Issue 103 May 2016
GREAT PLACES GREAT PEOPLE GREAT MOTORS GREAT LIVING
Wymondham & Dereham
02 | May 2016
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Issue 103
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2016 May | 03
If you need a w Nicholsons ma it easy...
WYMONDHAM Nicholsons Solicitors
Making a Will is the only way to protect you and assets for the future.
Can A Family Member Abroad Look After Your Affairs? It is becoming increasingly common for older people to need assistance with looking after their day-to-day affair s. Appointing an attor ney using a Lasting Power of Attor ney (LPA) is seen by many people as a wise precaution to take in case they become incapable of managing in this regard. However, if an LPA is not created at a time when someone has mental capacity, the Cour t of Protection can appoint a ‘deputy’ to fulfil that role if needed. Over the last fifty year s in par ticular, it has become increasingly common for families to be scattered across the globe . Recently, the Cour t had
Nicholsons specialise in Will writing, inheritance tax pl Powers of Attorney and property trusts.
We pride ourselves on making the whole process as e
to consider whether a per son resident in another countr y could reasonably be expected to dischar ge their obligations if appointed as deputy for a relative resident in the UK.
either byatively meeting in our office or visiting you making the jobpossible compar comfort of your own home. str aightforward. A different If you are interested in discussing a Will or any other le conclusion might beMatthews reached Ann-Marie on 01603 478567 or em contactwell were the affairamatthews@nicholsonslaw.com s of the per son needing a deputy more complex.
In the case in point, the Cour t considered that advances in communications and the ease of tr avel made foreign residence no bar to having the daughter of a woman who was no longer mentally capable appointed as her mother’s deputy for proper ty and affair s, even though the daughter lives in the USA. In this case , however, the woman’s assets were relatively small,
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Making a Will is the only way to protect your family and assets for the future. Nicholsons specialise in Will writing, inheritance tax planning, Powers of Attorney and property trusts. We pride ourselves on making the whole process as easy as possible either by meeting in our office or visiting you in the comfort of your own home. If you are interested in discussing a Will or any other legal matter contact Ann-Marie Matthews on 01603 478567 or email amatthews@nicholsonslaw.com
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04 | May 2016
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WYMONDHAM
WYMONDHAM
PHOTO: Visitors to the North Wymondham Community Arts event viewing the work of printmaker Andy Hibberd. Photo by Terrence Burchell
North Wymondham Community Arts Event is great success! A steady stream of visitor s dropped into the Community Ar ts event on Saturday (Apr il 2) at Nor th Wymondham Community Centre . The event, entitled “Ar t of the Community”, was one of more than 1000 staged around the countr y on that day, as par t of the BBC Get Creative initiative . The tr ustees and suppor ter s of the char ity-owned and maintained building in Lime Tree Avenue , Wymondham, used the oppor tunity to highlight the venue as a community resource . 06 | May 2016
Pr intmaker, Andy Hibberd and painter, Liz Reed, shared their skills dur ing the four hour per iod of ar ts-related activity, which included author presentations of creative wr iting, colour ing for adults and demonstr ations of var ious handcr afts. Liz Reed changed her role for the second par t of the day, to that of a musician, joining colleagues to provide a medley of songs and music . Mulbar ton-based film maker and photogr apher,Ter r y Burchell, also attended.
A spokesper son for Nor th Wymondham Community Centre said: “We achieved our aim of br inging a group of likeminded people together and attr acted a number of visitor s to the community centre by doing so.” For more infor mation about the community centre , visit www.facebook.com/ Nor th-WymondhamCommunity-Association
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2016 May | 07
WYMONDHAM Sound Sleep May be the time for a new mattress??? For most of us a third of our life is spent asleep, meaning the wear on our mattress over time is considerable, yet a staggering 25% of people wouldn’t consider changing their mattress – even after more than 10 years. It is hardly surprising then that 58% of the population complain of waking feeling stiff and achy. Take our Bed MOT (Mattress Obsolescence Test) to find out if you need a new bed. Answer yes or no to the following questions. • Is your bed seven years old or more? • Would it be embarrassing if the neighbours saw it without the covers? • Does it make suspicious noises in the night? • Did you have your best recent nights sleep in a bed other than yours? • Are your waking up more frequently un-refreshed and aching? • Do you and your partner roll towards each other unintentionally? • Are you too close to your partner to sleep comfortably? • Is it sagging? • Does it feel lumpy in the night? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then it your bed has FAILED its MOT and a trip to Sound Sleep for some new bed or mattress advice is essential. The key with mattress buying is to try out as wide a variety of options as possible to find the most suitable mattress for you (and your partner). Given the amount of time you spend in bed, it is important to spend a reasonable amount of time in store trying out new ones, especially if you have been experiencing pains that could come from your existing mattress. It this instance, it may be worth having a chat with your chiropractor for some advice on what they advise is suitable for your back. At Sound Sleep, we stock a variety 08 | May 2016
of brands and different types of mattresses, for example pocket sprung, memory foam, latex and so on. Each manufacturer has different mattresses that offer different levels of support and comfort. When mattress shopping, it is essential to ask for help. We are highly trained mattress specialists and are on hand to advise you, not to high pressure you in to buying something that may not be suitable. Following are just a few quick tips to consider when bed shopping. How do I know which one is right for me? A mattress that is supportive and comfortable is important, but remember, your requirement for support will differ depending on your weight and build. The best bed for your back is not always a firm one. You need a bed that will provide the right support and comfort for you. When laying on your side, ideally your spine should be parallel to the mattress and your spine should not sag down or bow up. Also remember as we age, our support requirements change. A very firm mattress when you were 35 may not be so suitable when you’re 45, comfort is important too! Trying them out Give your self plenty of time and wear loose clothing, this helps you turn and get in and out of beds in store. Our Mattress Specialists will point you in the right direction. Try the advised mattresses for as long as possible to get a good ‘feel’ for them. If you sleep together, shop together Always shop with your partner, the bed must be suitable for both of you. As it is inevitable one of you may have to compromise! Size matters It is scientifically proven that couples sleep better in a bigger bed. The more space you have the freer you can move without disturbing your
partner. This is also a good idea if one or both of you get hot in bed. If you are thinking about just a new mattress, before coming to visit us in store, check what kind of base you have and it’s condition, as some bases may be unsuitable for a new mattress. We will of course be on hand to give you the correct advice and information. All of our divans and mattresses are sourced from National Bed Federation members, so what you are buying is exactly what it says it is, it’s made from new and clean materials and it meets the strict British Standard fire regulations. More information can be found at www.bedfed.org.uk
“If you sleep together, shop together Always shop with your par tner, the bed must be suitable for both of you. As it is inevitable one of you may have to compromise!”
Now that you have chosen a new bed and mattress, don’t forget that pillows are very important too. A cheap, unsupportive pillow can cause neck and back problems. These are just as important as your new mattress. For more help and advice, visit our in store Mattress Specialists who can talk you through all the pros and cons of various mattresses. We also pride ourselves on having the most up to date mattress technology (as well as the old fashioned technology too!). Sleep has never felt so good!! Find Out More: www.soundsleepbeds.co.uk www.sleepcouncil.com www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
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2016 May | 09
WYMONDHAM Priory Insurance Can we really afford not to take travel insurance? With the recent poor weather and constant rain, we have seen an increase in clients looking for breaks in sunnier climates, but can we really afford to cut corner s and not take out Travel Insurance? Cancelation and Medical cover are no doubt the main areas of concern when looking for a suitable insurance policy. With access to a panel of Insurer s, we can find and arrange the policy specific to your requirements. Whether you are travelling in Europe or Wor ldwide, summer or winter, let us find the cover for you and ensure you can relax
10 | May 2016
and enjoy your holiday with the insurance protection and peace of mind needed. Premiums star t from as little as ÂŁ57.35 per couple for an Annual European policy.
Please feel free to call in to our Wymondham office for a quotation or advice, when we shall be pleased to assist. Alternatively, visit our website www.prior yinsurance.co.uk
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WYMONDHAM S & C Windows Windows are such an impor tant facet of your home. They are what give your property character and individuality but also offer the practicalities of insulation and security. Because of their very nature, the windows and doors on your house or bungalow are a significant investment and cost. Problems, however, can occur – hinges and locks may break or stick, handles work loose, there may be draughts around the house and windows may become “blown” or steamed up. But rest assured, these issues do not have to prove as expensive to remedy as you may think.
steamed up, that they need a whole new window,” explained Steve, who runs S & C Window Repairs with his wife Clare.“But repairs are relatively straightforward and not expensive. The glass can come out of the frames and be replaced, so there is simply no need to go to the expense of having a whole new window and frame.”
Covering the whole of Norfolk from bases in Norwich and near Holt, S&C Windows, can upgrade standard windows to A-rated windows, without removing the frames and merely by changing the quality of the glass. Steve said: “We can do upgrades with the highest quality glass without changing the frames.”
S & C Windows provides a service to repair windows, doors and conservatories and that includes misted or broken sealed units, UPVC window and door repairs, conservatory repairs, patio door repairs, worn out window hinges,
In the 1970s and 1980s people often selected golden handles for their windows, commented Steve, but they can also be changed quite easily to give the windows an upgrade and a modern new appearance.
“ Repairs are relatively straightforward and not expensive. The glass can come out of the frames and be replaced, so there is simply no need to go to the expense of having a whole new window and frame”
And repair is usually the best and most cost-effective course of action, rather than replacement. Steve Olley, who has 20 years’ experience of repairing double-glazed and sealed-unit windows, knows that an effective repair can give windows a whole new lease of life. “A lot of people think that when the glass has blown - when you cannot see through a window properly - or that there is condensation on a window or that double-glazed units become www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
broken window handles and locks, and draughty doors or windows. The replacement glass includes clear, patterned, toughened, leaded and Georgian bar windows. New locks and handles, bathroom and kitchen windows, hinges, patio doors and cracked panes can all be easily and effectively dealt with. It’s not only with repairs, the same applies for upgrades as well such as to A-rated windows with the highest grade glass.
“I am cheaper than other operators and can offer cost-effective solutions with a quick response,” he added. Customers ring through to Steve’s main contact number where a call operator will take brief details and instantly send them on to Steve via text. “I’ll then telephone the customer to make an appointment, make a visit to assess what they need and if they are happy with the quote place an order for what is needed and then arrange a convenient time to install,” he said. “Most jobs are straightforward. With a draught, for example, the solution can be something as simple as a hinge that needs replacing. I’ll give my customers an honest assessment and offer a quick, often same day or next day service. “The call-out is free and we can show people that their windows can be repaired to a high standard without them incurring the cost of replacement.” S & C Window Repairs are experts in repairing windows, doors and conservatories, providing a friendly and reliable service which will “take the pane out of window repairs.” If you have a problem with your windows and need a quick, reliable and cost-effective repair, give Steve Olley of S&C Windows a call today on 0800 160 1932 or visit http://sandcwindows.co.uk/ 2016 May | 11
WYMONDHAM Kerry Butcher May is officially my favourite month of the year ... May is officially my favourite month of the year – the bluebells are out in the local woods and by late May the rhododendrons are out which beautiful – Norfolk is cer tainly a beautiful place to be. May is also a busy month here too as a great many of our clients have received P60’s from jobs and pensions so it’s time to get all their paperwork into us so we can prepare their tax returns. April 16 saw changes surrounding dividends received from companies as well as the personal allowance increase. If you are a shareholder, make sure you know the changes that may affect you next year, if unsure then why not come and see us! Also increasing this April is the VAT registration limit – from £82,000 to £83,000 pa but beware - the deregistration threshold also changes to £81,000. Remember – if you are getting close to the registration limit for VAT – it’s rolling turnover– not simply April to April. Don’t get caught out – keep checking that turnover. Exceeding this could cost you 20% of your sales even though you didn’t charge VAT – so if you are worried, then please come and talk to us at KBA. De- registering can be just as much of a minefield, so if you think your turnover has reduced and you think deregistering is for you – why not come and talk to us before you act. Assets must be valued if VAT has been reclaimed in the past – and VAT paid over a cer tain value. Whatever you do with VAT –be sure it’s the best route for you and if you are not sure why not come and talk to us first. Many of our clients avoid VAT if they can but in some instances it may be beneficial to your business to register on a voluntary basis. If the majority of your customers or clients are VAT registered, then any VAT charged on your sales will be reclaimed by them via their VAT returns. This will mean that you can reclaim the VAT on business assets purchased (conditions apply) as well as other expenses even fuel (fuel scale charges may apply). This could increase your profitability considerably so if you think this might be for you why not come and talk to us. Don’t forget you can also claim back VAT on assets purchased up to four years old in your first return. Make sure you don’t rush in to anything though without thoroughly researching and discussing with your advisors. March and April also saw the end of the tax year and of course the end of the financial year for payrolls too. A great many employees received new notices of coding detailing new tax codes to be used in the tax year to 5 April 2017. If you received a copy of your tax code in the post together with an explanation of how this has been calculated, make sure that you look at this carefully. Although 12 | May 2016
your employer will also receive a copy of the tax code, they will not be supplied with a breakdown of how this has been calculated, so if it is wrong, it is over to you. If you are not sure, why not come and talk to us. If we already act as your tax agents then we can access your tax codes from the HMRC online system in the majority of cases. This means we can look and check your code, talking this through with you if necessary. Beware if you are a director shareholder of your own company though, as we have read that HMRC are applying tax codes to some directors’ salaries during the 16/17 year in order to collect the tax which they will have to pay on dividends received during the tax year. If you have a calculation showing that tax is being collected to pay dividend tax not due until 31 January (if paid from a self assessment tax return) you are well within your rights to request that this is removed from your tax code. You will need to pay the dividend tax due, but the due date for this will be 31 January in accordance with the self assessment rules. We look forward to seeing many of our clients over the next few months as they drop in their books and records so that we can complete their accounts and tax returns. This is a good chance for us to catch up and see how the year has gone and for you to ask any questions you may have. Maybe you fancy a change this year - perhaps you complete your own tax affairs but don’t really have the time, or perhaps you are new to the area or your accountant is no longer acting, whatever the reason why not come and have a chat with us this year – we are friendly and efficient and you never know we might even save you some money, we will certainly try. www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
WYMONDHAM Wacton Village Hall Full Speed ahead... Wacton Village Hall has become a superfast broadband hotspot with help from two gr ants from South Norfolk Council.
Member’s gr ant being used to pay for equipment and the Go For It gr ant used to adver tise the club, encour aging more people to join.”
The fir st meeting of the Wacton Silver Surfer s and All Adult Computer Club took place on Fr iday following a gr ant of £1,000 from local Distr ict Councillor Kevin Wor sley and a £300 Go For It gr ant.
The all adult Computer club will be held ever y other Thur sday between 1pm and 3pm. There is an exper t on hand to offer guidance to anybody who would like to join and who wants help with most aspects of computing.
Councillor Wor sley said. “Access to superfast broadband enables residents to fully access suppor t ser vices including, health advice , lear ning and employment oppor tunities, as well as access to social networ ks that help people keep in contact with their families.
Take along your own laptop, tablets, or device and get connect to Superfast Broadband.
“It is impor tant that the club is self-sufficient and these gr ants will help that happen. The money will allow the club to get off the ground with my
Home Support for Yelverton FC South Norfolk Council has helped a local football club return to its home ground. Yelver ton FC’s fir st team was stopped from playing at home as the club’s facilities did not meet the standards required by the r ules of the Anglian Combination League . South Norfolk Councillor John Over ton gave the club a £5,000 gr ant from his Community Action Fund to help them r aise money to pay for a new clubhouse and changing facilities. Councillor Over ton said. “The new facility will not only enable Yelver ton FC to come home it will also attr act new player s to the club and encou r age young people to par ticipate in spor t. The new clubhouse will also make it easier for families to get i nvolved and help build on what is already a great community spir it.” The total cost of project was £80k and the gr ant from Councillor Over ton helped attr act match funding from a local business man, Norfolk County FA and the club itself. To find out more about the gr ants available from South Norfolk Council visit: www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/gr ants www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
2016 May | 13
GENERAL
Every finisher will be awarded a shiny medal and for non-cycling family members waiting at the showground there will be enter tainment as well as music and feast on the street foods to keep them occupied from when the first bikes star t at 7.30Am to when the last return.
Bullards Tour De Norfolk New family cycle ride launches and puts the wheels in motion for norfolk cancer charity Big C A new family focussed mass par ticipation cycle ride that enables cyclists to cover the entire county in five years was launched today. The new bullards tour de norfolk cycle spor tive is designed for ever y kind of rider and organised by cyclists for cyclists. The first leg will take place at the end of the cycle tour season on sunday september 25 and comprises four different length routes for one day, 20, 70, 100 and a special 35mile route, especially devised to mark the 35th anniversar y of Big C, norfolk’s cancer charity who are beneficiaries of the event. Star ting and finishing at the norfolk showground in costessey, the entire route is on-road and provides a massive milestone for riders looking to progress their cycling. It caters both for the leisure cyclists or those wanting a day cycling a colour marked and designated route around the county, as well as elite cyclists. It is also a different way to take in a picturesque tour through the countr yside and historic towns 14 | May 2016
and villages of south norfolk. “Each year the route will change, so after five events you have completely toured norfolk,” said zaradan rumbelow managing director of organisers forward moving events, originators of the event. There will be plenty of suppor t vehicles and marshalls designated along all routes as well as food and drink stations. Already businesses have signed up to back the event. Leading the field is primar y suppor ter bullards cask beers of norwich, desira motor company is providing suppor t vehicles and photographer julian claxton will be on hand to capture par ticipants cross the line. Corporate Big C suppor ters alan boswell who have chosen norfolk’s cancer charity as its charity of the year and lovewell blake accountants, hansells solicitors and the jobs fair are also on board. One of the food and drink stations will be based at wymondham college and active norfolk will be providing have-a-go spor ting activities at the showground.
“We are excited to be involved in this inaugural event. It’s going to be a great day,” said Big C events manager dan bell. “Tour de norfolk are experienced cyclists and know what works and what doesn’t. They have thought through all the amenities cyclists’ need – from ease of access and registration on site to post-cycling wash facilities and plenty of activities to keep non-cyclists and cyclists enter tained. Big C is delighted to be involved as covering the county and its people is what this local cancer charity is all about.” The event is par t of Big C’s challenge 35, an initiative to encourage fundraising in celebration of the charity’s 35th anniversary and have some fun at the same time. Thousands are expected to sign up so par ticipants are urged to register in advance as entry on the day will be limited. The cost is calculated according to which route is chosen, but star ts at £10. Each entr y includes a £1 donation for Big C. Under 15s cycle for free and there is no charge for car parking on site. Entrants cycling to fund raise for Big C will receive a free Big C t-shir t.
Sign up at: www.tourdenorfolk.co.uk join the conversation on twitter @norfolkbybike & keep up-to-date at: www.facebook.com/tour-de-norfolk www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
GENERAL
Talking Newspaper: (l-r) Pete Green, Carol Hoeusler and Cath Clarke (W A T N listeners), Marie Stevenson, Joe Mooney, Tony Perkins and Mike Wabe. Photo by Anna Meek.
Talking Newspaper Hosts Regional Conference. Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper have mar ked the 18th anniver sar y of their audio news and information ser vice for visually impaired people by hosting a regional conference of Talking Newspaper (TN) producer s. Delegates from TN groups across the Eastern Counties gathered at the Town Green Centre in Wymondham on Saturday (April 9) for a selection of presentations, wor kshops and information sharing. The recently appointed CEO of the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind, Mike Talbot and Regional Manager for the Macular Society, Colin Daniels, were speaker s. www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Peter Steward (Hether sett website and online village magazine) and Su Leavesley (For ncett Flyer) contr ibuted to the discussions on local news gather ing and ex-BBC producer, Jessica Thur tell, offered guidance on reader presentation techniques.
Mar ie Stevenson, dur ing the cour se of the opening address.
The Mayor s of both towns, Joe Mooney (Wymondham) and Tony Per kins (Attleborough) were pre sent, as were Town Cr ier s Pete Green (Wymondham) and Mike Wabe (Thetford and Br andon), who are both TN volunteer s.
For more infor mation about WATN, contact their secretar y, Geor gette Vale on 01953 605434 or visit www.watn.or g.uk
The annual gener al meeting of WATN will be on 19 May at the town green centre , Town Green, Wymondham. 7:00PM for 7:30PM star t
A presentation of a Cer tificate of Appreciation was made to retir ing W A T N volunteer, 2016 May | 15
GENERAL Let your hearing blossom By Karen Finch, Managing Director of The Hearing Care Centre Being in touch with your senses is all the more obvious as the spring and summer approaches here in beautiful East Anglia. Listening to birdsong in the countryside, listening to the wind rustling in the reeds at Snape or to children playing on the beach at Southwold; I reflect on just how important my day to day work is, assisting those experiencing hearing loss. Without their hearing aids many of these people just wouldn’t be able to hear, understand and enjoy what most take for granted and that gives me the greatest satisfaction.
same way as their eyesight, by having hearing checks every couple of years. I know it sounds silly, but when you lose some of your hearing you tend to compensate by turning up the TV or the volume on your music system and blame others for their mumbling and poor diction. That’s fine, but you can’t turn up people’s voices and in extreme cases can become cut off from friends and family who, not understanding the increasing problem, think you are just becoming unsociable and unwilling to take part in conversation.
2nd May marks the start of Deaf/Hearing Loss Awareness Week 2016 and my audiology team and I have one aim. We want to help explode some of the myths surrounding hearing loss! We are urging people to look after their hearing in the
It’s all so simple and of course painless! A hearing assessment carried out by a fully qualified audiologist begins with a health of your ear canals, then if all is OK to proceed takes you through a test where different sounds are played
16 | May 2016
through headphones and responses are monitored. Results are translated onto a chart, or audiogram, on a computer screen that plots the level of hearing. Perfect hearing is 0, and anything between 0-20 is within normal range. And of course, if the results show below 20 then there is a hearing loss of some sort. So if you are experiencing any issues with your hearing, do take a moment to consider what it would be like to hear clearly again. As the flowers come out into bloom this spring, book a hearing test and let your hearing blossom! Karen Finch is the Managing Director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 20 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk. For more information visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call 01473 230330.
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GENERAL Mobility Buisiness Michael & Diana Lockwood set up, South Norfolk Mobility Centre Ltd in 2006. They had both had former careers, Michael as an antique furniture restorer and lecturer, and Diana as a bank clerk. So, with over 50 years of experience between them in ver y different fields, they joined forces to star t a new business venture. ‘We had family in the mobility business’, explains Michael, ‘and when we were both forced to change career paths, we helped out and found that it was something we both enjoyed, and so decided to start our own mobility enterprise’. ‘Our emphasis is very strongly placed on our customers’ individual needs’, explains Michael, ‘and when a customer visits our showroom, we are very focused on learning what exactly our customer needs to achieve, and in trying our utmost to meet that need, in order to give the client a product to best suit them. We always strive to show a range of products wherever possible, and will point out the features and any drawbacks of a product, relevant to the clients disability or medical problem. We aim to give back to our clients the mobility they thought they had lost. One of the most satisfying things about what we do, is to see a person’s face, when they realise that their independence can be maintained or be restored. Even after 10 years, we never get used to watching clients’ reactions’.
to 15 on display. These chairs are able to assist a person to get seated, or stand from sitting, recline, and elevate the legs. We size each client to a chair that will be correct for their height, weight and body proportions. We will not supply a chair that does not fit the client correctly.’ SNMC stocks single and dual motor chairs in a range of neutral fabrics for same day delivery. Michael states, ‘Most of our clients who come to purchase a rise and recliner chair, have an immediate need. We always try to deliver the same day whenever we can. Neutral colours will fit in with most people’s colour schemes at home’. SNMC is proud of its after sales back up record. ‘When we supply a product, that’s not the end of our customer relationship’, says Michael. ‘It’s just the star t. Electronic products can occasionally go wrong, and we are here to provide a back up service for our clients. We always try to achieve same day repair if possible. We will take spare par ts from our new showroom stock, rather than make our client wait for par ts that may be necessary for repair’. Wheelchairs and walkers are also stocked by SNMC, together with bathlifts and a host of daily living aids. So, from raised toilet seats, folding walking sticks, cushions, shower stools to grabrails and over chair tables, you can expect the same level of ser vice whatever your product purchase. Please visit South Norfolk Mobility Centre where, ‘Your independence is our passion’.
SNMC stocks a large range of new and second hand scooters. It prides itself in sourcing high quality second hand vehicles, which are fully serviced before going into the showroom. ‘Service and repair of scooters is an important part of the service we offer’, continues Michael. ‘We have a fully equipped workshop and can and undertake computer diagnostics to enable us to identify scooter faults. Where economically viable, we can rebuild gear boxes and even make new covers for upholstered seats and head rests’. When you visit SNMC to purchase a scooter, you will be shown how to drive safely, and be supervised on a test drive which covers, smooth and rough outside ground, grass and crushed tarmac, and taught how to handle humps and drop kerbs. Even clients with no former driving experience can be given the confidence to drive a scooter successfully. This year South Norfolk Mobility Centre is celebrating 10 years of service to the public. ‘We are very proud to have achieved our first 10 years, and very grateful for our customers’ support’, says Michael. We try to offer a first class service, the kind that we would like to expect for ourselves or our loved ones’. Alongside the supply and repair of scooters, South Norfolk Mobility Centre, houses a large range of rise and recliner chairs. Michael explains, ‘We started off in a small way with chairs, but over the years have grown the stock and now have up www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
2016 May | 17
GENERAL
Review by: Aaron Gould-Magee Testing Olverum Bath Oil, 200ml
Oil I Ever Wanted... So, what can I possibly say about this product? For one, you can instantly conclude that it has a powerful scent before you have even opened it, but nothing could really prepare you for just how true this is... Short of holding your breath! In small doses, the product (Olverum Bath Oil), can be very relaxing, with strong but pleasant notes of lavender making their way through your senses, and soaking into your skin; it leaves a strong scent in your bathroom, but, luckily, it does not exude as strongly from your person once you are dry and clothed. If you have dry skin, combining the use of this oil in the bathtub with a good moisturiser when finished is a good idea, and should leave your skin feeling relatively healthy, hydrated, and smelling nice. As for the aesthetics, the bottle is averagesized, and glass. It has a nice weight, look, and feel to it, and - due to its powerful odour may even be able to double as an alternative appeasement to the senses, by way of leaving the top off and using it as an earthy lavenderscented freshener for the bathroom, perhaps. However, be warned! Make sure not to over-do it, as putting too much into your bath can leave your sinuses in a scorching, perfumery-induced haze, making you feel
18 | May 2016
nauseous as you soak... I suppose the question we have to ask ourselves is: ‘Is it really worth the risk?’ It is a tough question, because though the overall experience was pleasant, there is not an abundant amount of evidence to suggest that this bath oil is any different to other, similarly-scented oils; I’m also not so convinced that the supposedly ‘essential’ oils it is made with are that... well... essential! Saying that, considering its strength – meaning a much longer-lasting product compared with many of the bathbandits – and the fact that it would appear to have more uses than one, I would have to say that this product is certainly worthy of a try... Maybe even a second or third! However… £23.50 for a 125ml bottle of bath oil, and £36.95 for a 200ml bottle of bath oil, is a price that I personally would not be willing to pay. On-par with a night out on the town, two bottles of Olverum Bath Oil may just leave you with a financial hangover of perfumery-proportions! After all of this, its redeemable feature is largely the fact that it can, has, and will be packaged, sold, and used as a muscle relaxant, ideal for runners, gym-frequenters, and muscle-pullers… www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
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