Dispatch Magazine Diss & Attleborough June 2012

Pin

Twoosh

MSN

SEO

Watton

Reddit

Instagram Qik

Posterous

HootSuite

TweetDeck

Bit.ly

Gogobot

John Kemble-Taylor

Hi5

Permalink

Blogroll

Timeline Netlog

bebo

YouTube

Friends

Dribbble

iPatter

Share

Events

Like

Flixster

4Networking

Social media

A Look Into

Tumblr

wiki

Avatar

follow

Followers

Dashboard

StumbleUpon

blogs

UStream

CyberSpace

Retweet

Attleborough

UNSUNG HERO

ELDERlY

Baddo

Meme

Diss

offline

Networking

Google+

Viral

Podcasting Status

Newsfeed

RSS

Tweeps

Tag

MySpace

Poke

chat

Blogger

Messages

fan

LiveJournal

blog

Twitter

account

URL

Mapping

Flickr

DM

Wymondham

@

Microblogging

Facebook

Community

Yahoo

Poke

BuryStEdmunds

Trending online

Brands

mention

unfollow

Bio

Tweeple

widget

comment

Videos

digg

Linkedin

Advice

Stream

RT

foursquare

hashtag

Skype

#

Photos

SOCIAL NETWORKING Wordpress

Picasa

Pinterest

Google

News Feeds

O N FTE EV N ER C BE OP TT IED ER ED

Tweet

Dereham

profile

HOMES & GARDENS

Help & Advice

@Dispatch_Mag

FOR DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

June 2012

WELCOME

WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE??

CALL THE SALES TEAM NOW - 01953 456789 Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk @Dispatch_Mag

Editor: Jonathan Horswell

Advertising: sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Jayne Ashby ( Sales Manager ) Gemma Fairweather, Kim Wild

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

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

DispatchMag

Issue 129 June 2012 Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is: June

15th 2012

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.

June 2012

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Diss Museum

Diss W.I.

Friendly Invasion 1942 display.

Our April meeting at the Diss Youth & Community Centre on Wed 11th April was a jolly musical evening courtesy of Mrs Mozart aka Frances Hart.

Of the many aircraft that took off from Thorpe Abbotts in World War Two, 177 did not return, nor did 732 airmen.

Norfolk’s American Connections are being celebrated this year, both the 70th anniversary of the Friendly Invasion of 1942 and also any historical connections between the county and the USA. The base museums at Thorpe Abbotts, Knettishall and Horham have all provided Diss Museum with items to help commemorate their history.

In return the museum is putting on an entertainment, entitled Twilight’s Last Gleaming, at Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Museum. It is at 7.30pm on the evenings of Friday 8th and Saturday 9th June.

Admission is £2.50. Phone the museum on (01379) 650618 to book. The show features letters home from a young airman, powerpoint images of the war and a sound track featuring aircraft, music and voices of the time. The museum has received funding from the organisers of the countywide scheme for this project and for an

American Lunch. This will be at 12.30pm on Saturday 14th July in St. Mary’s Hall, Diss. The museum has successfully run several themed lunches with the guests making and bringing the food.

There is no more to pay. You just phone the museum on the (01379) ������������������������ 650618���������� , make an American dish and bring it.

The museum’s education work will also feature the same theme. Diss High School’s Problem Solving Day for feeder schools, in which the museum takes part, will use the American project as inspiration.

Basil Abbott.

Frances entertained us in full costume and regaled us on the life and times of her “husband” Wolfgang Amadaeus Mozart.

This happens twice yearly and the next one will be in October.

We take it in turns with other WI’s in The Redenhall Group.

Frances played his music and told us of his life in a most informative and interesting way, and the members very much enjoyed this.

So with our friends from Pulham and Scole on a very wet Thursday evening we returned to the DYCC.

On display this evening in the hall we had all our entries from the Area exhibition at Pulham on the 3rd April.

Our entertainment this evening was courtesy of Doreen Reed”Facts Fibs & a Pinch of Salt.

So that members could take a look at all of the lovely items that had been entered.

These were hilarious poems and saucy rhymes and all the members were in stitches.

Although we had won on points overall, the points system is worked out by an average on members numbers so we actually came 3rd, so we’re very pleased.

We had provided biscuits and tray bakes for refreshments and once again a good time was had by all.

Also this month we were hosts for our Group meeting on19th April.

We now have 53 members but new members are always very welcome.

Bygones Country Rally A host new attractions and a record number of exhibits look set to make this year’s Horham Bygones Country Rally bigger and better than ever.

The new attractions for 2012 should include: the East Coast Truckers’ Charity who will be at the show to raise money for their famous Children’s Convoy; the fast-growing and award-winning Blue Force tractor group, for friends of Fordson, Ford and New Holland tractors; & the County Gate Model Show’s model farm should prove popular with youngsters. A record number of classic and vintage cars and motorcycles are already booked in for the event - on Saturday June 9th 2012 from 10am until 5pm - and will join historic tractors other farm machinery, historic military vehicles, stationary engines, model steam engines, working horses and working exhibits.

As well as being a big draw for anyone who wants to see old farm machinery and horses in action it is also big fun day for all the family as there should be fairground rides for smaller children and a variety of stalls, including bygones and lots of good food from local firms. Last year more than 3,000 visitors flocked into the small village between Eye and Stradbroke for the event.

June 2012

Not only does the event generate much needed funds for the Horham Community Council it also offers charities, including the Royal British Legion and East Anglian Children’s Hospice, the opportunity to attend, free of charge, in order to promote their organisations and raise funds. And if you want to take a break from the rally the nearby Red Feather Club off the B1117 towards Eye will be open for the day. The Red Feather Club is the official UK museum of the 95th Bomb Group who flew B17s from Horham airfield during WW2.

Horham Bygones Country Rally is on Horham & Athelington Recreation Field of the B1077. In the evening, in the community centre, there will be live music with a licensed bar and food.

Admission: adults £5, concessions £3, family ticket £12, accompanied under 5s free. There will be free parking with a dedicated disabled parking area.

Visit: horhambygonescountryrally.onesuffolk.net for more information.

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

Diss U3A Mark Mitchels was the guest speaker at May’s meeting and he told the rather sad story of the life of the poet John Clare.

Born in 1793 in rural Northamptonshire the son of illiterate peasant parents,Clare’s life could have followed the same pattern had it not been for the few years of formal education that he received at the village school.

Empowered with the ability to read and write Clare discovered a love of poetry and romantic verse, this coupled with his love and observation of the countryside around him turned Clare into one of England’s finest poets. A reputation sadly not bestowed on him until long after his death.

began to suffer the start of his mental health problems.

The next meeting of Diss U3A will take place at Diss United

In 1841 Clare was admitted to the first of the two lunatic asylums where he would spend the rest of his life,a period of twenty three years broken only on one occasion when he decided to undertake a journey of 80 miles to walk home to his wife and family.

Volunteers Needed!

Throughout his life Clare’s obsession with poetry never waned, continuing to write almost to his dying day leaving a legacy of over 3500 poems.

For a brief period Clare’s work was so popular and highly praised that he received the lifetime patronage and support of the Marquess of Exeter for whom he had once worked as a gardener.

Following his death in 1864 Clare and his work were largely forgotten, it was only the inclusion of one of his poems many years later, in the Oxford Book of Verse, that led to the rediscovery of John Clare the man who today is regarded as one of England’s most important 19th century poets.

Sadly his popularity was not destined to last and when public taste changed Clare took to drink and

For further information about Diss U3A please visit our website or telephone 01379 642674.

Reformed Church on June 7th commencing at 10.30.

Macmillan Cancer Support is looking for volunteers in the Diss and Bury St Edmunds areas.

There are various roles available, from collecting cheques, all the way to speaking in public about the charity’s vital work.

If you are looking for a bigger challenge, the charity is looking for people to take on fundraising in the area and even possibly forming a Fundraising Group. Being part of a fundraising group is a big commitment but the rewards are wonderful. You would be the ambassadors for Macmillan and also responsible for the fundraising in that patch. You will be kept up to date with all the incredible work Macmillan is doing locally and nationally and also be offered regular training. You will be assigned a Fundraising Manager, who will work closely with you to ensure you receive the best

possible support. Paul Fleet, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan says “We have wonderful opportunities for people who really want to make a difference in their local area. By volunteering for Macmillan or starting a fundraising group, you will be helping people who are living with cancer both locally and nationally” He adds “There are currently 2 million people living with cancer in the UK and this figure is set to raise to 4 million. Macmillan’s aim is to reach all these people. We can only do this with help from volunteers and fundraisers” If you would like to hear more about how you can support Macmillan, please contact Paul on 07779 286 650 or pfleet@macmillan.org.uk.

Hoxne Phoenix Group At the May meeting members were entertained by Julie Hurst who runs a hand made hat enterprise using natural materials and fabrics.

Julie gave us a brief history of hat-making from ancient times when it was merely a protective covering and through the years as it became associated with various crafts and occupations. Materials varied from natural fur, leather, rudimentary metal (armour), followed by wool and cotton cloth as they became available.

Eventually hats became “badges” of rank and more and more elaborate, according to your station in society. In modern society apart from those who wear uniform, they have become a practical item of clothing to protect us in sport and from the weather and occasionally to complete a formal ensemble for work or pleasure.

Over the decades a large industry grew up in some parts of the country, Luton and some Northern towns becoming centres of this manufacture. Sadly this industry has now declined, since we no longer wear hats so regularly and competition from the Far East has taken over a good deal of the market. Ms. Hurst makes her hats from raffia, a vegetable leaf product from

Madagascar plaited into ropes and coiled round suitable shapes . In this way various shapes can be devised and are then decorated to the client’s requirements.

They can also be coloured with paint spray which dries and is absorbed by the raffia.

Ms Hurst was warmly thanked by Mrs Weller for her interesting talk.

The group had had a successful day trip to Ely in April though the weather was not too kind.

Tea will be served by the group at the Jubilee Tea Party in the Sports Pavilion and everyone is asked to provide a plate of goodies.

The next meeting will be our venture into Belly Dancing. Ladies are warmly invited to join us. Tickets are £5 and refreshments will be served.

Contact: Sheila Evans on 01379 668477.

June 2012

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society From Gothic Revival to International Rail Terminus.

Launce Gribbin, that excellent speaker and amusing expert, took more than 100 Diss DFAS members on a fascinating journey through the history of Gothic Revivalism in Britain to end up steaming into St Pancras station.

Starting from the destruction by fire of the old parliament in the Palace of St Stephen in 1834, Launce explained the competition to build the replacement and the development of medieval style architecture of Charles Barry that won the commission together with the work of Augustus Pugin.

From this introduction to Victorian Gothic design we moved on to the contrasting styles of the major Rail Terminus stations with their distinct and very different facades; Euston in Classical Greek mode, Kings Cross in the Italianate fashion and St Pancras in Neo Gothic - all within a short distance on Euston Road.

With great knowledge, a keen humour and a refreshing style, Launce Gribbin, surprised his audience with his well

June 2012

illustrated descriptions of the Crystal Palace by Joseph Paxton, the Medieval Court of the Great Exhibition by Augustus Pugin and the Albert Memorial by George Gilbert Scott. Scott also designed the Foreign Office but in a Renaissance style and not his original Gothic plan.

From this we could return to the track and Scott’s collaboration with William Barlow on St Pancras Station.

Here we also heard of the problems and rivalries of the major Rail Companies and Midland Railways’ development of engines and braking systems [with personal anecdotes as Launce’s great grandfather had been a foreman fitter of the then new Westinghouse brakes!].

Although not in the style many had expected of a lecture on Victorian Gothic architecture and the iconic St Pancras building, this was a wonderful romp delivered in a great style by a true individual. Speaking afterwards, Diss DFAS chairman, Antony Lloyd said, “We were not expecting that. A real DFAS surprise

moment and most enjoyable.” The June Lecture on 19th June 2012 at Roydon Village Hall will be the Art & Beauty of Old Maps to be delivered by Yasha Beresiner.

As always, potential members are very welcome to come and experience the quality of the events for themselves.

Bloodhound Treasure Hunts Are you looking for a different and exciting game for the school holidays or a birthday party?

Would your children like to help Blunder the Bloodhound find the treasure? Word and puzzle solving skills required!

We are a family business inspired by the joy our own children experienced when following a treasure hunt to find their Christmas presents.

Three of our hunts are in rhyme and one is a picture and word hunt for young children. The clues slow down the present opening period but build excitement to the final treasure.

Bloodhound Treasure Hunts are versatile so they are perfect for parties, scavenger hunts or family fun in the garden or home.

Choose from one of four themed, colour illustrated hunts, each pack providing fun for six children including stickers and invitations.

Party extras include party bags, balloons, pin badges and extra invitations and sticker packs.

For indoor or outdoor play go to: www.bloodhoundtreasurehunts.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

Diss Group Norfolk Family History Society All family historians accumulate vast amounts of data in various forms from hand written notes, computer downloads, photos, family tree charts, local maps etc.

So on April 10th it was useful to welcome back Derek Palgrave to Diss, who has given us so many interesting talks since he spoke at our very first meeting.

very useful as succeeding generations are indented and the format makes it easy to include a lot of information.

Derek also brought David Iredale, a professional archivist to our attention, who has produced some useful publications regarding families and politics, transport and religion accompanied with outline maps and tithe maps and is worth consulting, likewise Simon Knott who has documented all the churches in Norfolk and Suffolk. There is also a software programme called Genmap from which you can generate maps onto which you can put your own data and then of course you can publish online via e-zines, weblogs with links to other sites and of course Facebook. The Using his own Palgrave family of Ludham last section of the talk focused on publishing and Rollesby as an example Derek guided where Derek tried to steer us through the us through the various options, citing the complexities of the various choices from self importance of noting sources and references. printing to using a local printer or a specialist There are a wide range of computer printer and introducing us to Lulu, a company generated tree charts in various formats on the net offering self publishing for free, available in the more popular family tree stressing that if you do publish you must programmes such as Family Tree and Roots ask the owners of any material you have Magic to name a couple but a Narrative reproduced for their permission otherwise you Pedigree, which can be hand drawn can be may be guilty of infringing copyright laws. It is His talk entitled ‘Passing on the Findings of Your Research’ certainly focused one’s mind as to the organisation of our own, often vast and sometimes disorganised storehouses of information, whether just for family interest, passing on to future descendents, passing on to local historians and social historians, writing newsletters, writing articles for Family History magazines, storing data on CD or DVD, giving presentations or even publishing to reach a larger readership worldwide.

also worth noting that if you publish a book in the UK, under the Legal Deposit Libraries Act, a copy must be sent to The British Library and five others, i.e.

to share, all that remains is organising the publicity, maybe advertising in the press or Members interest Directories or Surname Directories. The choices are wide.

The Bodleian Library, Cambridge University Library, The National Library of Scotland, The Library of Trinity College Dublin and The National Library of Wales. So, once one has published material that the author wishes

The subject of our meeting on 12th June will be “Canals and Waterways” and the speaker Frances Hart.

Everyone is welcome. Jenny Jenkins.

Hypnocove Outlet Is a family run online retailer that aims to supply great quality clothing at the best possible prices.

We are committed to bringing you the customer, the best possible prices for our clothing, so much so that we spend many hours sourcing our stock from reputable suppliers both in the UK and abroad for the very best prices, that way we can pass the savings on you.

Contact us here customerservices@hypnocove-outlet.co.uk Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hypnocoveoutletsuffolk Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/hypnocoveoutlet

Find us here - www.hypnocove-outlet.co.uk

Necessity Is The Mother Of ‘Innovation’ I was reminded recently of the story regarding the man who first invented ‘cats eyes’. Folklore would have it that he got the idea from seeing a cat one night while walking back from the pub with a friend.

I can in fact corroborate this story, because that ‘friend’ happened to be my Great Uncle Norman. In fact they were both staggering back 3 miles from a domino’s tournament in a nearby village.

In order to see the track that led back to their village they shared a small torch...

And it’s true, they did see a cat, and it’s eyes shone brightly in the torchlight. It gave the inventor an idea...

This all happened in the great depression of the 30’s I’m led to believe - and maybe there is a motto there?

It’s all too easy to shut up shop and assume that because business is tough then there’s no room for innovation?

But doesn’t history tell us differently?

Follow us @Dispatch_Mag

However, Great Uncle Norman was always a bit on the ‘slow’ side and only saw the cat after it had nonchalantly walked past them, it’s tail held proudly high.

As a result Great Uncle Norman ended up patenting the ‘tea towel holder’ !!!

June 2012

Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Stacey & Partners

comercrawley

Are you buying and selling on the Internet? Be warned, you may need to tell the Inland Revenue! So says Mark Wallace of the Accountancy Firm, Stacey & Partners.

The personal injury lawyers.

Some people have fallen had to pay interest, fines an penalties on income not declared to the Inland Revenue, and HMRC are launching a campaign to allow people to come forward, and come clean for a limited period.

can come forward at any point between 4th March and 14th June and inform HM Revenue & Customs that they want to take part.

Question: Is it true that you should always reject the first offer that an insurance company makes as they will always be willing to pay more?

They will then have until 14th September to give details of tax owed and arrange payment, including any interest and penalties.

Answer: The short answer to the question is no. It can however be said that very often it is possible to negotiate a settlement of the claim at a higher level than an insurance company’s initial offer.

If you are buying and selling on the Internet and it is not done with the aim of making a profit, then there is no need to inform HM Revenue & Customs.

Whereas, if trading is done on a regular basis, with a view to making a profit, there is the potential to pay tax.

HM Revenue & Customs have had a number of campaigns, under which they are targeting particular areas of tax evasion, and the latest area to be targeted is that of e-markets.

The scheme is aimed at online traders who have not previously disclosed their profits. Under the opportunity, traders

June 2012

In doing so, it is likely that some tax payers will be able to avoid any penalties at all and are most likely to be liable to a penalty of no more than 10% of the tax owed.

After that date, if HM Revenue & Customs discover e-market traders who have not disclosed, the penalties could amount to up to 100% of the tax owed.

Mark Wallace of Stacey & Partners are able to advise on this area further and can be contacted on 01824 826100 or via email at thet@staceys.co.uk.

Your questions answered……

The valuation of a personal injury claim does not involve a precise mathematical calculation. There are two parts to the claim: an award of compensation for the injuries suffered (known as general damages) and compensation for financial losses and expenses suffered (known as special damages). The way in which the injury element of the claim is valued means that the advice provided to someone pursuing a claim is that a reasonable sum will be somewhere within a certain bracket or in the region of a certain figure. Whilst the losses and expenses can be claimed in a specific amount, very often it is

impossible to guarantee that a court would award all of the sums claimed in full.

As with any negotiation process, each side will try to achieve the best outcome for them. Therefore, an insurance company will often pitch an offer at the lower end (or indeed below the lower end) of the bracket that they consider to be reasonable for the claim’s value and will often be prepared to increase upon the amount of their first offer and go up to the upper end of the bracket.

Sometimes there are other relevant factors to take into account when a settlement offer is made.

One example is that an offer may be made by an insurance company where liability for the claim is disputed and in which case the risk of being unsuccessful with the claim also needs to be taken into consideration.

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

@Dispatch_Mag

Diss

Tree Folklore

By Joan Garnham, Waveney Tree Specialists.

Trees and humans have always had a close relationship. Trees have offered us shelter from the cold and heat; they have provided food and medicine and wood to make tools, buildings and fire for warmth and security. Since they were so important to life and comfort they were ascribed spiritual standing. All over the world different cultures revered the tree as a symbol of rebirth and wisdom - trees ‘come to life’ every spring and silently watch for more than the lifetime of mortals. The Green Man is a symbol of the regenerative power of nature.

Carvings of various forms of this can be found all over the world and could be found in early Christian churches.

Tolkein took this a step further in Lord of the Rings by inventing a race of moving, thinking trees - Ents.

Native North Americans call trees ‘our standing brothers and sisters’, we move and change; they remain the quiet centre of being.

According to many ancient teachings, the universe is a spiral around a central

axis often depicted as the Tree of Life or Universal Tree; we can certainly trace this philosophy back to Neolithic times, the concept evolving with cultures.

In Norse mythology we have Yggdrasil, Tooba in Islam, Ez-Chajim in Judaism, Ts’ogs-shing in Tibet; the list goes on.

In the Germanic languages, most terms of learning and knowledge are derived from words of tree or wood. Driuds were hailed as extremely knowledgeable; it comes from two Gaulish Celtic words dru - very or most and vid - knowledge. They trained for 20 years in remote forest academies since they believed all original knowledge came from trees and that the tree was the channel from a higher god or gods.

The leaves of the Tree of Knowledge formed the old sacred alphabets which enabled them to preserve the word and was regarded as magical. For example the ancient Irish alphabet Ogham (pronounced oam) has 20 letters each named after a species of local tree.

Different species of tree represent the

Tree of Life according to which grew locally; In Siberia it is the birch and in Persia the plane tree. Most religions began beneath sacred trees. Sadly, with the disappearance of religions, the sacred trees and groves were felled.

Populations were growing and increased farming changed the face of the earth.

The use of the longbow saw most of the ancient yew being felled; only those in churchyards still survive. Effort was made by our ancestors to preserve and manage this resource; coppicing and pollarding was introduced to produce charcoal for glass and metal production.

A good example of ancient timber management is the cypresses in Crete which were highly valued by the Minoans, then the Venetians came and overexploited the trees to build ships; they are now extinct on Crete.

Did you know it takes more wood to build a modern concrete skyscraper than an ancient palace (for encasing the concrete). Trees still shelter us from the

heat and cold and still supply us with food and medicines but we now know that without trees we would suffer more pollution and be in even greater danger from greenhouse gases.

Trees are the lungs of the world; so even though few cultures revere the tree now, we do need to preserve those we have.

Whether it is the fast disappearing rain forests or the tree at the bottom of your garden they need careful management to ensure their health and longevity.

Expert advice is a phone call or e-mail away Tel: 01379 668 636 Mobile:07990 801 388 Email: waveneytrees@btconnect. com Websites: www.waveneytrees.com Free estimates Realistic, competitive prices Check us out on our website.

June 2012

10 Diss

www.dissonline.co.uk

Reduced Rate Of Inheritance Tax For Charitable Gifts.

To encourage people to leave part of their estate to charity, legislation applying to deaths on or after 6th April 2012, provides that where at least 10% of a person’s net estate is left to charity the rate of Inheritance Tax charged on the estate is reduced from 40% to 36%.

during the last seven years the chargeable value of his estate after deduction of the nil rate allowance of £325,000 will be £275,000.

Adding to this the amount of the charitable gift, the resulting baseline amount will be £315,000 of which 10% is £31,500.

To qualify for the lower rate the donated amount need not amount to 10% of the whole estate but must be at least 10% of the “baseline amount”.

The Inheritance Tax rate on the estate will therefore be reduced to 36%.

This is established by calculating the chargeable estate, deducting the Inheritance Tax free allowance attributable to it and adding the value of the charitable gift.

It is of course the case that no Inheritance Tax is payable on charitable gifts and therefore the gift of £40,000 will reduce the total tax from 40% of £315,000 which is £126,000 to 36% of £275,000 which is £99,000.

For example, if John a bachelor, dies leaving an estate worth £600,000 from which a legacy of £40,000 was payable to charity then assuming that he had not made any gifts in excess of £3,000

June 2012

A gift of £40,000 to charity in this illustration can therefore save tax of £27,000 so that the overall loss to the other beneficiaries is only £13,000.

While the position of the other beneficiaries should always be borne in mind, the fact that their legacies will not be reduced by the full amount of the charitable gift and that substantial benefit will be received by the charity may make the gift worthwhile.

If you would like further advice please contact Carol Lockett at Jackamans on 01379 643555 or by email to carol.lockett@jackamans.co.uk.

Carol Lockett carol.lockett@jackamans.co.uk

Rotary Club Of Diss & District and South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band.

Are promoting Proms In The Park at the Park Pavilion, Diss on Saturday 16th June from 5.45pm to 9.30pm with Park Radio the sensational group DISCHORD South Norfolk

Youth Symphonic Band and crowning of the Diss Carnival King & Queen.

FREE Admission.

Bar and BBQ.

@Dispatch_Mag

AN INTERVIEW WITH... 11

An Interview With.... The Flower Box full size lady, tractors, pheasants and footballs to name a few. We have also made a full size arm chair.

What are the plans for the business?

How long has The Flower Box been established?

We have been approached many times about offering floristry classes and tested the water in December by having Christmas workshops that proved to be hugely successful. So we have decided to open a floristry school within The Flower Box. The business has had a fabulous 16 years and continues to have a full diary of weddings throughout 2012 and teamed with the school, we have exciting times ahead.

When will the school open?

The Flower Box has been present on the Attleborough high street for over 30 years. It started it’s life down Queens Road, before moving to its present location when Defiant Precinct was built.

It loves being in the heart of the town and community.

How long has The Flower Box been in the family?

The Flower Box is a family run business that was brought by Carol & Terry Ward 16 years ago. It has become another member of the family.

Why do you feel flowers/plants are important in peoples lives?

Flowers are an emotive part of every occasion, bringing beauty and elegance.

The gift of giving and receiving of flowers not only makes people feel special, but also keeps them in touch with nature at a time when technology is controlling our world. As florists, we are also very honoured to work alongside families during all of the momentous occasions in their lives. We get to enjoy the excitement of planning weddings, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries and new babies. But also show comfort and guidance in times of bereavement and grief. Without flowers in our lives, these occasions would not be the same.

What has been your strangest request / funniest story?

We love being challenged so we are able to use our creativity to design some really unusual things. Over the years, we have had some tricky requests all of which have tested our abilities. Some of them were an owl, a 3D Aston Martin, Eeyore and Tigger, a steam train, a

The school will be ready to be viewed in early June. Classes are to start in July, with lots of different activities on offer.

Who is in the team?

Carol Ward is the ‘face’ of The Flower Box and is head of customer service and the day to day shop runnings. There are 3 delivery drivers that are always happy to help, Terry Ward, Graham Mayston and Rod Green. The floristry team is a team of three, with a combined floristry experience of over 45 years. The three florists will all be involved in the teaching at the flower school.

of my brides going on to become friends within the shop. I love my job and I am really excited about The Flower School opening, I hope the shop brings many more happy years to my family.

Lucy: I am the baby of the Flower Box family and joined the business three years ago. I studied at Easton College and gained my experience at two other shops before coming here. At the shop we have such a variety of work that no two days are the same, we all have such great passion for our work and really love what we do. My favourite part of my job is decorating the shop and keeping it looking lovely with new window displays and lots of lovely gifts for our customers to choose from.

How will you be celebrating the opening?

We have decided to combine our grand opening of “The Flower School at The Flower Box” with the Diamond Jubilee, Saturday 2nd June. We will be having a tea party throughout the day. With a free taster session within our school.

People of all ages can come along

meet the team, have a cup of tea, slice of cake and try their hand at floristry.

We are hoping to have a fun, relaxed atmosphere and all celebrate together.

Do the students have to be experienced?

We have a strictly “No Experience Necessary” policy. We offer a relaxed environment for people of all abilities to come along, have fun and learn about the wonderful art of floristry.

What classes will you be offering?

We have got so many different ideas for classes and workshops. To start with, we will be having 6 week blocks of classes that will cover aspects of floristry and on a saturday afternoon, we will be holding one off workshops that will be something seasonal. We are also looking into holding Hen Parties, Birthday Parties, Mum & Daughter Days, Church flowers & Bridal workshops. In the future, we are hoping to take floristry out of the shop by going to residential / nursing homes for workshops and floristry and home parties.

Helena: I joined The Flower Box 10 years ago and have a life long love of flowers. I trained at the Welsh College of Horticulture to gain a National Diploma of the Society of Floristry, and have since taught to a level 3 standard. I love teaching and I am really looking forward to the launch of The Flower School, as it is fun and satisfying to see people gain new skills.

Katey: I started working for the family business when my parents brought the shop 16 years ago. I began my working time career as the “Saturday girl” until I left school. I started working as full time florist over 10 years ago, starting my training within the shop learning from others around me and finally studying within the shop to gain my level 3 certificate. I have always had a passion for art and this has lent itself with the creativity I need in my work. In recent years I have been the Wedding Consultant for The Flower Box, I love this part of my job and find the excitement of weddings very fulfilling. I have had a hand in over 300 weddings, with many

June 2012

12 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Attleborough & District Horticultural Society The Spring Show held at the Connaught Hall in Attleborough during April was a great success and it was good to see plenty of non-members coming to view the exhibits.

Following the warmth of March the cool weather that followed made it possible for a vast array of daffodils to be on show.

Besides the daffodils there were displays of other flowers and shrubs, pot plants and floral art.

There were also classes devoted to home made wine, cookery, handicrafts, photography and art.

The Arthur Downes Cup for best daffodil bloom - Charlie Gardiner.

The Leeder Trophy for floral art Janet Feltham.

The Cookery Trophy - Anne Greenwood.

The Cooper Shield for handicrafts Shirley Penfold.

The Art Trophy - Liz Cannon.

The Former Mayor of Attleborough, Karen Pettitt has been a big supporter of the society and she was on hand to make the presentations at the end of the afternoon.

The Best Photograph Certificate - Ron Brewer.

Prizewinners were: The Society’s Cup for most points achieved - John Don.

The big event in June is the Rose and Sweet Pea Show which takes place on Wednesday 20th June.

The Society’s Shield for best floral exhibit excluding daffodils - Elaine Carr.

This is held at Peter Beales Roses and starts at 7.30pm.

The Cyril Hewitt Cup for best daffodil exhibit - Charlie Gardiner.

Members of the public are very welcome to come along on the evening, and

Best Wine Certificate - David True.

as it is an open show we will be very pleased to see exhibits submitted by non-members.

Bereavement Support Group A Success A Wymondham bereavement support group is celebrating its first anniversary this month and is proud to have supported so many local people that have suffered a bereavement.

Sessions are led by qualified bereavement counsellor Vicky Goddard, supported by Marion Baynton of Rosedale Funeral Home, who says that her work with bereaved families at Rosedale had prompted the setting up of the group.

“Grief affects us in many different ways and it can be especially difficult to cope if you’ve no-one close to talk to,” explained Mrs Baynton. “Grief isn’t something that’s often discussed and it can be a huge relief for people to talk to others about their experiences.

“The support that has been given during the last 12 months has been emotional, social and practical. We have supported people through difficult milestones such as the first Christmas or anniversary, or events such as going back to work. There has also been lots of sharing of practical ideas such as cooking for one and sharing of

June 2012

If you are interested in entering please contact Betty Stacey, the Show Secretary, on 01953 454790.

contacts for getting DIY tasks done around the home.

“Although the group is now well established and often meets socially outside of the group they are very welcoming and supportive of new comers.”

Sessions usually involve sharing refreshments and home made cakes and are held on the first and third Thursday of the month from 10am - 12 noon in the Frank Bunn Room at Wymondham’s Town Green Centre in Back Lane. The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one - regardless of how long ago or in what circumstances.

Rosedale are also considering setting up an evening support group to accommodate those that may not be able to meet during the day.

Further information - and help with transport - is available by contacting Rosedale Funeral Home on 01953 601103. www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk.

ATTLEBORoUGH 13

@Dispatch_Mag

Redgrave Garden Club Redgrave Village Open Gardens.

Sunday 24th June 12.00 to 4.00 pm Entry: £3 per person (children free) “Fascinating gardens in a beautiful village” Starting at the Cross Keys Pub Teas at All Saints, The Street, Redgrave

Plant sales - Half the proceeds will go the Charity - “Scotty’s Little Soldiers” (for bereaved children of our service personnel) For more information, please contact Andrew Dickson (committee member of Redgrave Garden Club) on 01379 783272 (daytime) or 01379 890719 (evenings) or andrewd4774@btinternet.com

Artline Attleborough’s Art & Craft Society.

Is holding a four-day art exhibition in the Town Hall, Attleborough for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th June. The exhibition will be open from 10am until 5pm each day and besides the exhibition by over 60 local artists, there will be demonstrations throughout the days on wood carving, painting, embroidery and lacemaking.

There will be a raffle, books, hand-made cards and coffee will also be available

to relax with whilst you enjoy the various craft demonstrations.

Do come along and support your local art and craft society, free admittance and find out more about our monthly meetings and our great range of speakers.

We meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7.30 in the Francis Room, Connaught Hall. For further details contact 01953 452201.

Attleborough Probus Club The Chairman greeted twenty seven members at our first April meeting.

The speaker was Andy Housegow who came to tell us about the excellent work of the FIRST RESPONDERS which is a voluntary community scheme of highly trained medics who work with the Ambulance Service and respond to emergency medical calls in our local area, in many instances arriving ahead of the ambulance and administering emergency aid such as defibrillation in the case of an unconscious patient who has suffered a heart attack.

The Scheme was the idea of a Dr Richard Cummings, our local one was started by Andy Housegow five years ago with the aid of the ambulance service, town council and other local organizations. The local membership now numbers twelve with others in training on alert seven days a week from 6pm in the evening until 6am next morning using their own transport and endeavouring to arrive under 8 minutes which is the critical time in an emergency. The dedicated team offer help

to anyone with problems with Chest Pain, Cardiac Arrest, Breathing, Fits, Stroke, Unconsciousness, Diabetic Problems, they are not Paramedics but give critical first response in many life saving situations.

Andy emphasized their need to find and locate the patient at night they all .have electronic finding devices, but it is so important to open the curtains and have all lights blazing as house names and numbers are not easily located at night.

The Meeting closed with a vote of thanks

by John Rogers for an excellent talk, it is gratifying to know that help is on hand for our members who are all retirees, many of advancing years. Our Next meeting on the 25th April is the AGM. The Probus club meet twice a month on alternate Wednesdays at the Connaught Bowls Club in Station Road welcome retired professional and business men as guests, Contact Stan Groom Tel: 01953 454427.

Attleborough Bible Society Verse and Thought for the Month June 2012.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” Matthew Chapter 16 verse 24 Discipleship

we must embrace a life of humble and devoted service, loving our neighbours in practical ways, following in the footsteps of Jesus. Genuine discipleship in submission to Jesus-Christ calls us to continue faithfully to the end. Are you willing to take up the challenge?

Archbishop Sentamu urges committed Christians to wear a cross to witness to Jesus Christ.

However, wearing a cross is the easy part.

Living out the Way of the Cross is another question!

For the disciple of Jesus, the cross means our self-centred lives must be submitted in every area to Jesus-Christ as Lord and Master.

This means discarding the pursuit of prosperity, popularity, power, pleasure and personal prestige. By God’s grace,

June 2012

14 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Great Ellingham Teddy Bear Festival 7th - 22nd July 2012.

This is our 9th Teddy Bear Festival having raised about £30,000 for charities and local groups. Come and walk the Teddy Trail in the village, can you find the 100 plus life size teddy bears in the village gardens?

• Saturday 14th July 11am - 4pm Teddy Bear Festival Fun Day and Craft Fair

We have lots of activities going on over the two weeks. visit www.greatellingham. org.uk or contact Peter 01953 456716

Come along and view the many craft stalls. Bring your own teddy along to take part in the Teddy Bear antics, enjoy the teddy bears picnic and lots more FUN and entertainment for the family, refreshments and BBQ available.

• Saturday 7th - Sunday 22nd July Teddy Bear Trail Trail map £1.00 from the Post Office and at other venues around the village • Saturday 7th July Garage Sales 9am around the village. Garage Sale Maps available from the Recreation Centre

Refreshments available in the village, at the Methodist Church and BBQ on the village green • Wednesday 11th July MacKays Fashion Show 7.30pm at MacKay’s in Attleborough

This year the Fun Day is being held at the Recreation Centre in the village.

East Anglian Children’s Hospice, Quiddenham, St James Church, Great Ellingham Recreation Centre and village groups

• Sunday 22nd July

Teddy Thanks giving Service at the Rectory Gardens in the village 3pm, everyone is welcome, bring your Teddy along.

Priory Insurance Brokers LTD

• Thursday 19 - Sunday 22nd July St James Church Art Exhibition

Thursday 7th 7.30 pm Art Preview Evening Tickets £5.00 with free glass of refreshment and nibbles Art Exhibition St James Church 20th 22nd July 10am - 4pm Free Entry

Priory Insurance Brokers are a locally owned, independent, professional organisation who have been based in South Norfolk for over 35 years.

We bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to solving your varied insurance issues and provide a dedicated Account Handler to all commercial policies.

give you their personal attention. This is surely a ‘must’ in this increasing technology driven age, particularly when dealing with what can be complex and confusing covers.

• Saturday 21st July

Grand Teddy Bear Raffle Draw and Afternoon Tea at St James Church

Please feel free to call into our Wymondham office, telephone or e-mail us and one of our fully trained local customer advisors will be pleased to

We feel it important to guide our customers rather than be at the mercy of a call centre operation, either in the UK or abroad.

when it comes to websites...

we build... we maintain... we host.

t: 01953 454455 e: info@SpiderSolutions.co.uk w: www.SpiderSolutions.co.uk

June 2012

2pm -4pm Teddy Bear Festival charities this year are:

@Dispatch_Mag

ATTLEBORoUGH 15

The New Buckenham Players Get Ready To Perform As part of The Royal Shakespeare Company’s open stages project.

As part of the RSC’s 50th birthday season every amateur group in the UK was invited to apply to take part in the RSC Open Stages Project, running until the end of this year. Each group was asked to ‘pitch’ for a production and there was a specific brief - it had to be performed by an amateur group and be one of Shakespeare’s plays, an adaptation, or have a Shakespearean theme. It also had to be ambitious, embracing an exciting new challenge for the audience and show a spirit of adventure. If successful, applicants would then become ‘members’ of RSC Open Stage and would also be invited to attend Regional RSC Open Stages Exchange events hosted by the participating regional theatres (the New Wolsey in Ipswich for the Eastern region) where groups could take part in workshops aimed at exchanging skills and inspiring ideas for use in the productions.

New Buckenham Players, ever up for a challenge, decided that “nothing ventured, nothing gained” and applied, and were then delighted to be accepted.

The play, The Merchant: A Banker’s Dilemma has been written by member Tom Nash and is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. It is set during the banking crisis of 2009/10, and is told as an everyman tale of every time, with a deliberate sense of timelessness, echoing other eras of boom and bust.

It was originally hoped that the play could be performed at the village’s Market Cross, on the village green but unfortunately, a temporary road closure application has been refused. The play will now be performed at St Martin’s Church in New Buckenham, “promenade” style, with the first half of The Merchant being performed

Santon Downham

in the Church grounds and the second half in the Church itself. The Players are delighted that the PCC have given permission to use this wonderful Church.

Rehearsals and the not inconsiderable logistical planning are already well under way for staging a production which is to be performed both in the open air and inside a Church. The attached photo shows the cast and crew inside St Martin’s.

The play will be performed from Thursday, 21st to Sunday 24th June. The first three performances will take place at 7.30pm, but on Sunday the performance will start at 2.30pm, at which the audience are invited to bring along a picnic beforehand, with the gates opening at 12.30pm.

Advanced tickets can be booked via the Box Office on 01953 861438.

You can follow The Players’ progress over the coming months via a blog on their website: www.newbuckenhamplayers.co.uk.

Car Boot Sales.

On the green and in front of the village hall, every first Sunday of the month March through to November.

Sunday, 2nd September Sunday, 7th October Sunday 4th November

Next Car Boot sale is on Sunday, 3rd of June and it is our JUBILEE CAR BOOT SALE, we hope all stall holders will join in with the theme of the day. The cafe will be open as usual, and will be decorated with the theme of the day.

All car boots commence to the public at 8:00am and are advertised until 1:00pm

Car Boots thereafter: Sunday 1st July Sunday 5th August

There is plenty of car parking and pitch space, an indoor cafe and toilets are available. Pitch fees are a mere £5 for a generous single or £8 for a much larger requirement.

Any enquiries to 01842 815213.

June 2012

16 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Planning Retirement Is Important!

Anglia Computer Solutions Ltd

We are sure all of us would like a long, healthy and financially secure retirement.

Based in Wymondham directly opposite Reeves the stationers.

Unfortunately this is not the case with many of the new clients that we meet and there are several reasons for this.

One obvious reason is that most people do not pay into a pension or do not pay enough into a pension; even though pensions do give clients tax relief on their contributions.

Another reason is that many clients do not have a strategy when it comes to investing.

We quite often find that clients have the same investment funds for years and years and also quite often have the same investment fund when they start their pension and have not changed it when they come to retire. Economically and politically the UK and the world will have changed quite dramatically over the years and ideally a client’s retirement strategy will also have changed. So what should you do? Ideally a client’s retirement strategy should change in line with their circumstances and their

June 2012

level of risk should decrease as clients approach retirement.

This is where we can help. We help clients develop a clear strategy and review this regularly so hopefully they stay on track.

Also many clients are entitled to an enhanced annuity when they come to retire and quite often are better off with ‘an open market option’.

Speak to us for further information.

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.

It specialises in the sales of PC’s & Laptop’s from basic recon units to the latest cutting edge technology. All shops are fully equipped with a workshop for undertaking repairs and upgrades including: Laptop motherboard repairs, Screen replacements, Power Socket Replacements, PC hardware repairs, Software reloads and virus removal. All types of PC and laptop can be upgraded.

In addition every shop stocks a wide range of both original and compatible ink cartridges, cables, accessories, various memory media and components. Our Wymondham branch also has a photo printer.

They often claim to be affiliated with the likes of Microsoft and will make a good show of making some kind of modification to your machine, often up to an hour.

The rates seem reasonable, sometimes as low as £25 - its four months later the problems begin. Suddenly a couple of thousand can disappear.

If you have experienced this recently then please contact your bank and get your card cancelled and changed. It is also a good idea to have your computer checked over.

Anglia Computer Solutions offer this service alongside many others both in store or onsite in your business or home.

Customer Warning Recently many customers have been receiving phone calls informing them there equipment has a fault with it. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES allow them access to your machine or payment card details.

For any computer related need call today, we are here to help whether its one ink cartridge, rewiring your workplace with a new network & phones to creating full ecommerce websites. Call us today.

@Dispatch_Mag

ATTLEBORoUGH 17

Kerry Butcher

Key Education

Accountancy Services is famous!

Key Education Services provide quality, local teachers, to local schools.

Well ok maybe not that famous but we have joined Face Book.

Why not take a look at our page and make any suggestions of anything you think should be included.

We would love to hear from you.

Office life is busy at KBAS as many of our clients are nicely organised and have already dropped in their books and records so that we can complete their accounts and tax returns well before the deadline.

The advantage of this is not only will they know how much they need to save up to pay that all important tax bill in January 2013, but they may even be able to reduce the amount they need

to pay on their second instalment on account due in July 2012.

If you have an instalment due in July and you think that this may be a bit high, why not make an appointment to see us - hopefully we can help to talk things through and hopefully you too will have less tax to pay on account this year too.

Completing your accounts and tax return early can also help with tax credit claims which can sometimes be tricky when you are self employed and possibly need to estimate your profits.

So instead of putting it off, why not contact us.

We offer a free initial consultation which will hopefully help you to sort out any issues you have.

You could even contact us via face book if you like.

We offer a first class service making sure that each teacher is placed appropriately, and whenever possible, with the necessary subject specialism.

We are passionate about education and offer an exceptional service to schools, and a supportive and effective service to teachers.

Key Education Services was established in April 2006 and in July 2009 were awarded the DFE/REC quality mark and are audited annually so far achieving 100% each year.

For schools it provides both assurance and official recognition that the highest standards of recruitment practice are being adhered to; and Teachers will be confident that they have selected an accredited and reputable service that will add value to their experience as supply teachers.

If you are a qualified and/or experienced teacher currently looking for teaching positions in and around Norfolk/Suffolk,

in a variety of schools/PRU units/ independent schools please contact Debby on 01440 764430 or email debby.dyson@keyteacher.co.uk for a registration form.

If you are looking for a new job, relocating to the area or would like to be kept up to date with long term or permanent vacancies, please send us your CV and a brief summary of what you are looking for and we will inform you of any suitable vacancies.

Current vacancies are updated daily so please visit our website or check our facebook page.

Supply teachers are crucial to the day to day running of a school. You will never be considered as just a number if you work with Key Education Services!

We also give back to schools in the way of book tokens which has allowed the schools to give as prizes for competitions or to reward good behaviour etc.

June 2012

18 ATTLEBORoUGH

www.attleboroughonline.co.uk

Be Clear On Cancer Have you ever felt that food gets stuck in your throat when eating, or have you or someone you know been suffering from heartburn or indigestion on and off for three weeks or more?

If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor straight away.

The chances are that it’s nothing serious but it’s always best to get it checked out as soon as you can.

These symptoms could be signs of stomach or oesophagus cancer.

The oesophagus is the long tube (gullet) that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

Dr Rory Harvey, Medical Director for Anglia Cancer Network and Consultant Gastroenterologist, in Anglia, says: “Most people have heard of breast or lung cancer but not cancer of the stomach or oesophagus which are now amongst the most common cancers.”

There are almost 700 new cases of these two cancers in Anglia every year and they cause over 500 deaths annually in the region. Both cancers

June 2012

affect men and women, but are more common in men. More than nine out of 10 people who get cancer of the stomach or oesophagus are over 55.

Low awareness means people are not recognising the symptoms and telling their doctor soon enough.

Official figures show cancer of the oesophagus, is now the fourth most common cause of cancer death in men (after lung, prostate and bowel) and the sixth most in women.

Dr Jane Scott is a GP in Anglia, and is helping to raise awareness of these cancers.

She says: “People are often worried about bothering their doctor with what they think are ‘trivial’ problems, but if symptoms like these carry on you really need to speak to your GP.” Paul Lesslie, 61, a keen golfer, had never heard of cancer of the

oesophagus before his diagnosis in 2011 but because his cancer was caught early he made a fast recovery.

He had chemotherapy and keyhole surgery and was home from hospital within five days of the operation.

Paul says: “I was swallowing food but it wouldn’t go down into my stomach and I would encourage anyone who thinks they have symptoms like this to see their doctor. Don’t just think it will go away because the longer you leave it the worse it will get.”

So remember - you are not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out, so make that trip to your doctor’s surgery.

If it’s nothing to worry about, your mind will be put at rest.

But if it is cancer of the stomach or oesophagus, early detection makes it easier to treat.

Seeing your doctor without delay may save your life.

Remember to see your doctor straight away if: • Food ever feels like it’s sticking in your throat when you swallow, or • You’ve had heartburn or indigestion on and off for 3 weeks or more Visit www.nhs.uk/ogcancer for more information.

@Dispatch_Mag

HARLESTON 19

New Cabinet Chosen

Volunteer Open Day

William Nunn has announced changes to Breckland Council’s Cabinet.

Exchange 2 in Harleston are holding their second Open Day giving members of the local community a chance to find out what happens at Exchange 2 and how they can get involved by volunteering.

The Leader announced his new Cabinet today with the changes taking place with immediate effect.

Mark Kiddle-Morris Executive Member for Assets and Strategic Development

The new Cabinet consists of:

William Smith Executive Member for Internal Services

Michael Wassell Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance and Democratic Services Ian Sherwood Executive Member for Performance and Business Development Lynda Turner Executive Member for Localism, Community and Environmental Services Elizabeth Gould Executive Member for Planning and Environmental Services

Mr Nunn said: “As we face unprecedented challenges in local government Breckland has a strong, committed and dedicated team who are ready to meet these challenges head on.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Adrian Stasiak, Paul Claussen, Steve Askew and Diana Irving who have each served on the Executive in various roles for several years and who have helped steer the council to numerous achievements during that time.”

Gary Howard

Exchange 2, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, is a community run charity for the young people of Harleston and the surrounding villages, providing youth facilities at The Cabin, based on the Recreation Ground in Harleston. Anne Lowe, who’s been involved in the project since the start, commented ‘young people need a relaxed and safe place to hang out, meet their friends and gain access to other support services; this is what we offer at The Cabin’. The Cabin currently runs two weekly drop-in sessions run by volunteers with help from a youth worker.

Last year The Cabin faced closure due to a lack of volunteers. Thanks to support from the local press and the idea of holding an Open Day, they were able to recruit new volunteers to ensure The Cabin remained open for the young people. They are hoping to continue their recruitment success this year by holding their second Open Day which has been organised during Volunteers’ Week, an annual campaign which celebrates the

fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK. Exchange 2 are seeking volunteers for various roles including working with youth, admin support to trustees, and publicity.

See how you can get involved and help your local community by attending the Celebration Open Day on Thursday 7th June; drop in between 4pm and 7pm at The Cabin.

For further information call 01379 853132/854726.

Pictured left to right: Julia Fairbrother, Youth Worker and Monika Baranowska, Volunteer

Is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and founder of Howard & Company.

Why has your business stopped growing?

This is a question many of us have faced.

A business is usually created by an individual or a small number of directors or partners. Typically, the owners are hands-on at the beginning with few staff and modest resources. The business expands to a high point, driven by the personalities and skills of the owners, and encounter problems...

Owners find themselves under time pressure, being torn between customers,

staff and running the business. Customer service then goes in decline whilst costs increase. If the owners want to reach much greater things then they need to make the transition from a personalitydriven business to a systems-based business. Please contact me if you want to know how to do this.

Contact details: Tel 01953 455842 Or email: gary@gmhoward.co.uk Please visit our Website on: www.gmhoward.co.uk.

June 2012

20 Homes & gardens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

JC Homeworks Fascias & Soffits are the boards surrounding your roofline, both around the front, sides and underneath the eaves - If Wooden over time they crack and the paint peels away.

Your fascias conceal and protect the ends of your roof rafter, if your fascia is damaged or ill fitting your roof rafter can be exposed to the weather, it can cause wood rot, thus leading to expensive and time consuming repairs.

You can either leave the unsightly wood to rot or you can disguise the problem by painting over it regularly, however this is only a temporary measure which could cause more damage to your property.

and soffits. Gutters are typically UPVC, cast iron or asbestos troughs fixed around the eaves of your roofline to drain the rainwater away from your roof.

as they go hand in hand - when one sustains damage, all three will need repairing and/or replacing at the same time.

Without regular maintenance they can develop cracks and leaks especially at the joints.

We can inspect, clean and bring your UPVC back to its original condition again. Our Fascia and Soffit Cleaning service really can make a difference to the look and feel of your

Blocked or leaky gutters can have a major impact on your home, requiring costly repairs and time consuming maintenance.

Replacing your home with new UPVC Fascias will give your roof an attractive and unified appearance and keep it looking aesthetically pleasing.

Gutters are designed to protect your property from even the heaviest weather, leaving your roof beautifully clean and free from weather damage.

It will also protect your Rafters from the elements.

Replacing your old guttering with new will divert rainwater away from your roofline and protect your property from water damage.

Bird comb will keep birds from nesting in your rafters.

Replacement will also free you from the burden of having to repaint your fascias

June 2012

Whenever you have problems with one of either your fascia, guttering or Soffit, there is usually a problem with all three

properties exterior and help to keep it in good condition.

The cleaning products we use are specifically designed to effectively and thoroughly clean exterior surfaces.

Call Jason of JC Homeworks on 01953 451169 or 07747 847606 for a free no obligation quote.

@Dispatch_Mag

HOMES & GARDENS 21

Diss Bed Centre And Furniture Warehouse

Outdoor Life

...Is a family owned business which has been established for over 36 years, based in Diss, Norfolk.

Our gardens are now considered to be an extension of our home with sheltered rooms, integrated lighting and sound systems as standard features.

Our new Furniture Warehouse on Sawmills Road, Diss offers a huge selection of leading styles of bedroom, occasional, dining and office furniture including Bedsteads, Sideboards, Wardrobes, Dining Tables, Chairs, Units, TV Stands, Nests of Tables, Desks and much more. All ranges are available in solid woods including oak, ash, beech, birch and pine.

We also have a new exciting range of TV beds, electric beds and rise and recline chairs and with new lines being released regularly we are the place to visit for the latest styles and ranges. Big brands include Sealy, Silentnight, Hypnos, Myers, Staples and Healthbeds to name but a few. With over 10 ranges of furniture displayed in store you shouldn’t struggle to find what you are looking for, however if you can’t see it on the shop floor do ask as there is every chance we can order it in for you - orders placed before Wednesday will be in and ready for delivery by the Friday. We have a large range of stock

in at all times available for same or next day delivery meaning you haven’t got to wait weeks for your new furniture.

You can also visit our website for our full ranges and our latest offers www.dissbedcentre.co.uk. The store has easy access and parking and we offer free local delivery using our own specialised team, all of our furniture is ready assembled on delivery which saves you the time and stress of trying to assemble it yourself.

With years of experience in the industry and fantastic customer service, we are best placed to give you any advice you need on the furniture you are looking for. We offer something to suit every taste and budget.

Store opening times are as follows: Sawmills Road: Monday: Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 4pm, Sunday: 10am - 4pm.

The way we are using our gardens is evolving with the desire to enjoy our outdoor space throughout the year, whatever the weather.

Demanding busy lifestyles mean we want to spend quality time in our gardens without the upkeep and maintenance and it’s essential that lowmaintenance features are incorporated into any landscaping plan.

At Georgina Read Design & Landscaping we specialise in transforming gardens and our flexible approach means we can always meet your requirements for all aspects of hard-landscaping.

As we are also the driving force behind Paving Superstore (www.pavingsuperstore.co.uk) and Anglian Garden & Building Supplies (www.gardenandbuilding.co.uk), both selling huge volumes of hard landscaping materials across the UK, including paving from Marshalls,

Bradstone, Brett, Stonemarket, Pavestone, Global Stone, Strata and Natural Paving, decorative stone, sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, garden features, hot tubs, pergolas, fencing, water features and lots more, you can be sure all our materials are at online prices, offering great savings!

So why not let our RHS award-winning, fully qualified landscaping professionals encompass your needs by creating a garden to match your lifestyle - whether you prefer modern and contemporary or timeless and traditional, we can fulfil your requirements.

Free Quotes Fully Insured References Available Contact us today on 01953 850802 to discuss your Landscaping requirements.

See examples of our work at: www.georginaread.co.uk.

June 2012

22 Homes & gardens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Mid Norfolk Builders We are a reliable and reputable family run company who have over 35 years experience in the building industry.

We are fully insured company and offer an entire range of trades, so if it is required we can undertake a complete project from digging the first

shovel of soil to fitting the last light bulb.

Please feel confident in contacting us for your free no obligation quotation.

Tiffey Valley Garden Services Officially the start of Summer?! At the time of writing, I don’t hold out much hope, it’s been raining for a month!

As the drier, sunnier weather arrives (!) and you and your family spend more and more time outside, there’s a pretty good chance your once green lawn will start to turn yellow, then brown and heaven forbid may even develop bare patches.

Consider applying a lawn feed, one that’s designed for use in the summer months. If you’ve still got weeds growing up through the grass, then use one with a weed-killer additive.

To make sure the feed gets to the root, apply on a dry day when rain is forecast or make sure you water it in well. You may need to lightly scratch the surface of the soil to aerate the roots beneath.

Set your mower blades to a low height and really you should be mowing every week, or at the most every ten days. In

June 2012

drier weather however, consider raising the blade or stop mowing altogether.

The grass will recover, but mowing in prolonged dry spells is bad news.

Try and keep your lawn watered as best you can, as again in drier weather, your lawn can quickly dry out - coupled with the increased traffic increase the risk of bald patches appearing.

Lastly, if you find yourself walking on the same areas of your lawn over and over, to hang the washing or head to the compost heap, consider laying stepping stones to prevent excessive wear and tear.

For regular lawn and garden maintenance or landscaping contact Chris at Tiffey Valley Garden Services or see our main advert below.

@Dispatch_Mag

HOMES & GARDENS 23

AC Washing Machines

At Supreme Bathrooms

Official Dyson Centre.

We have been supplying and installing quality bathrooms since 1998 and now more than ever, we are now installing quality products sourced from the UK and Europe which have water saving benefits in mind.

Looking for a new Dyson Vaccuum cleaner? Then visit AC Washing Machines.

We have a huge Range of Dyson Models and get a free tool with each one purchased.

We are also offering an extra £20 off all new Dyson vacuum cleaners until 23rd June 2012.

If you need to purchase new digital equipment to either upgrade or replace your existing Analogue TV we now have a selection in stock.

TV’s ranging from 15 inch to 40 inch all with integrated Freeview and DVD players. Prices start from just £89.99.

32inch LCD TV with Freeview £239 Toshiba 40 inch TV only £359.99. To upgrade your analogue TV we have Freeview Set top boxes starting from just

£16.99. We have Toshiba Blu Ray Players for £79.99 Naviman Sat Navs £74.99, Goodmans CD Micro System with iphone/ipod dock £89.99.

Of course we still have a huge range of Washing Machines, Cookers, Dishwashers, tumble Dryers, Vacuum Cleaners, Microwaves, small electrical appliances Including telephones, shavers, kettles, irons.

We also hold a wide range of electrical spares and accessories including a wide variety of electrical parts and a selection of Vacuum cleaner bags.

These products not only look great and gives your new bathroom the wow factor but offer more efficient workings saving water and money in utility bills. These are just a few ways we can help you become more water conscious with your new bathroom.

Water-efficient showers Our new water-efficient eco showers use technology that can produce water flows that feel far higher than they actually are an easy way to save both water and energy.

They are most effective on power and mixer showers with a high flow rate.Showering more often will greatly reduce water bills.

Reduced-capacity baths

Visit our showroom for all your electrical needs at Spur Road Industrial Estate, Wymondham or call us on 01953 606688. ……You will be surprised by the stock we hold.

A standard bath has a capacity of around 150 litres, so even when it’s less than half full it uses a lot of water. If you’re buying a new bath, lookout for our eco baths with a lower capacity. Of course, you can always save water and money by taking a quick shower instead of a bath.

Low-flush and dual-flush toilets About 30% of all water used in dwellings is flushed down the toilet every day.

Our Low-flush and dual-flush toilets are designed to reduce the volume of water used for flushing. These systems use up to six litres less water per flush than an oldfashioned toilet - saving over 16,000 litres of water per year (enough to fill seven red telephone boxes).

Lower flow taps Our eco low flow rate designer bathroom taps can be fitted to all bathrooms and washrooms.

They have a click flow regulator on the control handle which reduces water flow by some 35% but still have a stylish look.

Get down to Supreme Bathrooms now and do your little bit to save water with your new bathroom purchase.

June 2012

24 UN-SUNG HERO

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Our Un-Sung Hero John Taylor For years John Taylor has been cleaning the streets of Attleborough, Day or Night, Rain or Shine, he does this voluntarily. He wants everyone to see what a beautiful town Attleborough really is by keeping the Streets, Church and our Community clean and tidy. Perhaps you have seen John around the Church, he is often up there dead heading the flowers making sure they look at there best.

For years John has been helping people with funding to universities, making sure that the younger generation can get the best possible future. John has been a

John, there aren’t enough words to thank you for everything that you do, not just for Attleborough but for the team here at Lloyds Pharmacy and Myself. You’re always around helping people, showing them the right way to get the advice they need, cleaning and

We at Dapper Dogs would like to thank you John Taylor for all your hard work that you do for the streets of Attleborough.

Without you cleaning and

hope he enjoys the Queens Diamond Jubilee. very keen supporter of Norwich City, but as John on Behalf of Sophie and I, we We would like to thank everyone for their he doesn’t own a television he listens to would like to thank you so much for donations and support for John. the cheers, goals and commentary on the everything you do for us. Whether radio, supporting our local team. John loves it’s getting my shopping, helping me history and finds looking at old ruins and deliver my Avon or picking up my historical sights around Norfolk reminds him medicine when either of us are ill we thank you for this so much. Everything of how great Norfolk is. As there are a lot of you do for us is such a help, especially when im ill your just there to help lend historical sights around Norfolk John tends a working hand. Not only do you help me but you also help your neighbours as to take people with him to enjoy what once well, putting out their bins, making sure all the rubbish has been collected and used to be a popular used, working sight. As generally making sure everyone has everything they need and that they are ok. we hope most of you know John has cleaned You are a wonderful man to us all and we are truly greatful for your continued our town for a very long time, and we believe support and caring nature that you offer to us. its time to thank him for everything he does.

From Allison and Sophie Reed.

John is a lover of the Royal Family and we

just generally being around to help anyone who needs its. We here at Lloyds know you as Tom Cruise, our local celebrity, the helpful gentleman who needs to be thanked for everything that you do because without you caring for our community we believe

pruning our flowers on the Church Yard our streets of Attleborough would not look the way they do now.

We wish you well and send our sincere regards.

that nobody else would do it and for that we would like to show our true appreciation.

From Ian and the team at Lloyds Pharmacy.

John Taylor, our unsung hero who acts beyond the call of duty, deadheading and pruning the roses in the churchyard and many other activities for and on behalf of Peter Beales Roses. John is a

John Taylor was publically recognised by the Town Council when he was awarded with a Community Award at the last Town Assembly in March 2012 for his community spirit in litter picking and helping to keep the town centre tidy.

friendly, happy person who is always willing to help others. He is a splendid ambassador for Peter Beales Roses and a valuable member of Attleborough Town community.

Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

@Dispatch_Mag

DispatchMag

Would like to thank Attleborough’s Unsung Hero

John Kemble-Taylor for all that he does around the town.

June 2012

@Dispatch_Mag

SOCIAL MEDIA 25

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: SCF is a grant making charity to individuals, groups and projects that benefit our local area and community. Helping You to Help Your Community.

@scf_info Bio: Fresh local produce delivered free to the homes and businesses of Norfolk. #Norwich #Wymondham #Diss #Attleborough #Watton

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: We are here to help people to eat well, move more and live longer.

A few small changes will help you make a big difference!

Don't delay...start today!!!

@healthytowns Bio: Bespoke ecommerce solutions, mobile app development and web design from a creative agency based in sunny Southwold, Suffolk.

@norfolkvegbox

@creativeintent

Bio: Engage Your Customers Through Social Media - Specialising In Social Media for Hospitality / Tourism and Leisure.

Click http://www.search-social.co.uk/

Bio: The Mix Radio is Your Hit Music Station online at www.themixradio.co.uk and on mobile. Follow us and #keepitmix.

@Search__Social Bio: Follow me now for FREE Daily SEO Tips with links to Premium eBooks, Lessons & Tutorials. Oh, & I always Follow Back.

@ReallySimpleSEO

@TheMixRadio Bio: A state of the art, music, entertainment, community and business venue in Bury St Edmunds.

@theapexvenue

June 2012

26 Babie, tots & teens

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

A.R.T.S. (Anglia Region Theatre School) Is a family run Theatre school for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

We run classes in all aspects of Dance, Drama, Singing and Musical Theatre.

you to enjoy - book now for your free taster session!

We have had our own premises for over 15 years now and our emphasis is on enjoyment, performance and achievement.

Pre-School Dance and Music class Wednesday mornings 10.00am -10.45am or 2.00pm - 2.45pm.

A fun and lively session for your toddler.

Children regularly take Graded Dance and Music Examinations as well as participating in many different performance opportunities. Pupils have recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Sadlers Wells, Disneyland Paris, PortAventura, Barcelona as well as many local Theatres and venues.

Open Dance, Drama and Singing classes Saturday afternoons suitable for ages 7+.

Come in and learn 1, 2 or all 3 subjects (discounts for children doing all 3).

Children are encouraged to take part in outside productions and are prepared and put forward for auditions for a wide variety of shows. Recently children have successfully auditioned for the English Youth Ballet, Norfolk Youth Music Theatre, the UK national tour of Oliver and Les Miserables, and have performed as extras in La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and Cleopatra (Northern Ballet).

We have some great new classes for

June 2012

Contemporary New beginners class Monday evenings 5.00pm - 5.45pm and Friday evenings 5.30pm - 6.15pm.

Drama Calling all budding actors and actresses - come and join us on a Tuesday evening from 4.45pm - 5.45pm.

Summer School We will be running an extensive Summer school programme from Monday 23rd July to Friday 3rd August with a variety

of 1, 2 and 3 day courses available in Dance, Drama, Singing and Musical Theatre for all ages.

download on our website www.artstheatreschool.com.

For more information, please call 01508 471792, or email info@artstheatreschool.com.

We also have children’s classes available in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Disco, Street, Musical Theatre, Singing, Acrobatic Ballet, Drama and Music.

Information and booking forms will shortly be available to

We have adult classes available in Street, Drama, Ballet, Tap and Jazz.

Gissing Children’s Centre The Pre-School runs during term time, from 9.30am to 12 noon (standard session), to 1.15pm (extended session) or to 2.30pm every Monday to Friday inclusive.

Early years funding for 3 and 4 year olds can be used for both morning and afternoon sessions.

We take children unaccompanied from 2½ years to 5 years old. Any families who wish to come and take a look are welcome to contact Linda Nash on 01379 677300 (9.00am - 3.00pm during term time) or 07531 810704 (out of hours) or to send enquiries to email@gissingchildrenscentre.co.uk to arrange a visit at a time of your choice.

Spaces are fairly limited until September 2012, but we do operate a working waiting list so we will aim to meet your requirements, wherever possible. We are holding Open Afternoons for prospective families from 1.00pm to 2.00pm on Friday 22nd June, Thursday 28th June and Tuesday 3rd July, respectively.

Spaces are limited per day as we are holding normal sessions so you can see

us ‘in action’, but interested families are encouraged to contact Linda, as above, to confirm which day they might like to come along. We will be running our Summer Playscheme on selected days during the summer holidays from 9.30am to 3.00pm for children of primary school age. The cost is £10 per child, bookable and payable in advance. Children will need to bring a packed lunch and a small amount of money for tuck. Flyers will be posted around local schools nearer the time.

General enquiries can be directed to 07531 810704 or email@gissingchildrenscentre.co.uk.

We will offer a lovely range of craft, cookery and workshops, construction, sand and other play opportunities both indoors and outside, including Ian Constance Coaching multi-skills during the morning.

@Dispatch_Mag

Safe Hands Day Nursery

Competition Yare Valley.

Are pleased to announce that with the support of the Local Authority they are now able to offer an After School Club and Holiday Club for children up to 8 years of age.

We will be using our designated mini bus to collect children from local schools, returning to the nursery where children can stay until 6pm.

We are now collecting from Diss infants and Bressingham primary school.

During the summer term there shall be no registration fee, book now for September collections from school.

At Safe Hands we pride ourselves on offering the highest level of safety for all our children and staff, the nursery mini bus has a fully comprehensive risk assessment for carrying children, is fully insured and child restraints have

competition 27

been professionally fitted. The Holiday club runs during all of the school holidays, there is a charge of £32.00 per day (8am to 6pm) which includes all meals, the second option is an hourly rate of £3.50 per hour (meals at an extra cost).

If you would be interested in using our After School Service or Holiday Club please call the nursery for more information.

We are now offering Spanish lessons and yoga sessions for all of our children attending our pre-school room; these are offered term time only.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Dispatch_Mag

Grange Farm is home to the Mack Family, who have been farming the fertile sand loan soil in the heart of the Yare Valley in Surlingham, Norfolk since 1921.

The farm itself belongs to the entry level scheme for the environment so everything on site has had this principal applied to it before being produced. Seven miles south of the historic city of Norwich and Nestled amongst the broads, the farm and its surrounding land has seen itself change and adapt to new trends and needs over the years.

Once a livestock holder, the family have since moved on to growing potatoes, cereals, sugar beet and oil seed rape.

Four years ago a biomass boiler with an integrated rape crusher was purchased for the farm and is now integral to everyday life as it provides heat for five properties and the farm’s time-share swimming pool and it is economical. By crushing rapeseed the oil is extracted and filtered for retailing, but at the same time a by-product called “cake” (the leftover crushed pulp of the seeds) is produced and it is this that fuels the furnace. This creates an environmentally friendly and circular process to the everyday running of the farm. An extra virgin rapeseed oil is crushed by a mechanical screw and by doing this ‘cold pressing’ no nutrients are destroyed, unlike with some heat processed oils where some

chemicals and solvents are often used in order to extract more oil. The oil at Yare Valley Oils is high in Omega 3 and vitamin E, helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels and also has a higher burn point than an olive oil. So where you may only use an extra virgin olive oil for salad dressing, dipping and marinades, our rapeseed is delicate enough for this, but also robust enough because of the burn/smoke point for frying, roasting (fantastic roast potatoes) and baking. Yare Valley Oil is from a single seed, making it incredibly pure after being simply crushed and filtered twice.

As the “British Olive Oil” it is indeed a healthy option for everyday cooking. Our oil is available around Norfolk in delis, farm shops, butchers and other outlets as well as being used in numerous pubs and restaurants.

The farmers markets we attend are Fulmodeston (3rd Saturday of the month), Swaffham (3rd Sunday) Aylsham (1st Saturday of the month).

The competition is for a Yare Valley Oil gift pack and is for the best recipe using the oil.

Please attach your best recipe to the Contact Form below.

The recipe will also be put up on our website. (www.yarevalleyoils.co.uk).

Your Contact Details...

Name: Address:

Telephone Number: Please send your entry to:

Dispatch Magazine, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE. Usual Dispatch rules apply. The winning entry will be drawn on 30th June 2012.

Attleborough

June 2012

28 ELDERLY

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

NBR Scooter Brokers

Senior Driving

NBR Scooter Brokers is a family run business which prides itself on their commitment to their customers (existing and new!!)

Safety Tips, Warning Signs, and Knowing When to Stop.

Their main objective is to provide impartial advice together with a friendly and efficient service!! They offer the service of a free, no obligation, home demonstration for all of their products to ensure they are suitable for your needs. Whilst their core business is the supply of new mobility scooters, they also have a selection of pre-owned scooters as they offer a part exchange service.

In addition to mobility scooters, they can also supply the following: • Stairlifts • Powered wheelchairs • Powerchairs • Rise & recline armchairs • Adjustable beds

• Bathlifts • 3 & 4 wheel walkers • Attendant and self propelled wheelchairs Apart from selling, they also offer a hire service, together with repairs, servicing and insurance work.

NBR scooter brokers are accredited with Norfolk trusted traders which is organised by Norfolk County Council.

As we age, it’s normal for our driving abilities to change. Aging doesn’t automatically mean we need to stop driving, of course. However, it does mean that we have to pay attention to any warning signs that age is interfering with our driving safety and make appropriate adjustments. By reducing risk factors and incorporating safe driving practices, many of us can continue driving safely long into our senior years.

Even if you find that you need to reduce your driving or eventually give up the keys, though, it doesn’t mean the end of your independence. Seeking alternative methods of transportation can offer many other health and social benefits, as well as a welcome change of pace to life.

Everyone ages differently, so there is no arbitrary cutoff as to when someone should stop driving. However, older adults are more likely to receive traffic citations and get into accidents than younger drivers.

In fact, fatal crash rates rise sharply after a driver has reached the age of 70. What causes this increase? As we age, factors

such as decreased vision, impaired hearing, or slowed motor reflexes may become a problem. You may have a chronic condition that gradually worsens with time, or you may have to adjust to a sudden change, such as a stroke.

Health problems don’t always mean that driving needs to be stopped, but they do require extra vigilance, awareness, and willingness to correct them.

Aging does not automatically equal total loss of driving ability. There are many things you can do to continue driving safely, including modifying your car, the way you drive, and understanding and rectifying physical issues that may interfere with driving.

Adjusting to life without a car may be challenging at first. Most likely, you’ve been driving your whole life and it feels like quite a shock. It’s normal to be frustrated, angry, or irritable. You might even feel ashamed or worry that you are losing your independence. However, it takes a lot of courage to stop driving and put the safety of yourself and others first.

Manor Court Day Care Manor Court Day Care Centre for the elderly is based in Griston, Norfolk.

It is open 5 days a week Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm. We have around 36 guests per day all aged 55+, with social services funded and private places available. Our service provides transport either by social services or our own transport for our guests.

We specialise in Dementia care, with quality specialist care delivered by a

June 2012

fully trained staff team who believe in promoting independence in all individuals.

Reminiscence activities are available for individuals with dementia.

Extend exercise classes, musical entertainers, singing, dancing, quizzes, table top activities. Freshly cooked meals which are cooked on the premises are also provided to our guests.

@Dispatch_Mag

ELDERLY 29

From The Field To The Freezer How Wiltshire Farm Foods’ carefully prepared frozen meals are helping people stay independent.

For those who’ve worked hard all their lives, maintaining independence is particularly important - especially when it comes to mealtimes.

Wiltshire Farm Foods is one company that’s keen to help those who can’t get out and about as much, so they can eat well and look after themselves.

Established for more than 20 years, Wiltshire Farm Foods creates and delivers a delicious range of frozen meals that can be cooked in minutes.

From the field, to the freezer, every detail is considered in order to offer nutrition, value, flavour and awardwinning personal service.

freezer, then frozen almost immediately to lock in the freshness.

Convenience is a key part of the Wiltshire Farm Foods offering.

All meals can be ordered over the phone or online.

They’re then delivered by a friendly, local delivery driver, who is always happy to put meals away in the freezer if preferred.

Recently, national treasure Ronnie Corbett joined Wiltshire Farm Foods for a TV and magazine campaign promoting the delicious meals - and the independence they bring.

The TV adverts also feature Edith and Eric, who talk to Ronnie about the benefits of the service.

If you’ve not seen them yet, keep a look out.

For more information about Wiltshire Farm Foods in Norfolk and North Suffolk, you can call 01362 699049 or visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com for a free brochure.

With the freezer stocked up, you know that a hot meal is only ever a few minutes away.

Most dishes take 8-12 minutes in the microwave or 35 minutes in the oven.

Ingredients are selected from carefully approved suppliers and are then prepared by a team of nutritionists and award-winning chefs in their Wiltshire kitchens.

As they are cooked in their trays, there is no preparation, no pots and pans, just delicious meals that you can enjoy in your own time.

Once cooked, the meals are placed into handy trays that fit easily into the

Maintaining independence has never been easier.

South Norfolk Mobility With county shows and village fetes upon us, you might feel in need of something to make walking that little easier.

We have everything from pretty (or plain) folding walking sticks, through to scooters which disassemble easily to fit into the car.

Three and four wheel walkers are very popular - they fold easily for transport, and give confidence as well as support.

Alternatively, folding walking cane/ seats with either a canvas or rigid seat, and also quad canes with four feet positioned for extra stability.

There are lots of options for you to see and try - so please visit us. www.southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk.

June 2012

30 ELDERLY

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Oak Manor Specialising in Excellence.

Located in the peaceful Norfolk village of Scarning, Oak Manor provides specialist nursing care for up to 61 elderly people living with a form of dementia.

Our dedicated staff team pride themselves on providing quality care for all residents whatever their care requirements.

plays an active role in the life of the home.

Ensuring that residents receive a healthy and balanced diet is a key component of the care we provide.

Palliative care Residents requiring palliative care receive tailored support dedicated to their personal requirements.

Our award winning Head Chef works with the Home Manager, care staff, residents and relatives to provide healthy, nutritionally balanced meals that are, above all, a pleasure to partake in. For residents living with dementia large meals can pose a challenge, so a variety of finger foods are available throughout the day, enabling nutritional and hydration needs to be met at any time.

This commitment to excellence extends to specialist provision for individuals with visual and hearing impairments, those who require palliative care and dedicated dementia care.

Residents, family members and loved ones are able to rest assured that changing care needs can be managed and met without the upheaval and distress often associated with relocation to hospital or a hospice.

Visual and hearing impairments

Living with Dementia

At Oak Manor our care is tailored to ensure those with sensory impairments are fully engaged in home life - inclusion is everything. Specialist facilities include communications pads, and visual and aural aids to enable residents to communicate with staff, family or friends. Our expert staff are committed to ensuring every resident

Oak Manor employs a dedicated dementia champion to ensure the home consistently implements best practice in every aspect of its care.

Oak Manor offers the ideal choice for people who may require care beyond the daily routine, but who wish to remain in a friendly, homely environment.

Our specially trained staff team also work with residents who may have challenging behavioural needs or psychosis to deliver bespoke care.

Our commitment to high quality care is evident throughout the home, but Oak Manor is first and foremost home to each of our residents.

Creating a supportive environment

Across all the care we provide, Oak Manor’s staff team undertakes ongoing professional development to deliver truly specialist care.

To ensure that our high standards are upheld, the home is inspected and monitored by Caring Homes’ Care Services Team.

We are also fully registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Oak Manor is a National award winning home and proud to acknowledge all of our dedicated staff, our recent winners Billy McKee for his awards in Best activities coordinator in dementia and Caring Home best ancillary worker 2011 and Zelia Monteiro as Caring Homes Chef of the year 2010.

If you would like to find out more about our quality care, or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 01362 694978.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by specific brain disorders.

The most common cause is Alzheimer’s disease, but it can also be the result of a stroke or mini-strokes.

Dementia is progressive, which means that the symptoms will get worse over time. It can happen to anyone and there is currently no cure, but treatments can slow the progression of the disease.

There are also ways to help keep it manageable.

What are the signs?

Memory Loss; remembering past events much more easily than recent ones Problems thinking or reasoning; finding it difficult to hold or follow a conversation or TV programmes Feeling anxious, depressed, angry and confused; feeling of upset even in familiar surroundings.

Dementia is not a single illness but a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. The symptoms include:

June 2012

What should I do?

If you’re worried about someone who is showing the signs above, encourage them to visit their GP to get a proper diagnosis.

Why is it important to get a diagnosis?

An early diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support, and help those close to them to prepare and plan for the future. With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilling lives.

Living with dementia Dementia affects the whole life of the person who has it, as well as their family.

But there is advice and support available to help you, whether you’ve been diagnosed or are caring for someone with dementia.

Even if you’ve suspected for a while that you or someone you love might have dementia, the diagnosis may come as a shock.

32 DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY

www.DispatchDirectory.co.uk

S R U O Y Advertise YOUR Company HERE for only ÂŁ20* per month 01953 456789 * If taking one advert in 3 issues for 12 months.

June 2012

@Dispatch_Mag

DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 33

S R U O Y Advertise YOUR Company HERE for only ÂŁ20* per month 01953 456789 * If taking one advert in 3 issues for 12 months.

June 2012

34 MOTORING

www.DispatchDirectory.co.uk

Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi HYbrid4 104g

By Tim Barnes-Clay Twitter: @carwriteups Visit: www.carwriteups.co.uk.

I HAVE NEVER been one to sip lentil soup and I’ve never had the desire to own a ‘green’ hybrid car either.

But, I have to take my hat off to Peugeot for producing the 3008 HYbrid4. You see, it reminds me more of a hearty steak and kidney pudding than a bowl of lentil soup - and it drives on the exciting side of average, unlike some other pure electric or hybrid vehicles on the market.

There’s a reason for this - it’s the world’s first diesel full hybrid vehicle and under its skin a little wedding ceremony has taken place.

Functioning in harmony with one another is a macho 2.0 litre 163 bhp HDi diesel engine and a rather sweet 37 bhp electric motor. They’re good together because unlike previous hybrid vehicles, which have chosen to use a less fuel efficient petrol engine, the Peugeot, on test here, provides a combined drive cycle fuel consumption of 70.5 mpg and CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

Behind the wheel, the HYbrid4 benefits from the collective power of the HDi diesel lump and electric motor during acceleration and when an immediate surge of power is required. To manage all the available performance, a control selector mounted on the centre console enables you to choose between

June 2012

four different operating modes: ‘Auto’ mode, where the entire system is automatically controlled; ‘ZEV’ mode (Zero Emission Vehicle), which provides access to an extensive all-electric mode; ‘Four-wheel drive’ mode (4WD), which instructs both power trains to operate together as far as possible (the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor and the front wheels by the HDi diesel engine); and ‘Sport’ mode which favours quicker gear changes at higher engine speeds.

Changeover from the HDi diesel engine to the electric motor occurs automatically, due to a stop and start system which places the HDi diesel engine in standby and restarts it if you depress the accelerator pedal or if there’s a low battery charge level.

The two power sources also complement each other in certain driving conditions. There’s a ‘boost’ effect during hard acceleration, or when overtaking another vehicle, for example.

The performance of the HYbrid4 is therefore directly comparable to that obtained with a single HDi diesel engine of a much higher capacity, with good levels of responsiveness. The oil-burner is mated to an electronically-controlled manual six-speed sequential gearbox.

In automatic mode its electronic control helps provide significant savings in fuel consumption, compared to a traditional

automatic or manual gearbox. It also offers real driving satisfaction derived from the possibility of choosing the gear change mode at any time manual or automatic - with either the gear lever or via controls behind the steering wheel.

When it comes to practicality, the split lower tailgate opens to reveal a boot with a convenient flat floor big enough to take a child’s pushchair as well as the weekly shop. But there’s more; if you fold the rear seats and the front passenger seat, the 3008 HYbrid4 offers a gigantic 1501 litres of space.

The car is perfect for the family and it’s easy to drive. Gadgets such as a head-up display system, which projects essential driving information in front of you, ensures that you never need to take your eyes off the road ahead. Another item of equipment that helps to ensure maximum driving convenience is the parallel park assist.

This system assesses the size of a space during parking manoeuvres and determines the possibility of parking in it. Similarly, the electric handbrake coupled with a hill assist function, helps you during manoeuvres but also optimises the interior space within the vehicle.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is indeed a car with exceptional technological

content offering unique versatility and safety, driving enjoyment and CO2 emissions of a very low level.

PROS ‘N’ CONS • Economical √ • Different √ • Equipment √ • Load area √ • Divisive looks X FAST FACTS • Max speed: 118 mph • 0-62 mph: 8.5 secs • Combined mpg: 70.5 • Engine: 1997 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel + electric motor • Max. power (bhp): 163 at 3750 rpm + (37 bhp elec motor) • Max. torque (lb/ft): 221 at 2000 rpm (148 elec motor) • Max. towing weight (braked) 500 kg • CO2: 104 g/km • Price: £28,495 on the road

@Dispatch_Mag

MOTORING 35

Motoring Advice Breaking down is always a nuisance, but on holiday it can be a nightmare.

You could miss your ferry or flight and arrive late at your destination.

of simple checks - some of which should be repeated just before you leave.

Your children get fed up and irritable, and paying for the repairs uses up all your holiday money. Worse still, you may miss your holiday altogether and see nothing more exciting than the back of a breakdown truck.

Pre-holiday car check-list

If you usually cover 100 miles a week around town, then expect your car to cope with a huge 2,000 mile drive you are just asking for trouble.

•���������������������������������������� With the vehicle on level ground and a cold engine, check all the fluid levels - engine oil and coolant; brake, clutch and power steering reservoirs, plus the screen washer bottle.

At peak holiday periods, the UK’s major breakdown organisations deal with more than 50,000 calls a day.

Yet most faults are simple things like low engine oil or coolant levels, faulty jacks, snapped drive belts and so on, all of which could easily be avoided by carrying out a vital pre-holiday check.

Don’t let your car spoil your holiday. At least a week before taking your car on holiday, you should carry out a number

• Check that your car won’t be due for an MOT test or a service whilst you are away. If necessary, get these done before you leave

use the jack and ensure that it works properly.

•�������������������������������������� Check the wheels to see if they have been damaged by ‘kerbing’.

A particularly clean patch around the rim could indicate a missing wheel balancing weight.

If they are cracked or show any signs of deterioration, or if they smear a perfectly clean screen, renew them.

•��������������������������������������� Make sure all the external lights are functioning - including rear fog lights.

You can check brake lights unaided by seeing if they illuminate a wall or garage door.

Using a tyre pressure gauge, check the inflation pressure of each tyre.

Try the horn too.

A low reading could indicate a slow puncture, which you should get checked.

Finally, clean the windows, inside and out, and wipe the lamp lenses and door mirrors.

•���������������������������������� If you will be driving abroad at sustained high speeds, or loading the car to its maximum, the tyre pressures may need to be raised above normal.

•������������������������������������� If you are going on holiday abroad, some essential equipment you will need - such as a warning triangle, spare bulbs and First Aid kit - that you must carry for particular countries.

•����������������������������� Check the condition of the wiper blades.

Put these in an easily accessible place in your vehicle.

Clean them with a tissue dipped in screen wash concentrate.

•���������������������������������������� Just before you leave, check the tyre pressures and fluid levels again.

Top up if necessary.

•������������������������������������ Inspect the fanbelt for cracks and separation of the belt plies.

Get a new belt fitted (or do it yourself!) if necessary. Carrying a spare belt is a good idea.

•���������������������������������� Check the condition of the tyres carefully, including the spare wheel.

This could be a good opportunity to

June 2012