Village People South Norwich Winter 15 edition by Village People Magazines Ltd

South Norwich edition

WINTER 2015

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

WMIEN AL

A OUR AT FOR F

COSM

TWO MORE NATIONAL PUBLISHING AWARDS

get added to our belt

Crafty paper

Supporting

folding ideas

Wymondhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community lunch Waveney Choir calling for new voices Mince pie tasting test Join in the RSPB big garden birdwatch

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2015

Out & About

39 Christmas greetings from Ken

42 Everything chills but the gardener

Good news from our region

13 Christmas dinner for the community

45 A unique art project

17 Snow White comes to town

49 Toxins around the Christmas tree

19 WIN a meal for four at Cosmo

50 Homeware; entertaining this party season

20 Check out our regional book reviews

47 Fascinating local stories

55 We review the new Vauxhall Astra

22 Best Christmas cookie recipe ever! 23 A new kind of Christmas magic in Norwich

24 Village notice board 28 Collecting antique metalware

Shopping 56 Mince pie tasting test 58 Winter warming fashion 61 Refreshing Waters talks to local businessman

Health & Beauty

30 Walk around Fritton Common & Boudiccaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way

63 WIN tickets to Soul Legends

Home & Garden

65 The British Federation of Women Graduates

33 Swimming in the diet pool

67 Health Q&A: A pressing problem

37 Village People becomes festive decorations

69 The Waveney Choir

Jobs, Money & Business 71 How to get a free credit score report 73 History series continues at the seaside 75 Great recommendations for local businesses 76 Help save nature with an hour and a cuppa 78 Find a local business or service in our local directory

Are you looking for a particular product or service? Check out our Local Business Directory on pages 78 & 79

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Celebrating

We’re still on a high after winning another two national awards at the prestigious Independent Magazine Publishers annual conference last month. Pop over to our “award winning” Good News pages and read all about our success. The magazine in your hand is the best of its kind in the country and it’s independent too, which makes it all the more special. We’re always spoilt for choice when it comes to offering competition prizes so this year we have three, to make sure there’s something for everyone. Have a good read from cover to cover and get your email entries in. And don’t forget you can enter all three! Now you have your shiny new winter issue safely in your hands, dig out your old autumn copy if you are feeling crafty, and check out our clever article on paper crafting. It shows you how to make some fabulous Christmas decorations. I’m excited to be going on the paper folding course at Diss Corn Hall in December. Hopefully I’ll see some of you there!

Now who doesn’t like a mince pie at this time of year? With so much choice on the supermarket shelves it’s hard to know which is the best, so we invited our Ladies who Lunch to stay at home and taste ten different pies. (It’s a hard life!) It was a fascinating experiment and you can read all about it and find the results inside. We’re continuing the experiment by asking you to take a photo of your choice of mince pie and tagging us on Instagram @vpmagazine I’d like to sign off by wishing everyone a fabulous festive time over December and do keep this magazine handy as it lasts the whole of January too. We’ll be back early February with our spring issue. Best wishes from your multi award-winning local, independent team of hard working girls (wink)!

Lily

Lily Goulder editor@village-people.info 01284 788623

WIN A meal for four at COSMO Tickets to Soul Legends and the Panto

Advertise with us! Reliably delivered by Royal Mail, reaching 50,000 homes each issue. Three editions of Village People ople provide unrivalled coverage of South Norfolk and North Suffolk, reaching more homes than ANY other local magazine. For more information, call our friendly team on 01284 788623 or send an email to office@village-people.info e@village-people.info

WINTER 2015

South Norwich edition HOMES • GARDENS • OUT & ABOUT JOBS & MONEY H COMMUNITY /

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE

WMEIN AL A

UR AT

FOR FO

COSMO

YEAR

TWO MORE NATIONAL PUBLISHING AWARDS get added to our belt

WINTER 2015

Norfolk/Suffolk border edition HOMES • GARDENS • OUT & ABOUT JOBS & MONEY H COMMUNITY /

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE

WMEIN AL A

YEAR

TWO MORE NATIONAL PUBLISHING AWARDS

UR AT

FOR FO

COSMO

get added to our belt

SUPPORTING Wymondham’s community lunch

WINTER 2015

South Norfolk edition HOMES • GARDENS • OUT & ABOUT JOBS & MONEY H COMMUNITY

/ LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE

WMEIN AL A

YEAR

TWO MORE NATIONAL PUBLISHING AWARDS

UR AT

FOR FO

COSMO

get added to our belt

CRAFTY PAPER FOLDING IDEAS

for creative decorations

Supporting

Crafty paper folding ideas

Wymondham’s community lunch Waveney Choir calling for new voices Mince pie tasting test Join in the RSPB big garden birdwatch

Crafty paper folding ideas for creative decorations

Waveney Choir calling for new voices Mince pie tasting test Join in the RSPB big garden birdwatch

NEX DEADLT INE

Early Sprin g (F

eb/Marcch ) 11th Jan uary

Supporting

Wymondham’s community lunch

Waveney Choir calling for new voices Mince pie tasting test Join in the RSPB big garden birdwatch

issuu.com/villagepeoplemag Read all our magazines

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

Good News FROM OUR REGION VILLAGE PEOPLE MAGAZINE SCOOPS ANOTHER TWO NATIONAL PUBLISHING AWARDS Following a highly-successful evening at the 2014 Magazine Publishers Awards – taking home not one, not two, but three trophies – Village People Magazine has added a further two awards to its pretty little belt in 2015. The wins have bumped the magazine’s total number of national awards up to five, with Village People being highly commended for Best News Editorial and Best Social Media at this year’s event.

The awards ceremony took place in Coventry, during the Association of Independent Magazine Publishers annual conference, and was attended by a host of respected professionals from the UK’s magazine industry.

Having previously been awarded the prestigious title Community/ Lifestyle Magazine of the Year, as well as winning Best Magazine Design and Best Front Cover, Village People is already recognised as the best in the country among hundreds of worthy contenders.

ards The Magazine Publishers Awards are awarded by an independent panel of judges, who recognise Village People’s social media presence and Good News pages as leading examples within the independent publishing industry.

Now with even more accolades to its name, publishers throughout the UK turn to Village People as a model magazine. “We couldn’t be more delighted to have won national recognition two more times this year,” said editor Lily Goulder. “Five awards certainly proves Village People is wonderful in so many ways as we continue living up to our name of best community magazine in the country.”

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LOOKING FOR A TRULY UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFT? A year’s sponsorship of a rescue horse or donkey from Redwings Horse Sanctuary makes a perfect gift for friends, family and animal lovers alike – and costs just £12.50. Your loved one will receive a certificate, twice yearly updates straight from the horse’s mouth and an invitation to their new best friend’s birthday party. Best of all, every penny goes directly towards the care of your chosen horse or

donkey, so they too can have a happy Christmas. To sponsor a Redwings horse or donkey this Christmas, visit www.redwings.org.uk or call 01508 481000.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY WITH OTHERS

There is no need to be on you r own this Christmas.

Friends of All Hallows are ope ning Daycare, behind the hospital in Ditching ham, on Christmas Day for Christmas dinner, games and a chat. If you would like to join in with their Christmas celebrations on Dec ember 25, or know someone that would, please contact Pat on 01986 892493 . Transport arrangements can be organise d if required.

“The time leading up to the funeral was made bearable knowing that you were at the end of the telephone.” – from a family we have cared for at Rosedale

We are a family business and promise to provide exceptional care and a truly personal 24 hour service, when you need it most. www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

Victoria Road, Diss High Street, Attleborough Middleton Street, Wymondham

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LOCAL QUIZ NIGHT RAISES £600 Twelve teams took part in the third Rackhams Funeral Service Quiz night on October 16 to raise money for the Cogwheel Trust International. Held at their Waveney Chapel, the evening also included a short talk from Kevin Hammond, the founder of The Cogwheel Trust, who gave an update of the work they are doing with orphaned and disadvantaged children in Uganda. This included the opening of their first school and a recent trip to build extra facilities.

ROSEDALE REMEMBERS AT CHRISTMAS Christmas can be a very difficult time for the recently bereaved who cannot avoid “the season to be jolly”, despite missing their loved one. For anyone facing this problem, Rosedale Funeral Home has a free booklet available called A not so jolly Christmas, offering practical

advice on reducing pressure, re-evaluating traditions, re-defining expectations and re-living the memories. Rosedale will also be holding special Services of Remembrance throughout December at Public Hall, Beccles, on the 6th; St Mary’s Church, Diss, on the 13th; and Wymondham Abbey on 19th.

For more information, visit www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

The evening raised a total of £600 towards the work. For more information about the trust, visit www.cogwheeltrustinternational.org.uk

ALL THAT GLITTERS MAY NOT BE GOLD

EXPEDITION EDITION TO ECUADOR ECU A group of students from Wymondham High Academy will be joining an expedition to Ecuador and The Galápagos Islands for a month of personal development and charitable project work in 2017. Students Keri Kennett and Emily Bristow have started fundraising for the expedition, where they hope

to improve the educational standards of rural Ecuadorean communities and help with reforestation. For fun and fundraising, the girls have planned a “Quiz and Chilli night” at Spooner Row Village Hall on Saturday 28 November and would like Village People readers to join them. See the Village Notice Board for more info.

Check out Emily’s Expedition to Ecuador 2017 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Emexec?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

The Heart Research UK Treasure Your Heart jewellery appeal has been going from strength to strength. Churches, WI, ladies groups, businesses and members of the community have all been clearing out their jewellery boxes to donate to the appeal which has raised thousands for the medical research charity. It’s so simple. Just order your envelopes, fill them with your unwanted jewellery and either post back via the FREEEPOST address or hand in at your local Beaverbrooks jewellers in Chapelfield, Norwich. To order a Treasure Your Heart envelope call 0113 234 7474 or fill in the form on the website www.heartresearch.org.uk

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

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Christmas dinner for the community Village People supports festive meal for Wymondham residents

his year, the town of Wymondham is treating those who live alone to a free Christmas meal. the celebration will bring together 75 residents, along with local volunteers and entertainers.

as well as being served delicious food, guests will be provided with various entertainment throughout the afternoon. the event will begin at 11.30am, with food served from 12 noon, running until 4pm.

the meal is supported by Wymondham town team, in conjunction with Waitrose, and a donation has been provided by Village People magazines towards the event.

Vivienne – 07890 599431 vclifford-jackson@s-norfolk.gov.uk

Held at the roman Catholic Church Hall on saturday 19 December, the community Christmas dinner will be an opportunity for some of the town’s more vulnerable residents to get together with others in the community and enjoy some good, festive cheer. it will be an opportunity to spoil those who, for whatever reason, may not have the good fortune of being surrounded by loved ones at Christmas. this time of year can be extremely lonely for people living on their own, so the Community dinner aims to rectify the situation for Wymondham residents.

To book a place, or for more information, please contact:

Mary – 07890 599438 mlatten@s-norfolk.gov.uk

Tree kindly supplied by Wymondham Garden Centre

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! if you think you could help with setting up, clearing away, or driving guests to and/or from the event we would love to hear from you. Please contact: Fran on 01953 601179 or email franyoung@talktalk.net Also in Wymondham this Christmas... Wymondham’s traditional Christmas celebration will be held on saturday 5 December, coinciding with the separately organised Christmas tree festival in the abbey. activities (between 2pm and 7pm) include: father Christmas grotto, a candlelit procession from the abbey to the market place, live music, communal carol singing and the switching on of the Christmas lights. for regularly updated information visit www.facebook.com/WymondhamTownTeam

BANHAM ZOO

A GREAT DAY OUT

Open Daily from 9:30am 01953 887771 www.banhamzoo.co.uk Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk NR16 2HE Registered Charity No. 1150158

Chat to us!

Registered Charity No. 1150158

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1 CHILD FREE

When accompanied by 2 people paying full admission price Valid until 31st December 2015 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion or payment by Tesco Rewards. Valid for tickets purchased at the zoo on day of visit. Only one voucher per transaction. Photocopies not accepted.

Out & About

Enjoyable Days Out throughout the Year! Major Attractions & Events including London Theatres 2015

Show/Venue:

Sat 5th Dec

Westfield Shopping – Stratford

Depart:

Cost

8am

£20

Fri 11th Dec

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular

5.30pm

£45

Sun 3rd Jan

Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour

9am

£55 (child £47)

Sat 9th Jan

*Springfields Factory Outlet/ Baytree Nursery - Spalding

9am

£16

Wed 20th Jan

National TV Awards – O2

2pm

£60

Wed 27th Jan

Les Misérables

8am

£65

Sat 6th Feb

London Day Out Coach Only – Central London

8am

£23

Sun 14th Feb

Strictly Come Dancing On Tour – O2

Sat 20th Feb

Warwick Castle

1.30pm

£76

7am

£38 (child £35)

*Taverham/Costessey Pick up only

Pick-ups including Taverham, Costessey, Drayton, Hellesdon Thickthorn & Wymondham Police HQ • Fully escorted trips – Fast, friendly & relaxing direct service! • Refreshments served! – Toilets on coaches – Comfort breaks • Over 20 years’ experience Fully insured

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DEC/JAN

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Tues 1 – Sat 5 Dec AN INSPECTOR CALLS Multi-award-winning production of classic thriller £7 - £24 Sun 6 Dec RAF IN CONCERT RAF bands mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain £8 - £25 Tues 15 Dec 2015 – Sun 17 Jan 2016 SNOW WHITE Jennifer Ellison stars in traditional family pantomime £7 - £21.50

Mon 11 Jan BEYOND THE BARRICADE Songs from great musicals £7 - £21 Tues 19 – Sat 23 Jan CIRQUE DE GLACE Ice dance meets amazing circus skills £8 - £32.50 Mon 25 – Sat 30 Jan SUNSET BOULEVARD Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society with amateur production of Lloyd Webber musical £7 - £21.50 Sun 31 Jan BRENDAN COLE Strictly star with music and dance show £8 - £36.50

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk T H E AT R E ST R E E T, N O RW I C H N R 2 1 R L

Snow White

It is 21 years since Jennifer Ellison joined the cast of Brookside as Emily Shadwick. In the year that her career comes of age, she has two new TV shows and is preparing to play the evil Queen Evilynne at Norwich Theatre Royal.

uggling a busy professional life with a busy family life, you would forgive Jennifer Ellison for feeling a little bit stressed as she practices for her panto role this Christmas. But there is not a hint of pressure nor worry as the performer prepares to be a sassy and stylish wicked Queen Evilynne in Snow White. “I am really excited,” she exclaims. “I have never played Norwich before. I have played the Wicked Queen in panto before and I absolutely love it. The two together will make for a great Christmas.”

that instant response from the audience is fantastic. I feel very privileged and very grateful,” she said.

As a child, dancing was Jennifer’s passion and she became a world champion in both ballet and modern dance at a very young age. At the age of 12, she managed to get an audition for the TV soap Brookside, which was filmed in her native Merseyside.

In Snow White,, Jennifer will be starring opposite the likes of Richard Gauntlett, back for his 15th year in the city, and locally-based comic favourite Ben Langley.

“It was incredible to grow up on screen, be part of a family unit and to have it filmed just around the corner from me in Liverpool. It was an honour. I am where I am today and I have achieved what I have achieved, thanks to Brookside.” From there, the acting roles came in thick and fast. At the age of 20, she got the lead role of Roxie Hart in Chicago and she has also since taken on lead roles in the West End’s Legally Blonde and Singin’ In The Rain. She even appeared in the movie version of Phantom Of The Opera. “I have been very fortunate. Theatre has been my main love and passion. To have

WIN

“I just love playing the evil role,” she said. “The reaction of children when you come on stage and when Snow White bites the apple is just incredible. The kids love it!”

Snow White runs at Norwich Theatre Royal from December 15 to January 17 Tickets are available from the box office on 01603 630000 or book online at theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

tickets to see Snow White at Norwich Theatre Royal

You could be in with a chance of winning a family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the panto on Wednesday 16 December at 7.30pm. Simply answer the question below: What was the name of Jennifer Ellison’s character in Brookside? a) Emily Shadwick

Send your answer, plus your name, address and daytime telephone number, to competition@village-people.info with PANTO as the subject before midnight, Thursday 10 December.

b) Sheila Grant c) Lyndsey Corkhill

Usual Village People rules apply.

Out & About

SIMPSONS MOTOR GROUP 01493 601696 East Anglia’s largest motorhome supplier

LOOKING FOR A NEW OR USED ŠKODA CAR, MOTORHOME OR CARAVAN? Simpsons in Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth, is the family-run, one-stop shop for all your motoring needs. With more than 50 years of experience, Simpsons prides itself on exceptional service and aftercare only a family-run business can give. Simpsons Škoda has earned the retailer of the year award four times in five years while Simpsons Motor Caravan Centre has expanded into the caravan market having built its name across the country for selling new and quality used motorhomes. Steve & Brinley - Call for motorhome sales

SERVICING PRICES Motorcaravans MOT’s: £54.85 Habitation Service: £175 Servicing from: £159

Caravans

Habitation Service

(Incorporating Mechanical Service): £199

Simpsons has also been appointed a Fiat Professional dealership, carrying out servicing, maintenance, repairs and warranty work on Fiat motorhomes and commercial vehicles.

Fully Approved Accident Repair Shop for Motorhomes and Caravans

Lee & Darren - Call for car sales

SERVICING PRICES Cars MOTs: £39 Minor Service: £139 Cambelt: £299 BrakeFluidChange:£49

Find us at: Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 0LN MOTORCARAVAN: www.simpsonsmotorcaravans.com ŠKODA: www.simpsonsskoda.com

COSMO, a world banqueting restaurant in London St in Norwich offers a dining experience for everyone to enjoy. Village People has already been along to ensure the new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Eat All You Like for One Set Priceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; restaurant is up to scratch, and we would like to recommend that our readers head to the city and give it a go. With more than 150 dishes from around the world and various live cooking stations, COSMO Norwich delivers seasonal menus from a global kitchen. COSMO Norwich provides a buzzy atmosphere and a trendy interior providing Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Carvery or Continental food. You will be spoilt for choice. An ideal venue for families, small and large parties, perfect for Christmas celebrations. And there is even a chocolate fountain.

WIN

an Eat All You Like meal for four!

To be in with a chance of winning a meal for four at COSMO Norwich, simply answer the following question: COSMO serves authentic food from all over the world, but how many dishes are available to choose from?

A. Between 15 and 20 B. Between 50 and 100 C. More than 150

Send your answer, along with your name, address and daytime phone number with COSMO as the subject to competition@village-people.info by Friday 29 Jan 2016. One entry per person. If winner is under 18 years old he/she must be accompanied by an adult when redeeming prize. The prize entitles the winner and three friends to dine for free at COSMO Norwich, during either its lunch or dinner service. The prize is redeemable Monday to Thursday, excluding Bank Holidays, Valentines Day, Fathers Day and Mothers Day. The prize includes food only and is non-transferable, non-negotiable and cannot be substituted for any other prize or cash value, nor can it be used in conjunction with any other offer. The prize must be redeemed by 28 April 2016 by advance reservation only. The prize is subject to availability and COSMO cannot guarantee a particular time or date until a booking is made and confirmed. Usual Village People rules apply.

Co-Educational School Day and Boarding Places for Boys and Girls Aged 2-13 For further information or to arrange a visit please contact the Registrar Mrs Louise Coates Tel 01953 681246 Riddlesworth Hall School (between Thetford & Diss) Riddlesworth, Norfolk IP22 2TA email: ljc@riddlesworth-hall.co.uk www.riddlesworthhall.com Graded Outstanding in many areas following recent ISI Inspection

Regional Reads

THIS ISSUE WE LOVE Keith Skipper’s Norfolk Scrapbook Keith Skipper

Poppyland Publishing ISBN 9781909796195 Paperback £9.95

Y From Field And Fen Mike Toms

Crow Meadow Press ISBN 9780993371707 Hardback £12 For a number of years Mike Toms has been writing the In The Countryside column in the Eastern Daily Press, as well as being author of several well-regarded natural history titles, including the Collins New Naturalist book, Owls. This attractively-produced new volume collects the best of his nature writing from those columns. Although the writers’ styles are different, there is something of a similar feel here to that of Mark Cocker’s nature writing journalism, as collected last year in Claxton. The book is self-published – a term often synonymous with “dodgy production standards”, but not in the case of this pleasing and well-produced volume.

et another treasure trove of Norfolk gems from a past master of humorous writing about the region. Keith Skipper is a Norfolk institution (or just possibly, as the man might say himself, he ought to be in one). Either way, his latest collection of musings on life and the county will inevitably be one of the region’s best-selling books towards the end of the year. Unbelievably, this is Keith’s 39th publication and he has been writing and talking about “the finest county of them all” since leaving school in 1962, to become a cub reporter on the Thetford & Watton Times.

Tales From The City, Volume One Edited by Mick Dennis

Tales From

ISBN 9780993238116 Paperback £10

here is no shortage of books about Norwich City Football Club and several new titles tend to appear every year. Many of these are histories of the club – nostalgic journeys to golden moments gone by – or take the form of quizzes and collections of trivia. This book aspires to a more serious approach to its subject. From a publisher specialising in football books comes a book of thought-provoking essays, with contributions from a number of high-profile supporters and former players, including Michael Wynn Jones, Chris Goreham, Grant Holt, Paul McVeigh and Iwan Roberts. A book that should be on the Christmas present list of serious-minded Canaries fans.

View our region from a different perspective with this fascinating selection of local titles from Chris Rushby of Jarrolds’ Book Department 100 Norfolk Churches of Village and Countryside Andrew Swift

100 Norfolk Churches of Village and Countryside

Velox Books ISBN 9780957570139 Hardback with many colour photographs £20

here are far more than 100 churches in Norfolk – around Andrew Swift 650, in fact – so this handsome new title doesn’t set out to be a comprehensive record of the county’s religious buildings. Instead, it focuses on a selection which the author believes to be among the county’s less well-known gems. Most of the churches featured are in rural parishes, rather than towns and cities, and all are photographed and described with care in this fascinating new book. Each selection is featured with around 15 high-quality photographs and described in about 400 words of text, building to a fascinating selection that will almost certainly point readers to places they haven’t previously discovered.

The Norfolk Colouring Book

The

Norfolk

C o l o u r i N g

B o o k

The History Press ISBN 9780750967402 Paperback £9.99

his year has seen the phenomenon of the rise of the adult colouring book. A host of PasT aNd PreseNT new titles are available and there is a mind-boggling choice between secret gardens, enchanted forests, tropical paradises, mandalas and the like. Now comes the Christmas stocking-filler everyone’s been waiting for: an adult colouring book featuring your favourite Norfolk buildings and landscapes! Why labour over exotic scenes when you could be colouring Norwich Castle, or vistas from the Broads? Jarrold has this new title on an exclusive basis for the first few weeks of its life – the perfect combination of local interest and calm colouring in one volume!

Black Beauty Anna Sewell

Calla Editions ISBN 9781606600825 Hardback with colour illustrations £20 Black Beauty is a true Norfolk success story: written by Great Yarmouth-born Anna Sewell at her Old Catton home, the book was published by Jarrold in Norwich and became an immediate success. It has never been out of print and is one of the most well-loved and best-selling books in the English language, with over 50 million copies sold. Jarrold will be the exclusive UK retailer of a beautiful new edition of Black Beauty, of which the company was original publisher in 1877. The new book, selling at £20, is the facsimile of an edition first published by Jarrold in 1912, containing beautiful illustrations by renowned artist Cecil Aldin. Jarrold will be the sole UK stockist of the book until the new year.

The Best Christmas Cookies Ingredients 1 cup of water 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 cup of sugar 1 teaspoon of salt 1 cup of brown sugar 4 large eggs 1 cup of nuts 2 cups of dried fruit 1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila Directions • Sample the Cuervo to check quality, and then get a large bowl • Check the Cuervo again just to be sure it is of the highest quality • Pour one level cup and drink it as fast as you can

• Turn on the electric mixer and beat one cup of butter in a large ﬂuffy bowl • Add one peastoon of sugar and eat again • At this point it’s best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok so try another cup just in case • Turn off the mixerer thingy • Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit • Pick the frigging fruit off the ﬂoor • Mix on the turner • If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a drewscriver • Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity • Next, sift sif two cups of salt, or a sheet) something (who geeves gee

and check the Jose Cuervo • Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts, add one table • Add a spoon of brown sugar, or somefink - whatever colour you can find • Greash the oven and turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over • Don’t forget to beat off the turner • Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher

CHE MIST RRY MAS!

Adopt a horse or donkey from Redwings this Christmas

A perfect Christmas gift!

A year’s sponsorship costs just £12.50!

A new kind of

Christmas magic in Norwich

ith a professional band and over 50 of the best singers and dancers in the region, Mixed Voice will be presenting a brand new Christmas spectacle at OPEN, Norwich, for the whole family this December. Inspired by the classic Christmas family movie Home Alone, Mixed Voice will take you on a musical journey through the Christmas songbook. You will follow Joshua, a 10-year-old boy, who discovers a magical winter wonderland in the depths of his dusty old attic – the beginning of an evening full of wonder and surprise.

“I want to be your friend!” For an extra special gift this Christmas, why not sponsor a Redwings horse or donkey?

To adopt a horse or donkey for your friends and family this Christmas Visit www.redwings.org.uk Call 01508 481000

The Mixed Voice Christmas Show is a new kind of Christmas entertainment; surrounded by an incredibly talented cast, you will hear new and exciting arrangements of the Christmas songs you know and love, as well as a few numbers that you won’t be expecting! After five years of sell-out performances, OPEN has invited Mixed Voice to head up its festive programme of events, and Mixed Voice aims to send you home feeling full of Christmas sparkle, making this show a great start to the holidays for the whole family.

C and J Soft furniShingS CYNTHIA HILL Tel 01508 470078 email cynthia.hill@homecall.co.uk info@candjsoftfurnishings.co.uk WE PROVIDE A BESPOKE CURTAIN, BLIND & SOFT FURNISHINGS MAKE UP SERVICE Friendly, professional, quality service with many years experience. Including alterations for bridal and occasion wear.

free advice and estimates

15%off

The Mixed Voice Christmas Show!

OPEN, Norwich Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 December 7.30pm Tickets £18 and 15% off with voucher code “Rudolph” before December 10 Visit www.mixedvoice.co.uk or call 01603 628319

Village Notice Board 1st Harling Sco ut Group

Christmas Baza ar Sat Dec 5th – 9a m

Old School Hal

-1pm

l, East Harling Looking for th at certain Christ Then why not vis mas gift ? it our man

y stalls selling ar food & other cu t, crafts, jeweller rios’ Refreshmen y, ts, two tombolas to play & carol , fun games singing on the m ain sta ge . Th e kids can come and visit Santa in his grotto betwee We will also be n 10-12 drawing our Ch ristmas raffle at 12:45 Bring the

whole family al ong!

Christmas Nativity Exhibition

St Mary’s Church Rickinghall 19th & 20th Dec Invites people to display their nativ ity shop bought or handmade; old or sets for all to see: whether designed for adults or childrnew; big or small; en we would love to see them Enquiries or to enter your crib set call Sarah Raynham 07719 973327

or Barbara Norburn 01379 898685

GISLINGHAM SILVER BAND (FOUNDED 1885)

CHRISTMAS CONCERT GISLINGHAM VILLAGE HALL

TUES 15th DEC at 7.30pm Tickets £5 (under 16 free)

01379 788411

Breckland Flower club ENT CHARITY EV ort group in Wymondham)

supp (in aid of a dementia cafe

ge Hall on Held at Carleton Rode Villa n at 6.30 ope rs doo v, No h 27t ay Frid will be Hewson Joy Tunmore & Christine Splendour’ demonstrating ‘ Seasonal

Tea/coffee and nibbles TICKETS £7 each, or 01953 789410 to book call 01953 454528

Christmas Rura Sat 28th Nov –

l Market

10.30am - 3pm Glebe Farm Ba rn, Carleton Foreho e NR9 4AP (sig nposted off the

B1108 Watton

Lots of stalls, wo nder ful selection of gifts , produce, deco rations

Road)

Entry £1 Childre n free Refreshments al l day

St Nicholas Fayre

A magical evening at Gissing Church and Old Sch ool Dec 5th 3 – 6pm Locally produced arts, cra fts & food, Santa & carol singers

Local Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior Chandler Road, Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, NR14 8RQ

PETER JONES Free Quotations and Advice Reliable & Fully Insured

◆ Lovely & warm 31 degrees ◆ Fully private half hour slots ◆ Up to 8 people ◆ Available every day from 6am until 10pm (15 mins changing time before & after each session in allocated changing rooms)

t: 01508 494032 e: info@anchorage-pool.co.uk w: anchorage-pool.com

Tel: Hethersett 01603 940812 Mob: 07765497354 Excellence Through Experience

Still the place for unusual gi ft ideas... RICKINGHA LL VILLAGE HALL’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sunday 6th D ec – 10.30am until 3.30pm Over 25 stalls , refreshments , raffle Admission on ly £1 For info call M onty on 0774 7 846605

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CATS AT VENTURE FARM CAT RESCUE 52 THUXTON ROAD, MATTISHALL 01362 8503 3PM – 11AM DEC 6TH AY SUND OPEN DAY ON CAR PARKING AVAIL ABLE, DONATION £2 PER , ENTS ESHM REFR S, GAME LOTS OF STALL S AND BOOKS ENTERTAINMENT, CHRISTMAS ITEMS & FOR SALE, TOMBOLA & RAFFLE, FEED THE CATS A CHRISTMAS TREAT

Cards for G ood

Causes Multi Chari ty Christma s Shop

Open until 18th Dec, 7 days a w eek The Forum , Norwich Selling card s for more tha plus gifts, g ift wrap, tra n 40 charities ditional ad calendars vent & lots more

visit our showroom now

Supreme

Family Firm est 1998

Bathrooms and Kitchens

FREE

Home design service Open Monday - Friday & Saturday morning

t:01953 600660

www.supremebathroomcentre.co.uk 10 chestnut dr, Wymondham Business Pk, norfolk, nr18 9sB

THE MILL CAFÉ

Hempnall 7th Dec - 11th Jan 9am to 2pm Hempnall Mill Centre, 15 2LP Mill Road, Hempnall, NR g.uk t.or rus allt pn www.hem

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN DISS Sat 28th Nov 11.00am -7.00pm The St Nicholas Street Christmas Fayre From 11am to 6pm: traders, shopkeepers & cafes will hold a special Christmas Fayre right in the heart of Diss To entertain you there will be an accordionist, Morris dancing & jig dolls and a whole lot more, including an amazing Christmas raffle! Diss Town Christmas Light Switch-On Then join us for more fun, music and entertainment in Diss Market Place from 3pm with the Switch-On at 6pm by VIP guest Ben Langley, from the Norwich Theatre Royal panto Hog roast, doughnuts, mulled wine & winter warmers, candyfloss, glow sticks & Castro’s coffee plus fairground rides at the Mere’s Mouth, street entertainers, face painting, Dinsdale, and of course... Santa South Norfolk Council has confirmed that the car parks will be free ALL DAY on the 28th and the following three Saturdays leading up to Christmas!

Mangreen Time Share Pool Beautiful country setting close to Norwich. Enjoy having the 30°C pool to yourselves. Great for families. Disabled access.

For a free trial swim call 01508 570444 or email trust@mangreen.co.uk Mangreen, nr Swardeston, Norwich (just off A140 nr Dunston Hall) Registered educational charity No 297985

50s Night

January Jumb2plem

At Blo’ Norton Village Hall

-1

Sat 30th Jan 10am

7pm on Sat 5th Dec Dust off your 50s Gear (optional!)

ub, The Woodland Cl

opp Tacolneston

Bar, Local Draft Beer, Dancing, Quiz Tickets Adult £10 Children £4.50 to include 2 course meal

Primary School

ren free Entry 50p, child Friends of All proceeds to ol. Tacolneston Scho

Available from Maureen 07789 180115 & Patrick 01953 681996 or sbltgk@gmail.com

Christmas with Thetford Voices

Invites young singers aged from 6-16 to join them for a Christmas Carolling holiday workshop on Tuesday 22nd Dec.

VNB

Meet at 11.30 in Thetford Grammar School to rehearse carols and Christmas songs before an afternoon singing in reside ntial homes across Thetford

The day ends in St Peter’s Church, Thetford at 6.30 (to 7.15) with guest s joining to perform for families, friend s and members of the public There is no charge for the day, made possible through the support of Thetf ord Grammar School, Coach Services of Thetford, Thetford Town Council & Breckland Council Info & application forms from thetfordvoices@gmail.com

m 07919 400335 t 01508 219036 ric@simplyelectricnorfolk.co.uk 26

GIANT

TOMBO LA

GIFTS

REFRESH MENTS

CATS!

Registered charity number 1144830

www.felinecare

.org.uk

MILITARIA FAIR

Sun 10th Jan - 10 until 2 Thetford Leisure Centre, Croxton Rd, Thetford, IP24 1JD

Health & Beauty Diggers & Dibblers Ga

Eye Allotments Time for Digging

rden Club

QUIZ & CHIPS NIGH

Sat 5th Dec at Forncett

After a major tidy up there are some vacant allotments to rent for 2015-2016

plot for Rates start from £10.50 for a half ents) Eye residents (£15.50 for non-resid healthy uce prod to An allotment is a great way keep fit and ly fami your & you for food low cost time same at the 07713 196251 Contact the Eye Town Clerk on .org or email townclerk@eyesuffolk

Hub Café Hethersett ith dementia,

Village Hall

Doors open at 6.30pm for dressing tables, 7.30pm the quiz starts, fish and chip supper at 8.30 pm Bring your own drinks, hor s d’ oeuvres, chandelier, cruet, puddin g, napkins,whatever! Teams of up to 8, admissi on by ticket only £8

Raffle, welcome drink on arriva

Contact Su Leavesley on

01953 789752

LI NIGHT IL H C & IZ U Q m 28th Nov 7p

VNB

w For people & carers es, friends their famili Care Home, l ethersett Hal P Join us at H 3A R9 N Norwich Rd onth m h c a e f yo on 3rd Tuesda o n 12 am & between 10 ing for all

hristmas sing Dec 15th – C otography Jan 19th – Ph

Saturday 9JR Road, NR18 ge Hall Station lla Vi w Ro r BLE Spoone ACKS AVAILA NKS AND SN RI D FT SO , WINE, BEER size 6 – Max team £6 per person TICKETS:

anton Bridget H ton@aol.com 65 – blhan 69 60 3 0195 ennett Sharon K aol.com .kennett@ on ar sh – 38 40 01953 60 ION 2017

DIT UADOR EXPE sses IN AID OF EC Local Busine By ed at on D ly nd Ki Raffle Prizes

contact More info 603 810786 01 n o Richelle

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

It’s

FREE to

list evenytour !

J K Anderson NDF F. ARBOR. A

P J Anderson ND. ARB

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

t: 01953 607715

Sycamore House, Tanning Lane, New Buckenham

t: 01953 860370

All areas covered Fully Insured

www.broadlandtreeservices.co.uk

Collecting antique metalware B

etween the 1880s and the 1920s was a time of great change, with reaction against the forces of industrialisation, leading to a time of creativity and a passion for hand-crafted metalware.

The arts and craft movement developed as a rebellion against the perceived dehumanising effects of the industrial revolution. Writers such as Thomas Carlisle and later John Ruskin had praised the medieval craftsman and mourned the loss of such skills. William Morris established Morris & Co from a collaboration of friends who jointly contributed to the creation of decorative fine arts. It was Morris who persuaded W.A.S Benson to open a metal workshop in 1880. From those beginnings he produced some of the finest brass and copper items of the period, from spirit kettles and hot water jugs, to candlesticks and light fittings. During the 1880s and 1890s, several metalwork schools and guilds began to appear, such as the Birmingham Guild and the Glasgow School. Arts and crafts were also covered by The Keswick School of Industrial Art and the Newlyn Industrial Class. It was the history and landscape of the Lake District, intertwined with the patterns and designs of earlier times, that epitomises the brass and copper of the

WMF silver plated dish Keswick School, whilst Newlyn copper very much reflects its fishing heritage: seabirds and other marine creatures. During the same period, Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded his London store. Building relationships with industrial designers, he was a driving force behind the British Art Nouveau movement in the 1890s. These designers developed items in both pewter (Tudric range) and silver (Cymric range), from candlesticks and bowls, to tea caddies and clocks. Liberty also imported items from Europe, from companies such as Orivit and Kayserzinn. Between 1895 and 1910, the German metalware firm Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) dominated the production of artistic domestic metalware in Europe. They produced a huge range of products reflecting the art nouveau and secessionist styles and were one of many German companies producing decorative metalware; from the flowing forms of Kayserzinn to the brilliant designs of Orivit, Orion and Osiris. Only WMF survived, however, and they are one of the only metalware company that most people have heard of today.

ba sket sket OSIRIS pewter bask basket

Paul Howe is an experienced dealer of metalware and a regular exhibitor at the Dunston Hall Antiques Fair

Next antiques fair is Sunday 27 December at the Dunston Hall Hotel, A140 Ipswich Rd, Norwich, NR14 8PQ 28

www.norfolkfairs.com

07596 436260

Out & About

Village wanderings Fritton Common and Boudicca’s Way A circular walk taking in a section of Boudicca’s Way and three commons – survivors of a preenclosure landscape. The wider area is crisscrossed with quiet footpaths and green lanes. Park on Fritton Common by the telephone box.

Fritton village sign

1 An ancient ‘burr oak’ pollard on Fritton Common, which is a SSSI site. There are several natural ponds that support many species of aquatic flora and fauna. A’S ICC UD AY BO W

7 Morningthorpe church with its flint-faced round tower. Heavily restored in the 19th century, featuring Victorian stained glass, tiles and woodwork.

dge’s

wic

Lane

FRITTON

Go you steady!

BOU DIC WAYCA’S

Midd

le Roa

Mill Roa

5 A’S DICC BOU WAY

Telephone box

MORNINGTHORPE

Steppings

Fritton Common

Blacksm

Lane

ith’s Lan

Morningthorpe Green

WOOD GREEN

oad

6 Boudicca’s Way is a 40-mile path that links Norwich and Diss; celebrating the legendary ‘Queen of the Iceni’. ‘Mr Perkins’ the pony. His home is on the idyllic Wood Green common.

Nor

Autumn, a time of fruits and amazing colour: yew, holly, teasel, field maple and hawthorn.

Distance: approximately 4.7 miles. Using OS Explorer Map 237. Start grid ref: TM 225926.

e ak

n La

Woo dL

ane

5 Wood Green is the third of our commons, bordered by cottages and two ‘Wood Green Farms’! The alignment of the south and east boundaries appear to suggest a pre-Roman origin.

Walked in early November… autumn colours, the call of bullfinches, a barn owl hunting, the arrival of that blood-marked thrush, the redwing. Winter draws near!

SHELTON Shelton Spot

2 Slime mould (or ‘dog’s vomit’) can be found on the water meadows. Mature alder trees mark the course of the beck. 3 This ‘lazy’ hornbeam settled for a horizontal existence some 20 years ago, and still thrives.

KEY Walk Other public footpaths Common

4 Morningthorpe, was formerly known as ‘Mourning’thorpe. A line of stately oaks march down ‘The Green’... the village common.

Home & Garden

ELECTRICIAN Registered through NAPIT

A Friendly Family Run Business That Works On All Aspects Of Domestic and Commercial Electrics

Contact Ian or Caroline for all Electrical Issues

on 07790 273689 or 01508 471622 icdelectrics@hotmail.co.uk or www.icdelectrics.co.uk

Wymondham 07884 187967 Kaleidoscope is an out of school club for children aged 4-11 years

Friendly, qualified & CRB checked staff Open from 8.00am-6.00pm

Huge range of activities,

Full & half day sessions

toys and days out!

kaleidoscope-osc@hotmail.com

Professional, efficient and friendly family run business.

Oil Tanks Supplied and installed Pipe Work Gauges Fuel Pumps Spares 24 hour call out

24 Hour Call OUT SeRVICe s Slating s Tiling s Flat Roofs s Roof Repairs s Single Ply Systems s Fibreglass Systems For all your roofing needs call us on:

Established over 30 years

s Gutters and Guttering s Velux Windows & Fascias s Chimney Repair s UPVC Roofline Installations s Storm Damage s Insurance Work

01508 570966 07766 563513 or

www.easternroofing.co.uk

01508 570629 07979 846139

info@pdoiltanks.co.uk

Watton Road, Hingham, Norfolk, NR9 4NN

Domestic

www.pdoiltanks.co.uk

Agricultural

Commercial

Van and a Man Move Anything, AnytiMe, Anywhere nationWidE CoVEragE  Single iteM or Full houSehold reMovAlS  SAMe dAy Service  Seven dAyS / eveningS  Student MoveS  oFFice / PiAno MoveS  Free inStAnt QuoteS  All cleArAnceS undertAken

tel: 01953 488919 Mobile: 0771 407 3300

www.vanandaman.com Email: toni@vanandaman.com

Home & Garden

Private & Commercial Work

OSBORN & KENT CONSTRUCTION LTD CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE

New Builds Extensions Walls/Garages/ Porches Repairs

BRICKLAYING CONTRACTORS/ BUILDING SERVICES WWW.OSBORNKENTCONSTRUCTION.CO.UK 9 Pightle Close, Mulbarton, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8GJ tel/fax 01508 571051 email: osbornkent@btinternet.com

Swimming in the diet pool... Our food writer, Nadia Render, dives into the world of weight-loss

fter the excesses of the warmer months, most of us are feeling that we need to lose a few pounds. It’s the barbecues and garden parties, beers on the terrace, holiday cocktails, ice cream on the pier… all just lovely memories now we’re back in our jeans again. They don’t seem to fit like they used to. Have they shrunk?

And now it’s the party season, meaning little black dresses and lots of Christmas food! I decided to take action. I was going on a diet and I’d chosen the fast diet – “The 5:2”, as it is commonly known. For those not familiar, this diet is five days of eating your recommended calorie intake (based on a calculation of your age, weight and gender) and two days of fasting (taking in only a fraction of the other days’ calories). My calorie intake on fasting days was meant to be 500. Now I did this diet three years ago, for eight weeks, following two years of weight gain when I was doing a long commute and very little physical activity. I was very successful, lost all the weight I’d wanted to, felt full of energy and some of my ailments, such as my IBS, were under control.

to achieve. It even credited my food allowance when I logged my exercise, and it worked! I’m nearly down to my target weight and it’s all down to my new awareness of how much I consume and work off each day. Nonetheless, my experience of the 5:2 taught me about control and to choose food wisely. Rather than eating a tiny sugar-packed muffin for 300 calories, I could have a large plate of salad leaves with mixed vegetables, Quorn chicken and a heaped spoonful of piri piri hummus. It really put things into perspective. Learn from me: do your research before taking the diet plunge by reading up on several methods to make sure you choose the right one for you. Don’t become disheartened if the first one doesn’t work and take learnings from them all.

But this time it was very different. I barely shifted a pound. I was starving and miserable on my fast days and my ailments remained the same. So I decided to try something else. I downloaded a health and fitness app on my phone, which tracked my weight and told me my calorie allowance according to what I wanted

Home & Garden

Les Balls

FENCING SERVICES Manufacturer and supplier of all types of fencing

Pointed or Round Tops

6x6 £22.50 6x5 £21.50 6x4 £19.50 6x3 £16.50

6x4 £20.00 6x3 £18.00

6x6 £31.00 6x5 £30.00 6x4 £28.00 6x3 £26.00

FIREWOOD, KINDLING & MUCH MORE

FREE QUOTATIONS • SUPPLY ONLY OR FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE 7 & 8 Denmark Opening, Sprowston Road, Norwich NR3 4JG

www.lesballsfencing.co.uk • 01603 301617 or 07909 032344

Award Winning Landscaping and Design

Paving and Pathways Ponds and Water Features Lawn Laying Walls and Brickwork Timber and Decking Driveways, Fencing and Screening Garden Design by Georgina Read

T: 01953 852139 E: info@lifestylelandscaping.co.uk W: www.lifestylelandscaping.co.uk In Association with: Paving Superstore - Supplying all major brands of paving and landscaping products across the UK www.pavingsuperstore.co.uk

Home & Garden

Creating great outdoor spaces For all your landscaping needs n Sandstone patios n All styles of block paving n Paths

Brick weave driveways Fencing n Turfing

Sleeper walls/planters Pergolas n 15 years’ experience

For a professional installation call Simon

M: 07583

918687 T: 01603 414466

www.pristinedrivewaysnorwich.co.uk (visit our gallery)

BEAUTIFUL GARDEN STUDIOS, MADE IN SUFFOLK Stylish, spacious and strong the Ultra provides the perfect office or retreat, all year round. Three beautiful ranges of garden office, available in seven sizes and loved nationwide. For our brochure or to arrange your free, no obligation survey contact us on 0800 242 5559 or visit our website www.smartgardenoffices.co.uk

Home & Garden

FREE Mira Shower with every walk in shower/bath

10% OFF WITH CODE TNLCVP

Bathing a problem? Try a walk in shower

Expires on 31/12/1015. Excludes all sale stock

• Non-slip safety ﬂooring • Waterproof wall panelling • Level entry wet ﬂoors • Easy walk in & out shower/baths • Grabrails, shower seats & raised toilets • Discounts for OAPs, the disabled, ex-service personnel, British Legion & SSAFA

NO PRESSURE TO BUY ON THE DAY

01603 605518

www.thenorfolklightingcompany.co.uk Unit 13 Taverham Craft and Country Shopping sales@thenorfolklightingcompany.co.uk

www.ahminstallations.co.uk

Electric Garage Door. With the holiday season fast approaching, we are giving you and your loved ones, the opportunity to motorise your existing retractable garage doors from as little as:

£449.00* inc. VAT

With FREE installation & two remote controls. Why not contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff today.

YEAR

Warranty

* Price valid for doors upto 3m wide and within 10 miles of Norwich.

We have been established for 50 years and are renowned in Norfolk, Suffolk and across East Anglia for providing excellence of service and an extensive range of high quality products. Showroom Open: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm & Saturday 8.30am - 12pm Cooks Blinds & Doors Sweetbriar Industrial Estate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 2BS. T: 01603 410304 F: 01603 405090 E: sales@cooksblinds.co.uk Acoustic Doors

Curtains

Security Grilles Awnings

This years must have Christmas present, has got to be an

Industrial Shutter Doors

Years

1965 - 2015

Steel Doors

50 Blinds & Doors

Crash Doors

Solar Shadings

Fire Shutters

Wooden Blinds

Christmas Special

Dock Shelters

Vertical Blinds

Roller Blinds

Roller Garage Doors

Up & Over Garage Doors

Sectional Garage Doors

Side Sliding Doors

Entrance Doors

Venetian Blinds

Partitions

Galebreakers

Village People becomes festive decorations

Repurposing what’s too good to throw away

rafting has always been a big part of my life. Coming from a “make-do-andmend” family, I began sewing at an early age. My parents have always been an inspiration and we’ve tried many different crafts, from corn dollies to goose egg jewel boxes, but paper craft is the one that really has me hooked.

Paper and card can be used in so many different ways, not just for greetings cards, making gift boxes and decorations. You can co-ordinate everything for a stylish look and using recycling from around the house makes crafting less expensive than you might think. You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve! Many of the paper crafts I try are great for all the family. Children love to make things and if all you need is an old magazine, some glue and a pot of glitter it’s not going to break the bank to keep them occupied for an hour or two. I only use pre-loved books and magazines, rescued from charity shops and the recycle bin for crafting. Here are a few things made from the Village People magazine once the new issue arrives (and I’ve removed any recipes I wish to keep)! Paper folding courses will be available at Diss Corn Hall in the new year. www.disscornhall.co.uk

Rushanne from Stuston, just outside Diss

Home & Garden

andrew p r love architecture . design . planning cherry tree farm wymondham road norfolk nr16 1nb bunwell 



     



planning applications & building regulations submissions alteration works, extensions & conversions architectural design consultation & drawings specialist in listed buildings & conservation work site supervision & management excellent local knowledge and contacts domestic & commercial projects

South Norfolk

Design Award winner 2011 & 2013 for innovative and ecologically aware architecture please contact us on

t: 01953 789911 m: 07771 855225

e: info@andrewprloveadp.co.uk www.andrewprloveadp.co.uk

Lake & Pond Aquatics Water Garden Specialist

A. Sillett Tree Surgeon

Covering Norwich and South Norfolk All tree & hedge work undertaken | Qualified & insured Visit website for customer testimonials and more

01508 218657 / 07818 418074 Amza Cottage, Swardeston Lane, East Carleton, NR14 8LF

www.asilletttreesurgeon.co.uk

CJ’S MACHINERY Quality Service & Repair To All Your Lawn & Garden Machinery Tel: 01603 811808 Mob: 07799 847026 Email: enquiries@cjgardenmachinery.co.uk Web: www.cjgardenmachinery.co.uk 3 Station Lane, Hethersett, Norwich NR9 3AX

Mikes Helping Hands HOME AND GARDEN SERVICE For all those odd jobs around the home & garden

Flat Packs Assembled, Shelving, Pictures, Mirrors, Tiling, Kitchen Cupboards, Shed & Fence Repairs, Paths, Patios, Shed, Garage and House Clearance, DIY Problems, Fallen Trees & Branches, Grass, Hedge Cutting & General Gardening & much much more... NO JOB TOO SMALL FULLY INSURED REASONABLE RATES NORWICH & SURROUNDING AREAS

email: mike9412@hotmail.co.uk tel: 07538 705548

Expert advice - Competitive Rates

Design • Installation • Maintenance Pond Cleaning • Planting Advice Professional and accredited Tree Surgeons

Contact Robert Foulger on: 01379 652720 07900 370304

lakeandpondaquatics@gmail.com www.lakeandpond-aquatics.co.uk 38

With 20 years experience we can cater for all your arboricultural needs

www.treefellasuk.com

Please feel free to contact us on

t: (01379) 871490 m: 07542 039490 £5m public liability insurance

Christmas greetings from Ken

he festive season is full of traditions, the gathering of family and friends, chaotic city shopping trips (until you discover the delights of shopping locally that is!) and turkey with all the trimmings to mention just a few - these plus many others go hand in hand to make this time of year special for us all. One of the pivotal parts of a family Christmas is the tree (second only to Santa of course), and for a rapidly growing band of customers their Christmas preparations wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Garden Enclosure to purchase a fresh Christmas tree. So why do they choose us, what makes our trees so great, and how should you look after yours? Before you set out to select a tree make sure you know where you’re going to put it. Ideally position it away from radiators or open fires as, unlike us, trees prefer to be cool. Size is vitally important, measure the space that’s available, noting the maximum height and width, and bring these details with you, as trees appear much bigger when you actually get them indoors! Always choose early to avoid disappointment, last year we quickly sold out of certain sizes (sorry if you missed out, we’ll have even more trees this year). There are two main types of Christmas tree available, Norway Spruce is the old favourite, giving a strong pine fragrance, but prone to needle-loss in warm rooms so best suited to cool conservatories or outside displays. The modern replacement is the Nordmann Fir, a glossy soft to touch needle-fast type, perfect for all family areas. Whichever type you choose, it needs to be fresh, our cut

trees are sourced from plantations right here in Norfolk and Suffolk, unlike many retailers who purchase trees felled weeks before you see them from forests in Denmark, Belgium, Germany and beyond. A real tree brings Christmas Choosing your tree should to life, and why not add to the natural feel indoors be fun so take your time, by dotting some seasonal natural trees don’t grow perfectly evenly so get houseplants around, or someone or us to hold make up an arrangement different trees out and using colourful cyclamen, give them a spin to find variegated ivy, either sleek or their best side. Once chunky candles and ribbon chosen, we’ll net your tree embellishments. (free of charge) for easy transport home, we can put it in your car for you, place it to one side for collection later, or arrange delivery if it’s a monster! At home, saw a slice off the bottom of the trunk (or we can do this for you before you leave) and fit into a water-retaining stand, make sure the tree is upright and lift off the net, turn it to show the front side and then decorate to your heart’s delight. Don’t forget to check the water level regularly and keep it topped up. Last of all, remember to welcome guests to your home with a stylish fresh wreath on your door, we have all you need to create your own, or you can cheat and buy one of ours all ready to hang up! Merry Christmas!

Cheers, Ken

Nordmann fir

The Garden Enclosure at Banham

great trees, great prices, great service!

INDEPENDENT GARDEN CENTRE & GIFT SHOP Ample 01953 888043 www.gardenenclosure.co.uk parking & Fresh Christmas trees, fir wreaths, gorgeous gifts & goodies, stress-fr ee beautiful basketware, floristry sundries, seasonal plants .... & more! shoppi

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Home & Garden

Peter Cole General Builder & Roofing Contractor

Extensions, Garages & Garden Walls House Renovations and Maintenance Chimney & Roof Repairs All brickwork and carpentry undertaken All jobs considered 35 years experience. No VAT.

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wilsonelectricalandplumbing.co.uk

For all your electrical & plumbing requirements Domestic & commercial

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OnYour

PLOT

EVERYTHING CHILLS BUT THE GARDENER

DON’T GET TOO COMFORTABLE There’s no time to relax: winter is the season to do all the jobs that get left behind the rest of the year. You’re no longer dead-

Here are some garden project ideas for you this winter:

• Reshape your borders • Install a water feature • Build a potting shed or summerhouse • Clean up the patio and paving • Plan your bedding areas for the year ahead • Order seeds for spring • Garden clearance (fallen twigs, debris, etc.) • Replace damaged fencing

   



 

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              

         

 

heading and endlessly lawn-mowing so use your time wisely and do what you were too busy to do in the warmer weather.

PRODUCE TO SOW AND GROW Don’t forget your main aim of the season is to protect your plants from the frost. Anything tender needs to be moved indoors or covered well before the cold snaps snap. But there’s plenty of plants that still need your attention. Garlic: It is actually a tradition to plant garlic on the shortest day of the year to be harvested from July. Garlic can be planted either indoors or outdoors (if the soil is warmed by covering with a fleece or cloche first). Just break into individual cloves and plant about 10cm apart. Push the cloves into the soil so their tips are just below the surface and keep well watered during dry weather so that they swell. Broad beans: Sow hardy varieties (such as Aquadulce Claudia and Super Aquadulce) until the middle of December and protect well from frost and snow. This prevents the plant tissues from becoming soft and toppling over. Herbs: Sow fast-growing herbs including basil, parsley, dill and chives now and leave them in your greenhouse or on a south-facing windowsill. The same goes for hardy salad leaves such as Rocket, Mizuna, Land Cress, Valdor, Arctic King and Winter Gem – and be sure to keep the plants well-protected from frost once you start to see them appear above the soil.

ONLY THE PLUMP AND THE FIRM If you’re quick, there should just be enough time to plant spring bulbs such as daffodils, crocus and tulips. Only buy bulbs that are plump and firm and plant them with the top facing upwards. They should be two to three times their own depth, and spaced two bulb-widths apart. Just keep the compost moist and very wellprotected from frosts and reap the rewards in the new year!

Fruit: You can plant strawberries, blackberries, gooseberries and blueberries outdoors under a frost fleece any time between now and the spring.

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Inspirational art that

packs a feminist punch T

his year the words Magna Carta have been on everyone’s lips from documentaries, official ceremonies, history trails and even school curriculums.

Catherine of Aragon also accompany the tour.

Local artist Tracy Satchwill has contributed to the 800th anniversary celebrations by creating a unique art project that captures the journey of women during the Magna Carta era. Her four-piece panel, Magna Carta Women, highlights some notable people who have made a significant contribution to the furtherment of women’s rights and freedoms.

Tracy continues creating playful and theatrical collages from her studio at Forncett St Peter, inspired by a love of period dramas and historical narratives. She has given talks and attended the official Magna Carta 800th anniversary ceremony at Runnymede Meadows, and has even discussed the artwork with Princess Royal. Her next major project will respond to women’s suffrage for the 2018 centenary celebrations.

The artwork, set in the Garden of Eden, is inspired by traditional stained glass windows – the main visual art form of the Magna Carta era – and is created by combining original photography with illustration, print and found objects. The piece features 50 remarkable men and women, including suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst; Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, and some notable East Anglians, including prison reformer Elizabeth Fry and anchoress Julian of Norwich. There are also a few men, such as philosopher John Stuart Mill, who championed women’s rights. King John is also featured signing the Magna Carta, which forms the pathway in the garden. The project, which has been awarded Arts Council funding, tours England including Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre in London. Two life-size figures of Emmeline Pankhurst and

“The social history of women is something I am passionate about, and hope my art will be a platform from which to inform and inspire the next generation,” said Tracy. Since completing her BA (Hons) in Illustration in 2010, Tracy has created numerous artworks with subjects including Agatha Christie, Kings and Queens of England, Marie Antoinette and women in history. She has exhibited in the UK, Europe and America including Somerset House, Orleans House Gallery, Old Truman Brewery, Empire State Building and Burgh Island Hotel. Magna Carta Women continues its tour until November and is supported through public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Royal Holloway University. For more information visit www.tracysatchwill.com

Home & Garden

uK WatEr SErViCES Specialists in Water Softening & Filtration

25 years ago we teamed with Harvey Softeners, manufactures of the prestigious duplex (non-electric) super, eﬃcient block salt softener. Still our most popular. We also supply & install other types particularly the Nuwave Range- all British made and very aﬀordable.

So why have a water softener installed? Hello! I am Trevor, founder of the business 35 years ago. Still family owned by my son. We specialise in supply, installation and servicing of water softeners & ﬁlters to the good people of Norfolk & Suﬀolk.

• To stop scale and protect all plumbing & heating appliances • To save money on replacement items • To stop scum and save on soaps & cleaning materials • To generally improve your lifestyle

To ﬁnd out more and arrange a free survey & estimate Call us on 01603 713606 Or visit www.ukwaterservices.com

To arrange a consultation please contact Sue Bailey on Tel: 01603 744061 or 07525 135555 8 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY sue@fmfamilylaw.co.uk

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Oral Traditions Gypsies on the Common Now a series of DVDs When Les and Edna Elliot arrived in a gypsy wagon on Mellis Common last summer, Neil Lanham asked them to tell him some stories. Neil was amazed at what they told him because, although neither one had attended school, they were articulate to a high degree in the spoken world of storytelling and had hundreds of life’s experiences to share. They spoke of brushes with the law, landowners who refused them water, how they cried when they had nothing, and of their joy in finding religion. They were both born in wagons on the side of the road and had travelled all their lives. Enticed by Edna’s cooking and singing, Neil returned day after day to learn more. These recordings, together with an archive film of travelling to Stow Fair in 1994, show the pair’s love of horses, nature and fireside entertainment and have been highly praised by other gypsies. The series of DVDs are available from Neil (as below).

The “rags to riches” story of Tom Walne Tom is a horseman, like his father, who lives in a council house with his wife Sandy. Every heavy horse that they have ever owned has been given to them and one such mare arrived with a vet’s certificate stating that she could not be got in foal. She was a real looker and both Tom and his friend, Bruce Smith, differed from the vet’s opinion, so the mare soon became mother to offspring that won prize after prize. But, when a notice arrived requesting the attendance of Tom and Sandy to a big London Hotel to receive their British Breeders Award for Outstanding Mare, Tom was reluctant “to enter that world”. Fortunately he did, and to much applause, and also “a meagre plate of grub with square potatoes” - the likes of which he hadn’t ever seen in Suffolk! Full story on DVD95.

TRADITIONS OF SUFFOLK Over 100 DVDs and CDs of local Horsemen, Blacksmiths, Gamekeepers, Poachers, Horse Dealers, Gypsies, Stepdancers and traditional singers.

See full details on:

www.oraltraditions.co.uk or for FREE BROCHURE

tel 01379 890568

Home & Garden

Complete Carpentry are specialists in:

Offering a professional, cost-effective service with over 25 years of experience. Covering South Norfolk, we’re specialists in period renovation, stunning wood ﬂoors, garden decking and detailing. Call for a free quote on 01953 454642 / 07775 796656. www.norfolk-carpentry.co.uk

• 1st/2nd ﬁx carpentry • Kitchen installation • Doors & windows • Bespoke joinery • Fitted wardrobes • Decking & fencing • Hardwood & laminate ﬂooring • Tudor, Victorian & Georgian repairs • General repairs & property maintenance

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Toxins around the Christmas tree

ets always warn of the potential dangers that surround our pets at Christmas. However, each year they still see a number of animals who have accidentally been poisoned. Potential poisons are in everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home at this time of year, so it is important to be aware of exactly what can be toxic if ingested by our pets. Chocolate Because of the ingredient theobromine that it contains, chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. The concentration is higher in dark chocolate than in milk chocolate, but even a small amount can cause hyper excitability, tremors, convulsion, heart disturbances and even death. Always be careful of wrapped presents that may contain chocolate, because our furry friends have a great sense of smell!

some pets seem to have eaten a relatively large amount without any effects whilst others will ingest very little and the result has been deadly. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t risk it. Alcohol There was once a puppy that, in his ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absence, helped himself to a very large quantity of their best port. He spent several days of Christmas in the dog ward whilst being treated for alcohol poisoning. He fortunately made a 100 per cent recovery, but not all curious pets are so lucky. Antifreeze Fatal to cats, antifreeze is sweet to the taste but causes kidney failure, so vets have to treat swiftly and aggressively to try and save any cat that has consumed some.

Onions You may think you are being kind on Christmas day to give your pet a turkey dinner with all the trimmings; but onions, garlic, leeks and chives all contain sulphurs which react with the cell membranes of the red blood cells of dogs, causing the cells to explode. Cats are even more sensitive to the poisonous effects of the onion family: eating too many of these can lead to a potentially fatal anaemia.

With thanks to Rachel Phillips mrcvs from Uplands Way Vets

Raisins Christmas pudding must be kept out of reach of sniffing noses! Raisins, grapes, sultanas and currents cause kidney failure in dogs and potentially other animals too. It would appear that animals are very variable;

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Ben Di Lisi plate Debenhams £45

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New Vauxhall Astra CAR REVIEW

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

auxhalls have never been at the top of my list of “must have” cars and that’s strange, because I’ve owned two of them.

They were both Astras, and I liked them. The last one I bought was back in 2000; it was silver and had an Irmscher body kit. it looked great at the time – or maybe I thought it did because I was still in my 20s then and only had myself to please. These days I’m a dad with a whole different set of priorities about what I need from a car. Now with three kids, I look at how easy it is to fit child seats in a car, I check out if the boot will swallow a pushchair and a weekly shop. All sorts of boring things like that. And do you know what? Yes, the latest Astra is great for strapping a nine-year-old, six-year-old and a two-year-old into the back seat, and the load-area is bang on for a buggy.

Compared with its predecessor, this new five-door Astra is shorter, yet it offers more rear legroom. It drives well, too, and with its new “whisper” 1.6 diesel engine, it has some nice low-down shove. Indeed, this version will be the fleet choice, allowing up to 91mpg and releasing just 85g/km of CO2 in its lowest 108bhp semblance. But we only got to drive the 134bhp version (76mpg), which still gives decent performance and is both effortless and hushed. The new Astra doesn’t have the wow-factor looks of some rival hatchbacks, but it isn’t ugly and is the first Vauxhall to feature OnStar. This ground-breaking connectivity technology includes highspeed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery alert. Taken as a whole, the new Astra is a highly-affable and spirited car. The VW Golf still leads the

segment in terms of drivability and aesthetics, but the fresh Vauxhall works for me, and in spite of its rather bland looks, it has very few failings. It feels solid, it has airbags everywhere, it’s comfortable, economical, spacious, has decent pulling power, and it even has a great sounding music system. For value for money, it’s a top motor – and you get a lot of car for the dosh. PROS ‘N’ CONS Drives well √ Hi-tech kit √ Roomy √ Efficient √ Bland Looks X FAST FACTS – Design 1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFL 99g S/S Max speed: 124 mph 0-62 mph: 10.3 secs Combined mpg: 76.3 Engine layout: 1598 cc, 4 cylinder, 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 134 Max. torque (lb/ft): 320 CO2: 99 g/km Price: £18,405

Ladies Who Lunch

MINCE PIE TASTING TEST scattering of sugar. One had a veritable blizzard of icing sugar on top. One or two were very deep, and one was noticeably flat.

ERY few households will be able to resist the lure of a box of supermarket mince pies over the coming weeks, so the Ladies Who Lunch team stayed at home and tested ten different mince pies. Just doing their bit for Village People’s local readers! Our brief was simple; sample a piece of mince pie and mark it out of five for taste, appearance, amount of filling and general “integrity”– which encompasses all other aspects, including whether they came out of the box whole, whether they had leaked any filling, or whether they had excessive amounts of pips in.

PREPARATION The initial details were noted on a chart: shop, price, weight, calories (but you don’t want to know about that! Except that the Co-op was highest at 263 per pie!), number of ingredients, and whether it was suitable for vegetarians or not (most were).

It was a blind tasting so, with the rest of the team out of the room, I stuck an identifier on the underside of the plates, and swapped them around until even I couldn’t remember which was which. PACKAGING Three sets came in transparent plastic packs from in-store bakeries; Tesco’s had information on the packaging, Morrisons data was available online, but I couldn’t find anything for Sainsbury’s Instore Bakery ones. The other seven came in cardboard packaging – two of which were rather posher than the others, but you don’t eat the box. The Co-op had something in braille on the carton which might be useful for the blind (one phonecall later and I can report that it says“six deep-filled mince pies”) and each pie came in an aluminium tart case. GENERAL APPEARANCE There were marked differences in appearance of the pies; some had intricate snowflake or holly leaf motifs on top, others had a scant

INGREDIENTS At first I was shocked to see such long lists of ingredients, but soon realised that the mincemeat filling alone accounted for most of them: lemon peel, orange peel, lime peel, sugar, dextrose, fructose, glucose, (other sugars) cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, lemon zest, treacle, brown sugar, sultanas, currants, apple, almonds, apricot puree, walnuts, cherries… and it goes on. Therefore, only extraunusual ingredients were recorded (brandy or cognac) and the amount of chemistry-set ingredients – Morrisons only had the one: Emulsifier (mono and diglycerides of fatty acids); the rest had anything up to 10 (Lidl); the remainder about four to seven. Most of the flour used for the pastry contained vitamins and iron, as is usual nowadays. SALT For those of you who are trying to reduce your salt intake, or don’t notice the difference, the Co-op, Sainsbury’s Bakery and Tesco Value all seemed to have the least – if not none at all – in the pastry. To my personal taste, nothing spoils good bakery products as effectively as lack of salt; Elizabeth David would declare them“insipid”and I agree, but you may not. EXTRACTS FROM NOTES One taster made the observation that all the mince pies would be improved by being heated. Some suggested that they could have

been cooked properly in the first place: “claggy”,“sludgy”and“undercooked”were noted for Mr Kipling, who didn’t score too highly at all. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference (the most expensive) prompted “something nasty, cloves?”,“strange taste, almost soapy”, and another “strange taste”– so we obviously did Taste the Difference there. But the eventual winner gained much praise: “slightly alcoholic, nice!”,“plain but pleasantly fruity”, “moist filling, crisp pastry”,“deep fill, fruity filling”,“could be prettier, but juicy, sweet”. THE RESULTS The top score possible would have been 120 points: three pies were so close together at the top to render the differences insignificant (93, 92, 91). The next two were rated at 88 and 82, and the following four all scored mid 70s. Poor old Tesco Value came in bottom with just 49 points. But

NAME

COST

scoff not: when the team members were asked which pies they’d buy if 30 boy scouts were coming to tea, everyone chose Tesco Value. Cheapest and no artificial colours, flavouring or hydrogenous fats. And at only 162 calories (do boy scouts worry about that?) they were still winners. When the tasters were asked which they’d buy when entertaining a dozen dear friends with and sherry and mince pies, the choice was unanimously Lidl –

WEIGHT grammes

CALORIES

BOX

one of the top three. And in answer to the last situation of all: “Yourself alone on the sofa watching an old film with a mince pie – but which will it be?”, the answer was again unanimous. Morrisons; the least decorated pie, losing points for appearance, with a taste that more than compensates. Sadly for everyone involved, Waitrose mince pies were unavailable at the time of testing.

chemistry set ingred.

total points

RESULT

COST PER PIE

MORRISONS

£1.11

PLASTIC

low

£0.19

M&S

£1.80

229

MED

medium

£0.30

£0.75

223

BIG MED

high

£0.13

TESCO FINEST

£2.00

259

POSH

medium

£0.33

COOP

£1.00

263

MED

medium

£0.17

SAINSBURY TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

£2.50

240

POSH

low

£0.42

MR KIPLING MINCE PIES

£1.50

226

MED

high

£0.25

TESCO TRADITIONAL

£0.89

229

MED

high/med

£0.15

SAINSBURY BAKERY

£1.50

no data

PLASTIC

no data

£0.25

TESCO EVERYDAY VALUE

£0.65

162

PLASTIC

low

£0.11

LIDL

pack contains 12, so price adjusted

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Louis’ Best Christmas Gift

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

reat Ellingham businessman and musician, Louis Serghe, will celebrate the festive season mindful of the best Christmas present he ever received, more than 35 years ago. After a broken marriage, the heartache of separation from his children and an unswerving quest to know the truth about life, Louis found the revelation that had touched him since boyhood. “It was as if I was given the biggest Christmas present I could ever have. As I came into the presence of the living God all my questions fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle and I had a new beginning and a new start with Jesus as I came into the light for the first time.” Even as a boy of eight, growing up in Glasgow, he was aware of good and evil and wondered what his purpose was in life. “I had a fear of dying and I knew my need of a protector and wanted to know who God was,” he recalls. As young as he was, he reasoned that knowing God through a man who walked on earth would make it easier to understand. While living in London, nearly two decades later, he was approached by various religious cults during the 1970s but remained unconvinced by the philosophies behind The Children of God and Hari Krishna movements, as well as the Mormon’s and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Finally, he got down on his knees and cried out: “God, whoever you are please speak to me and lead me to the right person because I am so confused.” He believes a strong voice in his mind told him to visit the park he frequented to meet someone who would help. Louis obeyed that inner prompting and met a man about the same age, who was also a musician and actor like himself, as he talked to someone about Jesus. Louis soon understood the declarations about the Saviour of the World and made them his own as he listened to the former Muslim who had converted to Christianity.

Louis Serghe He has shared his message of faith at Speaker’s Corner at London’s Hyde Park and with thousands of customers from his carpet cleaning business to share his empowering faith message. Now he is also a busy musician using his guitar to compile a future gospel album to help share his story. He tells of the reality of seeing his miracle-working God transform the lives of the sick and dying when he has prayed. An elderly man, for example, was hit by a car while crossing a busy London road. “Blood was pouring from a hole in his head and as I prayed that Jesus would bring healing I felt a great heat of his presence.” Prayer continued the following Sunday with the church congregation and that afternoon the injured man sat up in his hospital bed with just a small plaster on his head. “If people have never taken steps to see if Jesus is real, I would encourage them to do so. There is only one way to find true love and that is finding Jesus – I have tried all the other ways,” says Louis.

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WIN SOUL LEGENDS TICKETS TO

Searching for some soul?

Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning one of three pairs of tickets to Soul Legends at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds this December! Billed as “the feel good show of the year”, the stateside spectacular Soul Legends is coming to town. Boasting more soul classics than any other production, the show brings us 32 songs from the likes of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tina Turner, and many more. With truly gifted musicians, elaborately authentic costumes and jaw-dropping choreography, plus hits including Ain’t Nobody, Knock On Wood and Three Times a Lady… there truly ain’t no stopping us now!

Village People has teamed up with The Apex to give three lucky winners a pair of tickets each to the show on Thursday 10 December.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply email your name, address and daytime phone number, including the word SOUL in the subject to competition@village-people.info by Sunday 6 December. Usual Village People rules apply.

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“ To perfect the art of

friendship and to give scholarships” Readers may well wonder how these two aims fit together.

The answer is in The British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG), which was formed in 1907 to help women at university during a time when they were a rarity. The name is misleading because women with professional qualifications are also members members, such as nurses, teachers, lawyers, doc doctors tors and wo women men with business qualifications,, in associa associations tions thr throughout oughout the UK. The Nor Norfolk folk and Norwich Norwich As Association sociation of BFWG wa wass founded unded ov over er 60 ye years ars ago by a local doc doctor. tor. It has a full and varied varied pr programme ogramme of ev events, ents, and meets regularly gularly at Th The e Co Costessey stessey Ce Centre ntre fo forr in interesting teresting talks – Through ugh Fi Fire re and Wa Water: ter: Sa Saving ving Nor Norfolk’s folk’s Ar Archives, chives, Travels in Et Ethiopia, hiopia, and As Ash h Dieback ar are e just a fe few w from this ye year. ar. Th There ere ar are e also to topical pical discussions discussions,, quizzes, visits visits, a book gr group oup (which meets re regularly gularly at Waterstones), ones), an Ou Out-to-Lunch t-to-Lunch Club (which travels all over the co county), unty), as we wellll as man manyy other social events which families ar are e in invited vited to to.. Th There ere is something for ev everyone eryone and and,, best of all all,, ev every ery member gains friendship iendship and suppor support. t. Nationally, the Charitable itable Fo Foundation undation of BFWG gi gives ves scholarships and bursaries, bursaries, ies mean meanwhile while the Nor Norfolk folk fo lk and Norwich Association tion gi gives ves an annual aw award ard to one girl entering higher educa education tion or tr training. aining. Th The e award alternates each year ar bet between ween a co county unty school

Solicitor, Nest Overend, at

the National Confereenc ncee at

Wymondham

and a cit cityy school school,, and the associa association tion alw always ay looks forward fo rward to hear hearing ing ho how w the re recipient cipient has got on. There Th ere is an annual seminar for for BFWG associa associations tions at Westminster, We stminster, as we wellll as re regular gular in invitations vitations to ev events organised by HQ and to visit other associations. These Th ese ar are e publicised in a quar quarterly terly new newspaper spaper and in monthly email letters from the president. BFWG members automatically become members of the international organisation, Graduate Women International (GWI), which has branches in over 60 countries working hard to ensure global education for girls and women. Its head office is in Geneva and it regularly makes representations to the United Nations on various matters. International meetings are held all over the world so there are plenty of opportunities to travel and local associations offer hospitality to visitors – quite recently Romanian guests stayed in Norwich. Furthermore, a Scottish member has just become International Vice President. If yo you u enjo enjoy y the co company mpany of lik like-minded, e-minded well-informed we well-inf ll-informed ll-inf ormed wo women men and belie believe there is a need to suppor supportt gi girls rls mo moving to education beyond school, then why not join BFWG? Visit the website at bfwg.org.uk or phone the local secretary on 01603 812668 for further information. You will be made very welcome.

Health & Beauty

career care?

Have you considered a

Hales Group are one of the fastest growing healthcare providers and need enthusiastic people to join our team. Being part of the Hales Group Care Team is rewarding and satisfying but it also demands commitment and professionalism. The rewards of care work: ● Make a real difference to adults in need of care ● Work within your local community ● Earn the best rates of pay for all the hours you work ● Have an ongoing career ● Paid travel time, mileage and expenses ● Guaranteed hours to fit your needs* ● Full, free induction training ● Free qualifications and ongoing personal development

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w w w.halescare.co.uk 66

Q&A HEALTH A pressing problem Q:

It’s too embarrassing for me to go to the doctors but I’ve been struggling to empty my bowels and I’m in a lot of pain and discomfort. What can I do?

Constipation affects an estimated 25 per cent of the population, so finding a solution to this common problem is a must!

Linseed is one of the oldest fibre crops in the world and, aside from being recognised as an excellent remedy for constipation, it is renowned for its extensive health benefits too. In fact, one king back in the 8th century made it law that his subjects regularly ate linseed in order to keep them healthy. Though maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly is important, sometimes a kick-start is needed to get your bowel into action. Conventional laxatives can drain your body of essential nutrients so it is sensible to make dietary improvements as a longterm resolution. Linseed has a pleasant nutty flavour that can easily

be incorporated into many dishes. Sprinkle it over salads, yoghurt or cereal to add a little crunch to your dish. It can also be added into meatloaf, nut roast, flapjacks or even smoothies. Soaking linseed is a good option if being used to improve bowel function. Linseed can absorb up to ten times its volume in water, meaning that if you soak them before eating them they will quickly soften your stool, making it easier to pass. Contact the Natural Food Store, 4 Exchange Street, Norwich, for more helpful information. Tel: 01603 613228 www.shop-naturally.com

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Join in the chorus

he autumn brought a new term for The Waveney Choir, with another enjoyable year of rehearsals and concerts ahead of them.

A performing choir with a large repertoire, The Waveney Valley Choir’s finale for last season was a performance of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace in Wymondham Abbey with sister choir, The Poringland Singers. It was an extremely powerful work and audience members described it as “spine tingling” – particularly with the live orchestra and organ. The choir began rehearsing for their Christmas concerts in late September; much too early to think about other Christmas paraphernalia, but never too early for Christmas music. When their director, Ian Elliot, came up with two carols by composer Grayston Ives, from the choir’s hometown Diss, they were delighted. Deputy director Sarah-Jane Bullock has also composed a new tune for In the Bleak Midwinter. In the Bleak Midwinter is a very popular carol and most people are familiar with the version composed by Gustav Holst. As with most things so well-loved, the tune to Christina Rossetti’s words was first met

with resistance. However, the choir has fallen in love with Sarah-Jane’s music and are sure their audience will too. The Waveney Choir will be performing at the Mayor’s Town Concert in Diss on December 1 (venue to be confirmed at time of writing due to the Corn Hall refurbishment) and, on December 9 (also to be confirmed), the choir will be holding a Christmas Concert at Garboldisham Village Hall. Finally, on December 16 you can catch the choir performing “at home” in the URC Diss, with the festive mulled wine, mince pies and the opportunity to have a singalong of the old favourites. For further details and tickets, visit www.waveneychoir.org.uk If you enjoy singing and are willing for some dedicated practice, come and join us each Wednesday evening in the URC Diss – especially men, who are under-represented in our choir – you won’t have to audition!

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Smart Money Secrets Now you can get details of your credit score for free

by Andrew Hagger independent personal finance analyst from www.moneycomms.co.uk

t’s been well documented that households with a below-average credit rating can pay hundreds of pounds more per year for finance and utilities payments compared with healthy credit scorers. Last year, specialist credit card provider, Aqua, showed that families with a lower credit score were avoiding the need for a credit check by accessing a month-by-month broadband contract. But this was resulting in an average annual charge of £175... expensive when you consider those with good scores only pay around £60 on average. If you’ve never looked at your credit record and score, it’s well worth spending 15-20 minutes to find out what’s on your file. You want to be sure your financial details, such as your balances, limits and payment history are accurate and up to date. Rather than paying £10 to £15 per month with some of the more well-known providers, I’d suggest taking a look at a new service from ClearScore.com where you can obtain a copy of your credit score and details for free.

Tips to improve your credit rating

• Ensure you are registered on the electoral role

otherwise you won’t appear as being listed at your address if a lender makes a credit search.

• Close credit card accounts that you’re no longer

using. Even though your balance may be zero, any prospective lenders will take into account any existing credit limits you have available to you when assessing applications for new finance.

• Having no record of managing credit can count

against you so it’s worth having a credit card and using it a few times each year – if you repay the statement balance in full and on time it won’t cost you a penny, but demonstrates that you are capable of managing credit and will reflect positively on your file.

Your credit record is more important than you probably realise, so next time you’ve got a little spare time, check yours out at www.clearscore.com

This will enable you to check exactly what information is registered against your name. If your details are incomplete or incorrect it could prove more difficult and expensive to obtain credit. Your credit report will list any late or missed payments on your existing loans and credit cards as well as previous borrowing you’ve had during the last six years. Other areas included on your credit file include details of any bankruptcies and county court judgements, as well as the amount you currently owe on your credit agreements together with details of searches and new applications made. Myth-buster

• Third party information, including members of

your family who live/have lived with you, does not appear on your credit file as long as you don’t share any joint financial commitments.

• Other people who have lived at your address previously will not affect your credit score.

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The way we were:

The Seaside

In the third of a series of articles looking at life in East Anglia 150, 100 and 50 years ago, Sarah Doig takes a look at how our seaside has changed.

e owe our love of the seaside to the Victorians. In 1865, middle-class family holidays and works outings to seaside resorts such as Great Yarmouth, Southwold, Cromer and Lowestoft were all the rage. This trend was fuelled by three main factors. The first was that medical wisdom started to advocate “taking the cure” at a spa or coastal town with plenty of fresh, sea air. It was also, though, the rapid expansion in the railway network which allowed innercity residents to access the seaside. And lastly, spending power amongst the professional classes was such that families could afford to take a break away from the routine of daily life. The working class, too, could benefit from day-trips organised by Sunday schools and employers. They embraced a whole host of seaside entertainments such as music hall, brass bands, pleasure gardens and exhibitions. One major preoccupation with visitors to the British seaside was bathing. Bathing machines were essentially four-wheel carriages which stood on the beaches. Men and women got into the carriage through a door which faced inland. They then changed into their swimwear in the bathing machine and exited it through a door in the opposite side, down some steps straight into the sea. Once mixed

Bathing Machine postcard from

the early 1900s

gender bathing became socially acceptable, the days of the bathing machine were numbered. The bathing machine had already started to disappear from our resorts in 1915 when the country, in any case, was far more concerned with doing their bit for the war effort. By 1965, the British public’s obsession with the seaside was still as strong as ever. Popular attractions included donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, candyfloss and beach entertainers. The holiday camp was also in its heyday; they were the forerunners of the modern allinclusive holiday. One independent holiday camp at Caister could accommodate up to 800 men, women and children in chalets and huts, all with cold running water. Situated right on the beach with more than 90 acres of land, the camp also had a licensed bar and provided organised games and sports. Seaside holiday camps are still a popular choice today, albeit in rather plusher accommodation than fifty years ago! Sarah’s latest local history book, A Rural Education: The History of Schooling in Botesdale, Redgrave and Rickinghall, has just been published. You can read more at www.quatrefoil.org.uk

Victorian Cromer

Sarah Doig also offers a family, house & local history research service, visit www.ancestral-heritage.co.uk for more information.

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Supporting Local Business GREAT RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR AREA

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Just a few recent comments from readers about some of the local businesses that are on offer in your area. With great recommendations like this in every issue, make sure Village People is your first thought when you need a local service.

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Help save nature with an hour and a cuppa Count the wildlife that’s counting on you

ore than half a million people are expected to watch and count their garden birds for this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch in January. The world’s largest garden wildlife survey, now in its 37th year, takes place on 30 and 31 January 2016. Since it began it has provided valuable information about the changes in numbers of birds using our gardens in winter. Continuing declines include starlings and song thrushes, which have dropped by an alarming 80 and 70 per cent respectively since the Birdwatch began in 1979. There is slightly better news for the house sparrow,

as its long term decline appears to have continued to slow, and it remains the most commonly spotted bird in our gardens. However, its numbers have dropped by 57% since 1979. Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist, said: “Last year’s survey saw more than eight-and-a-half million birds spotted, making it another great year for participation. With over half a million people now regularly taking part, coupled with over 30

years’ worth of data, Big Garden Birdwatch allows us to monitor trends and helps us understand how birds are doing. “As the format of the survey has stayed the same, the scientific data can be compared year-on-year, making your results very valuable. With results from so many gardens, we are able to create a ‘snapshot’ of bird numbers across the UK. Once we know which birds are in trouble, together we can ensure that our garden wildlife will be around forever.” As well as counting their feathered friends, the RSPB is also asking participants to log some of the other wildlife they see in their gardens and green spaces such as hedgehogs, foxes, stoats and squirrels, to help build an overall picture of how important they are for giving nature a home. Daniel added: “The threats to our wildlife means that it’s facing tough times. For example it is estimated that we’ve lost more than half of our hedgehogs in the last 50 years. We’re going to include this part of the survey every

year now, enabling us to monitor the distribution of our other wildlife as well as trends in bird numbers.” The survey is part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. The RSPB is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their own gardens and outside spaces – whether it’s putting up a nest box for birds, creating a pond to support a number of different species or building a home for a hedgehog. The Big Garden Birdwatch is just one of the steps you can take to help nature near you. Wherever you live, you can help give nature a home so grab a cuppa and position yourself comfortably in front of a window with a good view of your garden during the weekend of 30 and 31 January. Keep your eyes peeled and take a note of all the birds you see visiting your garden during one hour, and then submit your results to the RSPB. To sign up for your free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack and to record your results, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

LOCAL DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS Bradford House Accountancy ANIMALS Redwings Puppies for Sale APPLIANCE REPAIRS Norfolk Appliances ARCHITECTURE N J Myhill Architecture Andrew P R Love Architecture BATHROOMS AHM Bathing Supreme Bathroom & Kitchen Centre Bathrooms by Design BOAT COVERS Classic Covers BUILDERS & HANDYMEN Osborn and Kent Construction Ltd Kevin George Building Services Peter Cole General Builder Ivan Hurren Cooks Building Services Ltd DSP Supplies Day 2 Day Builders Mike’s Helping Hands Timber Treatment Services CARE & MOBILITY Prestige Nursing Mobility Superstore Saffron Housing Contact Care Castlemeadow Care The Care Partnership Aspire Homecare All Hallows Woodside House CARPENTRY Complete Carpentry CARS, CARAVANS & GARAGES Highfield Garage Caroline’s Cars Simpsons Motor Group Genus Vehicle Solutions COMPUTERS, WEB DESIGN, MARKETING & BUSINESS Philippa Green Web Design Bailiwick IT

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Teknik Computers 72 Anglia Computer Solutions 72 CLEANING Home-maid 44 Oven clean 54 DAYS OUT, TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS Fairhaven 8 IC Travel 15 Eastons Holidays 15 Banham Zoo 14 ELECTRICIANS ICD Commercial and Domestic 31 Ashley’s Electrical Services 74 Ian Myhill Electrical 31 Wilson Electrical & Plumbing 40 Simply Electric Norfolk 26 FENCING, GATES & GARAGE DOORS Les Balls Fencing Services 34 Cooks Blinds 36 FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Money and Mortgage Solutions 70 ASP Wills 70 FM Family Law 46 Fortyhill Financial Solutions 72 FUEL MERCHANTS Fielder Firewood 50 FUNERALS Rosedale Funeral Home 9 Co-op Funeral Services 64 FURNITURE John Doe of Diss 80 GARDENS The Garden Enclosure 39 Easton Countryside Services 42 Arkscape 31 Noble Paving East Anglia 53 C J’s Garden Machinery 38 Broadland Tree Services 27 A Sillett Tree Surgeon 38 Lifestyle Paving & Landscaping 34 Lake & Pond Aquatics 38 Eclipse Home & Garden Services 42 Pristine Paving & Garden Design 35 Foundry Plant Centre 43 Smart Garden Offices 35 Tree Fellas 38

GROUNDWORKS Chris Harmer D J Ireland HEALTH & BEAUTY Chedgrave MS Therapy The Hearing Care Centre Footwise Footsure Lynn Cook Mobile Nail Technician Coltishall Cosmetic Clinic Amza Beauty Insightful Massage Therapies JOBS Home Cleaning Vacancies Key Education Services Hales Care KITCHENS Dream Doors Supreme Bathroom & Kitchen Ctr OPTICIANS Cecil Amey PAINTERS & DECORATORS Decorumm Steve Crowland Peter Jones PLUMBING, BOILERS & DRAINAGE Chris Clarke Oil Boiler Services Wilson Plumbing & Electrical Services P&D Tank Services REMOVALS Van and a Man RESTAURANTS, PUBS, HOTELS & CATERING Anglia Catering Equipment Cosmo Restaurant ROOFING PAC Roofing Projects 4 Roofing Eastern Roofing SCHOOLS & COLLEGES Kaleidoscope Riddlesworth Hall School SEWING, DRESSMAKING, SOFT FURNISHINGS & BLINDS C and J Soft Furnishings The Sewing Box

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