YLM February 2014 | #44 by Circuit Media (P&L) Ltd

LIFESTYLE, STORIES & EVENTS IN NORFOLK & SUFFOLK

q&a with helen fraser Focus on Eye Bring The outside in Wedding Planning FEB 14

Formerly ‘Your Local Magazine’

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS Welcome 5 Stories LEISTON FILM THEATRE 7 Out & About BANHAM ZOO 8

HELEN FRASER 24

WEDDINGS 11 Book Club 23 Q&A HELEN FRASER 24 FOCUS THE TOWN OF EYE 27 THE BANK 31 CAPTURE 32

11 WEDDINGS

LEISTON THEATRE 7

LOVE IS IN THE AIR 35 NATURE BUGS 37 BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN 39 BESPOKE OUTDOOR SPACES 41 GABRIEL’S GARDEN 43 BECCLES 45 LOVE IN 47 CHEF’S CORNER 48

47 LOVE IN

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN 39

COMPETITION TIME 49 Squat Back To Fitness 53 DREAM ON 55 Mind your own business 56 FUEL FACTOR 59 UPDATES & EVENTS 60 WHATS ON 62

33 EYE

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WHATS ON 62

DIRECTORY 64

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WELCOME

welcome I’m really hoping it’s not too cold on Valentine’s Day as that’s the day I have my head shaved. I do love and own a lot of hats so I’m sure that they will keep me warm. If you’re about to start planning your wedding there are lots of helpful pointers. With Valentine ideas from Cherry Catering this is a very romantic issue of YLM. I hope my husband gets some inspiration, as he will get to see them over and over again while he and Matt put the magazine

together, so no excuses Benjamin. I get so excited and feel so passionate about how much we have going on in East Anglia on our doorsteps. I would like to hear from you, our readers, about your area, I feel a real sense of community can bring so many people together; I grew up in Eye and it had such a fantastic atmosphere, we all knew each other. I remember street parties, tug of war over the river Dove; we had some wonderful times. So

if you have a fantastic community feel in your town or village then write and tell us about it and we may make it our ‘Capture’ as we have with Hoxne this month, due to the lovely welcome we have had since moving there in April. There’s still time to donate on Just Giving if you would like to support my head shave. You can see photos in the March issue of my new look! Take care all, happy reading and I look forward to hearing from you.

Wendy YLM is Published by Circuit Media (P&L) Ltd 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AF | Tel: 01379 642044 PUBLISHER

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by Geir Madland

pilling the Popcorn is the catchy title of Wayne burns’ book, which he describes as a balance between the fascinating history of leiston Film Theatre, Suffolk’s oldest purpose-built cinema and his 20-year career as its manager. At the age of 12, Wayne went to an Open Day at Aldeburgh Cinema and was “bitten by the bug”. but he closed the curtains too soon, and was told to “bugger off” by the chief projectionist. “i was too young but lettie Gifford (the manager then) said to come back when i was old enough.” And he was bitten indeed: setting up his own cinema in the garden shed, with a silent projector and Wayne doing all the voices. He had three films: a Western, a TweetiePie & Sylvester cartoon, and a batman & robin; and had to time the voice-overs just right. “most of the local kids came along. i even had an interval and sold them icecreams!”

Wayne then got into Punch & Judy and went off to lowestoft to study Theatre and Entertainment. Aged 18, he went back to lettie Gifford, who said he should spend another night in the projection room. “Not you again!” grumbled Neville, the projectionist. Wayne started as assistant manager of the leiston Film Theatre in 1992 and took over as manager on April 1st 1994, but he’s proved himself to be no fool, overseeing lavish refurbishment, box office record-breaking bookings, and conversion to digital and 3D. With the support of the council (to the tune of a mere 18p annually per taxpayer), Wayne and theatre supporter Stephen Ginger have turned the former flea-pit into leiston Film Theatre, a 21st century entertainment experience, even turning a small profit. The book recounts the history of local engineer Frank Egerton Walker’s dream of a picture palace in Suffolk, its first film (a key-

STOriES

stone production called Wanted a House) screened in October 1914 with piano accompaniment. The cinema provided much-needed information and entertainment through two World Wars. “Suffolk’s very lucky to have independent cinemas in Aldeburgh, Woodbridge and leiston,” says Wayne. “We’re very much a family place. it’s the hub of the town.” The theatre stages live events too, including the annual panto, directed by Wayne, with this year’s Wizard of Oz another great success. They recently started doing performances for the primary schools. “They’re the best; and we realised the majority of the kids had never been here before, nor had they been to a panto before!” For information about the Centenary, check out Cheeky the Chimp on youtube (pulling in over 200 hits per minute). 100 events are planned including a free public celebratory event and promotions with all seats at 100 pennies.

Spilling the Popcorn, published by leiston Press, is available from leiston Film Theatre, priced £11.99 (£14.99 incl. P&P) at www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk.

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By Sarah Wilkinson

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or as long as I can remember I have loved animals of every kind. I have always felt a real affinity with God’s creatures; a sense of connection and closeness of spirit...

in fact i clearly recall at about the age of eight, when talking to my best friend about my Gran’s donkey, her saying “you like that donkey more than me!” Although i look back now and laugh at the things we say as children, the truth is i have always found humans hard to work out but animals i understand. So, as you can well imagine, doing the’ keeper for Half a Day’ experience at banham Zoo for this month’s Out and About was a dream come true for me! When we arrived at banham Zoo we were greeted by Tracey moore, who is the Head keeper, and the Qualified keeper who would be with us, Netanya Noy. Having the same keeper for the entire time was perfect as we really got to know each other and she made the day even more fantastic. After the initial welcome, when i was given a fabulous t-shirt to wear and to take home, we headed to the Australian section to feed the Emus and the red kangaroos. i assumed that this would entail quietly sneaking in and leaving the food. i couldn’t believe my ears when Netanya said that i would be hand feeding them! However, i had heard right, so in we went and i held the bowl of food. The Emus came straight over and started to eat from the bowl. i felt like i

needed to pinch myself, i never dreamed that i would be this close. i could actually feel their necks on my arm! Emus are very large birds that live in the open grasslands and shrublands of Australia, feeding mainly on fruit and berries as well as insects. in this instance their favourite seemed to be tomato! We then walked over to the red kangaroos, the largest of all the kangaroo species. red kangaroos live in the grassland, semi-desert and desert areas of Australia. Eagerly awaiting us was Flick, a female. i crouched down and held out a piece of banana. Flick hopped over and ever so gently held my hand in her front paws as she chewed on the banana. She soon finished and looked for more. Every time i fed her she held my hand so carefully. Then, as i stroked her soft, velvety shoulder something so very special happened… Flick leaned forward and softly touched my nose with her nose. it lasted only seconds but the moment we shared goes beyond words and will stay with me for a lifetime. All too soon i had to pull myself away from Flick. Our next stop was the Giraffes, Hannah, Fiona, Aisling, Honey, Victor and maxwell. All of the Giraffes were indoors as it had rained the day before and with their extremely long, thin legs one slip could cause them to break their leg and this would be the end of the Giraffe’s life! i always knew that Giraffes were very tall but being this close to them i couldn’t quite believe just how big and majestic they were. it was overwhelming. They knew exactly why we were there; as they leaned their elegant, long necks down to check what food we had brought. Their eyelashes! So long and pretty. We headed upstairs and all the Giraffes followed us over. i held out the food for them - Giraffes usually feed on Acacia

“I was in my element! I never in a million years dreamt that I would be holding a lemur...it was the experience of a lifetime.” branches but on this occasion they had a mixture of vegetables – their incredibly large, dark tongues curled out and took it from me. A Giraffe’s tongue is dark to protect it from the sun in the hot climates where they live. As we headed back to the kitchens we stopped off at Banham Zoo’s newest area ‘Eureka’. In here, it was so humid that it was nearly impossible to take photos. Beautiful walkways weaved their way through stunning plants, including banana trees. In their home at the far side were the Egyptian Fruit Bats. As their name suggests Egyptian Fruit Bats can be found throughout Africa feeding on soft fruit, flowers and occasionally leaves. We put together fruit kebabs for them and then entered the ‘bat cave’ and hung them from branches. As I walked further in I could see all the bats hanging upside down. One flew past me and fanned my hair with its wings. I had never seen bats this large; the Egyptian Fruit Bat has a wingspan of up to 60cm. From the bats we continued back to the kitchens to prepare some fruit such as grapes and apple for the Red Bellied Lemurs. These Red Bellied Lemurs were amazing

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creatures and so intelligent. Red Bellied Lemurs are closely related to primates; in the zoo they are part of a European Breeding Programme to help protect their numbers in captivity as they are classed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting. We fed Maggie the female first; I held the fruit out in my left hand and she leaped over and sat on my arm as she ate. I was in my element! I never in a million years dreamt that I would be holding a Lemur, I was so excited! William, the male, was not quite so keen; he would stand on my right arm, lean across, grab the food and then leap off to eat it. As I said, very intelligent animals. Back to the kitchens again and this time we collected sprats for the Oriental Short-Clawed Otters and live Mealworms for the Meerkats. Oriental Short-Clawed Otters are the smallest of all the Otter species and they were tiny. As we approached their home we could hear them calling, they knew food was coming! I threw the sprats into the water and they dived in for them, such graceful swimmers. They couldn’t eat quickly enough and were constantly begging the

whole time, making crying sounds that broke your heart. Once they had polished off the fish we moved round to the Meerkats. Oh, the Meerkats were so sweet. As we walked in and across the enclosure they ran around us, weaving between our feet, I felt a bit like the pied piper. Before I’d even barely sat down I was covered in Meerkats! They clambered all over me and went absolutely crazy for the food, bickering with each other. In the wild Meerkats will eat insects, scorpions and spiders and sometimes small birds and mammals, eggs and vegetable matter. Even after all the mealworms had gone they still climbed up and sat on my lap and at one point on the back of my head! They were so friendly and funny. Our second to last stop was the Swainson’s Lorikeets. For these stunning birds we mixed pure nectar powder with warm water. I held the small bowl in my hands and to my astonishment Lorikeets immediately flew down and sat on me and the bowl. I was mesmerised by their vivid, rainbow colours. Swainson’s Lorikeets feed mainly on nectar and pollen with their specially adapted tongue. They will also eat fruit as I soon discovered… with all the Lorikeets gathering above my head you can guess what happened next… this

OUT & ABOUT

was projectile though!! I was absolutely covered and at the sight of my face Wendy and Natanya were in fits of giggles. Before we left I spread fruit around the large enclosure amidst laughter from the other two who had managed to leave relatively unscathed. Banham Zoo is actually a supporter of the ‘Lorikeet Conservation Network’, which supports the conservation of Lorikeet species. Being a keeper isn’t all about holding and hand feeding animals, so last on our experience was cleaning the Black and White Colobus Monkey home. This involved washing the windows, cleaning the stands and of course picking up poo! We then spread food and hid it around the enclosure to make it harder to find and thus creating further development and enrichment. All too soon our day was over. The day was incredible, surprising and amazing and left me feeling very emotional. Before we left I was able to choose a photograph from the day and was also given a framed certificate, a lovely touch to finish the day. It was the experience of a lifetime and I would highly recommend it to any animal lover; it would make the perfect gift. I would just like to thank Banham Zoo so very much…■

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WEDDiNGS

WEDDiNGS The coming together of two people who want to spend their lives together. For better, for worse, richer or poorer, for all the ups and downs that life will throw at you, having your best friend with you to share whatever comes your way. make your wedding day the day you will both remember for the right reasons. itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your day - fill it with the things and people you love.

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meadow

windmill

The very image of a windmill captures the essence of an English fairytale wedding. They are always situated in gorgeous surroundings, ideal for photo opportunities and lasting memories. They are reminiscent of times gone by and thus perfect for a vintage theme. In a windmill you can have a tender, intimate ceremony; one that you will never forget.

the zoo

Having seen our Out & About in this issue you may feel inspired to get married in a zoo! This is perfect if you are an animal lover. My sister had her reception at Banham Zoo and it was wonderful. The whole bridal party had a tour of the zoo on the train and then the bride and groom were given the chance to hand feed the giraffes. It made for a very special and memorable day!

You don’t even have to be limited to a building at all! If you’re like me and have a love for the outdoors then you might find that simply getting married in the gorgeous countryside that surrounds us is the perfect idea. Nature has already provided its wonderful décor and backdrop, you are not limited with space, you can have as many or as few guests as you would like and it has a completely relaxed feel.

farm or barn

Create an organic, rustic and enchanting atmosphere, reminiscent of weddings in days gone by and beautiful simplicity. They are usually situated in the heart of the countryside, providing fabulous views and photograph opportunities. These give you scope to be creative and impart you own style and personality.

in the air

We mentioned getting married in the sky… well this has been done. A couple in 2008 got married while wing walking! They stood on a plane each, with the vicar on the plane in front. How romantic to marry in the skies! Or perhaps take a look at www.dinnerinthesky.co.uk who provide an actual suspended platform, 100 ft in the air and seating 22 guests!

Alternative Wedding Venues

When it comes to wedding venues the sky’s the limit! (You could even get married in the sky if you wished!) Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life so why not make it as special as you can. As long as you have someone authorised to take the ceremony you can get married anywhere; here are just a few unique places for inspiration…

woodland

A wedding in a forest or woodland conjures up magical, fairy-tale images. With the gorgeous canopy, and the mystical trees, the ground dappled with sunlight streaking through the branches. You can also hang decorations from these branches such as lights and garlands, be completely inspired with nature around you; the colours, the scents and the sounds.

school

home

Not everyone likes a big wedding with lots of guests. To some it feels more romantic to have a small, intimate and relaxed ceremony. What better place than your own home? You have complete freedom and total comfort. To get married in an environment that puts you more at ease enables you to fully enjoy every moment of your special day. It’s also an economically viable option.

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the beach

The beach is an extremely romantic place to get married. Not only are beaches beautiful and mesmerising, dramatic and peaceful, they also place no restrictions on the amount of guests you invite. Your photographs will look amazing. You don’t need to travel abroad to find a perfect beach, we have some stunning beaches right here on our doorstep.

the broads

With the broads so close by, have you ever thought about having your special day on a sailing vessel? The broads are amazingly tranquil, with an enchanted and dreamlike feel. You will be completely at ease in these surroundings, which are breath-taking and full of a romance that only nature can conjure. It will be a day that you will never forget.

The seventeenth century Elizabethan Old School Hall at Thetford Grammar School is a very unique and beautiful venue with an oak panelled vaulted roof and set in its own grounds. Old, historical buildings can make stunning settings for weddings and very often have picturesque grounds as backdrops for your photographs.

Windmill © Andrew Dunn, 21 January 2006

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WEDDINGS

WEDDING TRADITION Would you believe that the wedding bouquet was once garlic and dill? I can't picture the modern day bride walking down the aisle clutching a bundle of garlic and dill. The garlic and dill were an attempt to survive by holding them over their mouth and nose, in the days of the plague. In time the brides added nicer smelling flowers to the arrangement. The bridesmaids’ dresses: are they actually a way to make sure the bride is the best-looking girl at the wedding? You may think so when you look back at some of the interesting choices over the years, with some hilarious colours, Peach springs to mind! I'm sure all the brides out there would never consciously do this, you can make

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up your mind next time you’re at a wedding. The bridesmaids used to be dressed in exactly the same as the bride. The idea was that by them all looking the same, any troublesome spirits in the area could not fixate on the bride. Once time moved on and the fear of evil spirits dispersed, the Victorian bridesmaids dressed in white but with short veils so you couldn't get them confused with the bride’s voluminous veiling dress train system. The wonderful colour’s came about as clothing dyes became more available. Monday for Wealth Tuesday for Health Wednesday the best day of all Thursday for Losses

Friday for Crosses Saturday for no luck at all Maybe this is why we have such a high rate of divorce - too many Saturday weddings?! Something old is a connection to the bride’s family, brides used to wear their mother’s wedding dress. Nowadays it’s more likely to be a family piece of jewellery. Something new is a symbol of good fortune and hope. Something borrowed is normally lent by a mature, happily married woman. It’s a symbol from a stable woman to share happiness and good fortune. Something blue is a symbol of fidelity and purity of the bride, a symbol of love. Many women wear

a blue garter as their something blue. A sixpence in your shoe symbolized a wish for wealth in her married life. The wedding ring has a real sense of romance in its history: the wedding ring has always been placed on the third finger because in Roman times they believed that the vein of that finger ran straight to the heart. The ring is also a symbol of never-ending. The poor old groom has been left out a bit in the traditions so let’s make him feel a little important. It’s tradition that the groom enters the church before the bride: this shows him as the initiator, responsible for making sure the covenant is fulfilled.

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WEDDiNGS

Stationery and décor is very important and key to creating the right atmosphere and look that you want. Vintage is still very much prominent in 2014. imagine lace, English tea cups and chintz. People are thinking outside the box much more and quirky, unique ideas are very popular. it works well if you have the same theme running through from your invites, to place names and the thank you cards. Create your own ‘wedding’ board on Pinterest where you will be able to gather together hundreds of ideas. When it comes to planning your wedding, what you wear is one of the main things that you think about. On trend for 2014 wedding dresses are simple, clean lines and understated elegance. lace continues to be featured highly, with transparent layers and feathers. For more inspiration have a look at www.bohemianlovestory.com For men the three piece suit is back for 2014 as well as blue and tweed suits. Slimline is also the way to go this year. it’s all about the accessories: pocket watches, cufflinks, tie bars and braces.

For those pre-wedding jitters try Rescue Remedy, a natural calming solution made from flower essences

THE WEDDING PLANNER Try Francis Cupiss in Diss for truly bespoke Wedding Stationery

Another major aspect of the day is the catering. There are many ways to provide food now: formal sitdown dinner, buffet, hog-roast or even barbeque. The choice is yours! 2014 will see more and more people having wedding breakfasts with early morning ceremonies. Also appearing in 2014 are more spicy foods and twists on the traditional English. Also think about the guests that are coming and check for any special dietary requirements.

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The right entertainment is essential, especially when keeping your guests happy. Getting the entertainment spot on will create the feel that you are looking for and create a day to remember. There is much to choose from: discos, nostalgic games, swing bands, a ceilidh, photo booths or even the new slow-motion video booths which will be popular in the coming year! Perhaps you could hire a caricaturist to capture you and your guests on your special day!

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The Bridesmaids Dresses... a very big part of most peoples wedding ceremony and sometimes the hardest to decide on. Well here is some inspiration that we hope will help. When choosing your bridesmaids dresses you need to look at your own dress and the décor. For example, are you going for a vintage theme? you also need to think about each bridesmaid and what colours will suit them. Do you want them all to wear the same dress or different dresses in the same colour? Would you like them all to wear different colours? i heard of someone having a rainbow theme and every bridesmaid wore a colour from the rainbow. Pink is very much back on trend this year. as is radiant orchid, the Pantone colour of 2014. “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, radiant orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. it is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” says leatrice eiseman, executive directive of the Pantone color institute. There are many different styles of dresses to choose; from the gorgeous, mermaid dress through to the short fifties style. golds and shades of grey or silver are also good colours for the coming year. They create a simple, elegant look; a beautiful glamour. The dresses worn by alice are from ‘carry it and Wear it’ who have a wide selection and very kindly let our beautiful alice model some. To find out more visit www.carryitwearit.co.uk

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From the top left: light Blue short dress Beautifly £85.00 grey short dress eternal love £85.00 Pink With Cream top dress yve london £85.00 Black And red Corset dress (rock Chick) jora collection £95.00 gold Mermaid dress yve london £160.00 Pink sequin log dress lydia Price £114.00

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YAXLEY HALL 10 YeArs OF Wedding CeleBrAtiOns

“the beauty, elegance and serenity of the house and gardens provided exactly the setting we wanted for our wedding”

his year yaxley Hall will be celebrating a decade of hosting one of the most special days in any couples’ lives - their wedding day. over the years, yaxley Hall has established itself as one of the local area’s foremost wedding venues, with a fabulous reputation for its food and hospitality. a listed country house, yaxley Hall was one of the first privately owned residences in the area to be granted a ceremony license and provides the tranquillity and privacy for each bride to enjoy preparing for her wedding day. There have been many welcome changes over the years to the way in which weddings are celebrated, most notably the relaxation of the law to allow divorced couples to marry in church, the introduction of civil partnerships and this year the advent of marriage for same-sex couples. at the heart of all these changes however, remains the simple truth of the marriage ceremony itself, that is, the public commitment in front of friends and family, of two people who love each other and wish to spend their lives together.

WEDDiNGS

every wedding at yaxley Hall is a totally different affair, some small and intimate, others lavish and grand but each one life affirming and an occasion for celebration. much of the Hall’s popularity is due to the continued support of Stowmarket registrars, the Parish church of St. mary in yaxley village and the local community at large, without whom weddings would simply not be possible. To everyone who has contributed to our success- thank you! To celebrate 10 years of weddings at the Hall, we have put together a special anniversary wedding package for 10 couples who want to marry in 2014. Book a full cost wedding before the end of February and enjoy a champagne upgrade and a luxurious five course wedding meal. in addition, receive a £1000 discount on the standard venue hire fee. For full details please contact richard orton, The Wedding Butler on 01379 788869 other wedding packages are available for smaller groups, mid week weddings and late availability bookings, details of which can be found on the rates page of our website.

www.yaxleyhall.com

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bOOk Club

our garden Birds – a bird for every week of the year by Matt Sewell a delightfully illustrated book that uniquely captures the personalities of our everyday garden birds as well as some of our more unusual visitors. an ideal book for birdwatchers or those who appreciate endearing illustrations.

Bitter greens by Kate Forsyth

Words. I had always loved them. I collected them, like I collected pretty stones as a child.

history and fairytale combine in this book based on the story of Rapunzel. it follows the lives of three women – charlotte-Rose de la Force, Selena leonelli and margherita. the different stories are intertwined in a compelling retelling of the wellloved fairytale that will transport adult readers back to their childhood. Black Sheep by Susan Hill

The gods had become rather fat and too pleased with themselves

mouse, Bird, Snake, Wolf by David Almond this is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel about the power of imagination to create both wonderful and destructive forces. a beautiful dreamlike book that can be enjoyed by all ages.

a dark, but beautifully written story depicting the fate of a family in a mining community which examines the consequences of defying the community’s long held traditions. an emotional read that captures perfectly the details of everyday life and the atmosphere of the area close to the coal pit.

how they met and other Stories by David Levithan a collection of short stories for young adults about romance that are in turns fun and emotional. Fantastic self-contained snapshots with something that will appeal to every teenager.

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Reviews by Diss Publishing

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Q&A T

his month we were delighted to meet Helen Fraser, who lives in Eye, Suffolk. most people will probably know Helen as ‘bodybag’ from ‘bad Girls’ but she is a prolific actress and has been in many stage productions, tv shows and films such as the classic ‘billy liar’. Here she tells us about her life, career and her latest production…

HELEN FRASER 24

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How did you first get into acting? i had a mother. my mother was Gypsy rose lee and we lived in Oldham which was very depressed and permanently yellow; she loved the theatre and she loved the glamour, like Noel Coward and people like that and she was so determined for me to get out. She thought that the best way was for me to go on the stage; so she found a stage school for me at Tring, in Hertfordshire, aged 9. i was a very little girl, so i can’t really remember Oldham. i was a little show-off and i loved dancing. When i finished boarding school i thought i was ready to go to london but my father said ‘you must go to a proper drama school first’. So i went to rADA (The royal Academy); John Hurt, Tom Courtney, John Thaw… were all in my class. From there i got into a monthly rep in manchester; it was there that i was spotted! What do you love most about the profession? For one thing i can’t do anything else. i’ve never done any other job in my life, so i don’t know anyway else to earn my living and it is fascinating. You get a

script and you begin to undo it and think ‘what is this person like?’ but i’m not a method actress or anything like that. You have to do a bit of research, find out who somebody is and how they tick. i’ve always done comedies so i love to hear the laughter. i’ve never been a tragic actress really. So did you have to do a lot of research for bad Girls? Well, we were taken to a prison. it was based on Holloway but they wouldn’t let us in there so we went to another prison. When we first did it, it was really realistic and more like a documentary. For the first two series we had prison officers on set telling us exactly. Everything was practical; the cells locked, the gates clanged. it was the biggest set in Europe with 3 levels. Sometimes you could really believe; if it was a difficult subject i would be glad to get back to Suffolk on a Friday night. What would be your favourite role played so far? it was ‘Adelaide’ in ‘Guys and Dolls’, which i did at Wolsey. i loved it! i love ‘Guys and Dolls’, well, i love musicals. i was abso-

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Q&A

“You get a script and you begin to undo it and think ‘what is this person like?’. You have to do a bit of research, find out who somebody is and how they tick” lutely thrilled when they made bad Girls into a musical. i ticked my last box, you know, i’d got into a West End musical. How did you feel about ‘billy liar’ being re-released and have you seen it? Yes, i have seen it. it was wonderful and it brought it all back. it was doing this film that i met my husband, Peter Handford, an Oscar-winning sound recordist. it’s a lovely film; it’s not old fashioned at all. Years and years afterwards they did a tour of the play of ‘billy liar’ and i played the mother. i’d gone full circle. When and why did you move to Suffolk? it was 1967 and i only came for a week. my husband said that he lived in Suffolk and i thought he said Sussex because i’d never heard of Suffolk. He decided that he wanted to move; we had to find property that was cheap so we found this mill House for £2500. it was a ruin. i said that i would stay for a week and stayed ever since. i hated it at first, the lack of communication; i mean i couldn’t drive in those days. Every phone

call was a ‘trunk call’ which was 3 minutes. Our telephone exchange was in mendlesham. Trunk calls were very expensive and i thought ‘how am i going to speak to my girlfriends, my agent or my poor mother in the North’. Also, quite honestly i couldn’t speak the language, it was so broad. When did you move to Eye and what do you love most about the area? i’ve lived in Eye for three years and i do like it. i’ve always known Eye because it was our local; my doctors were there, my dentist was there and post office… i knew a lot of friends. i have to say there’s everything you want in Eye. i have my hair done there, i have my beauty done there, there’s a delicatessen – everything you could want. i also knew a lot of people to start off with. When i got there, the gentry (as i call them) came to see me and said would i do a fund-raiser for the Town Hall and Church. So we did it and made £1200 and i thought i don’t think i can waste this really. The local paper gave me a bit of a review and i thought i should just try,

so i tried locally in East Anglia to see if there were any bites and there have been! Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do in your spare time? Well, i do a bit of gardening. mostly i like to go see things and keep up with things, so i go to the theatre. i was in a Pantomime at Norwich two years ago: i was the evil Queen. Coming up and down through the traps i have never been so frightened in my life! There are ten speeds. i never managed ten but i got as far as eight which i thought was a triumph. i did Celebrity Pointless the other day which was fun. i was so nervous though, i thought ‘please just let me get through the first round’. You will be putting on a production at The bank in Eye, could you tell us a little more about it? i’m very excited about The bank because it was the old HSbC, which i knew as the midland bank when i first moved there. You used to go in and wonder what was behind the mahogany counters and now you can see!

The HSbC closed down and it was so sad to see this empty building. So these people took it over and they’ve worked miracles. i mean there are all sorts of lessons going on and there’s a café which is open from breakfast at 8 o’clock in the morning. They had a touring company there recently who presented the play ‘rope,’ which is touring around East Anglia, and they got 70 people, they even had to turn some away. We suddenly thought - those of us who had been in Eye long enough to remember Eye Theatre, which sadly closed – it would be wonderful if we could bring it back again by doing productions in Eye and making it local. People loved Eye Theatre so much, it was rather special. i think it could take off; The bank is the perfect place. So i said that i’d start and do my show there which is ‘An Evening with Helen Fraser’ showing Saturday 8th February at 7.30pm. if you would like to see ‘An Evening with Helen Fraser’, which promises to be an excellent evening, then please contact The bank on 01379 873495.

My favourite role so far was ‘Adelaide’ in ‘Guys and Dolls’. I loved it! I love ‘Guys and Dolls’, well, I love musicals.

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EYE

Eye

Slightly odd name lovely place... by Brett Fraser

#44 January #43 February1414

he name derives from the Old English word for ‘island’, back in the days when the centre of the town was pretty much just that, encircled by rivers and marshland. Eye in the 21st century retains its river – the Dove, a tributary of the Waveney – but the marshlands have been drained and any continued resemblance to an island can be attributed merely to the fact that the town lies just adrift of the A140, and is surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside and farmland. Over the years Eye has played host to a variety of trades and industries including lace making, brewing, printing, millinery, slaughterhouses, tailors, blacksmiths, shoemakers, watch and clockmakers, coopers, foundries, agricultural equipment workshops, and even a church bells

maker. It’s had a railway line and station, a deer park and a jail, a theatre and a dance hall, and at one stage enjoyed more than 20 drinking establishments dotted around the town. Times change, of course, and most of Eye’s industry has shifted to dedicated industrial estates on the edge of the town. And the pub population has dwindled to just the one (the Queen’s Head), so thankfully it’s a good one. Yet in terms of shopping, Eye continues to offer a wonderful blend of the essentials and the frivolous, providing a diversity and quality that you don’t often find even in much larger towns. For instance, there are three shops – two small supermarkets and a newsagent – that stay open until 10 o’clock at night. Coffee  and tea lovers have a choice of

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Visually Eye retains an olde worlde charm, graced with nearly as many listed buildings as Suffolk tourist trail favourite, Lavenham, and is home to the ruins of an 11th century castle. Yet for all its history the town is young at heart.

#44 February 14

five establishments, and that’s not counting the cordon bleu restaurant. You can treat yourself (and family and friends) in the town’s gift shop or chocolate shop, and look after your medicinal needs in the chemist. A traditional (and much loved) hardware store stocks everything you could want for maintaining your house and garden, while a pair of antiques shops and a brace of interior designers can help you add the finishing touches to your home. Two butchers and a bakery provide daily staples, whilst a greengrocer/florist and a delicatessen can supply your five-a-day, as well as a few naughty little extras. You can make your own clothes (curtains, etc) with material from the fabric shop, or indulge yourself from the rails of the local purveyor of pre-loved fashion items; pamper yourself in a quartet of hairdressers and a beauty salon, and have portraits of loved ones taken in the local photographic studio beautifully mounted by the town’s picture framer. And as you can read elsewhere in this issue of YLM, devotees of the arts in all forms – from painting and writing, to live music

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and dance – can learn how to do it themselves or watch it being performed, at a community arts centre called The Bank. If the idea of living in Eye is starting to appeal, there are two estate agents in the town ready to help, and who will tell you about all the other amenities in the area, such as the Post Office, fire station, bank, doctor’s surgery, hospital, vets, care homes, library, nursery and primary schools and highly respected high school. Visually Eye retains an olde worlde charm, graced with nearly as many listed buildings as Suffolk tourist trail favourite, Lavenham, and is home to the ruins of an 11th century castle. Yet for all its history the town is young at heart, with sports clubs galore (in 2013 Eye was runner-up in a Suffolk-wide ‘active towns’ competition), a lively arts scene, walking and cycling groups, a cinema club, and even its own skateboard park. If you think you know the town but haven’t actually been there for a few years – or you’ve never visited before – then a trip into Eye could well be one of your more pleasant surprises of 2014. ■

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ArTS

THE bANk | EYE

et in the picturesque Suffolk town of Eye, in the beautiful Grade ii listed building that used to be the HSbC bank, is a Community Arts Centre and Coffee House, aptly named The bank which is the trading name of Eyes Open CiC, a community interest company. The Eyes Open CiC loved the building and couldn’t bear to see it sitting empty: it would be perfect to be used as part of the community. They took the building on at the beginning of march 2013 when it was still an old bank. A lot of work was needed but thanks to a team of 25 volunteers they helped to bring the building up to standard and opened their doors on 27th April 2013. The integrity of the building has been kept and even the stage is made from the old bank counters. The bank is open 6 days a week, not just as a coffee house but also an inspiring exhibition space. it features a wide range of art forms such as visual arts, music, theatre, literature and performance. The exhibitions showcase artwork from local, national and international artists. Each exhibition has a subject, rather than featuring just one artist, which guarantees a selection of work that will appeal

to everyone. One piece may inspire you, one may challenge you and all explore the emotional and intellectual side of life. Art classes are offered at The bank, bringing learning back into the hub of the community; which in 2014 will include acrylic painting, print making, life drawing, song writing, glass work and Spanish to name a few, with various crafts going on in the café all the time, such as pottery painting and weaving; situated in the café is an arts trolley for use by kids and adults alike. Doing art in the café environment breaks down the barriers of learning. Art supplies can also be purchased. The food offered is home cooked and caters for many dietary requirements. All the coffee is supplied by Thistledown Cottage who produce a specific blend exclusive to The bank! it is such a unique yet relaxing place to eat and ignites creativity in you. it is the ideal place if you have children as it has such a laid back atmosphere and there is plenty for them to do and to be involved in. underground, in the bank’s original strongroom, is a recording studio and digital projection space, available for public use. Whilst upstairs is a treatment room that

is currently used for massage therapy and reflexology. The Eyes Open CiC would like to thank everyone who has supported them and volunteered. “it has been incredible”. They hope that they can continue to support Eye, local businesses and the community especially as they have won an award from the Suffolk Foundation for transforming communities. Please visit www.thebankeye.org for more information. “A warm welcome awaits beyond our doors, with inspiring artwork, an exciting range of creative facilities, and a general buzz of arty magic. We look forward to seeing you!”

Please visit www.thebankeye.org for more information

#44 February 14

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capture

e have lived in Hoxne for nearly 35 years. The really special thing about this village is that it is a true community; all walks of life getting involved in joint projects. So many things happen in the village that there is something for everyone. The choices range from singing in the choir and getting involved in the music festival; many fetes organised by the school, village and church; sports clubs,

#44 February 14

open gardens, societies and groups. We have a vibrant primary school, village shop and Post Office and a super pub where families can meet and eat. Neighbours really care about one another. We consider Hoxne to be one of the village jewels of the British way of life and feel privileged to live here. Joan and Alan Garnham

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HOmES & GArDENS

love is in the air... our homes often start to feel a little dull in the winter months after the christmas decorations have been removed, leaving them calling out for some Tlc!...

By Lanassir Lawes Swank Interiors

Whether you are considering major renovations or just a touch of redecoration, now is the time to get the ball rolling if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already done so, as tradesmen get booked up well in advance, especially for outdoor work such as painting windows and doors. in this country we have such a limited amount of suitable weather for such a task that many decorators will get booked a year in advance. Personally we are continuing with a major renovation- we are at month 10 of a 14 month programme that has seen us strip our beamed farmhouse back to a skeleton and restore rotten timberwork, dig up floors and install new underfloor heating. We have now had the new floors poured, first-fix electrics and plumbing completed and are ready for the plasterers to work their magic, and then

the fun begins! many of the paint colours, wallpapers, fabrics and light fittings have been selected- i just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for it all to come together. if you are looking to take on a smaller project and just want to spruce up an existing room then simply adding a wallpaper or changing the curtains can be enough for a fresh look, it is amazing how different a room can look by just changing one wall of wallpaper. in our showroom we have done just that: in one of the bedrooms we have changed vibrant pink toile wallpaper by Harlequin for a sludgy green flying ducks print by mulberry- the room has changed from having a feminine boudoir feel to country chic, it really is worth popping in to see. if it is time to change a sofa or another large piece of furniture then this is a major investment so think carefully about the longevity of the style and colour that you choose. A design that suits the style of your property, covered in a neutral fabric, will always remain timeless and can be dressed with cushions and throws to complement your current colour scheme. Sometimes just adding a big vase of flowers is enough to make your home feel loved again!

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How To Make...

Ice mobiles! Cold frosty nights are great for making ice mobiles! WHAT YOU NEED: Jar lids Wool Leaves, berries etc HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Place leaves in the jar lids 2. Add water 3. Put the wool along the lids, make sure it’s in the water. 4. Leave out overnight to freeze. 5. In the morning remove

HOmES & GArDENS

the mobile from the lids and hang up. (If you can’t get the ice out of the lid, run it under warm water) We’ve got lots of lovely activities planned for this winter, including scavenger hunts and den building. Come and join us on a Thursday morning. We even have hot chocolate! To find out more or book a place Joanne@naturebugs.co.uk 01449 780369

Thornham Walks, Gislingham road, Thornham magna, Nr Eye, Suffolk iP23 8HH We meet in car park at Thornham Walks. 0-5 years. £3 per family per session. Call now on 01449 780369 for more info.

#44 February 14

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lighting

It is at this time of year that we really start to miss the light and the greenery. Short days, bare trees and barren gardens. However, have you ever thought about bringing the light and life into your home? There are so many ingenious ideas out there – just looking on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) you will find hundreds of creative inspirations. To add a splash of colour and fragrance to your home you can actually ‘force’ hyacinths. It will require heat-treated bulbs which you then pot and leave in a cool, dark place, watering when needed. When the shoots are approximately 5cm tall you can then put them out in a bright spot and enjoy a little of spring in the winter months. We all have old jam, Mason or sauce jars. What better way to recycle them than to plant something in them? You could have several on your windowsill as herb planters or you could even use old tin cans e.g. baked bean tins. If you’re feeling especially creative how about re-covering the tin or decorating it? They will look totally unique and you’ll know that no one else has the same. Try and think outside the box. A very popular indoor garden idea at the moment is terrariums. ‘What is a terrarium?’ I hear you ask. A terrarium is a glass container with small plants inside which creates a controlled environment. It means you can create any of kind of mini garden in your own home; from a desert through to a rainforest. There are many vessels that you can use: cloches and lantern cloches, bell jars or aquariums. You could even create one in a vase or glass bowl but you will have to make sure you water

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HOMES & GARDENS

planting

bringing the

OUTSIDE IN the plants if it isn’t airtight. Various different plants can be used in a terrarium but they must be small, you are trying to create a miniature garden. Be creative! Add decorations, little creatures or pebbles. It is entirely up to you how you design your garden. In our bid to bring the outside in we very often forget about dried flowers and materials, which can be surprisingly versatile. They can be used in many decorations and table settings, as in the heart hanging (see picture top right) which can be purchased from www.winterflora.com where you will also find many more. If you are passionate about design in your home then you might like the unique ‘Lightpot’ by Studio Shulab. The Lightpot is half telescoping led lamp and half plant pot. The beautifully designed lamp is closed and opens and rises as the plant grows. In lighting design we are seeing more and more use of wood. It is remarkable the shapes and styles that can be created in this clever way of bringing the outside light and life indoors. The Octo 4240 by Secto Design is a perfect example with its smooth lines and bulb-like structure (see picture mid left). Also on the increase are designs that allow the light out into the room with creative outlines and cut outs, not blocking or shading it. The Plumen lightbulb does just this, combining an elegantly designed bulb that is meant to be seen – not hidden – with energy efficiency, yet still giving you more light than the average low energy bulb. (see picture bottom left)

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JODY LIDGARD

BESPOKE OUTDOOR SPACES A

t Bespoke Outdoor Spaces we are passionate about creating and caring for gardens. Our knowledgeable, experienced team offers a comprehensive landscaping service to our clients, including private clients, garden designers and landscape architects, taking projects from concept to reality. Based on the Norfolk Suffolk border, we cover East Anglia but also undertake projects in other parts of the UK and abroad. We are award-winning garden designers and constructors, RHS Gold Medal winners as well as contractors for Gold Medal winning Chelsea Flower Show gardens. I founded Bespoke Outdoor Spaces in 1996. I qualified from, and then lectured at, Otley & Easten College, Otley, Suffolk, and prefer a hands-on approach to the business, working closely with an experienced team, designers and clients to provide a service of a very high standard. We have an extensive background in both hard and soft landscaping, offering advice on design, construction, planting and maintenance in all areas of the garden. We offer a professional design service and are happy to come out to discuss your requirements and give you an estimate for the design work. Once you have a design you are happy with, we can provide a quotation for the work to be done. Although this process requires an investment of time and money, the scale-plan drawings allow you to

#44 February 14

see exactly what you are getting. Investing in planning beforehand enables us to provide you with a fixed quotation rather than a rough estimate and helps to minimise costly mistakes and unforeseen problems later in the project. If you have firm ideas as to what you want built or planted in your garden, then a full design may not be necessary and we can simply quote for the construction work. Last year found us gaining a Gold Medal at RHS Malvern Spring Garden show, we were very pleased

work. In July I was asked to represent the World Skills Landscape team as their coach. The event was held in Germany where 20 Countries battled it out over 3 days to produce an exacting and perfect garden against one another. I have been involved with training young people for World Skills for 5 years

“This year we are preparing for two show gardens, one at RHS Malvern and another at the Chelsea Flower Show.” as we always feel this to be our favourite show to exhibit at. From Malvern it was straight into Chelsea to work with a designer on planting his garden. After some long hard days we got the news that the garden had received a Gold Medal. After a short interval, we then carried out works in Moscow as part of a Russian Garden Festival; this was a fantastic experience, sharing ideas and knowledge with like-minded people from a different country and seeing how they

now and I cannot begin to express the tremendous amount of satisfaction one feels from working with these highly motivated young individuals. Private projects have filled the rest of the time up until now with a project that includes planting over 70 mature trees that required heavy lifting equipment to move. This year we are preparing for two show gardens, one at RHS Malvern and another at the Chelsea Flower Show. Planting lists are prepared and plants are already

being grown on for these shows. I love the challenge of growing plants specifically to flower and perform for a set date. It is only now that we are reminded that Mother Nature is really in charge and we as gardeners are only her caretakers. Otley College taught me that it is the flowers that take centre stage in the garden and it is these that we have that special affiliation with. If you have a project in mind please don’t hesitate to contact us.

info@jodylidgard.co.uk 01379 852356 07769 565683

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Keep Yer Heel Down Bor! Wotcha! Hope yer diddlin ok? Garlic. ‘Same to you’ I hear you say! It’s like Marmite, or peanut butter, isn’t it? Well, not quite, but you either love it or loathe it. I fall into the latter category, my wife into the former. Not the best combination as you can imagine. She points out that garlic is good for you, and I answer by saying so are Marmite, peanut butter and honey – all of which I love. But (sorry Mr Pollard – never begin a sentence with ‘but’!) wives are persistent (one word for it!) aren’t they? So Paula gets round this by slipping small amounts of garlic into ‘concoctions’ that she makes for me sometimes. These are generally ‘beanfeast’ of some kind as I can’t eat meat – not a vegetarian though. The allotment is mine, the home garden Paula’s. That’s how the work is divided between us. I wouldn’t argue with her when she’s wearing her little boots. She can be quite... botanical. You thought I was going to say something else, didn’t you?

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Anyway, she has commandeered part of the allotment for growing garlic. I had to acquiesce. There was no room in the home garden. It still remains a mystery to me. No, not how that happened, but garlic itself. You do have to know your onions. They are related and basically you can’t go far wrong if you treat them similarly. Dew yew keep on troshin’ and remember, if you like garlic and are choosing a partner make sure they like it as well because garlic brings you clover together. Mark dayburst@diss.co.uk

Making a House a Home From student digs to a luxurious penthouse, your home should reflect who you are and be a ‘feel good’ space. Your home should be a haven, a stress-free zone, a refuge from the strains of everyday life. If you feel your house is lacking in homely touches there are a few personal things you can do to change this. Put your personal-

ity into your space, dig out those dusty photo albums and get those treasured photos on show. Objects with family history bring with them a strong sense of belonging and comfort. Think about art in your home - prints, canvases, collages. Displaying children’s art either framed or simply on the fridge will brighten up any house. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint or a new wallpaper can make all the difference. Go for large dark or light backgrounds rather than midtones. This creates a canvass that will make the colour in your accessories and furnishings ‘pop’.

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The longer daylight hours bring the first hint of spring to the garden. The first (lambs tail) catkins dangle from the hazel trees and the highly scented flowers of Daphne Odora delight the senses: when cut, the flowers will fill a room with a delicious spicy citrus fragrance. The festival of Candlemas on February 2nd signifies the halfway point between the winter and spring equinoxes and is symbolized by the elegant and simple snowdrop. There is nothing as beautiful as a carpet of snowdrops and this is the month to plant them or divide established clumps. Why not give a pot of snowdrops as a special gift to a loved one this Valentine’s Day? They’ll flower again year on year and will soon establish themselves if planted in the ground. ‘If Candlemas be fair and bright Winter will have another fight. If Candlemas brings cloud and rain Winter won’t come again.’

HOMES & GARDENS

Or better still plant a tree! Trees form the framework for the rest of the garden and provide food and natural habitats for wildlife so choose a tree and bring stunning autumn colour, spring flowers and berries into your garden: Acers and Sorbus (mountain ash) for colour and berries, or choose from the many varieties of Silver Birch for brilliant colour and textured bark. It’s an exciting time, putting the finishing touches to this year’s plans in Gabriel’s Garden. This year we will be celebrating each season with fabulous flowers grown for their natural beauty, elegant forms, heady scents and delicate aromas. Whether you are looking for unique arrangements, bespoke bouquets or simple rustic charm, come to Gabriel’s Garden and bring the garden into your home, business or event with our ‘just picked’ country garden flowers grown here in South Norfolk. Following the success of our wreath-making workshops in December I’m planning a Gabriel’s Garden Open Day and Seasonal Flower Workshops to celebrate some of our traditional Festivals and your Events through the year. Gabbi www.gabrielsgarden.co.uk 01379 677793

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bECClES

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BeccleS

Beccles actually means ‘meadow by the stream’

#44 February 14

he quaint Suffolk town of beccles, nestled in the heart of the Waveney, has a strong arts heritage. it is home to many antiques, arts and crafts places as well as independently owned cafes and delicatessens. it has a really unique and relaxed feel. This makes it the perfect place to visit and to do your shopping. The beautiful town sits on the river Waveney and was once a Saxon river port. it is today still a bustling boating town, with many vessels moored along the quay. i have many fond childhood memories of our little boat ‘Puffin’ that we kept at beccles Quay, of playing on the large play park and meadow nearby and long walks on the riverside footpath. in fact the name beccles actually means ‘meadow by the stream’. beccles is still a very historic town with its 18th century octagonal town hall and the Grade i listed building that houses the museum. The museum has a large collection of items from agricultural to boat building and industrial through to costumes; it is well worth a visit. There are not many towns that have a lido but beccles is one of them. The lido was built in 1959 but before that people would swim in a fenced off part of the river Waveney in the town. in 1893 the Old Granary was purchased to be used as a dressing room and by 1922 hours were given to schools for swimming lessons. The lido that was built in 1959 was constructed beside the old one and it is this that is still there today. it is now a lovely heated pool, it has been since 1975, and there is also a baby pool and a toddler pool. You will not be short on things to do in beccles. There is the museum and the picturesque waterfront and quay, as mentioned before, but you

can also enjoy fishing, boating (with the popular day boat hire), and even go-karting! beccles has an amateur sailing club, a riding club and a football club. As spring is arriving why not pay a visit to beccles and make a day of it. There is so much to do and see. beccles Friday market is held in the Town Centre from 9am-3pm with a variety of stalls including fruit and veg, fresh fish, wholefoods, fudge, books, shoes, hot food, pet toys and bird food with more starting in the near future. How about a Ghost Walk or History Walk? These are run by beccles Helping Hands and start from outside the bear & bells in the Old market bus station have a look at www.beccleshelpinghands.co.uk for times and dates There is lots of different entertainment at beccles Public Hall – www. becclespublichall.org.uk - from Seedy Sunday to plays, films, and operas all at reasonable prices there is something for everyone. Did you know that beccles has its own airfield? it was built during the Second World War and currently operates as a base for private flights and training. rainAir is the aviation centre based at the airfield; as well as pilot training they also offer aircraft for hire. The airfield is now home to uk Parachuting who offer Skydiving and accelerated freefall courses. The centre runs all year, 7 days a week with over 30 years of experience. Visit www.ukparachuting.co.uk for further information. if you’d like to find out more about beccles please visit the Tourist information Point on beccles Quay – which is open from April to October; you can also obtain an audio tour of beccles for those of you who like a bit of history.

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A little imagination and planning can go a long way

FOOD & DriNk

it’s actually a lot easier to do something special for your loved one on St Valentine’s Day than you might think – and it doesn’t have to cost lots of money! Even though Spring is on the horizon it is still officially Winter, so plan something at home – you don’t need to get all wrapped up, neither of you have to drive or get a taxi and you don’t have to pay restaurant prices. As you can see from the pictures an indoor picnic can be romantic and thoughtful without taking loads of time or skill to prepare. A little imagination and planning can go a long way – grab your favourite film or CD, gather together cushions, a blanket, candles or fairy lights - a few flowers will set the scene. Chill the fizz, or your favourite tipple, think of the food you both love and then think how you can turn it into a Valentine’s feast – a heart–shaped cutter will be your friend for this! Whatever you decide on keep it simple and enjoy some time with the one you love . Gemma x

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Re ci

Co rn er

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RECEIPE

Set malibu custard with coconut and Pistachio crumb by Chris Gissing at Fayre View Restaurant INGREDIENTS

METHOD

500ml whipping cream | 10 egg yolks

In a glass bowl whisk together egg yolks and caster sugar, meanwhile bring the cream to the boil with the vanilla pod and pour over eggs and sugar.

2oz caster sugar | 1 vanilla pod | Malibu pistachio nuts | desiccated coconut

Put the glass bowl over a pan of simmering water and whisking occasionally until mixture thickens, this will take approximately 20-25 minutes. Once thickened strain through a fine sieve and add Malibu to taste, then pour into ramekins or moulds and place in the fridge to set for up to four hours. This should make between 6 and 8. Once set they can either be left in the ramekins / moulds or placed into a serving bowl and garnished with pistachio nuts, coconut and shortbread biscuit.

Fancy having a go at one of Chrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recipes? share your culinary creations with us via ylmuk on instagram and your images could feature in the magazine!

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COMPETITION TIME

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lifestyle, Stories & Events in Norfolk & Suffolk

does muscle Burn Fat? The theory goes a little something like this. The human body naturally burns more calories each day to maintain a pound of muscle than it does to maintain a pound of fat. Therefore, the more muscle you build, the more calories your body will naturally burn each day at rest. Now ladies this doesn’t mean that you come out of the gym looking like a female bodybuilder as this takes far more than just 36 reps on an exercise, what it means is that your body will look more sculpted as where there was an area of flaccid tissue you will have a toned muscle instead. Just by building muscle, you’ll significantly increase your metabolism and turn your body into a calorie burning, fat melting machine… and this will obviously improve your overall fat loss progress. Another reason to get yourself to the gym and stop relying purely on diet to shift that unwanted fat! regular and targeted resistance workouts help in improving basal metabolic rate and enhanced metabolism of dietary nutrients. The result is higher energy levels and

long-lasting stamina. People who have higher muscle mass tend to have higher athletic endurance and physical stability, better sleep cycles and improved mental concentration. With higher muscle mass and optimal muscular strength, you tend to function for longer periods of time without getting tired. latest research studies indicate that muscular strength and regular physical activity is required to maintain overall health and well-being. Additionally, it is also suggested that a variety of medical diseases like cancer, cardiovascular issues; metabolic disorders like hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hormonal disorders can also be prevented with physical activity and resistance training/ exercises. At Fit Club we offer a comprehensive programme introduction to all our members to make sure you are training to your potential whether you are a complete beginner or experienced trainer. Our programmes are designed around your current activity and ability level to ensure safety and effectiveness. resistance training is suitable for all abilities and ages so don’t let aches, pains, age or weight stop you from starting a new programme this year!

no need to Blush this valentines We all get flushed sometimes, Do you blush all the time? rosacea is a ‘red’ rash that usually occurs on the face. it is a long term condition which generally affects caucasian middle-aged people. The affected skin shows redness, broken blood vessels, red spots and pus-filled spots. The redness or flushing comes and goes. The eyes and eyelids are not uncommonly involved with swelling and reported ‘grittiness’. The precise cause remains unestablished but more is known about the mechanism. This involves widening of blood vessels, inflammation and swelling of the skin, giving it a thickened appearance which can be permanent! There are many reports of triggers such as heat, alcohol, stress, certain drugs, spicy foods and exercise but equally, some patients report no triggers at all. rosacea is usually worsened by natural sunlight but, less commonly, can also be improved by it! There is no proven cure for rosa-

cea. There are, however, long term treatments which are safe and effective. Several antibiotics in cream, lotion, gel or tablet form are effective for the inflammation (bumps and pus spots) of rosacea but, they work less well for the flushing and broken vessels. On the other hand, laser treatments work better for the flushing and vessels than for the inflammation! Try to avoid excessive washing and rubbing of facial skin as this can exacerbate rosacea and keep an eye out for anything you think triggers the condition. Avoidance of trigger factors will often produce considerable improvement!

TBS

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ylm Lifestyle, Stories & Events in Norfolk & Suffolk

Freedom of Choice

Dealing With Stress

Getting older sometimes means that a person needs to be cared for twenty four hours a day. Such care can be provided in a care home or in a person’s own home. Given the choice many people would like to be cared for in their own home and Able Community Care has enabled thousands of people to exercise this choice. Able Community Care provides live-in carers whose role is to provide domestic, personal and social care tailored to each individual’s needs and wishes. Each live-in carer lives in a person’s home for a fortnight providing a safe, secure and reliable care package and our objective is to provide two or three liked carers who return on a rotational basis. Every person receiving care from Able Community Care has their own Care Manager and the company’s overnight ‘on call’ system is run by our staff and not contracted out. Able Community Care also provides live-in ‘home from hospital’ cover, respite care and holiday companions. Services are avail-

Life can be very stressful in this day and age - from the pressures of work, the cost of living and many other factors. So how can we learn to control stress? Firstly we need to understand and recognise situations that are stressful leading to a feeling of lack of control in your life. Believe it or not some stress is positive - helping prepare us to do something e.g. taking an exam, work deadline or even performing on stage, it can help us become focused and alert. We all know about stressful events such as bereavement, illness, moving house or even getting married - circumstances such as unemployment, bad neighbours, poverty or relationship problems. It’s important that you can learn to recognise the signs of stress and learn the skills to deal with it. Act in a positive way. Taking control of a situation and taking a constructive outlook, not being passive, you will be empowered to find a solution. Being active - exercise can help

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able in England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and varying holiday destinations. Angela Gifford formed Able Community Care in 1980 and as Managing Director she continues to benefit this successful company with her long experience of the care sector. Angela is highly regarded as an expert in the field of home care and also consults at an international level on the subject. For a Free Information Pack please contact Able on 01603 764567 or email Ablemg@aol.com photo: Angela Gifford

you deal with your problems calmly. It does not have to be strenuous, just going for a gentle walk can really help. It's true that a problem shared is a problem halved - talking to a friend or family member may halp you see the problem differently. Time spent with friends and family can itself lift our spirits and be a great stress reliever. 'Me time' is so important - being kind to yourself. In this time do things you enjoy - reading, seeing friends, watching your favourite TV show, take a long relaxing bath. It’s important to set time for these things - do not be tempted to work in the time you set aside for yourself. Managing your time - work smarter, not harder. You must have a work/life balance. Get that glass half-full and not half-empty. Be positive and grateful for the good things in your life. Writing down at least one positive thing a day is a really helpful to see things in a different way. Now accept things you can't change - try and change your feelings about them so resentment doesn't overtake you. Give these small changes a try to help you lead a less stressful life.

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Squat Back to Fitness Christmas has passed, the New Year been and gone but how's that resolution to get fit going? Has the enthusiasm drifted? Can't kick the eating and drinking too much habit? So why not try a challenge to help you get going! The 30 day squat challenge is a great regime aimed to tone up your legs and backside and help strengthen your core. it will also help you get back into the fitness habit. The muscles in your legs and backside are the largest in the body and therefore require more energy to work them, hence burning more calories, bonus! Your target is to perform 50 squats on day 1, these can be split into smaller sets if needed but do as many as possible before stopping. Each day add 5 squats and rest on every fourth day but after a rest day either add 10 or 20 squats (days 4, 16 & 28 add 10, days 8, 12, 20 & 24 add 20) it is important to keep good

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technique throughout so:

along a vertical pole.

- Start with feet just wider than hip width. Toes pointing forward or turned out slightly. it is important your knees track in line with your toes during the squat to avoid injury.

Check out www.30dayfitnesschallenges. com for more information on technique and new challenges

- Squat down by pushing your bottom backwards and bending your knees to lower your body. This should be as though you are sitting down onto a chair, your weight should be felt in your heels not your toes.

Gus

HEAlTH

Enjoy and Good luck!

Currently running a circuit club at mellis village hall monday 8pm and starting 31st Jan Fridays at 8pm, email for more information, jadewilk@tiscali.co.uk

- keep your knees in line with you toes, your eyes forward and your back straight, raise your arms in front on you to maintain balance. - Drop to just below parallel or as far as is comfortable to begin with, then drive back up through your heels. - Throughout think about the muscles you are using and try to maintain a tight core and solid position, do them at a steady pace and maintain a good posture. Do not let your knees bow in or out during the squat and try to imagine your head moving

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DREAM ON

doing things differently… A

t Dream On they look at things differently…there are no sales targets so you will not feel any pressure to buy, in fact they will encourage you to take some time before making the final decision. Making sure the item fits you just right is so important, they offer a FREE alteration service which means that items are not left in your wardrobe waiting for you to make adjustments when you have time. You can pop in for five minutes or stay for a couple of hours, there are no parking changes and no queues and they always have the kettle on to welcome you with a cup of tea. Taking time to listen to their customers is a priority. The business was set up with some key elements that the owner Bridget wanted to ensure they were able to offer, but also as an independent they are able to make changes with their customers in mind. The changes may be as simple as changing opening times, offering a new label to the larger lady or even holding a one day bra fitting service with a local lingerie company, but whatever the changes are, they are made with their customers in mind. Dream On has a philosophy that they hold their sales at the end of the current season (this may seem a radical idea but how often do you go to look for a summer dress to take on holiday only to be invited to buy a woolly jumper ready for frosty mornings?). The sale is also a real sale…all that season’s collections are at straight 50%

discount no matter what colour, size or popularity, so you are not disappointed to find the dress you really want is in the 10% off section rather than the half price section. However, customer service is always a priority and Dream On staff are on hand to offer advice if needed. They understand that not everyone is free to shop during the day so they offer late night openings during busy periods. If you would like to check out these dates then please look at their website www.dream-on.co.uk for up-to-date events. You can also register to be on their contact list by calling Esther on (01379 678483). But Dream On is so much more than this, they also run courses on topics from Creativity to Capsule Wardrobe as well as their very popular Makeover Days…take a look at the website…you will be amazed that all of this is only on your doorstep. Helen from Thornham says “I love Dream On. Not only are their clothes so different with exceptional quality and to suit all budgets but their sales are like sales used to be…great discounts and they only have current season’s collections. I make sure I am there on the first day to grab a great bargain but I know friends that pop along to the evening events. I also love the fact that it is based in a village, I don’t have the time to visit the town during the week”.

DREAM ON COMPETITION WINNERS Thank you to everyone who entered the Dream On Competition to win a makeover day and £90 spending money. It was very hard for the Dream On team to pick one winner as every submission was worthy to win. In the end two winners were chosen and they are as follows: Jane Jeffery nominated her friend Linda – “I would love Linda to have this day, just for her, she is beautiful inside and out”. Chloe Baugh nominated her mum, Debbie – “She is just amazing and such a strong lady and I really want her to have some pamper time for herself” Congratulations to Jane & Linda and Chloe & Debbie, we hope you enjoy your special day!

For more details just look at www.dream-on.co.uk #44 February 14

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Business is all about people, you need to form good relationships with clients, prospects and suppliers.

Mind your own business T

hinking of starting your own business? Can you really make a go of it? What qualities do you need? Where can you get help? First you need to assess if you are cut out for the enterprise culture. Do you have a positive outlook? Are you determined and hardworking? Are you an opportunist? If you can answer yes to all these then you will have some of the qualities you need to get started in business. Business is all about people, you need to form good relationships with clients, prospects and suppliers. Being involved in local business groups and forums as well as a good sound knowledge of social media can help build your client base, raise your company profile and market your business in a cost effective way. As well as managing your business you will need to be able to identify opportunities and keep a keen eye on competitors and new develop-

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ments that may have an impact on your business. You will need to research your market including size, your target market customers and competitors. You need to find out who your customers are, where they are, how and where they can look for your product or service and how much are they willing to pay for it. The internet is a great way to check out competitors and your target market. Statistics on all kinds of data are freely available to view and download from local council and government websites. Once you have completed your research and you are confident that your product or service will meet a gap in the market you will need to get a plan together to help you focus, stay on track and give you a bench mark to assess and monitor your businesses performance. At this point you would be best to contact someone with the skills and experience to help you. A good accountant will have a

wealth of experience not only with accounts and tax but with all areas of business and finance and be able to help with the detailed planning and arranging finance. Having spoken with your accountant and produced your business plan your company should now be taking shape and you should be on your way to becoming a successful business owner. The best guidance you will get is from your accountant. He will be able to advise you on business structure and whether to operate as a sole trader or through a limited company. You will need to structure your business from the outset to ensure you take best advantage of tax opportunities and NI and VAT obligations. You will need to keep books and records and, again, your accountant will be able to offer a bookkeeping service or solution suitable for your business. There are many things to organise and tasks to complete

before you make your first sales transaction, including business banking, suppliers, premises, insurance, business stationery, pensions, employing others and many, many more. When it comes to financial and business planning start with the end in mind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where do you want to be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what do you want to achieve â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your business and personal goals? Once you have a clear idea of these targets you can develop a strategy on how to get you and your business there. If you are thinking of starting a business and would like to discuss what you need to do to get the ball rolling then contact us now. We offer a free advisory consultation to give you the opportunity to benefit from our wealth of experience in business. Contact Haines Watts now to organise your free, no obligation meeting. 01379 640 555 diss@hwca.com

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mOTOriNG

Fuel FacTor F

illing up with diesel is one of my least pleasant pastimes. i’ve developed a strategy of focusing on something completely different (ok, it’s really just daydreaming) rather than watching the inevitable gallop of the fuel counter to beyond £100. On my most recent trip to the forecourt i pondered whether fuelling up with petrol or diesel was something i’d still be doing 25 years hence? Our political masters both at home and in Europe are starting to debate the future of fossil fuel for vehicles, with some calling for a ban from the year 2040 onwards. So, what are the alternatives to petrol and diesel? The same question has been asked for decades and there have been plenty of ideas put forward. in the 1950’s there was a great deal of en-

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gine, and in collaboration with brm thusiasm for nuclear powered cars developed a successful race car for until the small matter of shielding the ’63 & ’65 le mans 24hrs. Alas the passengers from the reactor none of these concepts made it into radiation proved insurmountable. production due to costs and techniSeveral manufacturers had develcal problems. oped nuclear concepts, most Fast forward to today & notably Ford’s Nucleon. that same question is Chrysler went down a different track in the being answered with just as many diverse 1960’s with their gas The President of Mexico proposals. Hydrogen turbine (jet) powran his car successfully can be used to fuel ered ‘Turbine Car’, of on tequila! the engines of today which 50 were prowith little modificaduced and released tion and is regarded as onto the market as part of a consumer test. a ‘zero emission’ fuel – it only produces water at the Chrysler claimed that the car could be fuelled by any liquid with tailpipe. but the downside is that the fuel has to be stored below flammable qualities - proven when the President of mexico ran his car -250°C, a major headache for our successfully on tequila! rover also tankers and forecourts of the future (handy for keeping the frozen peas produced their own gas turbine en-

cold on the home trip from the supermarket though). What every manufacturer is talking about now is electric power, but they are still a long way from producing an electric car with the same range and convenience as our beloved fossil-fuelled contemporary models. To be successful, any future fuelled car must, as a minimum, give us that same convenience and flexibility that we enjoy in our cars today. So, in 2039 am i going to be watching the units on my meter rack up as electricity is pumped into my van on the driveway? Perhaps, but then again i might have purchased the latest nuclear powered and ‘fuelled for life’ model. Leighten

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Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Made famous by celebrities such as Madonna, Sting and Gwyneth Paltrow, far from being a new fad, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a traditional form of yoga with its origins rooted in ancient Indian texts. Yoga is a complete system of physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being, of which the physical exercises—the yoga asana (postures) are only one aspect. In the Western world we are often introduced to yoga through the physical exercise element of yoga, and with our stiff, tired bodies, this is a good place to start! When Yoga Teacher Lisa Weller, 37, went into her first yoga class, she admits it was purely for physical benefits. “I was working as a personal trainer back then and wanted something to stretch me out a bit, and introduce something new into my own training schedule. Very quickly I was hooked. From an exercise point of view Ashtanga vinyasa offered a complete workout for me, which I wasn’t expecting. It was cardiovascular, strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility. I found it to work the whole body deeply,

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working on core muscles, and pelvic floor, opening tight hips, and releasing tight shoulders and neck, strengthening wrists and activating feet and hands.” Soon this led to interest in the wider aspects of yoga. “I felt there was something more going on with yoga, and that observation and interest led me to widen my experience and practice. I soon discovered a range of traditional yoga ’tools’ to help me help myself and my tired achy body, as well as benefits beyond the physical, such as learning to start to quiet a very busy mind.” Traditional yoga ‘tools’ include pranayama techniques (breath techniques), Sanskrit chanting, relaxation and learning to meditate, as well as yoga philosophy, and are part of the whole package that yoga offers.

With Gretel stuffing herself with fizzy cola bottles, and Hansel engrossed in his games console, things aren’t looking promising for fun in the great outdoors! But with the dog in need of a walk, and their friends enjoying the fresh air on their faces, perhaps now is the time to convince this lazy duo to get off the sofa... This popular traditional tale will be turned topsy-turvy as the adventurous pair that we know and love begin their tale somewhat differently to usual - ensconced in the modern world of screens, sugar and uncommunicative silence. Devised by the Theatre Royal’s Young Associates, this production will not only be fun, but will teach children about healthy eating, playing outdoors and being safe! The Theatre Royal’s Young Associates programme welcomes 4 young people with a strong interest in theatre to work with the Theatre Royal for a year. They have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the theatre, to produce their own shows, and get advice on drama school applications. In exchange, they offer their assistance with our Creative Learning programme, including helping to take classes.

Lisa found that she got so into yoga she eventually trained as a yoga teacher and left her personal training business behind her. Lisa’s classes start with the physical yoga, but can include the wider aspects if students are interested and ready. She had been teaching Yoga in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk for 6 years before recently relocating to Diss. Lisa is now offering Ashtanga Yoga classes in Diss town centre. For further info please contact Lisa on 01379 650442 / 07770 957815 email lisa@schoolcottages.plus.com or visit the website www.sharingyoga.co.uk

Sat 15 Feb, 11am & 12.30pm – Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. Thurs 20 Feb, 3pm – Haverhill Arts Centre (also bookable through H.A.C.) Fri 21 Feb, 3pm – The Curve, Sudbury. Sat 22 Feb, 11am – Ixworth Village Hall. Sat 22 Feb, 3pm – Memorial Hall, Newmarket

Hansel & Gretel get off the Sofa

Shop inside Eye Parish Church opens Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays 11am – 1pm.

The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds will be getting out on the road for a rural tour with a difference as Hansel & Gretel sprinkle their trail of crumbs throughout

as soon as you can to get the best of what we have. The weekly Friday coffee mornings are really picking up in popularity. Weekday communion is at 10.30, and our coffee morning follows straight after – you can come for one or both events. Our coffee mornings raise funds for the Church’s designated Charity of the Month – and the first coffee morning on 7th February is for Feed the Minds (January’s charity) – with the one following on the 14th February for St Elizabeth Hospice. We serve cafetiere Fairtrade Tradecraft coffee and homemade cakes and biscuits – tea and juice are also available. We just ask for a donation towards our charity fundraising – whatever you would like to give to each cause. Also on the horizon is Fairtrade Fortnight – which in 2014 runs from 24th February till 9th March. We are planning Big Brew coffee mornings for both the Fridays during this period (28th Feb and 7th March) so please come along and spend a little while with a relaxing drink and nibbles and stimulating conversation! There may even be a little free gift for those attending. Contact: Sue Watson 01379 384558

All tickets £5. For tickets and further details please call the Box Office on 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org.

FAIRTRADE NEWS Lots happening on the Church and Fairtrade shop front. We re-open after our Post-Christmas break on Monday 3rd February – and this year we are having a really good sale to get things off to a great start. There will be lots of bargain Fairtrade crafts on display – but these are one off-items so you will need to come down to see us

Christina Martin Christina is a Canadian SingerSongwriter, musician and performer. Her music achieves an effortless union between alt-country and rock with popsensibility. An eminent singer-songwriter and storyteller, she has released five albums on her independent Canadian label Come Undone Records. Having opened for Wilco while

living in Austin TX, she returned to the Canadian East Coast to dig her heels into the Music Business and formed an independent music label to manage her touring and recording schedule. With grand production, close harmonies and gorgeous melodies Sleeping With A Stranger is Christina’s newest award-winning album, and reflects the artist’s coming of age lyrically and musically. Martin’s honesty keeps you coming back to her songs, whether she’s singing about some personal pain or delight, or a stranger’s story she has found on the road. “For all of us trying to find the life we’re meant to live, here’s a soundtrack.” Bob Mersereau CBC Maritimes. Author of The Top 100 Canadian Albums and The Top 100 Canadian Singles. Christina Martin is playing at The John Peel Centre, Stowmarket on 16th February 2014 at 7pm. For more info: 01449 774678 / johnpeelcentreforcreativearts.co.uk

people, experiences and achievements,” said Rosedale’s Richard Green. Oaklands Manager Sally Shadbolt said they were incredibly grateful for Rosedale’s support: “The memory boxes are a wonderful way of helping to stimulate memories. It is so important to recognise what amazing lives our residents have led.” According to findings published by Alzheimer’s Research UK in 2010 there are over 820,000 people living with dementia in the UK. It estimates that, of the over 65s, one in three will die with a form of dementia. “Memory loss can be devastating for sufferers and their loved ones and we hope the availability of dedicated memory boxes will help those affected to keep special things safe for as long as possible,” added Richard. A family-run business recommended by the Good Funeral Guide, Rosedale Funeral Home has branches across South Norfolk and North Suffolk. For further info contact Sally Shadbolt on 01379 740646 or email Sally at oaklands.manager@ kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk Pictured at Oaklands with Rosedale Funeral Director Richard Green,left , Oaklands resident Helena Banks center, Oaklands Manager Sally Shadbolt and Ollie the dog.

ROSEDALE HELPS RESIDENTS TO ROLL BACK THE YEARS Residents in Oaklands, a Scole Residential home, are being given a helping hand to keep treasured memories alive – thanks to a very special gift. Rosedale Funeral Home has teamed up with Oaklands - a care home for old people and those living with dementia – to provide residents with memory boxes, which they are being encouraged to fill with favourite things. “We hope that by filling the boxes with treasured pictures and keepsakes it will help residents to reawaken memories of special

Teenage Equipment Project is Complete The second phase of the project to provide new facilities for teenagers in Diss Park was completed in December with the installation of a multi use games area (MUGA). The new facilities also include a teen shelter with blue tooth and a selection of outdoor gym equipment which were installed in the summer. The type of equipment included in the scheme and the location of the Park was chosen following consultation with young people at Diss High School and the Youth Club. A consultation opportunity was also provided to the community via the winter 2013 edition of Diss Matters magazine with details provided of the proposed equipment and location within the park. In choosing a location for the

MUGA, the town council took into account views expressed in previous consultations that the open space in the Park is highly valued. As a result, the facility has been sited to minimise this loss. However in response to concerns raised about the risk of balls going on to the road, the town council is considering installing extension panels to increase the height of the fence. There will be a delay in opening the facility until this has been resolved. Diss Town Council is very pleased to have been able to provide this fantastic facility for young people in the Park, which has been paid for by developer funding, specifically earmarked for recreational equipment for older children and we hope that it will be enjoyed for years to come. The older basketball area near the Park toilets will be removed in the spring and the area grassed over. This latest installation represents the final phase of new play equipment in Diss Park which now caters for all age groups.

HARMONICA WORKSHOP HITS BURY ST EDMUNDS Harmonica phenomenon Steve Lockwood has joined forces with the APEX, Bury St Edmunds to put on a workshop for harmonica players of all abilities including complete beginners. Steve isn’t just a musician with a worldwide reputation, who has played with acts from Larry Adler, Chris Difford (Squeeze) and Screaming Lord Sutch to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and recorded over 80 albums. He’s also got a degree in harmonica playing from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge and is a fully qualified teacher and lecturer with a PGCE. The workshop is suitable for all levels of player including complete beginners and will help any harmonica player to improve their blues and pop playing and get the best out of this deceptively humble instrument. Steve’s workshop is a rare opportunity for beginners, improvers and more competent players to gain instruction from a professional musician with 30 years of live performing forming the foundation of his teaching.

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UPDATES & EVENTS

Previous workshops all over the UK and abroad have seen great success with first time players and experienced musicians working together to make music and have a great time. Workshop participants will play new blues rhythms, cool country wails, pitch bend all the way down and jam along with well-known solos. Steve will introduce pop/ rock, folk and blues material and cover basic and intermediate techniques for the harmonica. Every workshop is different with new material and no need to read music notation for those who can’t read. Workshop tickets cost £25 and should be booked in advance via the Apex. Harmonicas available on the day for £8 at the workshop.

Harleston U3A Do you spend hours flicking desperately between channels hoping for a half watchable programme? Are you in danger of not just watching but appearing on the “Jeremy Kyle” show? Then Harleston U3A may be your open door to a livelier existence. If you are no longer in full time employment and able to pay just £16 for a year’s membership, you will find yourself eligible to join all the U3A interest groups – art, ukulele, swimming, astronomy, French, German - and much more. We have a general meeting every third Wednesday of the month at 2pm Methodist Church Hall, London Road with guest speakers covering a wide range of topics. Our biggest group, the Waveney Valley Study Group has around 45 members. do not be anxious about the use of the word “study” since most of these studious folk seem to work best over a pub lunch! Several of the W.V.S.G. are going on holiday to Yorkshire from 1st to the 7th September staying at Keldbunkbarnyurts. (Rumour has it that “wimps” are able to stay at a B&B) The proximity to the “highest pub in England” features with alarming frequency in their planning! Taking part in physical, social and mentally stimulating activities will put a spring in your step and a gleam in your eye. Contact Judith on 01379 852123 to find out what is available. Then try out a few interest groups for free “taster” sessions. Qualifications are emphatically not necessary but a “want to do/can do” attitude is! www.ylm.co.uk

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What’s happening in...

FEBURARY

Every Monday Pennoyers Odd Balls Knitting Club Fancy some company? Then do come along to this relaxed, fun club; whether it’s knitting, crochet or just a chat. Held in the Café ~ just bring along your needles and ‘knit & natter’... and it’s free! Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary Ip21 4Qt | 1pm – 3pm | Pulham St. Mary Ip21 4qt | 01379 676660 | Info: www.pennoyers.org.uk | Email: admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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Last Monday Senior Citizen’s Lunch 2-course full roast meal. Booking essential. Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary Ip21 4Qt | 12.30pm | £8.50 | 01379 676660 | www. pennoyers.org.uk | admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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FIRST & THIRD TUESDAY DISS & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Grasmere Club, Denmark Street, Diss | 7:30PM9:45PM | www.disscamera.org.uk

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First Tuesday Waveney Bereavement Group Number 7 - Prayer & Counselling Centre, 7-8 Mere Street, Diss | 2pm | 01379 658956

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Diss Computer Club At the Residents’ Meeting Room, Taylor Road | 7.00pm - 10.00pm I Bob Morgan 01379 650977 | disscomputerclub@gmail.com

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Third Tuesday Buskers Night Would you like to perform to a live audience? Come along to this relaxed evening with all types of music including modern, blues and folk. Bring along your instrument & speak to Dave when you arrive. Bar with real ale & bacon butties. All welcome. Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary Ip21 4Qt | 7pm | Free | 01379 676660 | www.pennoyers. org.uk | admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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Tues 4 , Thurs 6 & Sat 8TH Bury Theatre Workshop PRESENTS, Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw Pygmalion is probably the most popular of bernard shaw’s plays and 2014 is the centenary of its first london production so bury theatre workshop are bringing this sparkling comedy of manners to the theatre royal. Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds | Tues 4TH & Thurs 6 - 7.30pm | £14 £10 £10 £5 | Sat 8TH - 2.30pm | £14 £10 £10 £5 | Sat 8 - 7.30pm | £15 £12 £12 £5 | £20 £16 £12 £8.50 | 01284 769505 / www. theatreroyal.org | Please note there is no performance on Fri 7TH

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Every Thursday Tea & Chat Pop in for a cup of tea or coffee, a chat and make new friends Harleston Information Plus 8 Exchange Street | 1-4pm | Carole Tilston 01379 851920

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2nd Thursday Comedy Night Get ready for a belly full of laughs! Fantastic new comedians every time! A scrumptious three course meal followed by hilarity and tomfoolery for just £30.00 per head, this is a sure to be a great evening! Advance booking is advised as we often sell out. Jimmy’s Farm | Pannington Hall Ln, Ipswich, Suffolk Ip9 2Ar | 7PM | £30 | 01473 604206 / jimmysfarm.com/event

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#44 February 14

First Friday & third Sunday African Djembe Drumming Lessons ‘Backspace’, Angel Cafe, Fair Green, Diss | Friday: 10-12pm and Sunday: 2:30-5pm | £12 per session | Jane 01379 641233

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2ND Saturday Jazz Breakfast Come and enjoy a leisurely weekend breakfast with the soothing sound of live Jazz in the background. We have a great selection of talented local Jazz bands who join us for these dates. Why not try our famous Greedy Farmer’s Breakfast, plus we have some lighter options to suit every taste. Booking Essential. Jimmy’s Farm | Pannington Hall Ln, Ipswich, Suffolk Ip9 2Ar | 9.30Am - 11Am | 01473 604206 / bookings@Jimmysfarm.Com / To View Our Breakfast Menu: jimmysfarm.Com/Menus

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Every Sunday Stonham Barns ALL YEAR CAR Boot Sale Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT | 8am for Sellers / 9am for Buyers | £3.50 cars / £5 Vans / £7.50 Large Vans | www.fishface.co / Simon Tilley 07817 539168

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Wed 12th | Rush | Diss Corn Hall

and cast a dark shadow over the future of our planet. James Balog, a photographer working for National Geographic, is willing to go to any extremes to prove that global warming is a reality. He risks his health and career to show giant glaciers, one the size of Manhattan, plunging into the sea while also recording an exquisite landscape that is literally disappearing before our eyes. The Cut, Halesworth | 7.30pm | 0845 673 2123 | boxoffice@newcut.org

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Wed 5th FILM - Sunshine on Leith (PG) Diss Corn Hall | 8pm | £5 / Under 18s £2.50 | 01379 652241

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Messy Church Explore the Home Jesus grew up in through baking Cookie Houses, making a cardboard village, carpentry and lots more. For all ages, children with a carer. Light lunch. Diss United Reformed Church, Mere Street (opp Co-op) | 10-12am | FREE | Gabrielle Pagan 01379 650770

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Sun 2nd Apollo Country Music Club presents ‘Darren Busby’ & country disco Bar, raffle & hot food available. All welcome! Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 7.30 - 10.45pm | members £5/non £6 | 01379 854205

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TUES 4th - FRI 28th On the Eve of... - photographs by Lucy Kayne Exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery Diss Corn Hall | Box Office Hours | FREE | 01379 652241

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Wed 5th FILM: Chasing Ice (12A) Chilling images in more ways than one both thrill the viewer with their awesome beauty

Sat 8th Bingo For Cash Prizes 6 games for £6, with all money taken being paid out in cash prizes, so the more the merrier! Apollo Rooms, Harleston | Eyes down 8pm | 01379 854205 Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys Diss Corn Hall | 8pm | £13 | 01379 652241

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LIVE MUSIC - 50S, 60S AND JIVE A dance to the band BEAT DELUXE. Licensed bar, tea, coffee and rolls. Wreningham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Wreningham | 8.30PM - midnight | £6.50 | Christine Minns 01508 488123

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Quiz Night Tease your brains with our fun quiz. All welcome! Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 8pm | £1 | 01379 854205

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Honor Blackman – as Herself Diss Corn Hall | 7.30PM | £14 / Conc. £12 | 01379 652241

Sun 9th Come Dancing Dancing to all your favourite music from our professional DJ on a superb large dance floor. Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 7pm - 10pm | £5 | 01379 854205

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Thurs 6th Living Spit present The Six Wives of Henry VIII Diss Corn Hall | 7.30pm | £9 / Concessions £8 / Family (2 adults, 2 children) £30 | 01379 652241

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Fri 7TH MITCH BENN IS THE 37TH BEATLE Mitch’s new show combines his Scouse upbringing with his love of music and a lifelong obsession with Liverpool’s most famous sons. It is most definitely not a tribute show and while his affection for his subjects is well documented, expect the satirical twists for which Mitch is well known. As Mitch himself says: ‘Many have claimed the title ‘Fifth Beatle’. They can’t all be right; some were righter than others…’ Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds | 8pm | £20 £16 £12 £8.50 | 01284 769505 / www.theatreroyal.org

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FILM: The General With LIVE Piano Accompaniment by Tom Horton After his beloved locomotive is stolen by Union spies, Johnnie Grey (Keaton) sets out to rescue the titular engine, the girl he loves and warn the South of an impending attack by the Northern Confederate Army. But - will he make it back? Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, The General features an amazing array of big stunts and subtle humour. A thrilling musical accompaniment from pianist Tom Horton makes this classic silent feature a must see! The Cut, Halesworth | 7.30pm | 0845 673 2123 | boxoffice@newcut.org

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The Silver Dollar Country Music Club presents GEORGIA PINE. The Park Hotel, Diss | Doors 7pm, Music 7.30pm 10.30pm | Members £5. Non-Members £6 | John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918

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Tues 11th BABY MASSAGE CLASS For babies 0-12 months. Learn this simple relaxing routine to help your new baby with colic, sleep routines and for bonding and meeting other local Mums. Booking essential Upstairs room - Heywood Sports & Leisure Centre, 30 Walcot Road, Diss Norfolk, IP22 4DB (next to Diss High School) | 10am | £45/ 5 x 90 minute sessions plus a Dads’ session | Ingrid Perrin 07971 253166

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Wed 12th FILM – Rush (15) Diss Corn Hall | 8pm | £5 / Under 18s £2.50 | 01379 652241

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Thurs 13th Knit & Natter Afternoon Come along and learn how to knit or bring your experience to help others. First session for learner’s wool and needles provided. Everyone Welcome! Harleston Information Plus, 8 Exchange Street | 1-4pm | Carole Tilston 01379 851920

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Friday 14th Valentine’s Supper Delicious 2-course supper to celebrate

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The Ashwren Players present LOST IN PANTOLAND (Snow White, Revenge of Morgana) Wreningham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Wreningham | 7.30PM Clubs performance

Sat 15th Strapt 4 Cash Back by popular demand this lively & entertaining duo must not be missed! Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 8pm - midnight | FREE to members or just £1 non members | 01379 854205

ALSO Friday 21ST | 7.30pm | Adults £6/Concessions £5/Children £4

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WHAT’S ON

Fri 7TH MITCH BENN IS THE 37TH BEATLE Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Saturday 22ND | 3pm Matinee | Adults £6/ Concessions £5/Children £4 Saturday 22ND | 7.30pm | All Tickets £6

 Christine Minns 01508 488123 Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney Part of Harleston Information Plus Reaching Communities lottery project. Free talk by Solicitor Amy Taylor, a specialist in Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney at Steeles Law King Georges Hall Harleston | 2pm | FREE | Carole Tilston 01379 851920

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The Saturday Club house in association with Tobacco Factory Theatre present Kid Carpet – Blast Off! Diss Corn Hall | 2pm | £6 / Children £4 (4+yrs) | 01379 652241

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Sun 16TH DINNER & DIVAS - A Night of Fine Dining and Musical Entertainment On Stage For the ultimate experience in theatrical dining we will serve a sumptuous four course dinner, with wine, on stage with operatic and musical entertainment provided by Co-Opera Co, an exciting opera company that has already thrilled audiences in Bury St Edmunds with Carmen, The Magic Flute and Madama Butterfly. The evening will begin with a sparkling champagne and canapé reception and finish with coffee and petit fours served at your table. Between courses and after dinner you can enjoy some of the best loved arias, accompanied by a chamber ensemble. Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds | 6.30pm reception | £100 (request a Personal Aria: £25) | 01284 769505

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Townsend productions present We Will Be Free – the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Diss Corn Hall | 7.30pm | £10 / Concessions £9 | 01379 652241

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Friday 21st February Film Night – About Time In this romantic comedy, a young man discovers he can travel back in time to change his past in order to improve his future. Although his lovelife improves dramatically, he is unable to save himself from the ups and downs that affect all families. Written and directed by Richard Curtis. Ices on sale at interval. Booking advisable. Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary Ip21 4Qt | Bar FROM 7.15pm for 8.00pm | £4 Advance, £4.50 Door | 01379 676660 | www.pennoyers. org.uk | admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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SAT 22nd Boy Jumps Ship Boy Jumps Ship formed in 2010 and hail from the North East of England, playing anthemic guitar led alt rock, laden with and honesty and integrity of a bygone time. This is a band of working class lads writing and playing music about real life; a band that inspires hopes and dreams and instantly connects with an audience. John Peel Centre | 7.30pm | £5.00 | 01449 774678 | www.wegottickets.com/event/253956 | www.facebook.com/boyjumpsshipmusic

Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 7pm - 10pm | £5 | 01379 854205

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Fri 28th Courtney Pine – House of Legends Tour Diss Corn Hall | 8pm | Reserved Seats £20 | 01379 652241

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Apollo Country Music Club presents ‘Marc James’ Great music, bar, raffle & hot food available, fantastic atmosphere! Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 7.30 - 10.45pm | Members £5/non £6 | 01379 854205

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Tues 18th Doughnut Church Theme: Homes. Explore through Drama, Stories, Activities, Singing, Reflection. Free Doughnut and drink. For all ages, children with a carer. Diss United Reformed Church, Mere Street (opp Co-op) | 3.45-5.30pm | FREE | Gabrielle Pagan 01379 650770

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FILM – About Time (12A) Diss Corn Hall | 8pm | Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50 | 01379 652241

Gigspanner Led by Steeleye Span’s legendary fiddle player, and possessing a reputation for mesmerising audiences with their virtuoso playing, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner explore traditional and world music with energy, brilliance and spontaneity. The Cut, Halesworth | 7.30pm | 0845 673 2123 | boxoffice@newcut.org

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Bingo For Cash Prizes 6 games for £6, with all money taken being paid out in cash prizes, so the more the merrier! Apollo Rooms, Harleston | Eyes down 8pm | 01379 854205

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Lee Hurst - Things That Make You Go Aaarggh! Diss Corn Hall | 7.30pm | £16 Min age 16 | 01379 652241

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Wed 19th FILM – Captin Phillips (12A) Diss Corn Hall | 8pm | £5 / Under 18s £2.50 | 01379 652241 Thursday 20TH

Sun 23RD The Silver Dollar Country Music Club presents BONNIE DIAMOND AND CO The Park Hotel, Diss | Doors 7pm, Music 7.30pm until 10.30pm | Members £5. Non-Members £6. | John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918

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 Come Dancing Dancing to all your favourite music from our professional DJ on a superb large dance floor.

THREE PIN PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS, An intimate evening with RUTHIE HENSHALL: Musical Theatre’s Leading Lady A unique opportunity to spend an unforgettable evening with one of the world’s best loved and most captivating performers. Ruthie and her band will take you on a personal musical journey through her extraordinary career. Including music and memorable moments from Chicago, Oliver!, Crazy for You and Les Misérables as well as popular tunes significant to Ruthie now, such as Both Sides Now, Vincent and I’ve Loved These Days. Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds | 7.30pm | £25 £21 £16 £8.50 | 01284 769505 / www.theatreroyal.org

ENTRIES FOR MARCH BY 10TH FEB VIA INFO@YLM.CO.UK

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Wed 26th

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