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Covering South Norfolk and North Suffolk

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A Titanic News Story Pat Lewis Peugeot Meet Lanassir from Swank Interiors at Your Local Trade Fair on the 26th April And also see who’s exhibiting at...

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April 2012 Issue 22

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CONTENTS | your local magazine

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

20

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LOCAL INFO 6 7 9 10

Attleborough and Diss Council News Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society A Letter to the Queen...

A Titanic News Story

LOCAL LIFESTYLE A Letter To The Queen

Wymondham Music Club

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11 Focus on Long Stratton 12 Easter, Out and About 14 Food and Drink 16 Collectors

LOCAL BUSINESS 17 18 20 24 31 33

Pat Lewis Peugeot

Your 20 Page Business Supplement Local Business Profiles Focus on Wymondham Your Local Trade Fair & Exhibitor Profiles New Business Pat Lewis Peugeot

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AF Tel: 01379 642044 / 652330 Published by Circuit Publications

LOCAL EVENTS 47 What’s On... In April!

Publisher: Jean Wills jean@yourlocalmagazine.net

Design: Matt Bignell design@yourlocalmagazine.net

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Don’t forget, you can read the current and previous issues of Your Local Magazine online at www.yourlocalmagazine.net

37 Homes and Gardens 44 Senior

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DEADLINE FOR MAY ISSUE:

Friday 13th April 5pm

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publisher can not assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions.

They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. © Circuit Publications, 2012.

Ask The Chef - Emma Hines of Wortham The Spice Cottage - Lee Bacchus of Diss

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Twitter: @yourlocalmag

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LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Local Updates Your

South Norfolk & North Suffolk

Diss Town Council News Freedom Of The Town For Royal Anglian Regiment A date has been set for a parade and civic ceremony when the Royal Anglian Regiment receives the Freedom of Diss from the Town Council. Final plans for the event have yet to be finalised but it is anticipated that on Wednesday 7th November 2012, shortly after their return from the latest deployment in Afghanistan, soldiers of the Regiment will march through the town to St Mary’s Church for a civic ceremony followed by a receptio n at the Corn Hall.

Town and Parish Councils have statutory powers to bestow

freedom status and the idea to offer the freedom of Diss to the Royal Anglians was first proposed

by Deputy Town Mayor, Graham Minshull at the November Council meeting. He told members “The Royal Anglian Regiment is descended from the former Royal Norfolk Regiment and recruits soldiers from this area and I don’t think we realise what they do for this town. I recommend we show our support for these soldiers whose sacrifices allow us to sit here each night and give us the freedom to make decisions as a council.”

Councillors were in favour of the proposal and a letter was sent

to the Commanding Officer who was delighted to accept the offer especially given the town’s location in the centre of Norfolk and Suffolk and its close links with many servicemen living locally or leaving for their Regimental base in Surrey from Diss station.

It is hoped that people from Diss and the surrounding area will

Attleborough Town Council News Annual Town Assembly The Annual Town Assembly was held on 5 March at the Town Hall and was well attended despite the inclement weather. Representatives from the Town, District and County Councils attended, as well as the Police and enabled townsfolk to put their questions and concerns to the panel. The Community Awards were also presented by Town Mayor, Karen Pettitt, and the Community Cup was presented to Gill Rule, for her long service in 1st Attleborough Brownies.

Expansion of Attleborough Cemetery Burial space at the town cemetery is rapidly heading towards capacity and the search for a new cemetery remains ongoing. In the meantime, the Council is looking to expand

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come and show their support for the regiment on 7th November and that in the future, where operational duties allow, the Royal Anglian regiment will become involved in many activities and events in the town including the Carnival.

Full details of this prestigious event will be published in the near future.

from the existing cemetery into part of the adjacent open space area known as The Dell. It is hoped that this will give a breathing space of perhaps five years during which a site for a new cemetery can be sourced.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Annual Carnival The Town Council is working closely with the Carnival Committee to co-ordinate events for the Town Carnival in early June.

This year the Carnival coincides with the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and many events are being planned for the extended holiday weekend. Keep up to date with all the news and events by visiting the Council’s website http:// attleboroughtc.norfolkparishes.gov. uk/

LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society English Art Deco Ceramics.

Diane Lloyd – renowned expert on ceramics and interior decoration – gave a lively presentation on English Art Deco pottery to a full house of more than 100 members of the Diss DFAS in February.

After setting the context of the Art Deco movement with its strong colours, shapes and classical design, she concentrated on the lives and works of the leaders of English pottery design of the 1920’s and 1930’s – Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper.

Born in Tunstall in Staffordshire at the close of the 19th century, Clarice Cliff went to work in the local pottery at 13.

When still only 17 she recognised her talent for pottery design and joined A J Wilkinson’s, the

Newport Pottery in Burslem.

They also saw her skills and ultimately sent her to the Royal College of Art [RCA] A t that time it was only possible to study ceramics design at RCA if you worked in the industry and Clarice’s contemporary, Susie Cooper, did not attend as she was from a farming background.

Susie got a job with A E Grey’s in Hanley as an apprentice designer.

From 1922 both worked in hot competition and influenced each other.

Although clearly different in style, they covered the spectrum of English Art Deco ceramic development to be beloved of collectors today. Cooper perhaps the more serious and Cliff the more flamboyant.

Diane Lloyd took the members through the development of these styles of the inter-war years with many examples and always with

the design and art context.

Her knowledge and clear style enthralled her audience showing the similarity and important differences of these very successful designers. She spoke also of the other key influences such as HowsonTaylor’s Ruskin Pottery and through to the Studio Pottery movement.

On Tuesday 17th April 2012 at Roydon Village Hall at 1:30pm the subject will be The Story of St Pancras Station – From Gothic Revival to International Terminus with Lauce Gribbiand.

As always, potential members are very welcome to come and experience the quality of the events for themselves.

Ready Steady Go No I’m not talking about the T.V. show of the 60’s. I’m talking about the start of the spring and summer events which begin this month at St.Mary’s Church Diss. On Friday 27th April starting at the usual time of 12.30pm the pupils of Diss High School will be giving an entertaining concert in their usual style.

Once again a ploughmans lunch with a sweet and coffee which is optional will follow in the hall so go along and enjoy the show. This season is bursting with entertainment more so than in previous years and as the summer gets going there will be a special buzz around the church fete which is a new idea as it will be in the morning, more about this in the May edition when I will be able to tell you all about the many stalls that will be set out for your enjoyment. So there we go again this parish church reaching out to the community at large just as any church should do.

Gerry Hosking.

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LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Diss Cemetery In 1869 Queen Victoria was on the throne and Mr. Gladstone was Prime Minister.

On New Year’s Day there was a gathering, just off Heywood Road, Diss, of gentlemen in

with many other local dignitaries.

They would have admired the workmanship of the new flint chapel with its characterful kingly faces all the way round and all different.

When he died Canon Manning would be buried there, with other members of his family, to the left of the chapel.

Photographer Cleer Alger, Junior, The now-vanished gatehouse at the Heywood Rd cemetery. and his family were buried nearby, after a top hats and tails; and ladies in car crash in 1903.

There is a section that is a bonnets and bustles. The occasion was the opening of the new Diss kind of 19th century Yellow Pages, with Gostlings, Aldriches, Bobbys cemetery.

The church graveyard was and other business families. Two almost full, as can be seen of publisher Edward Abbott’s from the high ground opposite children were buried in the The Dolphin house in Church churchyard, while he, his wife and Street. It is high because it is full elder son are in the cemetery.

There are half a dozen victims of coffins.

Canon Charles Robertson of Mere drownings, including Manning would have been there the two young evacuee boys who

went through the ice just after Christmas 1944.

I will be telling of these and many other stories when I show the Old Dysseans

(former Secondary / Grammar School pupils) around the cemetery at 11am on Wednesday 25 April.

Basil Abbott, Diss Museum.

Ladies Who Do Lunch

Come and join with the ladies who do lunch...

Where: Diss Methodist Church (Opposite Hughes Electrical) When: 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, first one will be held on 13th April. This is a Fund Raising event with the money from this year’s efforts being divided equally between MIND, a charity that cares for people with mental health

problems, and Diss Methodist Church, for the on-going charitable work of the church.

Cost: minimum £3.50p but extra donations are always welcome. This is very good value for money. The lunch consists of homemade soup - usually a choice of three with bread and butter, a choice of puddings (hot or cold) which are also homemade and tea and coffee are also provided.

There is no age limit or church membership required for those who wish to come and have lunch, its open house. Come and have a hearty lunch, either bring a friend or meet some new ones.

The Oaks Nursery gets ‘Outstanding’ in Ofsted Inspection The Oaks Nursery had an unannounced inspection on 8th February 2012, where it was graded as outstanding in all aspects.

Ofsted inspector reports: “Children are extremely happy, confident and flourish because of the staff ’s unquestionable commitment to meeting their individual needs. The nursery environment is exceptionally safe, warm and vibrant, and offers children a wealth of inspiring and challenging play opportunities.

As a result, children are making outstanding progress in their learning and development. The staff make the most of every opportunity to keep parents and carers fully informed, providing them with an extensive range of information and encouraging

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them to share in their children’s learning. The cohesive staff team is inspired by a highly ambitious and motivated management team. Together they value the process of self-evaluation and demonstrate an exceptional capacity for securing continuous improvement to the existing outstanding outcomes for children.”

The Oaks Nursery is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. All meals and nappies are included in the price. Located next to the library, children make regular visits to use the town centre resources. For more information please call (01379) 651906.

To read the full ofsted report please visit http://www.ofsted. gov.uk/inspection-reports/findinsp ection-rep or t/provider/ CARE/EY433777

LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

A Letter to the Queen...

Dear Ma’am, Congratulations on this Your Jubilee Year, I was born a couple of weeks before your son Charles, so grew up with you as my Queen. My first Memory was of your Majesty’s Confirmation – we had a telly – there were only two in the street so the house was full.

I and my father before me, have made a living out of clearing RAF and Army Camps – one of my first was H.M.S. Ganges and one of the last RAF Coltishall, Norfolk.

In clearing one of the stores, I came across a fiberglass replica of one of Your Majesty’s Crests and would like your permission to put it over the office door for Your Majesty’s Year – sort of a poor man’s Royal Warrant.

It’s going to be a very busy year and I’m sure there will be thousands of letters like mine. I will fully understand if I’m not allowed, and be no less of a subject for it.

I have, and shall always retain the Honour and be madam, your humble and obedient servant.

Peter J. Gillings.

So Often I Hear People Say I Will Be Content When…

Attleborough Heritage Group More than a hundred visitors inspected photographs, posters and other artefacts from the Gaymer collections exhibited at Attleborough Library on 6th March.

The event was a joint enterprise between Attleborough Heritage Group (AHG), Norfolk Record Office (NRO) and kindly hosted

by Attleborough Library. The aim of the exercise was to put names to the people in the photographs, to discover what the subjects of the photographs were, and where and when they were taken. NRO is currently cataloguing the business archives it holds of Gaymer & Son Ltd but, as many photographs were uncaptioned, it was hoped that by enlisting the aid of the townsfolk of Attleborough – many of whom were former Gaymer employees – gaps in the captions could be filled. Tom Townsend from the Records Office set the scene with an entertaining presentation and a great deal of information was forthcoming from the visitors.

The posters and photographs will remain in the Library until the end of March and Library Staff, AHG and the NRO would be delighted if anyone unable to visit on 6 March and who has further information, could call into the Library while the Exhibition is still in place to help solve any remaining mysteries.

‘Preserving yesterday’s and today’s memories for tomorrow’

60’S Tea Dance As part of her year as Mayor Karen Pettitt is organising an over 60’s tea dance. Anyone aged 60 and over is welcome to come along. The event is being held at Connaught Hall on Saturday 21st April from 12 noon onwards. There will be a light lunch with entertainment from the Attleborough Players.

This is a free event for the residents of Attleborough but we will need to know numbers for catering so please can you book your place by ringing Karen on 01953 455755.

Why not be content now?

Do we need all these physical goodies to ensure our happiness?

Do we need constant activity and entertainment? Is happiness only to be found outside us?

A class of schoolchildren were asked to write a list of their Seven Wonders of the World, after a while a list was produced, this contained the Pyramids, Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon and the rest. The teacher then noticed one girl who was still composing her list and asked if she wanted help.

She said there were so many it was difficult to choose, but this was

the list she had. “I think,” she said, “ the Seven Wonders of the World are: To see. To hear. To touch. To taste. To feel. To laugh. And to love.”

What makes you truly happy? Students who come to the Practical Philosophy talk of the benefits of a clear mind, free from the pull of the ego and experience a life more full of beauty, harmony and happiness.

East Anglian School of Philosophy.

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LOCAL INFO | a hundred years on...

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

A Titanic News Story How did the Diss Express report the sinking of the Titanic?

As first mentioned in last month’s magazine, the Rackham family has recently purchased a collection of copies of the Diss Express dating back over a hundred years.

The family has kindly allowed ‘Your Local’ Magazine access to the newspapers and we will be serialising news items in each issue.

The Sinking of the Titanic on April 15th 1912 was one of the major disasters of the last century. The supposedly ‘unsinkable ship’ struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic Ocean on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City resulting in the deaths of 1,517 people.

One of these people was Mr J.Symonds

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from Diss. Aged 38, he was working as a first class saloon steward on the ship for which he received a monthly wage of £3 15s. After the sinking, his body was never found.

In its April 19th 1912 edition, the Diss Express - like every other newspaper in the country and around the world - focused on the appalling tragedy. It ran the following: ‘The maiden voyage of the great White Star liner Titanic, the world’s biggest passenger ship, has come to a tragic end. On Monday the magnificent vessel sank about 350 miles from Cape Race, after collision with an iceberg.

The Titanic was on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. At the moment of disaster the vessel had made roughly two-thirds of her journey, and had just 1000 miles still to cover. Her nearest land point was Cape Race (Newfoundland). On board the vessel were about 2,200 souls comprising approximately 316 first class, 279 second class, and 698 steerage passengers. The crew numbered between 800 and 900. Early on Tuesday morning came the

news that the Titanic had sunk within four hours of the collision. The latest messages to hand only account for the saving of 868 of the passengers and crew “nearly all women and children.” The death-roll will probably amount to between 1,300 and 1,400.’ It went on to detail the boats that raced to answer the stricken ship’s SOS call.

‘The liner Carpathia, from New York for Naples, appears to have been the first vessel to reach the Titanic. She arrived on the scene at daybreak but, according to a message from Cape Race, “Found boats and wreckage only.”

The Titanic had foundered.

At the time of publication it is unclear whether they were aware that local Diss man Mr J. Symonds had been on board. They did however mention other local passengers.

‘So far as it is known only two or three East Anglian passengers were on board the Titanic.

These were: - Mr. Edward Beane, Norwich; Mrs. Ethel Beane, Norwich; May Howard, North Walsham; Mr.- King, Great Yarmouth.’

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | long stratton

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

FOnocus Long Stratton Your Local

Anglia Micro Plant Looking for a local company to transform your garden? Read on...

We are a local business based in Tasburgh who specialise in hard landscaping and ground works. We started trading in 2006 and the majority of the work is undertaken by the main partner, Graham Higlett, who has over 20 years of experience in this type of work.

We undertake all types of hard landscaping and believe that the most important part of the work is the bit that cannot be seen, the base, as this is essential for a long lasting patio or driveway. We will discuss this at

the estimate stage and can provide sample blocks/slabs as well as a portfolio of work undertaken, some of which can be seen on our website at www.angliamicroplant. co.uk. We also believe that every customer should receive the same level of service whether it’s for a small patio or shed base to a full garden makeover. Some of the recent work undertaken includes a large garden makeover involving a tiered lawn area with various patios and pergolas and another customer had their path extended and new steps built. We have

also tailored work to ensure it is accessible for wheelchairs.

We also carry various types of ground works and find that access is not usually a problem as our micro JCB will fit through a 740mm (29�) gap. This means that we can save our customers time and money due to the time it takes us to dig footings, plus we can liaise with building control if needed. Another area we specialise in is drainage and have recently undertaken work locally to connect houses to the new mains drainage. Plus we

have installed sewage treatments plants, French drains and full drainage to new builds.

If you would like any further details or to arrange for an estimate please contact Graham on 07769 553917.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | out and about

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Easter Out & About Your Local

Looking For New Ways To Keep The Kids Occupied?

Look no further… visit Hulabaloos.

Good news for parents and kids - there’s a new children’s soft play centre opened up in our area.

Situated in Suton on the B1172 (the old A11) between Attleborough and Wymondham, Hulabaloos is a haven for children from babies up to the age of 12.

There is a larger play area for older children plus a separate gated play area for under 4s. With slides, ball pits and rope bridges, there’s plenty to keep the kids amused.

And while they’re having fun, mums and dads have the chance to grab a coffee or something to eat in

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the cafe. With tables situated in the middle of the play centre, it’s easy to keep an eye on your kids as you eat or drink. There’s also free wi-fi if you need to use the internet.

Owners Derek and Tracey Gill say business is going well.

‘We opened just before the busy February half-term week and since then we’ve been doing well,’ says Derek. ‘We also offer cheap yearly memberships to keep the costs down and even offer packages for toddlers during term time.’

Hulabaloos is also available for birthday parties and offers a range

of packages to suit your needs, and there is more still to come.

A new outdoor play area is on order and will be installed by the end of May. It will have two different play frames to cater for all ages.

An indoor laser arena is also being built which is due to open in a couple of months. This will give 7-12 year olds the chance to play laser tag.

For more information, opening times and prices log onto www.hulabaloos.co.uk or call 01953 604526.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | out and about

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Harleston Jobs Club

Keep Yer Heel Down Bor!

New opening hours 10am-2pm every Wednesday.

A ‘slightly on the huh’ look at gardening

At the beginning of March the Jobs Club extended its opening hours in order to help more jobseekers in their search for work.

The Jobs Club has seen weekly numbers increase significantly over the last few months, with some weeks seeing over 20 members in one coffee morning.

They are hoping that by extending the length of time they are open, they will be able to offer more support to their members, old and new.

The Jobs Club offers friendly and informal support if you are looking for work. You can drop in anytime between 10am-2pm to carry out job searches and find out about local jobs. You can get help with your CV, covering letters, application forms, tips and advice for job interviews and information on courses and volunteering.

They also hold various activities including

regular visits from a professional careers advisor.

For more information please contact Lucy Marjoram on 01379 851920 or email jobsclub@ harleston-norfolk.org.uk.

Wotcha! Water is going to be on everyone’s lips this year, or not as the case may be! I’ve never worried too much about watering at the allotment, even though I have a plentiful supply of spring water. I’ve always felt that it’s only those whose livelihood depends on water that have to worry. If my crops fail it’s not going to hurt me too much in the pocket, although of course I don’t want all the hard work and effort to be in vain if I can possibly help it. If you can keep crops ‘ticking over’ through a dry spell it can make all the difference. Be prepared to siphon your bath water out into the garden - you may have some nutrients in it that will actually give your plants a boost! Siphoning bath water is much easier than many other liquids I can think of! So long as you’ve remembered to take your nail file out of the water of course!

Mulching is another great way of conserving moisture, and think before you throw away bits of old carpet because these are excellent for placing around plants or between crops to prevent the soil drying out.

Mulching is only effective following a prolonged wet spell though; you can’t protect moisture that isn’t there!

Keep on a troshin’ and remember, don’t bury marrow, courgette, cucumber or squash seeds when you sow them. Place only the thin end of the seed into the compost vertically with just the thick end tip showing. Don’t let the compost dry out and you should get almost 100% germination.

Mark Aiken: 07810 852089.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | food and drink

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Food & Your Local

Drink

Restaurant Review: The Spice Cottage, Diss After hearing good things about this centrally-located Indian restaurant, the ‘Your Local’ team decided to sample things first-hand…

Based in the historic Dolphin House building on the Market Place, The Spice Cottage has been serving delicious Indian and Nepalese food to the people of Diss since 2008.

We arrived on a busy Wednesday evening and were shown straight to some sofas where we were able to relax and choose our meals before heading to our table. From the moment we stepped

through the door, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming.

The menu provided a mouthwatering array of both Indian and Nepalese dishes complete with excellent descriptions which really help with making your choice about what to eat.

One of our staff members readily admits to being a bit fussy and often finds it hard to find new

was excellent and there was also an excellent choice of drinks to compliment our food.

All in all, it was an fantastic night out and we all agreed we’d definitely love to go again. The Spice Cottage also offers a takeaway service with a free bottle of red or white wine when you spend over £30.

For more info log onto www.spice-cottage.co.uk or call 01379 640222

things on menus to try. But this time she was spoilt for choice.

Together we ordered a range of dishes and decided to try each other’s as well. These included Butter Chicken, Lamb Guarka, Chicken Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, Pilau Rice, Lime fried rice, Peshwari Nan, Onion Bhaji and Saag Aloo.

Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted delicious. The service

Prize Wordsearch!

Easter’s on it’s way... find the hidden words to win a meal for two at the Spice Cottage in Diss.

S T E G G S T E U N T I

S B Y A D N U S E T S O

F U H E A T E T T E A S

N N T D F D A R A E F C

G N D P F R H R L L H C

N Y U G O I C S O I T H

I T O C D H B W C U E A

R C E D I T E K O N N E

P D E K L R S C H U N T

S N U B S S O R C T O H

T L E T B A N I L N B S

I S A E T I B B A R U K

Bunny Chocolate Hunt Spring Eggs Basket Search Rabbit Flowers

Daffodils Hotcrossbuns Sunday Hidden Decorate Bonnet Chicks

Win A Meal At Spice Cottage!

Thanks to Spice Cottage, we are offering you the chance to win a meal for two, just by completing our wordsearch. You and a friend will be able to tuck in to any chicken or lamb main course with rice, naan bread, popadum and chutneys on any night between Sunday and Thursday.

All you have to do is send your completed wordsearch to Competitions, Your Local Magazine, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF by 25th April to be in with a chance of winning. Usual Circuit Publications competition rules apply.

Name Address

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Email

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | food and drink

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Ask the Chef!

Dear Simon, When making a Toad in the Hole, how can I guarantee my batter mix is cooked in the middle? - Emma Hines.

To ensure your batter is fully cooked around the Toad, firstly seal off the Sausage and then allow to cool. Place your dish into a hot oven with a little oil then add your sausages and put back in the oven until the oil is hot. Add your batter mix and continue cooking until the batter is risen and crisp.

Enjoy...

Competition!

You could win Sunday lunch for two at The Bell Inn, just by sending your food question in for Simon to answer!

Send your question along with your name, address and daytime phone number to Ask the Chef, Your Local Magazine, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF or email design@yourlocalmagazine.net.

Whatever your food query, Ross can help!

The Rickinghall Bell’s Pie & Ale Festival 7th, 8th and 9th April.

The Rickinghall Bell’s Pie & Ale Festival is here again bigger and better this year with three days of fun, food and live Music for all the family.

On Easter Monday, why not join them for an Easter Egg Hunt on Rickinghall Playing Field. Meet at the Village Hall at 11am to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Rickinghall Easter Bunny.

Please find below 1 FREE Beer Token for ½ pint of Adnams Bitter (1 token per person). Large selection of Real Ales & Ciders to wash down our home-made pies.

LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND: Saturday: Doors open 12pm.

7:30pm Walkway, followed by DJ Dave Hazel until 12:00am.

Sunday: Doors open 12pm.

8:00pm Murphy’s Lore.

Monday: Doors open 11am.

3:30pm Mick the Baker. 7:30pm The Harvs. *** FREE ENTRY *** 11am Easter Monday, Rickinghall Village Hall, Easter Egg Hunt.

Food will be served Sat & Sun between 12pm & 3pm, 6pm to 9pm. **HOG ROAST & BBQ** Easter Monday between 12pm – 9pm.

FREE BEER TOKEN! This token entitles you to ½ pint of Adnams Bitter on the 7th, 8th or 9th April at The Bell Inn Pie & Ale Festival 1 token per person

Chocolate & Pecan Pie Serves 6

Ingredients 375g Pack of good quality Shortcrust pastry 50g butter 4 beaten eggs 200ml maple syrup 200g pecan nuts 185g dark chocolate Heat oven to 180˚c Gas 4 Line a 20cm tart tin with pastry then with bakin g parchment and dried peas and bake blind for approx 20-25mins, remove parchment and peas and continue cooking for 10mins.

Allow to cool. Melt chocolate and butter over a pan of hot water. Whisk eggs and syrup together, stir in melted chocolate and most of the pecan nuts.

Pour into the pastry case and top with remaining pecan nuts and bake for a further 30mins.

Cool and serve.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | collectors

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Collectors & Enthusiasts Your Local

I Collect Cigarette and Trade Cards Colin Fawcett from the East Anglian Cigarette Card Club explains ...

Like most collectors I’ve met, I first started collecting cards in my teens.

Brooke Bond Tea were giving away cards inside each pack and I loved trying to get complete sets.

At the time, it was quite common for companies to use sets of cards as a way of enticing people to stay loyal to a particular brand.

As each set finished, another would begin hooking you in once more!

But although I first remember collecting the cards from things like tea or chewing gum, the idea actually started much earlier with cigarette companies.

In the late 19th century, tobacco manufacturers decided to insert pieces of card in each packet to act as stiffeners to stop the cigarettes getting crushed. They then decided to use these for advertising and

started printing pictures on them.

Soon they started issuing cards that could be collected as a set.

At first, the subjects of the cards were designed to appeal to men but soon sets came out for women and even children who could influence their parent’s decision on which cigarette brand to buy.

Many were of well-known cricketers and footballers and the children loved swapping with their friends to try to be first to complete the set.

In the years before the First World War, the cards were of a particularly high standard and quality but during the war production stopped as there was a shortage of paper.

FOOTBALL MEMORABILIA & COLLECTORS FAIR At Norwich City Football Club.

Bryan Gunn Suite, Carrow Road SUNDAY APRIL 29th, 10.30am-2.30pm Admission 50p, Parking, Bar & hot food Stall enquiries to 07722 163703

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Afterwards the quality was never the same, although between the wars, thousands of fantastic sets of cards were issued.

When war broke out in 1939 production once again ceased and was never started again. Instead, what became known as trade cards came to the fore. Cards like the ones I collected as a teenager.

In the 1950s and 60s I remember swapping cards with my friends and feeling a real thrill when I managed to complete a set. As I grew up, my love of card collecting grew and I started buying trade and cigarette cards from dealers and auctions.

Then, in 1981, I joined the East Anglian Cigarette Card Club.

The club was formed in 1970 and now has 150 members making it the largest in the country. We meet once a month at Roydon Village Hall where dealers come to sell their cards and we also hold an auction.

Membership costs £5 a year but nonmembers are also welcome to pay £1 to come to our meetings. People are welcome to bring cards to our

meetings to have them valued and potentially included in our auction.

Since retiring six years ago, I have begun to sell my card collections. At its peak I had 250 albums each with 8 or 10 sets of cards in. Each set usually contains either 25 or 50 cards. Now I have around 50 albums left, some that I will never sell.

My favourites include a lovely set of Typhoo Tea cards from the early 1950s with a Robin Hood theme and a beautiful set issued

by London company John Sinclair called British Sea Dogs which depicts how sailors uniforms have changed over the years. I also love the bubblegum cards from the 1950s showing Elvis Presley, Tommy Steele and other big celebrities of the time.

What’s great about card collecting is that it appeals to people of all budgets. Cards can be picked up from as little as 50p or, for the most rare cards of all, up to as much as £2,000 each. And the thrill when I find a card I’ve been searching for for years is just the same now as it was when I was a teenager!

For more information about the East Anglian Cigarette Card Club log onto www.eaccc.co.uk or call 01945 583656.

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

LOCAL BUSINESS | 20 page guide

Business Supplement Your Local

Your 20 page pull out feature covering all your

local business needs...

From Norfolk to New York...

Glazing Vision goes Global.

Glazing Vision is the UK’s largest manufacturer of premium Glass Rooflight solutions. All Glazing Vision rooflights are handmade in our factory in the UK; we have worked on over 5,000 projects in the UK in the last five years.

Our international department continues to flourish and we have now installed all over the World, providing natural daylight and ventilation in some of the most prestigious buildings such as the Eden project and Silverstone racecourse.

Our international reputation stems from a Flushglaze fixed rooflight in Kuwait to a Sliding over roof rooflight in Chamonix to an access Box Rooflight in New York. Glazing Vision has designed innovative rooflights to withstand the most severe climates from heavy snow loads in Sweden to aggressive sand storms in the Middle East.

Locally we have supplied rooflights at Adnams Brewery in Southwold, Schools in Norfolk and Suffolk, Flushglaze walk on rooflights at Tuddenham Mill and a circular Flushglaze rooflight at Wymondham library.

We work with architects, contractors, roofing companies and builders to make all our customers dreams come to light, by offering the best quality natural daylight and natural ventilation solutions.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | profiles

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Business Profiles Your Local

John Doe of Diss On April 8th, the company will be celebrating their first anniversary in their new home on Sawmills Road Their new large showroom enables John Doe to have everything under one roof while still giving the same level of personal service the company are famed for.

Founded in Diss in 1983 by John Doe, the company has been developed over the last thirty years

by John, his wife Angela and sons Charles and Edward.

And the move from their previous town centre premises has met with many positive comments.

‘This first year at our new site has really exceeded expectations,’ says Edward Doe.

‘Existing customers have stayed with us and we’ve managed to attract plenty of new custom too.

People are coming from much further afield, beyond Norwich and Ipswich, which is good news for Diss.’

Last autumn the company introduced a ready-made curtain range which has proved incredibly popular.

And, since moving sites, the carpet remnants side of the business is working better than ever.

The company has also seen

an increase in sales of commercial flooring.

Thanks to all these positive developments, they have also taken on new staff since moving sites.

‘All in all, customers seem incredibly positive about the new site,’ says Edward. ‘We’ve got a lot of parking outside which enables them to stay and browse or load their cars directly from the shop.’

And the old John Doe ethos is still very true.

‘We’re still the same familyrun business we’ve always been.

Customer service is key,’ says

Edward. ‘We pride ourselves on being able to accommodate any price point across many genres with everything under one roof. Taking beds for example, we have over 60 on display at any one time. Come and take a look for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.’

Customers visiting during April have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win a 4ft 6in Tempur Sensation mattress.

For more information log onto www.johndoeofdiss.co.uk or call 01379 644081.

A New Lease of Life...

Pen & Paper in Harleston

This well known stationery shop in Harleston has been given a new lease of life thanks to the new owner and manager, Carly Newton.

Having worked in the shop as an assistant since 2007, Carly knows the trade and her customers very well. So when the previous owners retired in May 2011 Carly saw an opportunity to take her career to the next level and own her own business.

Carly is very quick to point out that she wouldn’t have managed to take this business on without the help, funding and continued support of the Prince’s Trust and Foundation East. The application process is reasonably straight forward and after putting you through a one week business enterprise course the Prince’s Trust

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ask you to submit your business plan and if it is good enough then you will be accepted to receive funding and guidance. As you would expect of a specialist shop of this nature there is the full range of quality everyday stationery essentials. However, it doesn’t stop with these traditional lines, many new facets have been added to the business. One of the big new additions is canvas printing.

Carly is able to print anything up to A1 on canvas using either digital picture or original hard copy.

Another area of growth has been the art and craft section. Having studied arts and design at Norwich City College this is something Carly is particularly interested in and as such she has developed a vast range of water colour, acrylic and oil paint and stocks most colours you could imagine. In addition to this there are wide selections of paint brushes and accessories available.

For further details visit www.penandpaper.moonfruit.co.uk or call: 01379 855027.

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

LOCAL BUSINESS | profiles

Natural Healing in East Anglia From tentative beginnings in 1977 when Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies were little known, often unrecognised and frequently frowned upon by chemists and supermarkets alike, the Natural Food Store has triumphed over the relentless onslaught of High Street competition to educate and promote a healthier way of Trish Stephenson life for East Anglia people. Apart from Diplomas in many aspects of Health Care, Tricia Stephenson completed four years training in London to become a Registered Homeopath. Trish provides a full range of well-respected therapies at the Complementary Health Care Clinic, at 34 Exchange Street. In 2001 the Homeopathic College of East Anglia became a reality and is now firmly established. Interested in becoming a Professional Homeopath? Join us in October and make a difference!

Open up a World of Colour & Style Spring is the perfect time to make changes, clear out wardrobes and make room for the gorgeous new styles and colours. HOWEVER do you know what styles and colours actually suit you and your body shape? Are you that person whose wardrobe is full of clothes but feel you have nothing to wear?

People often ask me who should have their colours done, my answer is simple...“It’s for everyone!” Having your colours done is not about throwing away your clothes and starting again, its about understanding and choosing what works best for you. People come to me because they want to feel better about themselves and often feel they have lost their way and confidence in what makes them look good - I would love to help you. Together we will discover colours and styles that compliment and flatter you. Fashion comes and goes however your style will last a lifetime.

Please call 07805 876619 or email gill.bushnell@houseofcolour.co.uk.

Stacey and Partners Stacey and Partners are an independent firm of Chartered Accountants, Registered Auditors and Business Advisers covering East Anglia.

Our first-class service and support helps you with practical and technical advice stretching far beyond the essential compliance services.

We want to work with you in partnership whatever the size of your business, providing ongoing support and advice to help you improve your bottom line. Furthermore, our wealth of experience enables us to guide and assist you with the ever-changing economic world facing business owners today.

Call us on Bury St Edmunds: (01284) 773400 Newmarket: (01638) 564200 Thetford: (01842) 826100 or www.staceys.co.uk

Unusual Antiques and Homeware Mother and son partners, Nicky Stainton and Gabriel Higham-Stainton, opened their unusual antiques and homeware shop in Harleston last summer. Wilderness Stores stocks an amazing range of unique furniture sourced from China, Europe and the UK, plus rugs and kelims from Afghanistan and Persia, bed linen, baskets, glass and china. “Our speciality is high quality painted furniture in subtle grey, cream and blue tones, which have a distressed and waxed finish. We can also restore and paint customers’ own pieces” comments Gabriel, 19 “I love the way that we can transform something and give it a new lease of life.” “We have had so many positive comments from visitors to the shop” notes Nicky. “It really is a shop with a difference, and people enjoy that after the ‘sameness’ of so much on the high street.”

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LOCAL BUSINESS | wymondham

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

FOnocus Wymondham Your Local

Wymondham

Music Festival

Music in Wymondham 2012 17th Annual Wymondham Music Festival.

The 17th annual Wymondham Music Festival, centred on Festival Fortnight, June 23 to July 8, but with events from the beginning of May, celebrates professional Norfolk and national musicians and showcases local talent in this historic Norfolk market town.

The Festival’s programme promotes more than 90 events, many of them free, featuring Americana, classical, folk, world, jazz, swing, disco, funk, soul and early music in a range of venues across the town. There’s O Duo’s percussion extravaganza, the award-winning Demon Barber Roadshow’s high-energy mix of music and dance, jazz pianist Craig

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Milverton and the Cuban style of Cuarteto Guarachando.

The Festival brochure will be launched in the Market Place on Saturday, May 5 at 10am with an open-air concert from Wymondham Area Schools’ Brass Band. Tickets also go on sale on May 7 at the Book Fountain Wymondham or email office@ wymfestival.org.uk. Full Festival programme details are at www. wymfestival.org.uk, tel. 01953 601939.

Early Events Saturday 12 May Seriously Saxy, 10am to 12noon, Wymondham Market Place.

Saturday 26 May Town Busking Day, 10am to 12noon.

Saturday 2 June Smokehouse Blue Marching Band, 10am to 12noon celebrating the start of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Saturday 9 June Slow Gin, blues band 10am to 12noon, Market Place Saturday 9 June Norwich Baroque with Crispian SteelePerkins, 7.30pm concert at Wymondham Abbey.

John Ryder Removals are storage and light haulage specialists based in Wymondham serving east Anglia and the UK. The family run business prides itself on providing a professional, reliable and cost effective service.

Fosters Solicitors started in Norwich in 1761 and celebrated their 250th anniversary last year. The award winning law firm has offices across Norfolk and Suffolk and has an established reputation for providing first class legal services across a wide range of practice areas.

Stuart Gooda Carpentry offers a reliable, friendly, competitive service for both domestic and commercial customers. A fully qualified, apprentice served, carpenter/joiner with 28 years experience. City and Guilds Qualified. Stuart Gooda is also a member of the Institute of Carpenters.

LOCAL BUSINESS | wymondham

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Looking for Building Supplies or Friendly Advice?

Look no further…

Unique Building Supplies (UBS) is an independent builders merchant and DIY store, supplying building materials to trade and retail customers throughout East Anglia.

With depots in Wymondham and Sutton, near Stalham, UBS’s excellent staff are ready and waiting to advise on projects large and small. From building to plumbing, landscaping to roofing, they have a wide range of stock available to buy in store and online. Where possible, deliveries are made the next day.

They also have an excellent kitchen and bathroom showroom at the Wymondham depot to give you inspiration and to showcase their wide range of products.

And now - with a new paving and fencing display just opened at the Wymondham depot - there’s

even more reason to pop down and see for yourself what a great service they offer. They can even assist with the design and fitting of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

So if you want a local company that supplies local needs, try Unique Building Supplies.

For more information or to place an order log onto www.uniquebuildingsupplies.co.uk or call 01953 859895.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Anniversary of Waveney Land Rover April 2012 marks the first anniversary of Waveney Land Rover & 4x4 in Harleston Norfolk. Jono and the team have had a busy year servicing and repairing Land Rovers and 4x4’s - from lubrication services to chassis replacement and off-road preparation, they’ve done it all. So why should you bring your Land Rover or 4x4 to WLR? Well, our logo says it all – Expertise, Service, Passion.

Expertise – Jono has in-depth knowledge of Land Rover models from 1948 to present day. It would be true to say that while many of us were playing with Lego, Jono was helping his father in the family Land Rover repair business, so you could say he has Land Rovers in his blood. A far cry from their predecessors – electronics control almost every function and we have the latest equipment and training to repair faults across all vehicle systems.

Service – We are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service at all times. We are able to investigate any fault, however trivial

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at almost no notice. Often we’ll sort the problem there and then, or maybe reassure you that it’s safe to continue driving. If the fault is serious & your vehicle shouldn’t be driven, then we’ll do our utmost to provide you with a courtesy car or run you home. Our courtesy Land Rover Discovery is insured by us and free for you to use all we ask you to do is put the fuel in!

Even when there is no emergency we are only too happy to collect and drop off your vehicle at no extra charge. All the work we carry out is estimated prior to commencement. Jono and the team own 4 Land Rovers between them and are active in the local club scene and provide support for the emergency services through the voluntary organisation ‘4x4 Response’.

Who better then to work on your pride and joy than a team driven by a real passion for the marque and committed to exceptional customer service – on every level, Waveney Land Rover & 4x4 has what it takes to keep your Land Rover on (and off) the Road!

LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Merrick Hill Commercial Here Sarah Veness speaks to Managing Director Gary Stannard

Q.

Why have you stopped offering personal insurances?

People’s buying habits have changed considerably in the past five years. Previously the vast majority of our personal business came from people walking in off the street. Now people are more likely to turn to the internet and comparison websites to buy their

car or house contents insurance.

Unfortunately people won’t always be buying like for like policies by doing this but they don’t find out until they need to make a claim.

Our personal insurance client base had shrunk, and with the rising costs of maintaining that side of the business it became increasingly more difficult.

Finally, we made the reluctant decision to sell that arm of the business to Swinton Insurance who are better placed to compete in today’s marketplace with that class of insurance. On a personal level it was very sad to lose some long-standing valued customers but it was a decision that had to be made.

Q. So what exactly is the focus of your business now?

We are now focusing exclusively on commercial business, hence

the new name Merrick Hill Commerical. For some years this has actually been the more dominant part of our business and it is still continuing to grow.

We offer a wide range of policies for all types of business owners from sole tradesmen right up to much larger companies.

Amongst other things, we offer employers and public liability insurance, motor fleet cover, fire and business interruption insurance.

Q. So what makes Merrick Hill

Commercial stand out from the rest?

We offer the personal touch that can be missing in much larger companies. Our staff have been with us for many years and go out of their way to get to know each of their clients individually. We like to personally visit each business

that we work with to gain the best understanding possible of the needs of that particular company and workforce. When you deal with Merrick Hill Commercial, we are not just a faceless name on the end of the phone. What’s more, as the exclusive Norfolk member of the Willis Commercial Network we have access to a range of policies that businesses wouldn’t get from any other broker in the area.

Q. Are you staying in Diss?

Owing to the downsizing of staff numbers. we are now in an office that is too big for our needs so we are interested in relocating but are anxious to remain in Diss. Alternatively, we would also consider subletting part of the existing office if there is an interest.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | your local trade fair

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

TradeFair Your Local

...Local firms are alive and well

This Is Your Invitation To A Fun Packed Day...

Despite the economic setbacks, this region is growing stronger and expanding to meet the needs and challenges of a growing community.

That is why Your Local Magazine is proud to present a new and exciting event “Your Local Trade Fair” on Thursday the 26th April from 1pm – 6pm at the Diss Rugby Club, Clubhouse, Bellrope Lane, Roydon, Nr Diss. Norfolk.

We would like to invite our readers to come and meet the enterprising people leading the way.

The event, will be officially opened by Caroline Williams

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Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Trade. Caroline is the champion of local businesses and had given the Fair her full support.

Likewise our host Graham Pentelow, Marketing Manager of the Diss Rugby Club was keen to offer us their excellent Mackenders venue which has been newly expanded. The next four pages of this magazine profiles the diverse range of local businesses who are attending the Fair. It includes, in the centre pages, an easy to follow floor plan for both inside and outside so that you will be able to find the business that you want to visit. It is an ideal opportunity to meet local firms all in one place, many already firmly established and some that are brand new and some, that

maybe you never knew existed.

All will be pleased to see you and many will be having special offers, promotions, leaflets and giveaways on the day. Also don’t forget to pick up business cards for future reference.

Throughout the day there will be competitions and prize draws plus demonstrations and surprises.

We hope that will enjoy reading this business supplement.

Your Local Magazine is a local enterprise, produced locally and gives employment to local people.

So have a good read and keep this special issue of your local magazine for future reference.

Hope to see you at ‘Your Local Trade Fair’.

Jean Wills.

YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE

1

We publish 18,000 copies of Your Local Magazine each month. The magazine is delivered FREE OF CHARGE to every home and business in Diss, Attleborough, Harleston and now Long Stratton. The publication is also available in Eye and most of the villages in the surrounding area. We also produce Town Guide and Business Publications.

Visit our website: www.yourlocalmagazine.net

LOCAL BUSINESS | your local trade fair

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

TRADE

Fair

26th April 2012 Held at Diss Rugby Club Open to the public from 1pm-6pm

NO TO BT MISS E ED!

Opening the event, and guest speaker is...

Caroline Williams Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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Caroline Williams trained in London as an international buyer. She worked for New York based Federated Department Stores, responsible for the development of their European operations. In 1988 she moved from buying to manufacturing and became the merchandise manager for a furniture manufacturer, Jentique Furniture Ltd. responsible for their key client Marks and Spencer.

In 1999 she became Director of Economic Development for the Norfolk and Waveney Training & Enterprise Council (TEC) and took up her current position as Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in 2000. Caroline is married with 2 sons, aged 21 and 24 years.

Business Profiles (In alphabetical order).

DB INTERNATIONAL

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DINGLES MOTOR GROUP

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DB International sells high rental commercial investment property for those investors seeking capital appreciation and a substantially better rental return than that offered by more traditional buy-to-let investments. These freehold properties are suitable for SIPP investment (Self Invested Personal Pension) as well as cash resource investment. Visit: www.dbinternationalhomes.co.uk

Dingles Motor Group is a family run business established in 1919 by George Arthur Dingle.

Dingles comprises of four main franchises: Toyota, Lexus, Subaru and Isuzu for new and used car sales and a full after sales and body shop service.

Please visit www.dingles.co.uk

DISS BUSINESS FORUM

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DISS CAR CENTRE

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Informing, Showcasing, Promoting and Networking.

• Members can inform, receive advanced information & influence issues • Events and exhibitions attract businesses throughout the region • Inclusion in DBF member directories ensure increased exposure Just £25 a year for membership. Not a lot to be in the picture… in fact, to help paint it! Visit: www.dbf.org.uk

DISS

Diss Car Centre is a small and personal CAR CENTRE family run business located in Diss. We specialise in the supply of good quality used cars . We have access to a larger dealer network and can find most popular models.

Or are you trying to sell your car? We are always happy to discuss your requirements.

Call us now on 01379 642051 or visit: www.diss-carcentre.co.uk

DISS RUGBY CLUB

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FATSTICKMAN

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FIT CLUB

29

GALLOWAY

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Diss RFC is a great place to play or watch rugby. We are proud to be Norfolk’s premier club. Also available to host seminars, exhibitions, business breakfasts, lunches, dinners etc. We can accomodate 200 guests.

Presentation/AV equipment on site. Free wi-fi.

Contact Graham Pentelow on 07969 923210 or email graham@penterspr.co.uk / www.dissrugby.com

Fatstickman are your local friendly signage and clothing company. We are able to offer a wide range of services from banners to vehicle livery right through to supply and embroidery onto a wide range of clothing and workwear. Our in house design team are always on hand to offer ideas and build your perfect logo. Why not call in to see us for a chat. Telephone: 01379 658666 or visit: www.fatstickman.com

Fit Club is celebrating its 10th Birthday this year as Diss’s Premier Health & Fitness Club.

Our family run business has grown and increased its services to offer structured gym exercise, nutritional programmes and sports specific training to all whether beginners or advanced trainers.

See our FREE prize draw on the day.

Visit: www.fitclubdiss.co.uk

Welcome to Galloway European Coachlines.

When you choose a Galloway holiday, short break or day excursion you choose comfort, quality and real value for money. We offer many destinations throughout the UK, Europe & beyond – the choice is yours! Come along to our stand and enter our free competition to win Galloway vouchers.

Visit: www.gallowayeuropean.com

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LOCAL BUSINESS | your local trade fair GM AUTOTECH

17

GM Autotech Unipart Car Care Centre and Waveney Land Rover & 4x4 are independent MOT, Service and Repair centres in Harleston, Norfolk. From a simple bulb replacement to complete vehicle overhaul our passion is to provide expert service and repair for your vehicle and exceptional customer service to you.

Visit: www.gmautotech.co.uk / www.wlr4x4.co.uk

HAINES WATTS, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

TRADE

Your Local Trade Fair Floor Plan

Inside 11

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Malthouse are makers of beautiful, quality, bespoke joinery, kitchens and fine furniture.

Working on commissions our highly skilled craftsmen hand make all of our items using traditional methods to our clients exact specifications creating truly individual pieces.

Contact us: Email: info@malthouseuk.com Web: www.malthouseuk.com

MALTHOUSE SECURITY

11

We have been trading for a number of years with more than 30 years’ experience in security and communication systems. Based on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, the scope of work covers the whole of East Anglia and Essex. All site surveys are carried out free of charge, followed by a quotation complete with an equipment specification, of Intruder Alarm, CCTV, Fire Alarm & Emergency lighting, Access control & Elderly emergency call systems.

Malthouse Security Ltd. Communications & Security Systems

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9

10

7

8

14

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18

19

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Jackamans (previously Jackaman Smith & Mulley) is one of East Anglia’s longest established law firms with offices in Diss, Harleston, Ipswich and Felixstowe. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services to businesses and individuals including advice on accident claims, clinical negligence, commercial, employment (for either the employee or employer), family, litigation, debt recovery, property and wills and probate.

MALTHOUSE BECCLES LTD

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Hales Group is one of East Anglia’s leading independent recruitment agencies and the local branch in Diss is celebrating 20 years in the town. The team pride themselves with the highly knowledgeable and personal level of service offered to employers and candidates, covering vacancies in many sectors, including administration, accounts, technical and light industrial. Visit: www.halesgroup.co.uk

JACKAMANS

Fair

8

Haines Watts, Chartered Accountants provide financial advice to businesses throughout East Anglia and the UK. We work alongside businesses of all sizes in all sectors and are well equipped to guide you through the red tape associated with businesses today. Contact us now on 01379 640555 or visit: hwca.com/east-anglia

HALES GROUP

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

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1

5 4

3

2

NEWLEAF WILL WRITERS FEDERATION

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OFFICE NEEDS DIRECT

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Making Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts much more transparent, and a good deal more affordable ...all without having to leave your home!

Preferential rates for all senior citizens.

Unique low cost LPA service – ask for free information pack.

Professional service without a high price tag!

A local office supplies company with nationwide next day delivery, specialising in the provision of stationery, office furniture, printing supplies and facilities management products. On line ordering of over 16,000 office products with free next day delivery available. www.officeneedsdirect.co.uk

Helpline: 01359 250550.

LOCAL BUSINESS | your local trade fair

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Pavillion PAVILLION CAFÉ

NO TO BT MISS E ED!

26th April 2012 Held at Diss Rugby Club Open to the public from 1pm-6pm

Café

“Come and visit me, Oliver from the Park Pavilion Kiosk I will be providing the catering for this event, we will have bacon, burgers and hot dogs all locally sourced and of the best quality so you have tried the rest now try the best!”

Clubhouse Car Park

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26

31

Outside

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PLANDESCIL LTD

7

PLS FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD

3

PRINTING.COM @ PRINT LINK

9

RIDDLESWORTH SCHOOL

2

Plandescil Ltd - Consulting Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineers and Surveyors.

Locally based company providing consultancy services to businesses and individuals throughout the local area for over 30 years. Site Surveys, Contaminated Land Investigations, Flood Risk Assessments, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Drainage design, Infrastructure Design etc. Visit: www.plandescil.co.uk

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1

16

Car Park

34 Entrance

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PIP AND “UPSKILLING THE COMMUNITY”

Train to gain internationally, approved & accredited qualifications to obtain full time sustainable employment. If you’re training for work or considering a career change we can provide advice & assistance. We train in Health & Safety, First Aid, Food Safety, Security, Teaching, Nutrition & Health and the NOCN Qualifications.

We also provide a full business service to local and national companies.

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Lots of Demonstrations, Prize Draws and Competitions on the day!

FREE

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Entrance Floor plans are for illustrative purposes only, and are not to scale.

PARK RADIO

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PAT LEWIS

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Park Radio is Diss’ very own community radio station , run as a non for profit organisation by a team of volunteers. Currently broadcasting twice a year, we aim to secure a full time licence to broadcast full time to Diss and the surrounding area. We’ll be back on air in May 2012.

Keep up to date via our website and facebook page.

Visit: www.parkradio.co.uk

We’ve recently enjoyed tremendous success with the launch of some fantastic new cars including the 3008 and the 5008 both winners of ‘What Car’ Awards. Not to mention the stunning RCZ, call into our stand for more information on these and the full range of models available from Pat Lewis Peugeot ltd.

Please visit: www.patlewispeugeot.co.uk

Offering a complete range of services, we will facilitate any or all of your financial requirements, providing everyone with personalised service and detailed expertise. Our aim is to help you to achieve a secure financial future, comfort in retirement, reduce inheritance tax worries and to improve the returns on your investments.

Visit: www.plsfinancial.co.uk

Print Link is a print management company based in Hopton with in-house design facilities. We are able to handle any print project from one poster to a million run catalogue, including digital. We also operate a printing.com franchise offering a large range of products including business cards, leaflets, folders and booklets.

Visit: www.printing.com

Riddlesworth Hall Preparatory School is an IAPS co-educational school for 2-13 year olds.

Boarding, whether full, part-time or ‘flexi’, is also available from the age of 7. Headmaster Paul Cochrane and his family reside in the Hall, nurturing the family ethos at Riddlesworth. Mr and Mrs Cochrane have a passion for the traditional preparatory school and continue to develop academic standards and the wider curriculum.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | your local trade fair

TRADE

Fair

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

26th April 2012 Held at Diss Rugby Club Open to the public from 1pm-6pm

NO TO BT MISS E ED!

Business Profiles (In alphabetical order).

ROBERTS MOLLOY ASSOCIATES

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We are a regional architectural practice, specialising in works to historical buildings, but also offering the full range of general architectural services. One of our most valuable skills is our ability to work with local planning authorities to produce a satisfactory application, whilst pushing to boundaries of high quality design. Visit: www.robertsmolloy.co.uk

SMALL FARM CONTRACTS

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Small Machinery for Small Farms, Small Holders and Gardens.

We have a range of small tractors and machinery that will fit into small areas and small fields. Some of this equipment we can hire for you to use and some we have to do for you.

We charge most jobs on an hourly basis depending on the size of the job and the distance from us we may have to make a charge to get the equipment to you.

SOUND & ABOUT

13

A clear view: Sound & About caters for those who want quality entertainment and technology at home or in the work place. The company is founded on the premise of providing optimum value. Its showroom provides insight and a sample showcase of the types of solutions that can be achieved, with a huge array of products ready to order.

Visit: www.sound-and-about.com

SPLICE CREATIVE

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A creative media agency providing broadcast, design and marketing services to clients across the UK. Experts in producing professional and engaging video for businesses and property tours for estate agents. We also design and build stylish and effective websites, create brand identities, develop innovative marketing campaigns and manage large events. Visit: www.splicecreative.co.uk

SWANK COLLECTIVE

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A collective of local businesses that can work together to improve your property.

Eye flooring with a shop in Eye we are a family business supplying and fitting carpets, vinyl, laminates and wooden flooring for all occasions.

GR8 Glass The glass company with a difference, UPVC & wood windows, doors, conservatories & glazing. Member of Norfolk Trusted Traders.

Howes Painting & Decorating are a team of hard working, trustworthy interior & exterior decororaters. Approved Dulux Select decorators.

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SWANK INTERIORS

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Interior designers offering a personal, professional service, creating beautiful homes and well planned work spaces. Working from a purpose built studio in Bressingham, we have a showroom that can be visited to view fabrics, wallpapers and home accessories. www.swankinteriors.co.uk

Telephone: 01379 687542

ULRIC COMPUTERS

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Founded by Alex Russell, Ulric Computers and Ulric Web Design started in Diss over 10 years ago. Ulric has 4 branches throughout Norfolk supplying all computer hardware and software including PC towers, Monitors, Laptops, Hard Drives and Graphics cards. Ulric also repair laptops and PCs and design great looking websites for all industry sectors.

Visit: www.ulric-computers.co.uk

VEHICLE INSTALLATIONS

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Vehicle installations, Enhancements & Upgrades for all types of vehicles. whether its a tracker in a tractor, speakers in a speed boat, leather seats in a lorry or a reverse camera in a car we do it.

A locally based business with nationwide installation service.

For more details please call 01379 641111.

WAVENEY TREE SPECIALISTS

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30 years’ experience in arboriculture.

No job too large or small. Felling, dismantling, topping / pruning, storm damage, disease, hedging, stump removal (any size), site clearance, 20 metre hoist for hire for higher work.

Call 01379 668636 for a free estimate or visit: www.waveneytrees.co.uk

WAVENEY WINDOWS

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Local family run company, trading for over 35 years under the same name and owners that formed the company in 1977. Providing quality conservatories, windows, doors, roofline, garage conversions etc. All work undertaken by experienced Waveney Windows employees.

Showsites: Bressingham, Woodbridge, Fritton, Lowestoft and Head Office in Halesworth. www.waveney-windows.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

A New Estate Agent in Diss Potter & Buck Robert purchased the Jenny Austen Estate Agents in Long Stratton in 2011 and had been thinking of expanding his business and he ideally wanted to bring a qualified Chartered Surveyor into the practice. I was considering various career options and I had heard of Roberts plans and we decided to go into partnership by opening our Diss office. The Jenny Austen Estate Agents is continuing in Long Stratton and so we will be able to give a good coverage of South Norfolk and North Suffolk.

Bill has had 18 years experience as a valuer and auctioneer in the property market in South Norfolk/North Suffolk. Robert trained and has worked as an accountant for over 20 years and has been involved in residential and commercial property sales in Norfolk and Suffolk. Between the two of us

we can offer broad and in depth knowledge of the local property market.

Our work will encompass Estate Agency, Residential Lettings and Management, Commercial Agency, Commercial Lettings and Management and Agricultural Sales, Lettings and advice, so we are experienced to offer a wide service to our clients.

The Diss office will create two new part time rolls for negotiators.

The residential lettings market remains strong with keen demand especially for properties within the town.

For residential property sales properties are receiving interest where vendors are being realistic with the property values. We are experiencing both local interest and interest from buyers away from the area.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

New Training Centre at Rackheath A new building is now in the finishing stages in Rackheath on the Industrial Estate.

It is the Centre for Eco and Business Training and will be run by Broadland Council Training Services (BCTS). Business training courses, currently delivered at the business training suites in the council offices in Thorpe, will move to the new building in March and the old, vacated suites, will become the BCTS centre for apprenticeship programmes.

A specialist eco-laboratory and eco-food technology suite will link teachers, pupils and community groups, with local businesses, jointly developing empirical experiments and projects, not possible within schools.

Businesses and pupils will be brought together in a mutually supportive and collaborative environment, overcoming the often

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criticised problem of schools producing leavers not ready for work and of businesses not engaging with pupils. Many businesses have already registered an interest in setting up projects with High Schools including companies working with recycled plastics, food production and distribution, renewable technologies and offshore environmental impact assessments.

If you would like to work with the new centre or would like further information please contact the Economic Development team on 0800 389 1113.

LOCAL BUSINESS | new business

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

NewBusiness Your Local

The UK’s No.1 Letting Agent

Small Machinery for Small Farms, Small Holders and Gardens

Martin & Co.

Small Farm Contracts.

We understand that tenants do not want always want to take the first property offered, but want a home that suits their individual requirements, whether it is location, near preferred schools or close to major transport links.

With comprehensive knowledge of the local area we will offer you free impartial advice to find your next property to rent. We also offer flexible viewing times to suit you.

At Martin & Co not only do we have a great choice of properties and expert knowledge of the local market, but we also go the extra mile to ensure that the entire process is as hassle

free as possible. Remember not all lettings agents are the same!

Property to rent does move quickly so it is best to register with your local Martin & Co office a month or so before you need to move into your new rented home.

Live and rent in Diss Many towns claim to be ‘historic market towns’, but there has been a market in the centre of Diss, on the Norfolk / Suffolk border for well over 500 years. The town has a population approaching 7,000.

However, the town also serves a recognised rural catchment area of approximately 40,000 people.

We have a range of small tractors and machinery that will fit into small areas and small fields.

Some of this equipment we can hire for you to use and some we have to do for you. We charge most jobs on an hourly basis depending on the size of the job and the distance from us we may have to make a charge to get the equipment to you.

We can also give advice on projects, husbandry and marketing. If we don’t know something we will know a man who does.

Call William on 07879 666100 or Michael on 07761 827053 for a quote or a chat. It gets lonely going up and down on a tractor.

What we do.

• Land reclaimed and cultivated.

• Scrub and overgrowth removed.

• Vegetable gardens and flower beds created. Allotment Cultivation.

• Soft fruit, orchards and vineyards planned and planted.

• Woods surveyed, planting plans, tree planting, trees cut down, firewood processed.

• Small scale hay and bag silage made with small equipment.

• Grass removal for wild flower meadows.

• Hedge Cutting with reciprocating knife hedge cutter.

• Windbreak design, establishment and maintenance.

• Irrigation installation.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

FOnocus Roydon Your Local

Roydon Early Years (Formally Roydon Pre-School)... ...Is based at Roydon village hall and has been running for 38 years. Children enjoy child led, play based learning in the care of highly experienced and qualified staff. We run from 2

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rooms to enable a smooth start for younger children in a smaller, calmer environment before the transition to the main hall at the age of 3.

Children are treated as individuals and learning is personalised to their current interests in order to enhance their development to its highest potential.

For more details contact Tammy on 07946688601 or 01379650983 or email tammybat@gmail.com

LOCAL BUSINESS | pat lewis peugeot

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Pat LewisPeugeot A Real Family Business…

Drive from Diss into Palgrave and you can’t help but notice that the Pat Lewis Peugeot Dealership has had a facelift in line with Peugeot’s new corporate identity.

Left: Patrick Lewis

Above: The Garage in the early 70’s...

It’s not just the outside that’s been refurbished, the makeover includes a new showroom revamp of the floor, customer waiting area, new service and parts reception, offices and furniture and there’s more to come with

the fitment of an attractive portico surrounding the main entrance and new signage.

Pat Lewis has worked in the motor trade all his life and has operated from this location for over 21 years and has many loyal staff that

and now in 2012!

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LOCAL BUSINESS | pat lewis peugeot

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Pat LewisPeugeot A Real Family Business…

have been with him since the beginning. David Thomas - Master Technician, Janet Ramm - Accounts Manager and Company Secretary Adi Moyse. Parts & Service – David Laws, Sales Manager

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and Pat’s son Patrick – Dealer Principal.

It’s not the first time that Peugeot has awarded Pat Lewis it’s prestigious Gold Lion Accolade for the high level of service and

aftercare it provides for their customers who use the dealership on a regular basis in the knowledge they will receive first class service by qualified and factory trained technicians,

with all the latest technology, using manufacturers supplied and recommended parts.

They also service and repair other makes of vehicles.

As Peugeots Main Dealer for the Suffolk & Norfolk Borders you can see all the New Peugeot Models on site and a range of high quality pre-owned cars and vans, many of which are available to purchase on very attractive terms, some with 0% apr finance, and cater for both private individuals and local businesses alike.

Pat said, “Our main aim is to satisfy

LOCAL BUSINESS | pat lewis peugeot

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Pat LewisPeugeot A Real Family Business…

the motoring needs of our very loyal customers, many of which travel substantial distances just to come to us, most we know on first name terms and have become friends over the years. They are all special to us and their valued support is really appreciated.”

So why not head down to Pat Lewis Peugeot and take a look for yourself, you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome, or log onto

www.patlewispeugeot.co.uk, you can also telephone 01379 641100. The best Peugeot deals and service are on your doorstep.

Above: Dave Laws

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LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

PLS Independent Financial Advice About Us Formed in 2008 by Elizabeth little knowledge of what they Leslie-Smith and Simon Palmer, have actually bought or what it PLS Financial Services prides its is meant to achieve for them. At self in going that extra mile for its PLS we carry out regular reviews clients. Simon and Liz’s combined to keep our clients up to date with experience accrued over fifty years the progress of their portfolios. It of working in London, Hong Kong is very important for our clients and New York brings international to know what is happening with their investments.” intelligence to the local market.

When you do business with “Our ethos is to help our clients achieve their financial goals PLS Financial Services, you will by looking at their whole financial be joining a growing and healthy situation; discussing what they portfolio of clients both home and would like to achieve with their abroad all benefiting from global lives, finding out how they feel knowledge with a personal touch. about financial risk, and working on a tailor made financial plan.”

“Far too often we have met new clients who have been sold a product in the past, then left and never seen Elizabeth Leslie-Smith Simon Palmer again; often with

Promotional Printer Wide range of workwear printed to customer requirements Striptees UK is a promotional printer that started life in a garage in Stradbroke in 1999. Early on they printed mainly football strips and tee shirts – hence the name. These days they print a whole range of clothing from leisure and sports’ wear to signs and banners to vehicle livery.

The business has developed and grown and is now located in Gilray Road, Diss near the station.

It is a family business that really focuses on quality and customer service whether it is for a few T shirts for a stag or hen night or kits for a whole sport’s club. All the work is undertaken in-house and customers can be assured of receiving expert advice from the initial design to the finished product at a competitive price.

Striptees supply well known sports’ makes such as Stanno, Nike, Errea etc. and supply many

36

local clubs. They also undertake all types of promotional printing on a wide range of well-known brands of clothing including Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, American Apparel etc. A wide range of workwear is also available and printed or embroidered to customers own requirements.

The latest piece of machinery is a multi-head embroidery machine that will mean a faster turn round for customers’ orders.

Matt is more than happy to discuss any requirements so drop in for a chat during opening hours,( Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm) or phone or email to discuss your needs and ask for a quote.

Striptees UK 5 Gilray Road, Diss IP22 4EU Tel: 01379 652056 Email: matt@stripteesuk.com Or see our on line brochure at www.stripteesuk.com

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes and gardens

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

H omes & Gardens Your Local

Country Chic One of the big trends this year is ‘country living’ from prints inspired by farmyard animals to pictorial French toiles.

We are so excited by the number of British print designers that are at the forefront of this trend.

When possible we love to specify work by British designers within our schemes, it’s really lovely when you know the designer and the story behind the designs.

A favourite in the studio is a wallpaper called ‘Cluck a doodle farm’ it is the work of British

Designer Katie Bourne – and amazingly it is printed in Norfolk! Having grown up on a farm in Shropshire, Katie combined her childhood memories with her skills as a children’s book illustrator to create this fantastic wallpaper. Although the wallpaper was designed with children in mind, it looks equally at home in a country kitchen or could even be great fun in a downstairs loo!

The great thing about this type of print is you can dress it

up or down to suit the roomwith gingham checks and ticking stripe in the kitchen or teamed with polka dots and a wide stripe for a kid’s room. When dressing a window with checks, stripes or spots it has always been traditional to keep the size of the pattern in proportion with the size of the window but if you would like to add a little ‘Alice in wonderland’ fantasy mix patterns and furniture in different sizes such as oversized spot patterns with chunky poles and maybe a small chair covered in

a petite check !

For many years we have seen the ‘feature wall’ adorned in wallpaper but over the last couple of seasons it is starting to creep around the room 360 degrees. It is not always necessary to follow fashion, as a designer I always do what suits the room and the clients budget. Not all walls are ideal for wallpaper. In the studio we are restricted by beams and studwork but manage to squeeze in wallpaper where ever possible! Why not pop along and see for yourself…

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes and gardens

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Garden Classes at The Queens Head, Eye Discover the gardener in yourself Patricia Shepherd, plant woman and garden designer is bringing her skills to her home town of Eye with a 10-week course on garden design and plant knowledge, running every Wednesday 10.30 - 12.30 at The Queens Head.

Patricia’s long experience in garden design started at Chelsea Physic Garden (where she is still a guest lecturer). A committee member of the Suffolk Gardens Trust, she is also a garden historian and researches historic gardens in the

area. Until recently her well-attended classes were held in Wingfield Barns and Snape Maltings.

Patricia is now very pleased to be holding them in the newly refurbished Cross Street Bar in the pub.

“My passion is gardens”, says Patricia.

“I just love to help people bring out the best in the garden they have - no matter how large or small.”

Enquiries call 01379 870172 or email Patricia on pmshepherd@aol.com

Purpledoor Competition As we look forward to spring and summer we have some beautiful new stock arriving to compliment the season here at Purpledoor.

We’ve a lovely mix of old and new – fabulous La Rochelle ‘bee’ glassware, bone china mugs including iconic designs by Orla Kiely and Rob Ryan, vintage inspired clocks for wall and mantel, and a lovely range of pewter photo frames handmade in Cornwall. Our vintage furniture sells almost as soon as we display it – as do our screen printed linen lampshades….

Come and find us – we’re tucked away in Cobbs Yard in Diss, opposite Lily and Rose. We’re open from 10–4.30 – Monday to Saturday.

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We like to support local artists and craft folk and we’re giving you the chance to win a beautifully illustrated signed hard backed book ‘The Painted Garden’ – a year in words and watercolours – by local artist Mary Woodin.

Just answer the following question: Whereabouts in Diss is Purpledoor?

Send your entry with your name, address and daytime telephone number by April 25th to; Purpledoor Competition, Circuit Publications, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AF. Usual Circuit Publications rules apply.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes and gardens

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Do You Enjoy Gardening And Growing Things?

Would you like to meet with like-minded people?

Have you considered joining the Horticultural Society?

Sounds a posh name but we are a friendly bunch. We meet at URC Church on the second Tuesday of each month with two summer outing meetings. We hold 2 shows a year at Roydon Village Hall with classes ranging

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from vegetables to crafts & cooking. Subscriptions are £8 per year.

For more details phone Barbara Woods on 01379 642024 or come along to a meeting or show - you’ll be very welcome.

The next show is on April 7th, 11:30am-4:30pm.

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes and gardens

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Your Local Magazine • April 2012

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes and gardens

Introducing Three New Roses...

At Peter Beales Roses. delicately fragrant shrub Peter Beales Roses are rose is superb grown introducing ‘Queen’s against a small structure Jubilee Rose’, ‘Red Letter or in a perennial bed.

Day’ and ‘Capel Manor ‘Capel Manor House’, House’ at RHS Chelsea is named after the garden Flower Show in May. and horticultural college They are thrilled to be in Enfield. The rose has working in conjunction deep red semi-double with Walk England to flowers with occasional launch the ‘Queens Jubilee white stripes on younger Rose’. This superb rose petals. This shrub rose, is repeat flowering with The ‘Queen’s Jubilee Rose’ which grows to a height of fully double, goblet style, scented white blooms flushed with peach, 120cm, could be grown as a small climber and produced on a dark green bush shrub rose of is ideal for bold planting schemes.

The stunning rose gardens along with the 90cm in height.

‘Red Letter Day’ is repeat flowering with Sweet Briar Bistro and plant centre are located Attleborough quartered, double, red blooms which are borne at in clusters where the romance a m i d s t of roses is celebrated the h e a l t h y throughout g l o s s y year. This year’s f o l i a g e . Rose Festival is on Growing to celebrated 120cm in Saturday 23rd and height, this Sunday 24th June.

The ‘Red Letter Day Rose’ ‘Capel Manor House’

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Senior Section Your Local

Karen Finch Of Local Business, The Hearing Care Centre...

Talks about her business, about hearing loss & deprivation & about how hearing systems have evolved over the past decade.

How did The Hearing Care Centre evolve?

As a single mum with two young boys, I decided to set up The Hearing Care Centre, in 1998. Giving up my full-time job as an employed audiologist, I took a huge risk and rented premises in Ipswich.

I engaged two part time admin staff and began to provide local, holistic, ethical hearing care.

How big is the company now?

We now have 17 outreach centres across Norfolk and Suffolk (locally in Attleborough, Botesdale, Eye and Harleston), as well as our head office in Ipswich so we are definitely local, and it has been proven that the closer we bring our service to the hearing impaired the more popular we are. We employ 13 staff members, 5 of which are fully qualified hearing aid audiologists.

What type of services do you offer?

We provide a complete hearing care service: assessment, appropriate therapy including tinnitus management programmes, the provision of hearing aid systems and the necessary rehabilitation. We also screen employees for firms wishing to meet Health and Safety regulations and offer protection for sportsmen, musicians and others engaged in high noise level activities. We have also just introduced a brand new private clinical ear care service (ear wax removal). Really to sum it up ‘anything under the umbrella of hearing’!

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So how do I know if my hearing is deteriorating?

There are various signs that indicate you may be experiencing a hearing loss. Many patients who we see would report at least two of the following statements: • Other people seem to mumble.

• People often have to repeat things for you.

• You have difficulty understanding what is being said in noisy places.

• People think your television is too loud.

• You have trouble hearing on the telephone.

• It is hard to keep up with group conversation and you get tired because you have to concentrate so much.

How many people have hearing loss?

Research suggests that 1 in 6 people in the UK experience hearing loss, but only a small percentage of people actually seek help.

This figure is high for a number of reasons but because hearing loss is generally the result of advancing years, admitting you don’t hear as well as you used to is almost conceding you are getting old. It’s made worse because there’s still a belief that hearing aids don’t work very well, whistle all the time and are big and ugly – though nothing could be further from the truth. Modern hearing aids are much smaller than they used to be and in some cases almost invisible in use

and because of digital technology the quality has improved in leaps and bounds.

If you have a hearing loss what can be done?

The first thing is to make an appointment for a hearing test. The audiologist will check if you have hearing loss and will advise, if appropriate, on the sort of hearing aids you might use to give positive improvement. They will first have checked for any disease of the ear and if necessary refer you to a doctor or specialist. If all is well, in some cases, you can be fitted with hearing aids there and then, in other cases you will have an impression taken of your ear(s) so that the instrument(s) can be custom made to fit comfortably.

Your job must be very rewarding…

It is extremely rewarding! This is my thirteenth year in business here in East Anglia and I’ve lost count of the number of patients who describe to me how improving their hearing loss has changed their life immeasurably. I am one of the lucky ones who loves their job.

GET IN TOUCH The Hearing Care Centre Ltd. 5 High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3JZ. Freephone: 0800 096 2637 www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk Local centres available in this area: Attleborough, Botesdale, Eye and Harleston.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

The Way Forward for all Will Writers?

Without doubt “Will Wr i t i n g ” and all Will Wr i t e r s (solicitors included) should be robustly regulated. We all know regulation is coming, and only the rogues fear it’s arrival.

At Newleaf we don’t think Will Writers should wait for official regulation. As an example to the whole industry, and as a commitment to our clients, Newleaf are already introducing it’s own internal “compliance” and self-regulation. This sets us apart from all other Will Writers.

Some examples of what we are doing: 1. At the outset, every one of our advisers has to undergo a week long intensive course of technical training. This is followed up by additional training and retraining. 2. At Newleaf every Will is double checked by an experienced individual before

being offered as a draft to the client.

3. To help maintain standards and knowledge we are instigating a CPD (continuous professional development) programme wherein every Newleaf adviser will (eventually) have to log a minimum of 35 hours of “Will Writing” CPD each year. 4. Although all our advisers are self-employed, each one will be expected to take (as a minimum) the STEP exam which is a level 6 qualification.

Time is running out for all Will Writers, including solicitors. Soon it will not be enough just to say that you are professional, trustworthy and offering fair prices, you will have to prove it! Newleaf says the public deserve it now, not later!

Garry Streeter – your local Newleaf Adviser 01953 451930.

Garry Streeter is a business partner of New Leaf Will Writers Federation which is a trading style of New Leaf Distribution Ltd.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

Re-Creation A series of 8 quilts representing the ideas of creation at the beginning of John’s Gospel and the book of Genesis, recently exhibited in Norwich Cathedral, is coming to Diss.

The RE-CREATION exhibition will be in the United Reformed Church in Diss from 10.00 3.00 on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th from 12.00 - 3.00.

On Monday 30th April the exhibition moves to Diss Methodist Church until Saturday 5th May. It will be

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open each day between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.

There is no admission fee but donations are encouraged for the work of the mental health charity MIND. Refreshments will be available.

The quilts are the work of Jackie Smith a textile artist and teacher with over 25 years experience of

teaching students of all ages in schools, colleges and in workshops.

She is a member of ArtServe which supports and promotes Creative Arts in Worship.

For many years, and inspired by landscapes in various parts of the United Kingdom, Jackie has made quilts as part of her exploration and development of her personal journey of faith.

LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

What’s On... In April!

To add your event, please email editorial@yourlocalmagazine.net.

2-21st. Exhibition: Ancient Maps of Diss.

In 1637 John Duke, Lord of the Manor of Diss, commissioned a map of Diss detailing over 200 plots of land along with the names of each tenant.

This map was ‘lost’ for many years. Diss residents contributed to buying it for Norfolk in 2007 and it is now preserved in the Norfolk Record Office. It has inspired the production of a book reproducing much of the map and briefly describing what life was like in the year 1637. 11am-4pm daily. Free Entry Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk Mondays 2nd, 16th, 23rd, 30th.

PC Help Club. 1.30pm – 5pm. One-to-one computer help from keen volunteers in 1hr sessions. £3 per hour. Booking essential on 01379 676660. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 3rd. Bingo Evening. 6.30pm for 7pm.

An evening of Bingo. Just come along and join us. Bar open 6.30pm. Eyes down 7pm. Free. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 4th. Film: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (15).

The old guard at MI6 are discredited and Gary Oldman’s character Smiley is brought back to smoke out a traitor amongst the new regime – headed by Toby Jones. 8pm Tickets: £4 / under 18’s £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th.

Circuit Training. 7pm – 8pm. Fun keep fit for all abilities, fitness and ages 16+. £5 per session. Booking advised, call Aaron Mead 01379 677552. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Tel: 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 5th. Theatre: Baroque Theatre Company present ‘Great Expectations’. Bringing to life all the vivid characters of the original novel and conveying the story

Please keep entries to date, event, where, cost and contact details.

with great clarity, atmosphere and theatrical flair, this professional production of Dickens’ most popular novel will be exciting and haunting.

7.30pm.

Tickets £10 / Concessions £9. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 6th. Evening Inn. 6.30pm – 11.30pm. Fully licensed bar with live music, local ales and café specials. Free. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 6th.

Paul Sturman Promotions presents ‘Mick Flavin & Band’, (Irish Country). Apollo Rooms, Harleston. For ticket info. Call box office on 01502 715617.

Saturdays 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th.

PC Help Club. 9.30am - noon. One-toone computer help from keen volunteers in 1hr sessions. £3 per hour. Book essential on 01379 676660. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 7th. Harleston’s Indoor Flea Market.

Swan Hotel. 7th April and 1st Saturday monthly. 9.00-1.00pm. 16 stalls vintage, antique, collectibles, etc. Stalls £10.

Enquires: 01379 855486.

7th. Easter Messy Church. 10-12am Diss United Reformed Church, Mere Street, (opp.

Co-op). For all ages. The Easter Story, crafts, light lunch. Free entry. Gabrielle Pagan.

Tel 01379 650770.

7th. Country Gold, Pulham Market Memorial Hall presents Julie Dawn.

Doors 7pm. Music 8pm until 11.45pm. £6. No Bar - Please bring your own.

Tea and coffee available. For further information please contact Jesse on 07880 995199 or Allan on 07545 166760.

7th. Film: G u m s h o e (15). 8pm. £4 / Concs £3 Box Office 01379 652241. www. disscornhall.co.uk 7th. Apollo Social Club, Harleston presents ‘Strapt 4 Cash’ live duo to entertain all.

Free for all members, only £1 non members.

7.30pm - midnight. All Welcome.

8th. ‘Come Dancing’ Enjoyable night of dancing to all your favourite tunes played by our professional DJ. 7.00pm - 10.00pm, admission £5. Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

8th. The Silver Dollar CMC, The Park Hotel, Diss presents Arizona Flame. Doors 7pm.

Music 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Members £5.

Non-Members £6. For further information please contact John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918.

8th - 9th. Open Days At Shimpling St George. The Norman round-towered church of St George – across the fields at Shimpling – will again be hosting a number of Open Days throughout the year, when during the afternoon there will be someone on hand to share some of the stories the building, and people associated with it, have to tell. The first of these will be on Easter Day, Sunday 8th April, between 11am and 4pm. It will be also be open on Easter Monday 9th April – again between 11am and 4pm. Contact: Maurice W Philpot on 07817 108239 (maurice.philpot@gmail.com) or Sheila Cooper 01379 740990.

9th. Dumplin Country, Wreningham Village Hall presents their annual Easter Monday Country Music Charity Show in aid of the Star Throwers Charity. Entertainment provided by The Dave Drain Band and Tom Tonks. Doors 1pm. Music 2pm until 7pm.

Tickets £8 in advance/£10 on the door. Food available, tea, coffee and licensed bar. Raffle.

For further information please contact John and Teresa Stannard on 01603 433918.

9th–15th. Art Exhibition in St. Peter´s Church, Palgrave. Exhibition of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, needlework and wood-

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LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

What’s On... In April!

To add your event, please email editorial@yourlocalmagazine.net. turning etc by about 30 local artists, and artwork by the children at Palgrave school. Opening hours: 2pm to 4pm on Mon 9th April; 10am to 4pm on Tues 10th April to Sat 14th April; 12pm to 4pm on Sun 15th April.

11th. Film: Salt of life (12A)-subtitled. 8pm.

Tickets £4 / Under 18’s £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 12th. Attleborough Town Hall Crafter’s Children’s Easter Competition & Sand Art Attleborough Town Hall 10am till 2pm.

14th. Wreningham Village Hall there is a dance to the band Hi-Definition. Music 8.30pm until midnight. £6. Licensed bar, tea and coffee. For further information please contact Christine Minns on 01508 488123.

14th-28th. Exhibition: Diss Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. The Guild focuses on crafts relating to fibres, yarns and textiles and its aim is to promote and maintain interest in all textile-related crafts including the preparation of fibres, the creation of threads, the production of fabrics, dyeing and felting. Examples of the many diverse skills and techniques are represented in this exhibition.

Includes an evening view on Weds 18th April 6-7.45pm. 11am-4pm. Mon-Sat Free. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 14th & 15th. Airship Festival. 10am – 4pm.

Showcasing Pulham Air Station photographs, lots of memorabilia, films, etc. Cafe and bar open. Free entry. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 15th. Apollo Country Music Club presents ‘Cardy & Coke’.

7.30pm - 11.00pm, £5 members / £6 non members. Raffle, Bar & Hot Meals available.

Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

01379 854205.

15th. Celebration of Life (non-religious) 11.00am. The first of our annual services, open to all those who wish to celebrate the life of someone they have lost. Please book in advance. There is no charge for this service, however charity donations are welcome.

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Please keep entries to date, event, where, cost and contact details.

Colney Woodland Burial Park, Watton Rd, Norwich NR4 7TY. Tel: 01603 811556. www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk 18th. Film: We need to talk about Kevin (15).

Tilda Swinton is tremendous as the mother of Kevin, the psychopathic focus of Lionel S h r i v e r ’s Orange Prize-winning novel. Now alone, Eva visits him in prison and, through flashbacks, we see her trying to make sense of their life. 8pm. Tickets £4 / Under 18’s £2.

Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 20th. Pennoyer Friday Film Night: My Week with Marilyn (PG). 7.15pm for 8pm. £4 in advance, £4.50 on the door. Booking advised.

01379 676660. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 20th. “St. Mary’s” - Our Parish Church.

A brief look at its history by Basil Abbott and the work of the NADFAS Church recorders by Richard Gadsby, leader of the group. There will be a single item raffle, the proceeds of which will go to the “Window Fund”. Contact: 01379 641946.

21st. Farmers’ Market. 10am – 1pm.

Locally sourced produce, arts & crafts. Café open. Free. Pulham St. Mary, The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 21st. Royal British Legion Concert - Stradbroke High School.

This is to celebrate the 86th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11. 7pm. The admission price is just £5 for all ages, and includes a Birthday Toast. Music provided by, Ipswich Hospital Band playing well known tunes, and audience participation songs.

Standards from Suffolk Royal British Legion will also be present. The concert will conclude with a ‘Drum Head’ Service led by richard Stretch, suffolk RBL Padre. It is advisable to purchase tickets before the day.

These will be available at Horham

Post Office, and Stradbroke Post Office until 18th April ‘12. Tickets will also be available by post, with a SAE from Bernard Mills, 21, The Orchards, Laxfield, Suffolk, IP13 8EE. For any further comment, please contact Michael Burton Tel. 01379 651 013.

21st. Dave Philips & His Hot Rod Gang. £10.00 (From New Zealand) at The ‘Starfighter’ Rock & Roll Club, Wreningham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Wreningham, Norfolk.

Contact: Roland on 01603-812637 or Tonya 01508-494735.

21st. Music: The Waveney Choir – Spring into Song. 7pm. Tickets £7. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 21st. Bread Making Workshops. Sue Hudson is experienced in running bread making workshops at Otley College from 10am-3pm.

To book or for further information see website www.breadworkshops.co.uk or email info@breadworkshops.co.uk 22nd. Bread Making Workshops. Sue Hudson is experienced in running bread making workshops at The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary from 11am-3pm.

To book or for further information see website www.breadworkshops.co.uk or email info@breadworkshops.co.uk 22nd. ‘Come Dancing’ Enjoyable night of dancing to all your favourite tunes played by our professional DJ. 7.00pm - 10.00pm, admission £5. Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

22nd. The Silver Dollar CMC, The Park Hotel, Diss presents Steely Grey. Doors 7pm. Music 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Members £5. Non-Members £6. For further information please contact John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918.

22nd. Spring Plant Fair. 10.00 to 3.00pm, Free Entry. As usual we will have our happy band of Nurserymen selling spring plants, bulbs and shrubs. We will be having a Primula Festival with talks (small charge) and a Specialist Primrose Nursery from Cambridgeshire

LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

Your Local Magazine • April 2012

What’s On... In April!

To add your event, please email editorial@yourlocalmagazine.net. will be bringing unusual species. The Coffee Shop will be open all day. Nursery Opening Times: Mar to Oct, Thur to Sun & BH Mon, 10 to 5pm. Garden and Coffee Shop during Nursery hours. Blacksmiths Cottage Nursery, Langmere Rd, Langmere, Nr Dickleburgh, Norfolk, IP21 4QA. Tel: 01379 741136/740982. www.blackcottnursery.co.uk 23rd. Celebrating St George. St George’s Church, Shimpling, is to celebrate its Patronal Festival with a Service of Holy Communion on Monday 23rd April at 10:30am, followed by wine and nibbles. St George’s ceased to be a parish church 25 years ago, and this will be the first celebration of the Holy Communion to be held in the church for at least twenty six years. The celebrant will be the Rector, the Revd J H E Roskelly. Organiser, and former churchwarden at St Georges, Maurice Philpot, said it would be a Prayer Book service, and that he was looking forward to welcoming a large congregation for this very special occasion. For further information contact: Maurice W Philpot on 07817 108239 (maurice. philpot@gmail.com) or Sheila Cooper on 01379 740990.

24th. Workshop: Diss Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers workshop: Make a Button and Braid Bookmark with Anne Dixon. Age 16+. 11am-4pm. £40 (+£1 for materials). Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 25th. Workshops: Diss Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers workshop: Felting workshop with Gill Farlam. Age 16+.

1pm-4pm. £20 (+£3 for materials). Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 25th. Besthorpe W.I. Arthur Barrett will speak on “Railway Nostalgia” and 23rd May is our birthday meeting. Our outing on 22nd June is a tour of Peter Beales Roses followed by a “scrumptious cream tea”. In July we shall meet at Besthorpe Church but usually we meet in the Francis Room at 7.30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month and visitors are always welcome.

Dorothy Woolliscroft.

Please keep entries to date, event, where, cost and contact details.

25th. Film: The Damned United. Was Brian Clough bent on destroying Leeds Utd – or himself? Either way, this tremendous comic drama has disastrous consequences, football-wise. 8pm . Tickets £4 / Under 18s £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 26th. Music: The Oli Brown Band. Support – The Jamie Roe Trio.

After winning Best Band and Best Album at the prestigious British Blues Awards 2011, and appearing with the legendary John Mayall as his special guest, 22-yearold British guitar sensation, Oli Brown now embarks on his biggest headline tour of the UK to date to coincide with the release of his new album. 7.30pm. Tickets Tiered £15 / Level £14. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 27th.

Theatre: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Theatre Company present ‘David Copperfield’.

An evening of pure theatre, Charles Dickens’ favourite tale is brought to the stage with a flourish by the award-winning Mad Dogs & Englishmen Theatre Company.

7.30pm.Tickets £10 / Concs £9. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 27th. Pudding Tasting Evening, Palgrave Community Centre. A chance to enjoy tasting a wide range of yummy home-made puddings! A capella music by Rough at the Edges and an informal “foodie” quiz to mull over during the evening. Raffle, Bar. A joint event by St. Peter´s Church and Palgrave Community Council. Tickets ₤7 each from Kathryn Westerveld (Tel 644007) or Helen Thorburn (Tel 651749).

27th. Quiz with Fish & Chip Supper. 7pm for 7.30pm. Bring a team of up to 6 for a fun evening of questions. Booking essential. £7.50 with food, £4 with no food. Pulham

St. MaryThe Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Contact: Bev Blackburn on 01379 676660 or visit www.pennoyers.org.uk 28th. Saturday club-Film: Matilda (PG).

A bright, bookish girl, Matilda has to contend with the usual set of Dahl monsters – mean parents (DeVito and Rhea Perlman) and a headmistress from hell, the aptly named Miss Trunchbull, ferociously played by Pam Ferris. Matilda finds a friend in her teacher, Miss Honey, and eventually triumphs over her adversaries, conquering Miss Trunchbull in a particularly satisfying way. All ends happily and we leave with a warm glow. 2pm. Tickets £4 / Under 18s £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 28th. Mischief (From Holland). £10.00 at The ‘Starfighter’ Rock & Roll Club, Wreningham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Wreningham, Norfolk.

Contact: Roland on 01603-812637 or Tonya 01508-494735.

28th.

Charity Dance with ‘Kevin Barry’. Raffle, Bar & Hot meals available.

Apollo Rooms, Harleston, 7.30pm - midnight. For Tickets call Tony on 07925 184750.

28th. Bread Making Workshops. Sue Hudson is experienced in running bread making workshops at Neaves of Debenham from 1pm-5pm. To book or for further information see website www.breadworkshops.co.uk or email info@breadworkshops.co.uk 28th. Shelfanger Village Hall - Dance to Ronnie-Del-Rio. 8.15pm-12 midnight.

Easy listening, live dance music.

60’s, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Country.

Admission £5.00, members £4.50. Bar, Raffle and Food.

29th. Apollo Country Music Club presents ‘Sapphire’. 7.30pm - 11.00pm, £5 members / £6 non members. Raffle, Bar & Hot Meals available. Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

01379 854205.

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