Village People South Norfolk Early Spring 2013

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Early Spring 2013

HOMES • GARDENS • OUT & ABOUT • JOBS & MONEY • HEALTH • LOCAL SERVICES

Local WALK Hardley & the River Chet

Make Valentine’s Day Special

with our homemade heart decorations

Working 9 to 5 A fabulous new musical

WIN £200 to makeover your home

Have a field day with Mum at Chapelfield Pages 64-65

Plus q Latest book and film reviews q Local food in East Anglia q Restaurant review from our Ladies Who Lunch q Have fun this spring with our choice of activities q Top tips for managing your money q Good news from our region

The independent magazine for South Norfolk village people


Highfield Garage Swardeston

(Behind P&V Quality Cars)

sPECIAL OFFER FOR FEBRUARY & MARCH

Book an MOT & sERVICE together FOR ONLY £110* FREE COURTEsY CAR or PICK UP/DELIVERY AVAILABLE Phone Mark our workshop manager on 01508 570342 or visit our web site www.qualitycarsales.org.uk for more details

MOTs ONLY £35 ALsO VIsIT OUR WELL sTOCKED ACCEsORY sHOP FOR ALL YOUR WINTER NEEDs: ANTI-FREEZE, DE-ICERs, COAL, WOOD, KINDLING PLUs LOTs MORE * Conditions may apply

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Haydon-Webb bespoke Furniture Finest craFtsmansHip • Quality • best materials

We pride ourselves at Haydon-Webb on making beautiful bespoke furniture; from a small occasional table to a complete kitchen. Each piece is made individually at our workshop in Debenham. If you have an idea or design for a piece of furniture, or a complete kitchen, bedroom or study, come down and see us at our showroom or view our gallery online. Contact us and together we can turn your dreams into reality. Haydon-Webb

Unit 2, Meadow Works, Kenton Road, Debenham, Suffolk, IP14 6RP

Showroom open on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. At all other times, please call into the workshop and one of our friendly team will be there to show you around.

01728 860219 • www.haydon-webb.com 3


Trust village people to know a lot about growing We’re launching our third magazine reaching another 15,000 homes in villages south of Norwich We are big on numbers – a guaranteed circulation of 45,000 homes across our 3 magazines We reach 190 villages – across 900 square miles of rural countryside We are delivered free – by Royal Mail directly through the letterbox We offer exceptional advertiser rates – a quarter page from as little as £99

We deliver to more homes in Norfolk and Suffolk than ANY other magazine Whatever crops up we can help you grow your business so to increase your growth rate, call

0330 660 0325

editor@village-people.info www.village-people.info

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Good news from our region Spring activity guide Mums the Word visit East Harling your home Ladies who Lunch visit The Jolly Farmers Lovely broads walk around Hardley & River Chet Working 9 to 5 - fab new musical comes to town Latest film reviews HEALTH & BEAUTY Village Notice Board 67 How to look good in photographs Oral hygiene for your pet 68 Fitness tips

HOMES & GARDENS 31 37 40 45 46 49 53

Contents

6 9 11 15 17 19 21 22 27

Garden Jottings from Ken Colour for a winter garden Local food in East Anglia WIN £200 to makeover your home Ancient oriental astrology Local lady visits Skid Row in LA Delicious one pot recipe for lamb

SHOPPING 59 NEW craft page – make a Valentine’s heart decoration 60 Local book reviews 64 Find the perfect gift for Mum!

71 Health Q&A 73 Freshen up your look for spring

JOBS, MONEY & BUSINESS

75 The basics of good money management

SERVICES

Early Spring 2013

WIN £200 to makeover

OUT & ABOUT

79 Smart money secrets: 5 costly credit card mistakes 83 Meet the experts: we talk to our local pest control expert 86 Great recommendations for local businesses 91 Car reviews: Lexus GS 450h 92 Find a local business or service 94 Five minute interview with Robert Haydon

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Editor’s Letter

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itting in our cosy office with minus 10 temperatures outside I just can’t wait for the spring to arrive! Bulbs and spring plants will give that zing to the garden to replace the snow and then it will be Valentine’s and then Mother’s Day; there’s certainly a lot to look forward to in February & March. We’ve been super busy here at VP HQ as our third magazine launches in Late Spring which takes our circulation up to a massive 45,000. We’re proud to announce that this means we deliver to more homes in Norfolk and Suffolk than ANY other magazine. Not bad for a brand new business that started only 4 years ago from the end of my dining room table in Tacolneston! And I remember in the early days when I’d drag my family out on cold and frosty weekends to deliver the magazines; thank goodness we use Royal Mail now!

As usual this issue is packed full of exclusive offers just for you so make sure you read from cover to cover for the best local deals and there’s £200 up for grabs for one lucky reader to makeover their home. All you have to do is send us an email so don’t miss it! We’re always happy to hear from readers so do get in touch, give us some feedback and tell us if there’s anything particular that you’d like us to feature in your local village magazine. We’ll be back in two months at the beginning of April so until then, keep your copy safe and handy!

Lily Goulder 0330 660 0325 editor@village-people.info

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The ladies of Wymondham P layers

bare all for Star Throwers Wymondham Players celebrate their 60th anniversary in June 2013. To mark this milestone, they have chosen to perform Calendar Girls by Tim Firth, in Central Hall, Wymondham, from 17th – 20th April 2013. It seemed a natural development when the ladies of Wymondham Players mooted the idea of doing a calendar. In no time the volunteers were signing up, the thoughts of many being; “If I’m not gonna get them out now, when am I?” Profits from the sale of the calendar will be donated to Star Throwers, the locally based cancer support and therapy centre, which is close to the hearts of many of those appearing in the calendar. The calendar, £5, features a bonus picture for January 2014, but you have to buy a copy for this to be revealed. The calendar is available from various Wymondham outlets including; Geo Reeve, Market Street, Wardrobes, Fairland Street and The Book Fountain, Whartons Court or online at www.wymondhamplayers.org.uk/ calendar

Good Beer Guide success for local pub

In 2011, the Queen’s Head in the centre of Eye was sold into private ownership. After a complete makeover the pub reopened with the objective of reinstating itself as a classic traditional pub with real ales from the cask, homemade food, log fires and scrubbed floor and furniture. “All this paid off when CAMRA decided to feature us in the 2013 Good Beer Guide”, says landlady Pamela Roper. “‘It’s been hard work but being in the guide means such a lot to us, it feels as if we’ve won an award. A huge thank you to customers who recommended us.” www.queensheadeye.co.uk

Good news

7 Years of trading & still going strong

Martin & Cathy are now in their 7th year of offering a service that comes to you! Whether its new tyres, batteries, even caravan tyres, their service is convenient as they come to you either at work or home, and that’s 6 days a week! Martin explained: “We have very low operating costs, which means our prices are often much cheaper than the leading high street tyre depots.” If you don’t fancy driving miles to an oily depot to get new tyres fitted, dashing out of work or trying to keep the children occupied while the car goes up on the ramp, then get in touch with etyres today!

www.etyres.co.uk

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Never use an iron again!

Anyone who misses the smiling face of Tomasz who owned and ran the Ironing Shop Diss for seven years will be delighted to hear that Tomasz has relocated to the beautiful setting of Red House Yards at Thornham Walks, Thornham Magna, just a couple of miles off the A140 (IP23 8HH for satnav). As before Tomasz irons anything you can’t or don’t want to iron yourself and also takes in dry cleaning. He looks forward to seeing you (and while you’re there you can stop and have a cuppa at The Forge Tearooms!) www.ironingshopdiss.co.uk


Free computer scheme Barry Woods, a computer expert from Norfolk, is using his skills to benefit the community. He can take a computer which is broken or out of date and give it a new lease of life. But this scheme relies on people donating their old computers to Barry, rather than just disposing of them at the tip. He will repair and refurbish it, security clean it, and remove all personal details from it. Then Barry gives it to a local group or charity free of charge. Barry gets great satisfaction from helping charities and seeing something useful happen to a

from our region Doctor gets the result he was hoping for

Star Throwers are delighted to declare that all restrictions placed on Dr Henry Mannings imposed have been revoked. Back in November, an Interim Orders Panel imposed an order on Dr Mannings to restrict him from prescribing any medication. At the IOP review hearing on Monday 14th January 2013, Dr Mannings, who represented himself, produced additional scientific evidence to the panel to prove the efficacy and safety of his approach. A petition with about 3000 signatories was brought to the panel’s attention, along with the hundreds of letters of support written from patients and families of patients. Dr Mannings said after the hearing, “We are exceptionally pleased that we will now be treating patients again, but can only hope that the time lost whereby they had not received any treatments will not have any long term consequences.” www.supportdrhenry.co.uk

refurbished computer. “It is part of my policy of giving something back to the community”, he says. If you have an old computer which you would like to donate to the scheme, please email barrywoods@barry-woods.co.uk

Bressingham Gardens as you’ve never seen them before! “The winter garden need not be dull”, has been my long held belief for over 45 years, and in creating Foggy Bottom and the Winter Garden at Bressingham, I think we have convincingly proved how much colour and excitement can be created”, says Adrian Bloom. “For the first time in cooperation with Blooms Garden Centre, we will be giving gardeners the chance to enjoy the gardens from mid to late winter, the 18th January until the 27th March 2013.” Both gardens and Bressingham Steam Museum are open for the 2013 season on March 28th.

www.thebressinghamgardens.com

Sleep well

knowing you’ve got a bargain! Sound Sleep was established in 1993 and to celebrate their 20th year in business, they are doing an Anniversary Sale to mark the event. Over the past 20 years the showroom has got bigger and better with more choice of mattresses and beds than ever before. There are some huge offers on brand name products with £100 off Silentnight beds, £150 off Rest Assured beds and up to 50% off selected Relyon mattresses, so this celebration sale is a great chance to get your sleeping arrangements sorted! Mattress specialists are on hand to design your new bed and help make sure you get a sound night’s sleep! www.soundsleepbeds.co.uk

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Out & About

WHAT’S YOUR PASSION? Sunday 10 March CRUFTS DOG SHOW £45.00* Friday 15/Saturday 16 March SPRING KNIT & STITCH SHOW £35.00* Wed 20/Sat 23/Sun 24/Thu 28 March IDEAL HOME SHOW £39.00* Saturday 6 April HOBBYCRAFTS SHOW £35.00* Thursday 23 - Saturday 25 May CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW £85.00* Saturday 15 June GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE £45.00* Thursday 20 June ASCOT LADIES’ DAY £99/£60* Sunday 7 July WADDINGTON AIR SHOW £50.00* Friday 12/Saturday 13 July HAMPTON CT FLOWER SHOW £55.00* Sat 3/Sat 10/Wed 14/Sat 24 August BUCKINGHAM PALACE £44.00* *Prices includes admission; senior/child prices may apply

See full programme online or ask for a booklet today

For more details, please call 01603 630676 Book online: www.cheneryexcursions.co.uk Like us on Facebook

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   

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    

                           

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@CheneryLive

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                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                 


Step Into Spring A

with our spring activity guide

t this time of year, Christmas seems like a very distant memory, the January blues are fading and we’re all looking forward to the beginning of Spring. So, here are a few ways to help pass the time between now and the appearance of the first daffodils…

you can feast your eyes on some of the finest classic vehicles ever to be produced by Uncle Sam.

Snowdrop walks

Anchor Plaza, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth

You’ll be able to see vintage Hot Rods, American muscle cars, Harley-Davidson bikes and many other all-American classics that are rare sights in the UK. Free entry. Sunday 17th February, Sunday 3rd March and Sunday 17th March

Banish the last of the winter chills this February with an invigorating walk around some of the county’s most beautiful gardens. Admire the snowdrops in the grounds of Walsingham Abbey from the 2nd February onwards (open every day from from 10am - 4pm). Or, visit Horstead House, near Norwich, to see the millions of beautiful snowdrops and scented flowering shrubs that carpet its woodland. Oxburgh Hall (near Swaffham) boasts plenty of early spring flowers. Why not go on a free guided woodland walk with one of the Garden Stewards or ramble your way round one of the winter nature trails?

American classics

If man-made beauty is more your thing then this will really get your motor running! The East Coast Pirates Car Club is organising an American Classic car show, where

Easter funfair

Inject some originality into your Easter this year and banish the Hot Cross Buns and chocolate eggs in favour of a trip to the Funfair in Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich. You can nibble on a toffee apple while you hook a duck and munch on candy floss as you sail elegantly around the Ferris Wheel. There’s also an International Village Market to explore on Gentleman’s Walk, in the city centre, with over 30 stalls showcasing unusual food and crafts from all over the world. Both events take place between Friday 29th March and Monday 1st April

Seaside beer festival

Half-term boat trips

Here’s something to keep the younger family members happy during February half term! Broads Tours is offering boat tours with live commentary on the origins of the Broads and the wildlife that lives there. And, best of all, children go for free! You can take 2 children for free with every full-fare adult. Adult tickets cost £8.

Once the haunt of smugglers, now the haunt of those who appreciate real ale and real log fires, the Ship Inn at Dunwich is holding its third annual beer festival in March. It promises to be a great weekend; with live music on the Sunday and plenty of beer from all the best local breweries: Adnams, Green Jack, Grain, Cliff Quay, Humpty Dumpty and Earl Soham. And you won’t go hungry, either. Fish and chips are available all day. Friday 29th to Sunday 31st March The Ship Inn, Dunwich, Southwold

Sunday 17th - Friday 22nd Feb www.broadstours.co.uk

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Out & About

Gardens|Garden Centre|Steam Museum

w w w. br e s s i n g h a m . c o . u k

Spring Half Term 16-24th February 11am to 4pm

visit www.bressingham.co.uk for further details Tel 01379 686900

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Mums The Word

The GeorGe and draGon Market Street, East Harling www.georgeanddragonharling.co.uk 01953 717918 Carrie Barrett lives in Blo Norton, near Diss, right on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, with her husband and two children Maisie (9) and Olly (5). She has been dining out and about in our area for many years, seeking out restaurants that offer great value, quality and above all else are child friendly. If you would like Carrie to visit a particular pub or restaurant just get in touch with us at village people and we’ll ask her to visit.

W

e are very lucky in Norfolk and Suffolk to have fantastic pubs and restaurants on our doorstep, but we do lack somewhere that children and parents can get excited about visiting! Usually pubs and restaurants that are designed to attract children offer what we have come to know as substandard food, mostly fried, with very little homemade offerings.

When a friend suggested we meet at her local because it had a children’s indoor area, straight away I cringed thinking that it would be heaving with children, the food would be dreadful and I would end up coming away with a headache and possibly hungry from avoiding the fried menu! However, she managed to convince us to go, and we were so pleased we did! The pub and restaurant areas have all been recently renovated, and offer a very modern and chic dining experience. The children have both an indoor and outdoor play area, so for those summer months children can play outside. There are plenty of seating areas for parents to sit outside and watch their charges. And when the weather isn’t so great then the second play area is completely indoors. Unfortunately, the day we arrived, the play area was closed as they only open at the weekend. I believe this is such

.

a shame as there are lots of people with young children that eat out in the week and would love the option of somewhere like the George and Dragon instead of the large noisy indoor play places. The lunch menu was simple and very similar to lots of pubs in the area with offerings such as lasagne, bangers and mash, scampi, curry of the day, burgers and steaks, all ranging from a very reasonable £8 to £18.50 for a ribeye steak. Children have the choice of their own menu, with lots of choices such as pasta, bangers and mash and scampi. Children could have a half portion of most of the adult meals at half the price. In the evening the menu is slightly different and offers a little more variety. There is a specials board with fresh fish, and shellfish and my daughter’s favourite, mussels. On the day we visited I chose lasagne. I have to say, that it was the best lasagne I have ever had in a pub before. I was so impressed at the venue that I booked one of the Christmas Party Nights as I had a friend leaving to live in Australia; we thought this would be the perfect venue. The food was great and of a good standard for pub food. I would highly recommend coming here if anyone is thinking of planning a party night next year. So next time you are passing East Harling, pop in. The staff are welcoming, the bar and restaurant are just a delight to be in and the food is great value and delicious and above all else, the kids are happy too!

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Out & About

Open Day

Friday 1st March (10am - 4pm) Friday 10th May (10am - 4pm) Saturday 11th May (10am - 1pm) Contact Mrs Louise Coates Registrar

Tel: 01953 681246

Your convenient local service Travel to Attleborough, Diss, North Walsham, Thetford, Watton, Wroxham and Wymondham from surrounding villages For more information about Flexibus in your area visit

www.norfolk.gov.uk/flexibus Tel. 0344 800 8020

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Out & About Norwich High School GDST (3-18 years) Find out what makes Norwich High such a great place to learn and grow. Bring your daughter along to one of our Taster Days. Please call the Registrar to make an appointment.

01603 453265

admissions@nor.gdst.net The

best start for

your daughter

95 Newmarket Road, Norwich NR2 2HU A member of the Girls’ Day School Trust. Registered charity number 306983

To request a prospectus or arrange a visit telephone 01842 752840 or email: hmsec@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk www.thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk

3½ to 18 co-educational day school

Together We Learn Star party

Early Riser

Sat 9th February An independent co-educational day & boarding school

Junior 5-11 Senior 11-16 Sixth Form 16-18

More than just a school

An ideal learning environment, which offers so much more To view our Outstanding Inspection Report and details of our OPEN DAYS visit our website below The New Eccles School, Quidenham, Nr. Norwich, Norfolk NR16 2NZ T: 01953 887217 E: admin@neweccleshall.com

www.neweccleshall.com

Dawn Guided Walk

Spring Events

7pm ‘til late

Sat 23rd March

Will you discover a new planet?

6am

Hot food and drinks available (in association with Seething Astronomers)

Optional extras; Boat trip Cooked breakfast (please pre-book)

School Road, South Walsham, NR13 6DZ 01603 270449 www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

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Out & About

(01953) 603413

www.damgateholidaycottage.co.uk

Booking terms and conditions apply. Cottage stairs are steep. No garden or parking space. Sorry no pets

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Ladies Who Lunch THE JOLLY FARMERS

I

Norwich Road (B1113), Forncett St Peter, Norwich, NR16 1LG • 01953 788197

promised I wouldn’t exceed last month’s £60 bill, so in my search for somewhere really cheap, I asked around and someone mentioned the Jolly Farmers (along with various other suggestions including a burger on Norwich Market and taking our own packed lunch). So recently I went there with a friend, to find out what this place is all about. It stands on a rather bleak crossroads at the end of Tacolneston. Evidently it used to be a one-room pub with dartboard, and sawdust on the floor. An old beam above the roaring fire, from a demolished windmill, bears testimony to the pub’s age. Larger modern rooms have been added to cater for increasing numbers and a purpose built restaurant is available for really busy times, parties, and board meetings. We were shown to one of the smaller rooms made cosy by recent redecoration in mulberry red.

I still couldn’t quite believe that two people could dine on two courses for only £9.95; that’s less than a fiver each! Whatever sort of food would it be? The menu board for this two-for-one deal was restricted to three main options (for which I was thankful; I have such trouble deciding). Chicken curry, steak and kidney pie, beef lasagne. I chose the steak and kidney pie, my companion the curry. There was a selection of omelettes too. We didn’t have to wait long. Really hot plates were brought through and the first thing I spotted on mine was a little pile of sprouts. If anything ever reveals what the rest of the meal would be like it’s the greens – sprouts especially. My God they were perfect! Honestly - the only time I’ve ever tasted such fresh sprouts is in my own kitchen. So far, so good.

BOTTOM LINE

The steak and kidney pie was a really healthy sized portion and thankfully wasn’t served in one of those separate bowls which Mains & Puddings £9.95 are convenient for Drinks - 1 Wine, the kitchen staff but 1 Coke, 2 Coffees £7.00 impossible to eat out of. It was full of top quality beef and kidney, TOTAL £16.95 hiding under a proper Please note that the restaurant is pastry crust. Absolutely closed all day Monday. On Sunday top class. Carrots and there is a carvery from noon to broccoli were excellent 2.30pm, but no evening service. too, and the mashed potato and gravy

sublime. My friend’s chicken curry was well flavoured and satisfying but not too spicy. Rice and naan bread accompanied it. The chef made no secret of the fact that the deserts were bought in but the portions were generous and quite delicious. Seated in the room was an elderly couple obviously enjoying their meal, and I said to my companion that if I were an OAP, I would come here every day. Then I remembered that I was. On a Friday evening, the speciality is fish and chips and on Thursday lunch there is sometimes a carvery if the local shooting party are in attendance, so it’s best to ring and check what’s available. The Jolly Farmers evidently has a loyal following of patrons who just want an honest plate-full of food, just like granny used to cook. Bookings are increasing and I have a feeling that a cult following is beginning to take shape here.

Be there or be square!

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Out & About

Ostend & Bruges Wkend Delightful North Devon Ironbridge Gorge Easter in the Cotswolds Salford Quays/Beatles Magical Malvern Scarborough & York Mystery Weekend Dunoon & the Highlands Isle of Wight – Sandown Italian Riviera Historic Chester Austrian Lakes

22 – 24 March 25 – 29 March 25 – 29 March 29 Mar – 1 Apr 29 Mar – 1 Apr 1 – 5 April 1 – 5 April 5 – 7 April 8 – 12 April 8 – 12 April 12 – 19 April 15 – 19 April 20 – 27 April

Royal Astor Hotel Durrant House Hotel *** Buckatree Hall *** Tewkesbury Park **** Copthorne Hotel **** The Abbey Hotel **** Esplanade Hotel *** Mystery Destination Esplanade Hotel *** Trouville Hotel ** Diana Majestic **** Beaufort Park *** Tirolerhof Hotel ***

£175 £250 £310 £245 £255 £349 £285 £179 £305 £359 £665 £355 £595

No feeders or interchanges * No optional extras * Seat Selection Financial Security * Local family firm * Luxury Coaches

DAY EXCURSIONS & SHOWS Billy Elliot including Lunch (Dress Circle) Thriplow Flower Festival A Chorus Line (Stalls) Bletchley Park – Station X Tower of London Kew Gardens Les Miserables (Dress Circle)

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Thurs 14 March Sat 16 March Wed 20 March Wed 27 March Sat 6 April Sun 7 April Wed 17 April

£69pp £22pp £65pp £34pp £39pp £36pp £65pp

Pickups at Stratton Strawless (free parking), Hellesdon, Norwich, Notcutts Garden Centre (free parking), Wymondham, Attleborough & Thetford

Call 01603 754155 or Book online www.eastonsholidays.co.uk


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Out & About

FEB/MAR

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Thur 24 Jan – Sat 2 Feb PROPELLER £5.50 - £23

Sun 3 Mar BRITTEN SINFONIA £6.50 - £26

Mon 4 – Sat 9 Feb SWEENEY TODD £5.50 - £19

Mon 4 – Sat 9 March THE LADYKILLERS £5.50 - £23.50

Mon 11 – Sat 16 Feb THE WOMAN IN BLACK £5.50 - £22.50

Sun 10 March ROBERT CRAY £6.50 - £29.50

Fri 15 – Sat 16 Feb SPOT’S BIRTHDAY PARTY £5.50 - £10

Tues 12 – Wed 13 March RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY £5.50 - £19.50

Sun 17 Feb YAMATO DRUMMERS £5.50 - £21

Thur 14 – Sun 17 Mar JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH £5.50 - £16

Mon 18 February HIGH SCHOOL ROCKS £5.50 - £12.50

Mon 18 – Sat 23 Mar MIDNIGHT TANGO £6.50 - £35

Sun 24 Mar NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT Free Mon 25 – Wed 27 Mar ENGLISH TOURING OPERA £6.50 - £35 Thur 28 – Sat 30 Mar THE BLUES BROTHERS £6.50 - £26.50 Sun 31 Mar – Tues 2 Apr DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! £5.50 - £16

Tues 19 February RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC £5.50 - £22.50 Thur 21 – Sat 23 Feb ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MOUSICAL £5.50 - £16.50 9 TO 5

Sun 24 Feb PAUL CARRACK £6.50 - £27.50 Mon 25 Feb – Sat 2 Mar 9 TO 5 £6.50 - £35

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

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W hat a way to make a living! I

We caught up with Bonnie Langford about a fabulously feel-good new musical coming to the Theatre Royal this spring.

f you are making a list of true British performing legends, the name Bonnie Langford is likely to be close to the top. From the infamous ‘thwcream’-ing Violet Elizabeth Bott through a host of West End and touring productions to Broadway success, she’s done it all. But Bonnie shows no sign of slowing down and is heading to Norwich for a date in the hit Dolly Parton musical 9 To 5. Doing a daring dance routine wearing very little is all in a day’s work for Bonnie Langford. Her latest role sees her doing some stunning moves wearing some pretty suggestive garb in the stage version of the Dolly Parton hit 9 To 5. Bonnie plays the uber-passionate but lovelorn office supervisor Roz in the smash-hit production, based on the hit movie. Bonnie’s character is office supervisor Roz - the only person who holds a candle for the egotistical, sexist and downright nasty boss in the story. While she adores him, the rest of her office workmates conspire to take control of the company and banish him from his powerful position.

life hard. I think it happens to everyone at some point,” she said “I sometimes seem to spend my life making lists and doing washing. It is funny on the show as I commiserate with Jackie Clune, who is also in it and has four children. There are so many things to do when you are not in the show. “Jackie and I laugh when some of the younger cast say ‘well, at least we had a very restful Sunday.’ We think ‘a restful Sunday?’ What’s that?” This show promises to be a feelgood February (and early March) night out. Bonnie said: “There is just so much laughter in it and I think people will really enjoy it.” So there is the last word and very much the motivation for Bonnie’s success. No matter how hard the work, the audience need to leave happy and wanting more. As the great Dolly Parton writes in 9 To 5…what a way to make a living.

The scene is set for a show which celebrates the power of workers and women striving for success in a man’s world to the backing of a fantastic Dolly Parton soundtrack, and Bonnie loves every minute. She said: “Roz is basically the woman working there who loves the boss but her passion for him is, of course, totally unrequited. I call her a 50 Shades of Grey woman.” 9 to 5, which comes to Norwich Theatre Royal from February 25 to March 2, is the latest acting job for Bonnie after making her West End debut at the age of just seven in a musical version of Gone With The Wind. Since then, in theatrical terms, it is a case of ‘you name it, Bonnie has done it’ with performing credits including West End runs in Cats, The Pirates of Penzance, and Peter Pan just three of the hit musicals she has done. It is not just balancing the different performing projects. Bonnie is also very conscious about balancing this work up with her home and family commitments too. “Sometimes I find the pace of

9 To 5 runs from Monday 25 February to Saturday 2 March at 7.30pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickets £6.50-£35 available from the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

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Out & About Creative Arts East Working in partnership with communities to make exciting events happen

Bringing big screen cinema to the heart of the community

A rural cinema scheme run by Creative Arts East, enabling community groups in Norfolk to put on latest blockbusters, timeless classics and archive films in their local venues for local people.

Showing on Village Screen NOW: Anna Karenina

Starring: Keira Knightly, Jude Law Loddon Lecture Hall, Marlingford Village Hall, Wicklewood Village Hall

English Vinglish Starring: Sridevi, Adil Hussain, Priya Anand Weston Longville Village Hall Gambit Starring: Colin Firth, Cameron Diaz Poringland Community Centre, Garboldisham Village Hall, Welborne Village Hall Quartet Starring: Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly Dickleburgh & Rushall Village Hall, Hempnall Village Hall For full details of What’s On, and to find out more about how to get involved go to www.creativeartseast.co.uk, call 01953 713390 or email alice@creativeartseast.co.uk

www.creativeartseast.co.uk

R es tau R ant The Perfect Location for

Superb Food • Events • Small Weddings • Conference & Meetings • Accommodation

Using seasonal locally sourced fresh produce every time Norwich Road, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2JX e: stay@sherbourne-house.co.uk www.sherbourne-house.co.uk

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t. 01953 454363


Film reviews

This issue, Village People reviews two biopics and the latest teen sci-fi adaptation from Twilight author, Stephanie Meyer

Lincoln

Steven Spielberg’s heavily Oscar-tipped biopic of the great American president features a magnificent performance by Golden Globe winner, Daniel Day-Lewis. Already very successful at the US box office since its release in November, the drama follows Abraham Lincoln as he battles to abolish slavery in the United States. The film follows Lincoln’s political struggles to get the 13th amendment passed, against the bloody backdrop of the American Civil War. This intense and intelligent film brings to life one of the most iconic figures in American political history with a great cast including Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as his son, Robert, and Tommy Lee Jones as Republican Thaddeus Stevens. Spielberg’s long term collaborator John Williams provides an elegiac Americana score for the film, which sheds new light on the personal and political struggles of this legendary figure.

Release: 25 January See it if you liked: Amistad (1997), J Edgar (2011), War Horse (2012)

Hitchcock

Hitchcock stars Anthony Hopkins as the great British director and Helen Mirren as his wife, Alma Reville, and focuses on their relationship during the making of Psycho. This darkly witty biopic takes a behind-thescenes look at the ‘Master of Suspense’ as he struggles with the financial and emotional pressures of creating a masterpiece. You may have enjoyed The Girl which aired on BBC 2 on Boxing Day, and focused on Hitchcock’s relationship with Tippi Hedren (Sienna Miller), during the making of The Birds and Marnie. Sacha Gervasi’s film presents a slightly more affectionate, humorous depiction of Hitchcock. Screen siren, Scarlett Johansson co-stars as Janet Leigh, who performed the iconic shower scene in the terrifying 1960 original. But this film shows us that, despite his often lecherous, controlling behaviour towards his leading ladies, Hitchcock’s wife Alma was instrumental in the artistic development of Psycho.

Release: 8 February See it if you liked: Psycho (1960), Ed Wood (1994), The Girl (2012)

The Host

The latest adaptation of a Stephanie Mayer novel since the final instalment of the Twilight saga stars Saoirse Ronan (Atonement and The Lovely Bones), Max Irons (son of Jeremy Irons), Jake Abel and Diane Kruger. Mixing sci-fi with the teen romance genre, this film is about parasitic aliens, or “souls”, which have taken over the world by possessing the minds of human beings. But when Melanie’s mind is possessed by the “soul”, Wanderer, she refuses to give in. As Wanderer starts reading Melanie’s memories, she starts to develop feelings for Melanie’s loved ones, too. There is of course a love triangle – well, at least two actually, but one is very different, with the two consciousness’s – human and alien - occupying the same host body falling in love with the same man... You’ll have to watch it to understand that! Release: 22 March See it if you liked: Twilight (2008), The Hunger Games (2012)

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Village Notice Board Har lest on’s Indoor F lea mar ket at the Sw 1st Saturday an Hotel of ev ery month ge, antique, . 9am to 1pm collectibles, etc. Stalls £10 Enq 01379 855486

Stalls of vinta

Saturday N

FEB/MA

TW Gaze Auction Rooms ques FEBRUARY Fri 8 Jewellery with Anti ts Effec Fri 8 Small Holder’s Fri 15 Winter Fine Arts ary Sat 16 Architectural Salvage & Statu Fri 22 Antiques Fri 22 Photographica MARCH Fri 1 Special Antiques Fri 8 Antiques Fri 8 Outdoor Pursuits Sat 9 Modern Design ks & Watches with Antiques Cloc 15 Fri Fri 22 Antiques Fri 22 Automobilia Sat 23 Rural & Domestic Bygones Thur 28 Jewellery with Antiques

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Saturday 9 Februa ry the band HI-DEFIN Music 8.3 IT IO N 0pm unti l midnigh t £ 6 Contact C , licensed hristine M b a r inns Dance to

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Country p March resents R Doors 1p ICK HALL m, music AM 2pm unti food availa l 5pm £4 ble, tea, c , offee and Contact licensed b John & T ar eres

a Stanna rd on 01603 43 3918

ILm N garB oLD ISHam F

IgH t presents

“Gambit”

ch Saturday 9 Mar ldisham bo ar mG Tickets £3.50 fro 416 89 953 6811 /681 Post Office or 01

List your local event for Free on our Village Notice Board Email details to Lily at editor@village-people.info 22

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Eastern Angles pr esent “The Long Life and Great Good Fortune of John Clare” Thursday 14 March at 7.30pm Tickets £8 from Ga rboldisham Post Offi ce or 01953 681491/68 1416 Licensed ba r

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February Saturday 9 Y ARREN BUSB d presents D .30pm 11 til Country Gol un m m, music 8p ble £6, doors 7p coffee availa own. Tea and ur yo g in br se 995199 or No bar - plea e on 07880 Contact Jess 5 166760 Allan on 0754

SCHOOL DISS HIGH

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LoNg S t ra t t oN B o w LS CLuB

We will be op ening our gre en which is situated on the playing fi eld in Manor Road, on Sunday 21 st April. We could do w ith some more players, so if you fancy giving it a go, pl ease come along at about 1-30 to 2 o’clock where our coac h and senior m embers would be please d to help and ad vise you to enjoy th is great sport. Th ere are no restrictions as to experienc e, age or gender and all you will need is a flat soled pair of shoes. For more info ca ll Peter Smith on 01508-530129 , or Jean and Fr ank Hepburn on 01379-6742 86

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23


Out & About

Tuesday-Saturday 12noon til 3pm and 6pm til 11pm Sunday 12noon til 4pm (Closed Mondays)

24

• Sunday lunches 12pm-3pm... booking advisable • Monthly changing menu of freshly prepared dishes • Local ales


Out & About

Hedgelaying courses with ’The Green Man’ Learn about hedges and try the ancient country craft of hedgelaying at a two-day course in Norfolk 2013: February 9 & 10, March 2 & 3 For further information tel: 07824 534695 or email: keeper.kev@btinternet.com

A VARIETY OF

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All enquiries welcome and viewings by appointment

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for details or to order call

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Paws 4 ThoughT Dog grooming Salon Regular grooming is paramount to the health and well being of your dog, so why not let me take care of their needs in my stress free salon

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25


Out & About

Southfork Luxury BOARDING CATTERY

Somewhere special for someone special

First class treatment!

Uplands Way Vets is a long established practice with clients throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. We care for all types of animals including household and exotic pets, farm animals and horses. Call 01379 642 865 for further information.

A well established cattery situated close to the A11.

OPEN FOR BOARDING ALL YEAR ROUND Time for collection, delivery and inspections are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9am-1pm & 5pm-7pm Wednesday: 5-7pm, Saturday: 9am-1pm, Sunday: 5pm-7pm

www.southforkcattery.co.uk Uplands Way Surgery Diss 01379 642 865 Connaught Surgery Attleborough 01953 454 945 George Hill Surgery Stanton 01359 251 730

For a full list of services visit www.uplandswayvets.co.uk

             

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Gallows Lane, Eccles, Norwich NR16 2JJ

Tel. 01953 887 517

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New Year, New Smile! The Importance of Oral Hygiene for Your Pet

I

Regular plaque removal at home will prevent the start of periodontal disease and tooth-brushing is considered the single most effective method. It is best to begin brushing from a young age, usually when a puppy or kitten is between 8 and 12 weeks although it is never too late to start, even with geriatric pets.

magine how your teeth would look and how your breath would smell if you didn’t brush your teeth regularly – it’s the same for your pet. This spring, Tilly Morgan from The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group shares some tips for keeping your pet’s mouth healthy.

There are also several effective chews available on the market and one that we recommend is a Stag Bar which is a natural, long lasting antler chew that cleans the teeth whilst also being kind to sensitive stomachs. It is important to use products that are specifically designed for pets.

Unless you’re regularly providing some form of dental care you are neglecting an important part of pet care. If plaque builds up and is left untreated your pet may develop the following symptoms; 

Offensive breath

Red, swollen and painful gums,

Tartar

Loose teeth

Difficulty eating

Periodontal disease can have serious consequences on your dog’s general health such as effects on liver, kidney and heart. You will be surprised to read that by the time most dogs are 2 years old they have already developed dental problems.

The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group are currently offering free dental checks with their nurses and if your pet does require a dental procedure (under anaesthetic) then during February all of our dentals will receive a 25% discount on the procedure (the procedure must be performed during February and the offer does not include any pain relief or anti-biotics).

Diet can also be a major factor in the development of plaque and tartar. Generally, dry food is best for the removal of plaque. It is thought that canned foods may actually contribute to plaque build-up and subsequent periodontal disease. If you are at all concerned that your pet may show signs of the symptoms relating to periodontal disease then the first step would be to consult your vet.

The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group Attleborough branch has moved! The Attleborough branch of The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group has moved just down to the end of Edenside Lane. The new practice is open as normal and offers clients a better service including in-house routine operations.

We hope to see you there!

For more information about our services please contact 01953 451100

27


Home & Garden r de l l r o a No s m o to

catering equipment & furniture hire

Fresh-Eco

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full colour brochure online at www.cmahire.co.uk

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Carpets, Rugs & Upholstery professionally cleaned. Stains & Odours eradicated for a ‘fresher’ feeling.

WE use readily biodegradable fluids caring for YOUR environment.

For a free friendly no obligation quotation.

Contact Dave Mobile: 07783 981605 Email: info@fresh-eco.co.uk Web: www.fresh-eco.co.uk

Computer Phobic?

Bought a new computer and don’t know where to start or already have one and would like to improve your skills?

We can help in the comfort of your own home. £20 per hour + 20p/mile

Phone (01953) 607786 Mobile (07785) 736229 John Andrews BA MBCS CITP Quintex Software, 41 Rothbury Road, Wymondham NR18 0PD

Monthly Accounting Service Starting from just £35 pm – no upfront fees! Simple, effective & affordable Sole traders, partnerships & limited companies

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IKE L U O Y D OUL

A

? r e n Clea W

If the answer to this question is ‘YES’ then read on . . .

We can provide you with a regular weekly clean for just £10 per hour (min 2 hours per week)

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We are all absolutely delighted with our cleaning lady. She is providing a superb service; cleaning, laundry and ironing are all done brilliantly!

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29


Home & Garden Mike Smith Gardenworks

J K Anderson

All types of garden work undertaken

• Grass Cutting • Border Maintenance • Garden Design • Supply & Plant Service • Hedge Cutting • Fencing Services • Garden & Shed Clearance • Ponds Installed • Odd Jobs • All Aspects of Tree Work

30 years experience • No job too large or small Competitive Rates • Friendly Reliable Service

t: 01379 870140 m: 07860 473518

NDF F. ARBOR. A

P J Anderson ND. ARB

• Stump Grinding • Tree Surgery Specialists • Woodchippings • BS 5837 Tree Surveys • Lantra Tree Safety Inspections • Garden Design & Landscaping • Grounds Maintenance • Access Hire The Limes, Rothbury Rd, Wymondham

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GARDEN MAINTENANCE • Regular grass cutting service • Garden clearance • No job too small Fully insured

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Telephone Derek on

01953 455048

or call 07881478513


W

Garden Jottings from Ken

e’re all told that fresh is best, but how can you be sure that it really is fresh? Once picked, fruit and vegetables start to deteriorate, which means a loss of flavour and goodness. Farmers do an incredible job in getting crops to market quickly, but you can’t beat the freshness of picking from your own home-grown produce – after all, it may only take a minute from your vegetable plot into your kitchen, and no-one can beat that!

If you fancy having a go at growing your own food it’s easy, and now is a good time to prepare for the coming season. Start by making a list of the fruit, salad and vegetables that you and your family regularly buy and enjoy (there’s no point producing a bumper crop of sprouts if no-one likes them!) You may not be able to grow everything on your list (bananas might be a bit of a challenge) so just select a few from it to try. We’re all so used to having every kind of produce available in the shops all year round, that we tend to forget about cropping times. Choose at least one item that will be ready for harvest during each season, and many crops can also be stored, preserved or frozen for a little later on. A good allotment gardener should be able to provide something for the table every day of the year.

Soil type, pest and disease problems, and the weather play a big part in successful growing. Some crops will fare better in one year than another, so if you’ve tried something before and were a bit disappointed, give it another go, nature may be on your side this time! You don’t need fancy equipment or even a dedicated garden plot, although it’s great if space allows. Ornamental borders will happily accommodate a wonderful range of fruit bushes (available now from only £3.99), brightly coloured rainbow chard, luscious mixed salad leaves, or a stately wigwam of beans (to name but a few choices) amongst its more traditional flowers, or you can achieve good results growing suitable varieties in pots on your patio. Most vegetables are fast-growing and therefore require a good rich soil, so add well-rotted manure or compost before planting starts. Keep the soil just moist until plants are established, then water and feed regularly. Check crops daily for any signs of problems and act quickly – a hungry clan of caterpillars could decimate all your brassicas in just a couple of days! Some of the simplest crops to grow include lettuce, beetroot, radishes, courgettes and onion or shallot sets (mini bulbs to grow on). These are all available now, together with potato tubers. Grow an ‘early’ variety of potato as they’re less prone to problems and they’ll crop when prices are still high in the shops. If space allows, add a ‘main’crop which is lifted later and is suitable for storing. For really unrivalled flavour, you can’t beat fine sweet-tasting peas, regularlypicked tender runner beans and fresh, juicy tomatoes. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll appreciate why fresh really is best!

Cheers, Ken

from The Garden Enclosure at Banham

food for pets, birds, plants… and you!

INDEPENDENT PLANT CENTRE & GARDEN SHOP 01953 888043 www.gardenenclosure.co.uk Ample

Inspiring plant selections, plant sourcing and garden advice, gardening and floristry sundries, pet supplies, gifts… and more! Find us at Banham Zoo, NR16 2HE - outside Zoo ticket kiosks Open Thursday to Monday 10.00am to 4pm (9.30am to 5pm March to October)

parking & stress free shoppin g!

31


Home & Garden

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• Paving and pathways • Ponds and water features • Lawn laying • Walls and brickwork • Timber buidings and decking • Driveways, fencing and screening


Woodland Wildlife

by Joan Garnham, Waveney Tree Specialists

M

ore plants and animals live in woodland than any other part of the countryside. In a 700 acre deciduous wood there will be about 4000 different species. Woodland can be divided into zones. Top soil is the lowest layer (up to 6inches) and is rich in decomposing organisms, fungi, earthworms, insects, mosses, low growing flowering plants, mice, voles and shrews. The next layer - up to 6ft – is known as the field layer, where we see flowering plants, woody shrubs, saplings and bracken. This encourages nectar and pollen eating insects like bees, moths, butterflies and plant eaters like deer and rabbit. These in turn attract predators, spiders, insect eaters, mosquitoes. Many species of birds nest in this layer.

From 6 – 15ft is the lower canopy and contains flowering shrubs; hawthorn, blackthorn, rhododendron, elder, spindle, dogwood, guelder rose. These in turn attract fruit eaters like blackbirds, redstart and wasps. Predators who feed on these will also be found in this layer. In Britain the canopy extends to about 60ft. This is the home of a wide variety of insects (up to 1600 have been recorded). Most of the large birds nest here; hawks, owls, magpies, crows, jackdaws, jays and pigeons. Plants need light to thrive, which is why the first signs of spring are seen in the field layer, which finishes flowering when the leaves shoot in the shrub layer, followed by the lower canopy. Not until the flowers are past their best does the upper canopy come into leaf. So you will see a slow

.

awakening of the wood from the ground up. Proper management of the wood is essential. Removal of thin weak saplings will give space to stronger more vigorous specimens. Felling of diseased older trees helps prevent the spread of infections and create areas of sunlight on the floor to encourage plants. Some fallen trees should be left for the wildlife; the decomposing matter giving rise to nutrients for further growth.

33


Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

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35


Home & Garden

paving east anglia ltd

Landscaping & Garden Design Block Paved, Tarmac & Shingle Driveways Patios & All Types of Fencing & Gates Turfing, Plants & Planting We also offer a garden design service with a full scaled drawing or sketch All hard landscaping comes with a 10 year guarantee

call 01953 887346 or 01603 360116

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Lake & Pond Aquatics Water Garden Specialist

info@noblelandscapers.co.uk

hempnall lawnmower centre

Selling many brands & models of ride-on mowers, lawnmowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, snow blowers, log splitters, strimmers and much more Servicing and repairs of all garden machinery Collection service available Our well furnished showroom is open to the public

Design • Installation • Maintenance Pond Cleaning • Planting Advice

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Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday mornings 9.30am to 1pm Please feel free to drop by – no appointments needed! Check out the full range at www.mowdirect.co.uk

for friendly advice and guidance on selecting the most appropriate machine for your needs, give one of our sales team a call on

01508 473700 Brick Kiln Lane, Morningthorpe, Long Stratton, Norwich, NR15 2LH


Colour for a

Winter Garden T

he Botanic Garden in Cambridge is lucky enough to have a one-acre Winter Garden; a masterclass in combining foliage, flower, scent and texture for winter interest and designed to entice even the most committed armchair gardener, tucked up with seed catalogues and dreaming of the June border, out into the icy air for an invigorating walk.

There is a structural underpinning of evergreens, formally clipped into enclosing hedges, to provide a dark-toned background against which a kaleidoscopic palette of vibrant colour shines out - the horticultural equivalent of a Caravaggio painting. A great variety of bare winter stems of dogwoods and willows provide the warp threads of the garden in red, lime green, yellow, black, coral and even bright orange. Most are cut right to the ground

in March or April to encourage fresh growth for the next year, but the spectacular willow, Salix alba ‘Chermesina’, is instead pollarded back to a handful of trunks standing between 2-3 ft high. This reveals the clever handling of light, crucial to a garden in winter. Our whole site has been excavated a little to allow the low sun to flood in, lighting the swathes of stems and coming to rest on the stunning fan of the Chermesina willow, elevated by its pollarded treatment. As winter eases its grip a little, the weft threads are provided by pools of electric blue scilla, golden aconite, pink cyclamen and pearly snowdrops that weave through the dogwood and willow stems. Embellishments come from scarlet cotoneaster berries, the crimson baubles of Malus ‘Red Sentinel’ fruits and white spheres of snowberry, but there is flower too – candy

pink viburnums, lemon yellow mahonia, brassy yellow winter jasmine, rusty orange witchhazel, and the lovely, large pale pink, semi-double flowers of the Japanese apricot, Prunus mume ‘Omoi no mama’. Although few will have a spare acre to devote to a winter garden, it is definitely worth tucking one or two of these combinations into the back of that June border or even a pot by the front door for a shot of colour in the darker months.

The Garden is open daily through the winter months from 10am-4pm. Adult admission is £4.50 or join the friends, get free admission and help the garden grow! For ‘Plant Picks’ and other information, please visit the website at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

37


Home & Garden

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Local Food in East Anglia

T

his spring, David Seddon reminds us of the great wealth of local food in East Anglia

In previous issues of Village People I wrote about local vineyards and local wines, and, more recently, about local home-made drinks. Spring is when we turn from the heavier foods of winter to re-discover the lighter foods of spring - almost with relief. As the days grow longer, the weather improves and a healthier way of life appears to beckon.

40

But each of the East Anglian counties has its own distinctive produce and food traditions. Lincolnshire is especially well known for its cheeses, its meat and its sausages; Suffolk for its ales and its cider; Essex for its fruit and jams; Norfolk for its mustard, its turkeys and duckling, and of course its cockles, crabs and oysters; and Cambridge for its celery and eels, gages and gooseberries and its puddings. The East Anglian coastal region is particularly plentiful and offers a wide range of fish and shell-fish, as well as such local ‘sea-side’ specialities as sea salt, bloaters, and marsh samphire.

‘Wild’ Food

Some food can be collected ‘from the wild’, for there are still many fields, woods and hedgerows where ‘private property’ is loosely defined and access to ‘food for free’ is still possible. When I first came to Norfolk in 1972, I bought a copy of Richard Mabey’s ‘Food for Free: a guide to the edible plants of Britain’, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in foraging. Nuts to look out for include hazel and sweet chestnut, beech, acorns and walnut. For an experienced forager, fungi can be a great source of free food and is especially plentiful in wet years. The largest part of Mabey’s book is devoted to various types of ‘greens’, which he divides into plants with leaves that can be eaten raw, those whose leaves are normally cooked, those whose stems are eaten, and sea-weeds.

Household and allotment production

Increasingly, local produce can be found in stalls outside houses and farms across the region, as families and farmers put out items fresh from their own garden, usually depending on an honesty system for payment. Those who have the time and energy cultivate allotments, mainly for home consumption, but also often sell the surplus produce locally. There has been real growth in the number of those signingup for an allotment in recent years, in part as a result of a wish to ‘grow one’s own’ (for both health and financial reasons) and in part through a wish to be


involved in a sociable local activity with a real material pay-off. The variety of produce available is often staggering.

Farms and estates

East Anglia is the most intensive farming regions in the whole of the European Union. There is a wide range of farms, from small holdings to larger specialised farms and estates like Sandringham, which may produce game among other farm produce. Some sell their produce in the local market or at farm shops.

Farmers’ markets

One of the best things about going to a farmers market is that you get the chance to try before you buy! Particularly common are the cheeses, honey, jams and chutneys, pies, sausages, cooked cold meats, and other items made in ‘traditional’ fashion by the rapidly increasing number of local small producers across the region. But raw materials for home cooking can also be found at these markets, in the form of free range chicken, home grown lamb, pork and beef - often of ‘special varieties’ – and, less commonly, game (rabbit, hare, pheasant, partridge, wild duck and venison).

Small Food Retailers, Cafes and Teashops

Small retailers in villages and towns have faced increasing competition from the supermarkets and are caught between rising rents and falling numbers of regular customers (made worse in some cases by by-passes, new traffic schemes and problems with parking). However, many have found that the best way to survive is by virtue of their principled commitment to quality food, locally and reliably sourced. Some have also engaged in the sale of locally cooked food, providing customers with an opportunity to consume food cooked on the premises as well as to take it away. Small cafes and teashops and even small restaurants (including fish and chip shops) offer an attractive alternative to the standard range of ‘takeaway’ providers, and provide shoppers with a day-time rather than a night-time offering, as well as a focus for social interaction. Many villages throughout the region have seen local shops and restaurants close over the last two decades, with a real loss of convenience and valued services, badly affecting those without cars or with mobility problems. High streets have been hit, in East Anglia as throughout the country, but many small towns in our region have been able to ‘buck the trend’ by providing an attractive alternative to supermarket shopping.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets have taken over much of the retailing of food stuffs and have even started to cook food on their premises, including breads and delicatessen items. With lower out-of-town rents, large car parks, volume sales and lower prices, they have been able to attract customers away from the smaller enterprises. Several supermarket chains have started, ironically, to open ‘small’ express stores, to take advantage of local custom. However, these are carefully located in areas of high footfall and demand, and rarely in the smaller towns, let alone villages. On the other hand, some companies do maintain shops in small towns and cater to a less mobile population, often providing good value for money and reasonable prices, and valuing loyalty. Many supermarkets now offer “Local” ranges to reflect the growing interest in locally produced food but these items are usually relatively expensive.

The Local Food Movement

There is a strong and growing movement in East Anglia in favour of local produce, concerned with small-scale, artisan production and a reduction in travel miles, both of the foodstuffs themselves and of customers. Some businesses even display a map of the food miles travelled by the produce it stocks. There is a definite growth of interest in supporting such a movement – with groups like Transition sponsoring and supporting various forms of ‘localism’. There is funding and support available to local food projects, so if you are passionate about where your food comes from, why not consider setting up a local food group in your village?

41


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A is for Amount You Pay – We charge just 0.75% plus VAT, no sale, no fee, no contract. Our low cost fee is achieved by simply housing our well trained, helpful staff in just one cosy central Norwich office. L is for Local – Knowledge of the Norfolk market is key to ensuring we always provide the right advice, particularly when it comes to your free valuation. The House Revolution team will visit your home and produce a detail valuation report to help you choose the right marketing price. E is for Exceptional Service –Only House Revolution provides a fully transparent, real time online account giving you unparallel access to all the information you need when selling. Remember also this is not DIY house selling. We do everything you would expect an estate agent to do If you want to sell your house, save money and receive great customer service then call House Revolution today 01603 679070 or visit www.houserevolution.com

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4 Wood Star

The key for this year is ‘pace yourself’. Make a concerted effort to complete projects and little jobs; you will find them soon pilling up, as you gather speed and momentum in your life. You may feel unstoppable and want to take on board every opportunity and every responsibility that presents itself; just remember to take time out, before you burn out! Stick with the game plan, and develop what you have sown rather than change tack. HEALTH: Create a routine both for your diet and exercise this year, avoid excess of alcohol and late night snacks. Don’t supress frustration or anger as this may affect your liver.

8 Earth Star

This earth year tends to reflect a time of change or revolution. It may at times feel like an up-hill struggle, but rest assured it WILL pay off in 2014, be strong and persevere. Create a sacred space to allow your energy to settle and balance your mind with meditation; allow yourself to say ‘no’ and dedicate time to you. Pay particular attention to all forms of communication, especially if serious. HEALTH: Don’t stagnate or become too inert, take regular exercise, even a brisk walk daily. Reduce your intake of refined sugars and coffee, replace with fresh fruit or juices.

Ancient Oriental Astrology The 9 Star Ki yearly cycle begins February 4th 2013 and marks the beginning of spring in the Chinese calendar and the New Year in the ancient Chinese Solar Calendar used in this system.

9 Fire Star

Flowing with any recent changes, you will slowly begin to feel much clearer about everything, and so you should. Now it’s your time to shine, show the world what you’re really about, full of clarity, brightly illuminated and switched on!

3 Wood Star

Things are finally starting to shift for you now, forward movement, impetus and opportunity; an upward, progressive time lay ahead! Make the most of this metaphorical ‘spring’ year, a great time to start new projects and businesses. You will feel more vibrant generally and can expect to have great insight this year, be wise with what you sense or see. Be creative and spontaneous, yet stifle knee-jerk decisions and deliberate first. HEALTH: Avoid eating late at night, two hours before bed minimum. Take action if you feel mentally angry or frustrated, vent these emotions productively.

1 Water Star A deep, spiritual year, a time to pay yourself attention. It’s a year of planning ahead and getting the ‘seed’ ready for the next cycle of growth. Don’t be alarmed if you feel out of touch or receive less invites to socialise, it’s hard to look inside if you are too busy outside of yourself.

5 Earth Star This is your year for change, reinvention and re-birth. Often a fluctuating, shifting year of ups-and-downs, so try to stay centred and as grounded as possible. It can also be a year of unexpected opportunities, so allow things to come to you, rather than being the one to search. Your connectivity to all those around you is heightened, as you are the one in focus. This is not a great year for making major decisions or for moving house. HEALTH: Balance is key; avoid extremes in lifestyle or diet. Look after your immune system, spleen and pancreas by reducing your intake of processed foods and refined sugars. 46


FOR A MODERN LIFE It’s a great time to provide you with a weather update to help you sail smoothly through the year ahead. If you haven’t already done so, please visit www.freeflow-fengshui.com to find out your star number and then check below for a brief forecast. The focus is now on you and people may be attracted to you more than usual. Give yourself space and time alone now and again to refocus your mind. HEALTH: Fire energy relates to the heart and small intestines. Avoiding too much instant food or stirfries, eat slowly and deliberately.

7 Metal Star

Well done, you’ve turned a corner and can finally relax a little, look back over things and say, I did that! This is a year for broadening your social circle and taking is easier. It’s a time to reflect inwards too, look at your own development spiritually, as well as saying yes to all the party invitations. Take care not to slacken the purse strings too much! HEALTH: Take care of bones and ligaments; stay flexible! Avoid too much cold food or meals straight from the fridge. Singing or chanting can be most beneficial this year.

Start meditating or join your local Buddhist centre and expand your spiritual awareness. HEALTH: Keep warm and hydrated; avoid cold foods straight from the fridge. You may find it harder than usual to recover from illness, so act promptly with the onset of any sickness.

2 Earth Star

This can often be a frustrating year, as it precedes ‘spring’ in this system. It is a time of preparation; to make sure all those stepping-stones are firmly planted and laid out in front of you to sprint along in 2014. Take this year as a cleansing year, one to get rid of excess baggage, unwanted and unproductive habits. Be patient with yourself, forcing issues may just make them worse, allow changes to happen; go with the flow. HEALTH: Keep physically active; don’t become too stagnant or inert, take regular exercise and get your heart pumping and lungs full of oxygen.

6 Metal Star

From last years’ changes, you find yourself in a stronger and better position for making those important decisions, especially if you’ve been holding back. Your renewed sense of authority and confidence may come across as overbearing to others so remember to listen too. Your clarity of thought and ability to focus on work or personal projects will produce some inspiring results, as well as profit. HEALTH: Look after your lungs and large intestine this year. Yoga this year would be most beneficial as we have a tendency to contract and stiffen when in this house..

To discover your Ki Star and for more information about Ki Astrology please visit www.freeflow-fengshui.com or email your questions to david@freeflow-fengshui.com David Walters DIP. CHIRO Follow me on: twitter - @fengshuiflow facebook - facebook.com/ninestarki


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REFRESHING WATERS

Sarah Johnston visits Skid Row Norfolk journalist, Sandie Shirley, spotlights the inspiring stories of men and women from the region and beyond that have seen them reach for victory. For more stories visit: www.refreshingwaters.co.uk

T

o many Los Angeles spells glitz, glamour and Hollywood but Sarah Johnston’s mission trip last year brought a largely hidden and forgotten area of poverty, hopelessness and violent gang culture to light. Sarah left the comfort of her home on the Norfolk and Suffolk border for a whirlwind of contrasting missions in LA’s Skid Row and Mexico. The pharmacy technician from Barningham joined a two-week mission trip as part of a ministry training course. Recalling her trip she says: “Walking towards Skid Row the first thing that hits you is the smell and the scale of the poverty with between 11,000 to 15,000 homeless. People sit amongst the rubbish in the gutter. Some are mentally ill; high on drugs or perfectly lucid and just two blocks away are the opulent banks and insurance companies.” The vision of a 20 year-old that turned a former hospital into The Dream Centre also came into focus. The Centre has been helping to rescue and rehabilitate people from addictions, homelessness, abuse and human trafficking since it began in 1994, explains Sarah. The visionary behind this massive project started by setting-up a table and chair outside of church, intent on reaching out to the needs of the community. “Now The Dream Centre serves 40,000 people a month and receives one million pounds worth of food donations every month. It just goes to show what the power of one can do,” says Sarah.

“We also met Ernest – a former boxer who lived on Skid Row for 14 years before he became a Christian. Today he runs the Dream Machine – a gym where youngsters can do their homework, workout and learn to box. “Much of our work was getting alongside the Christians that run these projects, praying for their needs and helping to encourage them,” says Sarah. “We also prayed for those living on Skid Row. A lot are there due to broken relationships and many are professional people who had made bad choices and lost everything. We sat with them and listened and then asked if we could pray for them and for me, this is what church is all about.” Part of her week in LA involved learning about the Homeboy Industries – bakeries and cafes launched by Father Gregory, a Jesuit priest, 25 years ago to help stem the violent gang culture. Father Gregory believed that nothing stops a bullet like a job and the successful Homeboy Industries employ and train adolescent gang members to bake bread, produce and serve

first-class food and use silk screen printing to make saleable t-shirts and sweatshirts. “The Homeboy Industries is a moving example of unconditional love and the importance of fighting despair. It reminds us that no life is less valuable than another,” says Sarah. Today the scheme has grown with free mental health counselling, tattoo removal, legal services, job development and case management. The gang intervention programme has also been replicated worldwide. A week at San Felipe in the desert region of Mexico marked the final leg of Sarah’s trip. She arrived on the back of a month of prayer for the ‘Paint the Town Red’ evangelism mission with The Grand Commission Church in a town that was also noted for witchcraft and drugs.

For more information email richard@christiangrowthinternational.org or visit www.homeboy-industries.orgloss

49


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ABS Home Improvements

Our work speaks for itself! Dear Alex & your fine craftsmen,

Dear Alex,

Dear Alex,

Very many thank’s for all the work the firm has put in to my house - it is great to ride around the corner to a nice, neat home that no longer stands out at the scruffiest house on the estate. Please pass on my special thank’s to your fitters for the quiet, unruffled professionalism in dealing with this particularly fretting customer!

Many thank’s for the first class job your staff made of our windows and door, they were very careful and cleared up all the old windows and door as they went along.

May I take this opportunity to say what a great job your men have done.

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We are delighted and would happily recommend your services to anyone. Thank’s again for an excellent job. Mr & Mrs B - Gislingham

I would have no hesitation in recommending ABS to anyone. In my line of work, I meet the public all the time, so advertising your company by word of mouth is the best way. So once again thank you very much. Mrs B - Diss

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Roast Lamb Steaks

with Herby Potatoes

This recipe is simplicity itself, a one pot treasure with very little work. Just what you need when we’re all busier than ever. The flavours work together in delicious harmony - all you need to serve are some seasonal greens, or even a tray of baked tomatoes.

Preparation

You’ll need a sturdy roasting tin or dish (ideally one that goes straight to the table!) Pre-heat the oven to 190˚C / gas mark 5

Method

Wipe the lamb steaks of excess moisture and season, then sprinkle with half of the oregano, if using.

Tip the potatoes and onions into the roasting tin and drizzle over the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle over the remaining oregano or add the rosemary sprigs. Mix together until everything is coated with the oil nicely, and nestle in the garlic cloves. Roast the potato mixture until they are just starting to soften, 20 minutes or so. Place the lamb steaks on top, and pour in the stock. Return to the oven until the lamb is tender and the potatoes are tinged brown.

Serving

Make sure everyone gets a garlic clove to squeeze out. Along with some seasonal greens, garlic mayonnaise or a fresh mint sauce are welcome accompaniments.

INGREDIENTS

4 lamb steaks or 8 lamb chump chops (approx 750 g in total) 1kg of floury potatoes

(King Edwards or Maris Piper) sliced

Several fat cloves of garlic 2 good sized onions, sliced (or even 2 leeks) 3 tbsp olive oil 300ml of lamb or chicken stock (half of a good cube is fine) Either 2 tsp dried oregano or 6-8 sprigs of rosemary Salt and freshly milled pepper

Serves 4

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01953 457092

www.artfulpots.com

Beads • Findings • Stringing materials Gemstones •Storage • Tools • Workshops Jewellery making parties Stockists of: Toho • Swarovski • Miyuki • Preciosa Czech beads • Beadalon • Accuflex • Beadsmith

10% discount with this advert! www.norfolkbeadshop.com • e: norfolkbeads@gmail.com 28 Middleton Street, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0AD t: 01953 601175

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Make your own Valentine Hearts Decoration

On our new craft page, Caroline Fraser will share a seasonal project which you can easily make at home, whatever your crafting ability. We’re sure the results will leave you feeling quite pleased with yourself!

What to do… 1. Choose your patterned paper

wisely. Larger patterns on smaller projects do not always work. Try playing with different patterns to obtain your desired effect. For this project I have gone for a small floral design by Amelia Bowman.

2. Draw around the three individual hearts onto the paper. Be sure to include the details of the pattern you wish to show. Cut out your hearts and glue them to one side of each wooden heart. Remove any excess glue & trim away any overlapping paper.

4. Put a dot of glue on top of the hole.

5. Fold a strip of raffia in half to find the centre point. Then, using the needle tool, push the centre point of the raffia into the hole. To ensure a secure hold, keep pushing the raffia into the hole until it is packed tightly. Do this with each heart. Any excess glue will dry clear.

3. Using the needle tool, make a hole at the top of each heart (about 1cm deep).

You will need…

Scissors (or scalpel) • Needle tool Pencil • PVA Glue 3 different sized Wooden Hearts Florist Raffia (approx. ½ meter lengths) Patterned paper

6. Once all the glue has dried, gather the raffia strands together to make your arrangement and then tie a looped knot. And there you have it, one unique, personal Valentine’s decoration. Feel free to bring your own creativity to this project by possibly using more hearts or a mixture of patterns. We would love to see your results, so why not send a picture to editor@village-people.info

Caroline organises craft workshops in Wymondham and runs her own Craft Facebook page, just search for Crafty Ladies of Wymondham. With thanks to: Zoe @ www.buffnails.me (manicure) Craft Paper www.ameliabowman.co.uk Craft supplies www.hobbycraft.co.uk

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The book concentrates upon photographs which help give a clearer picture of some of the people and events in the town from the 1850s. We are shown the real people, at work or at leisure, as well as some of the buildings that no longer stand, with iconic images like the Pedlar sign or the Market/ Butter Cross. Wherever possible individuals who appear in the pictures are named and great efforts have been made to provide as much information as possible.

The Book of Swaffham

Swaffham History Group Halsgrove Hardback 9780857041647 £24.99

In 1412 the first prisoners arrived at the Norwich Guildhall and for almost six tumultuous centuries its ancient courtrooms witnessed stories of mayhem and murder, as well as the more mundane judicial affairs. Within 200 years Justices had become the virtual rulers of the city. Justice was harsh, with hanging, whipping and transportation routine for children as well as adults. This book reveals for the first time the colourful history of Norwich Magistracy.

BOOKS

Nothing But The Truth Dick Meadows

Sad Shires Press Paperback 9780957388901 £5.99

Norwich City’s All Time Greats looks at some fascinating facts and figures about the Hall Of Fame in general before examining each personality in detail through a short biography. These look at each character’s career, focusing specifically on their achievements, records and memorable moments, illustrating just why Canary supporters hold them in such great esteem. Written in chronological order we relive the highs and lows, through the “Famers” involved in that era.

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Hall Of Fame Allan Kemp

Derby Books Paperback 9781780910376 £14.99


Lowestoft Within Living Memory Ian Robb

History Press Paperback 9780752462783 £12.99

V

iew your region from a different

perspective with this fascinating selection of local titles from Roy Futter of Jarrolds Book Department.

The marriage of William Frederick “Mad”Windham of Felbrigg to Agnes “Willoughby” in 1861 startled their family and friends. But it was the desperate plan of the rest of the Windhams to save the estate from ruin which was to shock and divide the nation. The full story of one of the mid-19th century’s most notorious scandals is told for the first time, using rare sources, contemporary sources and family insights. A true story of one of London’s most celebrated courtesans and the eccentric heir to a fabulous Norfolk estate.

Once a town famed for fishing, shipbuilding, its coachworks and numerous other factories, Lowestoft was transformed after the Second World War. Despite redevelopment in the 1960s and the relief road cutting of the 1970s, nothing could prepare the people for the demise of many of its industries in the 1980s and ‘90s. Taking a nostalgic look back local historian Ian Robb charts these changes to bring the reader fond reminiscences of days gone by.

The Mountains of Norfolk

Kevin Crossley-Holland Enitharmon Paperback 9781907587108 £10.99

The author, recent winner of the poetry prize in the East Anglian Book Awards, brings together poems from eight previous collections, spare yet sensuous, bearing witness to relationships, history, language and East Anglia. The volume also contains a group of new poems musing on youth and old age, friendship, love and the layers of landscape. Evocative and original.

A Scandal at Felbrigg Trevor Heaton

Bosworth Paperback 9780955115349 £9.99

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Shopping

£150 OFF Rest Assured Divan Beds excludes 3’0

£100 OFF all Silentnight Divan Beds excludes 3’0

10% OFF all Headboards

50% OFF Selected Relyon Mattresses

10% OFF Selected Sealy Mattresses

10% OFF all Silentnight Mattresses

MILE ROAD - WINFARTHING - IP22 2EZ

Telephone 01953 861177

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Sunday 10:00 - 1:00 Find us on the main B1077 between Diss & Attleborough Look out for the yellow signs!

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Shopping

WYMONDHAM’S HOME FURNISHINGS Jarrolds can offer expert advice and great prices on all aspects of home furnishings and are very proud to have been part of the historic town of Wymondham since 1988

LINENS • HOUSEWARES • FURNITURE • CARPETS • RUGS • CURTAINS • COOKSHOP UPHOLSTERY • SOFT FURNISHINGS • BEDS • MATTRESSES • LIFT & RISE ELECTRIC CHAIRS

7 Middleton Street Wymondham NR18 0AB

01953 603251 www.jarrold.co.uk

Spring Sale of Underwear and Nightwear Dressing Gowns, Kaftans & Onesies – £10 each Nightdresses: short, long or sleeveless, Poly or brushed cotton & jersey – less 25% Vests: thermal, interlock & cotton, Ribbon strap, french neck, short or long sleeve – less 25% Pants 3 pair packs £4.50 (34 - 64 hip) White swan, airtex & interlock – less 25% Sloggies maxi 4 pair packs & 2 pair pack control White, black or natural – less 10 % Bras Triumph & Playtex – less 10 % All others 1/2 Price

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With February being the month of love and March being the month for Mums, you’ll find that little something special for a very special someone at the fantastic selection of stores in Chapelfield, Norwich.

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7

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9 11 10

13 12 14 15

1. Anna Karenina DVD £12, HMV

2. Josh Groban All That Echoes CD £9, HMV

3. Linea Curiosity soap dispenser £10, House of Fraser

4. Linea Brights flower print cushion £25, House of Fraser

5. Sweetheart patent shoes £48, Schuh

6. Maxine 7. Armani Code quilted tote bag Luna, 30ml £19, Accessorize £33.50, 50ml £44.50, The Perfume Shop

9. Jagged leaf drop earrings £8, Accessorize

10. Pastel pink blouse £39.99, Zara

11. Cocoa Juvenate Revive treatment candle £30, Hotel Chocolat

12. Cocoa Juvenate Revive body butter £20, Hotel Chocolat

13. Linea Tropitech photo frame £15, House of Fraser

14. Tropical print scarf £75, Biba at House of Fraser

15. Vintage pretty pink satin mules £20, Boux Avenue

All items featured subject to availability, prices correct at time of going to press but may vary.

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8. Optimum Grape day cream £12.99, Superdrug


Have a field day with Mum...

Whilst you’re out shopping don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day Sunday 10 March

Shop | Meet | Dine | Enjoy www.chapelfield.co.uk

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Health & Beauty

A new era for Diss Dental Practice New premises and a new name Camberwell Dental Practice formerly at 3 Church Street, Diss has recently undergone a complete renovation and relocation. Mr Alek Missankov, the owner and principal dentist is pleased to announce that the new practice has been renamed as Dentabrite Clinic, and is now located at 4 Church Street. Dentabrite now boasts two new surgeries, a large reception area and a comfortable waiting area. Since taking over the practice in 2009, Alek and his staff have transformed the practice into a modern and inviting new environment where he continues to offer a varied range of excellent dental services. New patients are welcome for a full range of dental treatments

• General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Tooth Whitening • Veneers • White Fillings • Crowns, Bridges • Gum Treatment • Advanced Root Canal Interest Free Payment Plan Available Denplan available For more information on any of their services please contact Susanna or Wendy on 01379 652580 or email at dentabriteclinic@surfanytime.net

DENTABRITE CLINIC 4 Church Street, Diss, IP22 4DD

We are a small private dental practice providing treatment in quiet, calm and comfortable surroundings. This allows us to give you individual and personal attention, plenty of time and an excellent service. We would like to treat everyone as we would like to be treated ourselves. Our primary goals are to help you achieve and then maintain a preferred level of oral health. We hope and trust that your visit to the practice will be pleasant and relaxing. You and your family are welcome here. General and Family Dentistry Root Canal Treatment Implant Dentistry Partial /Full mouth Rehabilitation Crowns, Bridges and Dentures Tooth Whitening, Smile Makeover, Veneers Orthodontic Treatment

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Call for more information on 01379 897176 or visit us at www.botesdaledentalpractice.co.uk


How to Look Good in P hotographs M

I HATE Having My Photo Taken!

ost of us have said those words at some point in our life. This spring, Roy Barnes, a professional photographer from Norfolk, offers us his simple suggestions so everyone can look great photos this year! So what is the number one thing resulting in an unflattering photo? Funnily enough it is usually because it is too sunny! The sun causes us to screw our eyes up and because it is bright, any resulting lines are extra clear for all to see! The other thing that happens is the sun causes deep shadows, particularly in the eye sockets - resulting in what I call “Panda eyes” or bags under the eyes. Taking a photo in bright sunshine is the easiest way to make a person look ten years older than they actually are! How can this be avoided? If you watch a good wedding photographer they will take the group shots or photos of the bride and groom in shade. This evens out the contrast and and stops people screwing up their eyes. So what are some good tips to stop panda eyes? A great place to take a photo of a person is in their hallway by the front door. Open the front door and photograph the person stood or sat in the hall. You

will see the panda eyes have gone, and, because the light is coming in through the door, you get nice “catchlights” in the eyes. If you are outside, put the person under a tree canopy near the edge looking out. You, as the photographer, stand facing them, photographing into the tree cover. Just be careful there are no shafts of light on the person’s face or clothing as this can over expose causing burnt out areas. Why not try using an umbrella to block the light from above if there is no handy shade? Go on, give it a try, you’ll be amazed at the results. Left: This photo was taken with the top light blocked, making it much more flattering

Roy Barnes is a top Norfolk wedding and portrait photographer and runs one to one training courses to help people take better photos and improve understanding of their camera’s settings. You can contact Roy through his website www.one2onetraining.com or telephone 01953 601564

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W

New Year, New You!

hen it comes to New Year’s resolutions, making lifestyle changes like exercising more or cutting down on alcohol and cigarettes tends to top the list. Around 7 million of us will make a New Year’s resolution to improve our health, but sticking to it can be tough particularly through the dark winter months ahead. A recent study found that exercising for just 15 minutes a day can increase life expectancy by 3 years – a great incentive for getting more active. The trick to long term success is variation within your workout, so why not try different exercise classes as well as trips to the gym to help keep your fitness habits going through the spring. At MG Fitness Studio, there’s a great variety of classes to choose from… What would get your blood pumping? Body Blitz uses aerobic moves, dumbells and step boxes to create a fun and creative workout. Pilates uses the core muscles to bring harmony, strength and relaxation to the body.

Spinning is exciting and fresh, where group atmosphere will keep you motivated. VIPR may look like a humble rubber tube but Viper is an extremely effective training tool for waist, thighs and buttocks. Kettlebells are metal balls of various weights attached to a handle which can be lifted and swung to create a real strength booster. Zumba combines Latin and international music and effective workouts with fun and motivating instructors. Powerpump uses barbells to develop all-over muscle strength and tone to great music. Bootcamp is an outdoor military style exercise class, which is fun and open to all abilities If you want more information about these classes, just contact Mick Glynn at MG Fitness Studio.

JOIN FOR FREE* Start losing weight today

“I went from a size 18 to a 10 in6 months!” Member Alison, 43.

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Classes are held in Beccles, Diss, Haddiscoe, Harleston, Long Stratton & Wymondham

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JOIN FOR FREE!* inCludes free PaCk *New members only. 01508 499750 or 07918 907423 Valid until 28/02/13. Class price: £6.00. catriona.jermy@ Bring voucher to claim. rosemaryconley.com

Call Catriona on

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A

4 Tips for Fat Loss

t the start of this year Roscoe Hipperson from the Fit Club in Wymondham made a short video about his 4 tips for fat loss and weight management for their website. Here, he shares a bit more advice on these top tips.

after intense activity because your muscle cells will welcome it. At any other time they will say “no” and your fat cells will have it delivered to them and stored, the opposite of what you want. Be careful of the sugar content in carbohydrates and check food labels.

Eat More Protein Protein slows blood sugar greatly as it takes a lot more time to digest. If you eat protein with every meal you instantly reduce the blood sugar impact of any carbohydrate food you eat with it. Protein foods like meat, eggs, and fish require 3 times as many calories from the body to digest it over fats and carbohydrates, so make sure you eat it with every meal! Eat More Fibre When choosing carbohydrate foods we should look at the fibre content to make better choices. Fruit and vegetables are good for your digestive system but best of all are beans and pulses; the real fibre heavy weights. Eat Less Sugar When we eat sugar we get a blood sugar rush which instigates an insulin release to deal with it. This is OK

Do some vigorous exercise Weight training and high intensity cardio vascular training which will have the biggest elevation to our metabolism, making you a better fat burning machine!

If you want to get educated and achieve lasting fat loss, get in contact with Roscoe Hipperson at the Fit Club in Wymondham.

Hypnobalance UK Hypnobalanceuk.co.uk

Help with weight - confidence & esteem - smoking stress - anxiety - phobias - sports improvement

Hypnobalance UK is committed to helping people achieve a balanced lifestyle through hypnosis the use of relaxation techniques combined with the power of suggestion. We offer evening and weekend appointments to fit around your lifestyle. Pure relaxation sessions provided visit website for details - hypnobalanceuk.co.uk Free 30 minute initial consultation. Therapy treatments include a free CD on completion. Concessions available.

t: 01953 850598 m: 07780 512151

e: diane.mortimer@sky.com http://hypnobalanceuk.co.uk Deopham Consulting Ltd trading as Hypnobalance UK • Registered company 08259525

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Jobs & Money

Welcome to a New Era in Dentistry Netherton Dental Practice is pleased to welcome Peter Clark to the team in Long Stratton. He joins Auriel Gibson and Adam Stacey, adding to the existing wealth of knowledge and experience on offer to patients at the practice.

Practice Philosophy • Many patients come to us because we are known to be a gentle practice. • Our personal service ensures that a close professional & caring relationship is developed with a dedicated dental practitioner. • Our preventative team, comprising hygienists & an oral health educator, guarantees that oral health is given top priority. • We actively listen to you & place great emphasis on thorough investigation sending you a written report & treatment planning options for complex dentistry. • Children are treated from an early age & advice is given to parents & children on plaque control & preventative dietary habits.

Our Services Complete dental care for all ages & advanced cosmetic dentistry: Professionally Placed Restorations - Implants Tooth Whitening - Telescopic Overdentures Sports Mouthguards - Fissure Sealants - Facial Aesthetics & Veneers - Diagnosis & Treatment of Periodontal Disease - Orthodontic Treatment including Invisalign & Inman Aligners Treatment of Termperomandibular Signs & Symptoms

Netherton Dental Practice The Plain, Long Stratton NR15 2XG

01508 532226 info@nethertondental.co.uk

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Dr Auriel Gibson BDS. MSc. FDSRCS (Eng), MGDS, FFGDP. Auriel’s focus is on complex restorative treatments & dental implants. She teaches advanced dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons and is a national postgraduate examiner. Auriel is a past president of the British Society for General Dental Surgery and actively engages in postgraduate study.

Dr Adam Stacey BDS (Lond), DPDS (Brist). Adam has 17 years of experience in general practice including an advanced diploma plus a forsensics now working through an M.Sc in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Peter Clark

LDS, RCS (Eng), DPDS (Bris)

Peter graduated from the London Hospital Medical College in 1981 and has worked in East Anglia for 30 years. Three years ago he sold his practice in Eye and went to work in Norwich before taking a year to travel the length of the Americas. He has recently returned to Norfolk and will carry out general dentistry in the practice. Peter has a particular interest in complete dentures.


Q&A HEALTH Q

A

With two children under five, what is a good natural germ fighter for little noses? Trish Stephenson from the Natural Food Store Exchange Street Norwich says:

“ Temperatures are dropping and the dreaded cold and f lu season is upon us. Young children are often more vulnerable at this time of year but there are lots of steps you can take to keep them healthy!”

Natural solutions for your health problems honey from the bee hive - a few drops added to water is amazing! There are nice Propolis sweets too which are soothing and healing and helpful to suck. Use Vitamin C rich rosehip tea or blackcurrant and remember to add the remarkable Manuka honey which has antiviral and antibacterial properties! Steam clean! Although it does not kill the cold or flu virus steam assists in opening the sinuses to help you breathe more easily.

Usually caused by a viral infection (although sometimes by bacteria called streptococcal) a sore throat – which is often accompanied by a nasty cold – can make little ones feel utterly miserable.

With guidance and some safely warm water with a few drops in of Tea Tree oil or the funnily named Po Ho Oil from Bioforce, a towel draped over the head to catch the steam, this will all go a long way to improving a child’s breathing.

Try turning learning how to gargle into a game and a little teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water gargled and spat out four times daily greatly helps.

If all else fails use the kiddie friendly Kaloba syrup, made naturally from pelargonium to reduce congestion and mucus.

If salt is unpopular a blend of apple cider vinegar and honey mixed with a little warm water is a great gargle too.

For lots more information go to our web site www.shop-naturally.com or ring our popular help line on 01603 613228

Propolis is a wonderful healing tincture - originating like

SAY GOODBYE TO WRINKLES THIS SPRING Specialist in muscle-relaxing injections, dermal fillers & TCA Medical peels Safe aseptic injection technique by an Advanced Nurse Practitioner BSc (Hons), RGN Flexible appointments & realistic prices If you’d like to enhance your beauty quickly, without surgery & in a very natural way, call Catherine TODAY for a free consultation

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Health & Beauty

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Attleborough based mobile nail technician specialising in Shellac manicures and pedicures.

Call Zoë 07795 123590 www.buffnails.me

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A Fresh Start for Spring It’s a great time to freshen up your look, so we’ve asked Gill Bushnell, an image consultant from Norfolk, to share her advice about looking and feeling fabulous this spring.

T

he New Year is about getting what you really want, and not in a selfish way. It’s all about being inspired to do or try something new, such as breaking out of a fashion rut , or your comfort zone, or even re-discovering fashion and make up – whatever your age! Something that most of us would like is more money. Well, I can’t promise you that! But I can show you how to shop wisely, declutter your wardrobes and help you to wake up your wardrobe and make it work for you. For an immediate fix I can show you how to dress slimmer and younger, and give you some expert advice to help you achieve that permanently. I also want you to know that whatever your shape, whatever your size, there is a look that will work for you; sometimes we just need a push to take us on a journey of discovery about ourselves.

too dark a colour will drain your face as our skin and hair change in tone as we age. Make 2013 the year you embrace the change and do something for yourself that will make you feel amazing. As one of my clients said recently “People don’t ask my age anymore, they just ask how I do it!” So if you are ready to take the bull by the horns and make some changes, what are you waiting for? Give me a call on 07805 876619 or email gill.bushnell@houseofcolour.co.uk. I’m looking forward to taking you on that journey!

Getting into the right colours is just as important and while most of us have an idea of what doesn’t work, it’s amazing when you discover the colours that really do! Colours such as red wipe away the years, you just need to know the tone of red that will work for you –some shades of red are more youthful and will co-ordinate more easily with the rest of your clothes. Sometimes it’s also about having the confidence to make the changes, and my clients regularly write and tell me about the difference colour has made to them. It’s a wonderful boost when your best friend tells you how good you look, and remember that “you look great” is a much greater compliment than “I love that colour”. Updating your hair cut and colour and your make up totally revitalises your look and ensures that you don’t get stuck in an ageing time zone. In my pampering makeup and skincare session you will learn how to do skin care and make up for real women who don’t have time to fuss, learning to use the products and shades that will flatter you, and also discover some really useful tips to achieve a finished rather than a made up look. If you’re looking for a fresh new look for your hair, this season is bolder and brighter than before, but remember that what suited you in your twenties won’t work so well in your thirties, forties, fifties or more, and

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Jobs & Money

Philippa Green WEB DESIGN

Affordable bespoke web sites designed and built to your own specifications and budget using the latest build and design techniques. Domain names Hosting eCommerce Joomla and Cubecart all available Fully qualified and insured.

01953 887141 info@philippagreenwebdesign.co.uk www.philippagreenwebdesign.co.uk

Self Assessment always a headache? Don’t worry, give it to us and get on with running your business. We speciďŹ cally support the smaller business in all accountancy and tax matters. For a free, no obligation initial meeting call us today

Contact Graham Cormack

For Financial Advice call Rob and Jane Lewin on

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T: 01953 630 004 E: grahamcormack@taxassist.co.uk Connaught Plain,Attleborough, NR17 2EJ www.taxassist.co.uk/attleborough


Understanding how

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to manage your money

hen it comes to managing your finances, your needs and priorities will change over time so it’s good to speak to a financial adviser regularly. That way you can be sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your current finances, increase your capital, plan for retirement and avoid leaving your loved ones with a hefty inheritance tax bill. However, it’s also essential to understand the basics of good money management for yourself. Invest cleverly If you’re looking to increase your capital through investments, then it’s vital that you (or your financial adviser) choose the best investment managers; they’re the ones making the decisions for you about how and where to invest your money. Take advantage of tax-efficient pensions Make sure you’re taking advantage of recent changes in tax legislation, particularly with regard to your pension. The latest rules (introduced in April 2012) have made it much simpler to save for retirement. You can now invest up to 100% of your salary or £50,000 per year, whichever is lower. Use ISAs to save money Another great way to save in a tax-efficient way is by making regular use of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). These allow you to build up decent sums of money in a tax-efficient environment. Of course, it’s important to mention that tax legislation may change and ISAs might not always be treated as favourably in the future. Protect yourself against Inheritance Tax Soaring property prices have made the issue of Inheritance Tax (IHT) much more of a problem for people in the UK. But, although most people are aware of the existence of IHT, few do anything about their potential liability. So, are you at risk of leaving your loved ones with a heavy IHT bill? In most cases, you can do a quick calculation to find out.

Count up the value of all the assets that you’ll be leaving behind when you die, subtract the current £325,000 nilrate band for individuals - £650,000 for married couples or civil partnerships - and what is left is taxed at 40%. It’s plain to see that careful IHT planning is essential if you want to make sure the bulk of your assets is passed on to your family rather than the taxman. Make sure you draw up your Will in a tax-efficient way and get professional advice on how to transfer assets by making lifetime gifts. Stay in control of your ‘everyday’ money There’s a huge amount of choice when it comes to mortgages, commercial banking, savings accounts and current accounts so it’s good to get advice from a financial adviser on these everyday aspects of your money, too. Protect against risk If you were unable to work, what would happen? The last thing to consider as part of your wealth management strategy is protection against risk - to your health, life and assets - to create a cushion against the unexpected. A financial adviser will help you determine and establish the right levels of insurance and appropriate kinds of cover to protect you and your dependents against all the most serious risks.

If you’d like some advice on managing your finances or would like to find out more about planning for retirement or IHT, contact Ian Farrant of Anglian Wealth Management on 01603 752500 or email Ian@anglianwealthmanagement.co.uk

Anglian Wealth Management 124 Thorpe Road Norwich NR1 1RT

www.anglianwm.co.uk

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Jobs & Money

Time for a change? Our knowledgeable & locally based consultants are happy to spend time discussing your individual needs and advising on how to best market your skills and talents.

Wh a t a re yo u wa itin g fo r? Ca ll u s TODAY

office jobs, accountancy jobs, IT jobs, HR jobs, sales jobs, temoraray jobs, permanent jobs, short-term jobs, industrial jobs, executive jobs, administrative jobs, engineering jobs, finance jobs, HR jobs, insurance jobs, management jobs, sales jobs, health & social care jobs, flexible jobs, jobs for young, jobs for old, jobs for everyone across the whole of East Anglia

Your new employment opportunity is waiting for YOU

01842 761398 Thetford branch 01603 620473 Norwich branch www.halesgroup.co.uk

Are you crazy about cleaning? Does hygiene make you happy?

If the answer is YES to these questions then we need YOU! If you prefer things to be pristine, then we may have the perfect job for you! We are looking for enthusiastic people who love to clean to join our team!

Local flexible daytime work fit work around your other commitments choose where and when you work from a minimum of 2 hours a week up to full time; and there’s no upper age limit.

If you’d like more information about this great opportunity, please call 0845 504 9133 for a friendly chat about what we can offer you.

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Later Life Services

A Unique Care Home in a Unique Setting Offering Long Term Residence, Convalescence and Respite Care for Elderly Residents with Dementia. The Beeches is an elegant country house set in two acres of wooded and meadow style gardens which provides peaceful surroundings and yet is close to all local amenities. The majority of our bedrooms are on the ground floor and have the benefit of en-suite facilities.

Please call or email for further details or to request a brochure.

“We are here to help” West Harling Road, East Harling NR16 2NP Tel: 01953 717584 Email: thebeecheseastharling@btconnect.com Website: www.beechesresidential.co.uk

Care in the comfort of your own home and support when you want to go out

“You don’t need to go into a care home to be cared for. Stay in your own home, surrounded by the things you love and where you feel secure” We can help with your shopping, washing, cooking, housework, support you on day trips and to attend appointments Our carers are CRB checked, experienced and really do care Help is available hourly, daily, weekly or to meet your needs

For more information call us for a friendly chat TODAY 01842 780000 Thetford branch 01603 765281 Norwich branch www.halesgroup.co.uk 78


Smart Money Secrets Five costly credit card mistakes

I

Andrew Hagger Money expert from www.moneycomms.co.uk

f you use it wisely, your credit card can be an invaluable and flexible financial companion. Not only does it offer you protection in case a retailer goes bust, but it can be a real god send and help you to manage your cash flow if you’re suddenly faced with an unexpected major expense. But be warned if you don’t use your plastic wisely. The financial consequences can be severe, be a huge drain on your wallet and even damage your credit record.

1. Only making the minimum repayment every month

If you owe £2,000 on a credit card charging a pretty run of the mill 18.9% APR and only pay the minimum payment each month, it will take more than 17 years to clear the debt and cost you over £1970 in interest charges. Yet if you can manage to find just an extra £25 from your budget each month, then you could free yourself of the financial albatross in just 4 years as well as slashing your interest costs by more than £1200 in the process.

2. Using a credit card to withdraw cash

This is a habit that really should be avoided unless it is an absolute emergency. Most credit card providers will charge you a handling fee of 3% plus interest at a rate of almost 28% per annum. A £300 ATM withdrawal could easily set you back £15 or £16 in terms of fees and interest charges, even if you pay the balance in full when your monthly statement hits the doormat.

3. Missing your monthly repayment If you are late in making your monthly credit card repayment or miss it completely, the credit reference agencies will be notified and your credit score will suffer. If it’s just a one off oversight and totally out of character then you may get away with it, but if you make a habit of not paying on time, you will be classed as ‘higher risk’ and may find it difficult and more expensive to get any form of credit in the future.

transaction, known as a foreign loading fee. There are some cards that don’t charge, so if you’re a regular traveller overseas, take a look at the cards from Halifax (Clarity) Saga, Post Office and Metro Bank, they could easily save you £30 to £50 over the course of a two week holiday in the sun.

5. Failing to repay 0% promotional deals before they expire

There’s a huge choice of different credit cards on the market currently offering interest free promotional deals. Whether it’s a 0% balance transfer card for 24 months, or interest free on major purchases for 16 months, these deals offer a fantastic opportunity to cut your interest costs. However, be sure to make a note in your diary, phone or iPad to switch again if you’re not going to have fully repaid your balance by the end of the zero per cent term - otherwise you’ll soon undo all that good work when you suddenly find yourself being clobbered with interest charges at 20% or more.

4. Using the wrong card when you’re abroad

When using your plastic overseas many credit card companies will hit you with an additional charge of between 2.75% - 2.99% on top of each

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Later Life Services Open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday. Ample FREE parking at both Superstores.

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Later Life Services

It’s not a 999 emergency. But you need medical help fast. There’s now

We all have to make choices with advancing age when everyday life becomes a bit difficult to cope with independently.

First Choice Home Care offers you an alternative choice of remaining within the comfort of your own home by providing a supportive care service helping you maintain independence and choice. Please telephone Sharon to arrange an appointment for a FREE no obligation visit to discuss our services or alternatively to request an information pack.

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Services

Rainy Daze WINDOW CLEANING Local, environmentally friendly service, using filtered harvested rainwater, de-ionised for a perfect 'pure water' streak-free finish Call or text Barrie on 07854 304122 or email: rainy.daze@rocketmail.com

Need a locksmith? 24/7

Kingfisher Locksmiths No call out charge OAP Discount Tel 01953 602255 Mob 07958 315661 A Norfolk Trusted Trader!

www.kingfisherlocksmiths.co.uk

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Meet The Experts

This spring, Mark Sano from Safe and Sound Pest Control tells us all we need to know about getting a pest control expert into your home.

How many different types of pests can you deal with? We offer a no obligation quote to remove any type of pest you may have from rats and bed bugs to moles. The list is endless - just enquire to see how we can assist. It is extremely serious if vermin are trying to get into your home. Any problem inside the home must be treated urgently. How do you tackle pests? In a safe and professional manner, with advice given to the customer.

If I have little children, is it safe to be using poison in the home? All our pest solutions would be child and animal friendly and when surveying the area all of this would be taken into consideration on what method we would use depending on the location. How long does it take? Safe & Sound provides professional home pest control services. Our call-out service for household pests is fast and effective and offers the highest level of safety for your family and pets.

A&R Construction All Groundwork & Building Services

Is it messy? How do I dispose of dead pests? Our Pest Technicians dispose of all dead pests and there is no mess involved. Will the pests come back again? Like anything you can never eradicate it but control it. Contact Safe & Sound on 07809 226109 to discuss pest control in your home.

Is your garden over run with Moles ? Do you have a wasp nest ? Are your paddocks over-run with rabbits ?

Rupert Baker: 07585 552600 / 01986 895194 Adrian Gowing: 07432 103803 / 01953 798436

arconstruction.services@hotmail.co.uk www.ar-construction.co.uk

All typical Pests controlled. For ALL your Domestic / Commercial Pest Control. Garden Maintenance undertaken. No obligation – free survey/quotes.

Property Renovations | Extensions Drainage | Road Construction Patios | Driveways | Block Paving Landscaping | Fencing

Kitchen Installation - full or part Complete service including plumbing, tiling & flooring

Pest infestation can damage your health and your home. Recent surveys show that numbers of mice/rats and bed bugs found in UK homes are on the rise.As Local Authorities are cutting back on free pest control services. We are here to offer you a service at the right price.

Worktop & Door Replacement

Chris Rush

01379 677503 07917 125633 cp.rush@yahoo.co.uk

Please call for a chat on

01379 788865 • 07809 226109 • 07518 731106 www.safeandsoundhygieneandpestcontrol.co.uk

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Services

Chris Bell-Tye Plastering Services

For all aspects of plastering

Competitive rates • No job too small Internal & external plastering Plaster Boarding/dot & dab Gypsum one coat plaster • Floor screeding For a friendly reliable service, call Chris on

01953 717244 - 07810 887591 email: chrisjack231@hotmail.co.uk www.plasterersnorfolk.co.uk

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Services

AA Utilities Limited 01379 650671 07766770553 a.aldous@tiscali.co.uk

Got a water leak? Old lead piping need replacing? We carry out all work to the highest standards causing minimal impact to your driveway or garden using thrust boring methods

• Leaks Repaired • New services installed: adding water services to outbuildings, old services renewed, especially old galvanised piping or lead • Thrust boring • Burst mains & more! All work guaranteed and fully insured Working throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex & Cambridgeshire

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Merlin Boilers Spares & Parts

For all your heating and plumbing supplies please contact us Tel: 01953 857398 E-mail: info@oilboilerwarehouse.co.uk www.oilboilerwarehouse.co.uk Sold by TCF Fabrications Ltd, 15 Rookery Business Park, Silver Street, Besthorpe, Attleborough NR17 2LD

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Supporting Local Business Here is what you had to say about some of the local businesses which advertise in Village People. With great recommendations like this, why look further afield?

Chris Clarke Boiler Services

I would like to thank you for your friendly, reliable and efficient service. One of your most special qualities is that I am always able to get hold of you when I need you, if you are busy working and I leave you a message you always return my call. I will have no hesitation in highly recommending your excellent service to others Chris.

Mrs C, Long Stratton

Broadland Tree Services

I want to say thank you to Broadland Tree Services for doing a first class job. They took out about 150 feet of infected hedge, including all the roots, re-planted a new hedge and put up a fence. All that was done in 2 days! I’ve had people stop in the road and ask who had done my hedge, so it must look good! I would definitely use them again and recommend them to anyone.

Mr B Wade, Ashwellthorpe

Affordable Accounting Solutions

To find an accountant that explains everything, so that you understand is one thing, but Phil goes beyond that and helps in every way to make the business grow, as if it was his own. Giving expert professional advice in all areas, not just financial, but with staff employment. We were recommended to his services and would equally highly recommend him to you.

Simon and Heather Moss at the South Norfolk Guest House

Clark Build

Jewells Web Design

Thank you for changing our bathroom into a wet room. Everyone worked so hard, especially Danny. He was always on time and very cheerful. Everything works well and we are pleased with it all.

I can now stop being embarrassed about not having a website for my pub business. Jewells made a site which exactly suited my needs and budget.

Mrs O, Norfolk

The Wheatsheaf

Would you like to recommend a service which you found in Village People?

Or are you a local business owner who has had some good feedback? If so, get in touch! You can call us on 0330 660 0325 or email office@village-people.info

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Great recommendations from your area The Stone Flooring Company

Village People

Advertising Rates Eighth Page from

£46

per issue

£23

I would like to thank you for the professional way in which you laid the tiles, despite there being an almost complete lack of right angles and straight walls in the building! We are both pleased with the finished result which will greatly add to the atmosphere that we are trying to create in the barn.

or pay pm

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Thought I would sent just a short note to tell you how pleased we are with the work carried out to date and now it is almost completed we agree with you that it was worth the wait. Must say that the guys who worked on the project were very professional, pleasant and worked hard under difficult weather conditions.

South Norfolk Guest House

Thanks for a lovely stay. Beautiful room and friendly people. See you again.

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“Mr D

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Lovely stay. Breakfast was wonderful and owners friendly and fantastic attention to detail. Very accommodating.

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Sherbourne House Restaurant

Crisp white tablecloth, gleaming cutlery and glassware, friendly staff, and a warm comfortable restaurant serving the most delicious food that we have tasted. We will definitely be back. My compliments to the Chef!

Mr and Mrs D, of Banham

Quarter Page from

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or pay £137 pm All prices are subject to VAT & based on a 6 issue booking in one magazine (1 issue booking possible). Full details of all rate options can be found at www.village-people.info/advertising-rates

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Services Else Heating & Plumbing Oil and Gas Installation * Breakdowns * 24 hr call out * Servicing * Powerflush Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting Fully Insured

Contact Eugene Else

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Domestic ■ Agricultural ■ Commercial

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Services

Classic Vehicle Hire Classic Vehicle Hire provides unique and distinctive chauffeur driven vehicles for hire, whatever the occasion. Our vehicles are genuine restored originals that are beautifully presented, professionally maintained and will add a touch of class to your special day. Whether it be a wedding, prom, anniversary, theatre night, race day, corporate event or any kind of special occasion, travel in style, make a memorable first impression and your special day one to remember.

www.classicvehiclehire.co.uk Tel: 01359 252232 Email: info@classicvehiclehire.co.uk Please contact us to discuss your vehicle requirements and to arrange a viewing of our vehicles at The Workshop, Maltings Farm, The Street, Hepworth, Diss, IP22 2PX

When you need an MOT on your car, van or minibus call

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at Buckingham Road, Attleborough We offer a complete fast outstanding service backed by 45 years experience in the garage industry

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Approved class 4, 5L & 7 testing station 89


Services

M G Motors

Accident Repair Specialists • • • •

B.M.S. Hethersett

Quality Paint Care & Bodywork Insurance & Private Work MOT Preparation & Servicing FREE estimates & Courtesy Car

We Now Do Smart Bumper Repairs Over 35 Years Experience Contact Mervyn 01953 888177 07788 718344 cars@mg-motors.co.uk www.mg-motors.co.uk

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DISCOUNT VOUCHER This voucher may be redeemed against any purchase of two or more brand tyres to be fitted in a single visit by any participating etyres.co.uk branch. Voucher code must be given at time of ordering. One voucher per car. Excludes Economy and Mid range tyres. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offer expires 31/12/13. E&EO

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Free mobile fitting at home or work. Great prices & convenient service!

01953 630063 Free mobile fitting in Wymondham, Attleborough and surrounding area


CAR REVIEWS Lexus GS 450h Luxury hybrid Auto

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist Twitter@carwriteups - www.carwriteups.co.uk

S

itting behind the wheel of a Lexus is always a pleasure. It doesn’t really feel like you’re driving the GS 450h though – it’s so accomplished it almost drives itself.

connecting personal music players. A Mark Levinson premium surround system with 12.3-inch navigation and multimedia screen is available as an option on the 450h Luxury model, and came already fitted to. my test car. It’s the largest screen on the market, yet it doesn’t dominate; in fact it seems at one with the Lexus’ interior. The 450h Luxury grade has lots of other kit, but standing head and shoulders above the crowd is the blind spot detection system which is integrated into the door mirrors. This is incredibly useful, not to mention a great safety feature, especially when visibility is reduced on those dark, spray-ridden motorway commutes.

The full hybrid GS 450h Luxury model, introduced in February 2012, does what it says on the tin well. It oozes opulence on the inside and has a heady mix of petrol and electric power underneath its skin. The first clue that it’s a hybrid is when you push the starter button. There’s no engine noise and no exhaust note – just a barely audible hum. You see, the Lexus operates in electric-only mode as much as possible, the petrol engine kicking in without a glitch when you get to around 30mph or when extra power is needed – e.g. climbing hills. But you don’t need to drive the 450h like an eco-warrior if you don’t want to. It’s a true beast when not tootling along at ‘green’ speeds. And so it should be with a massive 3.5 litre V6 lump under the bonnet. Developing 286bhp with 197bhp worth of electric assistance makes it disgracefully rapid. It’ll hit 0-62mph in under six seconds and the needle will rise all the way to 155mph before an electronic limiter says enough is enough. But be warned, the power output can surprise you and sometimes the back end can skip out on greasy surfaces if you’re too heavy footed. The Lexus is definitely best for long distance motorway commutes. It can feel a little big and ungainly on twisty country roads but, with the help of its smooth auto gearbox, it glides effortlessly along the straights. Cabin contentment is assured with leather upholstery, dualzone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for

If I had a wallet fat enough to contain nearly £50k, then I might well walk into a Lexus dealership and buy a GS 450h. It’s less flashy than some of the German marques that many businessmen feel they must drive, but it looks after you just as well - maybe even better. It’s a cracking car – but I suspect it’s slightly too expensive for many – and maybe not quite cool enough for others. If this was America it’d be a different story – Lexus is seen as the crème de la crème of motoring there.

PROS ‘N’ CONS Luxurious √ Rapid √ Fuel efficient √ Safe √ Expensive X FAST FACTS Max speed: 155 mph • 0-62 mph: 5.9 secs Combined mpg: 46.3 Engine: 3456 cc V6 24 valve petrol/electric Max. power (bhp): 286 at 6000 rpm (+ 197 bhp electric assistance) Max. torque (lb/ft): 254 at 4600 rpm CO2: 141 g/km • Price: £44,995 on the road

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Local Directory:

Getting Your Business Noticed

Accommodation South Norfolk Guest House 14 Damgate Cottage Holiday Accom 14 Accountant / Book-keeping Affordable Accounting Solutions 74 TaxAssist Accountants 74 Kerry Butcher 74 Aldous & Saunders 28 Animal Services Whistlers 25 Thornwood Farm Boarding Kennels 26 Swallow Aquatics 96 Southfork Boarding Cattery 26 Uplands Way Vets Ltd 26 Paws 4 Thought 25 The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group 27 Smylee Pets 26 Architect Andrew P R Love 56 Keith Day 57 Nigel Myhill 56 Nick Clarke Architect 48 Geoffrey Reeve Architect 48 Arts & Crafts Susan’s Work-Basket 58 Artful Pots 58 Town Hall Crafters 58 Norfolk Bead Shop 58 Bathrooms & Wetrooms Supreme Bathrooms 85 ClarkBuild Ltd 48 Acorn Cabinets 51 Beds Diss Bed Centre & Furniture Warehouse 44 Sound Sleep Ltd 62 Boat Covers and Canvas Work Classic Covers 28 Builder, Painter & Decorator, Handyman W P Fulcher 84 S P Blades 82 Day 2 Day Building Services 57

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Peter Cole S&J Developments Ltd Glenn Wilson Ltd DJA Handyman A&R Construction Care / Nursing Homes The Beeches All Hallows Nursing Home

84 42 84 48 83 78 81

Carpentry, Joinery & Cabinet Maker

Adrian Bird A1 Carpentry

57 57

Car Servicing, MOTs, Repairs & Sales

Stratton Auto Services Caroline’s Cars Mark’s Vehicle Services Highfield Garage MG Motors T.E.Dye Catering CMA Hire Children Socatots Chimney Sweep A Breckland Sweep Cleaning Home-Maid Domestic Cleaning Oven Clean

90 90 89 2 90 89 28 25 82

29 44 Fresh-Eco Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 28 Rainy Daze Window Cleaning 82 Computer, Internet, Web & Design Services Quintex Software 28 Philippa Green Web Design 74 Bailiwick IT 58 Jewells Website Design 74 Curtains,Blinds & Awnings Norwich Sunblinds 45 Cooks Blinds 44 Days & Nights Out Bressingham 10 Fairhaven 13 Village Screen 20

Dentists & Dentures Netherton Dental Practice 70 Marlborough Dental Practice 72 Dentabrite Clinic 66 Botesdale Dental 66 / 95 Electrician PMB Co. Ltd. 34 Auber Electrical 85 Estate Agents & Property House Revolution 23 Charles Church 55 Financial Services Money & Mortgage Solutions 74 Anglian Wealth Management 75 Flooring / Carpets The Stone Flooring Company 51 Food Norfolk Veg Box 25 Little Crumbs 14 Fuel Merchants Larkins Fuel Merchants 38 C L Fielder Firewood 39 Rix 38 Furniture & Antique Restoration Rod Larwood Antique Restoration 57 Haydon-Webb 3 Diss Bed Centre & Furniture Warehouse 44 Garden Services & Landscaping Georgina Read Garden Design 32 The Garden Enclosure 31 The Green Man 25, 30 Waveney Tree Surgery 33 Noble Paving East Anglia Ltd 36 Eclipse Home & Garden Services 30 Knights Landscaping 30 D.R.S. Garden Maintenance 30 Foundry Plant Centre 32 BMS Machine Repairs 90 Mike Smith Gardenworks 30 Cabinville Garden Cabins 43 Broadland Tree Services 30 Lake and Pond Aquatics 36 Hempnall Lawnmower Centre 36


Village People

contact us today on 0330 660 0325 or email editor@village-people.info website www.village-people.info

Gates, Railings and Doors The Smithy 82 Cooks Blinds 44 Groundworks, Drainage & Asphalt T Taylor Construction 84 Chris Harmer 88 Paul Howe Breckland Contractors 88 Health, Beauty & Hypnotherapy House of Colour Image Consultancy 73 Buff Nails 72 Simply Gorgeous Hair & Beauty 72 Rosemary Conley 68 Hypnobalance UK 69 Nicola Clarke Foot Health 72 Rejuvenescence 71 Homecare & Personal Assistance Prestige Nursing 80 First Choice Homecare 81 Hales Group Health & Social Care 78 House Clearance / Removals Joe Bennett 56 John Ryder Removals 42 Insulation Aspiration Energy 35 Jobs, Recruitment & Training Domestic Cleaning Vacancies 76 Key Education Services Ltd 76 Hales Group Recruitment 76 Kitchens Dream Doors 50 Acorn Cabinets 51 Chris Rush 83 Haydon-Webb 3 Kitchen Fronts of Norfolk 44 Launderette Attleborough Launderette 28 Locksmith Kingfisher Locksmiths 82 Mobility Mobility Superstore Ltd 80 NBR Scooter Brokers Ltd 81 Pest Control Safe & Sound Pest Control 83

Photography Roy Barnes Photography Plasterer Chris Bell-Tye Trevor Clarke Plumbing, Heating, Tank & Boiler Services P&K Plumbing & Heating Barnards Heating Solutions John Rushforth C J Plumbing AA Utilities Limited Else Heating & Plumbing TCF Fabrications Ltd P & D Tank Services Ltd Drain Doctors Printers Postprint Restaurants, Pubs & Hotels Sherbourne House Hotel

67 84 84

85 88 88 85 85 88 85 88 34 58 20

Gamekeeper/Inn on the Green/Red Lion 24

Mr D’s Diner Roofing Glenn Wilson Ltd Schools & Colleges New Eccles Hall School Thetford Grammar School Riddlesworth Hall School Norwich High School Shopping She Ladies Clothes & Shoes Jarrold Chapelfield Bundles of Joy Solar Norfolk Solar PMB Co. Ltd. Sport, Fitness & Recreation Anne Staffiere Pilates MG Fitness Studio Fit Club Wymondham Lollipop Dance

14 84 13 13 12 13

Stone Masonry Cutstone Ltd 51 Storage John Ryder Removals 42 Square Deal Storage 77 Stoves & Fires Raven Stoves 39 Theatre Theatre Royal 18 Travel / Holidays / Minibus Hire Spratts 8 Eastons Holidays 16 Adderley Travel Ltd 14 NCC Flexibus 12 Chenery Live 8 Tyres etyres 90 Vehicle Hire Classic Vehicle Hire 89 Windows, Doors & Conservatories ABS Home Improvements 52 C & M Glass 56 Conservatories etc 54 Glass & Sealed Unit Centre Ltd 42 Gr8 Glass 57 SNWC 53 Windows Plus 35

63 63 65 63 34 34 72 68 69 72

Village People is a trading name of Village People Magazines Ltd. Village People accepts no liability for loss, damage, or difficulties resulting from contracts made through the magazine, nor from errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers. Publication of any entry does not imply a recommendation. Readers must make their own enquiries to establish the credentials of each entry. Magazine, adverts, design, layout and content Copyright © Village People Magazines Ltd. 2008-2013

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Five Minute Interview

with Robert Haydon

Robert Haydon makes beautiful bespoke furniture from the workshop in Debenham. If you have an idea or design for a piece of furniture, or a complete kitchen, bedroom or study, Robert is the person to speak to! The showroom is open from 10am- 3pm on Saturdays, or call into the workshop during the week and someone will be there to let you browse around the showroom. What’s your idea of perfect happiness in South Norfolk? Good weather If you weren’t talking to us now, what would you be doing? Working How would you spend your ideal day in the country? Walking or playing golf What’s the best thing about living in a village? Being in the countryside

Tell us about your new business ventures… No time for new ventures, kitchens take up all the time. How many hours do you work each week? 55-60 depending how busy it is What’s the best thing about running Haydon Webb? Having the showroom, enabling us to show off our handmade kitchen furniture If you had a year off you would… Travel into Europe using the train where possible What keeps you awake at night? Not a lot You could talk for hours about? Who could run our country better Where would you most like to be right now? Travelling in Europe

Red or white? Red

Thanks for the interview Robert!

What’s your favourite word? Sport What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Red with strong cheese Age you feel on the inside? 36 (externally up to 65 some days) Last saintly deed? Having milk delivered to the house, so the village can hold on to the milkman

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High point of your week is? Talking to potential customers when I am in the showroom on Saturdays

You can find out more at www.haydon-webb.com


ARE YOU MISSING ONE OR MORE TEETH?

FAILING TEETH?

HATE WEARING DENTURES? An easy permanent teeth solution for people with missing or failing teeth or denture wearers Using state of the art implant technology we can replace missing or failing teeth or dentures with a permanent fixed solution. You may be just a short step away from eating what you want, smiling again with confidence and living the lifestyle that suits you.

Which would you prefer?

Conventional removable dentures? Covered closed plate? Sliding and rocking denture?

Non-removable implant retained bridge? Uncovered open plate? Fixed and stabile solution?

Call today to see if you are a suitable candidate to attend a no obligation initial consultation for this life changing procedure Botesdale Dental Practice, Holly Close, The Drift, Botesdale, Diss, IP22 1DH

01379 897 176

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Spring is in the Air!

KOI CARP & PONDS WE STOCK A WIDE SELECTION OF KOI KARP & GARDEN PONDS

MARINE & GOLD FISH LARGE SELECTION OF COLOURFUL MARINE & GOLD FISH

FILTERS & PUMPS

WE STOCK EVERY PUMP & FILTER YOUR POND WILL NEED

PETS & REPTILES LARGE SELECTION OF REPTILES & PET PRODUCTS

GARDEN CENTRE N

NOW OP

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VISIT OUR ON-LINE SHOP

www.swallowaquatics.co.uk MARINE • TROPICAL • KOI • POND • PET • REPTILE

Harling Road, East Harling, Norfolk NR16 2QW

Tel : 01953 718184


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