NEWS & EVENTS
NURSERIES & SCHOOLS computers & social media
September Splendour
FOR DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
September 2013
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Editorial: editorial@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Dispatch Magazine Queens House, Queens Square , Attleborough, Norfolk , NR17 2AE
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Issue 144 September 2013 Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is: September
6th 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.
September 2013
Diss
www.dissonline.co.uk
Diss Museum The museum has become well-known for cultural activities as much as the displays in The Shambles building. Each year Waveney & Blyth Arts celebrate the region’s rivers. This year Diss joins in with an event on the riverside path behind the supermarkets. Down By The Riverside is an afternoon of poetry, prose, drama and
music at 2.30pm on Sunday 8th September.
At the end of August, following Art in Shop Windows in Diss, the Waveney Springs Art Collective will begin its annual Open Studios Event.
This has been arranged by Diss Museum, Diss Community Partnership, Cittaslow and the Waveney RiverCare Group.
Studios will be open over the weekends of 31st August and the 1st September and the 7th and 8th September.
It will be like promenade theatre, with people moving along the river bank to hear poems with a river theme and readings from authors such as Dickens, George Eliot and Joseph Conrad. Drama group EyesWrite will be one of the attractions with a play called Ferry Cross the Styx. It is hoped that there will stalls, crafts, artists, musicians and refreshments along the path. Meet at The Lows bridge for this free event. Basil Abbott
September 2013
Open Studios For Waveney Springs
Brochures which include a map will be available from Diss Library, Diss Tourist Information Office, The Corn Hall Gallery and other such places in the surrounding area.
The weekends make for an interesting outing on many counts, meeting the artists in their workplace and viewing the surrounding country of the upper reaches of the Waveney Valley from which the Collective takes its name. From the 2nd September to 13th September the group is also exhibiting at The Cornhall Gallery in Diss.
It will also be downloadable from the website www.waveneysprings.co.uk
The open evening for this exhibition is Wednesday September 4th.
The members of the Collective produce a variety of work. Sculptures in metal and wood, oil, watercolour and acrylic paintings, textiles and ceramics will all be on show.
The members of Waveney Springs Art Collective look forward to meeting you all.
The artists will all be in their studios and are keen to talk about their work, their methods and their inspirations.
@Dispatch_Mag
Diss
Diss Battle Of The Bangers (Bob) ...and sausage fest to be held Saturday October 5th. To date there are 6 sausage makers entering and it is hoped that the up and coming media coverage of the event will inspire more producers from across the valley to take part. There are approximately 10 Diss Independent food outlets on the sizzling sausage trail, offering sausage specials using either local or English sausages, and there are around 40 Diss Independents taking part in the best dressed window competition. That makes a total of at least 50 Diss Independents in town which is fantastic. St Marys Church hall has been hired as a Kids Den with face painting; pig drawing competitions; toilet facilities, plus hot and cold drinks to visitors. Diss Church Junior School has been hired to provide free parking for the traders, freeing up more visitor spaces in the car parks.
Park radio has been hired to provide music and a PA system for the Sausage King commentary on the Battle of the Bangers. On behalf of the Waveney Valley Food Festival (WVFF) I would like to thank South Norfolk Council for giving a free parking day and providing promotional material support. It is hoped that all Diss Independent will benefit from increased footfall in the town and the event will be a success. For futher information visit: http://www.visitwaveneyvalley. co.uk/th_event/battle-of-the-bangerswaveney-valley-food-drink-festival/ or contact Zoe www.bigskiesfoodcompany.co.uk Twitter: @BigSkiesFoodCo Facebook: Big Skies Food Company
September 2013
Diss
www.dissonline.co.uk
For Peace Of Mind Get Jackamans Solicitors to review your will In May Chris Grayling, the Lord Chancellor, decided that Will Writing should not be a regulated activity only undertaken by authorised and regulated persons. In making this decision on behalf of the government, he rejected the recommendations of the Legal Services Board (LSB), an independent body responsible for overseeing the regulation of lawyers in England and Wales. The Board’s recommendations aimed to guarantee that all consumers would have minimum safeguards whoever they chose to draw up their Wills.
that a “Will Writer” is a specialist who has more experience than a Solicitor who has trained for 6 years prior to qualification and is subject to stringent rules and regulations. In fact, a Will Writer can set up business after receiving minimal training and potential clients should ask for details of their qualifications and experience.
Another growing problem is the unclear referral arrangements from organizations involved in the immediate post-death processes such as closing bank accounts and making funeral arrangements. Prior to making the recommendation, the Appointments are often made for someone LSB had conducted a two year study which who is not employed by the referrer to uncovered evidence of poor practice. Mr visit or contact the bereaved to advise on Grayling accepted that the report indicated probate matters. A probate consultant is consumer detriment but did not consider often employed by a third party company, that it adequately demonstrated that whose identity is unknown. Very detailed reserving the activity of Will writing to financial information is often provided by regulated persons and bodies was the best the bereaved to that person without having solution. He suggested that greater efforts Some Will Writers charge a nominal amount any knowledge of his or her credentials or be made to educate consumers about the for the preparation of a Will and larger sums experience. Fixed fees are often quoted different types of provider. for other documents such as Lasting Powers for these activities which can be excessive of Attorney and Trusts. It is also normal for for the amount of work involved and when Most people do not make a Will regularly and Will Writers to charge an annual fee for the client’s express surprise they may be told lack the knowledge to identify deficiencies safekeeping of a Will whereas most solicitors that a solicitor will charge much more. in the documents that are prepared for them provide this service free. Anyone considering A well known provider of services to the or indeed the necessity or value for money completing these documents should check elderly recently stated in its magazine of the service provided. Many people believe with a local solicitor to compare total charges. that the average solicitor’s charge for
September 2013
Registration data provides evidence that many Will writing businesses close within 1 year and 60% close within 4 years. In 3% of cases Wills are lost and their whereabouts are never discovered. If indemnity insurance was in place this is not always continued when the business ends so that if a problem arises with a Will at a later date it may be difficult to obtain recompense. The Law Society requires all solicitors to hold professional indemnity insurance and has a Compensation Fund.
People sometimes wish to appoint a solicitor or Will Writer as Executor of the Will to ease the situation for family members. If a solicitor is appointed to act as an Executor the Law Society now requires him or her to provide a written estimate of the likely charges for dealing with the winding up of the estate.
Stephen Abbott conducting a probate matter is £9,000! While the Law Society have taken this matter up with the company concerned, those considering employing a probate service provider are well advised to obtain another quote from a solicitor before proceeding. At Jackamans’ Diss and Harleston offices, Stephen Abbott has over 30 years’ experience in preparing Wills and Trusts. He will discuss your requirements with you and point out any potential problems in carrying out your wishes including potential Inheritance Tax liabilities and claims against your estate and will advise as to how best to reduce these. If you would like Stephen to review your existing Will free of charge please contact Stephen Abbott on 01379 643555 or by email to stephen.abbott@jackamans.co.uk.
@Dispatch_Mag
Uplands Way Vets
Newman & Co
At Uplands Way Vets, we offer complete care for all animals, large and small throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.
HMRC Business Records Check
We have branches in Diss, Attleborough and Stanton, offering 24hr emergency cover by our own vets, meaning you benefit from seeing a friendly, familiar face in an emergency. We have a dedicated team of staff who will look after and care for your pets just as you would. We also offer loyalty schemes for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses, helping you save money with your routine pet care. Case of the month: One case this month was involving an elderly cat called Thomas who was admitted to the Diss surgery following a sudden lameness to a hind limb whilst the owners were on holiday. On Radiographing Thomas it was discovered that the he had sustained a fracture to that leg as a result of being shot with a Pellet gun not once but three times. The pellets had entered Thomas once to the leg itself and twice to the body area sitting just under the skin. With the owner’s consent the
Diss
Annual Investment Allowances (AIA’s)
Veterinary Surgeon successfully repaired the fracture and removed the pellets. The cat’s recovery is being closely monitored by the owners at home and the practice is hopeful that this much loved pet will make a full recovery.
HMRC have the power to issue significant penalties to businesses that keep inadequate records and you may receive a letter from HMRC requesting details about the records you keep and be asked to complete a telephone questionnaire.
Upcoming news: We are currently in the process of building a new surgery to replace the existing Stanton surgery. The existing surgery will remain open until the new one is fully up and running. We anticipate the opening to be early 2014.
For those businesses that need to improve, HMRC will most likely provide some self-help options to avoid any penalties being issued.
This represents an opportunity for those businesses with cash reserves or with access to finance to invest in their businesses and receive substantial tax relief.
It is advisable to keep good accounting records in any case so that you can see how your business is performing and to help reduce your accountancy fees!
Careful timing of capital expenditure is required to maximise the tax relief from the increased allowances in both the current and subsequent tax years.
There are many software packages available to help small businesses maintain good records for little cost and Newman & Co would be happy to advise you regarding what is suitable for your business and provide training.
Speaking with your tax advisers is therefore a must to avoid any wasted allowances.
Annual Investment Allowances are £250,000 per year for the two years commencing 1st January 2013. They allow a full write off against profits of capital expenditure falling within the regime up to the AIA.
Wayne Goddard FCCA (Director of Newman & Co. Chartered Accountants)
September 2013
Diss
www.dissonline.co.uk
Sound Sleep Bed Warehouse ...are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year, established in 1993. Family business started by my father in Burnley in Lancashire. Lancashire being the heart of the bed and textile industry. In 1996, we built a purpose built factory on our site in Winfarthing to eliminate the travelling every week. In 2000, I joined the company and managed the factory and showroom. In 2002, my father retired and I took on the complete management of the business. I developed the company and pushed the company in the direction of the retail side, focusing on advertising and awareness of our existence of the company. 2007, I made the decision to scale down the manufacturing and just make the 6 most popular mattresses and bring in some brand names and move the showroom in to the new building. We have continued to expand over the past few years and brought in brands like Relyon, Sealy, Salus and this year we became the area’s first Silentnight and Rest Assured Official Stockist with 15 models on our shop floor. The advantage of being an Official Stockist is that we are able to have access to the best offers and promotions that Silentnight Brands offer throughout the year. The business is run by me and the sales team is me, my mother Trish and my sister Amie. Having worked in mattress factories and bed shops all of our adult lives, we have the best training and class ourselves as mattress specialists. Most bed sales people have never set foot in a bed factory, certainly not been working in production. The shop has over 100 beds on display. We sell divans, mattresses, bedsteads, bedding, headboards,
September 2013
adjustable beds, bunk beds and now even have a TV bed Mattresses include pocket sprung, open coil, foam, memory foam and latex.
Memory Foam and Latex are the most supportive fillings and when you top them on top of pocket springs, in my opinion that gives the best supporting mattress.
Drawer and Ottoman storage options are increasingly popular due to the shortage of space in many homes. What size bed to go for
Delivery Memory foam has been the buzz word in mattresses for years, but as memory foam is a heat based visco-elastic, there are many different options that can rival them by using natural fillings like latex or wool, silk and cashmere. We have many mattresses that feature ‘Edgeguard’ - Edgeguard is Foam Encapsulated pocket springs, basically is a foam wall encasing the springs giving a firmer edge and allows you to sleep right up to the edge without the feeling that you might fall out. What do I sleep on I personally sleep on a superking size 2000 pocket sprung mattress topped with wool, silk, cotton and cashmere. The reason for this is that I like a softer feeling mattress as I find this supports my back far better than a firmer one. What’s the best mattress for a bad back It depends. There is no wrong or right answer. Everyone is different. However we can talk you through the benefits of different mattresses depending on whether you like something firmer or on the softer side.
We deliver all of our own products and offer free assembly on divan beds. Delivery is usually from stock, or within a week or so if it is something that has to be ordered specially. Nowadays, divan beds are very trendy. We have colour swatches with over 20 different colours available and you can add matching headboards.
Its always best to have the biggest mattress you can, providing it goes upstairs! It’s scientifically proven that the bigger bed you have the better you sleep, as partner disturbance and heat generated from another person in bed is the reason for you turning or stirring, causing you to have broken sleep.
10 Diss
www.dissonline.co.uk
Celebrating 15 Years of Award Winning Hearing Care The multi-award winning Hearing Care Centre is this month celebrating its 15th Anniversary with a series of events across Suffolk and Norfolk. In just 15 years one local entrepreneur has gone from being a single mum with a hefty business loan, struggling almost single handed to build her business, to having one of the most respected companies in the hearing care sector, prescribing and fitting the latest hearing aid technology to patients. This achievement from Karen Finch, owner of The Hearing Care Centre, is worthy of public approbation but, in the early years, she managed to do all of this whilst looking after two young children! Born in Ipswich, from a medical family, Karen had a career in sales. After having a family, in 1993 she worked as an administrator for a healthcare company, before joining the NHS. In 1997 she took her audiology exams and whilst working as an employee, recognised a significant gap in the market; the need for a business that put ethical, holistic hearing care before profit. Despite the huge risks, she re-mortgaged her home to set up The Hearing Care Centre in rented property in Ipswich. As the demand for the company’s services grew, Karen recognised that she
September 2013
needed more audiologists, so invested £100,000 to train two existing employees. Now the company has five audiologists, operating in nineteen centres covering East Anglia. 40% of all the company’s business is repeat and in the most recent customer survey, patients gave a satisfaction average of 98%! 15 years on, Karen’s passion for helping to improve people’s hearing has not wavered. “I truly love my job and consider myself a very lucky person. My team and I help to change and improve the lives of hundreds of people every year. However, we are all too aware that there are still many people out there struggling with hearing loss, who have yet to take action. I urge these people to heed these few words. Use it or lose it!” Open Day Events Free Hearing Tests To celebrate the company’s anniversary and to encourage people those with hearing loss, but yet to take action, The Hearing Care Centre has organised a series of events, whereby they will be offering many of their services free of charge, including hearing tests, professional advice,
hearing aid demonstrations and much more…
Wednesday 23rd Cecil Amey Opticians, Attleborough
September
Thursday 24th Cecil Amey Opticians, Harleston
Monday 23rd Cecil Amey Opticians, Wymondham Tuesday 22nd Cecil Amey Opticians, Dereham
Appointments are essential. To book yours call Freephone 0800 096 2637 or visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk
Messy Church Saturday 7th September, Diss United Reformed Church (opp Co-op) Mere Street, 10-12am. Theme: The gifts we have. Discover your gifts and talents by making Finger Print Art, trying Foot and Mouth Painting, making Hand Puppets, decorate mirror tiles, ice Gingerbread
men and lots more. Followed be a time of reflection and prayer and a light lunch. All ages welcome, children with a carer, entrance free.
Doughnut Church A new fun after-school monthly event starting on Tuesday, 17th September, 4-5.30pm at Diss United Reformed Church, Mere Street. (opp Co-op). Join us in a Cafe Style setting and experience Doughnut Church through crafts, games, prayers, songs and stories. Drinks and (of course!) doughnuts are provided, plus other more healthy stuff to snack on too. “Whatever your age,
whatever you are good at, whatever you believe.” All are welcome, children with a carer. For more information call: Julian on 01842 750548.
@Dispatch_Mag
Diss 11
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
September 2013
12 AN INTERVIEW WITH...
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
People Who Make Diss Work Who are the entrepreneurs behind the established businesses in Diss, who also get involved in the many clubs and organisations which benefit the Residents and Businesses of the town?
Oliver Chapman
Jonathan Horswell, Editor and Owner of Dispatch Magazine, will be meeting up with the movers and shakers of Diss trying to get a better understanding of who they are, what makes them tick and why they do it.
This month Jonathan caught up with Oliver Chapman, recently appointed Leader of the Diss Town Team and Commercial Partner at the long established and highly reputable TW Gaze; Estate Agents, Diss Auction Rooms, Chartered Surveyors, Rural Business, Commercial Property and Residential Lettings. 1. Oliver, give us a brief introduction to who you are, what you do. I was born and educated in Bedford, had a gap year in Morocco, then went to Reading University before joining a firm of Chartered Surveyors in Oxford as a rural land agent. I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1999, but since joining TW Gaze in 2001 I have specialised in commercial property and planning & development work. I handle all property matters such as agency (sales and lettings), valuation, rent reviews, lease renewals, business rates, dilapidations, and professional advice on lease clauses.
2. What brought you to Diss? Birth, Betrothal, Business? Business and house prices. Keeley (my wife) and I wanted to buy a house but Oxfordshire was too expensive so we moved to Ipswich where Kee worked as a legal secretary and I joined TW Gaze.
3. In your opinion, what is the single best thing about Diss? The people.
4. What 3 things would you like people to know about you? I’m a musician (Grade 8 distinction on the oboe, plus guitar and piano for relaxation); I’m a keen naturalist (check the spelling please!) and enjoy wildlife photography; and rugby is the only game worth talking about, certainly not that overpaid ankle-tapping game with the round ball.
September 2013
@Dispatch_Mag
AN INTERVIEW WITH... 13
5. What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement to date? Earning the respect of people much more experienced than me.
6. You’ve become leader of the Diss Town Team - why? I don’t do committees and bureaucracy, and this seemed a good opportunity to do something positive without all the baggage. I’ve been chairman of Diss Business Forum in the past as well as a Directo r of Diss and District Development Partnership. I believe in giving back to the community that supports you, but I have limited time as my own business has to take priority.
7. Tell us about the Diss Town Team. A group of self-appointed volunteers who had four weeks in March 2012 to put together a bid for £100,000 from the government in order to become a Portas Pilot town. We bid for a pound though as we felt the publicity was more useful than the money. Since then we’ve met monthly to put together a business plan for the town centre with the sole aim of increasing footfall. We now have £11,000 of funding to help deliver on some of our ideas.
8. Why was the Diss Town Team established? Answered above!
9. Tell us how the Diss Town Team propose to achieve its aim. First of all we want to establish the facts about the town and who uses it, so part of the funding is being used to carry out market research. Based on that we can then look to implement some of our ideas including free retail training workshops and unifying the town under the “disscover” brand.
10. When does the Diss Town Team hope to achieve its goal? It’s an ongoing process. We’re not here for soundbites or quick fixes, but to provide a lasting legacy that evolves.
Quick fire round. . . Tea Or Coffee: Depends on the time of day (very strict!) Wine Or Beer: Red wine or Adnams (or both) Favourite Song: Unintended (Muse) Favourite Film: Top Gun Last Book Read: “Blood and Sand “ by Frank Gardner Favourite Holiday Location: West coast of Scotland Favourite Food: Bangers And Mash And finally. . . Is there a skeleton you want to reveal? I’m far too honest to have skeletons!
If we at Dispatch Magazine could give you a magic wand and grant you one wish, what would it be? Good health into old age
September 2013
14 ATTLEBORoUGH
www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
Volunteers Needed
Advance Notice!
Attleborough Tourist and Local Information Centre.
Flu Clinics 2013.
Do you like meeting people? Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare? Would you like to welcome visitors and promote Attleborough and the surrounding villages? If so, Attleborough Tourist and Local
Friday 27th September and Friday 11th October.
Information Centre is looking for volunteers just like you. For further information pop in and see us for a chat or contact Mark Broughton Town Clerk on 01953 456194.
Big Coffee Morning And Concert In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support New Buckenham. This will be the 5th year that New Buckenham has held a Big Coffee Morning and Concert in their Village Hall. The Big Coffee Morning takes place on Friday 27th September and by popular request it will start with an early breakfast at 7.a.m. This will follow through the morning with coffee tea and cakes etc. Until 12noon. All are welcome. This year the Concert features the South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band, which
is also in the Village Hall and takes place the following day Saturday 28th September at 7.30p.m. Tickets are £5. And can be obtained from Clive Rush at Mill House Garage New Buckenham 01953 860572 and Kings Stores Kings Street New Buckenham. Both these events have been very well supported in the past and much money has been raised for the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity.
No appointment necessary but; in order to prevent lengthy queues, if possible, we suggest that you attend the clinic relevant to the first letter of your surname Date Friday 27th Sept Friday 11th Oct
Letter of Surname A-J K-Z
If you are accompanying someone with a different surname, we would be happy to accommodate you at a flexible time. Please look out for further details. Prize Draw with £100 and £50 to be won Station Road Surgery, Attleborough 8.00am - 6.00pm. For patients of Attleborough Surgeries only.
Flu Open Day You are invited to get your flu jab for the Winter Season if: • you are over 65 years old • you are a registered carer • you are pregnant • you have diabetes, asthma, COPD or Chronic Heart Disease plus kidney or liver disease or • you have had a stroke or are immunosuppressed
For details please call the surgery.
Please bring children to our separate clinic.
For patients of Attleborough Surgeries only.
No appointment necessary Prize Draw: 1st Prize £100; 2nd Prize £50 Station Road Surgery, Attleborough 8.00am - 6.00pm Date Friday 27th Sept Friday 11th Oct
Letter of Surname A-J K-Z
Attleborough & District Horticultural Society A last reminder to anyone who may be interested in exhibiting at the Autumn Show, this takes place at the Connaught Hall in Attleborough on the 7th September, commencing at 2pm and finishing at 4pm. This is an open show so members and non-members alike of the society are very welcome to exhibit, and besides classes in flowers, vegetables and fruit you can also exhibit your art, floral art, photography and handicrafts. For more details and a schedule please contact the Show Secretary, Betty Stacey, on 01953 454790. The next monthly meeting will take place on Wednesday 18th September at Attleborough Junior School, commencing at 7.30pm. Moss Taylor will be giving an illustrated talk entitled “Broadland Summer” - the flowers, birds, insects and origins of the Broads. As always we are very pleased to welcome non-members of the society to these talks. The July meeting of the society featured a very interesting talk by Ian Stanton entitled “Gardening in the Shade” - very
September 2013
topical on a boiling hot night. He started by going through the pros and cons of growing plants in shady conditions and then discussed the different sorts of shade, for example growing against a north wall, or in deep shade under a large tree or under dappled shade. He had brought with him a large number of plants that thrive in shade, and he then described the conditions that particularly suit each of these plants. His talk elicited a great deal of interest from members and the discussion continued long after the official talk ended. The Table Show produced a large number of entries and successful were John Phoenix with his three stems of flowers and also his five potatoes, John Frost with his plate of fruit, Jan Delaney with one specimen rose and Richard Fincham with his three open fruit tarts.
@Dispatch_Mag
ATTLEBORoUGH 15
Can You Spare More Than A Thought?
Wymondham And Attleborough Lions
We all take life for granted, taking it for a God-given right.
Are Recruiting New Members.
We laugh, run, joke and play and yet never feel satisfied with our lot.
Every little that is made on royalties will go to the furtherance of research into M.E.
Spare a thought for people who have suffered for years and had to learn to live with the fact that their lives, at the moment, will never physically improve.
Just think, it could help your child or grandchild in the future. Read between the lines and you will see the pleasure and pain she gets out of trying to give something to help. Worth much more than a couple of seasonal magazines!
The Global Mission Statement of the Lions is “To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.”
Shirley is one of those. She can still get enjoyment out of the simple things in life and her memories. Despite her years of suffering and missing out on lots of life’s pleasures, her one thought is for others… She knows there is little or no hope for her advanced M.E., yet she writes so very movingly of her experiences of life with ME in the hope of giving others hope.
Help Shirley Fight M.E. For Others, Support Her And Buy A Copy And Thank God For Your Own Well Being.
But, what does that mean for the Lions who already belong to the clubs in Attleborough and Wymondham? Well, for me it means a great Social Life with meetings, social events and a wider circle of friends. And at the same time I’m helping to raise money for local charities, such as Star Throwers and The Big C.
We meet at 8pm on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at The Feathers in Wymondham and the last Monday of every month (excluding Bank Holidays) at The London Tavern in Attleborough, so why not come along and meet us all? Or, if you would like to chat about it, phone either me, Jan, on 01953 451235 or Sue and Harry on 01953 529325 or email us at Wymonhamlions@gmail.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
So, if you would like to improve your Social Life, meet new people and make new friends while at the same time helping local charities, why not join us?
Her thoughts are published in “Beyond the Bed Borders” - a book of her intimate thoughts in poetic form. It is well worth reading and relating to her reason for its publication.
Macmillian Cancer Support The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The Attleborough Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support are holding a fundraising coffee morning on Friday 27th September 2013 as part of Macmillan’s National Coffee Morning. There will be lots of stalls to browse including Tombola, Raffles, Cakes, Books, Jewellery, Teddies and more. Why not come along, meet up with some friends,
share a cuppa with us and be part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Attleborough Town Hall from 9.00am - 12 noon. 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.
Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
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NORWICH
DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH
WYMONDHAM DEREHAM & WATTON
BURY ST EDMUNDS
September 2013
16 ATTLEBORoUGH
www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
Chef Dan’s Cakes Good cake isn’t cheap, cheap cake isn’t good! I often get asked why my cakes cost more than the ones in the supermarket. While it is true you can get a cake for £10 from any supermarket have you ever thought what goes in them? Just looking at the ingredients on the side of the box & you will find preservatives, stabilisers & acidity regulators to name a few.
While my cakes are made with fresh ingredients including free range eggs from a local supplier. If you ask for a quote from a local cake decorator you are not going to get it for supermarket prices - but it will look & taste a whole lot better!
A Look At Motor Fleet Insurance..... Priory Insurance Brokers have been providing and arranging motor fleet insurance for over 25 years. If your company operates a motor fleet of 2 or more vehicles, let Priory find a package to suit your needs and budget. From mini fleets to multi vehicle fleets, our specialist team of advisors will search our panel of leading insurers to find a motor fleet insurance policy that’s right for you, whatever your line of business. In a highly competitive market, we pride ourselves on delivering to our clients the best possible policies and the most competitive premiums for their vehicles. Our fleet policies can accommodate cars, vans, trucks and plant and can start from just 2 vehicles. In many cases we have agreed specialist rates with our panel of
Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
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DispatchMag
YOU LOOKIN’
AT ME? 27,000 other people are too. They could be looking at YOUR business. NORWICH
September 2013
DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH
WYMONDHAM DEREHAM & WATTON
BURY ST EDMUNDS
Insurers to ensure you receive the most competitive premium. 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. We can provide a wide range of insurance solutions including: • Full European Cover. • Any age of drivers. • Any business or pleasure, including Haulage and Private Hire. • 2 Vehicles onwards. • Any Driver or Named. • Breakdown Cover. • Full Claims Management. • Network of UK approved repairers. For more information or advice, please feel free to call in to our Wymondham Office.
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www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
Bears Extend Paw Of Comfort To Bereaved Children Two hundred extra special teddy bears have arrived in the county - and are now on standby to comfort bereaved children. The memory bears have been bought by Rosedale Funeral Home, which has branches throughout South Norfolk and North Suffolk, to provide extra support to youngsters who have lost a loved one.
Rosedale’s Anne Beckett-Allen, a trustee of Norfolk’s child bereavement charity Nelson’s Journey, said that each bear had a secret zipped compartment, where children could tuck away a memento or small
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 30th September, 2013. We are a firm of Independent Financial Advisers. We offer an annuity service and
September 2013
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.
keepsake to remind them of the person who had died. “Children can sometimes get overlooked at a time of bereavement and we feel it’s important that they are supported through their grief and helped to understand what’s happened. Last year we bought a few dozen bears and the feedback was so incredible that we felt we needed to order more,” said Anne Beckett-Allen. Anne Beckett-Allen said that as a familyrun business they were committed to doing as much as possible to support
bereaved children and their families. “We know only too well the heartbreak children often experience when someone close to them dies and we hope that these bears will help ease their pain.” An award-winning business, Rosedale Funeral Home has received national recognition for its caring ethos and community involvement. Established in Diss nine years ago, it has branches in Beccles, Bungay, Wymondham, Attleborough and Halesworth. www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk
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ATTLEBORoUGH 19
How Was Your Summer Anglia Computer Solutions Holiday? 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.
Or maybe you haven’t had a holiday yet and are one of those lucky people who wait till the children go back to school and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of sunny September days. Whatever you did, wherever you went or are going - we at KBA all hope that you have a lovely time. Our summer holiday was busy, usually our offices go quiet over the summer - but not this year, we have been busy seeing our clients and getting their accounts and tax ready in plenty of time for the deadlines.
know you could even be lucky enough to qualify for some extra funds. Maybe you don’t claim tax credits - wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly how much tax you need to pay this year before Christmas? No need to rush around in January worrying about how much that tax bill will be and how much you have already paid.
Many of our clients asked us to complete their accounts by 31 July 2013 so that they could provide the exact figure for their family tax credits. If you were one of these people, have a gold star! If like me you weren’t, then maybe you might like some help in getting your accounts done so that you can ring through your actual figures earlier this year. There is nothing like that feeling of relief when you know that your tax return is in and your tax credits are all up to date. Here at KBA we would be pleased to help you so that you have peace of mind that everything is up to date. You never
We still offer that no obligation free initial meeting so why not come and see us and let us help you sort out your accounts and tax this year. Our ethos is only to help where we can and to help you save as much as possible. This applies to self assessment, company accounts, tax returns. Payroll, debt chasing and so much more. Why not call us on 01953 457173 or email: Kerry@kerrybutcher.co.uk. We hope to hear from you.
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 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.
September 2013
20 ATTLEBORoUGH
www.attleboroughonline.co.uk
Attleborough Travel’s 1st Anniversary
A New Attleborough Town Crier is Born
Wow where did that year go!
For the Attleborough Carnival the Probus Club arranged for Melvyn Hurn to be the Town Crier for this occasion, he was received enthusiastically by the visitors to the carnival.
Gradually everyone is discovering that we exist and are enjoying as much as we are, having a travel agent back in Attleborough. We have had an eventful year, not only meeting lots of new people and booking holidays but also after National Express decided to stop the 727 coaches, we were encouraged by listening to the plight of some residents in Attleborough to start a petition. After a successful campaign with the help of Liz from the Tourist Office we won! Services resumed on the 22nd of July to the Airports and now connect us also to Cambridge and Brighton daily. Hopefully with people using the service and all the new homes planned for our area National Express will increase the frequency. We are having a celebration for our 1st birthday on Saturday 21st September from 12-3pm. There will be plenty of goodies for the free prize draw including a £200.00 holiday voucher from Classic Holidays, a trip to London for two from Easton Coaches, Champagne, gift vouchers and lots lots more.
Thanks to the generous support of some of our regional Tour Operators they will also be attending on our special day, Titan Travel also representing SAGA Cruises will be here, also Easton Coaches and All Leisure Group which represents 6 travel companies. (Travelsphere, Just You, Discover Egypt, Hebridean Island Cruises, Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery). Hopefully there will be something for everyone, giving you plenty of holiday ideas and most importantly special offers that have been put together just for you to celebrate our 1st Anniversary. So please join us and help us celebrate a fantastic year. With the summer holidays over and the winter months fast approaching we have some fantastic early booking discounts for Summer 2014, with low deposits, Kids for a £1 and flexible payment terms, we are agents for over 300 Tour operators and Airlines and are fully financially protected. Our Travel Consultants have over 25 years’ experience to give you 100% great holidays! We look forward to seeing you
Town Criers are no longer common in Norfolk but instead of capitalising on his success the fledgling idea appeared to die. For the Chirstmas celebrations in 2012 nothing was proposed to make use of Melvyn’s skills as a Town Crier to promote the (possibly) best small town fair in the area. Melvyn expressed his disappointment to a friend whilst helping at an Attleborough youth Club meeting. Melvyn’s friend, Ivan Fryett, contacted the Town Council to see why he had not been approached. The Town Council, much as they would like to use Melvyn, could not justify the expenditure. Ivan offered to pay for the hire of the uniform and Melvyn once again took the role of Town Crier, with great success, for the good folks of Attleborough. Ivan Fryett has an idea. When he went back to work at Morley Aviaries he suggested that the business couple sponsor a Town Crier. After much debate this was agreed. Susan Day from the Dressing Up Box in Attleborough was asked to make a fitted uniform with all the frills and ruffles, paid for by Morley Aviaries. 6 months later, after numerous fittings the colourful regalia was finally ready. A town Crier needs a bell. The hunt was to find a good hand-bell. Nothing could be found locally in Wymondham. At last everything was complete. Morley Aviaries bore the cost of the bell and engraving. Melvyn reprised the role at the Attleborough Carnival of 2013.
Morley Aviaries have pledged to maintain the uniform and bell for the foreseeable future, relieving Attleborough Town Council of the financial burden. It is now up to the Town Council, local businesses and the people of Attleborough to make full use of their newest asset and enable Attleborough to attain a better image among the county towns. To use Melvyn Hurn for any function or advertising please contact Melvyn directly or contact the Town Council. Maybe local villages and clubs would benefit from a Town Crier opening a function. Susan Day, The Dressing Up Box is on Gamers Trading Estate. Morley Aviaries, the sponsors of the Town Crier, are a family business situated on Hill Road in Morley St. Peter. They specialise in bird and small rodent diets, foods and accessories, sending goods worldwide. They make aviaries and small animal pens, also selling cage and aviary birds to calling customers. In line with modern shipping methods they run two web shops, www.junglegold.com for bird food, toys, accessories, etc. and www.ratrations.com specialising in food, toys, bedding and accessories for rats, hamsters, mice and other small furries. Morley Aviaries can be contacted on 01953 452321.
The many faces of Melvyn Hurn
September 2013
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HARLESTON 21
M. R. King & Sons
Harleston Jobs Clubs
Partners Halesworth Golf Club To Raise Thousands For Help For Heroes.
Every Wednesday 10am - 2pm, everyone welcome. Every Tuesday 1.30 - 3.30pm at Diss Library for 16-24 year old. Every Thursday 12 - 2pm, for 16-24 year olds.
Halesworth Volvo dealership M. R. King & Sons has joined forces with Halesworth Golf club to help raise thousands of pounds for Help for Heroes as part of the Volvo National Golf Club Challenge, the UK’s largest amateur charity golf competition. The event at the club, situated at Bramfield Road, Halesworth in July, was sponsored by M. R. King & Sons whose dealership is located at Quay Street. Members competed in a bid to win one of six places in the regional semi-final with those winners going on to compete in the national final at one of the world’s most prestigious and best-known golf clubs, Turnberry. Volvo dealerships across the UK will raise at least £21,000 towards the final amount which last year saw a staggering £52,000 donated to Help for Heroes. Now in its fourth year, the Volvo National Golf Club Challenge has gained even more support from the nation’s golfers whose additional fundraising efforts at club level, which include activities such as a dedicated Help for Heroes golf club dinner and raffles, is set to raise even more funds this year. Comments General Manager Julian King: “The Volvo National Golf Club Challenge event has grown in stature and participation every year and indications already suggest 2013 will be the best year ever. This provided us with a fantastic opportunity to support our servicemen and women who have been injured in their duty as well as to remember those who have given their lives. We very much enjoyed the event and doing ‘our bit’ to raise money for a truly worthwhile cause.” The Volvo National Golf Club Challenge works in partnership with Help for Heroes and has the charity’s full backing winning a Heroes Award in 2011. The Volvo National Golf Club Challenge invites every UK golf club to fundraise for Help for Heroes and return their top five Stableford scores.
The best six performing golf clubs from the four regions progress to their respective semi-finals, which take place in September 2013 at the Marriott Dalmahoy Championship East Course for Scotland; the Marriott Hollins Hall for northern England; The Shire London, designed by Seve Ballesteros, for southern England; and at a golf course to be confirmed for competitors taking part at Welsh clubs. Regional winners take part in the national final at Turnberry and finalists travel to the two day event in style in vehicles on loan from Volvo. As well as the competition finalists, the lead two fundraising golf clubs from both the men’s and ladies’ tournaments will automatically receive an invite to play in the final, irrespective of their score whilst the lead fundraising organiser from the top two fundraising golf clubs will receive a week’s all inclusive holiday for two to The Body Holiday Le Sport in St Lucia in recognition of their hard work. The winning club will be presented with the ‘Lee Westwood Cup’ as Volvo National Golf Club Challenge Champions which they keep for 12 months.
Have you recently left School, Sixth Form or College? If you need a helping hand to write a CV, would like to access the latest Apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities or need to speak to a professional Careers Advisor then we’re here to help. Every Tuesday at Diss Library, 1.30 - 3.30pm and every Thursday at the Information Centre in Harleston, 12 - 2pm we run clubs specifically for 16 to 25 year old. The friendly team are on hand to help so call in to see us. Drop us a text, email or call for more information. All our services are free and confidential.
A professional Careers Advisor will be holding 1:1 appointments offering additional support if you are looking for work or seeking training/learning opportunities. IT Help - every Wednesday 12.30-2pm - please book Help with anything IT from sending emails to carrying out online job searches. Employers – Looking For Staff? Advertise your vacancy for free at the Jobs Club and reach local jobseekers For more information please contact Lucy Marjoram or Jake Kubala Call 01379 851920, Text 07857 374857, email: jobsclub@harleston-norfolk.org.uk,
What’s on in September Careers Advice Tuesday 10th September 9.45am-3.30pm - please book
Find us on Facebook Harleston Jobs Club or call into Harleston Information Plus, 8 Exchange Street, Harleston.
For those who want to donate, the simplest way is to text NGCC555 to 70070 which automatically makes a £5 donation to Help for Heroes. Halesworth Results 1st I Ransby 40 pts, 2nd S Stammers 39 pts, 3rd C HamiltonMcGinty 39 pts, 4th S Brown 39 pts, 5th S Ford 39 pts M.R. King & Sons can be found at Quay Street, Halesworth or online at www.mrking.co.uk and can be contacted by email on enquire@mrking.co.uk or call 01986 874464. Halesworth Golf club can be found at Bramfield Road, Halesworth or online at www.halesworthgc.co.uk or call on 01986 875567.
September 2013
22 breckland home clean
Breckland Homeclean Breckland Homeclean, based in Attleborough Town Centre has been providing a Domestic Service throughout the area for the past 15 years! We provide a quality service to customers across the Breckland and South Norfolk area, covering the towns of Attleborough, Diss, Wymondham and Watton plus the surrounding villages. We offer a regular weekly or fortnightly service; however some of our customers need a more frequent service, so we visit them several times a week, and some customers on a daily basis. We also offer “One Off Sparkle Cleans” where team members come in and provide a full clean to your specific requirements. All of the Team Members are carefully selected, fully referenced checked and are subject to the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) process. Some of the members have been part
September 2013
of the team for 10 years, whist many have been in excess of 5 years. The service provided appeals to a wide range of customers those who are no longer able to do it all themselves - those who have busy lives and don’t have the time to do it - and those who just don’t wish to do it!! We have customers who are at home whist we visit and those who are out at work, in those cases we hold keys and alarm codes. We have customers who work out of the area or overseas, whose homes we manage in readiness for return at the weekends. If you require assistance on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis we will ensure that you have the same Team Member on the same day and at the same time each time
we visit. Payment is simple - we raise an invoice at the end of the month for work done during that month. Payment can be paid by internet banking, debit/credit card or cheque. If you are looking for a quality service provided by a team who are focused on customer satisfaction, in the first
instance contact us to discuss your requirements. We can then arrange for one of our customer liaison team to visit you and detail your specific needs. To contact us telephone 01953 458447 or 01953 458443, alternatively email us quality@brecklandhomeclean.co.uk
breckland home clean 23
Above: Amanda Johnson
Above: Catherine Wright
Above: Jean Gibbs
Above: Jennie Harrison
Above: Julie Stannard
Above: Lyn Corley
Above: Lynda Ede
Above: Penny Ware
Above: Roma Smart
Above: Alison Neal
Above: Peter Neal
Above: Sylvia Shearman
Above: Shirley Dryden
Above: Tessa Martin
Above: Sue Kinselley
Above: Sue Woods
Are You Interested In Joining The Team? If you can achieve excellent results and customer satisfaction, able to provide suitable references, willing to go through the CRB process - Contact us for an application form - 01953 458447/458443. September 2013
24 SEPTEMBER SPLENDOUR
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All Occasions
‘September Splendour’
... is an independent small business in Attleborough, started in 1998.
A fundraising event in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
The proprietor Christine has been a florist for over 30 Years.
her favourite hobby, which has become a pleasure.
Born at Quidenham- the Patrick family home, she has seen & supported the Quidenham Hospice from its beginning, supporting its fundraising and giving flower arranging demonstrations.
Designing a Bridal Bouquet each one unique to the bride, decorating the venues and seeing the special day for Bride & Groom complete gives her great pleasure.
A flower arranging evening entitled ‘September Splendour’ will be taking place at Eye Community Centre on Monday 23rd September featuring the very talented and popular Alan Smith from Ipswich.
is always very informative entertaining and amusing. Doors will open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start tickets are £10.00 to include tea/coffee and homemade biscuits.
Christine is vice Chairman of Breckland Flower & Garden Club Old Buckenham and also a member of Gt Ellingham Flower Club.
As does delivering a Bouquet to place a smile on some-ones face & brighten their day or designing a special floral tribute for a loved one.
Alan has visited the centre on many previous occasions and has always attracted a large audience his work is superb and his commentary on the evening
It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance to avoid any disappointment please call Pauline on 01379 650938.
She is a flower arranging demonstrator in the East Anglia Area to Clubs Groups and society’s and she teaches and holds classes including at Christmas.
All Occasions arranges many different designs, Wedding Floral tributes, Bouquets, Gift arrangements, Balloons & Function design’s.
Christine has exhibited at local shows, competitions, festivals at Cathedrals and also Chelsea.
Visit the website alloccasionsflorist. co.uk to view a selection available and our Facebook page for updates on work.
Her first love of flowers began when as a small child her Parents and Grandparents were all keen Gardener’s. 6 yrs at College (when her 2 children where at school), set her on the road to
With a delivery service to the local area including to Hospital, Christine is always willing to help advise on your requirements.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices ...have 3 hospices namely Quidenham here in Norfolk, The Treehouse Ipswich and Milton Cambridgeshire. The hospices offer overnight short breaks, day care, specialist play, music therapy, hydrotherapy, parent & sibling care at end of life and bereavement support for the whole family. Last year EACH provided 86.500 hours of care for 478 children and supported 572 families 254 at Quidenham. This year we need to raise £5.75 million pounds from public donations alone which equated to £15.000 EVERY day. HRH The Duchess of Cambridge chose us as one of the Charities she would be patron of. Her patronage has raised our profile, the name of EACH going global. However we still need to raise money for the Charity as every penny is always needed. Pauline Manson has been involved with the Diss Friend’s Group since its inception in November 1996 - its Chair since 1998 - since when with extreme thanks and gratitude to many
September 2013
kind thoughtful and generous people we have been able to make available to EACH over £265,000 as a result of money raised from the numerous events arranged every year such as:- Cookery demonstration, Fashion Show, Well being evenings, Flower demonstration, Strawberry Teas, Open gardens, Antique valuation days, Charity Auctions, Celebratory luncheons, Quiz evening, Pudding parties and so on. Every year a new programme is put together with as much variance as possible. All who have been involved cannot be thanked enough but we still as a group have more work to do as every penny and pound raised is desperately needed! The Diss Friend’s Group for EACH are always on the lookout for like minded people to join the group who have time to spare and have the enthusiasm to set about raising funds for EACH. Any interested people can contact Pauline on 01379 650938.
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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 25
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.
• 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!
September 2013
26 NURSERIES & SCHOOLS
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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.
September 2013
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1st Diss Brownies Are you a girl aged between 7 - 10 years old? Do you want to meet new people, complete badges, take part in fun and exciting sleepovers, outings, crafts, challenges and cooking activities. Last term we enjoyed a campfire, experimented making buns and decorating them. We completed the Hostess badge by inviting are family to a coffee evening and organising our own party for friends. We also had a beach party where we drank fruit cocktails,
We finished the term with a BBQ on the park. If you think Brownies is for you then contact Sarah Ellis on 01508 536879 or www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested
You’re under no legal obligation to send your child to nursery - keep them at home if that’s what suits you. But if it doesn’t and you’ve ruled out an all-day childminder, then your choices are between:
This will give you an opportunity to meet the staff and see what the group is like generally.
• Playgroups - or preschool groups run in the local community, for a few hours a day (you may be expected to help out once a week)
Have a wander around and consider these things:
• State nursery school or nursery unit of a primary school The childcare you choose will obviously depend both on your child and whether you work so need your child to be looked after for a certain number of hours a day.
• Do the children look well-stimulated, sitting down at activities, engaged by the staff?
...is a child care facility providing nursery and pre-school care for children aged 0-5 years. We also provide out-of-school and holiday care for children aged 5-11years. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am - 6pm, ALL YEAR ROUND!
Some key points for interested parents…. •Book quickly to access your 3 & 4 year old childcare vouchers. •We offer a 2.5 hour free trial.
We aim to provide your Children with a vibrant, enthusiastic approach to their care. This is achieved by having a team of highly qualified, dedicated and caring staff who will work alongside parents / carers to provide a flexible, affordable and purposeful provision. We hope the children will flourish and build both in self- esteem & confidence learning through play as well as a broad range of extra curricular activities in a warm and safe environment.
•Flexible and affordable, no registration fee and no strict sessions •We have a warm, bright and stimulating setting •Large free flow natural garden •Rural location with opportunities to explore nature and the local environment •Small caring team of highly qualified staff •Ages 0-4 for Pre-school and nursery •Ages 4-11 for Breakfast, out-of-school and holiday club Contact 01379 678586 for more information.
• How is the day structured and what sort of activities are built into the timetable? • Does the building look well-kept, safe and secure? • How many of the staff are qualified?
Playgroups usually offer shorter hours and parents are more heavily involved than in nurseries.
• Does it have good quality outdoor play areas? If so, how often do children get access?
With the exception of workplace nurseries, your starting point to search online for nurseries (or other forms of childcare) with vacancies should be ChildcareLink (www.childcarelink.gov. uk) or Directgov (www.gov.uk/find-surestart-childrens-centre). These will list quality, reputable playgroups that would be worth checking out.
• Does indoor and outdoor equipment appear of good quality?
What to Look for:
• Do you have confidence that the nursery manager possesses strong leadership skills, is well involved and has a ‘hands on’ approach?
Your best bet is to organise a few appointments to visit different nurseries before sending your children to them.
Jungle Cubs & Jungle Giants
made grass skirts and necklaces.
What To Look For In A Day Nursery
• Private nursery schools
NURSERIES & SCHOOLS 27
• Do they cook food on the premises? • What are the menus like? Do they include a good combination of fresh (rather than tinned) fruit and vegetables?
September 2013
28 Homes & gardens
PETS
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Martyn Furness
Harleston Pet Stores
Martyn trained in 1978 and worked for an established York based firm. He undertook decorating both in the Stately Castle Howard and Southark Cathedral.
Harleston Pet Stores has been trading for many years from the same site, from the Old Market Place site situated on the back street of Harleston.
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.
September 2013
The shop has easy car parking in close proximity for quick access to the shop. We stock a wide range of both feed and accessories.
• • • •
An extensive pharmaceutical department Qualified pet nutrition advisors Local stockist of calor gas in all sizes Delivery service available
The staff are friendly and helpful and always willing to try and help you with your need.
In the small chance that we don’t stock what you want, we will get it in for you, no worries at all!
Harleston Pet Stores has a sister store in Bungay and at both sites we have:-
We don’t just cater for dogs and cats but all ranges of pets and horses too!
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Dapper Dogs
Microchip Law
At Dapper Dogs it’s very spacious, a friendly environment and an air conditioned salon to help keep your dogs comfortable.
Are You a Responsible Pet Owner?
Dapper Dogs is open between Monday-Friday 9am until 5pm and occasional Saturdays to suit everyones needs. We have a lot to offer whether it’s just anal glands/nail clippings/ a brush or just simply a soothing bath; we are here for your dog and your needs. We groom all breeds and cater for all temperaments and style to your dogs requirements. If booked by prior appointment we can offer exclusive use of the salon for your dog and you.
If he or she is nervous or has behavioural issues with other dogs we can help! So if you have any questions or queries call us on 01953 453459, visit: www.dapperdogs-attleborough.co.uk or just pop in and see us. We are located in the centre of Attleborough between The Flower Box and the Griffin. We shall look forward to seeing you soon.
As of 2016, every dog owner in England will have to microchip their animal - the new compulsory legislation comes under plans intended to reduce the number of strays in the UK. The microchip will be coded with owners’ details, enabling vets to locate the owners if a dog is found, and owners who do not comply could face fines of up to £500. An incredibly amount of taxpayers’ money - £57million per year - is spent on caring for and rehoming stray dogs. The new ruling will hopefully cut this figure dramatically and save over 100,000 dogs from being abandoned and left homeless. Microchipping is a simple and inexpensive solution that gives pet owners peace of mind - It allows vets to locate the owners of s stray dog if one is brought into the practice.
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PETS 29
It’s also much easier to trace and find a stolen dog. The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group are now running a special offer whereby you can microchip your dog for the special price of £9.99 including VAT. To ensure your other pets don’t miss out, the offer applies to cats and rabbits as well. The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group are due to attend the Wayland Show on Sunday 4th August and will be microchipping dogs there for the same price, so please come and visit our stand. Alternatively, for further information or to make an appointment call The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group on (Watton) 01953 881415, (Attleborough) 01953 451100, (Thetford) 01842764244 or (Brandon) 01842 814043.
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NORWICH
DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH
WYMONDHAM DEREHAM & WATTON
BURY ST EDMUNDS
September 2013
30 computers & SOCIAL MEDIA
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Secure IT Networks
HCS Anglia
Every IT customer is different, with a different level of understanding and their own unique needs. Secure IT understand this and aim to provide a specifically tailored service to every customer.
HCS is a Diss based PC support company with a wide range of computer services.
Whether its consultancy, design, implementation, installation or support, or any of the other services offered by Secure IT, they will aim to provide an efficient, understandable service. Because of the bespoke nature of Secure IT’s services, they always aim to have a strong personal relationship with their clients, this is made possible by their approachable and accessible team of engineers, who most importantly, speak in plain English. Secure IT also work with smaller companies who don’t have their own IT department but want honest, proactive and reliable outsourced IT solutions. Secure I.T. Networks is very much a part of the wider IT industry. Working in partnership with some of the best-known names, like Microsoft, Apple, Cisco and HP - and are in touch with many other IT companies, some of whom are comfortable going to Secure IT for advice and consultation.
September 2013
Secure IT has a broad range of services for companies of all sizes and natures, most of which are offered both on a pay-as-you-go basis or on a running contractual basis. Secure IT is always willing to offer simple, understandable advice on all of its services, such as Cloud Solutions - online virtual servers for digital storage, Business Continuity that assists your business with consistency and recovery, Internet Services which include finding the most suitable internet options for your business and also offers back-up and recovery for your data.
Established 18 years ago by Paul Cain, the business developed from hardware and software sales to a more personal, friendly IT support service catering to more of the PC users queries. HSC now provides, supplies, and offers support for IT systems for small to medium businesses and domestic users throughout Norfolk and North Suffolk and believes in delivering the highest quality of advice and solutions.
• Computers supplied or built to requirements • Construction of Office Networks to include wireless networking • Mobile Internet Access via Laptops and mobile devices • Removal of Computer Viruses and Spyware • Telephone/E-Mail and full remote support for existing customers
One of HSC’s biggest concerns is providing a fast, friendly, reliable and efficient service where availability of advice and support is of the utmost importance.
Domestic Support
However, the very ‘bread and butter’ of Secure IT Networks is their Maintenance and Support services which covers almost all queries and issues that could be had with IT from file-sharing to virus protection to telecoms and server management.
HSC also aims to build strong relationships with each of it’s clients be it over the phone, in person or online. All services can be provided online where possible
For more information about Secure IT Networks please give them a call on: 0845 836 7486 or visit their website: www.secure-it.co.uk
• All reported faults attended to within 24 hours where possible • Repairs to computers performed on site including software and hardware
Business Support
• Computer repairs including software and hardware • Upgrading existing computers to requirements • Removal of Computer Viruses and Spyware • Wireless Networking to allow several computers to access the Internet simultaneously. For further information call: 01379 740548 or go online to: www.hcs-anglia.co.uk
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computers & SOCIAL MEDIA 31
If You Want To Grow Your Business You Must Consider Using Social Media Business owners are no longer content just serving their local customers, they want to branch out and capture a larger audiance and Social media channels together with conventional advertising is the way forward. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the best places to start your social media advertising campaigns, as these channels are followed by a large number of people and most of these platforms are regularly visited by professionals and private individuals. Smart business owners should be investing in all forms of advertising, as right now is absolutly the right time to let everybody know you are very much open for business. It is only with the help of the social media advertising campaign that you will be able to reach out to people sitting in the other parts of the UK who can be your customers also. If you can impress the social media followers then there is a high possibility of getting good business. So why use Social Media as a form of advertsing? Well it’s proven that Social Media, used in conjuction with your
regular local advertsing, will see more potential customers taking up services from businesses that have a social media entity. They can get in touch with the company with ease if there is a problem. They can post their opinions or contact the company sales people directly from their social media profile. In short they have another avenue to get in touch. Here are some tips for improving your business using the leading social media platforms: Twitter: Creating a Twitter account to start your social media advertising is a must. After creating the account ensure someone replies swiftly and in a friendly manner to Tweets you receive. Whenever the customers post any queries on your account they must receive a response, even if it is to say that you will explore their query and get back to them. Many Twitter tools are available in the market Bio: Engage Your Customers Through Social Media - Specialising In Social Media for Hospitality / Tourism and Leisure. Click http://www.search-social.co.uk/
@Search__Social Bio: Independent Mortgage Advisor roger@rogerthompson.org.uk
@thommo14 Bio: Our Restaurant & Bar has great food, fantastic wines & quality beers to enjoy in a charming, relaxed environment. You can even stay in our Boutique Hotel. Enjoy
@the_mulberry Bio: Dispatch Magazine is YOUR Community magazine in: Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Dereham, Diss, Watton and Wymondham. We have 152,000 readers every month!
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that can help to improve your Twitter marketing significantly. Facebook Advertising: The popularity of Facebook is unparalleled; it is the largest social media community at the present times. Millions of visitors around the globe log on to this platform to find solutions to their problems. You can leverage the popularity of Facebook by creating a fan page for your company. With the help of the fan page you can reach out to your clients in quick time and learn what the general masses think about your products or services. You can start lead generation campaigns through the fan pages to maximize the impact of your social media advertising. LinkedIn: It is the largest social network for the business professionals. Millions of professionals and business owners visit LinkedIn to resolve their queries and update their profiles. It is important to
have your own network in LinkedIn and start discussions of some of the major events in your company such as product releases, discounts and promotions. Enlightening discussions can impress many professionals to take up your services or products. If your own a business and want to maximize your profits, then social media advertising really is the way forward. It is a way that provides the opportunity to the business owners to interact with the customers and the masses. At Dispatch Magazine we have a team of Social Media professionals who are on hand to help you and your business get set up on all the Social Media platforms. Call us on 01953 456789 or follow us on Twitter: @Dispatch_Mag we’re here to help! Bio: J B Airport Travel is a small family business providing a complete airport transfer and corporate business travel service to customers based within a 20 mile radius of Norfolk.
@jbt55 Bio: UK's largest horse charity, taking care of more than 1300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules every day. Written by Nicola in the Press Office fuelled by tea
@RedwingsHS Bio: A gorgeous little pub in the heart of the village. Great food, well kept beers, good wine and cosy atmosphere! Caston Norfolk NR171DB
@Caston_redlion Bio: Do you want to save money on ALL your Utility Bills, either at home or for your business? Get in touch: www.TheUKsCheapestUtilityBills.co.uk
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September 2013
32 HEALTH & WELLBEING
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Dentabrite Clinic - Diss Subtle Ways To Stay On Top Of Your Weight ‘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.’
Levels of obesity remain on the rise, with a study in 2011 finding that 66% of adults in the UK now fall between ‘overweight’ and ‘obese’ and 33% of children fall into these categories as well. This increase in average weight has had an effect on peoples’ health. Over half of men and just under half of woman considered ‘obese’ were found to have high blood pressure and the number of hospital admissions based on obesity between 2011 and 2012 was 11 times higher than between 2001 and 2002. Staying on top of your weight can be difficult, but it’s important to try and maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle. We’ve compiled 5 subtle, unintimidating ways to exercise more: 1.Broken up exercise is exercise nonetheless - Ten minutes of exercise in the morning, followed by ten minutes at lunch and a further ten minutes in the afternoon is no less effective than one 30 minute session. Find a spare ten or twenty minutes where you can and your day’s exercise will soon increase.
2.Choose something you like. You don’t need to run marathons or have heavy sessions at the gym to exercise, plenty of more gentle activities count as well. For example, dancing, walking, yoga and cycling can all help - find something you enjoy. 3.Keep it Brisk - If you’re on foot or on a bicycle, imagine you’re a little late as opposed to taking a more leisurely pace. Over time your speed will increase and you’ll forget about the extra effort. 4.Be social with exercise - Losing weight needn’t be a lonely task, try exercising with your spouse or sign up for a class with one of your friends. 5.Keep a log - Make a concise diary of your exercise - include progress pictures of yourself - this way you can directly monitor what you’ve done and how well its worked.
Aromatherapy Can help keep you Cool! Essential Oils Essential oils belonging to the mint family, especially those with higher percentages of menthol like Peppermint Oil, will help make the body feel cooler. Menthol has the ability to trick receptors in the brain into thinking that the body is cooler than it really is. The Eucalpytol in Eucalyptus Oil acts similarly. Therefore my favourite three cooling essential oils to use on
uncomfortably hot days are Peppermint Oil, Spearmint Oil and Eucalyptus Oil (citriodora is my favourite of the Eucalyptus family as it has a gorgeous citrus aroma). Hydrosols Hydrosols don’t need to be diluted before using as they are water soluble, and can be used directly on the skin as body sprays to help keep you cool and refreshed. They can also be used as room mists. Eucalyptus will have the added benefit of keeping bugs at bay. Room Mist / Body Spray Fill a spray bottle with the choice of 50ml of water/ hydrosol and 50ml of alcohol (vodka will do) or 100ml of water/ hydrosol. Add 30-40 drops of essential oil. Shake the bottle prior to each use. Mist lightly in the room. Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages When using this recipe to create a body spray be absolutely sure that you shake the spray bottle before and during each application and avoid spraying the mist on your face.
September 2013
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ELDERLY 33
Choosing A Wheelchair Manorcourt Daycare How to Select the Right One. There are hundreds of designs of wheelchairs that can be purchased and new ones come on to the market everyday. So how do you choose a wheelchair that is right for you?
• What health problems do you have which may have a bearing on the wheelchair’s design that is right for you? • Keep warm and dry? If so, look at wheelchair rungs and cover-ups.
The first thing to consider is why you want a wheelchair in the first place. Is it to;
RADAR - the disability rights people - has a booklet that can give you advice and guidance.
• Use indoors? • To stay within the confines of your home and garden or to go further a field with? • If you are considering taking it out in the boot of a car you will need a collapsible wheelchair. But if you are just going to use it in a home environment you may wish for a rigid wheelchair. • Do you need a wheelchair that can be put in the boot of someone else’s car? • Do you want a wheelchair that you propel or are you considering one that some else will push? • Are you thinking that an electric wheelchair would be more appropriate? • Are you aware that you can have pneumatic tyres or solid tyres?
The booklet is titled “Get Mobile” and can be obtained from their website at: www.radar.org.uk or by phone from: 020 7250 3222. Your local social services office will have occupational therapists that are also available to give advice and their number will be in your local telephone book. Article by Angela Gifford MD, Able Community Care Ltd. (uk-care.com).
...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
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
September 2013
34 ELDERLY
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South Norfolk Mobility Centre
Care Organisations Collaborate
Summer is always the best time be out and about, with holidays, fetes and shows to go to.
In Gardening Project.
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.
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.
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
Please Call: 01953 887777 or visit: www.southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk.
We stock the major brands such as Rascal and Shoprider and prices start from £350.00. We stock both new and second hand.
We look forward to seeing you.
Care homes and other care settings in Attleborough are being invited to take part in a gardening project called PATIO “Put A Tub In the Open”. Residents and family carers of the various older people care establishments in the town are being invited to produce a container of colourful and fragrant plants or flowers, for display at the Attleborough and District Horticultural Society’s autumn show at the Connaught Hall in Attleborough on 7th September. The Horticultural Society will select a winner from the flower displays presented and the care organisation which submits the winning entry will receive a bouquet flowers, sponsored by Rosedale Funeral Home.
September 2013
The PATIO project was suggested by Essex-based 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 value of connecting with nature and the green environment. The local spokesman for Dementia Adventure is Tony Vale. He said: “The PATIO project is a simple way for older people in care homes and other care settings to get involved in a therapeutic, nature-themed activity.” For more information about Dementia Adventure, visit their website: www.dementiaadventure.co.uk or email: tony@dementiaadventure.co.uk
36 MOTORING
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One Third Of UK Drivers Admit To Not Having An MOT One third of motorists admit to having driven a car knowing their MOT had expired, a violation that carries a fine of up to £1,000 - not to mention a violation which also invalidates your insurance. This was found in a survey conducted by the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Of the different areas of the country, the south west of England had the biggest proportion of people who ‘forgot’ to get their MOT, at 40.5%.
The survey found that of 1,000 motorists, 67% had driven without an MOT for up to a week, 24% for up to a month, 7% had driven without MOT for 6 months and 2 % admitted to driving without MOT for a period longer than 6 months.
Whereas in the East Midlands, it was a mere 14% who admitted to their lack of MOT at one point or another.
It’s not difficult to forget about your expiring MOT, so we can give the 67% the benefit of the doubt. However, over the course of six months you would remember, so it’s safe to say the 2% knew that they were driving without MOT did nothing about it, which is cause for concern. What’s more, by invalidating your insurance you could face a penalty of up to eight points.
September 2013
In order to aid people in ‘remembering’ their MOT, the SMMT has teamed up with Trading Standards Approved Garage Network and Motor Codes to offer a free MOT reminder. This service is available at www. passmymot.co.uk. This is all part of the SMMT’s ‘Minute or Two’ initiative which encourages motorists to carry out ten visual checks of their care prior to the MOT test. This includes checking tyres for baldness, making sure the lights work and that the window wipers are operating properly.
Many dealers are now offering a free pre-MOT check as well as sending out a reminder before the next is due.
So there really is less and less of an excuse to drive without MOT.
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MOTORING 37
The All-New Volvo V40 Range Low emission luxury without compromise. The all-new Volvo V40 range has given its premium hatchback competition its toughest test yet, thanks to a unique blend of lowemission luxury with no restrictions on equipment or specification level. The Volvo V40 is available in three derivatives, from the comfort of the standard vehicle, to the sporty R-Design and the rugged Cross Country. All three are available with sub-100gm/km CO2 emissions in a full range of trim levels, creating the widest possible choice for both retail customers and company car drivers. There’s no compromise either for customers who want to combine comfort with sports-inspired styling as the V40 R-Design is fitted as standard with the dynamic chassis and available with the optional sports chassis. All models are fitted as standard with the world’s first Pedestrian Airbag and Volvo’s pioneering low-speed collision avoidance system, City Safety.
As part of Volvo’s continuing effort towards its Vision 2020 goal that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo, both passive and active systems are employed. Owners are able to specify technology such as Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert Control, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert. All of these systems compliment the standard features fitted such as front and side airbags, side impact protection system and whiplash protection system. Even people on the outside of the vehicle are protected with the world first Pedestrian Airbag that deploys over the lower part of the windscreen and A-pillars and lifts the bonnet slightly to help absorb the impact. No wonder then that the Volvo V40 was praised for its exceptional NCAP Safety Rating, receiving the highest ever score by the Institute, and also for featuring this leading innovative
safety technology as standard across the range. An innovative car in a range of styles and equipment levels to suit all needs. Prices start from £18995.
M.R.King & Sons can be found at Quay Street, Halesworth or online at www.mrking.co.uk and can be contacted by email on enquire@mrking.co.uk or call 01986 874464.
September 2013
38 DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY
September 2013
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DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 39
September 2013