Village People South Norfolk edition – December & January 20 (Winter) by Village People Magazines Ltd

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

South Norfolk edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Four-mile walk around the villages of LODDON AND CHEDGRAVE

TOP TIPS FOR A

Sustainable Christmas

W IN T ICKET

Ladies Who Lunch, a few last crumbs Be a vegan powerhouse with our top 5 foods Recipe for dark chocolate and raspberry fudge cake The inspirational story of Carleton Rode Social Club

TO SEE S S LA IN NORW DE ICH

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Contents

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

Out & About 8

50 Art - making a New Year’s creativity resolution

Good news from our region

53 Recycling - saying ‘No’ to fast

15 An inspiring story from

55 Be a vegan powerhouse with

19 WIN tickets to see Slade this

our top 5 foods

Christmas

57 Forncett’s fight against

23 Top tips for a sustainable

climate change

Christmas

59 What’s in season - produce

25 Cinderella arrives at Theatre

for December and January

Royal Norwich

61 Gospel from The Saints

Home & Garden

63 Waveney Heritage at

26 On your plot - fresh and

Brockdish

frosty gardens

65 History - a happy Norfolk Christmas

66 Falcon Meadow on helping children get their dose of nature

69 Neil Lanham shares a

55 29 The Garden Enclosure Festive Jottings

traditional song

71 Recipe for warming chicken noodle soup

73 Stories of South Lopham stores

31 Village notice board 35 Ladies Who lunch - a few last crumbs

37 Memories of Thelnetham 41 Wildlife - making peace with

fashion

Carleton Rode’s social club

75 Canine behaviour with Julia Collins

77 Bungay Bitesize - Christmas shopping

Shopping, Health & Beauty 79 Regional reads - what we are loving this issue

80 Health Q&A - how St John’s Wort can aid low mood

83 Refreshing Waters - reaching further and shining brighter at Flourish

85 Fashion - be bold with check this Winter

86 WIN £100 M&S voucher

Jobs, Money & Business 89 A millennial’s guide to making a will

91 Smart money secrets - get your credit record for free

92 Find a local business or service in our directory

94 Exercise your brain cells with our crossword

bats in churches

43 Recipe for dark chocolate and raspberry fudge cake

44 Christmas cheer from Norfolk Wildlife Trust

46 Walking for health around the villages of Loddon and Chedgrave

49 Poetry Corner - Karen Ridgeon from Diss

Are you looking for a particular product or service? Check out our Local Business Directory on pages 92 & 93 5

Welcome

Everyone loves an anniversary, don’t they? I took the opportunity of half a day off (ha ha), in between working on the Autumn issue and this Winter The VP drea issue and filed some old copies in m team! our archive. I did a few sums and in the e last 11 years we have produced, printed and Royal Mail delivered door to door, over 4 million magazines. Now if that’s not worthy of a sticker then I don’t know what is!

WIN

TICKETS TO SEE

SLADE

December is a busy month with extra local events, so hop onto our website for a complete list as space is limited in the magazine. Promoting local, charity and community events continues to be FREE with us, so spread the word.

IN NORWICH

ADVERTISE WITH US! Reliably delivered by Royal Mail, reaching 61,000 homes every two months. Four editions of Village People provide unrivalled coverage of South Norfolk, reaching more homes than ANY other local magazine. For more information, call our friendly team on 01284 788623 or send an email to editor@village-people.info

And who would like the chance to see one of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain in the past 50 years? We have a pair of tickets to give away to see Slade at The Waterfront in Norwich on 7 December. See our feature for your chance to be in the draw, after all it is Christmaaaas! We say a massive thank you and goodbye to the lady behind our Ladies Who Lunch feature. After more than 10 years of eating out locally, Su Leavesley is putting away her spoon and retiring. We hope you’ve enjoyed all her food write ups and wish her a long and happy retirement. Read ‘the last few crumbs’ inside. I love receiving emails from you with news of local stories or ideas for features, so keep them coming please and I’ll be back at the end of January. A new and exciting year ahead for everyone.

Lily

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

South Norfolk edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Four-mile walk around the villages of LODDON AND CHEDGRAVE

TOP TIPS FOR A

Sustainable Christmas

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

Bungay & Harleston edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

HOW FALCON MEADOW IS HELPING CHILDREN to get their h i d dose of nature

WIN

Ladies Who Lunch, a few last crumbs

TICKE

8 January

WIN

TICKE

TO SEE TS SLADE IN NOR WICH

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

LODDON AND CHEDGRAVE

Ladies Who Lunch, a few last crumbs

South Norwich edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

TIC SLADE TO SEE ICH IN NORW

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

LODDON AND CHEDGRAVE

Four-mile walk around the villages of

LODDON AND CHEDGRAVE

Norfolk/Suffolk border edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Four-mile walk around the villages of

TOP TIPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE

INTS WKE

Four-mile walk around the villages of

February / March (Early Spring issue)

LADIES WHO LUNCH, a few last crumbs

Christmas

TO SEE TS SLADE IN NOR WICH

NEXT DEADLINE

Lily Goulder editor@village-people.info 01284 788623

Visit our website to find out more www.village-people.info

Bella agle the Be

TOP TIPS FOR A

Sustainable Christmas

Ladies Who Lunch, a few last crumbs

INTS WKE

TIC SLADE TO SEE ICH IN NORW

WINNER of ﬁve National Publishing Awards 7

Good News from our region CALENDAR BOOST FOR BIG C Our regular postcard expert Dennis Cross has produced his third calendar in a popular series featuring fascinating old black and white images of the region’s history. His previous two calendars raised over £5,000 for Norfolk cancer charity Big C, and he’s hoping this latest one will raise at least £3,000. “My 2020 calendar is called ‘A Trip Back in Time’ and features old postcards and photographs of Diss and surrounding villages,” says Dennis. “Like me, I think a lot of people are interested to see the area as it was in bygone days, and the first calendar I did in 2016 was so popular that I decided d to produce more. For 2020, each month has a different theme: January is Post Offices, February is windmills and there are also railway stations and d horses at work. “Big C is a very worthwhile charity. Cancer touches so many people’s lives, so it made sense to o me that all proceeds from the calendar should go to this hard working local charity.”

‘A Trip Back in Time’ costs £10 and is available to buy in Diss at Photo Elite, on Market Hill, Lesley Ward’s Gift Shop, on Church Street, and the Premier convenience store on Skelton Road. Alternatively, you can buy direct from Dennis by calling him on 01379 651897.

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Good News Since it was formed in 1990, Onward Enterprises has worked with local companies to provide a realistic working environment across its two sites in Harleston and Thetford. It receives a huge amount of support from the communities it works within, including community groups fundraising for projects and events, and these funds have enabled the organisation to undertake this new venture. The tearoom will be open from Wednesday 27 November, and the friendly team of Baristas and waiting staff are eager to y y serve everyone with a variety of delicious delights freshly prepared in the kitchen.

ONWARD TO THE TEAROOM A new tearoom with a difference is opening in Harleston to provide work experience for adults with learning difficulties — and of course a great place to eat and drink! The tearoom, called Onward Enterprises @ The Parlour, is a collaboration between Onward Enterprises — an organisation that creates working environments for those with mental health issues — and The

Cornucopia Antiques and Vintage e Centre in the heart of Harleston. The new venture will see the reopening of the popular tearoom within the centre. Onward Enterprises @ The Parlour will support enthusiastic individuals working as a team, to o experience all aspects of working g in a café, from serving customerss, fulfilling food and drinks orders, operating the till and working in the busy kitchen.

Let’s do the very y best we can! 4 Government Funded Hours available on all sessions! 4 No additional fees for baby wipes, nappies or snacks! n re d il For ch 4 Owned and Managed s th n 9 mo by Qualified Teachers ld 4 years o

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All p plumbing g and heating g works w undertaken. And all natural gas and LPG work under taken.

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Good News

GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WITH NORFOLK GIN’S NEW STOCKING FILLERS

Searching for gift inspiration for the gin-obsessed person in your life? Then we have great news to share this festive season. Norfolk Gin, the utterly delicious, herbaceous gin, handcrafted in Norwich, is now available in a delightful mini decanter. These perfectly sized smaller bottles contain 100ml of this fine, fragrant, well-balanced bathtub gin; making it an ideal gift for any gin-lover this Christmas. So much more than a standard miniature, each porcelain decanter contains 100ml of Norfolk Gin. Priced at under £20, these smaller bottles make the perfect stocking filler for anyone who loves greattasting, locally produced gin. Whether served simply with a great tonic water, or

mixed with bubbles for a sparkling festive cocktail, Norfolk Gin is the only y gin you need this Christmas as you raise a glass with loved ones. To toast the arrival of these mini decanters, handmade exclusively for Norfolk Gin by Wade Ceramics in Stoke on Trent, and to mark the season of goodwill, Norfolk Gin has generously gifted Village People eight bottles to give away to readers. Simply answer the question below, and we will pick four winners at random from all correct entries received. Each winner will receive a large bottle and a new smaller bottle of Norfolk Gin, worth £61 in total. To be in with a chance of winning, simply visit www ww ww.village-people. w info and follow the links to the competition page. Closing date is Friday 20 December 2019 and the usual Village People rules apply.

Question: Norfolk Gin is handmade in which city? Cheers to a Happy Christmas!

PA M P IN A RO TI IN P NG TE E R & NA TY CL NC EA E NI , NG

Norfolk Gin is a small-batch, botanical gin, with each bottle filled and sealed by hand. Buy online or in person from a range of retailers throughout Norfolk, including Jarrold’s Food Hall, Bakers and Larners of Holt, The Norfolk Deli in Hunstanton and Thetford Garden Centre. For your nearest stockist, visit www.norfolkgin.co.uk

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Good News

THE GIFT OF CH HRISTMAS For the third year, Hope Church is seeking no ominations for its Love Gives campa aign, which recognises people in the community who may appreciate a lovely surprise gift at Christmas. An nyone can nominate a friend, fam mily member or someone else they fe eel is really deserving of a special gift, which will be delivered anonymoussly the week before Christmas. Church Leader Graham Blake said: “It really is all about putting love into action and I love seeing the responses, both from those receiving the gifts and those nominating deserving individuals. People are always so keen to nominate and give funding, and those receiving the gifts have been absolutely delighted.” One recipient of last year’s gifts sent an email to the church saying: “We have had a tough year and

few people know, as we have kept our troubles close. I would like you to know how much your huge, beautiful and thoughtful giftts have meant to us, we are all totally awestruck. We are now ‘paying this forwards’ as we have found strength and d inspiration from it. Thank yo ou does not seem enough, but we thank you all so much.” All nominations are anonymous and confidential and will be taken until 4 December. Gifts will be delivered between 20 and 23 December. You can also choose to donate funds to enable the church to bless even more people with gifts this year. To nominate or donate please visit www. wearehopechurchlovegives.net/. Please note that not everyone nominated will necessarily receive a gift.

FOLLOW AND WIN ‘Tis the season of good will and we’d like to share some fantastic giveaways over the festive period with YOU, our fabulous readers. We will be sharing the giveaways on our Instagram account, so the first thing we need you to do is to follow us @vpmagazine. It’s a good place to catch up on our news too. So grab your phone, hop onto Instagram and follow us TODAY @vpmagazine

IF YOU HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS TO SHARE EMAIL US AT editor@village-people.info

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@ The Parlour @ Peter Beales Garden Centre

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Carleton Rode

A VILLAGE pulling together Matt Barrett, Chairman of Carleton Rode Social Club, tells the inspirational story of how the village has come together to create a hugely successful community social club.

hree years ago, Carleton Rode Social Club — which occupies part of Carlton Rode Jubilee Hall — was on the verge of closure; nothing more than a volunteer-led bar struggling with membership and one that very few people used. It had earned the unwanted tag of “the unsocial club” and was thought of as a tired and unfriendly club for old men to drink mild and play crib, offering nothing for the younger generation. Some passionate members of the team kept the club open and vowed to give it one last go. They pulled in new volunteers who really got involved and started to make some small changes. They restarted a pool team, and soon there were enough players for two teams; and most of them were aged 25 and under. This allowed us to open on Thursday nights, which quickly became our busiest night of the week. nthly famiily eventts, mad de We reintroduced our mon membership free, and beccame welcoming to all — and by last summer’s World Cup we had become a warm, open and d credible local venue.

We have recently fitted a marquee lining that has transformed the hall, and we are now a fantastic and affordable wedding and weekend function venue. We had a wonderful wedding fair in October and bookings are coming in for 2020. On 8 December we are holding a Christmas craft fair, and we are looking forward to our biggest and best ever New Year’s Eve bash with the party band Catch 22. Future plans include a new multisport surface on our floodlit court, a beer festival and a music festival. We’re improving our membership scheme and all our current offerings, and predict another year of growth in 2020. So much has been achieved in such a short space of time. This really is testament to how determination, a little effort and team spirit g club into a thriving g and can transform an ailing exciting community hub. Thank you to everyone involved.

This year we added free liv ve music every third Friday. These eventss are incredibly well attended and we have e had some very high class performerss. Reinvested profits have at last enable ed us to upgrade creaking infrastru ucture, with new cellar chillers, flooring g, security features and fridges, as well as new furniture, a large screen TV with BT Sport and a new sound sy ystem. This incredible turnaround d has helped inspire the Jubilee Hall too, and some of the social clu ub team have got involved there. This summer the Jubilee Hall went from Bowls on a Monday and a small Yoga class on a Wednesda ay, to Bowls, Zumba, Yoga and Pickleball clubs. The weekends are now used for events and we have just had our first cinema screening. In November we welcomed the first touring theatre company performance.

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DO YOU HAVE A SPARE ROOM TO RENT? could you benefit from some extra income? Would you like some company at home? Solo Housing are a registered charity based in Diss. We have been successfully finding housing solutions for people aged 18-65 since 1985. Through our lodgings scheme we help single people in need of assistance to find accommodation in the form of renting a room in someone’s home. We meet with all potential landlords and lodgers then match the requirements of both. This will take away some of the uncertainty of finding the right lodger for your circumstances. We are particularly in need of people that have a spare room to rent out in Norfolk and Suffolk This is a completely free service as we are a not for profit organisation. If you have a spare room and think you can help or would like further information, please call 07760 166139 or call 01379 640250.

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Competition

‘IT’S CHRISTMAAAAS!’

Village People are giving away four pairs of tickets to see Slade at the Waterfront in Norwich on Saturday 7 December.

ne of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain in the past 50 years, Slade’s unique blend of perfect pop rock ’n’ roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, has earned them a place in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

How to enter the competition? Visit www.village-people.info and follow the links to the competition page. Closing date is Wednesday 4 December 2019 and the usual Village People rules apply.

Their chart career has spanned five decades and their enduring songs “Cum On Feel The Noize” and “Coz I Luv You” are still featured today in TV commercials for some of the world’s biggest companies. Slade are still touring the world. They are firm favourites on the lucrative German festival scene and undertake an annual UK “Merry Christmas Everybody” tour in December. They have a huge following of fans in Europe, and having just returned from a festival in Gibraltar their next stop is Greenland and the Faroe Islands. ‘So here it is…’ a chance to rock hard to some of the most classic songs in history. Good luck!

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Enjoyable Days Out throughout the Year! Date

Sun 1st Dec Mon 2nd Dec Wed 4th Dec Thurs 5th Dec Sun 8th Dec Wed 11th Dec Thurs 12th Dec Sun 29th Dec Mon 30th Dec Mon 30th Dec 2020 Sat 11th Jan Wed 22nd Jan Sat 25th Jan Wed 5th Feb Thurs 6th Feb Sat 8th Feb

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Paris - Springtime on the River Seine Monday 9th Thursday 12th March 2020

MS Botticelli **** CroisiEurope’s MS Botticelli offers comfortable cabins with a large picture window, air-conditioning and a shower and WC. Satellite TV is available, along with a hairdryer and a safe. A spacious sundeck is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery as is the lounge bar. Facilities: lounge/bar with a dance floor, bar, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs and a gift shop.

Price Includes

Day 1: After an early departure from your local joining point, we head to Folkestone for our Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. We continue to Paris, before boarding our vessel at its mooring point in Paris. Our onboard hostess welcomes us aboard, and we settle into our cabins. A cabaret show follows dinner on board this evening. Day 2: After breakfast, we will have a panoramic guided visit of Paris by coach where you will discover the famous sights and attractions of this magnificent city. Discover the famous sights and attractions of this magnificent city. Your coach will take you past many famous places including Bercy, the François

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Mitterrand National Library, Bastille, the Marais, Latin Quarter, St-Germain, the Louvre, the Pyramide, Opera Garnier, Place Vendôme, Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides and the Trocadero. After lunch on board, you have the rest of the day free to explore this fascinating capital city at your own pace. Paris has so much to offer and is full to bursting with monuments and museums. We return to our floating hotel where dinner is served, followed by an evening of dancing on board. We sail towards Le Pecq, arriving in the evening where we stop overnight. Day 3: An early morning, departure towards Paris. We will sail through the Suresnes Lock and pass La Defense. We arrive around 9.00am and departure for the guided visit of Old Montmartre by coach. The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur has a surprising Byzantine style located in the centre of the 19th century village of Montmartre; it has been a favourite subject for artists, sculptors and poets for generations. Montmartre Hill is one of the highest points of the capital, where there is a superb panoramic view of 30 miles around Paris. We return to our boat for lunch on board. You have the afternoon free to explore. Our mooring point is just a few minutes on foot from the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero Gardens, with the Invalids just a little further away. Tonight we have a gala dinner on board and the ‘Paris By Night’ cruise, taking us through the city, which is beautifully illuminated at night. Day 4: After breakfast on board we disembark around 9.00am and then head back to Calais for our return shuttle crossing and to your local joining point. Please note: For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, Croisieurope reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise

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Sustainable Christmas

I’M DREAM AMING M OF A… green Christmas Avid Village People reader Katie Schutte, who has just started at Oxford University, shares with us her top tips for a sustainable Christmas

We all know how the classic Christmas song goes — a winter wonderland where ‘treetops glisten’ — yet how many of us will buy plastic trees this year? Following Greta Thunberg’s 5-minute UN Climate Change speech I felt inspired to join global efforts to reduce our pollution. So with Christmas approaching, I have created this guide for celebrating without detriment to our precious environment. WRAPPING PAPER This often contains non-recyclable material like foil, glitter or plastic, so an alternative is to use brown paper, newspaper, fabric or a scarf. And instead of using Sellotape, why not use ribbon or string and reuse the paper next year? CHRISTMAS CARDS 1.5 billion Christmas cards end up in UK landfill every year, yet this could be easily avoided by sending e-cards (online cards) instead. But if you like hanging up seasonal greetings, then homemade cards prevent unnecessary plastic packaging and save money. FOOD WASTE We all love a Christmas roast but, whatever you’re cooking, ensure it’s locally sourced meat and vegetables to reduce food miles and support local business. Don’t bin your leftovers; be creative and try BBC Good Food leftover recipes to save money and reduce waste. Empty the freezer before Christmas to create space. LIGHTING Possibly my favourite Christmas sight: twinkling lights strung along the house and tree. But consider all the energy they use, with many of us forgetting to turn them off at night, and they somewhat lose their magic. The easy solution is a timer; lower energy consumption means lower electricity bills!

O TANNENBAUM And that brings us to the centrepiece...the tree! For an artificial tree to be more environmentally friendly than a living tree, it must be used for over 20 years. As most are not designed to last this long, natural trees are preferable, producing no plastic waste. Once used, they can be recycled or planted for next year. They support small UK businesses, meaning lower carbon footprints than plastic trees from China. GIFTS Christmas is a time for giving, but no-one wants a gift destined for landfill. Rather than a physical gift, how about an experience instead? After all, spending time with family and friends is what we cherish most at Christmas. It could be tickets to a concert, the cinema, a subscription, or voucher. Better still, homemade gifts are much more meaningful. But best of all, charity gifts like Oxfam Unwrapped gift cards encapsulate the true spirit of Christmas. DECORATIONS Every minute, one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans. There’s nothing beautiful about plastic baubles in a turtle’s stomach or in landfill for hundreds of years. Homemade decorations, such as bunting from old fabric, or iced spiced biscuits hung with ribbon, are an easy alternative.

Have a wonderful sustainable Christmas! After finishing at Wymondham College this year, Katie is now at Oxford University studying English Language and Literature. She hopes to contribute to the student newspaper, and the university orchestra with her violin.

A NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL PANTOMIME PRODUCTION

TUE 17 DEC - SUN 19 JAN 01603 63 00 00 theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk 24

In partnership with

Theatre

CINDERELLA

Theatre Royal Norwich — 17 December - 19 January

repare for an explosion of energy this Christmas, as Joe Tracini comes home to Norfolk to star in panto. The TV and stage star is set to play Buttons in the Theatre Royal’s festive spectacular and he cannot wait to entertain thousands over the festive season. Joe Tracini makes putting a smile on someone’s face an effortless experience. His natural comedy timing, layers of charm and genes (he is Joe Pasquale’s son) all help to make him the perfect entertainer. And he is set to share his on-stage flair and expertise as he stars in Cinderella over Christmas, sharing the limelight with stage and TV favourites Amanda Henderson (Robyn in Casualty, Oliver! in the West End) and David Witts (Joey Branning in EastEnders, Fiyero in Wicked), as well as Norwich panto favourite Richard Gauntlett as part of the star cast. It was the chance to share the stage with Richard that helped prompt Joe to say yes to the role. He said: “I have wanted to work with him for such a long time and we have been texting. It’s more like I text an idea to Richard, he doesn’t get back to me and then at some point I will just get his script and do what he says. “I think that panto is so important in this country, because it doesn’t really work anywhere else. It’s such a part of our culture, an art form, and it’s always going to be the introdu uction to theatre for a lott of people. There iss nothing like it in the e world and it’s hard work, bu ut nice to be part of people’s Christmas.” Th he Norwich pantto, which runs from m 17 December to 19 9 January, will be a homecoming forr the actor and pe erformer who wa as born at the Jamess Paget Hospital in Gorlesto on, near Great

Yarmouth, and lived in the Yarmouth area until the age of three. Showbiz is definitely in his blood, thanks to his much-loved dad, and Joe started off his performing career as a professional magician — becoming a British champion by the age of 15. He is no stranger to the stage, appearing in the hit comedy Spamalot. Joe is also known for his TV work, including the BBC3 show Coming Of Age and playing Dennis Savage, a character specifically created for him, in Channel Four soap Hollyoaks. He’s is also enjoying every minute of presenting The Dengineers on CBBC, which sees him build the perfect den in people’s gardens. He laughed: “I just sort of turn up and build a shed. I do ask permission first and I have a camera crew with me. “It‘s so nice to watch a nice thing happen to nice people and be a part of something like that. I’m not very good at building though. I am allowed to watch, but not to touch. They would give a power tool to a nine-year-old before they gave it to me.” And with that, Joe is speculating about the routines and fun he will be having on stage with the Cinderella cast this Christmas in Norwich. Oh yes he will!

Cinderella, Tue 17 Dec - Sun 19 Jan 2020. Tickets £10 - £25. Discounts for Over-60s, Under-18s, Groups and Schools. To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.

WIN TICKETS

TO SEE CINDERELLA! Norwich Theatre Royal is giving away a family ticket (four seats) to see Cinderella on Thursday 19 December. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question: Where was panto star Joe Tracini born? A) Great Yarmouth B) Sheringham C) Felixstowe To enter, simply visit www.village-people.info and follow the links to the competition page. Closing date is Sunday 15 December 2019 and the usual Village People rules apply.

Gardens

Fresh and frosty JOBS FOR ARY DECEMBER & JANU n

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A FEAST OF WINTER COLOUR Berrries are the jewels of the December garden, offering a fesstive treat for birds. These include holly, mistletoe, pyracantha, cotoneaster and ha awthorn; and now is the time to plant these trees and shrubs. W When growing holly, use a se elf-fertile variety, or plant a m male and female specimen to guarantee berries. Birds w also appreciate rosehips will a crab apples. Very few and berries that birds enjoy are suitable for us to eat, however we can all feast on aronia (chokeberry) berries. They are a little bitter when eaten raw,

but packed with vitamin C. This is perfect tree planting time. Once the fabulous autumn leaves fall from Acer griseum (the paperbark maple), this tree still has plenty to offer. The cinnamon-coloured peeling bark looks wonderful all year round and it’s a slow-growing tree, which makes it a favourite. The cornus (dogwood) and salix (willow) families are perfect for bright red and golden stems in the winter months. Cornus sanguinea types such as ‘Midwinter Fire’ are exceptional for both red and golden colours. Hard pruning should be done annually.

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or manure to the trench, or use bags of green waste bought from the council. Fork compost into the soil, breaking up the base of the trench to improve the drainage beneath. Work your way down the bed, only walking on undug ground. Turn topsoil from each trench into the previous one. If you are taking up a lawn, turn the sod into the base of the trench where it will rot down, but on weed-infested ground you need to fork out live roots as you go.

Gardens

OH CH HRISTMAS TREE! Choosing a Chrristmas tree is a well-loved family tradition, and th he trick is to get one that will look lovely right up un ntil you take the decorations down. Look for a tree t that has been freshly cut, with bright, shiiny needles. If you give the branches a shake and lots of needles fall off, the tree is past its ts best. Measure the space you wantt yo our tree to fit into nto before you leave th he ho ouse,, and don’t forget the tree stan nd could add 15cm to the height. Wear gloves, so you can transport the tree to your carr or home without pricking yo our hands on the sharp needles. There is a wide range of Chrisstmas trees, all different in appe earance, and some are more like ely to drop needles than otherrs. Norway Spruce has a tenden ncy to drop needles, bu ut Nordmann Fir, with its dark green foliage and soft leaves, is suited to fewer decorations and holds its needles well. Fraser Fir is leaner in shape with much denser or foliage, and ideal fo a smaller room. Have a wonderful Christma as.

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Gardens

The Garden Enclosure

Festive Jottings

t’s strange how colours are associated with certain times of the year; shades of yellow in Spring, blue and white mirroring the sky in Summer, black and orange around Halloween, and green and red at Christmas — but is your Christmas really green? Plastic is the dirty word at the moment, and our reliance on the wonder stuff is incredible, but why choose to buy something fake if there’s a real alternative available that has benefited the environment for years? Commercially-grown Christmas trees are planted to be harvested (just like a field of wheat), in a rotation lasting 8 to 15 years depending on the variety and size required. They are inspected regularly, thinned and trimmed to create bushiness and good shape. As blocks are felled more trees are planted to keep this carefully managed cycle going. During this time they provide shelter and habitat for wildlife, and absorb tons of carbon dioxide from the air. If they are recycled after Christmas the resulting chippings can be used for mulching, added to compost, or sent as biomass to generate heat or electricity. Compare this to artificial trees, and although improving in appearance they are manufactured around the world using mixed materials including metal and different plastics which are almost

impossible to separate for recycling, and so they are destined for landfill where they take hundreds of years to break down. There’s really nothing like having a real Christmas tree, and the Nordman Fir is the perfect choice for family areas. Gone are the days of thousands of sharp needles getting stuck in your carpet (and feet) as the Nordman holds on to its soft glossy foliage incredibly well. Choose a locally-grown tree for great value and lasting freshness — just as food starts to deteriorate once it’s harvested, so do trees once they’re cut, and you wouldn’t think of bringing stale food into your house for Christmas would you? If you fancy a tree for outdoor display, why not consider a container-grown fir or spruce to be grown in a pot or in the ground, allowing you to appreciate its magnificence for years to come. Make yours a greener Christmas and enjoy having a real tree this year, after all, it really is the natural choice! Merry Christmas!

Cheers Ken,

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What’s on this month

VILLAGE NOTICE BOARD

FESTIVAL WYNTERFEST

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER NOON - 6PM Wymondham town centre A festive buzz, with live music, street entertainers, gift shopping, festive food and warming drinks and stalls selling local produce, all the way from Fairland Street, through the market place, right up to the war memorial. The Lighting Up Wymondham Parade will kick off at 3.30pm and will take visitors on a festive journey around the town, finishing with Christmas carols. The muchloved reindeer will return this year on Fairland Street, and Santa himself will be there in his sleigh, ready to receive young visitors in his grotto in Wharton’s Court. Don’t miss the Family Funfair on Middleton Street, and there will be plenty for adults too, including mince pies and mulled wine.

QUIZ QUIZ NIGHT

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER 7PM Shelfanger Village Hall, Common Road, Shelfanger, Diss IP22 2DP

Calling all brainboxes! £5 per person, teams of up to 6 people. Bar and refreshments available. Booking essential, contact James on 01379 640431.

MUSIC LIVE BAND: THE BUTCHER’S DOG

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER 8PM East Harling Sports & Social Club Enquiries Kate or Jo 01953 718251

PARTY THE SILVER DOLLAR COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB PRESENTS BUDGIE COLEMAN BAND — CHRISTMAS PARTY

SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER 7PM The Park Hotel, Denmark Street, Diss IP22 4LE Members £5, non members £6. For tickets, email John and Teresa Stannard at silverdollar.diss@tesco. net, or call 01603 433918.

EVENT DISS FAMILY HISTORY GROUP CHRISTMAS SOCIAL EVENING

TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 7PM Diss Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Road, Diss IP22 4EY All welcome at Diss Family History Group’s Christmas Social Evening. Included in the £7 ticket price is a buffet, two short talks, games and lucky ticket number prize. There will also be a good raffle on the night. Book your tickets from dissgroupnfhs@btinternet.com, or call 01379 688354.

MUSIC FINE CITY CHORUS CONCERT FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 7PM Bressingham Church Organised by Diss Waveney Rotary Club in aid of local and other charities supported by Rotary. Tickets £10 including light refreshments. To book, contact Elaine Bootman at bootmanelaine07@gmail.com or call 07740 104460.

FESTIVAL HIGH OAK COMMUNITY TREE FESTIVAL

SAT 14TH DECEMBER - SUN 15TH DECEMBER 11AM TO 4PM Morley’s St Botolph’s Church, Morley NR18 9TH A display of Christmas trees from

schools, churches, organisations and residents from local villages. Light refreshments available.

FAIR THE NIGHTFAIR

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 6.30PM Blackfriars Hall, The Halls, St Andrew’s Plain, Norwich NR3 1AU Norwich’s first truly alternative Christmas market, the NightFair will bring a wondrous selection of dark and unusual art and gifts. A wide selection of mainly local artists, ranging from cruelty-free taxidermy, dark art, gothic jewellery, macabre home décor, tarot readings, and even a live animal encounter to raise awareness for a small animal charity. Free entry.

MUSIC HARLESTON CHORAL SOCIETY’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 7.30PM St John’s Church, Harleston The concert includes Chilcott’s ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, Vaughan Williams’ ‘The First Nowell’, plus carols (some with audience participation), with professional soloists and orchestra. HCS’s Spring Term begins on Monday 13 January 2020, 7pm for collection of subs, in the church on London Road, Harleston. Come and join us for the Christmas concert, and for the new term in January!

EVENT ST NICHOLAS CHRISTMAS FAYRE

SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER 11AM The Heritage Triangle, Diss Shops and cafes will be open, along with quality craft and artisan food stalls. Bands, buskers and choirs, chestnuts and mulled wine; all evoke a very traditional atmosphere at the Christmas Fayre in the very heart of Diss.

Village Notice Board FILM YESTERDAY (12A)

TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER 7.30PM

MUSIC THETFORD VOICES CHRISTMAS CAROLLING DAY

FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER 1PM Thetford Grammar School, Bridge Street, Thetford IP24 3AG Young singers, from 6-16, from across Norfolk & Suffolk are invited to rehearse carols and Christmas songs, in preparation for an afternoon singing in residential homes across Thetford and a concert in St Cuthbert’s Church (6.45pm) for families, friends and other guests. You can also sing at the Farmers’ Market at Wyken Vineyard, Stanton, on Saturday morning; carols, cookies and hot chocolate.

Newton Flotman Village Centre, Grove Way, Newton Flotman, Norwich NR15 1QE After waking up in an alternate timeline, a struggling musician realises he’s the only person on earth who can remember The Beatles. For tickets, contact William Ball on william.ball@outlook.com

FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS CRIB FESTIVAL THURS 19TH - SAT 21ST DECEMBER 10.30AM TO 4PM Our Lady of the Annunciation RC Church, 21 Upgate, Poringland NR14 7SH

The festival will finish with a children’s carol service at 3.30pm on the Saturday. Christingle will be in attendance, with refreshments for the children after the carols. Coffee, tea and cakes will be available throughout the day and soup lunches from noon until 1.30pm. Free entry.

pantomime. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee on 11th at 2.30pm. Tickets from www. ticketsource.co.uk

THEATRE PUSS IN BOOTS PANTOMIME SUNDAY 12TH JAN 2.30PM East Tuddenham Village Hall.

PARTY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

TUESDAY 31ST DECEMBER 7.30PM Shelfanger Village Hall, Common Road, Shelfanger, Diss IP22 2DP Come and celebrate the New Year with friends and family. Tickets £10 per adult, free for kids. Includes buffet and bubbles at midnight. Tickets from the village hall bar on Monday and Friday evenings, or call James Easter on 01379 640431.

ART & CRAFT NEW ART & CRAFT GROUP

TUESDAY 7TH JANUARY 10AM The Space, Serling House, Mill Road, Burston A brand new, relaxed and friendly art and craft group for all abilities every Tuesday morning, starting on 7th January. Bring along your own materials. Anything goes; knitting, drawing, embroidery, crocheting, colouring. A still life table will be set up for those who would like to draw or paint. Drop in sessions: £5 per session, or book five sessions in advance for £20. Refreshments available.

THEATRE HANSEL & GRETEL: A FAMILY PANTOMIME

THURSDAY 9TH - SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY 7.30PM Memorial Hall, Pulham Market Pulham Players are proud to present this traditional family

Friends of Norfolk Dialect proudly present a panto with a Norfolk twist! Refreshments and raffle. Members £4, non members £5. For tickets contact Zena Tinsley at ztinsley57@talktalk.net, or on 07836 757822.

SALE ANNUAL MEGA JUMBLE SALE SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 2PM

Thornham Magna Parish Hall IP23 8HB Toys, clothes, homewares, linens, plants, bric-a-brac and much, much more.

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Eating Out

Ladies Who Lunch

A few last crumbs Village People bids a very fond farewell to Su Leavesley, who has been doing the magazine’s food reviews for a decade. Here she reflects on her time at the table and some of the most memorable places she has eaten.

elieve it or not I have been writing these restaurant reviews for 10 years now, at the rate of six per year, that’s about 60 reviews! If you have read most (or all) of them you will appreciate how varied these eating places are; indeed my very first foray was so ghastly that we agreed that we couldn’t publish a review. Even if I’d put a spin on it and tried to gloss it up it would still have been as successful as varnishing a cat!

But now I am putting away my spoon and retiring. The main reason for this is that my diabetes is becoming problematic from a ‘choice-of-food’ point of view. Many eateries cater for vegetarians, vegans, Keto dieters, lactose intolerant, gluten free, and also for children. But not many offer foods for diabetics, and we have to restrict the amount of carbohydrate we eat. This is not a voluntary thing like the Keto weight-loss diet; I have a friend who is on Keto and she daren’t lick an envelope in case there are carbs in the glue! So my meals now consist of meat, fish and green stuff, followed by one square of 90% chocolate and black coffee with no sugar. I can cope with that; one delightful side-effect is that I have lost weight! So what was the most memorable of the 60 or so meals I have written about? The Angel Inn at Larling is a good contender, where I had a whole trout — regular readers will be aware of my predilection for fish. Then there was Yellows in Norwich at the football stadium, where it was so bright and lively with young people and where I ate the most spectacular baked cheesecake ever. Benji’s at Jarrolds in Norwich was another great experience. Pre diabetes diagnosis I had the most elegant ice cream affogato; a scoop of

vanilla ice cream ‘drowned’ with either hot or cold strong espresso coffee with slices of biscotti to dip. Aside from these there are, sadly, a few where I can barely remember what we ate, which is the main point after all. Very few were disappointing or lacklustre, or downright poor, only perhaps one or two. The most expensive was The Auberge at just under £60, but we were delighted with not only the food but the little extras like fresh baked bread and butter while we studied the menu, and a plate of homemade fudge and mint chocolates with our coffee. And the little bag of lemons the waiter presented me with when we left, for my husband who had a cold. I know it only amounts to about £1, but it was a very kind gesture. And the cheapest? Ironically it was the next place we went to; the Jolly Farmers in Forncett. Having asked around for suggestions, I still couldn’t quite believe that two people could actually dine on two courses for only £9.95; that’s less than a fiver each! Excellent lunch, really first class, and with drinks and coffees it still only came to £17 for the two of us. My companions varied from my ‘twin’ in his wheelchair, to a lady of almost 90 years of age, with whom I managed to walk out of the restaurant without paying. Only later did we realise and went back to rectify the situation. I shall continue to dine out, puddings notwithstanding, and if I find a place that really does cater for diabetics I will send a note to the editor for any fellow sufferers. I have loved doing my food write-ups, and working with the team at Village People. Farewell and keep on eating well.

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No. 65005

LOCAL HISTORIAN

MEMORIES OF THELNETHAM Local historian, Dennis Cross from Diss, shares with us his fascinating collection of old postcards, focusing on a different village in every issue. This issue, we take a walk down memory lane in Thelnetham.

Thelnetham School, 1912. This flint building was erected in 1872 for 80 children. Anthony Mills was headmaster. The school closed in 1955 and is now the village hall. Thelnetham Rectory, 1911. This postcard shows the rector, Rev Sawbridge, and his wife sitting on a bench in the garden. The rectory is now a private house and all the creeper has been removed.

Thelnetham has so many pretty houses and cottages, like this one, dated 1909. The village is well worth a visit to see both old and new properties and the church.

History

Dated 1915, this postcard shows the crossroads looking towards Hinderclay. The white house on the left behind the tree is a pub, now closed. The cottages on the right are still there, but now hidden by trees and hedges.

Thelnetham Post Offi fficce, 1908. This thatched house was near the White Horse pub, and Frederick Coppen was the sub postmaster. Thelnetham has no Post Office today and the house is now a private residence.

Taken outside St Nicholas Church in Thelnetham in 1912. The Rev Canon Sawbridge was rector and rural dean, and can be seen in the picture with the village children and ladies dressed in their Sunday best. The Norfolk Postcard Club meets regularly in Trowse in Norwich and new members are very welcome. The next meetings are on 11 December and 8 January.

The White Horse pub, 1920. Mr James Webb was the landlord. At the time there was a small shop near the wall. The pub is still there, but the shop is long gone. The population at the time was 260.

Dennis is also the author of several local history books that can be purchased by contacting him direct.

A Trip Back in Time

Dennis Cross has produced his own fascinating 2020 calendar which features old photographs of Diss and surrounding villages. To order, call Dennis on 01379 651897. All proceeds to Big C.

If readers h have any local l l postcards t d off Diss or the surrounding villages, please get in touch with him after 7pm on 01379 651897. ÂŠ

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Wildlife

Making peace with BATS IN CHURCHES

ats can be found in most historic churches in England, often in such small numbers that they go unnoticed. In some cases, however, the roosts can become a problem, causing damage to church interiors and putting additional pressure on the volunteers looking after the building. The newly launched Bats in Churches project will offer support to protect churches struggling to find peace with their bats. Engagement, heritage and volunteer training experts, together with bat and conservation specialists, will work to find locally appropriate and sustainable solutions to help churches and communities to thrive alongside their bats. The five-year project has been made possible by a £3.8 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is working with 102 of the worst affected churches across the country; just under a third of which are in the Norwich Diocese. Each church provides a unique set of challenges and the project will be using Natural England’s specially created Bats in Churches Class Licence to come up with a range of new approaches for dealing with bats.

Pipistrelle bats, and a brown long-eared bat (below) ©Hugh Clark/www.bats.org.uk bolster links between churches and local bat groups and help support the dedicated volunteers whose work is often made harder by the presence of bats. The most successful approaches will be shared with other churches nationwide. A range of interpretation, advice and engagement activities will also be available to all other churches in the diocese via the project website. For more information, please visit batsandchurches.org.uk. Churches looking for advice on their bat population can contact the free Bat Conservation Trust helpline on 0345 1300 228.

Project ecologists and local builders have already installed rafter bat boxes at Swanton Morley church, including cameras to monitor how bats are using the new roosts. Professional surveys at seven other churches will design bespoke solutions, creating alternative roosts or access for bats and installing protection for wall paintings and monuments. The project is also helping churches to host fundraising and community events, and providing training, including specialist cleaning workshops. The project will also

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Recipe

DARK CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY FUDGE CAKE With dark fudgy icing, a rich moist chocolate sponge and red raspberries, this is a showstopper cake. Serves 12-14 533kcal / 39g carbs per serving INGREDIENTS

Tip:

f ot a fan o If you’re n mit o st ju , es raspberri se other them or u friendly te la co o ch fruits.

80g dark cocoa powder (we use Green & Black’s) 1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 200ml boiling water 375g soft brown sugar 4 eggs 180ml rapeseed oil 200g self-raising flour

FILLING 425ml double cream, whipped 250g raspberries, fresh or frozen Icing sugar, to taste

ICING

between the three tins. Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, until risen and springy to the touch and a skewer comes out clean. Run a knife around the edges and leave to cool in their tins. 3. To make the icing, put the dark chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, then stir occasionally until melted. Meanwhile, put the cream, maple syrup and cocoa powder in a pan and bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Take off the heat and sieve into the melted chocolate mix. Stir to combine.

250g chopped dark chocolate (about 55% cocoa) 40g butter, diced 50g dark cocoa powder 2 tablespoons maple syrup 120ml double cream Raspberries (fresh) to decorate

4. Mix the raspberries through the whipped cream and sweeten to taste. Spread the mixture on the first two layers of cake and stack them, topping with the final layer. The fudge icing should still be warm, but not hot. Pour gently and spread over the cake’s surface, then down the sides. It sets quite quickly, so work fast!

METHOD

5. Add raspberries to decorate, and chill until ready to serve. The cake keeps for three days in the fridge, or it can be frozen.

1. Grease and line three 20cm round deep cake tins. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Mix the cocoa powder and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl and whisk in the boiling water until smooth. Set aside until ready to use. 2. In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar and eggs until completely combined. Add the cocoa and bicarb solution, whisking in thoroughly. Fold in the flour gently. Divide the mixture evenly

The Pennoyer Centre’s staff and volunteer BakeForce make delicious cakes for the café, which won the EDP Norfolk Food & Drink “Best Baking” Award. The café, in Pulham St Mary, is open Mon-Sat from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Nature

Christmas cheer

FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE

By Helen Baczkowska, Conservation Officer at Norfolk Wildlife Trust

ringing evergreens indoors in winter is a custom older than Christmas itself. In the distant past, green leaves may have represented life and renewal in the short, cold days of mid-winter, warding off evil spirits at large in the long dark nights.

The black berries are bitter and not for human consumption, but they are rich in calories for birds and often among the last food available before spring. If you have a hedge full of ivy nearby, watch out for blackbirds and fieldfares stripping the berries with glee in the New Year.

Holly, with its bright berries, is a cheerful sight in December. In Christian tradition the prickly leaves symbolise Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crown of thorns, and the red berries droplets of blood. Holly trees grow slowly, with dense wood used to make walking sticks. In summer, the flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects, while the holly blue butterfly caterpillar munches on the tough leaves. Although not edible for humans, the red berries are a good winter food source for birds and small mammals, the dense bushes perfect for snug winter roosts.

Blackbird, credit Elizabeth Dack

Although much maligned, ivy is not a parasite and does not deplete the resources of the trees where it scrambles. Ivy provides good winter shelter for small birds like blue tits and robins, and the long, climbing stems were once common at weddings as they symbolised binding. Ivyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in a Christmas wreath may partly have been to tie it together, as well as providing glossy green foliage. Where it flowers, ivy has strongly scented blooms as summer turns into autumn, providing a vital late nectar source for invertebrates, especially bees.

Blackcap, credit Elizabeth Dack

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Nature

Fieldfare, credit Richard Steel - 2020VISION

Mistle Thrush feeding on Rowan berries in snow, credit David Tipling

Holly tree with berries, credit Elizabeth Dack

Mistle thrush in mistletoe, credit David Ferre

Robin and holly berries, credit Alan Price

Song thrush looking for food in an ivy bush, credit Pat Adams

Mistletoe is a plant steeped in folklore and the custom of kissing beneath it harks back to the Vikings, who saw it as a symbol of friendship and love. Mistletoe is a ‘hemi-parasite’, meaning its roots reach into the sap of the tree it grows on and take some food there. But it’s a small plant and takes only a little, so it’s unlikely to do a tree any harm. As with holly and ivy, mistletoe berries are toxic to humans, but much loved by birds, especially the aptly named mistle thrush, which is the larger cousin of the song thrush. In recent years, mistletoe has been flourishing in Norfolk and Suffolk, possibly due to the warmer winters encouraging blackcaps to stay here year round. Like mistle thrushes, these little

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Local walks

WALKING FOR Health

LODDON AND CHEDGRAVE Reviewed by Dougie Dingwall, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Central Norfolk Walking for Health

Starting point: Memorial, Church Plain car park, Loddon Norfolk, NR14 6ET Grid ref: OL40 Map: TM362987 Walk length: (miles/km): 4 / 6.4 Approx time: 1 hour 20 minutes Public toilets: The Staithe car park, Bridge Street

©Ordnance Survey

his is a pleasant four-mile walk around the villages of Loddon and Chedgrave, also following a short section of the Wherryman’s Way beside the River Chet. It’s a route Central Norfolk Walking for Health walks at least once a month. Most of it is on firm surfaces, with the exception of crossing two short sections of field.

DIRECTIONS Starting at the car park (there is two hours’ free parking) exit into the southern side of the churchyard, using the footpath heading towards the right of Holy Trinity Church. Opposite the church main door turn right along the footpath and then continue along the signed public footpath. At the end of the footpath bear left into Beccles Road. Continue past the vets’ practice, then bear left into Norton Road. After a short distance turn left at the Y junction into Mill Road. Use pavements where possible and take care with concealed oncoming traffic at Y junction of Norton and

Mill Roads. Turn right onto the public footpath just beyond Grebe House and opposite house No. 29 Mill Road. Walk along the path and across the field, keeping the hedge on your right. There may be cattle in the field. Go through the gate and turn left into Pyes Mill Road, pass Barton Lodge and Mill Farm on your right, then turn left at the Y junction into Mill Road. Holy Trinity Church, Loddon

Local walks Turn right and take the public footp path alongside house No. 29 Mill Road. Do not misttake the drive to No. 33 for the footpath. Walk a few metres further to find the correct path and signposst. Follow the footpath to Holy Trinity Loddon Chu urchyard. Use the footpath to the right of the church to return to the car park, exit the car park on the library ry y side, turning right into Church Plain, whicch becomes Market Place. Follow this road around to the end and take the narrow alleyway next to house No.18 Willow Lodge. Turn right onto High/ Bridge Street and continue past Staithe car park and over the River Chet road bridge. Keep straight on, passing Wherry ry y Close on your right; this becomes Norwich Ro oad. Continue straight ahead into Langley Road an nd take the alleyway next to house No. 32 oppo osite the charity shop.

The bridge between Loddon and Chedgrave. Go through the metal barrier, cross Church Close and continue through two more barriers. Once you reach the junction of footpaths beside the church continue straight ahead, follow the blue circle walks discs and keep the church on your left.

gate and continue along the signed Wherry ryman’s y Way footpath towards and then left alongside the River Chet. Keep a look out for buzzards, marsh harriers and red kite, all of which I have seen frequently along here.

Look out for buzzards, marsh harriers and red kite.

Keeping the river on your right, continue through a second gate until you reach ‘Chedgrave Free Moorings’. Leave the riverside via the second gate on the left, which is signed as Wherry ryman’s y Way. Walk a short distance towards the houses, go through the gate and turn left onto the vehicle track, then walk approximately ½ mile to Hardley Road.

Looking back towards Loddon from Wherryman’s Way At Hardley Road turn left and continue to the crossroads in Chedgrave. Please take extra care along this section, as there is no pavement and traffic can be busy. Turn left into Langley Road and keep walking, joining Norwich Road then Bridge and High Streets back to the car park in Loddon. Please note, some of this walk is along roads and beside an unfenced section of the river, so keep children under close supervision.

At the end of the path turn right into Pits Lane and walk towards the river. At the end go through the

Walkers should register with the Facebook page (Central Norfolk Walking for Health) to receive important messages. To find out more, visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk.

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Poetry

Poetrry Corner Sin nce she turn ned 60 last yea ar, Karen Ridgeon from Disss set herse elf the task of wrriting g 60 poe ems. Here is a ju ust a small selection of her work so far. Karen Ridgeon

BEING 60

KEE PIN G FIT AN D FAT

Gone are the days of playing 45s Going to the beach for donkey rides No more mini skirts, hot pants or loons Or being surprised by people landing on the moon

I like yoga, I like to swim And Aquafit to keep me trim

No more going to the arcade to put pennies in the slot Or disco dancing down at TOTS (Talk of the South) Big shoulder pads and massive hair Being brave enough to have a midriff to bare

I like to trek, I like to hike And when it’s sunny I ride my bike

But I also like gin and I like cake So no matter how much I exercise… No difference does it make

GIVE IT A REST

As we get older our bits begin to ache So slow down, listen to your body And give yourself a break Whether it’s neck pain, sore leg, An aching hip or arm Give yourself a hug, it won’t do any harm Your body is a temple, but not one of doom Treat it with love And you will see it bloom

Thigh high boots, platform shoes Even leopard print is a taboo So what does being 60 actually bring With restrictions on so many things? Sensible footwear, comfortable elasticated slacks Buying big knickers in multi packs?! Free eye tests, expensive life insurance Pills to help you keep endurance The NHS will write to you With an invitation to test your poo With wine, spirits and red meat off the menu It’s important to find other interests and new venues So here’s to drinking tea, or lime with lager And booking annual holidays with Shearings and Saga

Are you a poet from Norfolk or Suffolk? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Email a selection of poems and a bit about you to editor@village-people.info for the chance to be featured in a future issue.

Art

A NEW YEAR’S ‘creativity’ RESOLUTION

Art writer Kristy Campbell welcomes in the New Year with ideas on how to boost creativity in January

his New Year we soar into January honouring ‘International Creativity Month’. Among the many celebrations: fireworks, social gatherings and visiting friends, religious services, smashing plates and ringing bells, it’s also a time for resolutions. This issue we’re drawing on intriguing contemporary practices to inspire our communities to explore new skills and viewpoints in 2020. Our definitions and understandings of creativity vary from person to person. You might associate it with the designing of vibrant and playful arts and crafts projects and workshops; perhaps you perceive creativity as a savvy skill, like knitting, drawing or make-up artistry. Or maybe it’s the ability to develop ideas using innovative methods, like those of landscape designers and architects. Creativity presents itself as distinct and diverse meaningful interpretations, essential for the education and progression of society, as well as our relationships with an ever-evolving world. Enhancing creativity in our everyday lives can be done simply and effectively. Consider importing creative practice into the workplace by introducing motivating visual stimulus, modify the location, environment or layout of where work happens, or even seek out ways to bring a more positive energy into the workplace. This could be sourced from a change in your fitness pattern, wellbeing, social life, or even indulging in some additional ‘rest time’. Being creative in the classroom is essential for active learning. Reflective models can be used to encourage discussion and understanding of subject matter, potentially taking the form of a collaborative ideas board. Indulge in a tactile practice, thus generating a more inclusive engagement with classwork. Merging different materials and resources into the learning experience will aid accessibility. Try out different ways to respond to material too, through discussion, written reflection, presentations, and

Hannah Turner Wallis Imagined Stages, 2019

illustrations. Fusing creativity into areas of our lives can kick-start the feeling of progression, achievement, and satisfaction. There is liberation to be found in returning to old ideas, and realising new ones. I would urge you to recharge this creativity by flicking through books, or by observing your surroundings, to obsess less about negative aspects of the everyday and recognise what can be enforced to bring about positive change, even on a small scale. Artisans with connections to East Anglia, established throughout the UK, have gifted us with some stunning imagery and inspiration to kick-start our creativity mind-map. Hear how our assortment of visionaries interpret and employ creativity in their practices.

Art “Creativity for me is a relentless energy whose expression is completely natural and almost subconscious.” Emma Cracknell “I use the stereotypical comfort of knit to play with the idea of being uncomfortable emotionally. This contrast is usually met with bright colours and fun textures, juxtaposing the problems of the world that surrounds us, which my work usually talks about.” Grace Morley “I use my creativity as a method of expressing narratives, responding and highlighting current political issues through an experimental textile approach. I use art to approach these often harsh and complicated topics to enable audiences to grasp a different version of politics, making it visually appealing to learn more about these issues.” Nikkita Morgan

Grace Morley The Uncomfortability of Home, 2018

Nikkita Morgan Brexit Respond, 2018

“Creativity for me is integral, I am not so good with words so I use my photography to communicate in another way.” Marz Kapadia “My creativity allows me to investigate and overcome emotional or distressing moments in my life, through the creation of a physical outcome.” Emma Jones

Marz Kapadia Harvest, 2016

“Working across performance, research and visual practices, I collect actions, words, materials, movements, situations and processes to construct/ deconstruct contexts, filter experiences and translate environments.” Hannah Turner Wallis Food for thought. I hope you are able to launch into the New Year with some new habits and new

Emma Cracknell Screw, 2014

Emma Jones Untitled 61, 2018

Writer Kristy Campbell www.axisweb.org/p/ kristycamp Emma Cracknell www.emmaleecracknell.co.uk

perspectives. Being creative is about reinventing and reigniting. Endeavour to discover how your activities and knowledge can be enriched; see how a month of creativity can be the beginning of discovering differences, approaches, impressions and awareness.

Grace Morley Instagram- @gracethegranny_also

Emma Jones Instagram- @emmajones1991

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Recycling

SAY NO TO FAST FASHION AND YES TO Preloved Fashion Caroline Topping looks at how we can all help to give clothing a longer life

urther to my series of articles about doing our bit to help the planet, I’m now looking at the move we seem to have made towards Fast Fashion. We used to have two seasons for clothing trends: Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. Have you noticed now that when you walk past shop windows there is a constant stream of new designs being displayed to tempt us? Fast Fashion would not be possible without cutting corners in terms of quality of product and poor labour conditions for workers. In Asia especially, workers are paid low wages, forced to work extremely long hours and generally exploited by their superiors.

The cost to the environment is also overwhelming, with high levels of CO2, greenhouse gas emissions and the pollution of the earth’s water. Did you know that it takes 2,700 litres of water to make one cotton t-shirt? I didn’t. Just think of that every time you see cheap cotton t-shirts on sale. The dyes that go into most brightly coloured Fast Fashion pieces are also environmental polluters, and the cheap textiles used in this clothing (namely Polyester) shed microfibres that contribute to ocean pollution. If all this were not bad enough, we are also being dragged into a culture of waste with an overabundance of inexpensive items, which means we see clothes as cheap and disposable. We are buying things we don’t really need, not even necessarily wearing them, or wearing them once or twice before discarding them at the back of the wardrobe.

CO2 emissions), or shipped abroad, which also has negative implications. Some Fast Fashion items are not even being given a first life; due to overproduction many won’t even be bought from the shop and are destined to join the tonnes of items being disposed of weekly. So, what can we do about this? We can make a commitment to not add to the problem, but be part of the solution. Do not buy Fast Fashion, but instead recycle or update items in your wardrobe by getting out your sewing machine (or employing a local seamstress) and changing the size and style, giving them a new life. If this is totally impractical, set up or take part in Preloved Fashion shows or a Clothes Exchange. These are easy to organise and a great way to socialise with friends, neighbours, colleagues and the community. Get people to bring items they no longer want or need and exchange them for other preloved items that have been brought along. I recently attended such an event and we had a lovely time trying on clothes and taking away things to make our personal wardrobes look fresh and more exciting. We not only had the satisfaction of knowing we were saving these clothes from being destroyed, but no money was spent and we made room in our wardrobes to take ‘new’ items home.

They’re eventually either given to charity shops (which are drowning in an oversupply of unwanted clothes), put out for incineration (releasing more

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Vegan

BE A vegan powerhouse Personal trainer and nutritionist Paul Kerton transformed his life and health when he changed to a plant-based diet. Here he shares his ‘Top Five’ vegan foods for general good health BEETROOT — is full of nitrates which, once transformed into nitric oxide by the body, are powerful vasodilators. Opening up the blood vessels allows oxygen and nutrients to reach working muscles more easily and helps to clear waste products quickly. Freshly squeezed beetroot juice is delicious too. Mix with a little apple juice to make it more palatable, as most people find the flavour too earthy. QUINOA — is a nutritionally dense grain that’s chock-full of slow-burning complex carbohydrates and B vitamins, which help metabolise the carbs into energy for the body. It has much more copper, iron and magnesium than brown rice, and a whopping 14g of high quality protein per 100g dry weight. You can choose the plain white variety, or there’s red and black too, which have higher levels of antioxidants. If you want to be really fancy, go for tri-colour quinoa, which can be used instead of rice for sushi, in burritos with sweetcorn and beans, in a chilli and much more. LENTILS — are the most protein dense of all the whole plant foods, with a 240g can containing a massive 21.6g. They have high levels of the important muscle-building branch chain amino acids (valine, leucine and isoleucine). A recent study found them to be the most antioxidant-rich of all the legumes. Try them mixed with just about anything: pasta, salads, or in soups. You can buy them ready cooked in packs and tins, easy and good to go! Lentil burgers are great, too, and they are delicious in a dal and sprinkled over salads and soups. Try black lentils, French lentils, as well as red, brown and green — and find your favourite ones. BERRIES — are the ultimate antioxidant powerhouses. Not only do antioxidants protect against cancer and slow the ageing process, they also help massively with recovery from exercise. Blackberries top the chart as the most antioxidantrich UK berry, but Amla powder, made from the

Indian Gooseberry, is the single highest antioxidant food in the world, with somewhere between one and two hundred times the power of the oft-lauded Blueberry. Berries are best just eaten fresh and of course are great in smoothies. FLAXSEEDS (LINSEEDS) — make my list for their extremely high levels of anti-inflammatory omega 3 essential fatty acids. Both chia and flaxseeds must be ground, or the body will not absorb any of the omega 3. Flaxseeds are great blended in smoothies and sprinkled on porridge. Paul tours the country giving talks on veganism and has appeared on TV and radio, including the BBC World Service’s Newshour. For more, go to henchherbivore.com

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Trees

FORNCETT’S FIGHT AGAINST climate change

he village of Forncett has set itself a target of planting 100 trees by the end of February 2020. ‘Forncett’s 100 Trees’ is a community effort and the idea is that, although the news about the climate is worrying, everybody can do this simple thing to help. Plant one tree, more if you have the space, because every single tree helps. By locking in carbon from the atmosphere, trees are at the front line in the fight against climate change. The initiative, which was an idea from local Abie Raynsford, kicked off with a meeting in November, where villagers heard from speakers with an interest in trees and biodiversity. They included, among others: vicar of Forncett Rev Lydia Avery, with her lovely idea of Christening saplings; Helen Baczkowska, an ecologist and representative from Norfolk Wildlife Trust; local artist and sculptor Andy Jarrett, well known for his work around trees and wood; and Rowan Francis from the Steam Museum. People were encouraged to find a space in their garden or, if they are landowners, a corner of a field, a copse or wood in which to plant trees. It was explained that whips in autumn are very

Vicar of Forncett, Lydia Avery

inexpensive, although protection from rabbits and squirrels is necessary, as is watering for the first couple of years. Of course it’s not necessary to plant an oak or a beech tree, although a mature oak supports over 280 different insects alone. A small crab apple is very wildlife friendly and lovely in all seasons, as are many others such as prunus, sorbus or acer. Anyone interested can take part in this scheme by posting a pledge to plant a tree in the box in the porch of Forncett Village Hall. To find out more, email Abie Raynsford on abiewabisabi@yahoo.co.uk

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Seasonal food

WHAT’S IN Season?

Keep an eye on what’s in season and you’ll get the most out of all the fresh local produce that Norfolk and Suffolk have to offer. Juliette from Fredrick’s Fine Foods in Diss shares her favourites for December and January. VEGETABLES

FISH

n Brussels sprouts – delicious grated in coleslaw, or added to lentils for a lovely vegetable curry to warm up those chilly evenings! n Chestnuts – mixed with mushrooms they make a great vegetarian pie filling, and of course with chocolate and fresh cream they can create an unforgettable Christmas Yule log.

FRUIT n Clementines – try making a lovely almond and clementine cake, gorgeous served with a citrus cream made from lime and orange zest mixed with cream cheese. n Pomegranates – the seeds are so pretty. Mix with feta cheese, pomegranate molasses and mint and put on top of roasted aubergines, or add into a couscous or freekeh salad for a bejewelled side dish. n Seville oranges – this is the fruit to use in the Swedish drink Glog: red wine with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves. Just writing it makes me think of Christmas! n Cranberries – make your own cranberry sauce for Christmas; add a little orange and some me port forr a real treat. You’ll be spreading it on yo our toa ast!

n Sea bass – the sweet flesh takes on other flavours very well, whether you cook it as a whole fish or as fillets. Great added to a hearty bouillabaisse, or steamed with ginger and soy sauce. n Mussels – have a go at making a paella with some chicken and chorizo, or cook mussels with tomatoes and pasta and serve with some crisp garlic bread.

MEAT n Goose – if you roast a goose at home, be sure to save the fat as it makes the best roast potatoes in the world! n Turkey – whether you decide to cook a whole bird, or just the crown, turkey is a delicious seasonal treat, and the leftovers can make a wonderful Boxing Day pie. n Game – it’s the season for all things game: wild duck, partridge, pheasant and venison. Buy some diced local game from your butcher and make a warming casserole with the flavours of orange, or cook a venison loin with some blackberries and swede in a delicious stew.

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Village Life

Gospel from THE SAINTS By Julia Collins, who lives in Saint Nicholas

o here we are, moving towards the end of 2019 and a brand new year. Winter is on the agenda, although we sometimes have warmer days accompanied at last by much needed rain. The village’s gardens are still eye catching. Stalwart roses, robust seed heads and impervious shrubs are holding their own. Cheerful winter flowering pansies sit smugly in window boxes, while a cool, clear sky makes a brightly refreshing backdrop to the skeletal trees. Trimming, raking and generally pottering continues in the garden. Scorching sun a distant memory as we enjoy softness, damp and mud once more! Tidying, mulching, precautions against frost — the ‘to do’ list reaches towards spring and beyond. Wispy smoke rises from damp leaves, as we attempt a kippery disposal. “Must tread back in the bulbs the rabbits unearthed.” It’s invigorating to be outside, perhaps actually a pleasure to ‘wrap up’ — more like our usual climate? We all enjoyed the summer, but somehow nowadays strong sunshine brings angst. We are so aware of global warming and the apparent acceleration of its damaging effects. Blustery gusts strip recalcitrant leaves from the trees and the final, heroic apples thunder down into the wet grass. On daily walks the dog and I still uncover the odd hidden conker, cushioned safely within their spiky carapaces. I pocket them happily and never tire of the pleasure of sliding them from their satiny beds.

As and when the weather turns particularly nippy, you have to agree that crisp, frosty mornings do

add an essential piquancy to the festive season! Christmas is waiting just a few paces from the year’s finishing line and the shops are already gearing up. Is it just me, or does the excess that surrounds us suddenly seem more obvious, somehow apparent ‘in stark relief’? I always love Christmas shopping, gathering presents for friends and family. I just can’t help feeling that, this year, I will be far more aware of just how much we already have and the question mark that accompanies the salient question “more, really?” If we were able to return to our childhood Christmases, giving more homemade items and enjoying simpler entertainments, based less on spending money and more upon spending time and effort on each others’ behalf, how much better off would we all be? On a much lighter note, there are still plenty of festive pleasures to look forward to that do not really entail spending money or too much consumption. Carol services and school plays abound and are always a great pleasure to attend, not least for the nostalgia they trigger, poignant memories of ‘Christmas Past’. Christmas lights and lovely festive window displays make late afternoon trips to the High Street extra sparkly. Feasting our eyes and sharing a certain hustle and bustle are all part of the happy anticipation, before turning homewards to draw the curtains, enjoy our own tree and the crackling log fire.

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Waveney Heritage Centre

The talk of BROCKDISH!

By Mary Thompson, director of Waveney Heritage at Brockdish

e're going from strength to strength here at the Waveney Heritage Centre in Brockdish! The garden has been blitzed, blinds have been fitted and outside painting is well underway. Plants have gone in and we'll have a sitting-out space ready for the spring. Table tennis tables have arrived, along with a half-size snooker table. It’s become a hub of activity and everyone enjoys our Tuesday afternoon tea and cakes session where we swap books and anecdotes, chat and do anything else we don't get time for during the rest of the week, like art, knitting, Scrabble and jigsaws. Our Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon talks continue to interest and amaze with their variety of subject and talent of speaker, and they are very well attended. We have been intrigued by a talk on one of the oldest food processing skills; malting barley, and enjoyed a conducted tour of Brockdish Church by Elaine Murphy, author of books on two of the most ancient and beautiful houses in the area and of the latest guide to the church. Norman Hart, whose family has been connected with the Brockdish area for generations, ‘educated’ us with his highly entertaining ‘Sense and Squit’, a wander through the Norfolk dialect. Two weeks later we looked at life much further afield with a talk from Margaret Griffiths called ‘Harleston's Pilgrim Fathers’, about the Fuller family from Harleston who sailed to America on the Mayflower 400 years ago. Before we enjoy our Christmas celebration with the group ‘Rough at the Edges’, we are looking

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forward to talks on round tower churches, watermills and the many local men who took part in WW1. What more could you ask for? This really underlines that, in this so-called backwater, we have an amazing wealth of knowledge and expertise! Come and visit us soon. Fore more information contact: Mary Thompson on 01379 668279 marygthompson@aol.com, or Jill Edwards on 01379 669057 j.edwards4jy@btinternet.com

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History

A HAPPY Norfolk Christmas

Author and historian Michael Chandler looks at the fascinating festivities of times past

n 1647, Christmas in Norwich saw a battle between puritan preachers, who had spent a considerable time petitioning the Mayor for a quick, thorough reformation, and all the apprentices who had counter-petitioned for the Christmas festivities to be permitted. On Christmas Day in 1879, inmates at Swaffham workhouse were given their usual fare, with the addition of tobacco for the men and oranges and nuts for the women and children. Everyone received a Christmas card and letter from Miss Morse of Lowestoft, one of the many ‘righteous’ people in the area. On Boxing Day 1879, Benjamin Norman, a 42-yearold bricklayer from Cambridge, appeared before the Rev B Houchen after being charged by PC Clarke with begging at the village of Sporie, and was committed to Norwich Castle for seven days. Christmas rations during WW2 contained four ounces of bacon and/or ham, six ounces of butter or margarine, four ounces of tea, up to 12 ounces of sugar, two ounces of cooking fat and meat worth 1/10d. On Christmas Day 1940, Brighton & Hove Albion were away to Norwich with only five players, so it was no surprise that Norwich won 18-0!

With families sitting down to a traditional, vegetarian or vegan Christmas dinner, the choice of drink for a toast has to be a glass of port. This reminds me of the well-known saying: “Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?” It derives from a guest not passing the decanter of port to his or her neighbour, so the guest waiting for the decanter asks: “Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?” This has become the polite way to ensure the decanter is moved on. The saying is said to come from either Henry Bathurst, Bishop of Norwich 1805-1837, who was prone to fall asleep at the end of a meal so he could not pass on the decanter, or John Sheepshank, Bishop of Norwich 1893-1910. At the Taylor’s Port vineyard, Quinta de Vargellas, there is a portrait of Bishop Sheepshank reminding people to pass the port.

We all love to pull a Christmas Cracker as part of the festive feast, and one of the greatest names in the world was London firm Tom Smith, who moved to Norwich in 1953 to join Caley’s factory at the ‘Fleur de Lys’ — now Chapelfield Shopping Centre. It is fitting that the company joined Caley’s, because Smith invented the cracker, while a confectioner’s apprentice designed messages to put in his bonbons. The designs were undertaken by non other than East Anglian artist Alfred J Munnings. Tom Smith is now part of Napier Industries, the largest cracker manufacturer in the world. Over the years Tom Smith has held many Royal Warrants and is still a member of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. In 1987, Prince Charles granted the company a warrant to produce crackers for the royal household, on the understanding that the design and contents remain a guarded secret. I wish all the readers of this great magazine a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. If you are looking to find historical information on people, homes, buildings or anything else, then please email Michael Chandler at history@cwhs.co.uk and quote this magazine for a 15% discount

Falcon Meadow

Glorious MUD!

Laura Myatt, from Falcon Meadow Community Trust, looks at how the meadow is helping children to get their dose of nature

here is a secret formula, known only to children — and their more observant associates — that levels of happiness are directly proportionate to exposure to mud. A muddy child is, generally speaking, a happy child; and mud, with its erstwhile companions water, sand, stones and twigs, ought to be an integral part of any childhood.

Children thrive in a natural outdoor environment. There is near universal consensus that children who play outside are happier, more attentive, and less anxious than children who spend more time inside. But, universal consensus or not, this generation of children are spending the vast proportion of their days cooped up indoors. This is, as you might expect, due in part to the lure of assorted electronic wizardry. On average, Britain’s children watch more than 17 hours of television a week: that’s almost 2.5 hours per day, every single day of the year. They are also spending more than 20 hours a week online, mostly on social networking sites. And it gets worse: the lure of the ‘Great Indoors’ is further reinforced by fear of what may be lurking outside. Children no longer have the freedom to roam like they once did, with less than one in 10 ed children regularly playing in wild places, compare with almost half a generation ago. Less than a quarter of children regularly use their local ‘patch of nature’, compared with over half of all ad dults when they were children.

Our Summer Solstice Sleepout this year was sold out, testament to the fact that so many families are keen to get out in nature if the opportunities are there. Children arrived at dusk, hunted for nocturnal wildlife, sang songs around a campfire and slept out under the stars. Our Family Nature Day in October took place under cover in torrential rain, but children still made miniature bug houses, crafted boggarts from clay, hunted for acorns in a tray full of (you guessed it) mud and went home filthy and delighted. With our debts almost repaid, we hope to be able to offer even more nature-based events for children in 2020. In the meantime, do wander down and explore our local ‘patch of nature’ — bought by people who know how important it is to conserv rve v what we have.

The effect of this is devastating. Childrren who lack contact with nature suffer from dimin nished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses. But all is not lost; hundreds of communities are playing g their part to get their children outside and we can proudly count ourselves among this group. When Falcon Meadow (which lies bettween Bungay and Ditchingham) was purchased by y the community back in 2015, the trustees committted to ensuring that the meadow should be an acccessible green space for local people, an nd particularly children. We know that many families enjoy walking and exploring there, and we have also run a series of ‘Nature e Themed’ events that aim to get ch hildren outdoors, muddy and happy.

To find out more about events on Falcon Meadow, or if you’d like to volunteer, go to www.falconmeadow.org.uk

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Songs from our region

MUSIC AND SONG

Our regular Oral Traditions expert, Neil Lanham, is also a very successful songwriter. So in this issue we share one of his many ‘traditional’ songs.

When seagulls no longer will follow the plough

ow early one morning ‘ole Granny she stood at the big farmhouse table a-mixing some pud. She said have a stir boy and wish, if you do, just keep it a secret then that’ll come true. Then it’s into the cupboard 6 months for to leave, till puddens come down again on Christmas Eve. There’s some for the family, and for you if you’re good, and one for old Lazzie who lives by the wood. Chorus:

Chorus Then he’d tell about horses their ways to a fault, the frogsbone, the melt, how an Entire to halt. Plough land by Saint Stephens for tilth in the spring, respect for nature good husbandry bring. Set onions by Stoke Fair and by Edmund our king, set beans and set barley when sloe blooms again. And oats by Saint David’s he said with a nod, whosomever sets land must believeth in God. Chorus

‘Cause each Christmas morning to his home by the wood, with pudding we’d tramp for that man wise and good, and the thing that he’d tell me times coming know when seagulls no longer will follow the plough. Then she told me of Lazzie, ancient and old, a great visionary with tales to unfold. Who’d tell of the future and deeds to be done, he says it’s by nature that all life does come. He lives like a hermit but only does good, for all sorts of creatures his friends by the wood. So if you go over, boy, on Christmas Day, then just you listen to what Lazzie does say. Chorus e and time ‘ud go fast, We’d sit round his fireside with old country sayings great kno owledge he’d pass. He’d fo oretell the weather with a lo ook at the sky, cows, or the moon or how swallows do fly. He said ice in November iff that bears a duck, the rest of the winter’ll be slush and muck. Keep an eye out for nature important her ways and Saint Luke’s little summer brings 20 fi fine days.

Well the last time I saw him he looked very sad, he said changes are coming to them that are bad. Big business from nature for the sake of man’s greed‘ll cause folks to take much more than they need. We’ll be pawns to accountants, politicians and banks, genetic conglomerates never give thanks. The destruction of nature by chemical firms will leave us with fields where — there aren’t even worms. Final chorus: Now each Christmas morning, in the one field that’s left, I stand by that wood in nature bereft. And Lazzie, oh Lazzie it’s coming home now, when seagulls no longer will follow the plough. Copyright Neil Lanham. Tune as sung on the CD (see below). Neil says: “We sung this song in our show ‘Ruby and her Horses’, which was about my mother’s life in the agricultural depression of the early Thirties. The show sold out in 200 venues across Norfolk and Suffolk and both words and tune for this were much commended.” Both CD and DVD are available from www.oraltraditions.co.uk

Neil Lanham runs www.oraltraditions.co.uk, a website devoted to traditional folk song, spoken word history, story, wisdom, history and cultural identity. You can contact Neil on 01379 890568, or email traditionsofsuffolk@gmail.com

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Recipe

FREDRICKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHICKEN (or Tofu) CHILLI & NOODLE SOUP From Juliette at Frederickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Foods, in Diss

Serve

This healthy, comforting and warming soup is the greatest dish for banishing the winter blues. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS 1.5l chicken (or veg) stock 8 spring onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 red chilli 2cm piece of ginger, thinly sliced 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 star anise Ground black pepper 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped 1 carrot, sliced into matchsticks 2 skinless chicken breasts or 1 packet of tofu, diced Fresh basil leaves Fresh mint leaves 1 lemon 150g medium egg noodles

METHOD 01. For the chicken version, place the chicken stock, chicken breasts, spring onions, chilli, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, star anise and ground pepper into a large pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 12 minutes, add the celery and carrot and continue to cook for another six minutes, then remove the star anise. Taste and season as necessary. 02. Remove the chicken from the soup along with the star anise, which you can discard. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the noodles to the stock and cook as instructed on the packet. When cooked, put the chicken back into the soup and stir through the basil and mint

leaves. Divide the soup between four bowls and squeeze a little lemon juice on top. 03. For the tofu version, place the vegetable stock, spring onions, chilli, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, star anise and ground pepper into a large pan and simmer for 12 minutes. Add the celery and carrot and continue to cook for another six minutes, then remove the star anise. Taste and season as necessary. 04. Add the noodles to the stock and cook as instructed on the packet. Stir through the chopped basil, mint leaves and diced tofu. When hot, divide the soup between four bowls and squeeze a little lemon juice on top.

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South Lopham

Memories Of SOUTH LOPHAM STORES Maggy Chapman continues with her series of stories about the Sare family, who owned The Stores in the late 1800s, as told to her by her late grandmother.

he Sares kept a sow, called Susan, and used her to breed their own pigs for eating. When pigs were killed it was a big occasion in the household and the village; the butcher from North Lopham performing the task by slitting the pig’s throat with a knife! This gruesome deed always drew a crowd of children, who would stand around the slaughterhouse door at the back of The Stores and watch, accompanied by the dogs from the White Horse pub opposite. As soon as the pig squealed, the dogs would run across to catch odd pieces thrown out of the door. Once the pig was dead it was placed into a tin bath of hot water, scraped clean, toenails pulled, then slit down the middle to remove the ‘pluck’ — liver, skirt, heart, lights, etc. The carcass was then left until the next morning, when it would be quartered and taken into the house to be jointed. There was a lot to be done at this stage — the lard had to be ‘tried’ (boiled and squashed), sausages made, pork cheese

GASWORKS SOUTH EAST

boiled (on a Friday for some reason) and moulded into cups, which were sold in the shop at one penny each for the smaller ones.

The Sare family in 1905 at the back of The Stores.

The pig’s bellies were cleaned and sold at two pence a pail. People would go round to the back of the house with their own pail to buy them. Bacon was cured, then taken to Diss to be smoked for selling in the shop. So, when the Sares killed a pig it was an exciting occasion in the village!

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Canine Behaviour

Parlez Vous POOCH?!

Blogger and qualified ‘Dog Listener’ Julia Collins is finding that strategic tasty treats help to motivate and train her dog

ou only have to witness, or rather try not to witness, those imploring brown eyes to realise just how much importance your do og attaches to food. Dogs are opportunist, scav venger eaters. This is largely why they will steal food if given the chance. This is not the naughtinesss we perceive, but hardwired instinct to grab what you can while it’s available and before anyone else can do so. When dogs literally have th heir ‘collars felt’ for such behaviour, to us humans they can look contrite. In fact, they fear your wrath, they are not feeling guilty! “For goodness sake,” you exclaim, exuding crossness from every pore e, brows knit in frustration. This body lang guage and general demeanour gives a crystall clear ‘Uh Oh’ alert! However, as we all know, this keenness for food works to our advantage when training our dogs, encouraging our pets to ad dopt th he beh haviours we prefer. A few little cubes of cheese, ham or broken biscuit can be mightily persuasive. Strong, positive connections are quickly made, as long as the instructions are simply and calmly given. Show what you want, show that you’re pleased and reinforce this with a reward. More powerful still is making food rewards intermittent. Possessed of the ‘gambling instinct’, like us humans dogs keep trying, sensing that reward will come with continued, repeated effort. To ensure you keep on a positive path, always approach your goal in small, doable steps. Any action your dog takes towards the desired outcome is a success. Reward swiftly, don’t repeat too much and finish while things are going well! Rewards should not be enormous. Some of your dog’s daily measure of kibble can be added to. I like to put in a few little cubes of cheese, chicken or whatever, which will flavour the kibble, and this can be brought forth for tasks particularly splendidly performed! In actual fact, popping food into your furry friend’s mouth after every action dramatically diminishes the food’s impact and interest in performing generally.

We alll know how quiick kly dogs mak ke associiattions and that it’s a mistake to give your dog tidbits while you’re preparing food in the kitchen, or during mealtimes. I knew this but, on one single occasion I gave a tiny morsel to my daughter’s puppy. Years later, I kid you not, every time I opened the fridge that dog was there! It feels so mean to deny the pleading eyes, but respond at your peril. Do you really want family and, worse still, guests eating meals with moist, malodorous chops resting firmly in their laps? ‘Gesture Eating’ is one of the four pillars of Jan Fennell’s Amichien® Bonding. Following a kill, alphas, or pack leaders, always eat their fill before other pack members come forward to eat. By reenacting this scenario, in one straightforward action we can reassure our dogs that we lead, and I will explain fully in the next issue. It would be great to hear from any readers about their own canine experiences, so do please email me at julia@walksoflife.co.uk

Health

RESURFACING TO Refresh, Renew AND Regenerate Why winter works best for your skin rejuvenation

ne of the questions I get asked a lot is: “What’s the best thing I can do for my skin in winter?” Summer skincare is fairly obvious, with deep cleansing, hydration and religious sunblock use at the top of the list. But what should we be doing at this time of year?

the length of the course. Sun protection is as important mid-December as it is on the long summer solstice. Even indoor light can affect pigmentation, especially if you use the contraceptive pill or some antibiotics, and UV light travels through glass, too.

The answer is rejuvenation. In winter we tend to spend a lot more time indoors and out of the sun, making it the perfect time to heal, revitalise and work on changes at a deeper level. Winter is the best season to hit the refresh button for your complexion. In the cold months it’s easy to cover up and keep out of sunlightt after your treatment, too.

Usually more than one Resurfacing is necessary, so don’t expect miracles — although you can see remarkable results for acne breakouts. Basically, acid Resurfacing can keep your skin looking smooth and fresh, with a relatively inexpensive price tag. Ideally a course of six would be two to three weeks apart, taking you through the deepest winter months and ready to emerge renewed and refreshed for spring.

For a long time, chemical pe eels were one of the best ways to refresh your sk kin when it’s feeling dull and rough. These are concentrated acidic solutions that exfoliate the outer layer of your skin, exposing the softer an nd smoother skin underneath. However, in clinic, we are no ow using the term ‘Resurfacing’. This has a lesss aggressive tone than a peel and a patented delivery system for the acids, which means mucch less activity on the surface of the skin, lead ding to less shedding, redness and downtime, so you can get back to everyday activities really qu uickly. The ingredients get to work deeper in the de ermis, improving cell turnover and inhibiting ageing. Depending on the kind of Resurfacing treatment you get, it can help fade darrk marks, reduce acne breakouts, improve fin ne lines, and treat sun damage while imp proving overall skin tone. They help producce collagen and plump out the skin from m within. Another plus is that they are a quick procedure, so fit in wiith a busy lifestyle. Results are based on the strength of the solution, how long it’s on the skin, how many layers and

Geraldine Walters @skinprof_norfolk www.facebook.com/geraldinewaltersadvancedskincare

History

History Histo ry

BUNGAY BITESIZE

Christmas Shopping in

Local Historian Christopher Reeve steps back in time to explore ore Bu Bungay’s history

uring my childhood, at the start of December my brothers and I loved gazing in Bungay shop windows at the toys and sweets, imagining what might be in our stockings and parcels on Christmas morning.

In those post-war days, you couldn’t wander into a shop and browse as you can today; shopkeepers and their assistants were waiting attentively at the counter to ask what you required, and if you were a child you were likely to be served last. We usually only had money in our pockets on Saturdays, when dad doled it out, sixpence or a shilling maybe. Intended to last a week, it was mostly spent by the end of the day. We had two red tin Mickey Mouse money boxes, decorated with Disney characters, and during the year odd copper halfpennies and pennies were popped in. A week before Christmas we were permitted to empty them and use the money to buy gifts for our family. The coins were large and soon weighed down our trouser pockets. Occasionally we found some of the old copper farthings, with a perky little wren on them, but by the 1950s these were no longer legal currency. So which of the shops did we favour with our Christmas bounty? There were far more than today. Bridge Street had shops from top to bottom, with dozens more in the side streets, now mainly converted to residential. We lived in Southend Road, which had Bridges’ grocery stores on the corner. Early in the year they started a Christmas Club, customers paying a few shillings a week to use for festive goods, and I can remember my Daily Mail Children’s elder brother Annual, Christmas, c. 1953

Spashett’s toyshop, St.Mary’s Street, Bungay, c. 1960 being given a smart green tin pedal car, paid for with the coupons. Spashett’s in St. Mary’s Street was a great favourite, crammed full of toys as Christmas drew near, including small bikes, trikes, scooters, dolls prams and other larger items suspended from the ceiling. At the Chocolate Box, we were cheerfully welcomed by ‘Monty’, a dapper little man dressed in a smart jacket and waistcoat and patterned bow tie. He had a lisp, which made him even more comical! At the stationer’s shop, in the Market Place, there was Miss Mary Short, short and plump, with straight cropped hair, a pronounced Scottish burr, neatly dressed in a black cardigan and white blouse. Her counter, with its notepaper, pencils, cards and calendars, was as neat as Miss Short herself. It was a great favourite of mine, being about the only shop that sold books. Our purchases were wrapped in brown paper and tied with string, which could be used again. So much less wasteful than today’s packaging. Mr. Plews at the Bazaar in Earsham Street was plump and jolly, and made droll remarks to tease us. Both Spashett’s and the Bazaar had a bran tub just inside the door, and you paid sixpence for a ‘lucky dip’. The managers dressed up as Father Christmas, adding to the festive atmosphere. And when the carol singers started warbling around the door, we knew that the most exciting day of the year was almost here!

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Books

Regional Reads

THIS ISSUE WE L VE THE MERMAID’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE Michael Foreman Mabecron Books 9780995502871 £12.99

View our region from a different perspective with this fascinating selection of local titles from Holly Ainley of Jarrolds’ Book Department Brilliant Beacons

Portraits of East Anglian Churches

A Christmas picture book from authorillustrator Michael Foreman. An unexpected holidaymaker catches more than he bargained for when Morvoren the mermaid appears on the end of his fishing line. Some months later, when his familiar face reappears at Seal Island in a strange flying boat, he has a special invitation. Will Morvoren be the first ever flying mermaid?

BOSWELL’S HOLLAND

Patrick Boswell Dudley Publishing 9780956522726 £20.00 Following Boswell’s Broadland and Boswell’s Coast, artist Patrick Boswell has produced a fourth travelogue and exhibition catalogue of his journeys in Holland over the past three years. Travelling from Zeeland in the South, to the Friesian Islands in the north of the country, Patrick shares 70 oil paintings and 20 drawings, together with his diary commentary of a landscape not too dissimilar to Norfolk.

Peter Tolhurst

BRILLIANT BEACONS: PORTRAITS OF EAST ANGLIAN CHURCHES Peter Tolhurst Blackdog Books 9780995479265 £30.00

The work of painter John Sell Cotman is central to Brilliant Beacons. Tolhurst takes a tour through East Anglia following in Cotman’s footsteps, seeing churches through the eyes of artists including James Bulwer, John Piper, the photographer Edwin Smith and Gerard Stamp. Over 80 artists are featured, from members of the ‘Norwich School’ and Turner, along the Suffolk coast to Edward Bawden and Kenneth Rowntree in wartime Essex. The result is a book ambitious in scope and sumptuously illustrated, packed with fascinating information, etchings, watercolours, linocuts and photographs.

THE NORFOLK ALMANAC Keith Skipper Harnser Press 9781527245297 £12.99

The Norfolk Almanac is a treasure trove of local gems uncovered by stalwart champion of the region, Keith Skipper. The perfect book for all lovers of Norfolk. The introduction explains, “There’s a memo for each month to remind us all to start each fresh chapter in the spirit of tolerance, trust and gentle teasing. One of my favourites proclaims: ‘If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague’.”

HAVEN’T THEY GROWN

Sophie Hannah Hodder & Stoughton 9781444776188 £16.99 A psychological suspense novel from crime author Sophie Hannah. Beth spots her former best friend Flora Braid, who she parted from in painful circumstances twelve years ago when Flora’s children Thomas and Emily Braid were five and three years old. But why have her children not aged since then? Something is terribly wrong. Author Sophie Hannah will be at Jarrold’s on 25 January for a cream tea from 3.30pm. Tickets available from www.jarrold.co.uk/events-diary

Health

HEALTH Q&A

Q A

: I have suffered from mild depression for

several years and it’s ruining my quality of life, especially around these dull winter days. I have heard about St John’s Wort and was wondering if this herb might help me?

: Hypericum or St John’s Wort has been used as a herbal remedy since the Middle Ages, as it has many medicinal strengths. Its anti-inflammatory qualities can help with neuralgia and sciatica, while extternallly its soothing and anti-bacterial properties can aid in the healing of burns, wou unds and infections, as well as the rash frrom shingles. Combined with the nutritional supplement lysine it’s a wonderful way to prrevent and treat cold sores.

A Swiss clinical trial carried out in 1995 found that 74% of patients with depression responded to treatment with Hypericum Complex, with the best improvement seen between 2 – 4 weeks. For optimum results dilute 30 drops 2 to 3 times a day in a little water.

St. John’s Wort preparations are not suitable for children and recent evidence suggests that Hypericum can interfere with certain anttidepressantt drugs, so allways consullt your GP or pharmacist before use if you are currently taking these medications.

Nowadays, St John’s Wort is generally y used as a natural aid for mild to moderate dep pression and in Germany, for example, it’s widely prescribed for the treatment of depression in prreference to drugs like Prozac. It is believed that the herb works by increasing our levels of serotonin,, the ‘feelgood’ hormone, which is necessary fo or a sense of wellbeing, and when supplies fall too o low we can feel depressed. St. John’s Wort has been clearly show wn in numerous clinical trials to help with tiredness, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, usselessness, emotional fear and disturbed sleep. There are several St. John’s Wort supplements to choose from, including Bioforce’s Hypericum m Complex; a combination of St. John’s Wort, lemon balm and hops; herbs which are renowned for their sedative yet uplifting action.

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Garden & Leisure

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Real lives

SHINING BRIGHTER, REACHING FURTHER AT ‘Flourish’ 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 @RefreshingWatersChristianMedia

hetford church pastor and mother of three, Steph Williams, helps women live connected and empowered lives — a mission that even saved one woman’s life. Steph’s desire is to encourage largely Christian women “to reach further, shine brighter and go beyond” in their work, community and family — as gifted songwriters and speakers share their compelling stories and heart missions for God at the annual Flourish conference. Along with her team, Steph hosted the fifth Flourish event in October at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds; an event that included guest artist Philippa Hanna who shared a message to ‘Rise Up’.

Steph says: “We aim to relate and be ‘real’, and one woman wanted me to know that attendance in the past stopped her from committing suicide. It’s amazing that God could use the conference to do that. “Flourish is about sharing encouraging stories, to gain the tools for everyday life, so we are better able to do what God has called us to do. It’s easy to slip into the busyness of life, but it’s important that we take the time to remember what we were made for and who we were made by.” Unafraid to break new ground, Steph has pursued a passionate adventure to reach women of all cultures and ages with her Liberty Church team. Keen to forge relationships, she has joined community initiatives, championed women and run a host of unique ‘Beautiful’ events. She adds: “Although I have a university degree in performing arts, no amount of education can prepare me to talk clearly and with truth from the heart of God as his mouthpiece. It’s all about honouring God and not me (or the team). I am just one person who said yes to an idea he gave me.” Steph grew up in the church, and she was a 19-year-old youth worker at a women’s conference when she believes she first heard God’s prompting for a mission with women. She felt an unlikely candidate, but 17 years later there’s a growing

ministry as she and co-pastor husband, Phil, dared to believe and trust. The first Flourish conference was held at Thetford’s Carnegie Room in 2015. Two years later they booked the Apex in Bury St Edmunds, seating 500, where guest speaker was author and evangelist J John. Past guests have also included the Daughters of Davis, Ben Cooley from Hope for Justice and Arianna Walker, Executive Director of Mercy Ministries UK. One of the keys to growth has been unity and networking with women from Thetford’s churches and beyond to share ideas and encouragement. Eleven years ago, a ‘no preach’ fun evening was launched for Christian women to invite their unchurched friends; whether they were 16 or 96. Now ‘Beautiful’ is held in February, July and November as a ‘stepping stone’ to church. The diverse programme has included cream teas, jewellery sales, pampering and songs from the theatre, as well as news of church and social action programmes. Steph sometimes shares a stirring five-minute thought or interview. www.libertycentre.org.uk

Enjoy more at Jarrold From breakfast, brunch and lunch, to afternoon tea and dinner, make shopping more enjoyable by discovering one of our six places to eat and drink. Plus take home locally sourced and specialist food and drink from the Jarrold Deli. The Bay, our newest addition, a seafood and wine bar, overlooking the historical Norwich marketplace. It will be open for morning coffee and will specialise in seafood. In particular freshly cured salmon (including Jarrold’s own brand smoked salmon), taster boards, main dishes from homemade fish pie to Lobster Bisque, through to a luxurious caviar menu.

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Fashion

Pink striped scarf Dorothy Perkins, £15

Grey check pinafore Dorothy Perkins, £35

Grey check blazer Tu Clothing, £28

Pink check coat Topshop, £89

Orange poncho Tu Clothing, £18

Check gloves Dorothy Perkins, £18

‘CH HECK’ YOUR Yellow check coat George at Asda, £26

Mix it up and be bold M

Charley check shoulder bag Monsoon, £35

Patent check ballet flat Tu Clothing, £16

Check wide leg trousers Oliver Bonas, £59.90

Belted check blazer Miss Selfridge, £49

Check brogue Tu Clothing, £18

Competition

Can you ﬁnd Bella the Beagle? WIN A £100 M&S VOUCHER To be in with chance of winning a £100 M&S voucher to spend on whatever you like, simply read this magazine from cover to cover and find Bella the Beagle. She looks exactly like the picture of her, but much smaller!

How to enter the competition? Visit www.village-people.info and follow the links to the competition page. Closing date is 31 January 2020 and the usual Village People rules apply.

Coltishall Clinic

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BE YOUR OWN BOSS START YOUR BUSINESS WITH MENTA FREE BUSINESS TRAINING START RIGHT WORKSHOPS Do you want to be your own boss or have you started a business in the past 12 months and are based in Norfolk or Suffolk? MENTA’s three, free ‘Start Right’ workshops are designed to be fun and informative. You’ll ﬁnd out about legal structures, business plans, successful marketing, bookkeeping and tax. With multiple dates and workshop locations, including Norwich, Bury St Edmunds, Dereham, North Walsham and Ipswich, book your free training soon and ‘Start Right’. Start Right is funded by

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Friendly and personal service Priory Insurance Brokers Ltd is a local, independent insurance broker and has been based in Wymondham for over 25 years. We offer a wide range of quality, affordable insurance products to both personal and commercial clients alike.

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Not made your Will yet? Does it worry you that... Your children may NOT inherit your home or your hard earned savi avings. s...

BUT THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHERS COULD! Care Fees, Inheritance Tax, Huge Legal Fees etc. Th devastate thousands of families, often unnecessarily. Chr e best is p re tmas With the Right Will and advice, you can help ensure the maximum you sent for r fam possible goes to Those you Love - not those you don’t! i

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Legal

A MILLENNIAL’S GUIDE TO

making a will

Ejike Ndaji, partner at Spires Solicitors, looks at how easy it is for ‘Generation Y’ to protect their assets

ccording to research published in October 2017 there are currently 31 million UK adults who will die without a will. From this data, only 16% of 18-34 year olds currently have a will. Yet, with society continuing to evolve, making a will is still as important as it has always been. There are a number of reasons why 84% of 18-34 year olds have not made a will and these include: • They plan to make a will when they’re older • They don’t believe they have any estate/assets to make it worth writing a will • It has never occurred to them • They can’t afford it. Most people don’t realise that a single will can be created from as little as £215 + VAT and £325 + VAT for a mirror will (for couples). If you die without making a will, the laws of intestacy will apply and your estate will pass according to a fixed set of rules. This means your estate might not pass to beneficiaries in the way you expect or want. Non-married partners do not inherit anything if they are not named in a will. The process of making a will is quite simple. Following your initial enquiry you can: a) Book an appointment to discuss matters with an accredited lawyer and go through everything with them on the day; OR b) Receive a will questionnaire, which will enable you to answer some important questions in your own time before your will is prepared. Once you’ve filled in the questionnaire you will have an appointment with an accredited lawyer.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions and for your lawyer to clarify any points from the information you provided. If necessary, they will give you advice on how you can protect your estate/assets further. After the meeting, your lawyer will start preparing a first draft of your will. This will be sent to you so that you can review the content and check that it correctly expresses your wishes. You will be able to make further changes at this point should your circumstances have changed from the initial questionnaire or meeting. Once a final version of the will is agreed, it can be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses. After this is done, the original will is safely stored and you will be sent a copy for your records — so you can enjoy some peace of mind. You should review your will if a significant life event occurs, or at least every five years to check it still corresponds with your wishes.

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Money

NOW YOU CAN GET YOUR CREDIT RECORD FOR FREE, SO WHY NOT MAKE IT ONE OF

your New Year’s resolutions?

t’s human nature for us to wonder what other people know and think about us — just look at the soaring popularity of Facebook and Instagram! But, unfortunately, many of us don’t have the same appetite for digging around when it comes to the information held on our credit report.

To put it in basic terms, a credit report shows banks, credit card companies, mobile phone providers and anyone else granting credit, just how you’ve managed your finances over the last few years. If it’s a good report and you have a decent score then you’ll have no trouble getting credit at the best rates, but if it’s got some bad stuff on it then you may find it less straightforward to borrow money. So why wouldn’t you want to know how your report stacks up? If you’ve never looked at your credit record and score, it’s well worth spending 15-20 minutes finding out what’s on file to ensure details of your balances, limits and payment history are accurate and up to date. Rather than paying £10 to £15 per month with some of the big name providers, I’d suggest taking a look at a new service from TotallyMoney.com where you can obtain a copy of your credit score and details for free. Your credit report will list any late or missed payments on your existing loans and credit cards, as well as previous borrowing you’ve had during the last six years. Other areas on your file include details of any bankruptcies and county court judgements, as well as the amount you currently owe on your credit agreements, plus details of searches and recent applications made.

• Other people who have lived at your address previously will not affect your credit score. If you’re looking for a few tips on how to improve your credit rating, consider the following: • Ensure you are registered on the electoral role, or you won’t appear as listed at your address if a lender makes a credit search. • Close credit card accounts that you’re no longer using. Even though your balance may be zero, any prospective lenders will take into account any existing credit limits you have available to you when assessing applications for new finance. • Having no record of managing credit can count against you, so it’s worth having a credit card and using it a few times each year. If you repay the statement balance in full and on time it won’t cost you a penny, but shows you are capable of managing credit and will reflect positively on your file. Your credit record is more important than you probably realise, so next time you’ve got a bit of spare time on your hands check out your details at www.totallymoney.com

You hear many different stories about what’s on your credit record, so it’s worth trying to dispel one or two of the myths surrounding these reports. • Third party information, including members of your family who live or have lived with you, does not appear on your credit file as long as you don’t share any joint financial commitments.

By Andrew Hagger Founder of Moneycomms.co.uk

STOP PRESS very limited space left in the

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Crossword

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CLUES ACROSS

CLUES DOWN

A little creature comfort (3)

Could be the teacher’s little pet (9)

Thrown to find twenties at first (5)

Transport a tin to where the buck stops (5, 3, 3)

Completely devoid of moisture (4, 3)

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Vessel of war with no fears (11)

12 Ford gave you this to pass through (7)

Someone gobbled tea around here (3)

14 Take great trouble to place well out of sight (7)

Cast before birds, or on them for a crispy meal (11)

15 Really soft option with no trouble attached (5)

10 Fearsome horse of the dark hours (9)

17 Digital measuring system for an acceptable

13 Graceful, deer-like creature of the wild (7)

formula (4, 2, 5) 19 Mistaken conviction that doesn’t lead to gaol (9)

De rigueur for poseur with chest wig and chain (9)

16 Made for what you would purchase (5) 18 Prominent part of the shark that bites (3)

20 Poke and prod, sneak and peep (3) LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7) Lavish, 8) Cherry, 9) Bug, 10) Grant, 11) Log, 14) Legal, 15) Impetus, 17) A big hit, 19) Wreck, 22) Van, 23) Scale, 24) Hew, 27) Meteor, 28) Exodus. DOWN: 1) Mature, 2) Hip, 3) Whirl, 4) Economy, 5) Jet, 6) Ormolu, 12) Large, 13) Yearn, 16) Ripcord, 18) Brazen, 20) Cheque, 21) Fleet, 25) Set, 26) Jog.

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