BOOK N OW CHRIST MAS IS COM ING
HALLOWEEN
COMPETITION
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Social media
MOTORING REVIEW
HOMES & GARDENS
FOR WYMONDHAM, DEREHAM & WATTON
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
October 2012
WELCOME
Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk @Dispatch_Mag
Editor: Jonathan Horswell
Advertising: sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk
DispatchMag
Issue 061 October 2012 Deadline for all submissions for the next issue is:
October 12th 2012
Jayne Ashby ( Sales Manager )
Design: design@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Colin Jeffery ( Senior Designer ) Joe Mellor ( Trainee Designer )
Editorial: editorial@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Dispatch Magazine Queens House, Queens Square , Attleborough, Norfolk , NR17 2AE
Š Dispatch Magazine Disclaimer: No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate, but the Publisher can not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the Publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
October 2012
WYMONDHAM
www.wymondhamonline.co.uk
Yelling Out For Christmas Fayre Wymondham Lemon Day
Preparations are well under way for the annual Wymondham Christmas Fayre led by Wymondham Lions.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is but a distant memory, the euphoria of the Olympics and the Paralympics has died down and it’s weeks before the Lions Christmas Fayre on 6th December. So what do we have to look forward to in the meantime? The answer is: Wymondham Lemon Day on 3rd November 2012 when Wymondham will become a Yellowdrome. Lemon Day is an opportunity for every club, community group, church, school, per-school, nursery, care home, sheltered accommodation or business to link together under a common theme. The aim is to encourage more visitors to the town centre, as well as raising funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Lemon can be a colour, a flavour or a fruit. You can get involved simply by coming into town between
October 2012
10.00am and 12 noon on the day - by bus (perhaps a yellow one), on a bike (wearing a yellow jersey), on foot (in yellow wellies), on a mobility scooter (wearing your yellow fluorescent jacket) or by car (especially if it’s yellow). If you have an idea for a Lemon Day event, contact Norman and Helen of the Wymondham Helicopter Club on 01953 600563.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday 6th December and will commence at 6pm with a carol procession through the town. Event coordinator, Daniel Cox, said “The committee have been working hard to develop this year’s Fayre to make it a community celebration of Christmas. We are aiming to have a variety of family entertainment and fun activities happening throughout the town centre. We are really trying to get many of Wymondham’s organisations participating to promote their activities to residents.” The event will also include a Wymondham Food Hall, a traditional fayre as well as entertainment on the Market Place. Father Christmas will switch on the Christmas Lights at 6.30pm before moving to his grotto in Wharton’s Court
to receive requests from children of all ages. Additionally, a new event this year in the lead up to the Christmas Fayre will be the Wymondham Community Christmas Ball on Saturday 1st December at the Dell Bowls Club. The tickets are £35 with proceeds going to Wymondham Lions’ charities. For further information, please contact Daniel Cox on email: thickthorn@live.co.uk
WYMONDHAM
@Dispatch_Mag
Wymondham Lions Annual Charity Swim
Spend The Evening With Bob Flowerdew
Will take place in Wymondham Leisure Centre Pool on Saturday October 13th.
And raise funds for the air ambulance.
This year’s designated charities are NARS and SERV. NARS (Norfolk Accident Rescue Service), (www.nars.uk.com, Charity No. 261666) who provide off duty volunteer doctors at serious incidents and accidents to supplement paramedics in pre hospital care. Any equipment used from the £500 stock they carry has to be replaced by the charity.
Tickets cost £6 and places are limited.
The swim requires teams of 6 to swim in relay style for 50 minutes.
Bob has waived his fee for the occasion so that all funds raised can go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
There are prizes for the teams in different age categories who swim the most laps and for the team that raises the most money overall. More information and application forms can be obtained from Lion John Wilde, 01953 788268, or from wymswim@gmail.com.
SERV, the Blood Bikes (www.servnorfolk.org.uk, Charity No. 284455) transport blood products and breast milk from their storage banks to hospitals around Norfolk.
Organic gardening guru and author Bob Flowerdew, best known for his lively contributions to BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ World’ and to ‘Muck and Magic’ on Channel 4, is speaking on the subject of ‘No Work Gardening’ at Saxmundham Market Hall on Thursday 4th October. He will offer a wealth of labour-saving tips for every aspect of the garden and will also be taking questions.
These volunteer riders are on call every night, weekend and bank holiday - including Christmas Day.
He will bring a selection of his books for signing if required.
Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
@Dispatch_Mag
The event has been organised by Margaret Brett Boden, Molly Elmey and Doreen Rushbrooke, three friends from Middleton, who are strong supporters of the EAAA and run regular events in its aid under the name ‘Three of a Kind’. For tickets or further information, call 01728 648680, 01728 648649 or 01728 604406. Anyone wishing to buy one of Bob Flowerdew’s books is asked to bring cash as Bob is not able to take credit card purchases.
DispatchMag
Come and join our team Here at Dispatch Magazine we're expanding our team in readiness for the launch of our 4th Magazine into Norwich. We're on the look out for dynamic people who want to join us and who want to make a difference. You need to be self motivated, hungry for success, a go getter who enjoys hard work, who can work alone as well as part of our existing team.
Sales We currently cover Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Dereham, Diss, Watton, Wymondham and we are about to launch into Norwich. So if you live in any of these areas, and you're looking for a Full Time sales role, a Part Time position or a commission only, hours to suite opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Other Positions Due to a massive increase in business and in readiness for our further expansion plans into several new areas, we're also keen to meet with exceptional Graphic Designers, Web Producers and Distribution people who are looking for potential opportunities over the next few months. We're dynamic, we're growing and we're looking for great people! Send C.V to Jonathan@SpiderSolutions.co.uk indicating which position you are interested in. NORWICH
DISS & ATTLEBOROUGH
WYMONDHAM DEREHAM & WATTON
BURY ST EDMUNDS
October 2012
WYMONDHAM
www.wymondhamonline.co.uk
Regal Experience
Kerry Butcher
Northwest Frontier, a Boy’s Own adventure, is the Regal Experience’s next presentation on Sunday 21st October (2.30pm).
It’s October - time of mists and mellow fruitfulness and... the deadline for sending in your tax return if you do this on paper.
The show will be at the Wymondham Ex-Services’ Club (Regal Cinema).
John Betjeman Goes By Train, the supporting movie, is pure nostalgia. Betjeman travels from King’s Lynn to Hunstanton via Wolverton and describes the journey and the landscape in his inimitable style.
Paper tax returns must be sent to HMRC by 31st October 2012 to avoid a fine.
Why not come and chat to us and see how we can help you.
If you decide to do this online of course you have until 31st January 2013 another whole 3 months.
Call us 01953 457173, email: Kerry@kerrybutcher.co.uk or visit our website: www.kerrybutcher.co.uk.
Tickets for the show are available from Simply Cards, Market Street, Wymondham, and by ringing Maureen Dodman (01953 605593) or Michael Armstrong (01953 603246).
If you don’t fancy either of these options, why not come and see us - we offer a free initial consultation and we can then complete your tax return for you.
Starring Kenneth More and Lauren Bacall, the story revolves round Kenneth More as an army officer in the days of the Raj in charge of a battered old train chugging 300 miles across India to get a young prince to safety. A mix of action, suspense and comedy, the film is a big picture in every way.
It probably costs a lot less than you think and all the hassle is gone. We will also calculate if you need to pay any tax and if so how much. We can also help you with instalments on account or budget payments if you need them. Here at KBA we do much more than just self assessment, we offer payroll - and with the move to real time not far away, now might be the time to think about letting someone else take the strain. We offer VAT services, book keeping, company accounts and corporation tax, company incorporation and well the list is endless.
October 2012
We hope you will be glad you did.
@Dispatch_Mag
WYMONDHAM
Neighbourhood Driveway Norwich Sunblinds Sale A Great Success. A driveway sale held in a designated area of Wymondham has raised ÂŁ115 for the North Wymondham Community Centre. 20 households took part in the event, on Bank Holiday Monday, by putting items for sale in front of their homes during a specified four hour period. Those taking part were invited to make a donation towards the upkeep of the community centre in Lime Tree Avenue. Sponsorship was provided by local resident, Mike Johnson, who runs the plumbing and bathroom fitting business, Plumb Right and who also took part. A spokesman for the
Offer you a fabulous range of blinds and curtains, all the hottest new designs, including, large prints, linens, plain and textures. organisers, North Wymondham Community Association, said that whilst funds were raised for the community centre, the primary aim was to give residents an opportunity to talk to their neighbours. It also had the spin off effect of being a recycling project, with residents being asked to donate any unsold items to the town’s charity shops. Plans are in hand for a similar event later in the year and anyone interested in taking part should contact Tony on 01953 605434.
Star Throwers A Charity Craft sale has been organised for Saturday 20th October 2012 from 10am - 3pm with free entry at Central Hall Wymondham. There will be lots of different crafts and charity stalls inside plus refreshments so come along and support local crafters.
Everyone welcome and should anyone wish to have a stall please contact Karen on 07769 896060. We are helping the local Star Throwers Charity, Wymondham, Martial Arts Centre in Wilkinson House Wymondham plus other local Charities.
We will visit you in the comfort of your own home, with a free no obligation quotation. We offer advice on colours and textures that match your furnishings, and the right type of window covering to suit your needs, whether that be privacy, sun control, heat control or decorative.
and offering the best service to our valued customers. Our friendly experienced team of representatives and installers will ensure that your blinds or curtains fit perfectly and will be the envy of all your friends.
The most popular blinds at present are Roman Blinds, Wood Venetians, and Shutters, which all give a luxurious finish to your windows. The most popular Curtains are bold patterns and stripes with eyelet or triple pinch headings. We are also able to supply a multitude of wood and metal poles with various finials to suit. We manufacture most products at our local factory so we can offer a very quick service, and all products come with a 5 year guarantee. Norwich Sunblinds have been trading for 33 years and we pride ourselves on offering quality products at reasonable prices
October 2012
WYMONDHAM
www.wymondhamonline.co.uk
Annuities – Will Anyone Anglia Computer Solutions Use Them? The popularity of annuities has fallen in recent years.
Offers computer repairs, sales and services.
An annuity is the guaranteed income that can be purchased with a pension fund when it reaches retirement age. However, as annuity rates are linked to interest rates, via gilt rates, their low returns have meant that they have lost their popularity.
Even the smallest medical problem can increase annuity rates, so it is important to check. This is an area that we can advise on.
We are a computer company based in Norfolk with three branches who offer a personal service to businesses and the public.
If you, or someone you know, is taking the benefits from a pension soon, please call us and we will see if you can obtain a better rate.
We have many products and services available.
From December this year, new EEC legalisation means that on nonoccupational pensions, a unisex rate must be used. At present the annuity rate is based upon your life expectancy and going forward it will be based on a unisex age! This is an area we can advise on. Strangely occupational pensions can still use your actual age! The use of enhanced annuities is still, however, a very good way to secure good levels of income, yet this still accounts for a very small percentage of all annuities.
October 2012
Being independent we have access to the whole of the market and can provide a ‘open market illustration’. ML Financial Associates Ltd Suite 4, The Old Dairy, Elm Farm Business Park, Norwich Common, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0SW.
Our aim is to provide you with high quality low priced products that will allow you to have reliable systems at a competitive price. PC & Laptop Sales: New and reconditioned units available at all stores.
recovery of lost data, hardware faults, basically any problems with the equipment, we can help with. Home & Business Support: Our fulltime onsite engineer is on hand to resolve your issues at your home or business premises. Whether it’s simply plugging in a new printer in the home or disaster recovery when the server in the office has failed. We offer one off charges or support contracts.
Reconditioned units start from £99 and new from £329, various makes and models.
We are Cisco qualified for all your network and phone needs whatever the scale, please call for quotes.
Upgrades \ Repairs & Virus: We offer virus, malware and spyware removal, setting up new software, reinstall or upgrade Windows,
For all your home and business computer needs call Anglia Computer Solutions on 01953 859753.
Tel: 01953 711123 Fax: 01953 600479 www.mlfinancialassociates.co.uk.
@Dispatch_Mag
Gary Howard Gary Howard is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, founder of Howard & Company and author of “Why Businesses Stop Growing and What You Can Do About It�
WYMONDHAM
Priory Insurance Brokers Ltd A look at Home Insurance!
Are you a shadow director? When a company fails to pay over the PAYE and NIC which should have been deducted from salaries paid to the employees and directors, HMRC can issue the directors and shadow directors of the company with personal demands for the tax due. A shadow director is not registered as a director of the company with Companies House, but he or she will effectively control the company by giving instructions to the named directors, and to other staff who
are accustomed to act on those instructions. Majority shareholders may be deemed to be shadow directors if they effectively run the company. Liquidators can take action against shadow directors just as they can against the named directors for debts owing, including tax! Contact details: Tel: 01284 704363 Email: gary@gmhoward.co.uk Or visit: www.gmhoward.co.uk
Your most valuable asset is likely to be your home. Have you ever considered what would happen in the event of a serious fire, flood or theft? With access to over 200 Insurance Schemes, our fully trained staff will search our panel of carefully selected Insurers to ascertain the correct levels of cover and protection required for your individual circumstances. We can provide cover for just Buildings or Buildings and Contents combined. In addition to standard cover, we can arrange to include Accidental Damage, together with
Personal Possessions cover for items away from the home. If your property is of non standard construction, or if you work from home, we can cater for these difficult and sometimes expensive policies, with our expert knowledge and understanding of your individual circumstances. With over 35 years experience in providing Home Insurance at all levels, we would welcome your enquiry and would be pleased to provide quotations or advice. For more information or quotation, please contact Miss Lucy Moy on 01953 602866 or e-mail lucy@prioryinsurance.co.uk.
I love the new glossy look to Dispatch, it looks really classy! Definitely way ahead of the competition in my view! Kerry Butcher Accountancy Services
October 2012
www.SpiderSolutions.co.uk
Free Web
@sp1dersolutions
Hosting
*
6 months free web hosting NO CATCH! Includes:
• web hosting • email accounts • site updates *Cost after 6 month will
be just £9.99 per month.
Telephone:
01953 454455 we build... we maintain... we host.
@Dispatch_Mag
GENERAL 11
Did You Know, The Cost Of Energy Bills Have Soared By 140% In The Last Eight Years! The cost of household energy has risen seven times faster than household income since 2004, according to a recent study. The high costs are now the top household worry for Britons, ahead of the rising cost of food and mortgage payments. While the average UK household income has increased by 20% from £32,812 in 2004 to £39,468 today, the average energy bill has risen by 140%. Households were spending an average of £522 a year for their energy in 2004, but now pay £1,252 a year - 3.2% of income or double the 1.6% of eight years ago. The study found 83% of people believe that rising energy bills have had an impact on their disposable income, with 17% of these reporting that they no longer have any disposable income as a result and 27% saying energy bills have reduced their disposable income dramatically. Director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com Ann Robinson said: “This is the cold reality facing households today; in less than 10 years our energy bills have rocketed by 140%. The break-neck speed at which energy prices have sprinted upwards has caught many people unawares. Consumers are still playing catch-up. “Energy now accounts for a significant slice of household income which is why the numbers rationing their energy use have risen so steeply in recent years. But going cold or without is a short-term and potentially harmful fix and not a long-term solution.” So what can be done to reduce your household bills? You can control how much you spend on energy by making your home more energy-efficient and paying less for the energy you do use by moving to a competitively-priced energy plan. The Consumer magazine Which? has awarded Utility Warehouse with the best energy supplier award for the past 5 years. The survey looked at customer service, value for money and accuracy of bills, so perhaps this is a good starting point. The other great advantage of Utility Warehouse is they have a team of local authorised distributors who can conduct a FREE energy review. This will give you an immediate indication of what you are paying against what savings can be made, and as well as being completely free, it only takes around 15 mins. Savings can be made, you just need to put it into action. Call me now and let’s see how much you could reduce your energy bills by. Jonathan - 07802 690589
October 2012
12 COMPETITION
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Are You Crackers About Christmas? We are! Join in the FUN and plan your outing to the Biggest and Best Christmas Shopping Fair in the Midlands. The fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR is returning to the NEC for four days from 22nd - 25th November. Half the fun of Christmas is finding unusual presents. If you like a lot of choice, then this is the Fair for you! There are brilliant show offers, fabulous ideas and affordable presents for everyone.
The 17th Festive Gift Fair promises to be a Showstopper of an event, so head along to Birmingham’s NEC to find a gift and tick your list!
• • • • • The organisers take all the hard work out of • present-buying, bringing together a great mix • of 325 stalls, brimming over with thousands of • clever gifts for all ages and tastes. You’ll see • all your favourites as well as over 100 NEW • companies at this year’s bumper Fair. • From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of browsing round hunting for your perfect gifts. And when your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Crèche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy some great Christmas musical entertainment - from live bands, choirs and brass bands.
Crafts Christmas Decorations Games, Toys and Stocking Fillers Food & Drink Gifts for Cooks & Gardeners Fashion, Handbags & Jewellery Health & Beauty Gifts Baby Gifts Decorative Accessories for the Home Gadgets And much, much more!
Pick and mix your favourite flavours of fudge from chilli chocolate to strawberries and cream by Fudge Kitchen from Kent. Award-winning spirits and liqueurs from age old family recipes dating back to 1890. Our favourites are ‘The Innkeepers Tipple’ and ‘Black Mountain’ liqueur by The Celtic Spirit Co from Anglesey.
All Star Sports Memorabilia from Bridgnorth have autographed footballs and a vast selection of of signed photographs by leading sports and film personalities.
This pen is mine! by Perfect Pens from Make the best cappuccinos, lattes, chocolates Wiltshire. and milkshakes with the milk frothing ‘Aerolatte Mooo’. Watch them demonstrate on Experience Day in a Flight Simulator from Show N Tell stand. Virtual Aerospace from Nottinghamshire. LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN. GET READY TO DECK YOUR HOME!
Have a sneak preview at some of the CLEVER gift ideas this year....see all your old favourites Exquisitely old fashioned Christmas and over 100 NEW stalls! decorations by Farrars from Lincoln. FAB & FUNKY GIFTS FOR LITTLE PEOPLE!
DADS, GRANDADS, UNCLES AND BOYFRIENDS!
Fantastic selection of sweet smelling Christmas decorations by Jormae Pourri from Gloucester.
The state-of-the-art wireless headphones by JSJ Products from Oxon. Try the delicious Farmhouse Blue Cheese pressed into a traditional Cornish Ware ceramic pot by The Cornish Cheese Co from Liskeard.
FOR THE LADIES IN YOUR LIFE! MUM, GRANDMA, AUNTY AND Affordable treasures to make your home stand GIRLFRIENDS! It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular out by Corvette Silo from Derby. events at the NEC! Cast your child in the starring role as they Luxury fashion handbags at affordable prices. embark on an adventure with their own Decorexi from London has a winning By Fabio Dericci from Sutton Coldfield. personalised CD by On The Big Red Bus collection of glamorous interior gifts at great from Surrey. prices. Chocolate playing cards make a novelty stocking filler by Bomboniere by Manancourt. TASTY GIFTS FOR FOODIES! TRENDY TEENS! An exquisite jewelled crystal lipstick case by Cambridge Chilli Farm, small food producers Trendy Glow In The Dark watches by Addison Hunki-Dori from Kent. who make amazing sauces, relishes and jams. Ross from Northumberland. Cup Cakes by The Sock Bakery from Who can resist the true British sausage - by Tipsy Feet Flat Pumps that fold into a little Cambridgeshire. A best seller at last Supreme Sausages from Oxford. pouch for their handbag by Hunki Dory from year’s Fair. Kent. Beautiful personalised charms by Anne Visit OMG from London stand, where they will Reeves Jewellery from Shrewsbury. be demonstrating the tricks of the trade and selling the best nail sets and varnishes. Brilliant nostalgic presents for all ages by Kozy Wozy from Scotland. As seen on Dragon’s Den - this superb classic Q. How many days does The Festive Gift Fair run for? sports car is really a nifty wireless computer BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW and prepare mouse by David Bailey from Alcester. for some GREAT Christmas Shopping at Answer: The Festive Gift Fair open 09.30 - 17.00 A brilliant range of Designer branded watches. from Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th Your Contact Details... At 50-80% off original R.R.P by Shush from November. Rotherham. Name: For more information on Exhibitors Address: and Visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk Save money by booking in advance - adult tickets Telephone Number: are just £8.50. All things Fairy - from cute fairy doors and ornaments to pixie food and fairy suncatchers by Doors4Fairies from Mold.
Enter our competition and WIN Tickets For The Festive Gift Fair Can You Answer This Question?
Email: Tick here if you do NOT want to receive further information from The Ticket Factory Please send your entry to:
Dispatch Magazine, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE. Usual Dispatch rules apply. The winning entry will be drawn on 31st October 2012. Wymondham, Dereham & Watton
October 2012
Book by phone by calling The Ticket Factory on 0844 581 0808/0809 Or Book online at www.theticketfactory.com
@Dispatch_Mag
DEREHAM 13
Join The Breckland Art Trail
Hood Vores & Allwood Solicitors
This winter will see a whole host of artists selling, displaying and performing their work at venues across Breckland.
Offer fixed fees for family law services.
Breckland Art Trail will celebrate and showcase local artists by opening studios, homes, community venues and hopefully some more unusual spaces for people to discover local and affordable art. What takes place during the trail is determined by the artists. Breckland Council is appealing for artists to come forward and take part in this year’s event. Running from 1st - 9th December the Arts Trail enables artists to exhibit in venues throughout Breckland - from shops to village halls, from cafes to estate agents - and provides local residents with accessible art on their doorstep. Cllr Lynda Turner, Executive member for Environmental Services, Localism and Communities said;
“The idea is to bring more art and art activities into local areas and to show that we have art right on our doorsteps that everyone can get involved in.” The council is hoping to create an opportunity for artists to show their work and for local businesses or public buildings to display artist’s work or to even host events and performances. Registration for the Arts Trail is via the website www.breckland.gov.uk/ content/breckland-art-trail-2012. The deadline for registration is 12th October. For further information please contact Sam Dawson Arts Development Officer on 01362 656 870 or sam.dawson@breckland.gov.uk.
We at Hood Vores & Allwood recognise that separation and divorce can be a painful and unsettling time for you and your children, both emotionally and financially. Many individuals are familiar with the Legal Aid, but are unaware that the legal costs incurred under this scheme are often repayable by you upon conclusion of your case, plus interest currently at 8%. There is no way of knowing accurately how much these charges might be. We recognise that this gives cause for uncertainty. Hood Vores & Allwood understand that having to repay your legal costs from your divorce settlement can restrict your planning for the future and impact on your financial position after divorce. Family law work can be unpredictable in terms of legal costs, which is why, where possible, we have devised a range of Fixed Fee Services for certain areas of our
work. Our Specialist Family Law Team is committed to helping you through this difficult time by offering an affordable service without comprising your best interests. We offer fixed fees for the following service areas: • Divorce proceedings • Cohabitation agreements • Separation agreements • Pre-marital /nuptial agreements • Parental Responsibility agreements. For an appointment or more information please contact us by: Telephone on: 08453 724240 Or email: enquiries@hoodvoreslaw.co.uk Or visit our website: www.hoodvoreslaw.co.uk.
October 2012
@Dispatch_Mag
HOMES & GARDENS 15
Get Your Fascias And Gutters Cleaned And Inspected Ready For Autumn Isn’t prevention so much better than cure? Just because you are not faced with the problem every day does not mean that the risk is not there. Throughout the year they are exposed to all kinds of damaging elements. Gutter maintenance is something homeowners tend to think about only after a problem occurs. They may soon discover that poorly functioning rain gutters can cause many problems, including foundation erosion, basement leaks and rotten fascia boards. Now is a good time to have your home’s gutter system checked for damages from ice and snow last winter, heavy rains or clogged debris. You’d be amazed at some of the things we find
causing blocked up guttering. All sorts of heavy, sticky or odd shaped items can get clogged in the channels of guttering or wedged in down pipes.
Take action now. Go outside, walk right around your home and look very carefully at your gutters: • Does anything seem wrong?
We’ve seen the lot from piles of soggy leaves, debris left by birds, tennis balls or broken roof tiles to plants and weeds actually growing in the channels themselves.
• Are there any bulges or cracks?
slightly suspicious, call J & S Homeworks to do a full inspection and clean of your Fascia, Soffit and gutters. J & S Homeworks can bring your UPVC back to its original condition again.
If any of this applies to you, it may well be time for an inspection and clean.
• Is any part of your guttering discoloured?
Our Fascia and Soffit Cleaning service really can make a difference to the look and feel of your 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.
Seriously neglected gutters often have weeds growing in them, adding to the problem.
The next time it rains, go outside with your umbrella and watch your gutters in action.
Call Jason of J & S Homeworks on 01953 451169 or 07747 847606 for a free no obligation quote.
Water constantly overflowing from blocked gutters damages bricks and mortar and can cause extensive damp on the outside and mould on the inside of your house as it is absorbed by the bricks, making even the most beautiful of homes appear unsightly.
• Can you see the water flowing down the pipes and into the drains?
• Can you see any pools of water or signs of water damage?
• Are there any leaks or drips from the gutters themselves? If you see anything that looks even
October 2012
18 Homes & gardens
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Supreme Bathrooms Has now been trading for almost 15 years supplying and installing bathrooms all over East Anglia and now even much broader horizons with the modern internet shopping trends. With arguably the largest bathroom showroom in Norfolk with over 80 displays, showing a good mixture of all the latest modern trends along with the good old traditional ranges, Supreme can cater for all tastes and budgets. They even have a spacious car park right outside while you shop. With over 30 years of experience their staff can advise you on all aspects of installing and choosing your new bathroom with the independent, professional and attention to detail service you deserve. Supreme Bathrooms can just supply and deliver your bathroom wares from just a pair of taps to a complete suite with all wall and floor tiles, or they can offer you a full free of charge design service. This service includes a home visit where they can measure your bathroom before discussing your requirements, which is
October 2012
then followed up by designing your new bathroom on their CAD system before offering you a complete package price to carry out all work. This includes all plumbing, tiling, plastering and electrics, even the fitting of your accessories to finish off your dream bathroom. They even dispose of the old suite and all rubbish before letting you sit back and enjoy your wonderful new Supreme Bathroom.
Not Just Any Landscapers‌. When arranging for landscapers to undertake work in your garden, how do you know what quality of work you will receive and what choice of materials will be available for you to choose from? 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 hardlandscaping. 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 AND the best choice! 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.
@Dispatch_Mag
HOMES & GARDENS 19
At Richard Allington Kitchens
Diss Bed Centre And Furniture Warehouse
...We will provide you with a kitchen that functions as good as it looks.
...Is a family owned business which has been established for over 36 years, based in Diss, Norfolk.
This can only be achieved by using the finest components. We work closely with world leading component and appliance manufacturers to ensure that your kitchen is as pleasing to use as it is on the eyes! Our kitchen ranges include contemporary, traditional, classic and shaker styles. In fact there’s a style for any home - from post-modernist, minimalism to rustic country living and everything in between. All kitchen cabinets are made to order and supplied rigid and not flat-pack. They are factory assembled and supplied with doors, drawers and accessories fitted. Richard Allington Kitchens are manufactured in the traditional manner,
glued and dowelled for strength to ensure there are no visible fixings or redundant holes. Each cabinet is fitted with soft close door and drawer dampers as standard. So come and see us in our showroom in Attleborough, or call us to arrange a free design and plan service. With no high pressure sales, as we believe your time is precious. We can do as little or as much as you require from supply only, to a full fitting service, including any building, plumbing or electrical works. It’s our commitment to you to create the kitchen you desire, of superior quality at Superstore prices. It’s the Richard Allington way.
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 - 1pm.
DISS BED CENTRE (P)
October 2012
20 Homes & gardens
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Autumn Is A Great Time To Rejuvenate A Garden For The New Season And For Next Spring The tips below are an autumn garden task list that will keep your garden flourishing. • Autumn is the time to make new plants from cuttings. Take 10cm cuttings from hardwood herbs such as rosemary and bay or natives such as banksias, grevillea and coastal rosemary. Remove the lower leaves, dip cuttings into hormone powder and pot in small containers of premium potting mix. Keep just moist and shelter from strong wind and sun. • Trim hedges before the onset of winter to keep them compact and bushy from ground level. • Check your lawn and make sure any weeds you sprayed last month are dying. Repeat the treatment if necessary. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and scatter lime lightly over it. This sweetens the soil after many years of lawn food application. Rejuvenate
October 2012
tired lawns with an autumn feeding to ready them for the onset of cool winter weather. • Gather fallen leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps and shredded prunings, and layer them in a compost bin. Turn periodically with a garden fork to allow air to circulate and feed organisms, and decompose the organic matter quickly. Don‘t overload your compost with one particular ingredient - maintain a mix. See the new Aerobin at garden centres; it makes excellent compost. • Earthworms are a sign your soil is fertile. When you add organic matter such as leaves and cow manure to your garden soil, you will attract earthworms, so there is no need to add more worms to your garden. The worms you’ve attracted with organic
matter will add nutrients from their castings, and make tunnels. Check for borer damage on all deciduous trees, paying attention to the trunk at soil level. It‘s easier to check when trees are dormant and bare. • Don’t try to cultivate soil beneath large trees; you will only damage the roots. Make planting holes between the roots instead and insert small plants with tiny root systems that establish themselves readily. Bromeliads thrive under trees. • An old ladder makes a good support for climbing vines such as sweet peas. A splash of paint will give it extra impact in the garden or up against a wall. • Transfer the leaves that fall on your garden and lawn to the compost bin
on a regular basis, otherwise they will smother your plants and grass. • Don’t rush to prune spent seed heads. They provide a wealth of food for birds that visit the garden. Magnolia fruit attract parrots who feast on their seeds. • Autumn is rose season, and they look gorgeous at this time of year. Choose the ones you love and order them from your local nursery. • If you have cymbidium orchids, they should be placed in full sunshine to encourage good flower spikes during winter and spring. • Divide evergreen perennials. Lift them from the soil, divide at the root and re-plant into wellconditioned soil.
@Dispatch_Mag
SOCIAL MEDIA 21
What Makes A Good Facebook Post? One of the hardest parts of using your Facebook business page effectively is knowing what to post. To make the most of your Facebook page, it’s important that you generate engagement with every post to improve your page’s edgerank score. Edgerank is an algorithm used by Facebook to decide who sees what. The higher the edgerank for your page the more likely the content you post is going to be seen by your fans. You can see how your page scores at edgerankchecker. com. On average business Facebook pages only reach about 16% of their audience when they post content! By asking yourself these four questions before you post, you can make sure your posts generates the best engagement possible, in turn increasing the reach of your brand. Does the post offer value? It’s important to give your fans a reason to like your page, which you can do by delivering valuable content. The two main rules to bear in mind are don’t deliver a sales pitch with each update and don’t constantly promote your brand. A great way to generate discussion would be to post about something relevant to your industry and ask your fans’
opinions on it. Adding a link to a relevant article is a handy way of keeping your fans clued up on what you’re writing about. On average, 80% of your posts should contain valuable or entertaining content, while only 20% should be subtly promoting your product or service. Is the post engaging? The next thing to think about is whether the post has a call to action. How many times have you come across a really interesting and informative Facebook post but not hit the like, share or comment buttons? Your fans are the same. Often it’s a case of if you don’t ask, you don’t get. When you’re posting an update, make it clear how you expect others to act on it. Ask your fans for their views on the article you’ve linked to. Ask open-ended questions. Post a poll. Posts like this: “This weekend I’m _________” also tend to get high levels of engagement, especially if your brand has a light-hearted image. Is the post new and exciting? It’s important that you’re not constantly posting about the same topic regularly in the same way, or people won’t see the
value in liking your page. Make sure your content is always fresh and varied.
Using Facebook’s built in analytics you can find out more about the kinds of people who like your page.
Look at your previous posts for the last seven days and see what you’ve written about. If you’re constantly writing about the same subject, spend some time considering how you can mix things up a bit. Are there any topics relevant to your business you haven’t covered yet? Could you present things in different ways perhaps?
Your Facebook page may reveal that you have types of people interested in your product or service you didn’t know about. Every Facebook brand page has an analytics panel which breaks down your fan base by gender, age group and location down to the nearest town.
A great way to keep things varied is to plan your posts using a weekly editorial calendar. Allocate certain topics or talking points to different days of the week so you don’t repeat yourself.
You may find you had been posting about issues local to you, but in fact you have a large fan base in a city elsewhere in the UK. Why not post about something relevant to them, which will help build closer relationships and turn them into paying customers?
Sticking to an editorial calendar is also a great way to stay on track of other important dates like holidays and special events. This helps you to keep your posts relevant to the outside world! Does the post appeal to your audience? Finally, a good Facebook post is relevant to your audience. But how do you know who your audience is? You may have an idea already about who your target audience is.
Exploring your page’s analytics to find information like this is a great way to help you to think of new ways to engage your audience, provide something of value to your fans, and increase the reach of your posts. Visit: www.squaresocial.co Follow: @SebAtkinson - @SquareSocialUK for more useful information on social media and how it can help you and your business.
Bio: Bespoke ecommerce solutions, mobile app development and web design from a creative agency based in sunny Southwold, Suffolk.
Bio: Howard & Company Chartered Accountants are a leading practice of accountants in Bury St Edmunds & Attleborough giving trusted advice to businesses & individuals
@creativeintent
@GM_Howard
Bio: Friendly & reliable family run leaflet and marketing company. LET US PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS covering Norfolk & North Suffolk. Follow us and we will follow you.
@easternleaflets
Bio: Spider Solutions Web Design: We Build, We Maintain and We Host Websites. We build iphone Apps and we ensure your website is viewable on smart phones.
@sp1dersolutions
Bio: Follow me now for FREE Daily SEO Tips with links to Premium eBooks, Lessons & Tutorials. Oh, & I always Follow Back. @ReallySimpleSEO
Bio: Do you want to save money on ALL your Utility Bills, either at home or for your business? Get in touch: www.TheUKsCheapestUtilityBills.co.uk
@utility_bills
October 2012
22 HEALTH & WELLBEING
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Tate Free Hairdressing And Beauty I would like to give a big thank you to all my customers-new and loyal of eight years for supporting me through my second year of being self employed and for making my salon a huge success. I have been open for over a year now on Queens Square Attleborough and business is booming.
I now have three other businesses under my roof. Kayleigh Blackwood - Hairdresser, Nikki Mills - Beauty Therapist and Janet Thornber - Clairvoyant & spiritual guidance. I am looking for another hairdresser to rent a chair - someone who is looking to venture on their own. I also have a beauty room to rent - so if you are looking for a room in a friendly modern hair and beauty Salon Please give me a call. Look out for the great offers on the boards outside and I hope to see a prosperous second year! To make an appointment or to discuss your requirement please call Tate at Tate Hairdressing on 07549 171507.
Month Three I’ve lost 19lb And 19 inches!!!!! Since starting the Jenny Craig diet 3 months ago I thought it was about time I took another look at my measurements as my clothes were starting to feel a little looser and things were coming out of the wardrobe that hadn’t seen the light of day in rather a long time!!
dancing like a lunatic around my living room.
I started the diet by measuring everything, my waist, hips, bust, legs, arms, the lot and couldn’t believe that in total I’ve lost 19 inches!! Including a massive 5 inches off my waist! Add that to the 19lb I have lost in weight, it really does make me a happy girl.
Follow Gemma’s road to success in next months issue of Dispatch Magazine.
So I have 3 and a half stone to go… and following the diet and the new Wii fitness game I have set myself a little personal challenge, -14lb for next time!!! Bring on next month!!
Not been doing anything too differently in the food department, just following the structure and speaking with my consultant each week, Rebecca. I really am finding the process of losing weight a pleasure rather than something I dread, Rebecca really helps to motivate you and each week I look forward to telling her my accomplishments as well as talking about any worries or challenges I might face in the week ahead. I have been trying to work out more with some Zumba on the Wii on the odd occasion, as being a busy mum you don’t get much time to exercise by going to classes or to the gym. Actually I quite like the fact I can close the curtains when the baby goes to bed and not worry about who sees my wobbly bits while I’m
Follow us @Dispatch_Mag
JENNY CRAIG’s unique Mind-Food-Body approach - which combines delicious home delivered food with weekly one-to-one consultations – is the answer to successful weight management. If you want to lose weight like Gemma, contact 0800 088 2034 or visit www.jennycraig.co.uk to buy online.
October 2012
@Dispatch_Mag
HALLOWEEN 23
Halloween Is Coming.... Halloween is fast approaching and it’s time to start making those carving those pumpkins in preparation. Although it’s not considered the most difficult of tasks, they seem to have a tendency of turning out fairly poor. To avoid that for good, you can use these tips and carve a perfect Halloween pumpkin. 1. Make sure you have an easily cleanable area to work in. If you’ve only got a couple of pumpkins to do, putting newspaper or plastic over a table should do but if you plan on doing many more then consider carving your pumpkins outside where you can hose or sweep away any leftover debris. 2. Decide on whether you’ll cut the top of the pumpkin or the bottom to remove the seeds.
Cutting the top of the pumpkin will have an easy vent for heat from a candle, cutting the bottom will make using an electric light easier.
3. Before you cut into the pumpkin, determine how big you want the hole to be. The hole needs to be at least large enough for your hand to get into, and wide enough to accommodate a large spoon. If you want to guarantee a nice hole, it could pay to draw a circle on the top first. If you’re unsure about what size hole to go with, cut one roughly 6 inches in diameter. 4. Part of the fun of Halloween pumpkins, for children at least, is the ability to make your own pumpkin design. If you don’t know how to go about designing the face of your pumpkin then just use the typical Jack-o-lantern design. You can either draw your design directly onto the pumpkin or draw it on paper first and then transfer it onto your pumpkin. If you’re planning on drawing directly onto the pumpkin and you’re not extremely confident with your drawing then avoid pencil, biro, ball-point pens etc, as they have
a very small, sharp nib and will dent the surface of the pumpkin, meaning any mistake will still be apparent after carving. Instead use dry wipe pens or non-permanent markers. 5. Once your design is prepared use a sharp knife or pumpkin saw to cut your hole in the top or bottom. The pumpkin is going to be quite thick, so be patient with your cutting so not to break a blade. A pumpkin saw would leave a cleaner, smoother cut but a knife will be faster. If you are using a knife be sure to hold it at a 45 degree angle with the tip pointing towards the center of the pumpkin, this will leave a surface for the lid of the pumpkin to sit on and prevent it from slipping through. 6. Choose which side of the pumpkin will be the ‘front’, then towards the back of the lid make a mark, either with pen or knife, which crosses the cut-line, this will allow you to determine how the lid will go back on once you’ve removed it.
7. Your next step is to drag all of the seeds and flesh out of the pumpkin, you can do this with your hands to begin with, but you will need a large spoon to scrape the flesh off of the sides. Aim to remove all of the seeds and stringy flesh from inside the pumpkin. The walls of the pumpkin should be about an inch thick once you’ve finished, especially on the side your pumpkin’s face will go. To test the thickness, prick it with a small knife or pin. 8. To make your carving easier, begin engraving the areas you plan to cut into on the surface of your pumpkin, once the engraving is a few millimetres deep, you can begin to carve. 9. Once you begin your carving it’ll be best to use a sharp knife like a craft knife, although the knife you used to cut the top or bottom off will do. Smaller blades will make for a more accurate cut.
October 2012
24 ELDERLY
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Able Community Care
NBR Scooter Brokers
In the past when a person was discharged from hospital after treatment, many were given the choice to have a period of time in a convalescent care home.
NBR Scooter Brokers is a family run business which prides itself on their commitment to their customers (existing and new!!)
This transition period between hospital and home would build up independence, aid recuperation and would enable care staff to monitor that all was well thereby enabling the ‘patient’, after one or two weeks, to return home safely and confident. The convalescent home has now almost disappeared and national statistics show that, especially where older patients are concerned, the re-admission figures are high with many having to return to hospital within a month.
in the home such as general cleaning, the laundry, shopping, preparing meals, etc. The Carer can assist with personal care tasks or just be on hand if help is needed e.g. when bathing or showering. The Live-in Carer can help a person recover their social life. For example, by accompanying a person who likes to go shopping, attend local events, visit a local restaurant, resume attendance at a local group or church, etc.
Able Community Care’s Home from Hospital Care Package will enable a person to have convalescent care at home.
The Carer will reduce the risks of a person returning home on their own and will ensure a happier and more confident ex-patient can return to the independent lifestyle they wish to have.
The Home from Hospital Care Package provides a Live-In Carer who will carry out domestic tasks
For more details visit www.uk-care.com or telephone Able on 01603 764567.
October 2012
Their main objective is to provide impartial advice together with a friendly and efficient service!!
• Powerchairs
They offer the service of a free, no obligation, home demonstration for all of their products to ensure they are suitable for your needs.
• Adjustable beds
• Rise & recline armchairs
• Bathlifts • 3 & 4 wheel walkers
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
• 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.
@Dispatch_Mag
ELDERLY 25
Wiltshire Farm Foods The New Autumn & Winter 2012/2013 Menu From Wiltshire Farm Foods. The seasons have changed and so has our brochure. Our chefs have been working hard to develop our range of tasty and nutritious meals to keep our menu as varied as possible, while still ensuring we maintain high standards of quality and value. We are also delighted to welcome our new Dietitian, Helen Blunn, on board to bring you helpful advice. We’ve given you more information about our menu, highlighting the health benefits, while giving you some interesting facts about our range of meals. So what’s new for the winter months? We have 21 exciting new meals for you to choose from, everything from a tasty Lamb & Mint Pie, to warming soups. Our brand new Choices range offers a selection of favourite meals and side dishes so you can choose your own combination. There’s a delicious Steak Casserole, or a Chicken Tikka Masala with six different side dishes to choose from,
like Extra Buttery Mash and a Minted Vegetable Selection. You may want to pair your main meal with one of our delicious side dishes, or add your own choice of vegetables or a fresh salad. Whatever you choose, our Choices range allows you to enjoy your meal exactly as you like it. For the perfect sweet treat, we’ve also added three new cakes to our Afternoon Tea range. There are over 250 tempting options to choose from in the new brochure, including breakfast and afternoon tea. We cater for all appetites – our Mini Meals are a great option when you’re after a lighter meal or snack, and our Hearty Meals are perfect for when you fancy a larger portion. We also cater for a wide range of special dietary needs, including low fat, gluten free, low salt and a range of ‘free from’ options.
to help your diabetic diet. Meals are delivered free of charge and direct to your door by our caring, CRB policechecked drivers and if you wish, your driver will even pop the meals in the freezer for you. Whenever you’re ready, you can simply heat your meal from frozen in an oven or microwave and enjoy. So a piping hot meal is only ever minutes away! Gail Rowley from Wiltshire Farm Foods in East Dereham comments: “We’re so pleased with all our new meals and desserts and they’re perfect for the winter months. If you can’t decide
what to choose, try one of our menu packs, offering a selection of our most popular meals and desserts - it’s the perfect introduction to our range. Ordering is easy on the phone or online at wiltshirefarmfoods.com and we’ll deliver to your door free of charge. Give my team a call on 01362 699049 - we’re happy to take your order or answer any questions you may have.” With 21 years experience, Wiltshire Farm Foods has earned a reputation for delivering quality meals and outstanding customer service, so you’ll be guaranteed tasty, nutritious meals whatever the weather this winter.
All our main meals are suitable for people with Diabetes, and our range of Diabetic Hot Desserts allows you to enjoy tucking into something sweettasting - they just contain less sugar
October 2012
26 ELDERLY
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Caring For Your Body After Retirement It’s only really our childhood years when we can casually glide through life without ever really showing concern about our health. From that point onwards we begin to notice possible issues, but they’re rarely life threatening and a young, healthy body can overcome most things it will incur. However, by the time you reach your later years it becomes of real importance to look after your health and body. Although your health is likely to deteriorate as the years pass by, the doom and gloom can be avoided. Below are 7 relatively simple tests you can take which could prove lifesaving. Bowel Cancer Screening Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer, after breast and lung cancer. Screening is offered to men and women between the ages of 60 and 69 every two years, people over the age of 70 can request a test kit whenever. A kit is sent through the post, which requires a stool sample and can be taken in the comfort and privacy of your own home, the sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. Cervical Screening Cervical screening finds abnormalities in
a women’s cervix, which left untreated could lead to cancer. The screening entails visiting a doctor or nurse who will use a spatula to sweep the cervix, the experience is considered slightly uncomfortable but not painful. Early treatment of cervical cancer can prevent around 75% of cancers developing. Women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free test every 3 to 5 years. Cholesterol Tests Cholesterol is a type of fat carried about the body in blood. High levels of cholesterol can clog the arteries and result in heart attack or stroke. All that is required to measure your cholesterol is a simple blood test, taken by a doctor or nurse. Past the age of 60, it’s worth getting your cholesterol tested roughly once a year. Blood Pressure Tests Blood pressure is the considered amount of pressure your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure can weaken your heart and damage your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. To test your blood pressure, a nurse will put a cuff around your
arm and inflate it, the test is painless and takes just a couple of minutes. You should check your blood pressure annually. Breast Screening Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and most women receive their first screening invitation between the ages of 50 and 53 and will continue to receive invitations until the age of 70, after this point women can request a screen every 3 years. The screening is quite simple, the woman is asked to place each breast onto an x-ray machine called a mammogram, the breast is then gently compressed, the compression lasts a few seconds and is somewhat uncomfortable but not painful. Breast screening now accounts for a third of diagnosed breast cancers. Eye Tests Eye testing doesn’t just determine whether you need glasses, it can also indicate early signs of a number of conditions before other symptoms become apparent. The eye test doesn’t change based on your age, it’s just a routine eye test where an optometrist will
examine your eye and you’ll be asked to read letters off a chart a short distance from you. After the age of 60 you’re entitled to a free eye test every 2 years and after the age of 70 you may be entitled to one every year. Even if you think your vision is fine its worth having routine eye tests as they could diagnose early signs of other conditions like diabetes and glaucoma. Skin checks Whether you check yourself or visit a specialist, it’s worth keeping an eye on moles and other imperfections in your skin. Most are harmless but can sometimes develop into a rare form of skin cancer called melanoma. If you notice a suspect mole, your GP can examine it themselves or refer you for further testing. You can have a specialist check you head to toe, this takes about 45 minutes and is available in Boots and Superdrug stores nationwide. In the last three years, deaths from melanoma among people aged 65 and over have tripled, Melanoma can be a result of cumulative sun exposure, making the elderly more vulnerable.
South Norfolk Mobility If stairs at home are becoming a problem, then you could think about a stair lift. Neat and compact and suited to most staircases including curved and multi landings, this piece of apparatus allows an individual to stay in the comfort of their own home, rather than having to move house. A free survey is undertaken, and if the quoted is accepted, and in an emergency situation, a stair lift can often be installed within around 3 days.
October 2012
Straight stair lifts can even accommodate doorways which are in the way, by having a hinged section of track, which can be swivelled out of the way to allow access to the doorway. Please visit us, or view at www.southnorfolkmobilitycentre.co.uk we look forward to seeing you.
@Dispatch_Mag
DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 27
October 2012
28 DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY
October 2012
www.DispatchDirectory.co.uk
@Dispatch_Mag
DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 29
Follow us @Dispatch_Mag
October 2012
30 MOTORING
www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk
Hyundai i40 Saloon Premium 1.7 CRDi 136 PS By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist Twitter: @carwriteups Visit: www.carwriteups.co.uk YOU COULD buy a top nearly-new German executive car for £23,400, but you could also have Hyundai’s tasty i40 Saloon Premium 1.7CRDi for the same amount of cash. Which would you go for BMW, Audi or Hyundai? It’s a tough choice. No, really it is. You see, after sitting behind the wheel of this Korean car you start to realise just how far Hyundai has come. The new i40 is handsome with a sleek, sporty profile. It’s even more impressive on the move. You can push it into corners and it’ll hug the bends quite spectacularly. All the electronic gadgetry to keep it from flipping out reassuringly kicks in time after time.
However, with a slack sounding 0-62 mph time of 10.3 seconds you’d be forgiven for thinking this i40 is a slug. You’d be wrong; the car feels far quicker than the figures on paper suggest. The i40 Saloon’s 1685 cc, 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel churns out 134 bhp and delivers a decent amount of pulling power. The six-speed manual gearbox is also very precise and fluid. The Hyundai is very comfortable on long commutes. It sits at motorway speeds quietly and economically and, as I’ve suggested, when you take it off the long, dull stretches of tarmac it can be quite a fun car to tackle twisty B roads. And there’s a reason for its good handling. At the heart of the i40’s class-leading refinement and its responsive handling is an all-new bodyshell. The use of ultra-high strength steel together with advanced engineering has resulted in superior stiffness and a superb structural efficiency that outperforms many rivals. The bodyshell ensures that you are barely aware of any vibrations from the road surface or from the car’s mechanical components. Inside, and from a driver’s eye point of view, the i40’s controls are very clear and logically set out. The only slight criticism is that the clock is not immediately obvious. It seems you have to have the sat nav/audio information
October 2012
screen on to see what the time is. Not a big problem. The other niggle is the lack of coat hooks in the rear. On a commute to a business meeting I wanted to hang my suit jacket up on a peg. There wasn’t one. Strange - but, again, no biggy. These tiny issues are soon forgotten, helped by a good, relaxed, driving position, made easy to achieve with the i40 Premium’s electrically adjustable leather seats. Room is good in the front and the back too, and the boot is large and accessible. In terms of safety, the i40 is fitted with seven airbags – front, side, curtain and driver knee airbag. And with its stiffer, stronger bodyshell, Hyundai has attained the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s impact assessment programme. The i40 is backed up by an awardwinning customer care package, 5 Year Triple Care. This demonstrates Hyundai’s confidence in its vehicles. And the selfbelief seems justified. From what I’ve experienced, the i40 Saloon, especially in Premium guise, is a car worth owning, or perhaps choosing as your next company car. It may not have the cachet of a
BMW or an Audi, but give it time and perceptions might change. PROS • Handsome • Sticks to the road • Good driving position • Safe CONS • Clock • Coat pegs FAST FACTS • Max speed: 125 mph • 0-62 mph: 10.3 secs • Combined mpg: 55.4 • Engine: 1685 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel • Max. power (bhp): 134 at 4000 rpm • Max. torque (lb/ft): 240 at 2000-2500 rpm • CO2: 134 g/km • Price: £23,400 on the road
@Dispatch_Mag
MOTORING 31
October 2012