Brandon SUFFOLK
TOWN MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 - ISSUE 2
• More properties wanted for waiting tenants • Tenant finding service or full management • All tenancies managed locally, not from a central office many miles away • Rents paid promptly to landlords (usually within 2 working days) • All maintenance problems reported immediately and landlords’ instructions carried out • Member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) • Reasonable fees, no hidden extras • No VAT on fees
Tel: 01842 815777
Email: rentals@jwhichelow.co.uk
Northumberland House, 30 Bury Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0BU
THE BRANDON BRIDAL SHOW SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2013
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Welcome to Brandon Well, here we are again with issue two of the Brandon Town Magazine. We’d like to thank you all for your feedback regarding our first issue last month and we’ll keep on improving our magazine based on the comments of our readers. If you’re part of a local group or organisation we would be more than happy to include your news and reports on a regular basis. If you have anything that you would like to see in the next magazine please email magazine@brandonsuffolk.com. Regards The Brandon Town Magazine Team
To advertise your business please email magazine@brandonsuffolk.com
Deadline for November issue 16th October Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this publication, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by it’s contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.
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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, No subject in Brandon seems to invoke such controversy as the proposed Relief Road. Its supporters would have us believe that at a stroke the traffic problems in Brandon will be removed. There is no doubt that the lethal combination of the A11 roadworks and the failures of the level crossing have created serious traffic problems at times. But I do not believe the so called Relief Road will bring any relief in the end. In any case it is still several years away even if it was to be built. It comes with a massive cost: 2,000 extra houses across our green fields. 2,000 houses equals 2 to 4 thousand extra cars. So all those people who live in the new houses are only going to use their cars to drive round the Relief Road? Not so. They will use their cars like the rest of the population. So we will see a big increase in local traffic. A number of us have asked detailed questions about the plans. Little things like what about new facilities for the 2,000 houses like a Doctors Surgery or, heaven forbid, some jobs for the residents. But all we get are evasive answers. Wait and see is not good enough. The biggest claim made by the supporters of the road is that somehow it will take away all the traffic that comes through Brandon on its way to the Norfolk coast. But why does this traffic need to come along the slow A1065 and through Brandon once the new A11 is open? Once the A11 upgrade is complete that traffic can then go up a dual carriageway and then onto the A134. Slightly further, but much quicker. Yes, the A134 is not a brilliant road either, but improving that road would be much cheaper than the Relief Road. The other thing lost on the Relief Road gang is this: London Road is currently the way into Brandon from the south. Once the A11 upgrade is complete it will be about the same distance to Brandon from Fiveways coming up the A11 and then on the Bury Road as it is now on A1065 London Road. The difference is that the A11 will be a 70mph road and then the Bury Road is 60mph. The County Council concluded years ago that it would be 10 minutes quicker coming that way. That was in the days when there was only one set of traffic lights between Fiveways and the edge of Brandon. Now there are 3 sets of lights, so the time saving would be even more. This means that we should be looking at improvements to the Bury Road when the A11 is complete. That completion is only 12 months away now. So we should wait and see what the traffic patterns are then. In the meantime some of us will continue to battle with Network Rail to try make them solve the problems of the level crossing now. A road sometime in the future is no help now. Cllr Ian Horner Brandon Town Councillor
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Conservatories, Windows and Doors
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also at Thetford Garden Centre
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Brandon Town Council Report Town Crier Brandon now has its very own Town Crier. Four very worthy candidates competed for the title and after each Crier had performed, the winner was announced as Mike Wabe. He has already been booked for our Christmas Event on Sunday 8th December 2013. Allotments There are a few allotments still available for rent. Normally the cost is £30 per annum but as the growing season is almost at an end, the decision has been made to offer these at no cost until the end of March 2014. The Allotment Association will be clearing any overgrown plots as and when they are let. Half plots are also available. Contact the office on 01842 811844 for details. Play area at the Brandon Remembrance Playing Fields Brandon Town Council has now taken over responsibility for the much used play area at the Brandon Remembrance Fields. With grant support, it is anticipated we will be in a good position to replace some of the outdated play equipment, refurbish existing apparatus and level the rather uneven ground area.
1st Brandon Scout Group 1st Brandon Scout Group was privileged to receive The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Sir Edward Greenwell to their HQ. Sir Edward had wished to see our recent refurbishments, especially our newly installed security fence & new door. He was very impressed with all the changes that had been made to our building. Sir Edward was very interested in the running of the group & how many Beavers, Cubs & Scouts we have & the numbers of Leaders who give up their time to ensure that the group runs to a high standard. I explained to him the reasoning behind such high security due to the attempted break ins & vandalism to the building & surrounding area. We can now hold functions outside without having to clear debris & broken glass. During the period of refurbishing the building we have always tried to use local craftsmen & with this I would like to thank Chase Fencing, Style Windows, Trevor Cronin, Carl Cox, Travis Perkins & The Handyman, all giving excellent service & workmanship. Now our fence is up we will all be busy while the evening light is with us to plant shrubs, make a wood store & compost bin & put up bird boxes for next year. Our hedgehog house is already in situ awaiting a new tenant. I would like to recognise the hard work that has been put in by my “TEAM”. Over the past few years they have all worked very hard to accomplish all of the above. I don’t need to name you as you know who you are.
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Mondragone ristorante e pizzeria
Authentic Italian Restaurant Lunchtime Special - Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm till 2.30pm - Any pizza or pasta £5
Brandon School of Dance Classes in ballet, tap, modern, freestyle, street & contemporary Principal: Kerry Shoop Please call Kerry on 07864 025041 or visit our website for more information: www.brandonschoolofdance.com
Children’s Offer - All day - Pasta or pizza, a drink and scoop of Italian ice cream for £4 Opening hours: Tuesday - 6:00pm - 10:30pm Wednesday to Sunday - 12:00pm - 10:30pm
14 Market Hill, Brandon, IP27 0AA Tel: 01842 814944
Brandon & Santon Downham
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BrandonSuffolk.com
Brandon School of Dance Brandon School of Dance was established in 2008 by Kerry Shoop after seeing the local community lacked a facility that enabled both children and adults to have fun, enjoy some exercise and be creative and expressive. From small beginnings we now have 165 students who all take part in the various dance classes which include ballet, tap, modern, street and contemporary. This year, in September, to celebrate our 5th anniversary, we held a birthday disco.
© Total Photography
Kerry is a qualified IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) dance teacher and offers the IDTA exam to all our students. This year has seen the best exam results since the school started with a majority of the students achieving top marks. Our pupils range in age from 3 years old to adult and our classes are held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The times of the classes can be found on our website at www. brandonschoolofdance.com. Recently the school took part in a ‘Dance-a-thonʼ where Kerry and fellow teacher, Miss Lyndsay, taught the students different dance subjects from 9.00am to 3.00pm. We raised a total of £800 which goes towards the school’s yearly Choreography Competition to be held this year on October 5th. Our next major event is on Saturday 18th January 2014 at the Apex theatre in Bury St Edmunds where we will be performing in the matinee at 2.00pm. Kerry can be contacted on 01842 813446 or 07864 025041, or you can just pop along to any class at The Church Institute, London Road, Brandon IP27 0HY. We can also be found on Facebook.
© Total Photography
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11/09/2013 13:53
Fiveways Roundabout Closures
Weekend 1 - northbound closure of A11, 10pm on Friday 4 October to 6am on Monday 7 October. No access to/from or within the area coloured green. Weekend 2 - northbound closure of A11, 10pm on Friday 11 October to 6am on Monday 14 October. No access to/from or within the area coloured blue.
© Highways Agency
During October there will be three weekends where traffic using Fiveways roundabout will be significantly disrupted. During this time the roundabout will be closed in three sections as shown on the drawing to the right.
Weekend 3 - southbound closure of A11, 8pm on Friday 18 October to 5am on Monday 21 October. No access to/from or within the area coloured yellow. A fourth weekend of 25-27 October 2013 will be used as a contingency, if required. Additional information can be found at www.highways.gov.uk/a11fiveways-to-thetford.
The Brandon Centre Located next to Market Hill inside the old school building, The Brandon Centre is the new home for Brandon Library, Safer Neighbourhood Team, Forest Heath District Council and Brandon Pre-School Playgroup. Inside the newly refurbished building you will also find new public toilet facilities and a children’s centre. The one million pound project has increased the number of available parking spaces and given the staff their own dedicated parking. A new entrance has been created in the centre of the building which allows easy access from the newly landscaped car park. The Safer Neighbourhood Team’s opening hours will remain unchanged and will be open between 12 noon and 2pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Brandon Library will now be offering free WiFi to it’s customers, more details and opening times for your new library can be found at www. suffolklibraries.co.uk. See our next edition of the Brandon Town Magazine for a full insight into the new Brandon Centre and be sure to head over to BrandonSuffolk.com for more information and photos from The Brandon Centre’s grand opening on Saturday 28th September.
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Mark Skinner Funeral Service REGIONAL AWARD WINNERS Are You Prepared? This year Mark Skinner Funeral Service received the award of ‘Funeral Planner of the Year’ from Golden Charter, the UK’s leading funeral plan provider. Most people don’t want to think about arranging their own funeral, and that is natural, but imagine the relief to grieving family members when they know that they have done their absolute best for a loved one by following the wishes recorded in either a pre-paid or pre-arranged plan. Mark Skinner (Centre), with (Left to Right), Lauren Skinner, Lianne Collins, Hazel Grass and Sam Skinner
There are savings to be made by taking out a pre-paid plan, however, with a pre-arranged plan no money at all is needed until after the funeral, when the money either comes out of the estate or from executors/family members.
MARK SKINNER FUNERAL SERVICE London Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EW
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BRANDON WITH YOU BrandonSuffolk.com
Puzzle Page Sudoku
Code Word
Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
Each letter A-Z is represented by a number 1-26. Can you crack the code and solve the crossword? Every letter of the alphabet us used at least once.
Number Pyramid Fill every box in the tower with a number. The value in a square is the sum of the numbers directly beneath it.
Word Wheel
Find as many words as you can. Words must be at least 3 letters and must use the central letter. No letter can be used more than once. There is a 9 letter word to be found.
Solutions can be found on page 27
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Glade Primary School It’s been a very busy start to term at Glade with many new pupils and few new staff. We have welcomed 40 new Wrens pupils into Reception and they have already settled into school. We have also welcomed two new teachers, Mrs Marshall and Miss Guggiari. We are about to enter a very exciting time at Glade with building work planned to start within the next couple of months. We are expanding the school by 50%, adding new classrooms, work areas and a drama studio. It’s planned that the extension will open in September 2014. We are very keen to hear from anyone in the local community who would like to be a Governor at Glade. You don’t need to have any special skills or know anything about education as full training is provided. Governors are part of the leadership of the school and work with the Headteacher in making Glade an even better school. Governors meet six times per year in the evening as well as spending a little time in school talking with pupils and staff. We would really like to hear from anyone who thinks they can join our group. If that doesn’t persuade you, we even have cake at meetings! Please contact us if you would like to know more. If you would like to find out more about Glade, visit our website at www.gladeprimaryschool. co.uk or look us up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gladeprimaryschool You can even follow us on Twitter @glade_school or just phone us on 01842 811580.
Forest Academy Whilst Literacy and Maths remain a high priority, Forest Academy continues to promote a broad curriculum, ensuring all children reach their full academic and social potential. In the wake of the London Olympics, Forest Academy has gone to great efforts to raise the profile of sport in school and ensure that the Olympic legacy continues to inspire the next generation of athletes. During the summer term Forest Academy entered a number of tournaments. We began by testing our abilities at a Newmarket and Mildenhall athletics tournament, in which Forest Academy placed second! We had a great day and every child had the chance to shine, each taking home a silver medal. This secured us a place at the county final; a fantastic opportunity to meet Olympic medallists Chris Gregory and Anthony Clarke. They even let the children feel the weight of an Olympic medal! Another shining moment for the children came when they competed in a rounders tournament held at IES Breckland. This was another first for Forest but the children gave it their all and managed to secure 1st place, bringing back a trophy which now sits proudly in the school foyer. This year we are very much looking forward to working with IES Breckland again, offering further opportunities to develop the skills of our talented sports men and women. We are hoping this specialist support will stand us in good stead as we continue to compete competitively at county level. Watch this space!
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Weeting VC Primary School At Weeting VC Primary School we are all delighted to be back at school - yes even the children! Our vision for the school is that: We agree to work together as a community. We will create a safe and stimulating environment, having consistently high expectations and challenging ourselves and one another to achieve our full potential. We will succeed by: Living our school values; Taking responsibility for achieving the best we can; Having pride, passion and fun! We were very fortunate to start the new academic year with a generous donation of eight mini iPads from the Brandon & District Rotary club. These will enable children in each class to work with the latest technology across the curriculum and to share their work instantly with their class mates by displaying it on our interactive white boards. Technology is always evolving, so to have the benefit of such a generous donation is warmly and gratefully received. At Weeting primary we want to create both a happy environment for our children and an engaging/exciting learning environment, where pupils feel safe and challenged to do their very best. Both sport and music are a strong basis for extracurricular activities, which are well supported throughout the year. This autumn term we started a Breakfast Club to enable children to come to school prior to the start of the school day to socialise and to assist hard working and busy parents. We have also introduced a pastoral care programme, which involves a regular call to parents just to update them on their children’s progress and conduct at school.
IES Breckland As anyone who lives near the school knows, we have had a busy start to IES Breckland’s second year! As well as the final rush to complete the new building and refurbishments we have welcomed back Years 8, 9 and 10 and our new Year 7s – all looking smart and ready to work. With 4 year groups, we have also welcomed a number of new staff to ensure that we are able to deliver a full and challenging curriculum. New teachers reflect the international aspirations of the school with new staff coming from Ireland, Spain, Poland and Canada, as well as the UK. In the coming weeks we look forward to moving into the new building allowing teachers and pupils to make full use of the school. This will definitely improve teaching and learning with pupils having access to a brand new library and suite of Apple Mac computers. In addition, our sporting fixture list commences next week and we have high aspirations for further success in a range of sports. Our Year 10s have begun their GCSE courses and we are excited to see them mature and succeed as they work through their courses this year and next. Hard work will guarantee success! The IES Breckland Open Day is on Wednesday 23rd October, 5-8pm. We look forward to welcoming prospective and current pupils to come and take a look at our school and talk to staff and pupils. The Principal’s Welcome Talk will be at 5pm and 7pm in the Hall. Finally, we extend our thanks to our neighbours who have been patient and supportive while the building and refurbishment work has continued.
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Picture framing
Oils, water colours, pastels, prints, photos old and new, medals, football shirts, cross stitch, tapestry, canvas stretching etc. All aspects of picture framing undertaken in our workshop, 100s of frames to choose from, liven up that old picture with a new mount and frame.
Carvings from Bali
We have a great selection of carvings! We have giraffes, zebras, perpetual calendars, Buddhas, ducks, didgeridoos, rain sticks, animal masks, sitting chickens, standing chickens, bamboo wind chimes, little clowns, sea horses, standing cats, sitting cats and much more! Always a great selection with new stock all the time.
the craft cabin 16 London Road, Brandon - Tel: 01842 814178
Open 9.30am till 5pm weekdays and some Saturdays
FLOWER COURSES FROM BEGINNERS TO ASPIRING FLORISTS
Why not have an afternoon or night out in our flower school, everything is provided for you so all you need to bring is yourself and you will get to take your beautiful design home with you. Christmas Table Arrangement • 10th Oct, 2pm - 4pm and 24th Oct, 6pm - 8pm Advent Wreath • 7th Nov, 2pm - 4pm and 21st Nov, 6pm - 8pm Christmas Garland • 5th Dec, 2pm - 4pm and 12th Dec, 6pm - 8pm Modern Arrangement • 9th Jan, 2pm - 4pm and 23rd Jan 6pm - 8pm Vase Arrangement • 6th Feb, 2pm - 4pm and 20th Feb 6pm - 8pm Basket Arrangement • 6th Mar, 2pm – 4pm and 20th Mar, 6pm – 8pm
Only £35.00 each course! Remember you get to take your arrangement home!
Bunches & Bows 57 High Street • Brandon • Suffolk • IP27 0AU www.bunchesandbows.org.uk
To find out more or to book please call 01842 819600
Chronicles of Brandon at War Autumn 1913... The season began well enough. We enjoyed several good Harvest Festivals before news gripped the town about the tragic death of Mr William Steggles. You see everyone knew him. He worked for the Great Eastern Railway, then ran the Five Bells after his dad handed it down to him and then he went on to set up his own business doing what he did best, carting stuff for the G.E.R. He was well enough and there seemed no apparent reason for him to drown himself, but his body was found submerged by the bridge and the town’s inquest heard that he liked a drink, so perhaps one too many had contributed to his demise? Anyway, the town came out in force for his funeral, local shops closed and houses along London Road, where the cortege travelled, closed their blinds as a mark of respect. We looked after our own back then. The hint of war was already in the air. Twenty-three of our magnificent Red Cross nurses held an inspection in the gardens of Colonel Hamilton. His home is now the Brandon House Hotel. A Major from the Royal Army Medical Corps praised them for their work and smart appearance and even suggested that Brandon would be strategically vital in the event of an invasion and casualties would be brought to the town for treatment! 6pm, Saturday 18th October. The King passed through the town this evening on his way home to Sandringham from a shoot near Newmarket - a guest of the German born banker, Sir Ernest Cassel. In this last autumn before war there was no shame attached to having German links, and so, when in late October, Mr Goldsmith, the Stowmarket MP, visited Brandon to talk about Home Rule in Ireland and the new National Insurance Act, the townspeople applauded him and shouted “hear, hear” with approval when he spoke. They didn’t know that Mr Goldsmith was actually born in Germany and, although Colonel Hamilton introduced him to the town as Mr Francis Goldsmith, his actual name was Franck Adolphe Goldsmith. Poor Franck’s political career was dead in the water when his German roots were revealed in the war; a victim of antiGerman hysteria. He was not a bad MP and he did go and fight in Gallipoli with the Suffolks, but even Brandon was not immune to this hysteria and when war came it was the town’s gossip mongers who got one resident hauled off by the police in the High Street for having a German sounding name! We didn’t know it in the autumn of 1913 but those we thought of “as our own”, would next year be viewed with suspicion. Darren Norton Brandon at War www.brandonatwar.co.uk
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P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0PW 01842 814800 • www.p-rgardensupplies.co.uk
October Gardening As the nights draw in and daylight hours shorten it can sadly seem as though the days of gardening are coming to and end, especially once the clocks go back and frosts re-appear. However October days are often glorious. Acers, Virginian Creepers and many other deciduous trees and shrubs provide exceptional leaf colour. When the leaves start falling from the trees, clearing them up can seem like a pointless task, however by using them to create leaf mould you can manufacture the very best soil improver. Leave any fallen leaves that are under hedges and out of the way areas as these provide an ideal home for hedgehogs and other wildlife. As temperatures drop at night, but before frosts hit, move tender plants inside. Many people move houseplants outside during the summer and these will need acclimatising to indoor conditions before moving them back inside. Clear out greenhouses Splitting Perennials and cold frames and give them a good clean before moving tender garden plants inside. Move all half-hardy cuttings under cover too, including fuchsias and pelargoniums. Although they are tender, leave Dahlias & Cannas outside until the first frosts. Once a frost has hit the leaves of these tubers they will blacken and die back, at this point cut the foliage back hard and either lift the tubers and store in trays of dry compost in a frost free area or leave the tuber in the ground and cover with a thick layer of mulch. Mulch simply refers to a covering, this can be soil, compost, bark or stones, although for tubers and bulbs soil or compost works better as new growth can push through easily whereas stones can damage the fresh growth. Herbaceous perennials will naturally start to die down, leaving behind dead foliage. October is a perfect month for lifting & dividing congested perennials such as Geraniums, Persicaria and Achillea. Simply cut back all of the foliage, dig around the clump and lift the clump out of the ground. Using a fork carefully tease sections of the plants apart. Discard the wood centre of the plant and re-plant all of the sections or if you’ve not prepared a new planting site simply pot them on into soil based compost for planting out next spring. Creating new plants for free is very satisfying; cuttings and divisions are the best way to ensure your new plants are true to type. Don’t be tempted to cut down all perennials, some benefit from the added protection of the dead foliage, seed heads provide food for birds, and lastly stems and seed heads look stunning covered in frost. Dhalia Tubers
In the vegetable garden, its time to remove any leaves covering swelling pumpkins, as this will allow light to ripen the pumpkin in time for Halloween. Pot up some herbs such as mint and parsley and leave on a warm kitchen windowsill for use during the winter. Sow seeds of hardy peas and broad beans for earlier crops next year. If mice steal your pea seeds, try planting them in a basket hanging from your greenhouse roof. As the days start cooling down, raise the height of mower blades as the grass growth slows. Aerating and scarifying the lawn will remove thatch, moss, and prevent water logging. Apply a top dressing of top soil, and use a slow release autumn fertiliser to prepare your garden for winter. Rachel Sobiechowski BSc(Hons), P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove, Brandon - 01842 814800
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Pantry Patter - Benefits of Blackberries It is difficult to determine when the first blackberries were discovered and eaten. It is documented that the Anglo-Saxons put brambles into pies but even earlier than that, Galen, a roman physician, prescribed a decoction (boiling the roots or stems) of blackberries to be taken internally to aid diarrhoea and to be applied externally to treat haemorrhoids. He also concocted a blackberry infusion which probably involved steeping the blackberry leaves in boiling water. Cultivated blackberries started to appear in Europe as recently as the early 19th century. However the bulk of today’s blackberry production is carried out in Mexico using the ‘Tupy’ or ‘Tupi’ cultivar introduced in the 1990’s. Ripe blackberries start to appear in our hedgerows from late August. How many times have you been out blackberry picking and come home with purple tongues and fewer blackberries for the crumble than you hoped for? By eating them in their natural state you are enjoying the full benefit of a fruit that contains one of the highest levels of antioxidants of all fruits. Our immune system uses vitamin C to combat illnesses and one cup of blackberries provides 1/2 your daily recommended intake of vitamin C and over 30% of the daily recommended intake of fibre. Made into a syrup, blackberries will ease cold and flu symptoms. Just cover fresh blackberries with malt vinegar and let stand for 3 days. After which, mash the concoction and strain through a muslin. Add a pound of sugar for each pint of juice and bring to the boil. Boil for 5 minutes and allow to cool then seal in a sterilised jar or bottle. When needed add a teaspoon of the syrup to a cup of water. Blackberries contain phytoestrogens that have been shown to relieve some of the symptoms of P.M.S. and hot flushes in menopausal women. Another vitamin that is important to our bodies is vitamin K. This vitamin can be found in blackberries and is used by our bodies to aid blood clotting and for the absorption of calcium. There is a lot of folklore attached to the blackberry. It was thought that if blackberries were gathered after October 10th which is Old Michaelmas Day the berries are spoilt. On October 10th Archangel Michael is said to have defeated Lucifer, the devil and kicked him out of heaven. Lucifer landed on a blackberry bush and in annoyance spat on the bush thus spoiling the berries for all from October 10th onwards. In truth, by this time of year we have usually already experienced a night time frost or two which will render the fruits both tasteless and watery. Blackberries are best picked at the end of a warm sunny day. East Angliaʼs claim to ‘blackberry’ fame is that the John Innes Centre in Norwich developed the first prickle free semi-erect blackberry! Finally if you really want to get to grips with all there is to know about ‘brambles’ you can become a batologist as the scientific term for the study of brambles is called Batology.
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Pantry Patter - Spicy Blackberry & Apple Chutney Here is a recipe for a chutney that is extremely versatile. It can be used in a traditional chutney way to accompany cheese and cold meats. It is especially nice at Christmas with turkey, duck or goose. Bottled into miniature kilner jars this would make a lovely Christmas gift. I use it a lot when making my own gravy. Just a big dollop when you deglaze the pan however my favourite way to use this chutney is in a jacket potato with good quality goats cheese. Not the type that resembles a cross between cottage cheese and cream cheese but the one with a rind on it. Simple, savoury, sweet, spicy, sublime. Ingredients: 1kg fresh picked blackberries - debugged, stalks removed and washed 1kg apples - (any variety but a tart one is best, I use my windfall Coxʼs) rough chopped, don’t peel 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons brown mustard seeds 2/3 chillies finely chopped 3 red onions peeled and finely chopped 30g fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 500ml cider vinegar - use the best you can afford 500g caster sugar - unrefined is best Method: Gently simmer the apples and blackberries in a large pan until the apples are soft. Sieve this mixture using a course sieve to remove the apple skins. Set aside the pulp. In another pan heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and gently fry until you hear them start to pop. Add the chillies, onions, garlic and ginger. Sweat (the ingredients not you!) until everything is soft and translucent. Add the vinegar and sugar and gently heat until the sugar had dissolved. Add the fruit pulp and the mace and bring back to a gentle simmer. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Pour whilst still warm into sterilised jars and bottles of your choice. If you can, leave this a couple of weeks before eating.
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Brandon Car Centre
01842 819999 www.brandoncarcentre.co.uk Brandon Car Centre 72/74 High Street Brandon Suffolk IP27 0AU T 01842 819999 E sales@brandoncarcentre.co.uk W brandoncarcentre.co.uk
Brandon Car Centre is an independant garage offering used car sales, service and MOT testing for cars. We service and repair all makes and models at competitive prices and guarantee all our work and parts for 12 months. Our technicians are all qualified and we have the latest diagnostic equipment which is continually updated. Call us today on 01842 819999 for a quote or to book your car in for a MOT or service. To view our current car sales stock list please visit our website at www.brandoncarcentre.co.uk
BRANDON TEST CENTRE 01842 811130 / 01842 812210
15 Barnes Close, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0NY www.brandontestcentre.co.uk • MOT / SVA TEST for Car, Taxi, Motorcycle, Camper Van, Commercial Van (up to 3000kg) and Mini Bus - FREE RETEST • Light Conversions • Any CAR REPAIRS • Car Services • VAT FREE programme for our U.S. Personnel • Air Conditioning Servicing • Diagnostic Test & Repair • Changing bulb up to rebuilding engine
READ YOUR TOWN MAGAZINE ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER
Loyalty Discount - £11.85 OFF Car MOT RRP
BrandonSuffolk.com
Ten Questions - Councillor Linda Challiss My name is Linda Challiss and I am married with three sons. I have lived in Brandon for twenty one years and work as a caretaker at Glade primary school where I have been for three years. Prior to this I worked at Breckland Middle School. I am also a founding director of IES Breckland school which has just finished its first year. Q1. If anyone in the community would like to become a Town Councillor what advice would you give them? Be approachable, committed and be prepared to take criticism and also listen very carefully . Q2. What new methods of communication with the community do you think Brandon Town Council should be using? Facebook is very popular these days and an up to date web page. Q3. We all have gadgets in our lives, which gadget could you not live without? My blackberry I can’t function without it; it’s my diary, phone, way of texting, emailing. It is an essential part of my job as a caretaker and councillor. Q4. Which historical figure do you admire and why? Boudicea. She is known as the first true woman hero, she was local born in Norfolk and fought for what she believed. She was the only person that ever defeated the Romans. Q5. Brandon has become a Town of different nationalities, language and cultures, how would you look to bring the community together for the benefit of the town and its residents? I think we need to have more events interacting with our different nationalities. Q6. The last book you read? The Time Travellers Wife. I love to read at every chance I can and I have a least sixty books on my iPad at any one time. Q7. Which other committees or organisations in Brandon are you a member of? Brandon Playing Fields Committee, Brandon Events Committee, Brandon Emergency Committee, Glade Primary School PTA , Sabres Educational Trust, IES Breckland Governor. Q8. If you could improve 3 things in Brandon what would they be? The railway crossing, doctors and street lighting. Q9. If you had to choose a single memory to keep what would that be? It’s a close call but it would have to be the day our Sabres team opened our school after fighting to keep it open for five years and becoming the first school in the country to do what we have done. The sense of achievement that we have given Brandon children a school to be proud of is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. Q10. Why do you enjoy being a Town Councillor? I love being involved in the community and I like to feel that I am giving something back to our residents, being involved in decisions that improve Brandon and trying to help others who sometimes just don’t know who to speak to. Sometimes a friendly ear can put peoples mind at rest. People voted for me and I will go that extra mile for them. I’m proud to call myself a town councillor.
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The Harvest Centre - Landlubbers Fun & Games For the seventh year running The Harvest Centre hosted fun and games for the children of Brandon at Purple Park on Warren Close. The four day event took place on the 28th - 31st of August culminating in a free BBQ at the Harvest Centre on the Saturday afternoon. This year the theme of the fun and games was ‘Landlubbers’, a pirate themed pack from ‘Scripture Union’ which tells the bible story of Paul from the book of Philippians. Neil and Rachel Campbell were the Chair Persons for this years Fun and Games event but this could not have taken place without the volunteers from the Harvest Centre, St. John’s Ambulance and Flagship UK. They were a tremendous help at making this year’s Fun and Games a success. The glorious weather every day added to the enjoyment. A total of 115 children attended the four day event, plus many parents. Each day consisted of pirate themed arts and crafts, face painting and games. At the end of each day ‘Captain Book’ led everyone in singing, a memory verse treasure hunt (Philippians 3:8) and a story from the book of Philippians. For the second year running activities were on offer for children under five in our messy play tent, led this year by the Harvest Children Centre Preschool Manager, Sue Barton. The children and parents were very enthusiastic singers and really enjoyed themselves, receiving prizes and booty for being the Craftiest, Sportiest and Messiest Pirate. At the BBQ finale, held at the Harvest Centre, Fengate Drove, beef burgers and sausages (donated by local businessman, Marcin Gott) were served alongside activities such as a bouncy castle, face painting, arts & crafts and games. A good time was had by all and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. For more information of other events and community services and to view more photos visit www.theharvestcentre.com or call 01842 814007.
Rotary Club Update Members of Brandon & District Rotary Club, families and friends recently took part in a 20 mile sponsored bike ride from Weeting through Hockwold, Feltwell and Methwold Hythe to Mundford. Rain threatened but stayed away until we had finished and a substantial sum of money was raised in support of the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (Breckland). We meet every Thursday evening at Santon Downham Community Centre where it has its own meeting room. On 17th October, we are holding an Open Evening when anyone interested in possibly joining the club can find out more about the Rotary movement and what it entails. Guests will be invited to join us for an evening meal but booking at least a week beforehand is essential. Contact Trevor on 01842 811995 for more details.
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EAST ANGLIAN AIR AMBULANCE Did you know? Our life saving service is operational 365 days a year Our highly trained, specialist medical teams bring doctor-led emergency care to the incident site, bringing the emergency room to the patient We are the first in the UK to fly night time HEMS missions
We’ve attended over 13,000 life-saving missions The majority of incidents we attend are serious road traffic collisions, people suffering cardiac arrests and horse riding, motorbike and cycling incidents You can set up a lottery syndicate for work colleagues or friends – look on our website for lottery information We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available – look on our website for latest offers – we need you today!
Follow us on Twitter at @EastAngliAirAmb ‘Like’ our Facebook page – East Anglian Air Ambulance
Useful Telephone Numbers Councils Brandon Town Council (Town Clerk)
01842 811844
Forest Heath District Council (Main Switchboard)
01638 719000
Suffolk County Council (Public Enquiries)
0845 606 6067
Health Services Doctor - Brandon Medical Practice (High Street)
01842 810388
Doctor - Forest Group Practice (Bury Road)
01842 810206
Dentist - Apex Dental Care (Bury Road)
01842 812276
Dentist - The Dental Surgery (High Street)
01842 812381
Hospital - West Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds)
01284 713000
NHS 111 - Medical Help (Less urgent than 999)
111
Help & Advice Citizens Advice Bureau (Brandon Office)
01842 811511
Social Care Services (Customer First)
0808 800 4005
Suffolk Constabulary (Non Emergency)
101
Utility Companies Electricity - UK Power Networks (Fault Line)
08007 838 838
Gas - National Grid Gas (Emergency Number)
0800 111 999
Water - Anglian Water (24 Hour Leakline)
0800 771 881
Puzzle Page Solutions Sudoku
Pyramid
Code Word
Word Wheel 9 letter word: boardroom
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BRANDON
B A S E D O N A S U R V E Y C O L L E C T E D O N 2 0 - 2 2 M AY 2 0 1 3
CHILTERNS ESTATE AGENTS
D L O S SIGNS
MORE
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T* AGEN R E H T ANY O THAN
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CHILTERNS ESTATE AGENTS 36.1%
soldsignaudit
36.1% Agent 2 - 27.8% Agent 3 - 22.2% Agent 4 - 8.3%
forsale S I G N A N A LY S I S SUPPLIERS OF INDEPENDENT MARKET SHARE REPORTS THROUGHOUT ENGLAND AND WALES
Agent 5 - 2.8% Agent 6 - 2.8%
*CHILTERNS ESTATE AGENTS WAS THE ESTATE AGENT WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF SOLD SIGNS DISPLAYED BETWEEN THE DATES SHOWN.
0845 308 2004 forsalesignanalysis.co.uk
independenceassured For Sale Sign Analysis confirms that this advert is a fair and accurate representation of the information found between the dates shown. The quantity of For Sale and Sold signs does not necessarily equate to the number of completions.