Late Spring 2012
WIN
£250 worth of curtains & blinds
The independent magazine for South Norfolk village people
This edition features
Jubilee
Celebrations in Diss
Film Review The Pirates
In an adventure with Scientists
Have a field day with family p52-53
Cliff Barns Weddings
fabulous local location
Plus
• Cherry Lane Produce Fayre • What’s Rotary all about? • Car Review: Maserati GranCabrio • Live Music from Thetford Forest • Local Pub & Book Reviews • Propeller brings Shakespeare to Norwich
www.conservatoriesetc.com We are here
Find us behind the Police HQ
2
Editor’s Letter
W
elcome to another jam packed issue of Village People! With so much new content and offers from local businesses, I don’t know where to start, so you really do need to read from cover to cover so you don’t miss anything! Check out these exclusive offers for Village People readers: 20% off complete spectacles at Cecil Amey; 10% off online prices from Elexa, so do check out their extensive range on their website. No 5 Hair Studio in Wymondham are offering 20% off your first visit, so why not get a fab new look for spring! Talking of good deals if your car is due an MOT or service, get both done for only £110 at Highfield Garage in Swardeston. And with spring in full swing, I’m going to get in touch with the team at Anglia Surface Care as my patio is certainly in need of some TLC! There’s £250 worth of curtains & blinds up for grabs in this issue’s competition, so turn to page 25 for more details. Our Out & About pages are packed as usual, with things to do and places to visit, so sit back and enjoy your magazine and plan some great days out. We’d like to welcome aboard lots of new local businesses who feature for the first time in this issue. Do make sure you support everything local if you can readers! And finally, if you run a local business, or know someone who does, get in touch and find out how easy we make it for you to get details of your business in front of 28,500 South Norfolk village homes. Advertising is simple and we have lots of experience, so call for a friendly chat! And it’s time to start work on the next issue already! Happy reading!
Lily Goulder editor@village-people.info 0330 660 0325
In this issue... Home & Garden 5 7 15 19 21 23 25 31
Garden Jottings from Ken 6 Activities to Celebrate Spring Astrology – your forecast for April & May Roast Gressingham Duck Recipe Is your Driveway or Patio in need of TLC? Refreshing Waters WIN £250 worth of Blinds or Curtains Village Notice Board
Out & About Norfolk Fairs Film Review: The Pirates! In an adventure with Scientists Mums the Word – Local Favourites Ladies who Lunch visit The Swan in Hoxne Propeller brings Shakespeare to Norwich Village Wanderings visit the coast Cliff Barns Weddings Jubilee celebrations in Diss Norfolk’s Open Studios Cherry Lane Produce Fayre Wymondham Players April Production Gigs in Thetford Forest
34 35 36 39 41 43 44 45 46 47 49 50
Shopping 52/53 54/55 56 59
Have a field day with family at Chapelfield Book Reviews Traditional Joinery For Sale Beautiful Boutique on your Doorstep
Health & Beauty 61 63 65 67
Can Exercise be Mind Altering? Q&A: Do you Suffer from Hay Fever? The Importance of Human Growth Hormone Focus on: Ability 2 Care
Services 71 77 79 82 85
Will your Pension last as long as you do? Car Review: Maserati GranCabrio What’s Rotary all about? A Norfolk Vineyard at Thelnetham Olympics 2012: Businesses be warned!
And lots more inside... id ide...
3
Home & Garden
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Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
Garden Jottings from Ken It never rains when you need it and after one of the driest winters on record the water companies are muttering about hosepipe bans, bringing the gardening fraternity to their knees crying “it’s all going to wilt and die”. So what can you do? Well, you could take up rain-dancing as a second hobby (it’ll keep you fit and relieve stress), or you could become just a little more water-aware and carry on!
W
ater is essential to plants, so it’s important to ensure that what little is available stays where it is needed and not lost through evaporation. Homemade compost or well-rotted manure adds structure to soil and helps hold moisture around the root zone, so dig in as much as possible when preparing new borders or clearing through old. Then give your beds (and eyes) a treat with a nice thick layer of decorative mulch, it’s best applied when the soil is wet so that dampness is locked in. Almost any material may be used including chipped bark, straw, cobblestones or a whole array of ornamental gravels (we can arrange to deliver a load direct to your door). Mulches applied thickly have the added benefit of suppressing most weeds, or use a porous weed fabric over new beds and cover with a thinner mulch to make bagged materials go further.
“
Saving water in the garden is as easy as getting more for your money – call into our new shop and extended plant area this Spring and we will help you do both!
"
Sacrificing your green lawn for a brown one may be an annual occurrence, but you can ease this
transformation by not cutting grass too short and leaving the clippings on as a mini mulch, or you could reduce your lawn and establish a densely planted border or a low maintenance Mediterranean-style garden using drought-tolerant plants. Planting trees with a light canopy will create dappled shade, giving you a great place to sit or somewhere to position pots full of gorgeous summer colour, arrange the pots in small groups to make watering with cans easier. When choosing containers go for glazed types and larger sizes which will hold moisture longer than small ones, use a good quality compost and incorporate water-retaining crystals (preferably with a slow release fertiliser mixed in) and then like the borders top off with a mulch to reduce evaporation and improve their appearance. Established garden plants can be virtually ignored unless they show signs of wilting, but you will of course have to water young plants and by having your own supply to hand you will make the chore of lugging cans about much easier, so consider installing water butts near to high demand areas such as vegetable plots. When watering try to do so in the evening, and to avoid surface rooting give plants a decent soaking every few days rather than a daily splash. There is nothing like natural water, so if you fancy the rain-dancing please let us and your neighbours know as decent spectator sports are hard to find, refreshments would be appreciated but don’t prepare too many as it is sure to be a wash-out! Cheers Ken
The Garden Enclosure, Banham – bringing you a bigger slash of inspiration whatever the weather!
Open ever yda y Inspiring plant selections, plant sourcing & garden advice, Easter w over eekend gardening sundries and pet supplies, gifts... & more! Find us at Banham Zoo, NR16 2HE - outside Zoo ticket kiosks Open Thursday to Monday 9.30am to 5pm (10am to 4pm Nov - Feb)
5
Home & Garden
Renovation To New Build
Carpentry & Roofing Services Building & Groundworks Services Plastering & Rendering Landscape, Mini Digger & Tipper Services Bespoke Kitchens & Bathrooms o.uk struction.c reencon g t h g i r Call: 01508 489 690 www.b Mob: 07584 492 508 or: 07738 981 036 E-mail: info@brightgreenconstruction.co.uk
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6 activities to celebrate spring What better way to welcome in the beginning of the spring season than with a list of all the things you can do to celebrate it during the next couple of months! 1. Treat yourself to a fish dish Crab, oysters and cockles are all coming into season now. Why not wait for a sunny spring day and take yourself off to the seaside to enjoy these delicious shellfish the way nature intended - in the fresh air! And don’t forget, that classic fish accompaniment and local delicacy, samphire, is also about to come into season. 2. Keep an eye out for cuckoos Traditionally thought to be a sign that spring has arrived; the cuckoo appears in mid April, when it returns to Europe from spending the winter in subSaharan Africa and south east Asia. Its familiar “cuck-oo” call may not be heard as often as it once was, but listen out between April and June and you may well be in luck. Various dates in April are known as ‘cuckoo days’ in different parts of the country; some counties even hold ‘cuckoo fairs’. According to tradition, the bird is expected in Sussex on 14th, Cheshire on 15th, Worcestershire on the 20th and Yorkshire on 21st. 3. Get creative National Poetry Month is held every April; it celebrates poetry in all its forms and its importance in contemporary British culture. Lots of writers, poets and book publishers get involved in readings, festivals, book displays, school visits, poetry workshops and other events. Why not get involved and have a go at writing a poem yourself? You could even organise your own poetry reading event or poetry workshop. Go to www. nationalpoetrymonth.co.uk/ for more details.
4. Rediscover your green fingers Vegetable growing really takes off over the next couple of months. Sow seed outdoors for beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard, summer cauliflower, kohl rabi, lettuce, leeks, radish, turnip, spring onions, peas and perpetual spinach. Sow seed indoors for marrows, courgettes, pumpkins and squash. It’s also the time to be sowing your sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery and globe artichokes. According to the experts, you should be planting out your early potatoes in the first half of April and main crop potatoes in the second half. And, if you’re thinking of growing your own asparagus this year, now’s the time to be planting the crowns. 5. Feel patriotic The 23rd April is St George’s Day, the patron saint of England. Seemingly less celebrated and less well-known than St Patrick’s Day, why not redress the balance by marking the occasion with a good old British tea party for family and friends. Or perhaps you could organise a street party in your village? Don’t forget the red and white flags! By the time you’ve recovered from all the parties, it will be time to do it all again for May Day! 6. Go May Day dancing The first day of May is known as May Day. Traditionally, it’s a day that celebrates the beginning of the warmer weather and the blossoming flowers and trees. If you’d like to try out some traditional English May Day ways of celebrating, you can choose from Morris dancing, crowning a local girl to be May Queen or dancing around a Maypole. If dancing around with ribbons, waving around a handkerchief and banging sticks together all sounds a little too energetic for your liking, many villages put on their own fetes, shows and displays and are often worth a visit.
Elspeth Taylor, Taylor Made Copy. Copywriting services that are ‘Taylor made’ to get the results you need. Specialists in writing engaging and professional website content, newsletters, brochures, press releases, blogs and promotional emails that will ensure your business stands out from its competitors. Call +44 (0)7834 322 807 or email elspeth@taylormadecopy.co.uk
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
10
Home & Garden Is your garden over run with Moles ? Do you have a wasp nest ? Are your paddocks over-run with rabbits ? All typical Pests controlled. For ALL your Domestic / Commercial Pest Control. Garden Maintenance undertaken. No obligation – free survey/quotes.
Pest infestation can damage your health and your home. Recent surveys show that numbers of mice/rats and bed bugs found in UK homes are on the rise. As Local Authorities are cutting back on free pest control services. We are here to offer you a service at the right price.
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01379 788865 • 07809 226109 • 07518 731106 www.safeandsoundhygieneandpestcontrol.co.uk 11
Home & Garden
RICHARD ALLINGTON Kitchens FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES & SURVEYS WE WILL BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE
Visit our new display area at
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t: 01953 459817 m: 07754 630453 12
Birds, Bees and Bats by Joan Garnham, Waveney Tree Specialists
S
pring has arrived and the activity of wildlife in gardens and hedgerows is waking up. This means that if you were planning any major felling and clearing, it needs to be done ASAP.
Birds lay their eggs when they know that food for the chicks will be around. Ground feeders like thrushes will lay their eggs from the middle of March but seed eaters like goldfinches will wait till the middle of April. Generally most nest activity will finish by the end of July. All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 whilst they are actively nesting or roosting. Non compliance can attract a fine of ÂŁ5000. Exceptions include felling or pruning a dangerous tree or accidental or non intentional disturbance. Great vigilance is needed when doing any tree or shrub work during this period. Wild bees rather than the domesticated honey bees are responsible for most of the pollination of crops and flowers in the UK. When clearing your flower beds this spring, leave some bee friendly areas of twigs, piled
stones or clumps of dried grass to encourage them to nest. A good selection of herbs and flowers will attract them to your garden. Bees of all kinds are under threat not least of which is the Verroa mite so they need all the help we can give them. All species of bat are protected by law at all times. They live and roost in trees all year round. This makes the life of a tree surgeon quite difficult. Again, any dangerous tree is allowed to be either pruned or felled but permission needs to be granted by the appropriate Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation. What to look for are obvious holes or splits in the bark with dark staining underneath and scratch marks; chattering and squeaking and the unmistakable ammonia smell of the bat droppings. As always, if you are not sure or need expert advice, give us a call or send and email and we will help if we can.
13
Home & Garden
C.L.Fielder
Sustainable British Firewood Logs are cut to approximately 10" lengths and split, ready to go on your open fire, wood burner or multi-fuel stove.
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The Coal Yard, Old Buckenham, Norfolk NR17 1PE
1.2m3 & 1.6m3 bulk bags, small bags also available
HETAS APPROVED KILN DRIED HARDWOOD LOGS
Ancient Oriental Astrology for a Modern Life
Below is your 9 Star Ki forecast for April and May.
9 Fire Star Make April a time to wipe the slate clean! If you haven’t done a spring clean yet, now is the time. Clearing clutter not only allows your space to breathe, it provides empty areas for new things to come into your life, as May brings new opportunities your way. 8 Earth Star
Spring is in the air, but April finds you in the north position - winter. Take time out this month to focus internally; your mental processes and health at this time take precedence. Look after your kidneys by taking on plenty of water and use May to ready yourself for a busy summer.
7 Metal Star Things may come to light in April that have been hiding in the shadows. Don’t burn your fingers, take a cautious approach - trust your instincts and all will be revealed. May allows you to analyse things further and produce an action plan for the months to come.. 6 Metal Star Focus on communicating clearly during April; be aware of any internal frustrations if you could feel isolated from social goings on. Don’t fight any changes this month as it will indeed lead to a brighter and altogether better future. Love is in the air for May.
5 Earth Star
Take a moment in April to gather your thoughts and assess your current situation. You may just come up with the perfect solution to ease your mind over any recent dilemmas. Use May to instigate any changes that you decide upon and don’t be stubborn about it.
4 Wood Star Providing you’ve stuck with the action plan April could finally produce the rewards you have been waiting for. Don’t allow an inflexible approach to block the process - remain adaptable and sincere and hopefully May can give you a bit of time-out from all the pressure. 3 Wood Star You may find yourself being at the centre of things in April. Although this position can be demanding, you could expect some surprise attention heading you way. Are you ready for it? Don’t however, lose sight of your past endeavours, keep focused.
2 Earth Star I hope you’ll spend time to read these words, please pace yourself over the next few months! It’s important to keep grounded, refueled at all times. Don’t allow yourself to run out of steam as this may affect your long-term health. This said - make the most of all that comes your way. 1 Water Star
Begin April with a promise to yourself to “go for it”. Let go of that cautious side; make the most of the energy at your disposal at this time. You’ve held onto the plans long enough, time for action and new beginnings. In May romance comes a-knocking.
To discover your Ki Star and for more information about Ki Astrology please visit www.freeflow-fengshui.com David Walters DIP. CHIRO Follow me on: twitter - @fengshuiflow facebook - facebook.com/ninestarki
15
Home & Garden
Architectural Technologist Nick Clarke mciat
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For all aspects of plastering
Competitive rates • No job too small Internal & external plastering Plaster Boarding/dot & dab Gypsum one coat plaster • Floor screeding For a friendly reliable service, call Chris on
01953 717244 - 07810 887591 email: chrisjack231@hotmail.co.uk www.plasterersnorfolk.co.uk
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
HALF A DOZEN REASONS TO UPDATE YOUR
WORKTOP
ps o r k to o ke w to p B e sp n f it o th a t h y w it n e d a litio n o in o d F it te s o r d e m es no m to lo ur s 0 co 6 r e Ov om s e fr l ch o o sio n a r o fe s p n ow O ur rs f it te ic e & t adv exp er ulta tio n y l d n Frie co n s h om e fr e e it so f rs an al We c ch e n do o it k w ne
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Roast Gressingham Duck® INGREDIENTS 1 whole Gressingham Duck® 1 tsp salt METHOD 1. Pre-heat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. 2. Remove the bag of giblets from body cavity if they are provided. Don’t throw them away – they can be used to prepare a traditional duck gravy. 3. Place the duck on a rack in a roasting tin, prick the skin all over with a fork and rub 1 teaspoon of salt into the fat. Roast on the middle oven shelf for 20 minutes per 500g, plus 20 minutes extra. 4. Leave to stand for 10 minutes before carving.
Traditional Duck Gravy Duck giblets Duck liver Water Small red onion chopped 1 cup chopped celery 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1/2 cup flour Pepper Salt METHOD 1. Take the giblets out of the duck cavity and put the liver aside for later. 2. Placing the giblets into a saucepan, add water so that it covers the giblets by about two inches. 3. Throw in the chopped celery, onion and parsley and bring to a boil over high heat. As foam appears on the surface, skim it off using a spoon. 4. Reduce the heat to medium low, put a lid on the
saucepan, and simmer for approximately one hour. 5. After an hour, add the liver and simmer for another 20 minutes. 6. Strain the broth and reserve. 7. Take the tray that you roasted the duck in and pour all the fat and other liquid from the tray into a bowl. Set aside until the fat rises to the top. 8. Skim the fat off the surface and discard (or save for your roast potatoes). Pour the remaining juices back into the roasting tray. 9. Place the roasting pan over medium heat and whisk in the flour. 10. Cook for a few minutes, whisking constantly, until the flour is a nice golden brown colour. 11. Remove the pan from the burner and slowly add the reserved duck broth and sherry, whisking constantly. Add sherry or port to taste. 12. Put the pan back on the burner and adjust the heat so that the mixture boils very gently. Stir constantly until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon. 13. Season with salt and pepper and serve to be taken to gravy wonderland!
Chef’s Tip Duck is often viewed as a difficult to cook meat. However, the reality is that it’s no more complicated than your average chicken, with much tastier results! The fat content can also put people off trying duck. Whilst duck is fattier than chicken, the trick is to cook the duck on a rack over a roasting tray and regularly pour the fat off during cooking. Don’t throw it away though; it can be used to cook the best roast potatoes ever!
You’ll find more inspiring recipes and video tutorials on the Gressingham website www.gressinghamfoods.co.uk You can also buy many of our delicious products on-line.
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Home & Garden Full installation Service or Supply Only
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Else Heating & Plumbing Oil and Gas Installation * Breakdowns * 24 hr call out * Servicing * Powerflush Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting Fully Insured
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07892 998770 - 01508 535983
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“Is your patio or driveway in need of some T.L.C?” Are your outside surfaces in need of a spring clean? The experts at Anglia Surface Care could help!
B
ased locally in Stanton, Anglia Surface Care provide professional surface cleaning solutions across the region, including block paving, patio and driveway cleaning. In addition to this, the company also offers a sealing service for surfaces including block paving, paving slabs and pattern imprinted concrete. Correctly applied, a sealing product will prolong the surface life, inhibit the growth of weeds and minimise maintenance. The company was set up in 2010 by colleagues Mark Brown and Anthony Bray who noticed that there was a lack of local surface cleaning services that focused on what they see as ‘the core values’ of their business – good customer service, professionalism and the very best results! Anthony explains: “We want to provide the public with a professional cleaning service using specialised equipment that achieves exactly what the client wants. With every job, we visit the customer and talk through the processes involved. We can also do a test clean beforehand so we can make sure they will be happy
with the final outcome. We are committed to meeting our clients’ expectations, rather than just turning up and doing the job.” Anglia Surface Care cover work across the home, business and community sectors; in addition to the services already mentioned, they have completed work for hospitals and community play areas as well as both public and private tennis courts. “Due to the volume of tennis enquiries we’ve had, and the number of courts we have worked on, we decided to produce a short video showing the cleaning and renovating process. This can be found on our website homepage.” confirmed Mark. Their website also incorporates a two minute video clip on the homepage that clearly shows the processes involved in driveway surface cleaning and sealing. All work undertaken by Anglia Surface Care is covered by full public liability insurance, details of which can be found on the website along with a testimonial page highlighting some of their previous work and customer comments.
So, if you’re interested in giving your patio or driveway – or any other outside surfaces a “spring clean” contact Mark or Anthony for a friendly, no obligation quotation!
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View our credentials at
REFRESHING WATERS Divine encounters, miracle healings, enormous courage and heart-felt sacrifice
Norfolk journalist, Sandie Shirley, spotlights the inspiring stories of men and women from the region and beyond that have seen them reach for victory. For more stories visit: www.refreshingwaters.co.uk
Ruth Barker – Health and Healing TURNAROUND RELEASES MISSION WORKER Sylvia and David Barker nursed their daughter through the tears, heartache and isolation of ME to see her miracle turnaround a decade later as an overseas mission worker in South Africa. Ruth was a schoolgirl of 13 when she contracted glandular fever, and within a few short weeks she was sadly diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME). An illness that attacks the immune system, and induces severe fatigue amongst other symptoms, ME disrupted Ruth’s education and her social life, as her mother carried and sustained her through the illness. During those dark days, Ruth fought for faith and health through the disease. Now, she is healed and restored; married to a fellow mission worker as she marks her fourth year in Durban this winter. Once a teenager who had almost given up on life, Ruth underwent a miracle transformation. A girl who once doubted her future, she is now the development manager for Lionsraw – a charity that unites football and faith. She has harnessed her newfound optimism in facing the on-going financial challenge of funding the South African venture, and remains positive following the trauma of a break-in when armed men took her money: “God was with us that night in Durban and protected us from harm. Without him and our faith to pray I don’t think it would have been such a miraculous and happy story…” recalled Ruth. “I still feel completely safe here, although it is an all too common story, but it is the Christian’s job in Durban to preach Christ and show people that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.” The UK concern in which Ruth is involved turns football fans – many of them white collar workers – into volunteers, to help run football academies for youngsters and help with
building projects for the poor, while visiting international football tournaments. Part of Ruth’s work has included helping street children in the 2010 World Cup, and now she continues to forge the Hope Soccer Academy that partners with Ambassadors in Sport to offer hope and education in life skills to thousands of children in the region. “Football brings fun, exhilaration and freedom. It gives a new focus and the pride in mastering new skills and for some allows them to be kids for the first time,” Ruth explained. A former office worker, she now uses her administrative skills and management degree in travel and tourism to enable visitors to view the projects: “It is hard to see the poverty that exists in Durban, where people have no running water or electricity and their homes consist of tiny brick walls, tin roofs and plastic sheeting. Until you visit you cannot imagine how special the people are and how much work needs to be done for them to find God in the midst of their heartache and troubles.” In Durban, Ruth has been a team leader at two schools, taught life skills, helped plan and run a holiday club and beauty camp for girls and offered pampering sessions to the street children with foot spas, manicures and facials. “My heart truly belongs to Africa after such life-changing experiences,” she said.
For more information contact ruth.barker@lionsraw.org or visit www.lionsraw.org
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Home & Garden
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WIN £250 worth of blinds or curtains Courtesy of Norwich Sunblinds
There are few finer things after a long, cold winter than that heady first bout of springtime optimism. The blossom is blooming and the bees are buzzing – it’s time to breathe new life into your home after its wintry slumber and what better way to get a new look than by taking down those heavyweight curtains and replace with lighter window treatments.
One lucky reader can WIN £250 worth of blinds or curtains so don’t delay, simply complete our word search and when you’ve finished just email your name, address and daytime telephone A N T T W T I E B A C K S O W B N A I T E N E V C L number to competition@village-people.info Closing date for entries is 14th May and the winner will be chosen at random. Usual Village People rules apply and the prize cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative.
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
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30
Village Notice Board Wreningham Social Club Events Thursday 19th April: WrenSocial AGM from 8pm Friday 20th April: WrenSocial Curry Night from 8pm Friday 11th May: Auction of Promises http://wrensocial.blogspot.com/p/socialclub-events.html http://twitter.com/#!/WrenSocial
Norfolk Fa irs
BRECKLA ND LEISU RE CENTR E, THETFO RD
MILITARIA FAIR EASTER SU NDAY 8T H APRIL ANTIque & CoLLeC ToRs FAIR Sunday 2 0th May
Fashion show
wn Hall at Attleborough To 0pm start 7.3 for 7pm y Ma 11th thes & Shoes Clo s die La Tickets from ‘She’ in Attleborough n In aid of Macmilla
rch welcomes Bunwell Chu Choir Essex Police
April 7.30pm Saturday 21st ed) eshments includ Tickets £8 (Refr 9337 78 3 95 01 p Ray Kem 92 tt 01953 7888 Cynthia Hewe sedale, Ro by ed or ns (part-spo am) rs in Wymondh Funeral Directo
Stradbroke and D istrict Branch of the ‘Roy al British Legion’
is presenting a concert at Stradbroke High School on the 21st April at 7p m to celebrate the 86th Birthday of Her Majesty Qu een Elizabeth 11 Admission price £5 for all ages. Tickets at Horham & Stradbroke Post Offic e until 18th April For further info co ntact Michael Bu rton on 01379 651 013
Saxon Bowls C28luApbril Saturday Open day on pm on the 30 1. at
s Green. ing Field Bowl thergate Play rest or te Saxlingham Ne in w social
e king up a ne why not com Thinking of ta t again then or sp s e oe th sh t up fla taking g a pair of it a try ; just brin t and en pm ui eq along and give e e th we will provid or trainers and ternoon. af e th g rin du refreshments for further Lacey 499700 Contact Chris ub’s website Cl e th to log on ss.com information or dp lsclub.wor re www.saxonbow
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31
Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
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Norfolk Fairs
Norfolk Fairs are a Norfolk based family business with over 80 years experience in the Antiques, Collectables and Militaria trade.
T
he first Antique and Collectables Fair was held on the 4th March at the Breckland Leisure Centre and Waterworld and attracted over 1100 visitors. In choosing this venue Norfolk Fairs focussed on geographical location with easy access from major routes. The venue boasts a large and spacious well lit hall with ample free parking and excellent facilities including a licensed cafe. The feedback from both stallholders and visitors was very positive with many of the stallholders rebooking for the next Antique and Collectors Fair on the 20th May. The quality of the stalls was high with many well established dealers offering a fine selection of quality antiques and interesting collectables.
The first Militaria Fair will be held on Easter Sunday 8th April. There will be a wide range of Military collectables on offer including uniforms, medals, badges, bayonets, ephemera and deactivated weapons. This fair will appeal to collectors, dealers and re-enactment enthusiasts. Many of the well known and respected Militaria Dealers from all over the country have already booked stalls and this is sure to be an excellent day for all.
For further information please see the ad on page 9 or contact Norfolk Fairs directly on 07596 436260.
New Indoor & Outdoor Children's Play Centre – Between Wymondham and Attleborough
Outside Play Area opening end of May
Admission Open from 10am Weekdays £4.50 Weekends and School holidays £5.00 Under 12 months & Adults Free Toddler time - term time only (weekdays only) £4.00
•Open all year round •Junior area (4-12) multi activity frame, ball pit, slides •Toddler area (under 4), play frame, ball pit, soft play, slides •Outside play frames for Juniors & Toddlers •Cafe- Fresh food made daily on site, with healthy options available •Free private car parking How to find us – situated on the B1172 •Separate Laser Blaster arena (The old A11) between Wymondham and •Party Room Attleborough •Soft seating •Free Wi-Fi •Membership available
Call 01953 604526 www.hulabaloos.co.uk
34
Film review
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists
R
unning time: 88 mins Director: Peter Lord Starring: Hugh Grant, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Martin Freeman
W
hether you have fond memories of Morph, a weakness for Wallace and Gromit or a soft spot for Shaun the Sheep, most British television viewers will have appreciated animation from Aardman before now. The Bristol based company, named Aardman Animations, is the genius behind of blockbusters such as Arthur Christmas, Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit, and has been dubbed a national treasure, consistently winning awards for British Cinema.
Their latest offering, out in time for the Easter holidays, sees a new more nautical contribution, developed from a popular novel by Gideon Defoe. The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists combines the two opening books from the series of three, with screenplay written by Defoe himself, and provides a great film for all the family to enjoy. Set in 1837, the film tells the tale of the Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant), who sets off on a swashbuckling campaign to win the Pirate of the Year Award. On a quest to beat his bitter rivals to the prize, the motley crew travel from Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London and many miles beyond. Along the way, him and his crew find themselves teaming up with Charles Darwin (David Tennant) to face a fight with the pirate-hating Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton) plus some of the deadliest sea-faring competition of all time!
With a ‘Universal’ certificate, this film is suitable for kids of all ages, and will get adults chuckling at some of the great gags on offer. Viewers will feel at home with the quintessentially English feel to the film, incorporated with a refreshing humor and a series of bizarre encounters, which gives this film a quirky edge when compared to other popular pirate offerings. Painstakingly constructed over 4 years, this film definitely deserves the hype. Famed for working with clay, the teams at Aardman model each expression for the characters and photograph it individually, in a method known as stop-motion animation. This painstakingly detailed and prolonged process involves a huge amount of time, effort, and ingenuity. The team had to make 250 mouths for Grant’s character the Pirate Captain, which means filming 20 seconds of animation can take a whole week! The delightful blend of science and entertainment found in this film provides a great edge to the pirate genre, mixing the old-fashioned, bumbling personalities of Victorian scientists with the exuberance of the pirates in a mix that kids will love. Make sure you book in advance as this is sure to be a huge hit over the Easter holidays- a must see for both adults and kids alike!
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Mum’s the word Carrie Barrett lives in Blo Norton, near Diss, right on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, with her husband and two children Maisie (8) and Olly (4). She has been dining out and about in our area for many years, seeking out restaurants that offer great value, quality and above all else are child friendly. If you would like Carrie to visit a particular pub or restaurant just get in touch with us at Village People and we’ll ask her to visit. In this edition I have picked out two establishments that we have stumbled upon and which have already
Trattoria Rustica Norwich 01603 621043 www.trattoriarustica.com When I think of Italian food, it conjures up images of long lazy lunches, eating fantastic bowls of pasta and drinking copious amounts of delicious wines! A lovely warm fuzzy feeling overcomes me when describing Italian food, and the way that a good Italian restaurant makes you feel that the meal was a complete gastronomic experience. Our family have recently returned from a trip to Rome and Milan where we encountered some of those above experiences, however it delights me to say that not one of the restaurants that we dined in presented the quality and flavoursome food that Trattoria Rustica produces. The moment you step into this restaurant you are transported into the heart of Italy. From its rustic Italian décor, to the family wedding portrait that graces the wall, every part of the dining experience transports you to one of my favourite culinary countries in the world. The family owned restaurant has Mario & Raffealla in the kitchen whipping up the most incredible Italian food I have ever eaten, and other family members as front of house and waiting staff, all adding to the very relaxed atmosphere. The family are from Sardinia and have been running this popular restaurant since 1995. It has built up a reputation for producing exceptional authentic Italian food using quality fresh ingredients.
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Families are very much welcomed, and although they do not open for lunch, they have an early opening of 6pm for families with young children to dine at an earlier time.
become our new family favourites! Since the children are both at school full time now, our time for hunting out new restaurants has been greatly reduced. Spare weekends to go exploring are also far and few between, more often than not, taken up with swimming lessons, or visiting friends and family further afield. But since my last editorial, I have been to four different restaurants with only two, I felt, deserving a mention and a strong recommendation in this edition. Most of the dishes can be made in smaller portions for children and with Gelato on the menu it’s a complete winner for my children! The menu is stunning, with a huge selection of pasta and risotto choices. The main courses of veal, fillet of beef, calves liver, and chicken offer an alternative choice to pasta or pizza for varying palettes. The choice is vast and the only problem you will have is deciding what to order! Many of the dishes have the addition of chilli in the recipe, which always goes down well with my family! Make sure that you always leave room for the desserts! Often, I find in some restaurants, desserts are almost an afterthought and the effort is not consistent, however here, the desserts will not disappoint! Plus, if you do not have room for dessert, I can recommend the delicious pudding wine served with biscotti. Each time we have visited this restaurant, every single table has been taken so booking is essential. I have lived in this area for 10 years and I feel very annoyed that those years have gone by unaware this restaurant was even here! I am so very lucky that I have now found it and I shall be making up for those lost years for sure!
The Elveden Inn Elveden 01842 890876 www.elvedeninn.com It seems to me that the Elveden Estate can do no wrong in my eyes! They consistently produce fantastic food, gift shops and produce. Yet again, they have struck pure gold with the new addition to their family - the refurbished Elveden Inn.
Local Favourites –
2 very different restaurants in our area. When you step into this warm and cosy pub, you immediately notice that beyond the bright and shiny new paintwork and furniture, they have managed very cleverly to retain the character and the charm of the original old pub. This family friendly environment offers high chairs, children’s menus (or Little Fawns as the menu states), and my children both were given a tablemat with puzzles and designs to colour in, along with the crayons. The children’s meal includes a drink, a main course and a choice of ice cream or fruit salad for dessert, all for £6.95. The adults menu is both traditional and exciting and uses fresh ingredients, many of which are produced by the Estate itself. The dining atmosphere is friendly, efficient and very relaxed. The staff were attentive, well informed (offering extra information regarding details of certain dishes), very good with children and overall we had a fantastic dining experience. The Inn is host to many special events throughout the calendar including quiz nights, wine tasting and barbeques. We have already selected a few events and put them firmly in the diary!
quality food but also the range of local cask ale too, including Mad Goose and Adnams Bitter (my husband’s favourite), fine wines and a ‘pint of Guinness that tastes as good as it does in Ireland’! What I love about this pub is that it has remained a pub, and is not trying to be anything else. You are not made to feel uncomfortable if you just pop in for your favourite tipple and do not want to eat. So many pubs have become gastro pubs where the food is expensive and sometimes lacking in what you would expect in a good restaurant although they charge the same prices. The Elveden Inn has retained the great British pub menu with some fantastic twists and original ideas, but rest assured that fish and chips, pie & mash, mixed grill, steam pudding and custard are all served here and produced with the best and freshest ingredients available.
It is approximately 25 minutes from our house to the Inn, but well worth the travel to enjoy such good food at such reasonable prices. The pub prides itself in not only providing
www.the-pelican-inn.co.uk
The Pelican would like you to join them for the evening
ELVEDEN INN
Welcome drink and canapés Experience our Ale Shop Meet local brewers Browse our restaurant menu
A stylish country pub with rooms. Situated in the village of Elveden, in the heart of East Anglia. Open daily, serving locally sourced food and real ales.
View our B&B accommodation See our garden and marquee Discuss event opportunities Sample our quality and service
For tickets... Email: enquiries@the-pelican-inn.co.uk Tel: 01508 489521
GREAT FOOD | CASK ALES | ACCOMMODATION
www.elveden.com
South Norfolk Pub of the Year Award 09/10
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Out & About
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Ladies who lunch Hoxne Swan
Low Street Hoxne, Eye, Suffolk IP21 5AS 01379 668275
www.hoxneswan.co.uk
H
aving lost a tiny bit of weight since Christmas and with my waistband actually fasten-able, I decided it was time for an outing. The Swan at Hoxne had been recommended to me for its excellent food using locally supplied ingredients, so I arranged to meet an old friend there to catch up on the news. As usual I was far too early, but this gave me a chance to look around the garden area. It being the middle of winter, this was not at its best- but with bench seats and tables; a ‘willow grows aslant a brook’* for children to clamber about on, and the brook itself, I could quite see how delightful it would be in the height of summer. I did see squirrels and pair of muntjac deer frolicking about.
Chicken £12.50 Fish £10.50 Brownie £5.25 Tea £1.50 Coffee £3 Bar drinks £4.50 Total £37.25
Mine was truly fabulous despite the fact that I am not a fan of olives, so arranged them around the side of the plate. (Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor – I think I ended up with the beggar man!) The chicken was plentiful and coated with a delicious sweet sticky tomato sauce, with other roasted vegetables. Both dishes came in generous servings and as my friend’s fish hung over each end of the plate, she asked me to help her finish it – and gave me a chip or two. For pudding I ordered a chocolate brownie with vanilla bean ice cream, and my friend – who declared she was so stuffed that she couldn’t eat another thing – then proceeded to help me finish it. Neither of us actually ate the Physalis, (cape gooseberry) berry - a plant of the nightshade family - but it added a note of sophistication to this otherwise childishly yummy, warm, soft, meltingly delicious, crisp on top, dessertto-die-for. I had a cup of coffee to follow and Earl Grey tea was unexpectedly available for my friend who - despite her stuffed status - managed to consume the cube of creamy fudge that came with it. I found mine at bedtime in my handbag, and was just about ready for it having eaten nothing since lunch. Fabulous! Would I go again? Despite the fact that it is a bit of a hike from home, yes I would, in summer to sit in the garden. *Gertrude/Hamlet/Shakespeare.
Bottom line
Inside the building, a warm friendly greeting was provided by the biggest log fire I have ever seen, exuding the warm aroma of scorching wood. We seated ourselves at a scrubbed pine table that was immaculately clean and marvelled at the beams, low ceilings, and pamment floors. The Swan is Grade II listed and was built back by the Bishop of Norwich in 1480. Disabled access looked possible, but there were no special provisions that I could see. A waitress brought us a selection of menus and drew our attention to the specials board on the wall. There are snack-lunch menus, set-lunch menus and á la carte lunch menus – and specials - to such an extent that we deviated without realising it from the set lunch at £8.50 for two courses (£10.50 for three). My
friend particularly wanted fish, and so once we had enquired what Blanchbait was, she plumped for that – with chips and garnish. I strayed from my usual ‘safe’ option and had Chicken with olives and tagliatelle. The food is freshly cooked so we had to allow a little more time than usual for this to be done.
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Out & About
APR/MAY
Mon 2 - Sat 7 Apr CALENDAR GIRLS All star cast in heartwarming drama £6.50 - £29 Tues 10 - Wed 11 Apr ENGLISH TOURING OPERA Rossini's The Barber of Seville (Tues), Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin (Wed) £6.50 - £34 Thur 12 - Sat 14 Apr CIRQUE DU CIEL Marvellous circus extravaganza £6.50 - £27
Tues 17 - Sat 28 Apr SISTER ACT Michael Starke, Denise Black star in smash hit musical comedy £6.50 - £42.50 Sun 29 Apr THAT’LL BE THE DAY Brand new rock 'n' roll variety show £5.50 - £22.50 Mon 30 Apr - Sat 5 May FUNNY PECULIAR Craig Gazey, Vicky Entwistle, Suzanne Shaw, Gemma Bissix star in hilarious adult comedy £5.50 - £22
Sister Act
BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00
Sun 6 May YVONNE SCHOOL OF DANCE Talented local dance school £5.50 - £17
Sun 27 May BRIT FLOYD World's greatest Pink Floyd tribute show £6.50 - £29.50
Wed 9 - Sat 12 May PROPELLER Internationally acclaimed all male Shakespeare £5.50 - £23
Tues 29 May - Sat 2 June I GOT RHYTHM Northern Ballet with ballet meets jazz £6.50 - £36.50
Sun 13 - Sat 26 May NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL
Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL
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Acting Company Propeller brings Shakespeare to Norwich!
K
arl Davies is an actor who likes a challenge. Whether he was at the centre of major storylines in Emmerdale, or playing the hapless legal clerk in Kingdom, his acting career has been packed with a wide variety of roles.
Most recently, Karl has joined Propeller, an all-male company performing Shakespeare’s plays. The group are heading back to Norwich Theatre Royal in 2012 to perform Henry V and The Winter’s Tale! Village People caught up with Karl in a break from rehearsals to talk about playing a woman in one of the Bard’s plays, memories of Norfolk… and why he’s been doing army drills on Clapham Common. From the minute you start chatting to Karl Davies, you can sense his excitement at becoming part of Propeller. Currently enjoying the challenge of performing in a theatre, he is soaking up lots of knowledge from his colleagues. He explained: “Rehearsals are going very well and I’m learning a lot. There is a lot to take in for me as I have never done Shakespeare before.” “I’ve had no theatrical training. When the opportunity presented itself through the director Ed Hall, who I had worked with before, I thought that this would be my shot to do some Shakespeare. I just love his writing.” Karl will be taking on four different parts during the Propeller tour, which comes to Norwich in May. He will play Katharine, Scroop, Boy and a
Messenger in Henry V, and the Young Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale. In traditional Shakespearean style, the men take on the female roles as well, and Karl believes that taking on a part like this is a great opportunity: “…where else would I get the chance to give my Katharine? There are not that many opportunities to do that and you approach it in the same way you approach any character.” What about the all-male rehearsing environment? Is Karl coping with all the creative testosterone? Laughing, he said: “Well, maybe you don’t have to be quite so polite. It is a little bit bawdier than some other rehearsals but we are all bonding together well and bringing the play to life. There is a great energy here and I am really enjoying myself.” Karl and director Ed Hall previously worked together on ITV’s popular Norfolk based hit ‘Kingdom’ where he played the hapless trainee solicitor Lyle Anderson opposite Britain’s national treasure Stephen Fry. From his time on the show, Karl particularly remembers the striking Norfolk vistas. He said: “There were just the most stunning horizons. I remember doing a scene in one of the very first episodes where there was some dyke-leaping going on. I just looked up and there was just this stunning panorama. Of course,
Norfolk has amazing beaches too. I loved Holkham.” His week with Propeller is likely to be the first time he has returned to Norfolk since starring in Kingdom, following a busy period where he has starred in a number of roles, including Robert Sugden in Emmerdale! His most recent work includes playing Alton Lannister in the American medieval series Game of Thrones, appearing in BBC legal drama The Case, and recently finishing a tour with Tricycle Theatre, which took him across America in wartime play The Great Game. There is no chance of putting your feet up, however. Three nights a week, the Propeller cast are put through their paces to boost their physical fitness. Karl explained: “We are getting in shape for the tour. We have been doing Army drills on Clapham Common so we go up there three times a week. It is helping us to get ready for the tour. Henry V is very physical and you need to be in pretty good shape.”
Make sure you check out Propeller’s performance between 9th and 12th May at Norwich Theatre Royal!
Box Office 01603 630000
For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
Tickets £5.50-£23 Saver tickets for both shows start at £26
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Out & About Gardens|Garden Centre|Steam Museum
w w w. br e s s i n g h a m . c o . u k
Open Mar 28th - Nov 4th daily from 10.30am visit www.bressingham.co.uk for further details - Tel 01379 686900
Help! Volunteers needed Bressingham is South Norfolk’s largest tourist attraction and is a charity with a mainly volunteer staff preserving a unique steam collection and gardens which has provided enjoyment for the whole family for over 50 years. Bressingham always needs more volunteers from 18 to 80, if you have any spare time to give we have jobs of all types and sizes. Mechanics, engineers, gardeners, track layers, plumbers, ticket sellers and retail to name just a few. Call us on 01379 686900 or email info@bressingham.co.uk for details and help us keep the wheels of Bressingham turning. 42
Village wanderings
1 The dunes are home to unusual species of lichen including the red-tipped ‘devil’s matchstick’ (left), oak moss (right) and reindeer moss (below).
Somerton and Winterton Starting from West Somerton church, the circular route meanders through arable fields and grazing marsh. The walk continues through Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve. This is a landscape of dune systems including heath, grass and shallow pools supporting a specialised variety of flora and fauna. Distance: approximately 4.5 miles. Using OS Explorer Map 0L40. Start grid ref: TG 474196.
Winterton Holmes
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South Wood
Wint
erton
KEY Winterton Dunes NNR Other public footpaths Walk
In summer months adders bask in sunny sandy spots. They will only attack if provoked.
Dun es N
Decoy Wood
atio nal
Nat ure
Res erv
e
West Somerton
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START 4
4 St Mary’s church, West Somerton, dates from the 11th century. Its nave and porch are thatched with local reeds and its interior contains several features of interest including 14th-century wall paintings. Amongst the graves is that of Robert Hales, the ‘Norfolk Giant’ who grew to a height of 7ft 8in. He died in 1863, aged 43.
East Somerton
Seals are curious and can be seen quite close to the beach. During the winter months they breed ashore at nearby Horsey.
Wintert
on Roa
d
Winterton-on-Sea
2 This quirky lady in the bath and an intricately painted vehicle are truly works After a long period of little or no rain we should of art! They can be seen in the garden have been grateful for and outside a cottage on the track.
3 The 15th-century church at East Somerton is now an atmospheric ruin with trees growing around and within the remaining flint walls.
all that fell the day we walked. Despite the damp conditions, we enjoyed the variety: arable fields and marram covered dunes, the open seascapes and the unexpected sight of a curious seal.
Walked, written and designed by Kevin Parker (keeper.kev@btinternet.com) and Kaarin Wall (kaarin@wizgraphics.co.uk) © 2012.
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Out & About
Weddings
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Cliff Barns is located in the lovely, small village of Narborough in Norfolk, 50 minutes west of Norwich. Only 2 hours journey from London, it is 25 minutes from the beautiful Norfolk coastline.
ENquiriES www.cliffbarns.com Cliff Barns, 31-35 Pitfield St, London N1 6HB t 08708 505 468 email info@cliffbarns.com
Check out our other home-tel
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www.carringtonhouse.net
as seen in
Jubilee celebrations in Diss 2012 it is set to be a year of celebration, with so many huge events happening in the capital, such as the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee. But how do we celebrate these things locally? Oliver Pilsbury-Gaunt is organising the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Diss.
park with catering stands featuring foods from lots of different cultures around the world.
Fortunately, a few members of the public have been persuaded to give up their own time; helping to make Oliver’s Jubilee plans a reality! As Oliver put it: “this has meant that we are now able to look at making our event amazing!”
“There are also plans to bring in local people offering products and services to our big lunch participants; with bands, raffles, races and games. This day should be jam packed with fun for all and attract hundreds!” said Oliver. Finally, there are plans for a firework display on Monday 4th June over the wonderful Mere and beacon lighting on the park. The evening will provide hot food and music, in what promises to be a great finish to the Jubilee celebrations.
“We have a full program of events planned in Diss over the Jubilee weekend. On Saturday 2nd June we are going to be hosting a party in the park, involving local bands and performing groups that will show their talents on two stages. There will be a craft fair and lots of activities for both young and old to take part in and we would welcome anybody who wishes to perform on this day.”
To execute all these plans, Oliver is looking for the support of businesses and the local community to help with the organisation and funding of the events: “Obviously you don’t have to be able to give a lot to take part, it can be anything from spreading the word via Twitter or Facebook to coming to one of our fortnightly meetings, where you can get involved and support our events.”
On Sunday 3rd June, a ‘big lunch’ event will take place in the park, as part of a nationwide scheme set up by the Eden Project in 2009. The aim of the project is to bring together as many people as possible to eat lunch, and Oliver and his team are hoping to fill the
Oliver would appreciate any kind of support that can be offered, so if you’d like to get involved, email him at oliverpilsburygaunt@gmail.com
Over the past five months, Oliver has been working tirelessly to bring together plans for the Jubilee celebrations but was struggling to find volunteers to help him. Until recently, he was working alone to turn ideas into reality so that Diss can celebrate this special event in style.
Planning a Party or an Event? Need a temporary bar? Wedding Christening Charity Event 40th Birthday Outdoor Event Corporate Event Personal License Held
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Fancy soaking up some local culture? Head to one of Norfolk’s Open Studios! Maz Jackson and Julia Sorrell are friends and local artists from the Brecklands, who will be opening their doors to the public as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios in 2012! The regional venture is now in its 17th year, running as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. It offers a wonderful opportunity for the public to visit and talk to local artists and craftsmen in their own workshops and studios. There will be over 350 participating artists across the county, which can be connected together by several Art Trails. Various studios are also listed in a fully illustrated catalogue, which can be obtained from the website www.nnfestival.org.uk Maz Jackson, one of the artists featuring in the scheme, was born in New Buckenham and now lives in East Harling. She has been drawing and painting in this area since childhood. The influences of the open landscape, its wildlife, folklore, religions and culture all play a part in her award-winning work, which is exhibited worldwide. Using traditional methods similar to those used by artists and craftsmen in medieval times, she paints on gilded oak panels and also prints limited edition woodcut books. More information on her work can be found online at: www.mazjackson.eu
Julia Sorrell, who is also participating in the Open Studios event, trained at Goldsmiths and the Royal Academy Schools. She has lived and worked in Norfolk as an artist for the past 20 years. In that time, she has become more and more involved in the painting of the natural world, in particular trees. Whilst walking in the Norfolk Wildlife Reserve at East Wretham last year, she took direct inspiration from the Scots Pines with their twisted and gnarled shapes - so much a feature of the Breckland. Since then, she has been concentrating on a series of paintings in watercolours and oils based on these wonderful trees. Find out more at: www.juliasorrell.ukartists.com
CRAFT MARKET www.wheeler-events.co.uk
Tailormade trips
BEACH HOLIDAYS
7th April & 5th May Queens Hall in Watton 9.30am to 2pm
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Great value, fantastic choice and guidance from a widely travelled and experienced local travel consultant. Contact me today and let me help you find your perfect holiday.
ALISON ALLAM Travel Counsellor 01508 489475 or 07769 901801
alison.allam@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/alison.allam Travel Counsellors ensures complete financial protection on every booking
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FREE ADMISSION In aid of Macmillan Cancer Care
Tutor: Reading Specialist Help with English Language and Literature for pupils aged 5 to 16 yrs • Experienced and effective tuition • Reasonable rates • Holder current CRB check
Mrs Claire Jordan Tel: 01508 531399
Into local food?
Please come along and have a look, spread the word to all your friends!
I
f you enjoy local produce then Cherry Lane Produce Fayre may be the place for you! Launched on 2nd March, thirteen local food producers are hosting a monthly stall at the Cherry Lane Garden Centre in Pulham Market. This great event is expected to grow with support from the general public- we eventually hope to feature around twenty producers. Produce is wide and varied, making this market the ideal place for you to shop for all that you need for the weekend! The list of superb locally produced foods includes: Beers from Buffy’s Brewery Pork, sausages and pies from Samphire Artisan breads from Pye Baker Goats cheese and goat meat from Fielding Cottage Lamb & mutton from Oak Tree Farm Fudge from Fudgulous Cookies & Cupcakes from Daydream Cakes from Debbie Me Cakes Chillis & chutneys from Phillis Chillis Honey from UK Honey Bee Man Chutneys & jams from Courtyard Chutneys
If you’re into local food and its provenance then this is the place to come! The market is conveniently located on the A140 just south of Long Stratton- so make sure you visit to check out all the treats on offer. Once you’ve had a chance to look around all the scrumptious produce available, we recommend you finish with a treat at The Restaurant at Cherry Lane, which serves great coffee from Costa! Open from 9am, each event takes place on the first Friday of every month. This month the date for your diary is Good Friday, on the 6th April. Remember - Good Friday equals great produce! If you are a producer, please get in touch with Graham Pentelow on 07969 923210 to take a stall at the market.
More than just a Garden Centre! Cherry Lane Garden Centres are famous for their choice, quality and great value. Come and visit one of our branches today!
PLANTS • TREES • SHRUBS • TOOLS • GARDEN CARE • FURNITURE • PET SECTION • GARDEN MACHINERY • WILDBIRD SECTION • BBQs • SHEDS • GREENHOUSES • GARDENING CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR GIFTWARE • CANDLES • BOOKS • KITCHENWARE • HOUSEWARE DIY TOOLS & ACCESSORIES • CONFECTIONERY
Where GreatVal Great Value Grows
Plus much, much more!
Pulham Market Ipswich Road, Pulham Market, Norfolk IP21 4XP
T: 01379 676418
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T: 01493 488212
Long Melford High St, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9DH
T: 01787 311889
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at Fritton, Stisted and Tickhill at Long Melford Open all day, everyday for hot & cold food & drinks.
Open: Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm SUNDAY TIMES: Fritton, Stisted & Tickhill: 10.30am-4.30pm (Customer browsing from 10am-10.30am). Long Melford: 10.30am-4.30pm & Pulham Market: 10am-4pm (Customer browsing from 9.30am-10am).
www.cherry-lane.co.uk
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• • • • • • • • • • •
• Pates from Suffolk Pate • Vegetables, oils & eggs from Norfolk Veg Box • A fourteenth producer at the next fayre is Suffolk Smokehouse, producing salami and smoked meat/fish.
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Out & About Our pre–prep and early years department at
Together We Learn To request a prospectus or to arrange a visit please telephone 01842 752840 or email: hmsec@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk Please visit our website: www.thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk
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Wymondham Players’ April Production will be Noel Coward’s wonderful astral comedy “Blithe Spirit”
W
ritten to raise the ‘spirits’ of the British people in the dark wartime days of 1941, Coward described this play as “an improbable farce”. The action takes place in the living room of the Condomines’ house in 1930’s Kent, and the period is invoked by the setting and costumes, together with ‘plummy’ accents and Coward’s typically witty dialogue. The play is as much a take on love and marriage as on death and the afterlife. The title comes from Percy Shelley’s poem ‘Ode to a Skylark’ – “Hail to the blithe spirit, bird thou never wert...” Charles Condomine, a socialite and successful novelist, wants to research the occult for a novel he is writing, and he arranges for an eccentric medium, Madam Arcati, to hold a séance at his house. He expects it all to be nothing more than an amusing sham, and invites the local doctor and his wife along to share in the fun. However, at the séance, Madam Arcati inadvertently summons Charles’s first wife, Elvira, who has been dead for seven years. Only Charles can see or hear Elvira, and his second wife, Ruth, does not believe that Elvira exists until a floating
vase is handed to her out of thin air. The ghostly Elvira makes continued, and increasingly desperate efforts to disrupt Charles’s current marriage, while he finds the whole thing jolly amusing. As the play unfolds, the tension between Charles and Ruth increases, and she even threatens to call the Archbishop of Canterbury as a last resort to get rid of Elvira. The plot has more twists than a roller coaster and is a hilarious three-way repartee, culminating in a spectacular ending. The final member of the cast, Edith, the Condomines’ new maid, has some wonderful comic moments, and her secret is not revealed until the end of the play. Tabi Paternoster and Alan Carpenter take on the roles of the Condomines, with Georgette Vale as mad Madam Arcati. Marianne London and Martin Drummond play their guests and Leanne Neave the high-speed maid.
The play runs from 18th to 21st April at Central Hall in Wymondham with curtain-up at 7.45pm. Tickets are £7 (£6 concessions) and can be obtained through the website www.wymondhamplayers.org.uk, via the Box Office 01953 601198 or from Geo Reeve’s shop in Wymondham
Parties, wedding plates, baby footprints & more Visit us to paint your own pottery masterpiece! The Appleyard, opposite Banham Zoo, NR16 2HE
01953 457092
www.artfulpots.com
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If you go down to the Woods
F
orestry Commission Live Music takes place every summer. An eclectic tic mix of acts perform in seven spectacular forest locations across the country. Woodland clearings are temporarily transformed into a concert arena creating a safe and relaxed atmosphere for gig-goers. Income generated from Forestry Commission Live Music ticket sales is spent on improving the local forest for both people and wildlife. Forestry Commission Live Music concerts in East Anglia take place at Thetford Forest near Brandon and a stellar line-up of artists have been confirmed for 2012.
14th June RAZORLIGHT 15th June PLAN B 16th June WILL YOUNG 12th July ED SHEERAN 13th July ALFIE BOE with special guest Laura Wright 14th July THE DARKNESS
For further information about Forestry Commission Live Music visit www.forestry.gov.uk/music or telephone 03000 680400.
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Shopping
For 10% off our website prices please quote VP04 (offer ends 30th April 2012)
Or contact us directly to place orders and to purchase any of the above Special offers. Call 01379 871820 email rloxton@acc-sees.co.uk Acc-Sees Ltd, Unit 4 Progress Way, Mid Suffolk Business Park, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7HU
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Have a field day with family...
...enjoy over 90 fantastic shops, cafĂŠs and restaurants in our stunning shopping centre nestled in the heart of Norwich.
www.chapelfield.co.uk
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Book reviews Story of Norwich
In this new expanded edition of “A History of Norwich”, the author skilfully combines the latest historical and archaeological findings with more than 25 years of original research into the city archives to provide a lively narrative with a superb set of illustrations. Important new themes include the roles played by women over the centuries; the constant flow of people and ideas with our continental neighbours; and the changing ways in which crime has been punished, for both adults and the young.
Frank Meeres Phillimore Press Hardback 9781860777134 £25
How would modern Norwich look if those gates still guarded our city? Leo has “rebuilt” them in our present day streets, from King Street to the Bishop’s Gate on its bridge over the Wensum. The Boom Towers beside the river at Carrow and three of the many gates to the Castle Mound; he has “repaired” the Cow Tower standing alone in the Cathedral Meadow, and “restored” the Water Gate at Pull’s Ferry. He has told their stories and brought to mind some of the people who lived and worked close to them.
Through Ancient Gates Leo R Jary
Larks Press Large paperback 9781904006596 £9.50
How Hill – Heart of the Broads David Holmes
How Hill Trust Large paperback 9780956960603 £12.99
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How Hill, formerly the home of the Boardman family, is a delightful Edwardian thatched house which provides access to some of the most evocative landscapes of this unique area. This book tells of the people who gave it such a varied and unusual history and captures its remarkable wildlife. Reed beds, marshes, woodlands, a marshman’s cottage and three restored windmills are next to both formal terraced, as well as exotic water, gardens. A much cherished place for both children and adults.
Roy Futter from Jarrold Book Department shares with us some of his recent best sellers
Phyllis was the wife of Ted Ellis, the celebrated Norfolk naturalist, and will already be familiar to readers of the EDP and Country Living, amongst other publications. This is her story, in her own words, and her witty, fun-loving, intensely interested personality shines through. Her greatgrandfather was gamekeeper to Queen Victoria at Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight and the book contains over 50 photographs, which include some from this period. A lovely companion piece to her lectures and radio broadcasts.
Memoirs of Phyllis Ellis Pete Kelley
Wheatfen Books Paperback 9780957109407 £10.00
Jimmy was was a somewhat mischevious Clippesby boy, schooled at Fleggburgh (a daily walk of 3 miles), who grew up in the area north east of Great Yarmouth in the 1920s. At the age of 15 he joined the army and was later seriously wounded at Dunkirk. All of this is reflected in a delightful series of articles written for his local parish magazine, describing a childhood steeped in country ways, the people he knew and his experiences in wartime.
The Norwich Knowledge Michael Loveday Paperback 9780957088306 £18.99
A Boyhood in the Fleggs Jimmy Leggett
Larks Press Paperback 9781904006572 £8.50
Designed to appeal to everyone, in a handy guide book size and with an alphabetical format, this long overdue book is a marvellously detailed, sometimes idiosyncratic introduction to our city. Tourists, students and locals will get a feel of what their city is like now and has been in the past. This puts all the answers in one place and, to date, no other resource has managed this. Even using Google would require multiple searches. Destined to become invaluable.
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Traditional Joinery For Sale
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100’s Mirrors in Stock External Door in Solid English Oak. Pair of French Doors in Solid English Oak. English Oak Ledge Doors made to order. Rustic Coffee Table in Solid English Oak. Bobbin Side Table. Giant Chest of Drawers in Solid English Oak. 2 Drawer Potboard Dresser Base. Large Display Cabinet painted in Old English White Stick Back Windsor Chairs. Refectory Table in Solid English Oak.
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Oakcraft Bespoke Furniture - Kitchens, Doors, Windows, Machined Timber, Solid Oak and Flooring all made to your specifications
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For more information contact Mike at Oakcraft on 01953 788303
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Shopping
Furniture and Accessories for Every Room from the Bedroom to the Kitchen and your Garden too! Next to the Railway Station Stowmarket
01449 770082
Open Tues to Sat 10am - 5pm
Gangans Gifts, Botesdale Gifts for Easter Great ideas for your Home and Garden
Visit Gangans
Many items in stock or available to order
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 - 4.00 Telephone 01379897234 Hilltop, Botesdale IP22 1BX
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Shopping
WYMONDHAM’S LOCAL FURNISHING Jarrolds can offer expert advice on all aspects of home furnishing and are very proud to have been part of the historic town of Wymondham since 1988
LINENS • HOUSEWARES • FURNITURE • CARPETS • RUGS • CURTAINS • COOKSHOP UPHOLSTERY • SOFT FURNISHINGS • BEDS • MATTRESSES • LIFT & RISE ELECTRIC CHAIRS
7 Middleton Street Wymondham
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01953 603251 www.jarrold.co.uk
Beautiful Boutique on your Doorstep
L
a Maison (formerly of New Buckenham) is a beautiful boutique which specialises in unique gifts, cards and wrapping paper for all occasions. They have fantastic gifts for new babies, children, weddings and even keen gardeners! If you want to spoil yourself, check out their beautiful jewellery range, made by local jeweller Jane Penington, or their new selection of scarves and exquisite silk purses and handbags. They also feature relaxing aromatherapy products produced locally by Perfect Scents. La Maison also offers a great range of interior items to brighten up and refresh your home. Just in from
Gisela Graham is a new range of china and homeware (aprons, oven gloves, etc.) in a lovely hearts design, perfect for spring and summer. As well as stocking items from well known suppliers such as East of India, they also have pieces produced by local companies and crafters, some of which are exclusive to La Maison.
La Maison is a friendly family run business and caters for all tastes and budgets. They have many different ranges and they keep their prices competitive. At La Maison, you can still enjoy the thrill of retail therapy even in these difficult financial times!
La Maison Gifts and Interiors can be found at Carleton Wood, Ash Lane, Carleton Rode, Norwich, NR16 1NN Just follow the signs to the shop (with free parking) which is approximately 2 miles from New Buckenham heading towards Norwich on the B1113. Open Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturdays till 4pm Check out: www.lamaisongifts.com or call: 01953 860967
Kathy’s Wool Shop Wool & Knitting Supplies
Large range of haberdashery & accessories
Stockists of King Cole & Stylecraft Dry cleaning alterations & shoe repairs now available
Open: Mon to Tue, Thur to Fri 9am to 5pm Wed 9am to 1pm, Sat 10am to 4pm 01508 530100 Norwich Road, Long Stratton
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Health & Beauty
Massage
with Jacqueline Tyzack ITEC & STAT
Mini & Full massage treatments available in Forncett St Mary
3pm till 9pm - Monday to Saturday Gift vouchers available More beauty treatments coming soon... Alexander Technique - lessons & workshops Contact Jacqueline on 01508 489032 • 07960 189946
Transformational therapies Create a positive outlook on life & ease physical symptoms
Hypnotherapy • Esoteric Crystal Therapy • Massage
Coldstream Therapy 01379 677681 • 07519 298218 monique@coldstreamtherapy.co.uk www.coldstreamtherapy.co.uk
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Exercise really can be mind altering! Personal trainer Mick Glynn explains how a small amount of exercise can have life-changing results! We all know that exercise is good for our physical health; increasing metabolism and cutting down on the bad stuff such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as making us look slimmer!
H
owever, what is less well known is that exercise can also have a very positive effect on mental wellbeing, helping to suppress impulsive habits and increasing our ability to resist temptation! A recently published medical paper has brought forward new evidence that exercise actually changes the structure of the brain, improving its key functions and connections in the ‘prefrontal cortex’, which boosts inhibitory control. This can give us the effect of increased self-control, providing you with more resistance against giving in to those biscuits at work!
So, don’t get too comfortable on the sofa! Check out all of the great benefits of exercise yourself, and see if you could make life-altering changes for a healthier and happier you!
If you would like more information on exercise, personal training or gym membership and how it could benefit you, then contact Mick Glynn at MG Fitness Studio in Shelfanger. Mick can offer information about one-to-one personal training or a simple gym membership, so you can discover the new you in a timescale that suits your lifestyle!
It also gets better! Researchers say that working out makes your brain more sensitive to feelings of fullness, helping to control appetite so your body knows when it needs to stop eating. Plus, as if those discoveries weren’t enough to persuade you, there are even more benefits which will get you running to your local gym! If a new, trimmer you wasn’t quite enough of an incentive; it has also been proven that exercise can beat feelings of depression. In a recent study of 5,000 women over ten years, it was discovered that the more physically active ladies had a lower risk of depression than those who exercised for less than 10 minutes a day. Further findings showed that watching TV for more than 21 hours in a week also increased the risk of depression by 13 per cent.
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Health & Beauty
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Q&A health Q
Ever since I can remember I have always suffered from hay fever. Are there any natural remedies you would suggest?
Trish Stephenson from the Natural Food Store, Exchange Street, Norwich says:
A
You’re not alone! For nearly 15% of the population, spring and summer are not just about warmer weather, but also the unpleasant symptoms of hay fever. Hay fever is usually an allergy to pollen released by grasses, flowers and trees in spring and summer. Pollen causes cells to release histamine and other chemicals, resulting in a runny, itchy nose, blocked sinuses, sneezing, redness and watering of the eyes, and/or a sore, itchy throat. Fortunately, preventative measures should help to keep that hay fever at bay. Firstly, don’t be an early bird! Pollen counts tend to peak between 5am and 10am, so limiting outdoor activity during the morning hours can help keep your allergies to a minimum. Also, check prevailing winds and pollen counts and remember that wind dried clothes can become pollen catchers. Hanging clothes inside will keep them pollen free. Taking a Homeopathic Mixed Pollen pill daily will greatly increase your resistance to these pollens and go a very
Classes held in Beccles, Diss, Haddiscoe, Harleston, Long Stratton, Trowse and Wymondham.
Natural solutions for your health problems long way to keeping you hay fever free. As far as diet is concerned, vitamin C supplements and especially Nature’s Aid Quercetin Complex greatly helps as they both have antihistamine activity. Likewise, vitamin B can help relieve blocked sinuses and ease any related stress! Try to avoid all dairy foods and reduce the amount of wheat that you consume as these two foods act to increase the amount of mucus congestion in the body. Finally, herbal remedies can be very effective. Luffa Complex from Bioforce is a combination of seven tropical plants known to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of hay fever and similar allergies. Luffa is used to combat sneezing plus both blocked and runny noses. Like Nature’s Aid Quercitin Complex it’s useful for reducing irritation of the eyes. Good news for Mums and Dads too - the Homeopathic Pollen remedy is safe for the youngest child and Luffa Complex is also suitable for children over the age of two.
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FREE Membership and F.A.B. Diet Pack worth £35!* *Diet Pack given over 3 weeks. New members only. Class Fee £5.95. Valid until 30/04/12. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
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Health & Beauty
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The Importance of
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to Weight Management
M
etabolic rate is the rate at which we convert energy from our food. There are those that do it well, sporting a lean athletic body and there are those that don’t do it so well, thus sporting a fat body.
Your metabolic rate is not a matter of chance. It is down to the food and activity choices that people make and based on those choices you can’t expect to have a different looking body to the one you already have. So what can we do about it? Popular belief is that you must do hours of mind numbing cardio vascular exercise to lose body fat; this is not the case. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has an important and complex role to play in metabolism. It is primarily responsible for the fast metabolising of the foods we eat, into energy. It is naturally produced in the body and it is of significant importance to maintain appropriate levels of this hormone for the rest of your life to have proper growth and development.
HGH naturally within the body - high intensity exercise. Examples of high intensity exercises are weight training, plyometrics (explosive bursts) and sprint cardio. Twenty minutes is sufficient to initiate the release of HGH, and this release can last for two hours. This gives you a two hour window which will burn fat and build muscle; the key to weight management. The only thing left to fix now will be your nutrition habits, which will either help or hinder your efforts. Roscoe Hipperson (Owner)
To get started on this journey, call Fit Club Wymondham on 01953 606665
HGH REDUCES FAT ACCUMULATION AND BUILDS LEAN MUSCLE MASS HGH does what no other weight loss regime can do - that is to re-contour the body by melting fat and building muscle. What is even better is the greatest loss occurs in the deep belly fat, which is the bane of aging men and women and often associated with an increased risk of heart attack. In every study of HGH deficient adults as well as aging ‘normal’ people, HGH replacement reduced body fat and increased lean body mass, which is good for a high metabolic rate as well. This is unique, as most diets result in loss of muscle along with fat. So how can we boost HGH? I don’t advocate buying expensive supplements to boost it as this can lead to problems. I advocate the right type of exercise to boost
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Health & Beauty
66
Focus On Ability 2 Care
Sarah Barrett Dye started Ability 2 Care last year to support individuals needing care with a more personal approach. Why did you start Ability 2 Care? I’ve been in the caring profession for a long time; everybody is an individual and has individual needs, but so many people need help with care and support. With this in mind I decided to start Ability 2 Care to provide a service that wasn’t previously available. I wanted to provide support as well as care, and I wanted to be cheaper than care agencies and offer continuity.
What services are available? We can usually adapt to whatever the client wants. Previously we have offered assisted bathing, support with household chores, cooking and personal care needs on a 24/7 basis. We also offer travel options for clients, having previously taken people out swimming or for meals. Clients can also be taken out for day trips, such as shopping or the theatre, or transported to appointments, as required. Hopefully Ability 2 Care can cater for everyone!
How do you get to know new clients? After the initial phone call, I usually arrange a visit, to make sure that the client has met with myself and is 100% happy with any of the services they are going to be provided with.
How do you see the future of Ability 2 Care? I would like to see more people from residential/ nursing homes using the service, as I charge by the hour, not per person, so the option is there to have a great day out. I also plan to get another vehicle, but with a ramp, so that people confined to wheelchairs can use the services I offer! Hopefully Ability 2 Care will also be able to offer good employment opportunities for care and support workers as well.
Who do you mainly work with? It really varies; I work with the elderly, adults with learning difficulties, and people who need rehabilitation after having strokes or head injuries. I also offer palliative care, for help and support in the final days. Some people use Ability 2 Care on a regular basis, or as and when required. We also aim at giving families a break when they are caring for loved ones.
You can contact Sarah for a friendly chat on 01953 452068 or 07747 071956 Proof of training, police checks and insurances are available on request.
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Health & Beauty
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Services
Greentree Financial Planning Independent Mortgage Advice
Purchasing Re-mortgaging Buy to Let Shared Equity Shared Ownership Commercial Loans
Life Insurance Critical Illness Income protection Your home maybe repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage
Contact Justin Brady at Greentree Financial Planning
T 01953 605054 or 07763 559366 E justin@greentreefp.co.uk W www.greentreefp.co.uk A percentage of our proďŹ ts goes to charities which protect endangered rainforests and combat global warming Greentree Financial Planning is a trading style of Independent Mortgages & Financial Solutions Ltd. Independent Mortgages & Financial Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority No 480536.
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Make sure your pension lasts as long
as you do! We’re all living longer
Every now and then, your newspaper probably prints a one-off story about an inspirational local resident who’s reached the grand-old age of 100. But it won’t be long before the papers have to devote a daily doublepage spread to these stories because we’re all living longer than ever before! This longer life expectancy is going to have a huge impact on our pensions and we should all be thinking about how best to prepare for what could be a much lengthier retirement.
There are also tax implications to consider: be it capital gains, inheritance tax or income tax liabilities. You may think that once you’ve hung up your work boots you’ll never have to pay tax again; this simply isn’t the case – tax still has to be paid. So, you need to make sure you’re using all your available tax-free allowances and that you’re paying as little tax as possible. After all, if you’ve worked hard and paid taxes all your life; you don’t want to be needlessly paying HMRC after you’ve retired as well!
Your pension may have to go further
Why not start planning now?
The fact that we’re living longer is, of course, going to put a strain on the state pension and long-term care systems and, more importantly, it’s also going to affect your personal retirement plans. Your pension funds may have to last for up to 35 years or more! The traditional ways of planning for retirement are past their sell-by date. You simply can’t afford to rely on the state or your employer anymore; generous pensions and final salary schemes are disappearing fast. How lavish, comfortable or financially tough your retirement years are going to be is down to you.
You may need more than just a pension For the vast majority of today’s retired people, a single pension provides the basis of their income. In today’s economic climate, you’re going to need more than that. You need to ensure you’re making the most of your savings and investments so you can sit back and enjoy your twilight years without worrying if the money is going to run out.
In the past, as people with investments grew older their portfolios became risk averse. This basically means that they avoided any investments that could put their capital at risk. However, times are changing and this ‘safe’ option might not be the best strategy anymore. Some of you may have an assortment of different pension schemes, having worked for different employers. Or, you may have made the most of Pep, Tessa or ISA tax allowances over the years. There are ways to turn this non-pension money into an income stream that, if necessary, you’ll be able to continue to draw on for 30 to 40 years.
Anglian Wealth Management 124 Thorpe Road Norwich NR1 1RT
www.anglianwm.co.uk
As with many things, it’s important to start planning early. Get a clear view of your position by establishing what your likely state pension entitlement would currently be. It’s also worth contacting the pension trustees of your current and previous employers. They’ll be able to provide you with pension forecasts; as will the companies who manage your private pension plan. Find out whether you’re on track or if you ought to consider making extra contributions. Many companies that have replaced final salary schemes with defined contribution pension schemes contribute far less now. This means the onus is on the employee to boost their own pension pot. It’s great to think that we all have a good chance of living longer, but it does mean that you’ve got to make your money work harder while you can – and the sooner you start, the better. If all this sounds rather confusing, Anglian Wealth Management can help. Our qualified financial advisers are experts in helping you to understand and organise your pensions and savings, and plan for a secure future.
Your Investments
If you’d like to make sure you’re getting the most from your existing investments or discuss new investment opportunities,
contact - Ian Farrant Anglian Wealth Management on 01603 752500 or email ian@anglianwealthmanagement.co.uk.
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Services
Computer Phobic? Bought a new computer and don’t know where to start or already have one and would like to improve your skills?
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the printers
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House Revolution really is an estate agency with a difference. Our aims are transparency and honesty - selling your home for a realistic and affordable fee at a cost that is much less than a typical estate agent.
We save you money, yet still deliver exceptional customer service. Selling your home has never been more affordable! For example, did you know that House Revolution DO NOT: • Require you to sign either a sole or multi agency contract • Ask you to commit to a minimum term • Charge any form of cancellation or withdrawal fee
Yet House Revolution DO: • Market your home on all major online portals including Rightmove, Zoopla and Primelocation • Provide complete transparency with your own online account available 24/7 where all your house selling activity can be found and interacted with • Offer a choice of payment options to suit your situation either 0.75% + VAT no sale no fee OR £999 + VAT payable at the point we start your marketing • Provide a free, no obligation property valuation • Measure, photograph and prepare your house details ready for sale • Have an easy to find office with parking, open 6 days a week • Employ happy trained staff to look after you and your sale, manage your viewings, feedback, offers and price negotiations • Finance check buyers, instruct solicitors and manage your sale to completion
To enjoy the House Revolution experience for yourself, please call our team on 0845 017 6060 and book your free valuation appointment now
It’s easy to see why we call ourselves ‘a new breed of estate agents’. New pricing, new values and new methods!
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Working within the local community you will need a full driving licence and your own transport. To find out how you can make a difference, contact your local office TODAY: Lowestoft: 01502 530676 Bury St Edmunds: 01284 374441 Thetford: 01842 780000
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If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a chance to make a real difference to someone’s life, why not consider becoming a carer?
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Services
DAVID E CLARKE & SON CONSTRUCTION PLANT & AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS HORTICULTURAL & GARDEN MACHINERY REPAIRS
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Book an MOT & SERVICE together FOR ONLY £110*
FREE COURTESY CAR or PICK UP/DELIVERY AVAILABLE Phone Mark our workshop manager on 01508 570342 or visit our web site www.qualitycarsales.org.uk for more details
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Services
76
CAR REVIEW Maserati GranCabrio
By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Editor • www.carwriteups.co.uk • Twitter: @carwriteups The GranCabrio has four seats, allowing you and three others to enjoy driving with the top down. The roof can be opened in just 28 seconds, and if sudden downpour occurs while driving, there is no need to stop. At speeds of 18 mph or below, you simply hold a button down for a few seconds to shut out bad weather.
SOME SAY that cars are nothing special – they’re for getting from A to B. However, that’s like saying any home will do as long as it has a roof, walls and a door. The Maserati GranCabrio is a car with high appeal throughout, from its luscious looks and Pininfarina styling to the V8 engine’s thrilling sound and amazing performance. On the outside, the headlights extend horizontally, blending into the contours of the nose section, with Maserati’s legendary Trident symbol in the centre of the oval grille. The short overhang and long bonnet accentuates the dynamism of the front profile, with three chromed air intakes adorning the front wings in classic Maserati style. Eye-catching chrome embellishes the top of the side panels, which are complimented by specially sculpted fairings at the bottom that pick up the light to dramatic effect. Impressive 20-inch Trident design alloy wheels fit tightly into the wide wheel-arches, creating a powerful statement about the car’s performance potential. The GranCabrio’s sporty, high-tech character is displayed at the rear, where powerful LED triangular taillights ensure maximum visibility and two pairs of large diameter chrome exhaust tailpipes frame the aerodynamic rear valence. An elegant combination of modernity, craftsmanship and sportiness, the interior displays great attention to detail. A subtle chrome inlay decorates the buttons on the dashboard with the Trident emblem hand-crafted on the seat head-restraints and an Alcantara trim lining the back of the gear change paddles. The driver’s controls give a feeling of total command, with major dynamic functions accessible via buttons on the driver’s side. Commonly used multimedia functions can be operated via the steering wheel, which are then displayed on the seven-inch screen of the Maserati Multi Media System mounted in the centre of the dashboard.
Controlled by pneumatic valves, the GranCabrio’s exhaust system has two characters – discreet and inspiring. In ‘normal’ mode the valves are closed to ensure a low, discreet sound level. For a more impressive growl, you can press the ‘Sport’ button, which not only changes the car’s performance and handling dynamics but also opens the exhaust valves, thus enabling the engine to deliver maximum power and maximum noise. A governor controls the exhaust valve by-pass so that it only opens above 3,000 revs in ‘Sport’ mode, for an unforgettable driving experience. At the heart of all this throbs the most powerful of the Italian engines – the glorious 4.7 litre V8, delivering 434bhp. For truly responsive drivability, 82 percent of maximum torque is available from as low as 2,500 rpm, ensuring exceptional pick-up even in higher gears, so that overtaking is safer and driving in general is more enjoyable. The car can accelerate to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 175 mph. Matching a six-speed automatic gearbox to its impressive engine, Maserati has created a combination that will impress the most demanding drivers with its acceleration whilst still delivering smooth and fluid gear changes. The Maserati GranCabrio is definitely something special: getting behind the wheel for a week is like moving from your bungalow in Birmingham to a villa in Valencia.
FAST FACTS Max speed: 175 mph 0-62 mph: 5.3 secs Combined mpg: 18.3 Engine: 4691 cc V8 petrol Max. power (bhp): 434 at 7000 rpm Max. torque (Ib/ft): 360 at 4750 rpm Price: £98,250 on the road
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Services
A Unique Care Home in a Unique Setting Offering Long Term Residence, Convalescence and Respite Care for Elderly Residents with Dementia. The Beeches is an elegant country house set in two acres of wooded and meadow style gardens which provides peaceful surroundings and yet is close to all local amenities. The majority of our bedrooms are on the ground floor and have the benefit of en-suite facilities.
Please call or email for further details or to request a brochure.
“We are here to help” West Harling Road, East Harling NR16 2NP Tel: 01953 717584 Email: thebeecheseastharling@btconnect.com Website: www.beechesresidential.co.uk
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What’s ROTARY all about...? Simple really. It’s a bunch of people all ages having fun while they take on challenges to make life better for others.
W
ant a bit more detail? Well, that bunch of men and women extends around the World through a chain of almost 34,000 Rotary Clubs in 200 countries and includes now nearly 1.25 million Rotarians. The Diss Rotary Club is one of 77 clubs in East Anglia, where men and women work together on a wide variety of projects for the benefit of our local communities and beyond. A current example of our work is raising additional funding for the local First Responders group and Search & Rescue organisations. All events are organised and run by volunteers like the Rotarians themselves. One of the appeals of supporting events organised by Rotary is that the money donated goes directly to fund the cause without the cost of overheads and management charges being deducted on the way. Rotary can pass on every penny; in many cases the amounts raised are increased by additional funding available from the National and International Rotary parent organisations. You might ask why do people become Rotarians? For many people, it is an opportunity to put something very positive back into the community, locally and worldwide. They are backed by the Rotary mantra: “service above self”. The Rotary Foundation is Rotary’s International charity and the Diss club regularly contributes to it. The
Foundation’s mission is to improve world understanding and the prospect of peace by supporting humanitarian, educational and cultural programmes of Rotarians and Rotary Clubs both in the UK and worldwide. Rotary is noted for its humanitarian response to natural disasters at home and abroad. Rotarians help people to help themselves in a spirit of enterprise and self-development. This is part of a commitment to foster global goodwill, breaking down prejudice and promoting understanding of other cultures. Diss Rotary Club has led a major project in conjunction with a charity called Village Water to provide a sustainable water and sanitation programme in a large area of Zambia. Diss members regularly visit to offer practical support and monitor progress. In addition to this, Diss Rotary Club also supports the Aqua Box project. Aqua Boxes aim to provide a rapid response provision of safe drinking water and welfare items in the wake of disasters, both man-made and natural. An Aqua Box provides a method of restoring safe drinking water, helping to minimise the outbreak of disease. The box is filled with clothing, welfare items etc. It also contains a filter cartridge and supply of water treatment tablets. Once the welfare items are removed, the box can be used to
purify up to 100 litres of polluted water at a time. Diss Rotary Club also raises funds to provide Shelter Boxes at times of need. A Shelter Box is a much larger version of the Aqua Box and contains a tent and sufficient living materials for 10 people who have been made homeless: blankets, cooking utensils, tools etc. For both Shelter Boxes and Aqua Boxes teams of specialists will be sent immediately to disaster areas to provide on the spot feed-back on the actual needs and also to ensure safe distribution of the boxes. Finally, Rotary’s most ambitious project has been the eradication of Polio, working with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation to immunise children throughout the world. Such is the success of the campaign that Polio is now only found in 4 countries with a very small number of cases. Our current activity is to raise a massive amount of money which the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match. We are so close to success and the last push is essential. The local club will be pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining ROTARY. There are clubs in Harleston, Saxsted, Framlingham, Thetford, Stowmarket, Diss and many more.
Rotarian Andrew Dickson
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Services
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Services
‘Solving your child care needs one piece at a time’
High quality screened nannies & special needs nannies available for interview now JCSP is a not for profit company
Lucy Patterson, Suffolk/Norfolk office lucypatterson@jcsp.org.uk 07837 822615 www.jcsp.org.uk
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A Norfolk Vineyard - at Thelnetham
Of the 17 vineyards listed by the East Anglian Winegrowers Association only one is in Norfolk. Neil and Nicola Gillis bought the property at Thelnetham (west of Diss) in 1998 and inherited its 1,400 or so vines. They describe the vineyard as ‘a hobby’ and ‘in their back garden’ – whilst the first is hardly true, the second is, as is clear from the photo below.
to circulate freely, reducing the risk of frost and mildew. Even so, the frost caught them this year, resulting in virtually no first growth. Whilst a second growth had just appeared, small and quite sweet, it is not enough to harvest. Neil is enthusiastic about the symbiosis between the vineyard and the local wildlife. Deer are attracted to the tender shoots that grow low down on the main stems and branches and, although other growers tend to worry about how to stop them, Neil believes that their activities actually assist in keeping the undergrowth ‘pruned’! He also retains some wooden posts to hold the wires - although metal ones are more durable - because when they split, the wooden posts encourage ladybirds. Finally, reed beds at the bottom of the field attract birds, including starlings, which also keep down troublesome pests.
The vineyard covers about one hectare and lies behind the Gillis family home, not far from the former White Horse public house. Neil Gillis was kind enough to allow me to visit the vineyard on a glorious morning in October last year, explaining how the operation was managed and allowing me to taste some of the wines grown on the small estate. The vines comprise a mixture of grape varieties - the majority Muller Thurgau (Riesling Sylvaner), the mainstay of East Anglian varieties, and about one quarter to one third Bacchus. The Gillises planted the Bacchus vines and are responsible for the new blend, which gives the resulting wine a good balance- enough but not too much acid- allowing it to mature well.
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The vines are pruned so as to keep undergrowth to a minimum - thereby allowing the breezes
When they first came to Thelnetham, harvesting was a community affair, with locals coming to enjoy a breakfast and a case of wine in return for picking and storing the grapes. Now Neil tends to use professional pickers, as this is more reliable; but he regrets that the family no longer enjoys the harvest as much. A single vine will normally produce between 2 and 4 bottles - in a good year, the vineyard may produce 4,000+ bottles. However, there is considerable annual variation, therefore some years see effectively no crop at all. At one point, Neil and his wife, both of whom have demanding ‘day’ jobs, were on the brink of giving it all up. In the end however, they decided to carry on, keeping their home in Thelnetham and working as and when required elsewhere, but trying to spend the weekends maintaining the vineyard.
By David Seddon Their persistence was repaid. A series of good years (2003 -2006), allowed them to produce some very successful vintages: their 2006 medium dry white won ‘silver’ in the East Anglian wine of the year competition. Recently, Neil decided to experiment with a prosecco-style sparkling wine, and this seems a promising initiative, with the 2009 already bottled and coming on the market, and the 2010 maturing. The 2009, which we sampled, is lively with a good flavour and enough acidity to maintain interest- comparing favourably in my opinion with many of the Italian labels. We also tried the 2004 and 2005 - alas there was no more of the famous 2006 available to appreciate. Both were dry, with good flavour
without being too ‘fruity’. I preferred the 2005, although apparently the 2004 had sold better! Where can you get Thelnetham Wine? Production, even in a good year, is not very large, so a good deal of marketing is done by word of mouth. Several local hotels have discovered the qualities of the Thelnetham wine and put in regular orders. Bank House Hotel in King’s Lynn and Strattons in Swaffham - both known for their quality - are particularly good clients, as is Londis at Banham and the Hopton and Garboldisham shops. As licensing for wine production and marketing relates to premises as well as to proprietors, their house is registered as an ‘offlicence’, so that the Gillis family could operate a retail outlet - if they wished.
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Village People
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Olympics 2012: Businesses be warned! James Tarling, a Principal in Steeles Law’s Commercial Team, examines the legal implications for businesses looking to cash in on the Olympic Games.
D
ue to the national and global exposure inherent to the Olympics, there will be many businesses that are keen to associate their goods or services with the Olympics. Under existing laws and new laws passed specifically for London 2012, the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has powerful rights to protect exploitation of the Olympics. The famous Olympic rings, the words “Olympics”, “Olympian” and “Olympiad”, and the Olympic motto “Citius Altius Fortius/Faster Higher Stronger” all have special protection under English law. The presumption is that none of these images, words or phrases can be used by any business without consent from LOCOG. There are some exceptions, such as where there is clearly no association with the Olympic games. Little Chef have been cleared to continue to sell their “Olympic Breakfast” because they have been selling this since before these rights were created. However, no new “Olympic” bars or restaurants are likely to be permitted to open this year. LOCOG has also registered a number of trademarks relating to the 2012 Olympics. These trademarks are extensive and amongst those registered are “London 2012”, and the “Wenlock” and “Mandeville” characters. LOCOG did however abandon its attempt to register the number “2012” itself (which was no doubt a relief to calendar publishers!). In addition to these restrictions on specific words and images, LOCOG has been granted the exclusive right, known as the “London Olympics Association Right” (LOAR), to sell sponsorship and licences which
ing ials.
allow companies to be associated with the 2012 Olympics. Businesses are prohibited from making any “association” with the 2012 Olympics without LOCOG’s consent. LOCOG interpret the concept of “association” very widely. The use of certain words such as “2012” together with “London” or “Summer” and phrases such as “Supporting the 2012 Games” are likely to indicate an infringement but there is no actual black list of words. I have had many clients present ingenious ways to create Olympic related products without using any of the prohibited words or phrases, often using images of London or athletics. However, this powerful new right held by LOCOG makes such clever marketing tactics very difficult. If the intention, or effect, is to create an association with the 2012 Olympics there will have been an infringement. That said, experience from previous major sporting events suggests that there will still be those who will try ambush marketing in various forms and there will no doubt be some interesting cases running through the courts next year as the limits of LOCOG’s powers are tested. Any business considering an advertising campaign or producing merchandise that relates, or could be considered to relate, to the 2012 Olympics should think carefully before doing so. If you require any advice in relation to the issues covered in this article, please do not hesitate to contact James Tarling on
01603 598000 or jtarling@steeleslaw.co.uk
2 Mount Street, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4QE 01379 652141
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Local Directory: Getting Your Business Noticed Accommodation South Norfolk Guest House Accountant / Book-keeping Affordable Accounting Solutions TaxAssist Accountants Kerry Butcher Agricultural Engineers David E Clarke & Son Animal Services Whistlers Thornwood Farm Boarding Kennels Lime Liegh Swallow Aquatics Southfork Boarding Cattery Antiques Norfolk Fairs Architect Andrew P R Love Keith Day Nick Clarke Arts & Crafts Susan’s Work-Basket Artful Pots Town Hall Crafters Wheeler Events Kathy’s Wool Shop Bathrooms Supreme Bathrooms Bathrooms by Design Snetterton Ceramic Tiles Ltd Boat Covers & Canvas Work Classic Covers Builder, Painter & Decorator, Handyman W P Fulcher Tonkin Building Services S P Blades Day 2 Day Building Services Peter Cole S&J Developments Ltd Matt Smith Handyman Brightgreen Construction Care Home The Beeches Carpentry, Joinery & Cabinet Maker Adrian Bird Oakcraft A1 Carpentry Carpets, Flooring & Rugs Carpet Call Car Servicing, MOTs, Repairs & Sales Stratton Auto Services Attleborough Service Centre Caroline’s Cars Mill House Garage Mark’s Vehicle Services Highfield Garage Cess Pit Disposal Envirowaste Ltd Children / Babies & Childcare Socatots Jigsaw Care Services Hulabaloos Chimney Sweep A Breckland Sweep Cleaning Home-Maid Anglia Surface Care Computer, Internet, Web & Design Services Quintex Software Philippa Green Web Design Bailiwick IT
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Locksmith Kingfisher Locksmiths 29 Opticians Cecil Amey 63 Pest Control Safe & Sound Pest Control 11 Plasterer Chris Bell-Tye 16 Plumbing, Heating, Tank & Boiler Services P&K Plumbing & Heating 16 Barnards Heating Solutions 16 John Rushforth 72 C J Plumbing 20 Broadland Tank Services 78 Chris Clarke Oil Boiler Services 81 AA Utilities Limited 74 Drain Doctor 17 Else Heating & Plumbing 20 Printers Postprint 72 Recruitment / Job Vacancies Hales Group 9/73 Domestic Cleaning Vacancies 68 Key Education Services Ltd 72 Restaurants & Pubs Elveden Inn 37 The Pelican 37 Schools Riddlesworth Hall 48 Thetford Grammar School 48 Shopping She Ladies Clothes & Shoes 60 Jarrold 58 Chapelfield 52/53 A Good Book 57 Elexa UK 51 Gangan’s Gifts 57 Adullam’s Cave 57 La Maison 59 Sound & About 59 Solicitors Steeles Law 85 Sport, Fitness & Recreation Anne Staffiere Pilates 60 MG Fitness Studio 61 Fit Club Wymondham 65 Lollipop Dance 60 Roseacre Leisure Swimming Pool 64 Stone Masonry Cutstone Ltd 30 Storage Square Deal Storage 69 Stoves & Fires Raven Stoves 30 Theatre Theatre Royal 40 Tiling Snetterton Ceramic Tiles Ltd 87 Travel / Holidays Spratts 38 Alison Allam Travel Counsellors 46 Tutor Claire Jordan 46 Weddings Cliff Barns 44 Windows, Doors & Conservatories SNWC Ltd 27 Gr8 Glass 12 C & M Glass 17 ABS Home Improvements 28 J Moon Home Improvements 26 Conservatories etc 2 Conservatory Sails 24
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Snetterton Ceramic Tiles Ltd Kitchen, Bath & Tile Studio • Kitchens, Bathrooms & Tiles Supplied & Fitted • A wide range of British & Continental Tiles • Complete Wet room solutions • Tools, Trim, Adhesive Cleaners
Professional help and advice Supply & fitting service available Over 30 years experience
“Kevin & Tom were fantastic. They helped us pick out our tiles, let us take home samples, matched the tile colour to the photos that we brought in and even gave us a practical lesson on tiling at their workshop! 100% recommended”
Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm 15 Chalk Lane, Snetterton, NR16 2JZ www.snettertonceramictiles.co.uk
01953 887088
Spring is in the Air!
KOI CARP & PONDS
WE STOCK A WIDE SELECTION OF KOI KARP & GARDEN PONDS
MARINE & GOLD FISH LARGE SELECTION OF COLOURFUL MARINE & GOLD FISH
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WE STOCK EVERY PUMP & FILTER YOUR POND WILL NEED
PETS & REPTILES LARGE SELECTION OF REPTILES & PET PRODUCTS
VISIT OUR ON-LINE SHOP
www.swallowaquatics.co.uk MARINE • TROPICAL • KOI • POND • PET • REPTILE
NEW GARDEN CENTRE EN NOW OP
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.00am - 5.30pm • SUNDAY 10.00am - 4.30pm INCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS
Harling Road, East Harling, Norfolk NR16 2QW
Tel : 01953 718184