Wymondham & Dereham - December 2015

Issue 98 December 2015

GREAT PLACES GREAT PEOPLE GREAT ARTS GREAT LIVING

Wymondham & Dereham

Award Winning Landscaping and Design

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

T: 01953 852139 E: info@lifestylelandscaping.co.uk W: www.lifestylelandscaping.co.uk

Celebrate

Christmas meals Christmas parties Boxing Day carvery

SGP0148

Book now

02 | December 2015

01362 857100

South Green Park, Mattishall, Dereham, NR20 3JY www.southgreenpark.co.uk/christmas email: enquiries@southgreenpark.co.uk www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Issue 98 Your community magazine

Dispatch Magazine would like to thank all those who have contributed to this issue.

Editor Jonathan Horswell Jonathan@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Editorial Editorial@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

DispatchMag @Dispatch_Mag Tel 01953 456789 Web www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk Address Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE.

Š Dispatch Magazine Disclaimer: No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate, but the Publisher can not assume any 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. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

2015 December | 03

WYMONDHAM Priory Insurance A look at Motor Insurance Whether you are a convicted driver, young driver, or have limited no claims bonus, we can find the policy cover specific to your requirements.

We have negotiated special rates with our panel of Insurers for those careful drivers and special introductory discounts for those without any no claim bonus.

We are always able to offer instalment facilities.

We deal with many leading UK Insurers and Lloyds Underwriters to provide the best possible quotation and cover for our clients, regardless of the risk.

Being totally independent means that we are not tied to a single provider and this allows us access to a range of insurance policies from our panel of carefully selected Insurers.

Why not let us compare the market for you and deal on a personal level with your requirements.

Priory Insurance Brokers are a locally owned, independent, professional organisation who have been based in South Norfolk for over 40 years.

We would be pleased to provide quotations or advice for you and look forward to receiving your enquiry.

For more information, please feel free to call in to our Wymondham Office.

The Denture Clinic Professional denture service based in Norwich Martin as a Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is a registered dental care professional, trained and qualified to provide a range of denture services direct to the patient, previously only available through your dentist, although some treatment plans will require a referral from your dentist, partically if you have your own natural teeth remaining.

Martin qualified with the Royal College of Surgeons (Eng) and has been working with dentures since 1986. Martin is highly experienced in providing cosmetic dentures to his patients, giving advice in a friendly, caring and professional manner. Martin’s advanced knowledge helps him to solve the most challenging of dentures problems.

During your first appointment to the Denture Clinic, Martin will undertake a detailed clinical evaluation, enabling the diagnosis

04 | December 2015

to be reached, in order to create a detailed treatment plan, which is then tailored exactly to your needs. By taking the first steps at the Denture Clinic, Martin is able to offer you the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to carefully design every denture to your individual requirements.

For ease and comfort appointments can also be made with a dental practitioner.

We follow four principles: * Rebuilding your morale with personal dentures * Patient centered dentistry * Patient controlled dentistry * Highest quality standards in both clinical and manufacturing procedures For more information or to speak to someone from the clinic, visit the website: www.denturecliinicnorwich.co.uk or call 01603 624071

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

WYMONDHAM Kerry Butcher Accountancy Services There is lots going on in the world of tax and finance at the moment It’s Christmas! Now don’t worry – I am not about to burst into a very out of tune rendition of Slade or even an emotional “Do they know it’s Christmas?” The fact does remain however, that it is December and that does mean that Christmas is looming.

Now we have all been moaning for months that the shops get started on Christmas earlier and earlier each year, some had their wrapping paper and Christmas cards out on display in August when we were all still thinking about our summer holidays, but now it really is the season of goodwill but also the season of hardly any money left after I bought all the Christmas presents and organised a few meals out.

Every year lots of our clients here at KBA ask us the question “what can I claim for entertaining”. The answer to that question is always the same, very little indeed. The fact is HMRC are wise to the old adage of taking the family out for a meal at the local pub and putting it down as entertaining clients. Sadly this just won’t work any longer.

Rules on entertaining and staff entertaining are very strict – you can pay for your staff to have a Christmas meal at the business expense, but you can’t pay for all and sundry to join in. Make sure that you don’t get caught out this year – because if you pay for lots of gifts and outings from your business account, the chances are that your accountant will simply mark these as private and you won’t get any tax relief on them in your accounts.

Even if they are included within your accounts on the profit and loss page, look carefully because there is a very good chance that these have been added back as disallowed on the tax computation that accompanies your tax return. If you are unsure what is allowable and what isn’t, www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

why not come and talk to us. We want to help you get the most from your business and we don’t want you to end up having to pay back a large directors loan if you are a limited company, or have a large amount showing as drawings if you are a sole trader.

Hopefully Christmas will also mean that you can take some much needed time off to be with your family and friends over the festive period. If you run your own business, make sure you don’t get caught out with the payroll though, the real time submissions still need to be submitted and the fines are now fully in place, so make sure that everything is up to date before you leave for your festive jolly. Here at KBA we will be closed for a short time over the festive break, but fear not, we will make sure that all the payrolls are completely up to date before we leave and the Christmas Elf (that will be me then) will be in over the Christmas period to file any real time submissions that are due and can’t be submitted early.

meaning no nasty lump sum to find by 31 January. If you submit your tax return after 31 Dec, it is too late; the amount has to be paid as a lump sum.

Another good reason to bring in your information early and get your tax return submitted.

Finding a lump sum of the tax man in January is never a pleasant thought, especially when you have just splashed out on Christmas, had a break from work (possibly unpaid if you are self employed) and you couldn’t turn down a bargain in the January sales.

Finally, it seems that more and more people are deciding to “go it alone” and breaking from their job with an employer and instead going out there and setting up on their own. This is always an exciting time but there is also so much to think about and plan. One of the main decisions initially is what entity you decide on. Should you be a limited company, a partnership or start

as a sole trader?

As with most things there are advantages and disadvantages to all options and it is really important to decide what is best for you and your business.

If you are considering starting out in business, why not come and have a chat with us first. Our free initial consultation can last up to an hour and we can run through all the pros and cons, how to pay yourself, payroll, VAT, tax, allowable expenses and anything else that you think of. Why not give us a call or an email – start the New Year as you mean to go on – doing something that you love.

However you spend your Christmas and New Year we all at KBA wish you a very happy time.

We would like to thank all of our existing clients for their loyalty and support and wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2016.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Of course when we all return from our Christmas and new Year break, then the fun really starts for us here at KBA – because we are then into the “final countdown” – more song lyrics that I promise not to sing.

In case anyone has been asleep over the past few months – 31 January 2016 is the final deadline for the submission of your self assessment tax return.

But, be careful – if you owe tax in the year to 5 April 2015, the amount is less than £3k in total and you pay tax via PAYE using a tax code – up until 31 December 2015 you can ask for any tax to be added to your tax code for the following tax year. This means that an underpayment restriction is added to your tax code, you pay slightly more tax each week or month when you are paid 2015 December | 05

WYMONDHAM East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Show you care this Christmas Christmas is a time for giving, for helping others, for spending quality time with loved ones and for having fun, so it’s the perfect time to show you care this Christmas and support your local children’s hospice charity – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

There’s plenty to see and do this Christmas across Norfolk to support EACH – here’s some ideas: • Norwich Santa Run Hundreds of Santas will descend on Eaton Park on Sunday 6th December for the first ever EACH Norwich Santa Run to raise funds for the nook appeal. The event will see participants running 2km dressed in full Santa garb to raise valuable funds. Adult entry is £10 and includes a Santa suit, while child entry (13 years and under) is £6 and includes a Santa hat. You can enter here: www.each.org. uk/santarun • New EACH Norwich shop opening Join us at 10am on Friday 11th December for the grand opening of our new Norwich shop at 321b Aylsham Road. Come and enjoy refreshments and hunt for bargains in our new flagship shop stocked full of high quality items

including clothing, bric-a-brac, books, toys, jewellery, DVDs/ CDs, household linens, retro and vintage clothes and electrical items. We’re also looking for volunteers to help run the shop and always need high quality donated items to sell. For more information, please contact the shop on (01603) 301475.

• Family Christmas carol services across Norfolk where everyone is welcome.

North Norfolk Service Gresham’s Chapel, Holt, 7pm, Tuesday 15th December South Norfolk Service - Diss Methodist Church, Diss, 7pm, Wednesday 16th December Norwich Service - St Andrews Church, Eaton, 7pm, Thursday 17th December There will be a retiring collection in aid of EACH at these services.

• Santa Skydive in conjunction with EACH and The Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund.

Is a skydive on your bucket list?

Are you brave enough to jump out of a plane at over a thousand feet to support EACH? Why not enjoy the thrill of a tandem skydive dressed as Santa or what a great Christmas present for your loved one!

The skydive takes place at

Beccles Airfield, Ellough and is organised by UK Parachuting who also provide the Santa Suits.

You can take part on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December. To book your place call (01502) 476131, email jump@ukparachuting.co.uk or visit: http://ukparachuting.co.uk/ • We’re now selling EACH gift cards online: www.each.org.uk/ support-us/online-store and in all EACH shops: www.each.org.uk/ shops and can be bought as a charitable gesture from yourself or as a present for someone this Christmas. They’re available in the following denominations: £5 – which could pay art supplies for a session of art therapy. £10 – which could pay for a nursing care kit. £20 – which could pay for a support group for siblings. £35 – which could pay for an hour of care.

Volunteering We’re looking for volunteers right across Norfolk to help us continue our vital fundraising work. It’s a great way to make new friends, learn new skills or hone existing ones while helping to raise awareness and funds.

Roles include, but not limited to, attending cheque presentations, talks and events on our behalf, helping with bucket collections and administration. Full training will be given. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation and make a profound difference to

the work we do – we simply couldn’t achieve what we do without them.

Carol Plunkett, EACH Norfolk Fundraising Manager, said: “Here at EACH we’re really excited about the festive period and all the fantastic events, fundraising and volunteering opportunities we have taking place across Norfolk.

“There really is something for everyone and we’re looking forward to seeing as many people as possible to help us celebrate Christmas and raise valuable funds to ensure we can continue to deliver vital care and support to life-threatened children, young people and their families across Norfolk.

“We’re always looking for support, so please get in touch, and show you care this Christmas – thank you.”

There are many more events across Norfolk and details can be found at: www.each.org.uk/ events and for more information contact the EACH Norfolk Fundraising office: East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), Suite 5, The Old Dairy, Elm Farm Business Park, Norwich Common, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0SW. Tel: 01953 666767 email: norfolk@each.org.uk web: www.each.org.uk/thenook Twitter: @EACH_Norfolk Facebook: /thenookappeal

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

2015 December | 07

WYMONDHAM Sound Sleep Beds How can you ensure a good night’s sleep?

Like proper nutrition, a balanced diet and exercise, sleep plays a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy and happy. We need a good night’s sleep to ensure we are feeling fit, thinking sharply and to generally give us the appetite and enthusiasm to make the most of everyday living.

more vulnerable to infections and metabolic and hormone changes which have the same effect on your body as ageing.

What most people don’t realise is that poor sleep and fatigue are the biggest issues that affect millions of people worldwide.

According to the University of British Columbia, the average person that requires eight hours sleep per night, just losing one hour of sleep can lower your IQ by one point the following day.

Reduce this to a whole week of six hour nights could lose you 15 points. Sleep is important for the body and mind!

When sleep deprivation mounts up, people start feeling tired during the day time which affects our ability to make decisions and helps us make mistakes, have shorter tempers and can make us have slower reflexes. With many of us driving on the roads, this can have devastating effects.

This time of year can be the most stressful time of year, Christmas is fast approaching, the mornings and dark and the nights even darker! With December being party season also, the late nights, copious amounts of alcohol and over indulging on food is likely to cause sleep disruption.

The number one key to a good night’s sleep is ROUTINE. Keeping regular hours and going to bed and getting up at the same time every day will help program the body to sleep better.

It is very important to keep that routine all year and even more so during the festive season. If you feel that you are not getting the rest you need, follow these tips and see how much better you feel.

Research from all over the world, confirms that a comfortable, uninterrupted seven or eight hours sleep each night can help reduce stress, boost your mood, your physical and mental performance, cure a wide range of aches and pains as well as slowing down the aging process.

Create a restful environment.

Keep you bedroom at a comfortable temperature and as quiet and dark as possible.

Turn off that iPhone, vibrations and flashes through the night will disturb your you and in your subconscious you will think about that message you’ve just received.

A lack of sleep suppresses your immune system making you

Exercise. We all hate it, but regular exercise will help relieve

08 | December 2015

the day’s stresses and strains.

Consider taking a walk or going swimming.

Cut out stimulants. Tea, coffee and sugary drinks in the evening will interfere with you falling asleep. Try a nice herbal tea or a milky drink instead. Smoking also can take you longer to get to sleep, smokers tend to wake more often through the night.

Don’t over indulge. Too much food or alcohol before bed could disrupt your sleep.

Alcohol does help you pass out, but will no doubt interrupt your sleep during the night.

Relax. Turn off the television before bed and have some relaxation time. Read a book, have a warm bath or listen to some music. This could help relax you before bed.

Remembering to turn off that phone!

Don’t worry. Easily said, but laying in bed worrying about jobs you need to do tomorrow will keep you awake, tossing and turning. Have you considered writing a list before bed, all your jobs are on paper and you can cross them off one by one giving you satisfaction.

Don’t sleep on an argument.

Conflicts are not conducive to putting you in the right frame of mind for sleep.

Comfortable Bed. One of the most important factors in a good night’s sleep is your bed.

In Sleep Council research, 79% of people saw a direct link between the way they sleep

and how they feel the next day.

Astonishingly, only 11% thought that there might be any link between their bed and sleep. It is recommended that your bed should be change at least every seven years, this will ensure you maintain comfort and support every single night. If your bed feels uncomfortable before seven years, look to change it!

Did you know that your bed may have deteriorated by as much as 70% from it’s as new state after seven years?

Research also showed that beds as little as six years old could offer significantly less support and comfort than a new one, thanks to wear and tear, not just from body weight and movement but from sweat and debris too.

A comfortable and supportive bed is important to assist in achieving those eight, uninterrupted hours.

At Sound Sleep, we are fully trained mattress specialists who are able to give you advice on which mattresses are suitable to your needs.

We have over 100 beds on display in store and with all the latest mattress technology available we are best placed locally to help aid a good night’s sleep and hopefully make your dreams come true. www.soundsleepbeds.co.uk www.sleepcouncil.com

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

4’6 Ortho Deluxe Divan with 2 Drawers

4’6 Ultra Memory Divan with 2 Drawers

4’6 Miracoil Pillowtop Divan with 4 Drawers

Huge Choice of wooden, metal & faux leather beds

OUR PRICE £299

OUR PRICE £349

OUR PRICE £649

IN STOCK

Introducing the brand new Slumberland Sleep Solutions Collection.

These brand new beds feature a unique spring system with mini pocket springs and the new Slumberland Affinity Foam. Unlike latex mattresses, Affinity Foam allows air to circulate - creating an ambient temperature and the most comfortable nights sleep imaginable.

Available in store to try today.

Pre-Christmas delivery may not be guaranteed on all products

Sound Sleep Bed Warehouse

Come and visit our huge showroom at Aloe Farm - Mile Road - Winfarthing - IP22 2EZ Between Diss & Attleborough on the main B1077 - Look for our bright yellow sign!

For mattress advise please call 01953 861177 Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Sunday 10:00 - 1:00 We are closed 20th December - 26th December - we re-open December 27th 10:00 - 4:00

FREE DELIVERY LOCAL DELIVERY - OLD BED DISPOSAL SERVICE Norfolk’s biggest bed warehouse with over 100 beds on display

All your unwanted textiles

can be used again, no matter what condition they are in.

National research shows that around half the clothes and textiles we throw away end up in landfill, about 350,000 tonnes every year in the UK. It’s such a waste - much, much more could be recycled.

Many people think that worn out items are only fit for the bin. In fact holey jumpers, busted bras, odd socks, broken belts, thin sheets, worn out towels, cushion covers, curtains, shoes and boots can all be recycled. These items should never be put in your rubbish bin and go to landfill. It’s bad for our environment, costs us all money and simply isn’t sustainable.

Worn out textiles can be recycled into materials like sofa padding or insulation for buildings. Just think, turned into insulation, your old underwear could continue keeping you warm for decades to come.

So please don’t throw them away! Bag them up and take them to your local recycling centre or community textiles bank. Many local charity shops will take even your worn out, unwearable textiles because Norfolk County Council pays community organisations recycling credits for the textiles they collect – no matter what condition the items are in.

To find your nearest textile recycling point and for more information on how to recycle your textiles go to www.norfolk.gov.uk/textiles

GENERAL

Steve Magnall Pete Goodrum meets Steve Magnall, CEO of St Peter’s Brewery for this month’s FINE PEOPLE - and brings you the chance to win some beer!

I

’ve been talking with Steve Magnall, Chief Executive of St Peter’s Brewery, for about an hour. And I’m slightly dizzy. No. It’s not his beer.

No alcohol has been consumed during this meeting. It’s the sheer amount of information coming across the table. The data.

The statistics. The forecasts. I doubt there’s a more passionate, more informed and more totally involved CEO working within a hundred miles of here.

‘Here’ is Steve Magnall’s office in the St Peter’s Brewery

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

building just outside Bungay. It’s a big, bright, room with fresh fruit in a bowl on the heavy duty oak meeting table. When he’d welcomed me in I’d commented on the really rather good pictures on the wall. ‘They were here when I arrived, so I can take no credit’, he says, adding, ‘As a matter of fact my tastes are a bit more Banksy’. It’s a subject we’ll return to.

For the moment we return to Steve’s origins. He was born in Tottington, near Bury in Lancashire. After Bacup and

Rawtenstall Grammar School (‘ a bit Dickensian but a good school’) he went to Leeds where he graduated in a food sciences degree, with Business Studies.

From there he went on to Reading University where he obtained a Masters in business.

At my suggestion he agrees that the building blocks for his career were already in place by then.

His first employer was Boots. ‘I didn’t really enjoy that ‘ he says.

‘I was young, it was a job that meant I worked Saturdays, it wasn’t easy’.

However, as a graduate entrant he was put in charge of buying records. And something he did set an early precedent for his subsequent track record.

‘The records that Boots sold were pretty much all in the ‘Easy Listening’ category,’ he explains.

‘I bought in - wait for it - it shows how the time has flown - ‘Now That’s What I Call Music 4. Sales went up’.

But Steve went out. He moved to Hillsdown Holdings a FTSE 100 conglomerate amongst whose brands was Buxted

Chickens. In one of those small world coincidences he was sent to train at Flixton, not far from where we’re sitting today.

The training was pretty visceral.

‘I was cutting up chickens’.

But Steve flew. Promoted to his first supervisory role in Wiltshire he moved around the empire, climbing the ladder until he reached General Manager.

‘And from there on I’ve never applied for another job. I’ve always been head hunted into the next role’. There’s no immodesty about this. It’s a fact. Steve Magnall likes facts.

The first time his head was hunted it was to join Northern Foods. It was to be his first real taste of being responsible for the bottom line. It was a challenge he rose to. He took the business from a £28,000 per week loss into profit.

It would be the catalyst to

FEATURE BY:

Pete Goodrum WRITER, BROADCASTER @PETEGOODRUM

2015 December | 11

forging his reputation as a ‘turn round specialist’ as he calls it. A man who sorts out businesses.

As we rush through his cv even he has to check, via his LinkedIn profile, to make sure we have the dates right.

The next key item on that cv is his spell with The Grampian Country Foods Group. It was a role made for him. They acquired businesses and turned them around. Who better to do that?

The job took him to Edinburgh, and whilst he was with them they grew from a £200m company to a £1 billion company.

His time there he says was pivotal and it fixed in his mind three core elements of strategy he employs to this day. Get the cost base right. Get the right people.

Get the marketing right.

By 2000 he was with John Rannoch Foods. ‘It was my first full directorial post’. Interestingly, he was head hunted for it - again - having been recommended by Marks and Spencer. They were a customer of Rannnoch and they knew him from when he’d looked after them at Grampian.

‘It was nice to be recommended but this was the time when M and S were on a roller coaster and they were a demanding client’.

The John Rannoch job was based in Stowmarket, so, now in his late thirties, he’d arrived in Suffolk.

By 2002 John Rannoch had been sold. A role was effectively created for him at G’s Marketing.

Going in as Operations Director he was now in charge of a huge

12 | December 2015

portfolio. His role covered salads for M and S and Tesco. There was an entire beetroot factory to run. He took charge of their growing Organics line. In fact, if it was processed in any way, Steve was responsible for it. Plus, any bagged products for Spain came under his watch. And he was running the HR side of the business. ‘That’, he says. ‘was demanding. We had an enormous temporary workforce, often working at picking salad crops, and I was dealing with staff who spoke somewhere around 14 languages’.

And now beer arrives in his career. Greene King, who he’d said no to when they first approached him, appointed him as their Operations Director. He spent ten years there, rising to Deputy Managing Director.

He was on holiday, in Centre Parcs in Thetford when he got a call from Thwaites. The brewery wanted him as their Managing Director, and he took

the job. It meant moving to Lytham St Annes, but it moved him upwards. Now he had full responsibility for a £65m turnover business. As a mark of his prowess as the ‘turn round specialist’ it’s worth noting that, when he joined, the company was losing somewhere around a half a million pounds a year. Their Wainwright ale brand was not even showing in the 200 best selling brands chart. The business was making £1.4m a year profit and Wainwright was at number 13 when he left.

He left because the business was sold. ‘I came out of it ok. Not wealthy, but ok. I thought about starting something on my own.

I joined (he mentions a certain well known national spectacles retailer) but it was brief’.

‘How brief?’

‘A day’.

Moving swiftly on then! He got a call from John Murphy the founder of St Peter’s Brewery.

Murphy had almost legendary status as a brand guru, and his track record includes the creation of Plymouth Gin. Now, determined to create an ‘iconic beer brand’ he’d founded St Peter’s Brewery in 1996. By 2015 he had a £4m turnover business. By May 2015 he had Steve Magnall.

‘St Peter’s is a brilliant brand.

And what I saw was an opportunity to realise its full potential’.

And so we’re here. And we’re off. This is where the dizziness come in. In a master class of marketing and business management Steve takes me through where the company was, where it’s going, and how it’s going to

get there. He holds nothing back.

He actually gives me a hard copy of the company’s strategy document. ‘People often to say to me why are you sharing this so openly? My answer is that I’ve nothing to hide. This is what we’re doing.

It’s not a secret’.

The point to ponder here is that a lesser person would keep the goals secret, in case they don’t achieve them. That’s not the person Steve Magnall is. He will achieve them. And these goals are about making St Peter’s ‘The International Brand of English Beer’.

He’s on track. In fact he’s just back from the USA where he’s done deals to sell beer - and he’s able, without a moment’s hesitation, to give me market figures, typical bottle sizes in the USA, a proof of the new design of label for America and statistics of how many distributors there are in each state.

He gives me precise costings on the company using their unique glass bottle, and how he’s preserving that packaging at the same time as making savings on it. We cover the positioning of St Peter’s as a ‘specialist Brewery’ because he wants to differentiate it from the current buzz word of ‘craft’ breweries.

He’s on his feet to show me the new cartons for delivering beer to supermarkets and retailers, and can tell me exactly what savings that’s making. In a heartbeat he’s across the room to pick up and show me the new pump clips for the beers, explaining that the brand is now the hero because the beer is generic.

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

“Nobody can own India Pale Ale - but we can make them ask for St Peter’s’.

Sat down again he’s explaining how he’s changed the way they buy malt - to make savings. How the export trade now includes Mexico, Sweden and Italy. What the margin is on retail sales and how it differs - he has the precise figures - between chains.

There’s the pubs the company are running , and a projection for their future. There’s a complete rundown on St Peter’s success in gluten free beer, which covers not just the overall strategy but the exact details of which shelves its best sold on in supermarkets.

See what I mean about the dizziness?

But here’s the thing. Well two things actually. Firstly most people would have needed notes, a Powerpoint presentation and about half a day to explain everything he’s run through, straight out of his head, in the last hour.

Secondly, you’ll have noticed that much of his amazingly frankly disclosed, strategy is about growth - new products, new markets. But you’ll have noticed too the frequent references to savings. It would be almost logical to expect that the man who is famous as the ‘turn round specialist would now proudly tell me that he is driving those savings straight in to the bottom line. It would impress the owners.

He has a stake in the business himself - so it would help him.

But no. ‘Those savings are being reinvested - in people’.

Remember the mantra he’d established for himself at Grampian? ‘Get the cost base right.

Get the right people. Get the marketing right’. That will be all three boxes ticked then.

Drawing breath I ask him about his personal life. ‘I’m buying a house in Saxmundham after living out of suitcases for a while’, he says. ‘It’s been a period of lodging with parents, friends and in hotels’.

Does he have outside interests? ‘I love golf, but I’m not playing too much at the moment’.

He’s been active in charity work and has served as Chair of FOCUS 12 , a drug and alcohol charity. He was fundraising direc-

tor of Butterfly Ball, raising money for the Princes Trust. He’s done the Three Peaks and The London Marathon - for charity.

‘I also ran with the Olympic Torch. In Ipswich’. I swear to you that the moment of telling me that is the only time I see this demonstrably successful man look pleased with himself!

We talk of his children. Ben, who is 21 and reading Economics at Sheffield. Abi is 19 and doing Chemistry at Bristol. Will is 16 and immersed in A Levels.

Fabian is just 7.

(OK - he does also look proud when he talks of them!)

I return to his earlier comments about the pictures and he tells me more of his liking for the work of Banksy. He likes art. He owns a Dali! And - he owns works by Dom Pattinson. He shows me

pictures of them and explains that Pattinson worked with, and studied with, the mysterious phenomenon that is Banksy.

At this point you need to indulge me. It occurs to me that I am speaking with someone who knows someone - who knows who Banksy is!

I say that out loud and he laughs.

Steve Magnall is intensely focussed. Casually dressed and extremely amiable, there is though an intensity about him.

He has what can only be called a total grasp. From international strategy to the price of a pump clip he has the facts, the vision, and crucially, the plan of how to get there.

‘I love business. I love developing people. I love getting a business into a positive position’.

They are his closing remarks when I ask him what of the future. What next?

It’s been an informative, enthralling couple of hours for me.

If modern, forward thinking management has a face, it probably looks like Steve Magnall.

And one more thing! Steve Magnall has kindly donated some St Peter’s beer for you FINE CITY readers to win. We talked about how you can do that, and here’s what Steve wants you to do. Just answer this question. What will St Peter’s Brewery be celebrating next year?

Good luck - and cheers Steve!

St Peter’s Brewery Competition!

Here’s your chance to win a case of St Peter’s Winter Ale. All you have to do is answer the following question...

What will St Peter’s Brewery be celebrating next year?

You can send us your answer in 1 of 3 ways: You can send it via post by filling in the form below with your answer, name and contact details and send it to Dispatch Magazine, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE You can email your answer to sales@dispatchmagazine.co.uk, with the subject title “Competition”.

Or you can tweet your answer to @Dispatch_Mag with the hashtag #StPetersBrewery All entries must be received by Friday 18th December 2015 and winners will be notified by email, phone or twitter on the same day* *Winners will need to collect their cases from the Dispatch Offices Terms and Conditions apply. Go to www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk for full T’s & C’s.

St Peter’s Brewery Competition!

Answer:

Your Name

Your Telephone Number:

Your Email:

14 | December 2015

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

GENERAL Amie, who is Norfolk-born-andbred, was a frequent visitor to the theatre while growing up and jumped at the chance when she was approached to take on the role of Snow White.

A former pupil of Sprowston High School and a former student at the city-based Heather Millan School of Dance, it is the first major lead role for Amie who recently gained her BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre.

She has already appeared in a number of productions including Kiss Me Kate, West Side Story, and a production of Cabaret directed by Graeme Henderson who played one of the Ugly Sisters in the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Cinderella in 2013-14.

Meanwhile Bruce is taking on the role of Igor the Henchman in the show, which runs from December 15 to January 17.

His CV features some of the best-known productions in musical theatre and saw him star in a host of hit West End shows including Me and My Girl, Follies, Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Sunset Boulevard.

One of his performing specialities is the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. His first professional experience was with the D’oyly Carte and he also appeared in a number of productions for the world-famous Carl Rosa Company including The Gondoliers, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado.

Snow White Dream Comes True For Norfolk’s Amie As Two More Panto Cast Confirmed When Amie Howes sat in the auditorium at Norwich Theatre Royal watching shows, she always had the ambition of taking to the stage for herself.

Now her fairy-tale dream is set to become a reality this Christmas

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

as she takes on the title role in Snow White.

She will join the also-just announced West End and touring theatre actor Bruce Graham as the latest additions to the cast for this year’s pantomime.

And it is their music which brought him together with panto writer, director and star Richard Gauntlett as the two had worked together on tours for the Gilbert and Sullivan Company.

Bruce has also appeared on film, radio and television, as well as taking to the stage throughout Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand in various productions.

Joining Amie and Bruce in the cast is stage and TV favourite Jennifer Ellison who is playing the nasty Queen Evilynne. She

shot to fame thanks to her role as Emily Shadwick in the iconic Channel Four soap opera Brookside. From there, she enjoyed a successful theatrical career in the West End and on tour starring in the like of Chicago and Legally Blonde.

Back by public demand will be Norwich panto favourites Richard Gauntlett and Ben Langley who wowed audiences in last year’s production. They will be playing Nurse Dorothy Dumpling and Muddles respectively, and they will once again be adding large dollops of fun and laughter to the show.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “Amie’s path to panto is like a real-life fairy tale. We are so excited to welcome her to the cast and we are delighted she will have the chance to play the title role on home ground.

“Add in the strong theatrical pedigree of Bruce, showbiz style and presence of Jennifer Ellison, the return of the ever-popular Richard Gauntlett and Ben Langley comedy double-act, and more cast still to be announced, and Snow White is poised to bring plenty of panto magic to audiences right over Christmas and into the New Year.”

Listing: Snow White, Tuesday December 15, 2015-Sunday January 17, 2016. Tickets £7-£21.50. Discounts for Friends, Over-60s and Under18s. Signed performances on Saturday 9 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Audiodescribed performances on Monday 4 January at 1pm, Friday 8 January at 7.30pm and Saturday 16 January at 2.30pm. Captioned performances on Sunday 10 January at 1pm and 5pm.

To book, log onto www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.

2015 December | 15

GENERAL

stage as it was so gruelling. We were exhausted, but in a good way.”

Now her focus is on appearing in the pantomime although she has career ambitions to see her name in lights in London’s theatre-land.

“I would obviously love to be in musical in the West End. People ask me what my dream role is and I never know what to say.

There are just so many,” said Amie.

Amie Howes SNOW WHITE – DEC 15-JAN 17 It is just like a real-life fairy tale.

After watching the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime for many years, Amie Howes is set to see her dream come true by stepping out on stage in the title role.

She is set to play Snow White in this year’s festive spectacular and tells John Bultitude she cannot wait to start rehearsing.

For Amie Howes, a festive visit to the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime is as much a part of Christmas as turkey, tinsel and all the trimmings.

But this year will see a very different commitment for Amie as she takes on the role of Snow White. She said: “I am excited and a little bit nervous. This is my first professional job out of drama school, but it is very exciting.

“When I got the phone-call to say I had got the job, I couldn’t believe it. It was really surreal.

The first place I went after I found out I got it was Thornton’s and I really wanted to say something to the man in the shop. I didn’t though.”

And she says her friends and family cannot believe the news.

16 | December 2015

“They think it is amazing. My mum was more excited than I was. She told me she is coming to every performance,” laughed Amie.

So this Christmas and New Year will see Amie appear as part of a star cast which includes TV and stage favourite Jennifer Ellison who plays the wicked Queen Evilynne, panto stalwart Richard Gauntlet as Nurse Dorothy Dumpling, and Norfolk-based comedy entertainer Ben Langley as Muddles.

And it marks the latest chapter in the life of a 21-year-old who started performing at a very young age. Amie explained: “As a little girl, I did ballet, tap and modern dancing although I gave it up quite early. I went through a phase of wanting to be a vet but then I found out you had to put animals down and thought I don’t want to do that.”

So at the age of around 12, she decided to get back into performing again with the help of the team at the Norwich-based Heather Millan School of Dancing and Performing Arts. “I started off with singing and got into

more skills. I ended up dancing or singing four nights a week.

Heather is lovely. She taught me lots of things. If I didn’t go there, I wouldn’t have been as involved in the performing arts and the industry. I wouldn’t have done A-Levels in Drama and Performing Studies and gone on to drama school,” said Amie.

She also studied drama and dance at Sprowston High School where she appeared in a number of productions, with one of her favourites being the anarchic Return To The Forbidden Planet.

“I was about 13 or 14. Those of us who were younger were doing the backing vocals. A friend and I had our own balcony to perform on, so we had the chance to create our own dances and acting pieces. It was fun,” said Amie.

But she is very excited to be part of the Snow White company entertaining people right through the festive season. Amie said: “I have been to see the panto many times. It is a family tradition to see it every time. I think I have been every year since I was little. I love Snow White for obvious reasons and I love Cinderella as well.

“All my family are also in Norwich, so it is nice to be at home over Christmas. There are places you go and it is really pretty. You are only 15 minutes from the countryside and you can go to a lovely rural pub. It is just great.”

So personally and professionally, Amie is looking forward to her time in panto. In the words of Snow White, Mirror, mirror on the wall, Amie is the happiest of them all!

When she left school, Amie went on to study at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester where she completed a degree in musical theatre. It also saw her work with Graeme Henderson, who played one of the Ugly Sisters in the 201314 Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Cinderella opposite Sheila Ferguson. Amie recalled: “Graeme directed one of our shows Cabaret and he is a lovely person to work with. He is very precise and really knows what he is doing. We had to work really hard. I played one of the Kit Kat Girls. We were just panting off

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

GENERAL

Ben Langley SNOW WHITE – DEC 15-JAN 17 He is back. Norfolk-based comedian Ben Langley is set to entertain panto audiences with his knockabout humour, fantastic comedy timing and empathy for the second year in a row.

Ben is set to play Muddles in the festive spectacular Snow White opposite a cast headed by TV and stage favourite Jennifer Ellison.

John Bultitude caught up with him to find out more.

Nothing phases Ben Langley.

He still radiates 100 per cent energy and panto passion while clad in lederhosen topped with a fetching feather-topped Alpine hat.

As we chat ahead of a panto photo-call (as his current garments are not his day-to-day garb), the popular performer’s enthusiasm for this year’s show Snow White is infectious.

“I am very, very excited and overwhelmed by it all. I am so glad the Theatre Royal are having me back,” he said.

He charmed adults and children alike as hapless pirate Starkey in last show’s production Peter Pan opposite panto writer, director and co-star Richard Gauntlett, stage and TV favourite Jennifer Ellison, and Norwich’s own Amie Howes, who takes on the title role. “It just all came together really well for that panto. I had some great moments and some lovely scenes. It is great to work with Richard for another year and carry on our great comic relationship” said Ben. This year, Ben is poised to play the perpetually confused Muddles, son of Richard’s panto Dame, Nurse Nellie, although he is sworn to secrecy about the precise plot of the show. “What I can say is that I will getting into all sorts of muddly situations. As always with the pantomime here in Norwich, the story will be given a bit of a twist. I can tell you it will be fun.”

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

It is the latest project for Ben, who lives near Diss, who is spending more time in his native Norfolk this year while his dancer wife works on some choreography projects. It also marks a bit of a break after his previous panto appearance and a UK tour of Ha Ha Hood, which he wrote, and also starred in alongside comedy favourites Su Pollard, and Cannon and Ball.

“It means I have stepped into looking after my two wonderful children, doing some writing, a few gigs and of course getting ready for this wonderful panto season.”

And that is not the only project on the horizon for Ben as he is also going to be a part of this year’s Seaside Special show on Cromer Pier which will see him do an 18week run of shows at the North Norfolk resort. “I will be appearing there with a wonderful comic called Paul Eastwood. I have got to come up with something new for my act so I am going to create an upside-down straitjacket escape over the audience.

I will have to be careful what I eat beforehand,” joked Ben. But spending time in the seaside resort over the summer is something he is very excited about. “We have very many happy family memories of time in Cromer on the beach. It is such a wonderful place,” said Ben. Variety plays a big part in Ben’s life. He cut his teeth spending 17 years as a street entertainer performing within the tough environment of the Covent Garden cobblestones.

He has also worked extensively in the theatre world in a number of entertainment productions and has starred in well over a dozen pantomimes.

His work has taken him all over the country but he is particularly excited that his next two major projects – Seaside Special and Snow White – are close to home.

“One tries to work hard at raising

your profile in the places you live and I am so lucky to have pulled off these two wonderful gigs,” said Ben. And the more time he can spend in his local county, the happier he is. Ben said: “I love the Norfolk people. After all I am married to one. I love the county, the coast, the people, Norwich, and of course where we live near Diss.

“When the sun shines, there is

nowhere else like it and it is also such a fantastic place to bring up children.”

So with business and pleasure all happening in his favourite part of the world, it is no surprise that 2015 is the year of good news for this popular family entertainer.

2015 December | 17

GENERAL

Jennifer Ellison SNOW WHITE – DEC 15-JAN 17 From Brookside via Chicago and Singin’ In The Rain to this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime, Jennifer Ellison remains showbiz hot property.

She is set to play the sassy but stylish Queen Evilynne in Snow White over the festive period, and tells John Bultitude she cannot wait.

This autumn is a busy time for Jennifer Ellison. She has her hit TV show Dancemums back on the small screen, a very busy schedule with her own college and dance school, and of course getting ready to star in this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime, as well as being a mum to three boys out of the spotlight.

Despite this wealth of tasks, Jennifer remains level-headed and calm as she looks forward to being in the city this Christmas and admits she cannot wait to tread the boards. “I am really excited. I have never played Norwich before. I have played the Wicked Queen in panto before and I absolutely love it. The two together will make for a great Christmas,” said Jennifer “I just love playing the evil role.

The reaction of children when you come on stage and when Snow White bites the apple is just incredible.”

It will also mark her debut on stage at Norwich although she knows the city having rehearsed there for a UK tour of Calendar Girls.

But her strong West End and touring theatre pedigree is a world away from her early years. As a child, dancing was her passion and she became a World champion in both ballet and modern dance at a very young age. Her prowess meant she acquired an agent and, at the age of 12, managed to get

18 | December 2015

an audition for the hit Channel Four soap Brookside, which was filmed in her native Merseyside.

Jennifer admits being part of the series was an experience never to be forgotten and it helped shape her career. “It was incredible to grow up on screen, be part of a family unit and to have it filmed just around the corner from me in Liverpool. It was an honour. I am where I am today and I have achieved what I have achieved, thanks to Brookside.

“I worked with some great actors and actresses. I was extremely lucky. Many of them have gone on to do great things like Ricky Tomlinson, Anna Friel and Sue Johnston.”

From there, the acting roles came in thick and fast. At the age of 20, she got the lead role of Roxie Hart in Chicago which she revisited in London’s theatre-land several times as well as reprising the role on a UK tour. Jennifer said: “Roxie was a brilliant role.

I loved every minute of it. It was something I really enjoyed doing.

To be able to say you have done that role is incredible.”

She also got the chance to work with Suffolk’s Ruthie Henshall, who has won critical acclaim and audience love for her interpretation of the Roxie role. Jennifer explained: “Ruthie Henshall is my idol. To go and play the role not long after her was fantastic. On the tenth anniversary, we ran the show with a different actress playing Roxie each time she came on. It was absolutely incredible to share the stage with Ruthie.”

In addition, she has taken on lead roles in two other iconic productions Legally Blonde and Singin’ In The Rain as well as appearing in the movie version of Phantom Of The Opera. “I have

been very fortunate. Theatre has been my main love and passion.

To have that instant response from the audience is fantastic.

I have been very lucky to play leading ladies in four West End shows. I feel very privileged and very grateful,” said Jennifer.

Although stage work has been a strong focus for Jennifer, she is no stranger to TV appearing in ITV’s Sunday evening hit Dancing On Ice and also braving kitchen rage in Hell’s Kitchen, which she preferred doing.

“I think I enjoyed it more as I am a better cook than I am a skater, although I know I have been so lucky to do so many things,” she

said. But was Jennifer scared about the legendary rages of Hell’s Kitchen host Gordon Ramsay? “Well, when I did ballet when I was young, I was taught

by Russian ballet teachers and they were a lot scarier than Gordon, so it was a case of if you did the work and worked hard, he rewarded you.

I got my head down and worked hard and I think he saw that.

Some others weren’t doing the same and that is why he screamed at them,” she recalled.

And that strong grounding as a child has inspired her to equip the next generation of performers with the skills they need to

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

GENERAL

If all that isn’t enough, she has also got three young sons all under 6 to look after too, but will they follow her into the world of theatre too?

Jennifer says basing them in Merseyside was really important for her. “That’s exactly what happened to me.

But with all this going, plus a forthcoming pantomime, you would think that was enough.

The hard work just keeps coming with Jennifer’s reality TV hit Dance Mums which sees young performers show off their skills aided and abetted by their mothers in a programme mixing tiaras, tutus and tantrums running right through the autumn until Christmas.

There are a lot of opportunities for people down South – especially in London – and I wanted to create a college that could rival the London colleges and was up there in standard rather than just a local college that anyone can get in,” she said.

And she also has a primetime ITV series starting in the New Year. At the time of chatting, she was sworn to secrecy about exactly what it will involve but she is promising it is one of the channel’s biggest commissions for 2016.

But the one thing they can all enjoy is the chance to see her starring in this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime opposite the likes of Richard Gauntlett, back for his 15th year in the city, and locally-based comic favourite Ben Langley.

succeed. She has set up Jelli Studios in her native Liverpool with nine separate spaces to teach young people a host of new skills as well as her recently opened Jelli Studios Theatre Arts College too.

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

“I think the eldest may follow me onto the stage. He is quite theatrical and dramatic. I think the younger two are more likely to go down the sports route,” she laughed.

“The kids love it. Last time I did it, my middle son was a bit young but my eldest loves it and gets really involved,” said Jennifer.

“Being an actress and being in the West End, there are very limited things they can see. With panto, they can all enjoy it and all the family can come.”

And that is her message to everyone set to see her in this year’s production of Snow White. Whatever your age, the entertainment of panto is for you.

Oh yes, it is!

2015 December | 19

GENERAL

The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company which tours a number of the composers’ works around the country each year.

So, as a much-in-demand perfomer, was Bruce always destined to have his name in lights? Absolutely, he said. “It was in the blood. My grandfather and his brother were both professional singers and my mother was a pianist and used to accompany them. Music was always around the house and I fell into singing, acting and performing. When I was about 14, I saw a professional show and really appreciated what went into it and the talent that was on show. I thought yeah, this is for me. This is how I want my life to go.

Bruce Graham SNOW WHITE – DEC 15-JAN 17 From Gilbert and Sullivan comedy operas to glittering West End productions, Bruce Graham has done them all.

But he has a special affection for panto and is set to tread the boards this year in the Norwich Theatre Royal’s festive production as Igor the Henchman.

He tells John Bultitude about his love for family theatre, his long career and his memories of appearing in Norfolk.

With a CV which features almost every genre of performance including musicals for some of the great theatrical impresarios, you would think Bruce Graham may get a little jaded when it comes to a new job.

But not a bit of it. He cannot wait

20 | December 2015

to tread the boards at Norwich Theatre Royal this Christmas and do the bidding of the evil Queen Evilynne, aka stage and TV favourite Jennifer Ellison, in this year’s glittering family pantomime Snow White.

He said: “I am delighted to be in the cast. I have heard a lot about the Norwich pantomime from various people. I am a great mate of Richard Gauntlett who has been a part of it for years as writer, director and performer. A lot of my friends have been in it and have nothing but good things to say.”

In fact, Bruce and Richard are no strangers to each other having spent the summer and autumn together performing as part of

“I can trace it back to a wet windy cold November night in Edinburgh. I worked for a little while with Scottish Opera but my first proper job was with the old D’Oyly Carte Opera Company with which I visited Norwich Theatre Royal twice, so I am no stranger to it.”

Gilbert and Sullivan has been a major part of his performing career as he has also worked with the world-famous Carl Rosa Company which also showcases their work. Despite having a lot of their work on his CV, he is incredibly versatile having done films, a couple of television projects, grand opera, musicals, and starred in a number of West End shows.

And London’s theatre-land holds particular affection with previous performing credits including Cats and Follies for Cameron Mackintosh, and productions for Andrew Lloyd Webber including Phantom of the Opera and Bruce’s personal favourite Sunset Boulevard. “It is a fantastic show.

It is so faithful to the Billy Wilder movie. My wife bought me the video of it at the time and my jaw dropped at how faithfully the Adelphi stage recreated the entire Californian landscape you see in the film. I think it is brilliantly staged and designed, and is some of Lloyd Webber’s best work.”

He is also looking forward to returning to Norwich both because of his great affection

for the city and because it will bring back lots of memories.

Bruce recalled: “The theatre is wonderful. When I first came, Dick Condon was the manager.

He was a Gilbert and Sullivan fan.

I can remember a man came to the stage door selling cockles and whelks. I look back on my time in Norwich with fondness.

“I was born and brought up in Edinburgh and I was rather spoilt with cities. Some cities on tour are a bit of a culture shock. Norwich isn’t, thanks to its beautiful cathedrals, market, wonderful shopping areas, and the theatre of course. It has a wonderful cultural life.”

And of course, another great lure is being part of the panto, which also stars popular Norfolk-based entertainer Ben Langley. Bruce is promising people a fantastic funfilled visit to Snow White. “People must come. It is one of the best pantos in the country and one of the last big independently produced pantos. Richard Gauntlett is a very able and witty man. He has written and directed in it and stars in it. You will really enjoy it. You must not stay away,” said Bruce.

Praise indeed from a vastly experienced performer set to delight the young and young-atheart this panto season.

Happ� Christma� to all our Advertisers and Readers from all of us at Spider Creative Media, the team who produce Dispatch Magazine, FineCity Magazine, Norfolk on My Mind & Suffolk on My Mind

0ZZ\L 4HYJO

Her Royal Highness

;/, +<*/,:: 6- *(4)90+.,

visits Emma Bridgewater

H`

4

0ZZ\L

-PUL*P

\L

aPUL 0ZZ

[` 4HNH

%0

ZMI[ -RXIV :<:0, [MXL ,9 >(;;" 3 -6> V &&' 7IRMSHGEWX S V & E REPMWX

.SYV IRXIV SJ TVIW )EWX 0SSO

8-: *)7 TVYL HIV\SR[ YMV V\[ -PUK PUN 5V P]HS JVT Z[ [OL \W Y^PJO ML 5V K HU

6=

8% 1)2 VSTLZ )0) :OLYSVJR /LY` V^U ^ \Y ] L ( UL VT V ! PUZPK [HSL MY V^UPUN L )Y :[L]

.9,(; 73(*,:

.9,(; 7,673, .9,(; (9;: .9,(; 30=05.

hine

mer co

+PZZ ([[SLIVYV\NO

,: 73(* *-2) , ,673 7 ) *-2 : ; 9 ( *-2) .

30= 05 *-2)

llectio

ns no

w avail

7

409

[OL HSS VM IV\[ TPUN [V V\[ H -PUK ZOV^Z JV VY^PJO PUN ZZ 5 HTHa [YLZ HJYV [OLH

569

> 0* /

able

www.spidercreativemedia.co.uk

HOMES & GARDENS Quality blinds and cur tains

Excellence in Electrical Delivering a Reliable & also Reputable service across Norfolk & Suffolk › Domestic Services › Commercial & Industrial JASON PECK 01508 488 007 07718 206 110 enquiries@excelelectrical.co.uk www.excelelectrical.co.uk

FREE fitting FREE quote FREE measurement NO hassle NO pressure Book online today

5 YEAR GUARANTEE on everything

Book your appointment today www.norwichsunblinds.co.uk/LT1

01603 334017 | 01953 544 017

Visit us at our Norwich or Attleborough showrooms: 8 St Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4AG 11 - 14 Haverscroft Ind Est, Attleborough NR17 1YE

22 | December 2015

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

HOMES & GARDENS

ClarkBuild, For All Your Building Needs Chartered building company for whom no job is too small We provide professionalism and integrity, value for money, compliance with good building practice and with the proprietor/ director has been 35 years in business with a professional qualification.

No job is too small for us. We offer bathroom and kitchen installation, loft conversions, renovations and extensions, as well as roofing, driveways, building maintenance and repair.

• Wet Rooms • Free Survey • Fully Insured • Local Authority approved for disability grants • Adaptations • Alteration • General Building www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

• Extensions • Structural Repairs • Loft conversions • Property refurbishment At CLARKBUILD LTD we know you will receive a professional and personal service for all your building, wet rooms and maintenance needs.

Please call us for a free quotation.

T: 01953 601678 M: 07788 722151 mailbox@clarkbuild.co.uk Unit 15, Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WZ

2015 December | 23

ELDERLY The Hearing Care Centre Hearing Aids & Happiness In terms of our health, happiness is a miracle drug. It can help us live longer, be more optimistic — even increase marital satisfaction.

We’re all aware that smiling and laughing are physical signs of happiness and joy, yet characteristics of a perpetually happy person depend on how satisfied they are with various aspects of their life.

And since finding happiness is a personal journey, here’s a tip to start you on your way: of you have hearing loss, wear hearing aids.

Hearing aids improve relationships At home: Research indicates that individuals with hearing loss who wear hearing instruments have better relationships with family members, friends and colleagues than those with untreated hearing loss.

A Hear-the-World Foundation survey of more than 4,300 people about hearing aids and relationships revealed: • 69.7% believe hearing aids have improved their relationships.

• 81% whose partner has been fitted with a hearing aid say they are glad.

• 40% say they receive more attention from their partner.

More specifically, married couples say hearing aids make it easier to carry on a conversation and relate to each other on an interpersonal level.

They also say hearings aids diminished feelings of frustration, anger, depression, loneliness, stress and anxiety they were experiencing before wearing the instruments.

With friends: Studies indicate people are happiest when they are connected to a social group, 24 | December 2015

a characteristic threatened by untreated hearing loss.

Amplification reduces the risk of self-imposed isolation, helping you hear the punch line the first time the joke is told or feel more comfortable participating in the conversation at your neighbour’s BBQ. In the workplace: When the Better Hearing Institute conducted a study of hearing loss in the workplace, seven in 10 participants reported improvement in their ability to communicate when they wore hearing aids.

That means an increased ability to hear what’s being said in meetings, understanding telephone conversations more clearly — and even more enjoyment interacting with your co-workers in the break room.

Hearing aids improve earning potential A 2011 study by the Better Hearing Institute found untreated hearing loss can cost an employee as much as £20,000 in lost income every year.

On the flip side, those who wear hearing aids to treat mild hearing loss reduce that loss by as much as 90 to 100 percent.

In EuroTrak and JapanTrak surveys conducted in 2012, 60 percent of hearing aid users said they found hearing aids to be of significant use in the workplace.

Neuroscientists say listening to music stimulates dopamine which makes us happy. Music also lowers stress levels, improves our immune system and memory, and inspires us to exercise.

As a result, they reported an increased sense of well-being, more energy, reduced feelings of stress and negativity, fewer sleep disturbances, better job productivity and more happiness.

Being outside and experiencing nature reduces stress levels, improves your vitality, improves overall mental wellness and boosts your immunity. In short, it makes you happy.

Although today’s hearing aids are programmed to better understand speech, hearing aid users in a survey conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge found they were helpful for listening to music, too.

So, if you can’t remember the last time you heard the birds sing or the crickets chirp, it may be time to make an appointment with an audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre and have your hearing checked.

Theatre: There’s no reason to sacrifice the joy you receive from attending the theatre or a night at the cinema because it’s just too hard to hear what’s being said.

Your first step to living happier and healthier may just be a phone call away. Call 01473 230330 to book an appointment.

Music: Whether you like Beethoven, the Beatles or the Beastie Boys, listening to music is a pastime that invokes a lot of emotion.

Today’s hearing aids are becoming more and more adept at separating speech from background noise.

And, thanks to UK legislation, many venues have installed hearing loops which literally pipe the dialogue right to your hearing aids.

Karen Finch is the Managing Director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre.

The multi-award winning, familyrun company has 20 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk.

For more information visit www. hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call 01473 230330.

Nature: In a 2013 study by the David Suzuki Foundation, more than 10,000 people studied spent 30 minutes in nature every day for 30 days.

Hearing aids enhance cultural experiences Hearing aids bolster selfconfidence and give users a better sense of safety and independence.

That might just give you the push you need to resume other activities you enjoy, such as attending concerts, the theatre — or even just appreciating the sweet sounds of nature on a winter walk. www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

ELDERLY

Able Community Care The Alternative to Moving into a Care Home Getting older sometimes means that a person needs to be cared for twenty four hours a day. Such care can be provided in a care home or in a person’s own home.

Given the choice, many people would prefer to stay in their own home and Able Community Care has enabled thousands of people to exercise this choice.

Our experience has shown that having a regular rota of experienced carers in your own home is often a much happier alternative than moving into a care home.

Able Community Care has been providing an alternative choice to moving into a care home since 1980 by providing Live-in Carer Schemes throughout the UK. Our live-in care staff have enabled thousands of disabled and older people to remain happily within their own home. The role of our live-in carers is to provide domestic, personal and social www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

care tailored to each individual’s needs and wishes.

Able Community Care’s website www.uk-care.com provides comprehensive information, including many moving and heartfelt client comments. There is also an option to sign up for our free email Newsflash, written by the MD. Angela Gifford each week, to keep up to date with the latest care information and news which may affect you or your family.

If you have any questions about our Live-in Care Schemes please contact us on 01603 764567 or email to ablemg@aol.com.

For a Free Information Pack, please don’t hesitate to contact Able Community Care on 01603 764567 or email ablemg@aol. com. Alternatively you can visit our website for more information at www.uk-care.com.

2015 December | 25

ELDERLY

O VER £550,000

Specialist Dementia Care at It’s Best The Beeches care home in East Harling With a number of recent news articles portraying poor care within care homes, especially within the Dementia market, one Norfolk care home in particular is bucking the trend.

The Beeches is a registered care home for the Elderly and those suffering from Dementia. The home is set in 2 acres of beautiful gardens in the town of East Harling.

All rooms are furnished to hotel standards but are personalised to suit each new resident, with residents encouraged to bring in their own personal belongings.

There are 44 bedrooms with a separate specialist dementia wing for 15 residents.

The Home provides a range of assisted bathrooms, showers and accompanying mobility aids.

The Home also has a number of spacious lounges and a conservatory offering large flat screen televisions.

Meal times are an important part of the day and The Beeches offers a full choice of daily menus.

A balanced and nutritious diet is offered with emphasis placed on fresh homemade meals.

Hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks are available throughout the day. The homes menu is created by discussions between the residents, their families and staff.The Home has an Activities Co-ordinator who organises activities on a daily

basis for the Residents. These are led by resident’s requests and family’s suggestions and have included cinema afternoons, arts and crafts, external entertainment, quizzes and reminiscent based events.

SPENT ON UPGRADING THE HOME !

THE BEECHES

Black Swan International to expand with multi-million pound finance package. Norwich headquartered Black Swan International Ltd has secured a seven-figure funding package from NatWest as part of its continued expansion plans.

Founded in 1994, Black Swan currently operates 13 private care homes across Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire − with a headcount of over 400.

Single En Suite Bedrooms Permanent, Respite and

Holiday Care Chiropody and Hairdressing in the Town Centre Individual Centred Care Home Cooked Meals Daily Activity Flat Screen TV in

Resident’s parties are organised on a regular basis and at all times the Home believes in maintaining social interaction between residents, their families and friends.

The Beeches is owned by Norfolk based company Black Swan International Limited who have 13 care homes in Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. They are an experienced care operator that prides itself in putting residents needs and feelings first. The dignity and independence of each resident is promoted within all of the Company’s Care Homes.

For more information, to request a brochure or to arrange a visit The Beeches can be contacted on 01953 717584 or visit their website www.blackswan.co.uk

Rooms from £550 per week

Every Bedroom

THE BEECHES

The Beeches 1 West Harling Road, East Harling, Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2N Telephone +44 (0)1953 717 584 Fax. : +44 (0)1953 717 584

thebeeches@blackswan.co.uk www.blackswan.co.uk The funding arrangement and refinancing package with NatWest has enabled the firm to acquire The Beeches, East Harling. Following the deal, Black Swan has embarked on a 12-month re-development programme at the 44-bed care home, including physical improvement works.

Tom Lyons, operations manager for Black Swan International, said “The funding stream agreed with NatWest is instrumental in helping us achieve our long-term ambitions, allowing us to invest in our care homes and prepare for future growth.

“It’s an exciting time for the business as we add The Beeches to our portfolio and upgrade the home for the comfort and benefit of residents.”

Paul Barford, relationship director and healthcare specialist for NatWest, added: “A passion for putting customers at the heart of their business underpins the Black Swan team’s success.

“We are proud to support them through an exciting period of growth, which will further cement the company’s strong position in the sector.”

DISPATCH BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HOUSEHOLD

Need a locksmith? 24/7!!

Kingfisher Locksmiths No call out charge OAP Discount Tel 01953 602255 Mob 07958 315661

A Norfolk Trusted Trader! www.kingfisherlocksmiths.co.uk

PERSONAL

PLUMBER

Trusted by local families since 1925 George Bush 93 Oak Street 01603 764157 St Stephens Square 01603 625495 321c Aylsham Road

01603 483060 Witard Road 01603 431797

We’re a hard working team with a passion for the natural environment.

Elveden Forest

Center Parcs employees have one thing in common: We come together to work hard and with a sense of purpose, bringing the best of ourselves to create wonderful and memorable experiences for our guests in the great outdoors.

We offer a really diverse range of career opportunities and have a positive commitment to promote from within the company.

We are recruiting for Housekeepers/Cleaners Part time hours available, working Mondays and Fridays, 10am - 2:45pm (9.5 hours per week).

We offer £6.86 per hour, free transport from local areas and great benefits.

Our Housekeeping team is responsible for maintaining the highest possible cleaning standards in our lodges.

If you join our team your main duties will include: • Dusting of all furniture, radiators, ledges, cupboards, walls and surfaces.

• Cleaning of baths, sinks, wash basins, WCs and tiles in all bathrooms.

• Vacuuming of carpet areas and damp cleaning of hard floor areas.

• Spot cleaning of internal and external windows.

• Cleaning of oven, hob and fridge.

• Checking and replenishing of inventory such as cutlery, crockery and internal fittings.

• Cleaning of patio area including the washing of patio furniture, sweeping paths and removing cobwebs from external fascia.

• Reporting all technical faults found.

For your dedication and commitment we will reward you with some truly exceptional benefits that include unique day passes for you and your family and friends to visit Center Parcs for the day. Other benefits include retail and restaurant discounts, free use of the pool, gym and other facilities, discounted holidays at all the Center Parcs villages, childcare vouchers, as well as generous holiday entitlements.

If you are interested in applying for this position please call 01824 894804 to arrange an interview or visit www.centerparcscareers.co.uk and click on ‘Elveden Forest’ location to apply online.