your tax affairs sorted under the campaign. Why not

call KBA for more details? If you have got behind with your tax returns maybe this is just the chance you need to get up to date.

Over the last couple of months here at KBA we have been helping quite a few of our newer clients with their payroll and Real Time Submissions. I think I am safe in saying that most of them were surprised just how little having a payroll provider costs and were wondering why they hadn’t done something about it before. Having KBA as your payroll provider can cost as little as £10 per month (plus VAT) so why not give us a call and find out how much time and money we can save you.

Well that’s enough interesting facts for this time (this is accountancy after all - we have to go steady!) If you can’t wait until the next issue why not contact us - Kerry@kerrybutcher.co.uk or call 01953 457173 and we can see how we can help you with your accountancy affairs.

Don’t forget we are still on facebook too - why not take a look at our page - look out for some great offers coming soon.

October 2013

18 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Funeral Director Andy Free ...thanks two Attleborough town councillors.

Andy Free, local family Funeral Director, was fortunate to be invited to a Fish and Chip Quiz night recently, in aid of the Attleborough First Responders.

An “excellent evening was had by all” said Andy. Town Councillor’s Karen Pettit and Tony Crouch had arranged the evening at the Connaught Hall to raise awareness and funds for the Attleborough First Responders.

A Raffle was held with some great prizes, locally donated, as well as some very tasty fish and chips” Andy mentioned the quiz to a few friends and family and before he knew it he was booking in two teams, we didn’t come last, or anywhere near first! but we all agreed it was fantastic fun and we would love to take part again”.

On Sunday the 1st of September he was invited to be the Main Sponsor for one of the events in the Attleborough Festival. The festival, a two day event, held in Connaught Hall and the grounds, was a great event, the

October 2013

weather was still being very kind and a good time was had by all.

Andy’s father in law Alan was the driver of the vintage bus owned by the Eastern Transport Collection, a charity run club based in Attleborough, there were also Vintage Tractors on display, a Boot Sale, numerous Arts and Crafts, Refreshment’s in the hall were provided by the Woman’s Institute (wow great cakes!!!) there was a Coconut Shy, Wood Carving, Morris Dancers, and much more, not to mention the Dog Show.

Tony and Karen asked me if I would like to sponsor the Dog Show, I couldn’t resist. There were 1st 2nd and 3rd places in over 10 heats with a special Judge’s choice and Sponsor’s choice.

I was proud that the winner’s rosettes had been printed with our company name on, there were special treats for the dogs too.

With over 60 entries into the dog show alone it would seem that the whole

festival is growing in size year upon year, there is something for everyone.

Andy would like to personally thank Karen and Tony for all their efforts in arranging both the festival and the quiz and for inviting him to be involved with both, we all had a very enjoyable time, very well done.

Anyone wanting information on the Eastern Transport Vintage Bus Collection or wishing to make a donation for the Attleborough First Responders Please contact Andy Free at: andy@andyfree.com or call: 01953 452455.

Retiring?

Then please speak to us.

The Money Advice Service says ‘ You should shop around for an annuity to get a better deal than your pension provider has offered you’.

We can offer an Open Market Option service for your pension and guarantee you will be happy with our service or we will give you £20. Please initially contact us before 15th November, 2013.

We are a firm of Independent Financial Advisers. We offer an annuity service and

may be able to offer a better deal and a wider range of income options.

ML Financial Associates Ltd Suite 4, The Old Dairy, Elm Farm Business Park, Norwich Common, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0SW. Tel: 01953 711123 Fax: 01953 600479 www.mlfinancialassociates.co.uk.

@Dispatch_Mag

Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan Launch Event.

Following change in Government policy and adoption of The Localism Act in 2011, powers were introduced for local communities to produce a new type of community-led plan known as a Neighbourhood Plan. Attleborough Town Council, the first town within the Breckland District, has now submitted its application for the designation of a Neighbourhood Plan Area (NPA) to Breckland Council.

The Town Council is working in partnership with Besthorpe Parish Council and Old Buckenham Parish Council since some of the proposed development areas of the NPA fall upon the boundaries of those parishes.

The Neighbourhood Plan will be produced by working groups reporting to the Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. The completed Plan will be submitted to Attleborough Town Council for approval and onward transmission to Breckland Council. It is intended that the Plan should be community led and reflect the fact that the Town Council believes any major development in Attleborough should be driven by new employment opportunities, with the necessary infrastructure and services to support it. The vision and objectives reflect that aim, as does the composition of the Steering Group.

The NPA is now subject to a public consultation process and the statement and vision can be viewed on the Breckland Council website or copies of the material can be inspected at the Council’s principal office in Dereham and at the Attleborough Library. The deadline for comments to Breckland Council is 4pm on Friday 27th September 2013.

Following successful approval of the NPA, the Steering Group would like to involve the residents and business owners of Attleborough and the surrounding parishes to its proposed launch event at Attleborough High School on Saturday 12th October from 10am to 2pm.

infrastructure, transport, health, and social and leisure. This is your chance as a resident or business owner to review initial plans and proposals and help to produce a Plan which reflects what the community’s needs.

It is important to the town of Attleborough and the surrounding parishes that everybody has a chance to express their views and opinions. Attleborough Town Council is in the latter stages of designing and implementing a new website which will be launched on Friday 11th October. This new website will include an interactive map of the NPA and periodically the Steering Group will publish proposals against specific areas so that comments can be made against each proposal.

The Neighbourhood Plan aims to cover potential development of Attleborough over the period to 2026. It is for this reason that the Town Council felt it was important to include the schools and the next generation within the project.

Attleborough High School will be having a launch day for the students on Friday 11th October, with a chance to view initial work by the students at the public launch on Saturday 12th October.

HARLESTON 19

Harleston Junior Club ...to open its doors for autumn term.

The club, open to young people of primary school age, seven and above, includes a variety of activities available from indoor hockey, crafts, cooking and special theme nights.

tables. The club meet every Wednesday in school term 7pm to 8.45pm.

We also have use of a digital camera, karaoke machine, pool and table tennis

For further information please phone 07778 896325.

The normal nightly fee is £1.50, but the first night is free.

Harleston Flower Club Thursday 7th November. Wortwell Community Centre, Tunbeck Close, Wortwell.

Starts at 2pm - Annual Subscription £25.00. Visitors £4.00. Contact Jenny

Baker 01986 782377.

Members Workshop “A Christmas design”

Farmer Market 3rd Saturday of the month.

At The Swan Hotel, Harleston. Tel 852221. 9 - 1pm.

The Town Council and the Steering Group would like to see as many people as possible from the community at the launch event at Attleborough High School on 12th October.The Steering Group would also welcome assistance from people with time and expertise to contribute to the working groups.

Follow us @Dispatch_Mag

The Neighbourhood Plan will be business and employment led but will encompass housing, education,

October 2013

20 Homes & gardens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Village Green Blinds & Shutters The change from summer to Autumn can be one of the most beautiful times of the year, as the colours around us begin to mellow and the smell of autumn starts to drift across the countryside, we turn our thoughts from the garden towards our homes.

Keeping warm and getting better use out of the heat we pay so much for is becoming a priority for many. Let’s look at a couple of products that whilst beautiful also offer real thermal protection too.

Plantation shutters Hardwood interior shutters have been growing in popularity over the past few years.

They bring an elegance to your rooms that cannot be beaten and because our shutters are made to measure you can choose a design that suits your house and the way you live. What many people do not know though, is that they have thermal property’s very similar to those of secondary glazing! So for those whose property is listed shutters are a really beautiful alternative.

Thermal Conservatory blinds Thermal conservatory blinds are a must for people who want to use their conservatory

in hottest and coldest times of the year.

In the summer they deflect up to 78% of solar heat and then in the winter they retain the heat that you out in leaving your conservatory warmer for longer, and looking much more homely too!

For more information on how to get more out of your conservatory call 01379 669209 Village Green Blinds and Shutters Made to measure Fitted perfectly

The Garden Enclosure Local, Helpful and Independent.

October, the hedgerows are full of berries & leaves are beginning to take on distinct autumnal hues as trees & shrubs start to shut down in preparation for their winter snooze (lucky them!)

As always, there’s still plenty of work to do in the garden, a late clipping of lawns, their edges and deciduous hedges will ensure crisp lines prevail during the months to come. On the vegetable plot it’s time to sow broad beans & set out garlic & over-wintering onions, then apply a good layer of bagged manure on any remaining empty soil & the worms will kindly work it in for you in time for spring.

Very soon the bare-root season will arrive, so make the most of any warm days to prepare a patch of ground ready for new or replacement plantings of fruit trees and bushes, as well as hedging & many beautiful ornamental trees. If you’re looking for particular varieties order early as some tend to sell out more quickly than others, so contact us soon with your requirements.

Outdoor cheer can easily be achieved by replacing the tired contents of your containers and hanging baskets with some winter colour. Try pots of showy large-flowered pansies with dainty violas in front, either matching or mixed colours of each, or make up an arrangement using these plus heathers, goldcrest conifers, cyclamen & colourful primroses, which can then be planted out in the garden when summer-bedding time arrives.

October 2013

Now is also the time to bury tulips, daffodils, alliums, crocus & a whole host of other bulbs outside, & don’t forget to pot up some amazing amaryllis, or fragrant paper white narcissi & prepared hyacinths for indoors, as a treat for yourself or to give as gifts.

Autumn is a great time for planting out hardy shrubs & perennials as this will give them time to settle in & start to put down roots before the rigours of winter set in, ready to burst into growth in the spring. In new borders make sure you include a mix of choices that will provide some late-season &winter interest.

Looking good right now are Witch hazel, cornus, callicarpa, Japanese anemones, heuchera & viburnums, plus many wonderful grasses & conifers... to mention just a few!

Cheers, Ken The Garden Enclosure, Banham brightening up the dullest of days!

@Dispatch_Mag

HOMES & GARDENS 21

Where Has 2013 Gone?

After a very slow start to the summer where everything was behind by 3 to 4 weeks the sun has arrived and with it has brought a sudden burst of colour!

As our hotter autumns are becoming more common, plants of all kinds are producing colour much later into September, October and even November.

Repeat flowering roses will still produce blooms well into November if they are kept dead headed. Most Ramblers produce their flowers on the branches that were made last year, so the new growth which was made this year needs to be tied in as this will produce next years flowers.

Now is the ideal time to prune and tie in the new shoots of climbers and ramblers too before the autumn winds take hold and damage them. As bush and shrub roses finish flowering the tops can be taken out again to stop the wind catching them and causing damage.

Prune out any dead, damaged and diseased wood which you may have along with weak, unproductive stems. Pick up any diseased foliage

that may have dropped onto the soil and if you have the facility to do so burn it or remove it from your garden as the spores from the diseases could ‘over winter’ on the plants or in the soil and you could end up with diseases next year.

If you are not sure on how to prune your roses then why not join us on one of our Planting and Pruning Workshops, this year held on Wednesday 16th or Friday 18th October.

Amongst other things you will find out how to stop ‘rose replant disease’ and how to prepare your soil with well rotted compost prior to planting your new bare root roses in November.

Beautiful autumnal colours can be found on many of the species roses and other shrubs. Roses are well known for hips so why not come and see the fantastic red/orange hips produced by Rosa Moyesii Geranium,

Rosa Virginiana or Rosa Glauca and the black hips of Rosa Pimpinellifolia here in the gardens of Peter Beales Roses?

Shrubs that bring fiery tones to our gardens in September/October are also especially valuable. Sometimes their autumn colour may be their main, or perhaps their only, feature. These shrubs can be planted in any border and will add solidity and substance as well as provide a fiery colour to help create lively plant associations.

preceded by attractive bluish-green foliage from spring onwards.

While we are thinking of colour we can plan now for next spring; there is still time to plant many spring bulbs which are still available at Peter Beales Roses.

Simon White and Peter Chinnery of Peter Beales Roses.

Plants ideal for this include Acer Palmatum “Osakazuki”, a favourite Japanese Maple, with its rich autumn colours and almost black branches and Rhus typhina a dramatic shrub whose bold, branching, suckering habit makes a striking winter sight. In the autumn the leaves turn fiery orange-red and the female plants have clusters of red fruit all winter.

The spectacular crimson and wine red autumn colour of Disanthus cercidifolius, a modest sized shrub, is

Breckland Mowers

Martyn Furness

Established in 1985, Breckland Mowers is a small family run business, specialising in servicing and repairs of all garden machinery and equipment. We deal with all brands and makes including Hayter, Lawnflite, Westwood, Husqvarna, Al-Ko, Stihl and Lawnflite PRO.

Martyn trained in 1978 and worked for an established York based firm. He undertook decorating both in the Stately Castle Howard and Southark Cathedral.

including consumables for Strimmers and Repairs when things don’t quite go to plan!

While your machinery is not needed get us to service and repair it in readiness for the 2014 season!

We also offer new and second hand machinery Based on Buckenham Road in Attleborough we at very competative prices from all the major can provide everything that you need for the manufacturers. Any questions or queries, please Perfect Finish to your lawns, garden, orchard contact us for full details on 01953 453738 or etc. Service and General maintenance to keep email us at brecklandmowers@hotmail.com your machinery in full running order, Spares and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Martyn and family moved to Norfolk in the 90’s and he and his wife have recently moved to Attleborough to be near the grand children.

You can reach me on my mobile 07916341576.

October 2013

22 COMPETITION

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Christmas Is Around The Corner!

More To See, Try, Touch, Taste, Enjoy … And Buy At The Festive Gift Fair.

Join in the fun as the fabulous Festive Gift Fair, the biggest and best Christmas Shopping Fair, returns to the NEC for four days from 21st - 24th November.

Christmas means gifts for your loved ones, hanging decorations on the tree, excitement on children’s faces, party clothes, stockings hanging over the hearth, a table fit for a festive feast!

The run up to Christmas Day involves lots of planning! The hardest and often most time consuming part is buying the presents.

There’s no need to be stuck for ideas, Festive Gift Fair makes it so easy.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll get into the Christmas spirit, and be caught up in the excitement of browsing round over 325 stalls hunting for your perfect gifts. And when your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Crèche, continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy some great Christmas music by bands and choirs. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular events at the NEC! We love the challenge of finding unusual gift ideas - with so many to see at the Fair, selecting the best is a challenge indeed!

Eat, Drink And Be Merry!

Raise a glass! That’s the spirit! Enjoy a Christmas drink with family and friends.

Christmas entertaining is the time to indulge in tempting chocolates and delicious cheeses.... sample before you buy at Festive Gift Fair.

Sheer luxury in a gold ingot box, Perfect Tipple present their unique sparkling wine

which is infused with 23 carat gold flakes!

Guaranteed to be a talking point!

From curvy ladies to portly chaps - these generously one-sized aprons have fun messages.... Licensed to Grill! and Queen of The Kitchen! by Santa Balls.

Black Mountain Liqueur is a rich aromatic blend of apple and blackcurrant brandy, winner of Taste awards, by the oldest spirit company in Wales, Celtic Spirit Co. A gourmet gift - delicious blend of mature blue cheese pressed into a special collector’s edition ‘Cornish Ware’ ceramic pot by The Cornish Cheese Co. For The Women In Your Life Mum, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Girlfriend - There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a special thoughtful surprise they will love.....

Have you ever dreamed of owning a Chanel Bag? - Sally from Sally’s Jewellery is an expert in sourcing awesome vintage fashion accessories and jewellery - a real treasure trove stall!

As seen in ‘Vogue’, The Vintage Teapot cleverly up-cycle pretty vintage china into beautiful retro gifts.

Glam up this Christmas! Use the one and only Celebrity Mirror - a beautiful compact make-up mirror with LED lights by Baby Doll Bling.

Invite Harry Styles of One Direction to your Christmas party! Have some fun and surprise your friends with this stand up lifesize cardboard cut-out by Maskerade.

Enter our competition and WIN Tickets For The Festive Gift Fair Can You Answer This Question?

Q. What will be demonstrated on the Arkay Sales stand?

Answer:

Your Contact Details...

Baby its cold outside - but not with these cosy, warm, stylish faux fur Wellington boot inners by Wellywarmers.

Nail Art is big, big, big news in the Fashion World - Visit OMG stand, where they will be demonstrating the tricks of the trade and chose a design to be stamped onto your nails at the Fair.

For The Men In Your Life Chaps can be notoriously difficult to buy for - you’ll find Whisky, woollies, watches, clever gadgets and silly stocking fillers at Festive Gift Fair........

The innovative Boombox vibration speaker creates an unbelievable listening experience wherever you place it! by Arkay Sales.

Create a bespoke piece of framed art that contains HIS name using photographs of everyday objects that resemble alphabet letters by Alphabet Photography.

Book up an educating Wine Tasting Experience in your own home - for up to 6 people by Pieroth Wines.

Kids Stuff You’ve managed to keep the presents out of sight from little prying eyes for weeks, and NOW the big day is here. All smiles on Christmas Day! Recreate the joys of Christmas past with... a metre long tube of mini retro-sweets - all the old favourites, love hearts, refreshers, chews.... by Keep Calm & Carry ON Beverage Co. Visit Arkay Sales stand where they will be demonstrating the new fun Gyro car that twists and turns in a most unusual way.

Irresistible, utterly gorgeous, cuddly soft toy range, hand puppets, animal ear muffs by Jomanda.

Cast your child in the starring role as they embark on an adventure with their own personalised CD by On The Big Red Bus. More brilliant books at bonkers prices a boxed collection of 15 books by kids favourite author Roald Dahl - just £15.99 instead of RRP £88.85! by The Book People.

Name: Address:

Set The Scene For A Magical Christmas

Telephone Number: Email: Tick here if you do NOT want to receive further information from The Ticket Factory Please send your entry to:

Dispatch Magazine, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE. Usual Dispatch rules apply. The winning entry will be drawn on 31st October 2013.

October 2013

Diss & Attleborough

Dressing the tree is just the start! Dressing your table, your hall, your mantle-piece can all help make Christmas Day really special.

Light lots of twinkling candles, use elegant glasses, colour coordinated linen... you’ll find lots of inspiration at Festive Gift Fair.

Not just for draping on the tree, these novelty Christmas string lights come in amazing shapes - from elephants to fish, butterflies to snowflakes and moon to clouds by Party String Lights.

Visit Telling Tales stand - to see their amazing collection of hurricane lanterns, tea-light holders, gold and rustic candles and crystal candlesticks.

Jormae Pourri hand produce a beautiful range of sweet smelling traditional Christmas Decorations from orange garlands and potpourri to lavender bundles and chill twig hearts.

Find out for yourself why so many people come every year! BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW and prepare for some GREAT Christmas Shopping and a FUN day out at The Festive Gift Fair open 09.30am - 17.00pm from Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th November at the NEC. Adult tickets from just £8.50 For more information on Exhibitors and Visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.

Book by phone - The Ticket Factory on 0844 581 0808/0809 or Book online at www.theticketfactory.com

24 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Benefits Of Having An Office Working from home is becoming more popular than ever, and it’s no surprise, working from home can be convenient. But would an office be more beneficial?

There are some disadvantages that working from home brings. For example, having colleagues and peers around can help the crative spirit and generally boost morale, it’s also great to escape to the office to evade the stresses of home life, and of course vice versa. After considering the pros and cons you may find that your business would benefit from having an office.

We’ve listed a few reasons why you may favour an office over working from home.

• Home-based businesses can be seen as less professional and less well established.

Meeting clients in an office will make you seem more credible.

• There are far fewer distractions like television, pets, kids, noise, food, you will be far more able to focus and ultimately be more productive in an office environment.

October 2013

• It can be difficult to retain motivation while working from home, it’s beneficial to have colleagues around to bounce ideas around and get the ball rolling.

• Many people who work from home will leave the house to meet clients, this can be slow and awkward and having a quiet dedicated space like an office means that you needn’t leave the premises and you have all of your business material to hand.

• Keeping a set schedule can also be difficult whilst working from home, especially getting up for business hours or trying to avoid distractions like nice weather.

• You can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other business owners in the same building as you - you biggest client could turn out to be in the office upstairs!

@Dispatch_Mag

Martin Christopher Opticians 25

25 Years Of Martin Christopher Opticians I was about 6 years of age when I had my first memory of the optical practice in Church Street, Attleborough. I was in year 2 at Attleborough primary school and my elder brother was having his eyes examined by the practice owner Mr. J .Andries. It turned out that my brother was myopic (short sighted) and he required spectacles. I found the whole examination process fascinating and my interest in Optometry grew from then onwards. My next memory was about 10 years later; Mrs Andries a friend of my family had arranged a summer holiday job for me to paint the windows of the building. Little did I know that I would be tending to the same windows 40 years later.

Having read Ophthalmic Optics at The City University, London in 1978 I went to Ipswich to complete my professional training before moving onto Peterborough where I met my wife and got married. In 1981 a vacancy at J.M.Andries Ltd became available and I moved back to Norfolk with my wife. Then in 1988 I had the opportunity to purchase the Attleborough practice. I moved in on the 1st October.

There have been many changes over the past 25ys both in fashion and technology. From the mid 1990’s many of the big designer names were bringing their styles to the high street. Larger frames became popular leading to heavier and thicker lenses. Then thankfully” high index” plastic lenses became available which enabled us to make the spectacles thinner and lighter. At the beginning of the decade frames became a lot smaller, frames now come in many shapes and sizes with many larger retro frame designs rising in popularity again. In 1991 the first commercially successful plastic photochromic lens was launched.

These lenses have undergone a lot of development and now change tint much faster than ever before and provide excellent comfort to those who have problems with glare.

by far the most popular due to progression in lens design allowing better field of view at all distances and less distortion in the periphery giving easier adaptation.

At Martin Christopher Opticians we have for many years used Zeiss lenses as our first choice lens as we believe they offer our patients the best vision and comfort for both distance and reading. We have a Zeiss Relaxed Vision Centre that will accuratey measure your varifocal fittings to the nearest 1/10th of a mm.

With a wide range of frame fashion available today, new light weight materials, quality lens design, thinner and lighter lenses the appearance of spectacles has never been so appealing. Today people have never felt so confident about wearing their spectacles.

The future of the practice is going to be exciting, my son James qualified as an optometrist 2 years ago and will be joining us in October and there will be new diagnostic equipment and lens designs available to take us forward. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 25 years and I look forward to many more.

So to all the patients, friends and staff who have supported us over the years it’s a big “Thank You”.

Lens design has also progressed. Bifocals were primarily used in the past for the over 40’s whereas now with varifocal lenses are

Martin Christopher Opticians Is A Zeiss Lens Accredited Practice

CHURCH STREET ATTLEBOROUGH (01953) 452564

Your Local Independent Opticians

The practice staff with Mr. Christopher (centre)

October 2013

26 SOUTH NORFOLK PUBS

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Beer Tax The people of Britain pay some of the highest taxes on beer in the world, and the most on beer in Europe With Tax at 55p on the pint, the next highest being Sweden at 47p then the Republic of Ireland at 39p. This may not seem incredibly high, but when we reach the fourth place on the list, Denmark, the tax per pint drops to 17 pence, after that it continues to drop, all the way to Germany and Ukraine who pay just 4p of tax per pint.

Governments have increasingly targeted tax rises on beer - even though beer remains key to the success of Britain’s pubs.

The treasury is now receiving ever-diminishing returns from beer duty increases.

Overall tax revenues have fallen as a result of recent beer duty increases as sales and jobs have been lost.

Since 2004, beer tax has increased by 42 per cent, and beer tax revenue has risen by a mere 8 percent.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is campaigning for beer duty regime which they claim will ‘encourage growth, jobs and the responsible consumption of lower strength alcohol’, ‘creating jobs and boosting tax revenue overall’.

The regime they are calling for will freeze beer duty and scrap the ‘beer duty escalator’, as well as rebalance the alcohol taxation to encourage the consumption of lower-strength drinks in supervised environments like pubs.

Find out more about the BBPA at: www.beerandpub.com

Book Now Christmas Is Coming 01953 456789

October 2013

28 HALLOWEEN

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

The Dressing Up Box

At BeWILDerwood

...is gearing up for one of the biggest events in the fancy dress calendar ‘Halloween’, with boxes of new costumes and accessories arriving daily.

...all you have to do is believe and this October half term the hugely popular ‘Snagglefang’s Spooky Spectacular’ is back between Saturday 26th October and Sunday 3rd November 2013.

As the witching hour approaches The Dressing Up Box, Attleborough prepares to celebrate their 7th year of trading.

A celebration of all things shuddery and shivery, (don’t worry we won’t be too scary for your little ones), families can watch and join in with one of two daily performances of the BeWILDerbats story, plus an unnmissable performance of The Nutbug Crunch Hunt in the Storytelling stage. There’s much to do, with craft making in the Big Hat, a blazing bonfire and a fabulous parade at the end of each day.

October 19th 2006 saw the shop open in time for Halloween with just 374 costumes “today we now have in excess of 3000 and can supply everything form the children’s dressing up days at school to whole show wardrobes for local amateur dramatic groups and schools” said Sue, owner and founder of The Dressing Up Box. “The past 7 years have flown past and we continue to provide high quality costumes for all shapes and sizes”. As in previous years to celebrate their birthday, any hire costume booked before the 19th October for collection over the Halloween period (25th October - 4th November) will qualify for a 20% discount on the hire fee and 10% off any purchase between 1st October and the 19th October.

On Saturday 19th October they are having an ‘Open Day’ to celebrate our birthday, with refreshments, games and face

painting, free entry into a prize draw. The Dressing Up Box covers all the era’s and characters you could wish for, the majority of their costumes are made in their onsite workshop, ‘although more than a few days’ notice is required to custom make an outfit for you’ laughed Sue, who is currently working on 4 Tudor dresses for a local ladies groups themed annual conference.

In the last couple of years Sue has been holding weekly sewing classes teaching complete beginners how to use a sewing machine and supporting those with more knowledge to progress in their dressmaking and home furnishing skills and has recently started a group for the 12 - 18 age range.

In addition to sewing new costumes, teaching others the art of dressmaking, Sue also offers an alteration service for your own garments.

For more information on both the sewing classes and alteration service contact Sue at the Dressing Up Box.

Make Slitherigrub Cocoons out of willow and paper (lanterns to you and me), and take part in a search through the woods for the chief BeWILDerBat. Settle around the bonfire and before you head off home with your lantern, take part in a treemendous parade as dusk settles over the marshes. (Don’t forget the clocks go back, so the parade takes place at 6pm Saturday 26th and 5pm all other days). The lantern you have created will light your way as the parade weaves its way through the heart of BeWILDerwood.

Although you will be very busy making things and listening to spooky stories, there will still be time to explore the park. Walk the Wobbly Wires, brave the Tricky Tunnels and take a lazy boat ride across Scaaaary Lake. Cross Jungle Bridges, visit treehouses and take time to try out the new steepier, Slippery Slope.

As you step inside the pages of Tom’s books - a character world of Boggles, Crocklebogs and Twiggles is brought to life in a quietly telling, yet unassuming way, leaving ample time and space for young people to realise their very own make believe.

BeWILDerwood has lovingly-made, locally sourced food and drinks on hand at the Munch Bar, Cosy Cabin and Snack Shack, where they serve everything from a scrumptious hot pot and soups to the award winning Norfolk Archers sausages in rolls.

Halloween Tips ...for your own little monsters!

Pumpkin Carving!

Stranger Danger!

Carving a pumpkin for your children takes away the fun for them, but if you don’t your child to be handling a sharp knife then an easy alternative could be paint, markers or a pumpkin decorating kit is still loads of fun without the risk!

Never let your child go into a stranger’s house! Ensure they only go to houses with the lights on or with a Halloween decoration outside, this ensures that the person is happy to celebrate Halloween and take part in sweet giving!

Sweets and Treats!

Plan Your Route!

You can never be too careful when taking sweets from strangers, even if it is Halloween. Make sure that you do not let your children eat any treats what have not been examined by you, this means you can check for tampering of wrappers. And you may get a chance to eat a piece!

Stay Safe Be Seen!

Make sure that your child can be seen in the dark by helping them choose a bright costume or adding reflective tape to their bag or costume!

October 2013

Make sure you plan your route or your child’s route so that you will always know where they are and a well lit route is better than a dark route.

Making sure they know what time to be home and how important it is that they are home by that time and having your child check in at home if the route is long is always good for a parents nerves so making sure they have a mobile or check back at home are good ideas!

@Dispatch_Mag

CHRISTMAS IS COMING 29

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

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

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

Janet Marshall From me to you.

October 2013

30 NURSERIES & SCHOOLS

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Merryfields Playschool The Peacock Montessori Nursery We hold sessions in the Sports Pavilion on Shelfanger Road five mornings a week 9.15am to 12.15pm. We take children from 2 years to 5 years. We are registered with ofsted and for the 2 year funding scheme.

Our setting over looks overlook open fields and countryside. We have been established in Diss Since 1989.

Merryfields aims to provide for all children, parents and carers, with a warm, caring and friendly environment for all children to, experience new challenges and to gain confidence in their own abilities. We have

both indoor and outdoor facilities for children to free flow in and out, at their own choice.

Our Curriculum covers all aspects of learning, using a wide range of adult and child lead activities. We monitor each child’s progress using the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stages). We work together with parents/ carers to give support to each individual child to help them to reach their full potential.

Sue, Sharon and Ann would be pleased for you to call in and visit or telephone 01379 650001 (session times) or 01379 783784 for further details.

The Peacock Montessori Nursery is a well-established nursery school, housed in purpose built buildings set amidst beautiful grounds on a working farm.

Now taking babies from six months, Peacocks boasts a very high staff to child ratio, with all staff holding qualifications.

The nursery is open all year round, offering a range of sessions to suit most needs including, term time sessions only or all

year round. During the school holidays, the nursery offers holiday clubs for children up to the age of 8. After school clubs and school pick-ups are also available. The Montessori method of teaching pursues the same basic activities covered in any nursery, using specialised Montessori materials, and teaches in a way that does not pressure them into learning, yet encourages maximum response.

The children choose from a wide range of self-teaching activities to assist the process, working at each for as long as their individual attention span will allow.

The qualified staff are on hand at all times to encourage, guide, support and promote a harmonious environment in which to learn.

Peacocks takes ‘nursery vouchers’.

If you would like any more information or would like to visit the nursery, then please call Hannah on 01379 740508.

October 2013

@Dispatch_Mag

NURSERIES & SCHOOLS 31

The New Eccles Hall School Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Rated “Outstanding” in our most recent review by the Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011.

The New Eccles Hall School, set in 33 acres of beautiful Norfolk countryside, is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for children of mixed ability, aged five to eighteen.

Many pupils who attend the school hold Statements of Special Educational Needs.

The school provides a broad curriculum in which all pupils are able to fulfil their potential and, where possible, achieve excellence; our Individual Teaching Unit is central to tailoring each child’s curriculum and with no more than 150 pupils we are able to address the individual needs of each pupil.

Approximately one third of pupils board at the school, most are weekly boarders. The small Sixth Form is housed in a separate building and has its own facilities.

The Albemarle International Study Centre is also included in the grounds, where international students are fully integrated into the academic and social life of the school, contributing to and enhancing the provision of the school in the very broadest sense.

We support pupils’ academic and social development, encouraging independence both in learning and living so that pupils have the skills necessary for success at school and in the future.

Socially the school’s intention is that pupils accept each other and learn to live easily and confidently with each other and with adults.

They are encouraged to hold a sense of self-respect and a respect for others and their environment.

Upon leaving Eccles Hall they do so as eager, adaptable young people, wellequipped to accept responsibilities in the adult world.

Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

DispatchMag

Follow us: @Dispatch_Mag

NORWICH

DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

WYMONDHAM DEREHAM & WATTON

BURY ST EDMUNDS

October 2013

32 HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Dentabrite Clinic - Diss Slimming World ‘Dentabrite Clinic, situated on 4 Church Street, Diss, offers a wide range of dental treatments, ranging from white fillings, advanced root canal treatment, crown and bridge work to tooth whitening.

The practice, run by Mr Alek Missankov (BDS - South Africa) and staff relocated to the current premises in May 2012.

Fully refurbished, the new premises offers a welcoming, modern and relaxing environment catering for a variety of dental needs.

Starting from May to the end of June 2013, Dentabrite Clinic is offering a 50% discount on initial consultations.

In addition, why not get ready for Summer and take advantage of our free consultation for tooth whitening?

A choice of payment options are also offered within our practice, including an interest free plan.

If you wish to take advantage of the consultation offer, please feel free to contact Susanna or Vicki on 01379 652580 for any information or to book an appointment.’

Mum of 2 Amanda,34 has changed her life forever by losing an amazing 6 stone with Slimming World.

Running her own cleaning business, aswell as putting being a wife and mum first meant that she gradually gained weight over the years but didnt notice as she was happy with her life at the time.

Then in 2010 her beloved nanny was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the following few weeks until she died,along with her mum and aunties,cared for her at home.

“The last thing on my mind was what went into my mouth” Amanda remembers “It was a horrible time and I just piled on the pounds!”

It was seeing photos from a new years eve party only 2 months later that spurred her into doing something about it “I decided then, that enough was enough,my nanny wouldnt have let me carry on as i was. So just like that,I decided to join Slimming World after having a leaflet put through the door for the Diss group” she explains.

The journey that then began,started with very nervously walking through the doors to the first group of the new year “I was so scared,but I really dont know why as Jane and the other members were so welcoming,supportive and,

Before

October 2013

just as importantly no chance of humiliation as noone else would know my weight ,it’s all kept private” Amanda continues “The group was and still is,so lovely and noone judged me if i had a bad week.It was so inspirational,back then,there was one lady who had lost 4 stone and we all gasped at her achievement and now I’m the one getting the gasps!!”

It’s been an up and down couple of years for Amanda but she’s stuck at it,staying to group every single week and it’s inspired her to become a consultant herself “I decided that Slimming World had changed my life,so what better than to be able to help someone else do the same?” So she has started her own group up, in Rickinghall village hall every Monday at 7.30 so she can inspire and help others.

Amanda explains “It’s not a diet,it’s a way of life for me now.I can still eat my favourites like Macaroni Cheese,roast dinners and have a glass of wine without worrying about having a gain and I’m never hungry!!And what I’ve loved is being in control and being able to pick my own target and not being ‘told’ what it should be!!”

After

@Dispatch_Mag

HEALTH & WELLBEING 33

Exercise Classes ...held at Wymondham Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre, Unit 4 Philip Ford Way, NR18 9AQ. Choose from; Buggy Boot Camp - For mums with preschool children, bring your kids with you!

Mondays and Thursdays 9:45-11:15am (including 30 mins coffee time) Boxercise - Great workout and stressbuster, increase your fitness and muscular definition with boxing-based exercise! Wednesdays 10-11am, Fridays 7-8pm BeginnerSpin - Entry-level spinning class, calorie-smashing workout on

exercise bikes, you’ll be surprised at the variety! Thursdays 7-8pm, Saturdays 9:30-10:30am All classes suitable for all fitness levels. £5 per session or any 10 sessions for £40. First session FREE! Website: www.duanesmithfitness.wordpress.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DuaneSmithPersonalTraining Tel: 07955 685 605

A Natural Insecticide for ‘The Fly’ This is the time of year when I sometimes wish I didn’t live in the country.

It is a constant battle to keep the flies out and the house looks like a fly morgue with the dreaded fly papers hanging everywhere. Plus the recurring nightmare that I’m in a ‘telepod’ with Jeff Goldblum doesn’t really help! So this year I decided to experiment with making my own insecticide.

Quick Fly Blend Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Myrtle, Lavandin, Citronella and Tansy essential oils.

I found that natural insecticides can be made easily with essential oils. They are a chemical free and safe alternative to synthetically prepared products; and they are not exposing our family and pets to harmful chemicals. Some common insecticides are made with Permethrin and Malathion, and these chemicals are hazardous to our health. Studies have shown that they can cause liver, kidney and neurological damage. Permethrin is extremely hazardous to cats, birds and fish; and please remember that these chemicals do end up ultimately in our ground water and affect our planet as well.

Floral Fly Blend Tansy, Geranium, Sandalwood, Lavender, Rosemary and Lemon essential oils.

Refreshing Fly Blend Peppermint, Tea Tree, Tansy, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Lavender essential oils.

Here are two recipes using a 1 litre spray bottle. Put 5 to 10 drops of each oil in the spray bottle with 900 ml of water. Shake well before every use and be careful of soft fabric furnishings.

October 2013

34 ELDERLY

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

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

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

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

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

October 2013

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

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

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

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

South Norfolk Mobility Centre Summer is always the best time be out and about, with holidays, fetes and shows to go to.

If your mobility is holding you back, why not come along to our showroom at Snetterton and see what products we have to help you keep mobile.

It might be that a simple walking stick is the answer for you, with a variety of colours and designs, height adjustment and right or left hand moulded grips, these canes can be colour co-ordinated to match an outfit.

Three and four wheel walkers are great for giving you that extra stability and confidence. The four wheel versions have a seat which is ideal for taking a rest, or for watching an event.

Scooters give you that extra independence and keep you able to enjoy outings with the family as well as every day activities like trips to the local shops.

We stock the major brands such as Rascal and Shoprider and prices start from £350.00.

We stock both new and second hand.

Please Call: 01953 887777 or visit www.southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you.

@Dispatch_Mag

ELDERLY 35

Try To Eliminate The Risk Of Fire ...in an Older Person’s Home.

The majority of fire deaths in the home are those of older people. Reduced mobility and smoke alarms not fitted or working are the major cause. There is a free service offered by the UK Fire Service which will give every older person a Home Fire Risk Assessment.

Firemen from the local station will visit the home and carry out an inspection with reference to lowering the fire risk.

The home visit will: • Identify potential fire risks within the home and Give advice on how to minimize the fire risks or prevent them and put together an escape plan in case a fire does break out.

• If smoke alarms are already installed they will be assessed for effectiveness and may be replaced free of charge if they are not the most appropriate ones for the home. If you do not have smoke alarms, free ones may be fitted for

you. e.g. ones that have a ten year life so that you do not have to change the batteries.

• Cover other areas of fire risk such as the use of electric blankets, overloaded plug sockets, electric wires that may be unsafe. e.g. trapped under carpets, furniture, etc.

To make arrangements for your home assessment or another older person’s home (permission has to be obtained from the other person) call your local Fire and Rescue Service. (All the Fire and Rescue personnel will carry photograph identification.)

Keep Safe - Have a Home Fire Safety Check - It’s Free!

Article by Angela Gifford MD, Able Community Care Ltd. (uk-care.com).

October 2013

36 MOTORING REVIEW

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

New Chrysler 300C

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist.

The new Chrysler 300C is outlandish in every respect. Quite simply, it’s too big for the UK’s minor roads - but does that make it a bad motor? Not at all. Certainly, it’s expensive at nearly £40,000, and it’s no match for German expresses like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, however it does have a brash stateside charm.

Indeed, the model has a unique position in the executive sector. Unlike many rivals which offer a bewildering range of engine sizes and trim levels, the Chrysler comes in just two versions: Limited or Executive guise. Both are powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel which provides a good compromise between effortless pull and fuel-saving efficiency. 0-62mph comes in 7.4 seconds and the top speed is 144mph. A whisker off 40mpg can also be achieved on an average run.

October 2013

Tweet Tim: @carwriteups

The car features a tried and tested, but somewhat outdated five-speed automatic transmission. As with a traditional auto, once ‘Drive’ has been selected the gearbox can be left to do its own thing. Nevertheless, if you want more involvement, you can change up or down using steering wheel mounted paddles.

The 300C is well equipped. I drove the top Executive model, which comes with a blind spot monitoring system, cruise control and a panoramic sunroof, as well as collision monitoring technology and colossal 20-inch alloy wheels. The cabin also has high grade materials throughout, from leather seats to real wood on the dashboard.

It’s a very comfortable motor to sit in for long periods of time. The only downer is the ridiculous parking brake. It’s operated

Visit:www. carwriteups.co.uk via a foot pedal which you have to depress to release and then press in again to set.

Great idea - except it’s positioned exactly where your left foot needs to rest. The result? A grazed ankle - if you forget the clunky contraption is there.

As mentioned, the 300C’s continental USA roots show when travelling around our tiny island, but it is a pleasurable motorway commuting tool. On the straights it glides along and it’s as quiet as a morgue. This is thanks to a windscreen especially designed for exceptional acoustic performance, as well as triple seals around the doors.

Furthermore, the Chrysler is one of the safest motors around, with a host of standard equipment that ensures you travel in maximum security. To guarantee this, the 300C was tested in a variety

of accidents. Different impact speeds, assorted obstacles and the diverse physical characteristics of passengers were also taken into account. The result is a car that combines the latest in active and passive protection devices with one of the strongest structures on the road.

PROS ‘N’ CONS • Powerful √ • Comfortable √ • Well-appointed √ • Expensive X • Size X • Weight X FAST FACTS • Max speed: 144 mph • 0-62 mph: 7.4 secs • Combined mpg: 39.2 • Engine: 2987 cc V6 turbo diesel • Max. power (bhp): 236 at 4000 rpm • Max. torque (lb/ft): 399 at 1600-2800 rpm • CO2: 191 g/km • Price: £39,995 on the road

38 DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY

October 2013

www.DispatchDirectory.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 39

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

Call The Dispatch Team Now 01953 456789

October 2013