About Thetford Community Magazine by Trevor Bowden

1 November Cover:Front Cover 29/01/2013 22:28 Page 1

Circulation 11,000 copies

Issue 87 February 2013

Your Local Independent Community Magazine

Upto 8 people

Free Ringback on Arrival (to any landline/mobile)

Free No Obligation Quotes Airport Transfers

PRICE MAT

CH Get A Be Why not call tter Quote??? we can beat us back and see if or match the price

(discount on return trips)

Business Contracts Welcome (VAT Registered, computerised billing)

Newmarket + rtn only £84 Bury St Ed’s + rtn only £60 Gatwick/Heathrow + rtn only £260

For further details call our staff on

(All returns inclusive of upto 6 drops within Thetford)

e. 21stcenturytaxi@btconnect.com

01842 76 45 76

SELF EMPLOYED FULL TIME AND WEEKEND DRIVERS REQUIRED (VEHICLES SUPPLIED)

Page 2:Layout 1 29/01/2013 23:25 Page 1

NEW SHOWROOM

NOW N E P O

Unit 2, Audley Court Fison Way Ind. Estate Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1HT Tel: 01842 761155 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 1pm

Buy online 24h

www.dakohome.co.uk

3 January:Layout 1 28/01/2013 18:18 Page 1

Dear Readers, Although it now seems a distant memory I have included a few references to Christmas activities, where they have deemed appropriate with thanks or amounts raised. Unfortunately due to technical issues beyond our control we were unable to bring you a January issue, unprecedented since we began back in 2005. So wishing you all a belated but very Happy New Year Kind regards Marje Deadline for March Issue is 15th February

Breckland Accountancy Services

VAT Returns • Payroll • Tax Returns Financial Forecasting • Budgeting Business Plans • Year End Accounts Self Employed to Small Ltd Companies Competitive Rates No Job Too Small For a Free no obligation initial consultation Call Tracy for a professional, reliable service with over 20 years experience.

01842 763340 or 07877 403 764 brecklandaccountancyservices@hotmail.co.uk

APPLIANCE REPAIRS WASHING MACHINES • ELECTRIC COOKERS TUMBLE DRYERS • FRIDGES • D/ WASHERS Hotpoint, Hoover, Zanussi, Bosch, AEG, Siemans, Creda, Servis, Indesit, Whirlpool, Electra, Beko. Same day / next day repairs 15 Mile radius of Thetford • All repairs guaranteed NO CALL-OUT CHARGE

Thetford: 01842 762255 speak to Gwyneth or Jim direct TRY THE ESTABLISHED “FAST & FRIENDLY” SERVICE

Forest Lodge, High Ash, Hilborough, Thetford Norfolk IP24 5BZ

Heating Systems • Boiler Changes Servicing & Landlord Checks Bathroom & Shower Installations Cooker and Hob Installations Power ﬂushing & De-Scaling All Small Works Undertaken Free competitive quote No obligation or hidden costs All work fully insured and guaranteed

£50 - £500 Paid for Cars

Mob: 07793 844901 • Eve: 01842 879118

Runners / Non Runners MOT Failures

If you would like to advertise your business please contact aboutthetford@googlemail.com or call Marje on

01842 890895 07412 541 926

01842 761549 • 07754 034 015

Call or Text Dean 7 Days for FREE Same Day Collection

DEADLINE for March. Issue 15th Feb. Publisher: About Thetford Limited 131 Nunnery Drive, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3EP Tel: 01842 761549 • email: aboutthetford@googlemail.com

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this magazine, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by it’s contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from nonpublication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission of the publishers is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

4-5 Whats On Feb 2013:Template 28/01/2013 18:23 Page 1

Something for everyone at WELLSPRING Every Friday 6-10pm Good food at Thetford's lowest prices in the BISTRO Help with getting in trim in the HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB 6.30-7.30pm Just £1 per session led by professionals. Books, Cards, CD's and more in the BOOKSHOP Relaxation and fun for all ages in the SOCIAL CLUB 8-10pm Collection point for those with vouchers for Thetford FOOD BANK 7.30pm All under one roof at The Church on the Way Admiral's Way Estate IP24 2JZ www.wellspringthetford.co.uk

Men’s Breakfast 9th February The Thetford Team Ministry is hosting a Men’s Breakfast at Cloverfield Church 8:30-10am on Saturday 9th February with a talk on “Science and Christianity” by Professor Bob White from Cambridge University. Cost £5. To book please contact Rod Back on 750302 or rodback1@aol.com

ALL AGE WORSHIP

Services at St Cuthbert's

Thetford Methodist Church, Tanner Street

THE FAMILY FRIENDLY CHURCH

Sunday 3rd Feb 8.00am - Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship - 6.30pm Evening Prayer Sunday 10th Feb 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Holy Communion Wednesday 13th Feb 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Service Sunday 17th Feb 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 24th Feb 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Conﬁrmation Service with the Bishop of Thetford Sunday 2rd March 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship/6.30pm Evening Prayer Each Wednesday a service of Holy Communion is held at 10.30am and a Service of Morning Prayer is held on Tuesday/Thursday and Friday at 9.00am

Sunday 17th February at 10.30am LED BY WORSHIP LEADERS THEME T.L.C. Worship Band • Children’s Activities Everyone is Welcome Lively worship for all the family - Coffee Friday March 1st Women's World Day of Prayer A service prepared by the women of France.

St Cuthbert's Church Refreshments from 10.30am Service at 11am Evening same service and venue for those unable to get to the morning service Refreshments from 6.30pm service at 7pm All women and men welcome.

On Saturday 2 March at 7.30pm Thetford Methodist Church Choir will be holding a Big Sing in the Church to celebrate 20 years of Sue Webber as conductor. The programme will include favourite items from those years and there will be a display of various records of the choir’s activities. A buffet supper will be included. Everyone is welcome to come and share in this celebration of music-making at Tanner Street. Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

4-5 Whats On Feb 2013:Template 28/01/2013 18:23 Page 2

Church of the Nazarene

JAZZ BAND

Croxton Road Christian Church A praying, mainline church in the community for the community

Sunday Morning Worship 10.45 a.m.

p ip Grou Worsh Church Junior ments Refresh

NEW for 2013 A Jazz band for Thetford Community

Next Messy Church 2nd February @ 3.30 pm Crafts

Songs

Celebration

Games

On Thursdays during term time.

Meal

A fresh way of experiencing Church for all the family

We will welcome adults and children who just wanna play jazz!

www.thetfordnazarene.co.uk

Interested ?

Talking newspaper seeks new volunteers.

Visit our web site:

www.thetfordmusicproject.org.uk Please give me a call for more details: Ann Smith - Director of Thetford Music Project:

Link-Up, the Breckland talking newspaper for people with sight problems and first formed in 1984, is looking for some extra volunteers.

Tel: 07765 994 066 Registered Charity No. 1121851

We are now looking for volunteers to help with editing and technical issues and we would also like to invite new listeners who might benefit from our services. Link-Up is a fortnightly roundup of local news which will be sent totally free of charge to our listeners on memory sticks and we will supply the equipment on which to play it. It is available for blind or partially sighted people, so if you are, or know someone who is please contact us, by calling John Kitson (Chairman) on 01953 498609 or Jenny Sutcliffe (Publicity Officer) on 01842 762052.

Beaters Hut Bakers Club Free monthly themed events. Bring your bake and share alongside other food lovers. Professionals and non-professionals welcome. Just for the love of baking and good fun!

Events held at Shadwell Estate Beaters Hut nr. Thetford All proﬁt donated to East Anglian Children's Hospice. For more information and dates of our events; www.beatershutbakersclub.com Alternatively, email beatershutbakersclub@hotmail.com or tweet Shauna @BHbakersclub

Roman Roads in the Landscape Organised by the Breckland Society Friday 8th February, 7pm Barnham Village Hall

Martial Arts Classes

A talk by James Albone from the Norfolk Archaeology Unit in which he explores how Roman roads influenced the development of the landscape through which they pass and how the changing landscape has in turn affected their survival.

At the Sports Centre teaching very traditional Korean martial arts. Classes for the following: 4-6 years • 7-12 years • 13-65 years For more details please visit our Website: www.kuksoolhapkidoofstanton.co.uk Contact Kevin on Thetford 760596

Members: £4.00, non-members: £7.00 to include refreshments. If you require further information please contact the Events Secretary on 01842 820663

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

6 Warm and Welcome Packs:Template 29/01/2013 22:17 Page 1

Warm and Wellcome help for vulnerable residents

MTS ELECTRICAL SERVICES Domestic • Commercial Industrial

With Norfolk firmly in winter’s icy grip, Breckland Council ward members Elizabeth Gould and William Richmond have been giving ‘Warm Packs’ to vulnerable residents.These contain essential items for colder weather such as blankets, hot water bottles and gloves. Emergency heating oil, portable heater loans and low level home insulation are also available to vulnerable residents in the county through the ‘Warm and Well’ initiative, thanks to the latest tranche of central government funding secured by a partnership of councils and health and voluntary organisations.

All domestic work from an extra socket to a full re-wire

All work certified to Niceic

>Ì > Ê Ã«iVÌ Ê Õ V Êv À iVÌÀ V> Ê ÃÌ> >Ì Ê ÌÀ>VÌ }

24hr call out service

**,"6 Ê " /, /",

See website for reviews and more information

Tel: 01366 500612 l Mob: 07956 650141 Email: mtselectrical@ymail.com Website: mtselectrical.net

Elizabeth Gould said “Warm and Well in Norfolk is a really effective and greatly needed initiative that has already helped hundreds of people, so it was great news that the Partnership has secured funding to roll it out for a second year. We distributed about 1,000 of the Warm Packs in Breckland last year.

01842 634009 07902 812440 support@bcsanglia.co.uk www.bcsanglia.co.uk

“Keeping warm is essential for the health and wellbeing of our older and more vulnerable residents, but this can be extremely difficult on a tight budget. The packs are a simple but very effective way of providing immediate and practical assistance. This weather has highlighted the need for us all to keep a check on vulnerable people in our community who are living on their own”. If you know someone in Breckland who would benefit from a Warm Pack, please call Principal Housing Officer Gordon Partridge on 01362 656870. Help and advice available on Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99). This connects people on low incomes with support which is worth an average of £160. The help available includes rebates, grants for insulation and new boilers, and advice on saving energy. For more information visit the Norfolk County Council website (www.norfolk.gov.uk).

Bathrooms & Shower Rooms Full Kitchen Installations Electrical Installations Plastering • Tiling Consumer Unit Changes Building Works • Plumbing Repairs Property Maintenance 20 Years Experience • Family Business

Tel: 01842 879239 Mob: 07970 687923 FREE HOME VISIT & ESTIMATE Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

Thetford Past & Present February:Thetford Past 26/01/2013 14:01 Page 1

Thetford Past and Present

The past photograph of the Anchor Hotel was taken in 1965 after extensive improvements. A hostelry by the name of the Anchor stood on this site from at least the late 1720â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s until closure in 2006. The Anchor was probably preceded by a much earlier inn known as the Christopher. The Town Bridge was once known as the Christopher Bridge. Past photograph from the David Osborne collection.

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

8-9 Lovewell Blake:Layout 1 28/01/2013 18:36 Page 1

Pension Contributions Pension investments are highly tax efficient. So much so in fact that both the current Government and the previous Government have enacted legislation to reduce the amount that you can pay in to your pension each year and still receive the relevant tax breaks. Not only does a qualifying investment in a registered pension scheme grow free of income tax and capital gains tax, the pension contribution itself is an allowable deduction from your income for the year. Therefore, for a basic rate taxpayer, a contribution of £1,000 effectively costs £800. For a higher rate taxpayer the effective cost is £600 and for an additional rate taxpayer the effective cost is £500. In fact, if your income is in the bracket around the £100,000 mark, the effective cost of a £1,000 pension contribution could be as little as £400. Therefore you should consider making an investment into your pension scheme but be sure not to invest more than your annual allowance which is very broadly the lower of 100% of your earnings or £50,000. Note however that the rules around annual and lifetime maximum contributions are far more complex than this and you may well be in a position to invest more than £50,000 before the end of the tax year if you wish to by using unused relief from earlier years.

Tax Clinic Year-End Tax Planning The current tax year draws to a close on 5 April and now is a good time to start thinking about making the most of those annual tax-free allowances says Colin Chamberlain of Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered Accountants.

Charitable Donations If you are of a philanthropic disposition, charitable donations made under the Gift Aid Scheme qualify for tax relief in a similar way to pension contributions. So it is possible that a gift of £1,000 to your favourite charity may cost as little as £400.

In this article Colin discusses various end-oftax-year strategies for individuals. Now that self assessment season has been and gone it is time for me to turn my hand to year-end tax planning. What follows is a selection of some of the more common strategies.

Therefore you could consider making charitable gifts, particularly if you pay tax at the higher rate or the additional rate.

Make Use of Your ISA Allowance

Spouses and Civil Partners

An individual Savings Account (‘ISA’) is a savings account that allows the money invested in it to grow tax-free. That is free of income tax and free of capital gains tax, although the value of ISAs are included in your estate for inheritance tax purposes.

Your personal circumstances may mean that you are able to arrange your affairs so that you can share your income with your spouse or civil partner. For example you might be running your own company or in business as a sole trader.

For the 2012/13 tax year it is possible to invest up to £11,280 in an ISA, of which up to £5,640 can be a cashbased investment. The balance can be invested in a stocks and shares ISA.

You could consider bringing your spouse or civil partner into your business so that they can share your taxable income. This may utilise two instead of one personal tax-free income tax allowances and basic rate and higher rate tax bands. It may also help to avoid the loss of some or all of the child benefit which is now going to be clawed

Consider topping up your ISA investments to the maximum tax-free amounts.

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

8-9 Lovewell Blake:Layout 1 28/01/2013 18:36 Page 2

forward to the current tax year. So potentially therefore a husband and wife, say, could make gifts to, say, grandchildren totalling up to £12,000 before 6 April 2013, saving up to £4,800 in inheritance tax when they die. They could then give a further £6,000 between them on 6 April (ie just into the new tax year).

back through the tax system for some higher earners (see my article in the November 2012 edition of this magazine). Transfers of assets between spouses and civil partners can also be a useful planning tool for capital gains tax. The initial ‘inter-spouse’ transfer is not subject to capital gains tax as it is regarded as a ‘no-gain no-loss’ transfer. If the asset is then sold at a gain at some point in the future there may then be two lots of capital gains tax annual exemptions available as well as possibly allowing some of the gain to be taxed at the 18% rate instead of the 28% rate. But be careful here, particularly if you are planning around business assets, as an ill-timed interspouse transfer may lead to the loss of the 10% capital gains tax rate that is afforded to many business assets.

In addition to the £3,000 annual allowance you can make as many small gifts of up to £250 each as you like and also if you make regular gifts out of surplus income each year these will also reduce your inheritance tax estate immediately.

Enterprise Investment Scheme The Enterprise Investment Scheme (‘EIS’) gives income tax relief of 30% on qualifying investments in qualifying trading companies. Investments under EIS can also give tax-free future capital gains on those investments, a deferral of capital gains tax upon a re-investment into an EIS company, a capital loss relief against income if the investments are sold at a loss and the investments are also likely to attract relief against inheritance tax.

Timing of Asset Sales for Capital Gains Tax Each tax year there is an annual exempt amount of capital gains. For 2012/13 this means that capital gains of up to £10,600 per person are free of capital gains tax. If your capital gains for the tax year to date are less than £10,600 you might consider selling assets (perhaps shares in an investment portfolio) to fully utilise the annual exempt amount. If you have already used the £10,600 exemption you could consider delaying any sales until after 5 April 2013.

Consideration could be given to making an EIS investment, although it should be noted that the qualifying conditions are extremely stringent and care needs to be taken to ensure that you fall within the rules.

If your combined total income and capital gains is in excess of £42,475 you pay capital gains tax at 28% on the sale of some or all assets as opposed to a rate of 18%. Therefore you could consider timing your asset sales so that they fall in a tax year where your overall income and gains are lower so that you pay tax at the lower rate.

There are also exceptionally generous tax reliefs available for investments in start-up companies under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (‘SEIS’). The income tax relief is 50% and, for 2012/13 only, there is full capital gains tax relief (up to 28%) on qualifying investments. Again, the qualifying conditions are extremely stringent but it is possible to get total tax relief of up to 78% for an investment under SEIS.

Make Use of Your Annual Inheritance Tax Allowances

Other Planning Points

If the total value of your estate, after exempt transfers, is more than £325,000 your executors will usually pay inheritance tax on the excess over £325,000 at a rate of 40%. The balance can be invested in a stocks and shares ISA.

Now may also be a good time to carry out a general review of your financial affairs – eg inheritance tax mitigation, reviewing the performance of your investments and making sure your will is up-to-date.

Usually you would need to survive any gifts by a period of seven years before the assets gifted fall totally out of your estate. However everyone has an annual allowance of £3,000 which means that they can make total gifts of up to that amount in the tax year and those gifts fall immediately out of your estate without having to survive for seven years. Also if you did not use your annual allowance for the previous tax year it can be carried

I have touched upon some of the more common tax planning ideas in this article. However, tax legislation is complex and it pays to work with a professional adviser to avoid the many pitfalls. I would be happy to advise on any tax issues. I can be contacted at: c.chamberlain@lovewell-blake.co.uk or on 01842 755032.

Conclusion

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

10-11 Halcyon:Template 29/01/2013 10:26 Page 1

Up To Scratch Sam

Winter Skin

Nails by

It is at this time of year we begin to experience changes to our skin. It may appear much drier, become chapped and much more hyper sensitive to things, especially the lips and hands.

l l l l

Products and creams that we have used in the past and been perfectly fine with may now irritate the skin causing inflammation, redness and even itching.

Nail Extensions Manicures Pedicures Shellac Minx

15 Collingwood Way, Thetford Call: 764933 or 07887 592 060

With the holiday season over, all the parties, richer foods and more alcohol, and probably more hot caffeine beverages to keep warm together has had a dehydrating effect on the skin. Other factors which cause changes may be triggered by, a change in the environment, cold weather, central heating which can all cause dryness. We try to overcome these effects by applying more moisturiser but this in turn may not be the best solution as the moisturiser may be too rich, which can make the skin feel congested instead of what we really wanted which was hydration! Also, some moisturisers contain perfumes and or colours which then makes it become itchy and or red and easily irritated. For maximum results keep it simple, try hydrating, soothing spritzers which contain humectants to bind and attract moisture to the skin, and calming extracts of licorice, cucumber and raspberry extract. They are really easy to use can be applied several times during the day, also through make up and they will help create a protective shield against assault from the environment which can lead to irritated, dry, tight or sensitised skin. Lisa Stallings, Halcyon Days Skincare Ltd Telephone: 01284 704991

AYd D N r O etfo

Home Visiting Foot Health Practitioner

M Th

Alison Layton MCFHP MAFHP

For all your foot health needs Nails Cut, Corns, Calluses etc.

Cloverfield Church, Rosecroft Way 10am, 12noon, 5pm and 7pm

Tel: Shani 01842 820001

Call: 07904 684959

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

10-11 Halcyon:Template 29/01/2013 10:26 Page 2

Halcyon Days Skin Care & Laser Clinic IPL Hair Removal IPL Skin Rejuvenation Permanent make up Dermalogica Facials

Denise, Fiona, Jane and Peter

The Thetford Team

Elemis Facials

Looking forward to advising you on your hair.

OPI Nail Treatments

Fully Air Conditioned

CACI Non Surgical Facelift

Est. 1981 So much hairdressing experience in one Salon

3 Woolhall Street, Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1LA

19 Guildhall Street Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2DT

Tel: 01284 704991 info@halcyondaysskincare.co.uk www.halcyondaysskincare.co.uk

Tel: 01842 763145

ir studio Unisex Cre8iveNOWhaOPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK New to Cre8ive... Super Cuts Monday

OFFERS FOR FEBRUARY

Only £10.00 For ladies Cut & finish (restyle not included) Starting February 2013, every Monday 9am till 6pm

10% off everything within salon

15% off treatments when you recommend a friend

Buy 2 Paul Mitchell products and receive 10% off your next appointment.

VALENTINES & MOTHERS DAY

You must bring advert to receive offers

Why not treat that special someone For Valentines / Mother's Day With 10% off all treatments & products An offer not to be missed. Vouchers available

GENTS BARBER Only £6.50, appointments not necessary

Cre8ive hair studio

NEW OPENING TIMES Monday Wednesday Friday Sunday

4 Anna Gurney Close • Croxton Road • Thetford Email: greatstyle@cre8ivehairstudio.co.uk

www.cre8ivehairstudio.co.uk

9am -6pm 9am -6pm 9am -7pm CLOSED

Tuesday Thursday Saturday

9am -7pm 9am -8pm 9am -4pm

tel 01842 761061 Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

12 Doctor Piccaver:Template 28/01/2013 21:57 Page 1

Fairwell Doctor Piccaver Dear all, As most of you know, I have departed the Grove Surgery for pastures new and I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to all those I've met over the past 2 1/2 years. Thanks to my patients, who have kept me busy, challenged, and above all for their...well...patience. Thanks to the community staff, radiologists, physio's, mental health workers, occupational therapists, out-ofhours staff, palliative care teams, midwives, health visitors, school nurses, social workers, and especially district nurses for inextinguishable, unremitting good humour, in spite of dealing with some of the most terrible things life can throw at people. Have I missed anyone out? I hope not.

never-ending demand takes it's toll. We would love to offer same day appointments to all of our patients, regardless of the problem, big or small. But we can't. There are not enough hours in the day, or doctors in the town, to meet the demand. I have had to deal with truly horrific situations, on a daily basis, and do things I'd never dreamt of, let alone been trained to do. There is a lot of need in this town. So as I leave for pastures new, I wish you all a fond farewell. But next you book an appointment, just understand what happens the other side of the desk, how hard the people in this town work, for you. We are here to help you. Stay well. Dr. Matt Piccaver.

Riversdale Computer Classes

Over the past 2 1/2 years, I've done my best to try and help the people of the town. Hopefully by now, we should all realise we don't need antibiotics for coughs and colds, that we all have a role to play in staying healthy, and that drinking too much, smoking, not exercising if you can, and living off takeaways are all bad ideas. As a healthcare professional, our role is to give people what they need, and advise them on how to live a healthy life. Unfortunately this sometimes leads to conflict. We may not have all the answers, but we've got a few good ideas. I may never truly save a life, or cure an illness, but I like to think I've made people feel better. As a doctor, we will never get things right all the time. We will miss things, big things, and will feel terrible for it. But alas, we are but human, and like our patients, are far from infallible. Working in healthcare in this town is hard... about the hardest thing I've done. Sixteen hour days, constant,

M&S Breckland Motors Full Range of Automotive Services including:

MOTs l Servicing l Repairs Diagnostics l 4 Wheel Alignment, etc.

Tel: 01842 764002 Mon - Fri 8am till 5pm Sat 9am till 1pm

ia Spec

r Offe

MOT0.00 £4

8-9 St. Helens Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1HG

Riversdale are holding Computer Classes on a Monday morning for the elderly, Disabled, Mental Health thanks to funding that was received, £2000 from an anonymous funder, £2,931.66 from Shadwell Estate and £1,000 from the Mayors Charity 2010-2011 by pass Mayor Mrs Pauline Quadling. The Money enabled us to buy all the equipment needed to run these classes with great success. We the Riversdale Team would like to give our personal thanks to our Anonymous Funder and Shadwell Estate for the funding and making this project happen. The classes are all run by Volunteers, and we teach computers in a very relaxed family environment. Anyone aged sixty or over who would like to learn about computers (basic word processing, excel, emails and more) please get in touch with Pauline on 01842 764647 Pauline Quadling - Centre Manager, Riversdale

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

13 FrOGS:Layout 1 28/01/2013 18:32 Page 1

Don’t let IT get you down! Problems with your PC? Need to get Networked? Baffled by Broadband?

Friends of Grove Surgery

Fast, friendly assistance is right on your doorstep from S th N South Norfolk’s f lk’ professional f i l IT services i company .

The Christmas Raffle, which was run over the two 'flu days, raised £480.00 – many thanks to all who purchased tickets and everyone who donated prizes. We hope all the winners enjoyed their prizes! We are especially grateful to the ladies on Reception who sold tickets right up until the closing date!

Email and Internet Problem Solving Virus & Malware Removal

FrOGS will be holding a Quiz Night at the Methodist Church Hall on the 18th of April – mark the date in your diaries - more details next month.

Supply New & Refurbished PCs & Laptops Printers, Network equipment, Data Storage Solutions & much more.

Plans are afoot to purchase an Ambulatory Monitor (twenty four hour blood pressure monitor), which will save patients having to make two trips to West Suffolk Hospital. This has got to be good news for all If anyone feels able to help FrOGS with future fund raising activities we would love to hear from you – please let us know on 01842 760370.

PC Repair & Support for Windows & Apple Mac

Telephone: 01953 718421 Mobile: 07928 326008 Email: help@bailiwickit.com

www.bailiwickit.com

"The Brecks" Indoor Bowling Club You did'nt heed my offer then, to exercise your limbs, you filled yourself with Xmas cheer and washed it down with Pimms, That Lager too went down a treat and Wine joined in the fun, but look into the mirror now and see just what you've done, Your belt is on its final notch, there's no more there to use, that buckle that was out of sight does now include your shoes, So don't trip over Xmas toys and end up in a heap, for rising from that belly flop you'll rock yourself to sleep, But don't despair, just come along, to Indoor Bowls and watch, and if you want to join the club, and gain another notch, Take up the game, the Coaching's free including help you seek, and where else will you only pay a fiver every week, No Yearly subs. to set you back, no other fees to pay, and just for Twenty Pounds a month be up there every day, So don't waste time, you've still got hope, no matter what your sex, just use your Mobile or your Phone and ring me at "The Brecks" Geoff, on 01842 - 765972 Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

14 Thetford Dolphins:Layout 1 28/01/2013 21:35 Page 1

Thetford Dolphins Sewing, Cleaning, Washing and Ironing

The first Round of the Suffolk Winter League saw Thetford Dolphins competing against Lowestoft and Oulton Broad teams A and B, Beccles and Stowmarket.

Cleaning Domestic and Commercial

Dolphins had success with several club records being broken: Dan Collins and Heidi Last, 12 and under in 200m fly (3:09:53) and backstroke (3:09:44) respectively and Grace McGill doing the same for the 200m 13 and 14 years backstroke with a time of 2:40:09. The swimmers should be proud of their 4th position in the table after this first round, particularly as they were quite a small contingent.

Specialists in Wedding Dress Alterations

The third and final round of the National Arena Swimming League at Newmarket, competing against Gainsborough, Dereham, Newmarket, Lincs Vulcans B and Beccles Thetford achieved 5th place overall with 156 points and were placed (1st to 3rd) in almost a quarter of the events. Grace McGill smashed the 100m backstroke record for girls 13 and under with a new club record of 1:14:43 and the following swimmers each had a super afternoon by achieving 2 new PB's each: Ruby Last, Elena Armes, Oliver Mold and Jacob Clarke. Well done to all swimmers.

Tel: 01842 764865 Mob: 07899 933 083

Brunning Electrical Services Local Licenced & Insured Electrician for all Emergencies, Technical Support & all other Electrical Services

SUPPLIERS & INSTALLERS OF ELECTRIC RADIATORS POWER FOR SHEDS • GARAGES • OUTBUILDINGS DOWNLIGHTS • LOFT LIGHTING MODERN CONSUMER UNITS (FUSE BOX) SUPPLIED FITTED AND COMMISSIONED NEW DIGITAL TV AERIALS INSTALLED ADDITIONAL BT PHONE POINTS Call Now for a Free Quotation! Phone: 0800 542 0424 Mobile: 07737 698117 • www.brunningelectrical.com

Let us take the worry ‘‘out of your move ’’ Free estimates and advice

Local and long distance removals Export packing and shipping Domestic and commercial Furniture deliveries nationwide Est 1993, family owned and run Competitive rates Long or short term storage Packing materials supplied Fire proof storage

LO27

Simon Long Removals • Howlett Way • Thetford • Norfolk • IP24 1HZ • Tel: 01842 766477

email: movers@simonlongremovals.co.uk • www.simonlongremovals.co.uk Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

15 Cats February:Layout 1 28/01/2013 21:34 Page 1

Breckland Cats Protection Tel: 01842 810018

Elles Beaus & Belles Dog Grooming Room

We have started the New Year with a happy story. A little cat that had been missing for 4 months has been reunited with her owner because she is micro chipped. We also have a 10yr old cat called Tabitha who is micro chipped but her owners details have not been updated so despite going to the old address and knocking on neighbours doors we can’t trace her and reunite her with her cat. She was found in Mundford and originated in Mildenhall so if you know anything about Tabitha please contact us. It is so worthwhile to have your pet micro chipped but also please remember to keep details updated.

Collection and Delivery Service Available Mob: 07932 359832 Tel: 01842 764006

THE HOUSEKEEPER REGISTER

We see the cruelty and compassion in this work. Cruelty where cats have litter after litter until their little bodies are worn out, just so their owners can sell the kittens and when they can’t sell them they want us to take them in. Cruelty where cats are abandoned, the lucky ones coming to us emaciated, the unlucky ones starving to death on the streets or taken into the woods and dumped. Compassion where members of the public are feeding strays, some people having fed a succession of strays as some cats have a knack of finding people who will help them. Compassion when people walking in the woods find a box of kittens and take them home and contact us. There are over one million unwanted cats in the UK. One adult cat can be responsible for 20,000 descendants. Lets make 2013 the year where people bother to get their cats neutered, male and female, both are important. Kittens are the unwanted cats of the future.

Domestic Cleaning & Ironing Service Personal Housekeeper Unique Security System Fully Insured All for less than £9.75 per hour.

Telephone: 0844 544 9905 www.suffolkmaids.co.uk

Established 20 Years

MOT’s Week 7 Days a Now ONLY

£39.95

FREE MOT with an Eliteplus Service Economy Power Plus Tuning Servicing all makes and models including new cars, keeping manufacturers warranty

01842 890304 M 07737 151916 (til 7pm)

Gorse Industrial Estate • Barnham This is little Tabitha, who is looking for her owner but if not claimed will be looking for a loving home for life.

www.gorsemotors.co.uk info@gorsemotors.co.uk

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

16 Business Start up Package:Template 28/01/2013 21:29 Page 1

New Programme of Business Start Up Support Launches in Breckland Aspiring business people in Breckland now have access to an extensive programme of free support to help them take the next step in starting a business. Breckland Council has teamed up with Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES) to provide a suite of business support activities in Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton. The Enterprise Norfolk programme, which is funded by Norfolk County Council, will enable people to gain the necessary skills to start a successful business and receive ongoing advice and mentoring during the first year of trading. Awareness events will begin in each of the market towns and people will also be encouraged to attend drop-in business support surgeries in Dereham and Thetford to find out more.

obtain, this is a very valuable initiative for Breckland residents to take advantage of. I would encourage anybody who has an idea and the enthusiasm to start a business to contact us so they can benefit from the specialist advice and knowledge that is on offer.” Richard Voisey, NWES Business Adviser working in Breckland said: “We are delighted that we will be able provide our advice and training in the district as research has proved that businesses starting with our help grow faster and have more chance of surviving the difficult first few years of trading.” To find out more about the Enterprise Norfolk programme please contact NWES on 0845 6099991 or contact Dan Cox at Breckland Council on 01362 656235 or dan.cox@breckland.gov.uk

Mark Kiddle-Morris, Breckland Council’s Executive Member for Assets and Strategic Management said: “At a time when support for small businesses is difficult to

DISCOUNT MOTs FREE RETESTS Servicing and Repairs on all Makes & Models Engine Management Diagnostics Fault Code Reader • Tyres & Exhausts (Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Tested) Air Conditioning (Repairs, Recharges, Diagnostics, Service)

patterson derek

DISCOUNT MOTs

p d Services

Had a quote elsewhere!! Give us a call, we may be able to beat it

Tel: 01842 764442 Mobile: 07810 602419

property decoration & maintenance

Open Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm and Saturdays 8am - 1pm

VICKERS MOTORS LTD

1st Glass WindowCleaning The Reach & Wash System

The Female Friendly Garage Good Honest Service

No Ladders • Purified Water Eco Friendly

Telephone:

01842 765122

We clean windows, frames, sills, conservatories, fascias and soffits For free estimates contact Dave on 01842 764362 or 07879 653 999 dave1stglasswindowcleaning@live.co.uk

Email: info@vickersmotors.co.uk 23 Brunel Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1HP

Reliable Family Run Business

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

17 Community Projects:Template 28/01/2013 21:32 Page 1

Over £67,000 for Thetford Community Projects Community projects across Thetford are set to benefit from a new injection of funding from the Moving Thetford Forward (MTF) board. The Charles Burrell Museum, an important town centre building, has received £19,250 towards the refurbishment of its exterior. The museum, housed in Burrells original paint shop, displays fine engines, agricultural machinery and recreations of parts of the original works such as the foundry and the machine shop. This year they will be adding to their collection by housing the Jones Butchers Van on behalf of the Dads army museum, after they received £10,000 from MTF towards the purchase of this much loved vehicle.

initiatives that will benefit communities. It’s great to see so many community projects being funded, big and small, this year and encourage people to think how the money could be spent on projects that will give a longer lasting legacy. "There is a great deal of community work that goes on in local communities that often goes unnoticed. There are lots of small volunteer led projects that could do with support in providing the vital services they do in their area and MTF is happy to offer its support where it can.

Over £20,000 has been awarded to Brettenham and Kilverstone Parish Council towards building a riverside path from Arlington Way to Nun’s Bridges which is suitable for pedestrians and wheelchair users. It is hoped that work on the new pathway will start early next year. Other projects to benefit from the funding pot were; a well used community building in the town, the United Reformed Church, received £7,500 for much needed structural repairs. Thetford Park Run which is part of the Healthy Town initiative and encourages people to run, jog or walk as part of a weekly 5k challenge received £2,000 to kick start the project. £4914 went to support a project run by the Keystone Development Trust that provides support and advice to communities when submitting grant applications and The Thetford Players received £3500 to purchase costumes for their Thetford Historical Walk project which provides historic walks in Thetford. The group also plan to take their historical characters in to schools and provide museum re-enactments. William Nunn, chairman of MTF said: “Moving Thetford Forward’s funding scheme is there to support worthwhile

COMPLETE THE LOOK

20% OFdF

selecte ! ins R curTHta IS VOUCHE

WITH th Feb. Offer ends 28

Come and see our new range, as well as our extensive choice of stunning curtain fabrics. We can complete your look with tie-backs, pelmets, valances and cushions, in matching or contrasting fabrics. Call today to arrange your free home visit.

the first for curtains 01953 455415

Haverscroft Ind. Est., Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 1YE

01603 615945

8 St. Benedicts St., Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4AG

www.sunblinds.co.uk

KSP Mobility Sales • Rentals Stairlifts All Living Aids

Your local friendly Locksmith around the clock for all your Lock and Key needs Professional Locksmith Services 24/7 Professional Keycutting on Thetford Market Tuesday & Saturday Professional Mobile Keycutting all Other Days We can Cut and Programme most Car Keys Professional Shoe Repairs & Engraving by Award Winning Cobbler

Personal friendly service (Not aﬃlliated with any other business)

Don’t Waste your Money on the Rest Use the Best Tel: 01842 754930 Mobile: 07734 304 614

51 King Street, THETFORD • Tue/Thurs/Fri/ Sat 10-4pm • 01842 338101 49 High Street, BRANDON • Thurs/Fri/Sat 9-4pm • 0845 838 7203

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

Lions:Template 29/01/2013 19:47 Page 1

Thetford (Breckland) Lions Club

40th Anniversary “Community Volunteering Recognition”

Awards Ceremony On the 26th January, Thetford Lions Club invited guests to an evening supper in the Carnegie Rooms, to celebrate their 40 years serving the community.

Derek & Wendy Serjeant – for organising and running the Thetford Over 60’s lunch club since 1996.

Thetford Lions celebrate 40 years serving the community

Lion President Ron Wade along with the Mayor of Thetford Cllr. Terry Lamb presented certificates and cheques to the unsung hero’s of our community. The voluntary work carried out by the nominees was remarkable. The time and effort given freely for others is a lesson for us all. Volunteering and the Community Spirit is still alive and thriving in Thetford. We congratulate them all and say well done on behalf of Thetford.

Carl Clark – for tireless efforts and initiatives on the behalf of children and young people.

Joanne Simpson – twenty years administration and leadership of the Bulldogs Football Club.

Margaret Hayns – for invaluable classroom support at Drake infant school.

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

13 Taylor Vinters:Layout 1 28/01/2013 18:40 Page 1

Been injured? Beware who represents you... If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, do you need a solicitor? There are concerns at the moment about a growing practice where those injured in accidents are being contacted directly by the insurer of the person that caused the accident and offered compensation, before they are able to contact a solicitor for independent advice or obtain medical evidence to establish the extent of their injuries. There are reports that insurers have exerted undue pressure on people to settle claims. Accepting offers made directly from insurers is extremely risky as it can lead to inadequate compensation. In some cases the insurers of the person who caused your accident will offer you a solicitor to represent you, but would you really want your solicitor appointed by your opponent? Will those solicitors be specialists? Will they know the local medical services available? Will they be independent from the insurer who has appointed them? Many people end up undercompensated or unhappy with the way their claim is handled by these solicitors. An injury can have a dramatic effect on your health and your finances. It is not uncommon

to have to take time off of work which can lead to financial problems and difficulty paying the mortgage or rent. Recovery does not always occur quickly so swift investigation and treatment of injuries is often necessary. Where injuries are on-going they may have a long-term impact on your finances. An independent, specialist solicitor can assist you in addressing all of these problems. Your solicitor should aim to secure some money up-front to address the immediate financial consequences of the injury, they should seek to arrange treatment at an early stage and, ultimately, they should ensure you receive the right amount of compensation. A significant part of our work involves giving people second opinions in situations where they have had non-specialist solicitors appointed. One client was offered £3,500 which she felt pressured to accept. We took the case on and she ended up with over £50,000. Another client was advised to accept an offer of £210,000. He was unhappy and came to us and we got him £625,000. Taylor Vinters specialise in all types of personal injury claims and we are a top-rated practice in Legal 500. If you or anyone you know has been injured as a result of an accident, contact Mick Upton on 01223 225 205 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Taylor Vinters LLP Merlin Place, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0DP Tel: 01223 225 220 www.tvinjuryclaims.com Taylor Vinters is a trading name of Taylor Vinters LLP. Taylor Vinters LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (registered number OC343503) which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for investment business. A list of members is available from our registered office.

Aladdin:Template 29/01/2013 20:54 Page 1

Princess Jasmine made a guest appearance at Raleigh Infant School at the beginning of December as the “Community Reader” in afternoon assembly, answering questions from children about panto and then reading a specially-selected storybook to the children.

The Thetford Players The Thetford Players have been dashing around faster than Father Christmas and his sleigh over the last couple of months thanks to panto season, starting with a performance at the Christmas lights switch on in Thetford, in which Aladdin (Tyler Curtis) and Princess Jasmine (Tina Matthews) wooed crowds with their rendition of “A whole new world” and the Genie (Kate Jones) appeared in a puff of smoke from the magic lamp to 'shazam' the Christmas lights on whilst other members of the Players sang Christmas songs in English and Spanish, accompanied by a 'flash mob' of zumba dancers and singers from Discord, who were scattered surreptitiously amongst the crowds. Another very successful craft fair at the Carnegie Room took place the following day which included guest appearances from some of the cast of Aladdin. The Players quarterly craft fairs not only raise funds for the group but also for its local 'Charity of the Year' (the Riversdale Centre). The next craft fair is on the 30th March 2013.

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

Aladdin:Template 29/01/2013 20:54 Page 2

Aladdin On the theme of schools, the Players annual panto school colouring competition took place with seven schools in and around Thetford participating and a winner selected from each, receiving a family ticket to see Aladdin at a performance of their choice. The Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival once again this year saw a Thetford Players contribution – a Peking-style Christmas Tree that was decorated with Aladdin lamps made by children at the Players craft fair held a few days earlier. The final crescendo to the panto season was of course the Players very successful run of Aladdin at the Carnegie on the 10th, 11th and 12th January, written/produced by Bob Waple and directed by Jo Cooper and Jo van der Hulks. Of the four shows, three were sell outs and the opening night sold more tickets than any previous first night! Cheesy jokes, sweet-throwing, audience participation, catchy songs and dance moves, flashes, hisses, boos and cheers filled each performance. The sets looked amazing, the costumes were fantastic and the new sound and lighting system was awesome. Everyone involved backstage and cast - did an amazing job at turning the Carnegie Room into Peking for a couple of hours! So what's next? Why not visit: www.thetfordplayers.co.uk and find out more about the Thetford Players, including details about our new production, “Musical Mania”, coming to the Carnegie Room in April 2013! May I take this opportunity on behalf of the Players to say a huge thank you to all of our supporters and sponsors. Jo van der Hulks - Thetford Players Secretary

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

The Brecks:Layout 1 29/01/2013 10:45 Page 1

Uncovering the history of the Brecks at Thetford Warren Lodge For many years the historic form of Thetford Warren Lodge has lain hidden by the trees and scrub growing un-managed around it. As one of only two remaining Warren Lodges in the Brecks it tells of a time when warren lodges stood as sentinels over the vast rabbit warrens; heathland of low lying grasses and herbs spreading out around them for miles. Over 26 warrens existed in the Brecks during the Middle-Ages. Many were owned or leased by senior clergy or nobility, such as Thetford Lodge that was leased to the Abbot of Thetford Priory. The original warren extended to the Little Ouse River in the north, the A11 to the east, Olleys Farm in the south and west as far as Weatherhill Oaks where it bordered Downham High Warren with its lodge where High Lodge now stands. Producing up to 30,000 rabbits a year from each warren, they provided essential meat and supplies to the fur trade of London and Europe. The felt and fur trade of Brandon at one time employed over 500 people and when the rail network reached Thetford the train carried over 200 dozen rabbits to London every day, becoming known as the ‘Bunny Train’. Thetford Warren specialised in producing silver-grey rabbits and their nibbling produced vast areas of low lying open grass heaths, disturbed and bare ground, perfect for the specialised Brecks plants for which the area is nationally significant. 12,845 plant and animal species have been recorded in the Brecks of which 2,149 are of national conservation concern. Much of what we value today for conservation in the UK has been significantly influenced by man over millennia and if we do not continue to intervene we would lose many of the species we recognise and value. The low lying species such as Breckland Thyme, only found in the Brecks, and the rich lichen and moss heath that still holds on here are at risk of being lost.

Thanks to a Higher Level Stewardship Grant from Natural England, The Brecks Partnership, working with Breckland District Council who lease the site, will this winter, commence a habitat restoration programme. This will help to provide the best conditions for the Brecks heath that has been lost from the site due to the unchecked growth of trees and scrub. As much of the tree and scrub cover will be removed as is possible. Not only will this help save the rare Brecks plants and animals, but also set the warren lodge in at least part of its historical context. Photos from 1930’s show the Brandon Road without a tree to be seen on either side, as it would have been from the Middle Ages when ‘warrening’ was at its peak. The lodge would have had uninterrupted views across the whole warren from its high point (yes the Brecks is not flat!) and it was possible to see Ely Cathedral from the roof of the lodge before the forest was planted. With the lack of invasive tree and scrub the heath would have held an amazing array of plants and associated animals.

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

The Brecks:Layout 1 29/01/2013 10:45 Page 2

By acting now we hope to secure those Brecks rarities for the future. Due to safety requirements, unfortunately the site will have to be closed to the public during these operations and warning signage will be installed on site during this vital work.

For further information please contact Neil Featherstone Brecks Partnership Manager Tel 01842 761569

THETFORD

BATHROOM

KITCHEN AND TILE

CENTRE PLANNED â&#x20AC;˘ SUPPLIED â&#x20AC;˘ INSTALLED With a fantastic range of Bathrooms, Kitchens, Floor & Wall Tiles from the largest independent showroom in the area. Fully installed by our experienced and friendly team. We also cater for all your DIY Projects.

With Free planning and Quotation by our professional sales team. We look forward to seeing you soon! Showroom at: 2 Rutherford Way, Fisons Way Ind. Est. Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1HA

Tel: 01842 765023 www.thetfordbathroomandtilecentre.com

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

Dad's Army:Template 28/01/2013 17:16 Page 1

Belmont House, 20 King Street, Thetford IP24 2AP Tel: 01842 751975 • 07802 701911 www.dadsarmythetford.org.uk

The Dad’s Army and Charles Burrell museums are very excited about their latest exhibit – Jones’s Van and are working hard on plans for their launch day on Easter Saturday 30th March. Both

Being part of the Jones' Van team helping maintain the vehicle or talking to visitors about it.

Manning the desks as part of the valuable ‘backroom’ staff helping with administration and organisation whether it be helping satisfy orders from our on line shops or dealing with enquiries or event planning or planning new displays or working on new merchandise or……......

There are many opportunities to become a Dad’s Army and Charles Burrell Volunteer and you can give as little or as much time as you want to – we have some volunteers that work every week through the season, we have others that work for 2 hours in the year so there really is something for everyone and whatever you can commit to, you will be helping both museums to be a Thetford success. Both museums receive visitors from all corners of the globe but there is no question that as a result of the publicity that the Van has already attracted 2013 is poised to be our busiest year yet and in order to cope with the demand we need to attract more volunteers. The van will be housed at Charles Burrell Museum and they will be looking to change their opening hours to every Saturday to ensure as many people as possible have access to the new exhibit – so there are opportunities at both museums.

We all know that volunteers played a crucial part in the success of the Olympics last year – now this is your chance to get involved much closer to home, come and join our happy team! Please get in touch or come and speak to some of our existing volunteers at a special drop in event at the Guildhall on Saturday 16rd February 10 – 12pm.

Do you have to be an expert on Dad’s Army or Charles Burrell? No…....however we guarantee you will become a fan and a valued part of a friendly team. You can help the museums as a Volunteer by l Working in the Museum talking to visitors and making them welcome. l Helping in Marigold’s Tea Rooms or behind the scenes baking cakes at home. l Training as a Tour Guide or Tour Assistant for our public tours guiding visitors around the Thetford locations. l Being ‘front line’ as part of the events team promoting and marketing the museum at outside events.

Thetford Inner Wheel About 70 people gathered in Barnham Village Hall for an evening of ‘Fun Ideas for Christmas’. Demonstrations included cake decorating, parcel wrapping, tree decorations, a floral holly wreath and delicious mince pies. After refreshments the raffle was drawn and raised a magnificent sum of £480 for Inner Wheel charity funds at home and abroad.

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

Leaping Hare:Template 28/01/2013 17:18 Page 1

LEAPING HARE Belmont House, 20 King Street, Thetford IP24 2AP Tel: 01842 751975 • www.leapinghare.org

Didn’t we all have a fantastic Christmas and New Year with some great events? The Christmas Lights switch on celebrations provided by the Town Council including the SoRT iT Christmas Night Market saw a great turnout. We also saw a sneaky preview from the Thetford Players panto stars and what a great panto it’s been with 3 x sell out performances and a very talented cast. We thoroughly enjoyed our early Christmas party with Hold Tight, Christmas in Vegas and seeing the New Year in with many of you. We have already booked the dates for next year and our Christmas parties will be Friday 6th & Saturday 7th December. This year’s Thetford Festival dates are Saturday 24th August – Sunday 9th September and groups are already booking in their dates for their events and people wanting to sponsor are also getting in touch so don’t delay come and reserve a date and time for your event before it’s too late! Leaping Hare are looking forward to being part of Breckland Book Festival this year, made possible by Creative Arts East. On Sunday 24th March, we will be showing ‘Breakfast at Tiffanys’ at the United reformed Church Earl Street at 2.30pm (doors open 2pm). Tickets are just £3 and include FREE refreshments – we can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, can you?

Pictures Supplied

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

26-27 SWAT Tyres:Template 28/01/2013 18:12 Page 1

Amnesty end of year letter 2012 kept Amnesty International busy working to protect human rights. Whilst we started the year with hope for fledgling democracies like Libya and Egypt – at the year end there were protestors in Tahrir Square once more. Meanwhile, in Syria the death toll since the start of the uprising is reported to have reached 40,000 - many of them civilians, and whilst the opposition is now recognised by the international community, the bloodshed continues with no obvious endpoint on the horizon. There are other threats around the world, such as the proposed “kill the gays” bill in Uganda, the alarming arrest and prosecution of journalist Kostaas Vaxeanis in Greece for reporting on corruption, and the continued horrific trend of people setting themselves on fire in protest over China’s policy towards Tibet.

two of the three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot, sentenced to two years for singing a song which criticised President Putin. India and Japan both resumed the use of the death penalty after years of having unofficial moratoriums, but there was good news too; Connecticut was the 17th American state to vote to end the use of the death penalty. We came tantalisingly close to getting a global arms trade treaty which would regulate the movement of weapons around the world, stemming human rights abusers getting their hands on them. Amnesty is hopeful we might secure the treaty we want at negotiations in March. Please consider joining Amnesty to help us fight for rights for all.

As the curtain came down on the year, it was a relief that Malala Yousafsi, the 14-year old girl shot by the Taliban for speaking out about the right to education of girls in Pakistan, is recovering well. But there are countless prisoners around the world languishing in prisons who need our help. They include

Cllr Carl Clark

Many Thanks RAF Honington, Christmas Fair raised the healthy amount of £2400 for their two chosen charities. SSAFA Forces Help In-Service based at Honington and Prostate Cancer are very grateful - the money was split equally between the two.

SWAT TYRES LTD Part worn tyre professionals

Now Open in Thetford Part worn and new budget tyres fully ﬁtted and balanced

from £15.00 Collection and Delivery available

Late Night Opening until 8pm Tuesdays and Thursdays

We are now stockists for Wolfrace alloy wheels and also oﬀer MTEC uprated discs and pads. Coming soon we will be oﬀering a vinyl wrapping and window tinting service please contact us for more details.

Freephone 0800 0936 372 or see us at www.swattyres.co.uk to book online! All major cards accepted Millers Lane, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1AP Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

26-27 SWAT Tyres:Template 28/01/2013 18:12 Page 2

The Path to Peace A season of four concerts presented by the RAF Honington Voluntary Band, will pay a moving tribute to servicemen and women, both past and present, of our Armed Forces. The season of concerts will bring together the Reserve Forces Bands of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, and will also feature the recently formed Honington Military Wives Choir. RAF Honington Voluntary Band is one of eight bands coordinated by the RAF Voluntary Bands Association. Based at Honington, Suffolk, the primary role of the band is to provide music for ceremonial and social occasions at RAF Honington.

Alternatively, a season ticket admitting one person to each of the four concerts is priced at £45 (a saving of £7 on the individual ticket price). www.theapex.co.uk email boxoffice@theapex.co.uk The concert dates are as follows: Sunday 17th February Tribute to the Royal Air Force Saturday 1st June Tribute to the Army Saturday 7 September Tribute to the Royal Navy Saturday 23rd November Tri Service Finale

The Bands’ ethos encourages teamwork and esprit-decorps, as well as raising the profile of the RAF in the local community. The Band frequently performs at civic events and local functions and many of the engagements the Band undertakes are in aid of local and national charities. In 2013 the Band has chosen to support armed forces and ex-services charities, with a percentage of profits from the ‘Path to Peace’ season of concerts being split between five charities; Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion, The Royal Air Force Association, The Army Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Director of Music is Mr T W Milford BA (Music) LRSM, LLCM, formally Bandmaster of one of the finest bands in the British Army, the Coldstream Guards. Tom was appointed Director of Music of the RAF Honington Band in April 2007 and under his direction the Band has strived to attain the highest possible musical standards. Tickets are available to purchase online or from The Apex Box Office. Individual concert tickets are priced at £13.

ABBEY GARAGE

FRIENDLY

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Unit 1, Rutherford Way, Thetford IP24 1HA

01842 762238

Balas Auto Dismantlers • Beck Row www.balas-autos.co.uk We are your local E.L.V facility for disposing of your vehicle correctly Licensed by D.V.L.A, Environment Agency & Forest Heath Council Certificate of Destruction issued at time of disposal for peace of mind

CASH PAID FOR SCRAP CARS Free same day collection, from Mildenhall and Lakenheath bases, plus local area.

Large stock of secondhand cars for sale.

Steering Suspension & Shock Absorbers

AFFORDABLE

AUTOPARTS

Car Audio, Parts & Accessories, Batteries Starter Motors, Number Plates, Wheels Trade Welcome, Local Delivery Service

Cars purchased including left hand drives.

Automobile Engineers

Servicing MOTs Exhausts Brakes Diagnostics

THETFORD

We have spares for most models at competitive prices.

For a friendly service call

LOCAL

01638 713227/07788 714458 email: admin@balas-autos.co.uk

TEL: 01842 755398

Unit 2, 22 Millers Lane, Thetford, IP24 1AP

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

28-29 Ancient House February:Layout 1 29/01/2013 21:00 Page 1

MUSEUM OF THETFORD LIFE

Dr Stevens who was asked to investigate the sanitation of the town in 1868 discovered the wells contaminated with sewage from nearby cesspits. Thetford continued to suffer from outbreaks of disease until the first proper modern sewer system was completed in 1952.

Ancient House Museum

Working conditions for the poor are also looked at, particularly the awful conditions for the workers in Fison’s Fertiliser Works and the Tannery in the town centre. Those who lost their jobs or fell ill would end up in the Thetford Union Workhouse, the feared last resort for the destitute. Objects and photographs from the Workhouse are on display.

Special Exhibition January 26th - 13th July 2013

Hard Times: Life for the Poor of Thetford 100 years ago The fascinating new ‘Hard Times’ exhibition at the Ancient House Museum looks at life for the poor of Thetford around 100 years ago. Collections Officer, Tim Thorpe explains how he put the exhibition together. “Edwardian Britain is sometimes described as a ‘golden age’ but poor living conditions for many people had changed little since the early Victorian period. Insanitary slum housing, disease, poor working conditions, low wages, and the fear of destitution and the workhouse were the norm for a large proportion of the town’s inhabitants. In 1901 for example, Thetford had a higher death rate than 22 of England’s largest towns and even by 1929 the death rate was still well above the average. The displays examine the town’s slum housing and inadequate drains which led to outbreaks of deadly cholera and typhoid epidemics in the late 19th century.

Over a third of women were in domestic service in 1911. Life for servants ‘below stairs’ is looked at. A fascinating 1899 photographic album of ‘Thetford Characters’ taken by Mr Chalk of Bury Road is on display. It shows street snaps of local characters including Mr Keldale the cow herder, Dick Butters, who committed suicide in the river, Billy Bunn the wart charmer, Mr Diver of the Salvation Army, and Arthur Lockwood who died in the Workhouse. The economic depression of the 1920s led to the government setting up work camps for the unemployed in Thetford Forest at West Tofts and High Lodge. Hundreds of men worked in these ‘Hardening Centres’ in return for their dole money. For the town’s poor, soup kitchens were set up in Thetford Town Hall in 1922.” Hard Times looks at the hidden stories of real people in

Thetford Academy of Dramatic Art (TADA) We offer acting & musical theatre tuition for children age 8-14yrs on a Saturday in Thetford. We are also looking to restart our Adult group which will take place on Wednesday evenings in Thetford from 7pm till 9pm. Lessons plans are devised and taught by a qualified and experienced tutor/actor. Fees are kept at affordable rates and are lower than you might expect. Tutors are CRB certified and licensed chaperones. For full details contact:

Mob: 0786 100 3248 email: tada@fsmail.net

L line: 01842 765470 Web: www.tadart.co.uk

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

28-29 Ancient House February:Layout 1 29/01/2013 21:00 Page 2

Thetford in the years of the early 20th century using objects, photographs, and documents from the museum collections.

Events for February Free admission to museum until March 31st 2013

Hard Times: Thetford 100 years ago Life for the poor in the early 1900s had barely changed since early Victorian times. This exhibition examines how terrible working conditions, poor sanitation and housing, typhoid epidemics, fear of debt and the workhouse were everyday threats for some.

Knit and Knatter Tuesday 5th & Thursday 21st February • 10:30am Community event • Free, but please book in advance Wool, needles and light refreshments provided. Contact Sue Ketchell for further information on 01842 752599.

Hard Times Toys

Learn to Stitch or Cross Stitch Saturday 23rd February • 1 - 2pm Community event Cost: £1/50p**, please book in advance Join us and discover new sewing techniques. Our experienced stitchers can teach or give guidance on a range of projects. Basic materials and tuition provided. Suitable for beginners, adults and children aged 6yrs+.

Mini Museum Club - Teddy Bears Picnic Thursday 28th February • 10:30 - 11:30am Under 5s drop-in session • Cost: 50p per child Come and explore, play, listen to a story, enjoy some Christmas themed activities and have fun in the museum.

Hard Times Talk Thursday 28th February • 2:30pm start Afternoon Talk • £3.00 advanced booking essential Meet Collections Officer Tim Thorpe and discover the background to the new Hard Times exhibition.

Wednesday 20th February • 11am - 2pm Family drop-in event • Free admission Come and explore the new exhibition and make a peg doll inspired by a Norfolk workhouse doll. Design your own sock puppet and create a toy from matchboxes to take home with you. Play some traditional games from the Victorian era.

Victorian Spring Cleaning Friday 22nd February • 11am - 2pm House Alive drop-in event • Free admission Come and meet our costumed characters, ‘The Thetford Treasures’ as Mrs Newton and friends give the Victorian kitchen a spring clean!

Henny Knights

Too Busy for Housework and Ironing? DoYou Need a Cleaner that is?

Autumn/Winter Opening Times:

• Reliable • Honest • Hardworking • CRB Checked • Fully Insured

Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 4pm 1 October 2012 – 31 March 2013

Free Admission

If so Call Linda on

For more information: Tel. 01842 752599 (Tues – Fri 10am – 4pm) or email ancienthouse@norfolk.gov.uk.

07774 933 023 No Job Too Small

(Based in Thetford)

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

30 Bishops Fayre Carl Clark:Template 29/01/2013 21:49 Page 1

Easy the British Lung Foundation group with their enigmatic larger than life Chairman "Tiny" sold out of Breathe Easy held their annual Christmas tombola prizes within thirty minutes!! as hundreds of meeting at Cloverfields Community parents and carers came through the doors. Church in Thetford, visitors and other St Johns Ambulance brought their resuscitation dummy Breathe easy groups from areas across Norfolk and and walkie talkies which were a big hit with the children, Suffolk were in attendance, along with Laura the British Thetford Health Trainers and Surestart were well Lung Foundation representative from London who represented and the Santa's Grotto was very popular, a received a cheque for £100 from "Tiny" the enigmatic big thank you to all those Parents and Carers who made chairman of the Thetford branch. this a success with all the hard work they put in.

Breathe Easy

Cllr Carl Clark - Pastoral Co-ordinator

NEIL CATES Property Maintenance & Builders Kitchen & Bathroom Refurbishments Extensions l all aspects of Plumbing Carpentry l Tiling l Bricklaying, Paving l Fencing l Facias l Guttering

The donation to the BLF was for all the help and hard work they had put in to supporting us here in Thetford, which has resulted in the success of the group in numbers and speakers we have at the meetings.

Tel: 01842 878898 Mobile: 07817 321 172 30 Years experience

A buffet lunch and music supplied by Joyce a very talented organist capped off a very good meeting, we are looking forward to building on our success and bringing more members into the regular meetings and events. Cllr Carl Clark - Pastoral Co-ordinator

The Bishop's Primary School Christmas Fayre

City & Guilds Qualified with over 20 years experience

PLUMBING • HEATING • BATHROOMS Aﬀordable Kitchens Supplied and Fitted with free 3D drawings Please Contact Nick White for advice and a no hassle estimate Telephone: 01842 750505 • Mobile: 07737 044700

We had the most successful Christmas Fayre ever raising over £600 for community groups and the P.T.A, Breathe

E mail - plumbsure@yahoo.com

32 Fisher Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2LD

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

31 Carls Youth Award :Template 29/01/2013 20:03 Page 1

or in the summer as many as 100 youth helping to repair and recycle bicycles”.

Youth Award to Thetford Christian Based Project

For his work on the project Carl came runner up in a Volunteer of the Year Award 2011 from Sustrans (Green Transport Category). The project was also awarded a Helping Hands Award for Community Work in 2011 and the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum at Thetford’s Shadwell Stud has awarded the project a grant for tools and equipment.

Thetford Cycling Forward, a community project led by Pastoral Outreach Worker Carl Clark, was recently awarded the 2012 Bernard Matthews Youth Award for the Environment to add to its increasing collection of honours. At a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Open Youth venue in Norwich, youth volunteer Joshua Murad accepted the 2012 Bernard Matthews Youth Award for the Environment, in association with the EDP, on behalf of community project Thetford Cycling Forward.

Carl said: “Shadwell Stud are a blessing on our community for helping local community groups and schools in the area with support and grants. It is great that Christians and the Islamic community help and support each other, which is a success story not often reported in mainstream media.”

The environmental award, which comes with a £1000 contribution, follows three years of hard work recycling hundreds of bicycles that would have otherwise gone into landfill. The Thetford Cycling Forward initiative began at the Bishop's CEVA Primary School on Thetford’s Abbey Estate by Pastoral Outreach Worker Carl Clark. Carl continues to run the award winning community project based on Christian values.

Joshua Murad who accepted the Bernard Matthews Award on behalf of Thetford Cycling Forward has been volunteering with the project from the start. Carl said: “He is an absolute pleasure to have had working with me and mentoring others. Josh gives 100% to whatever he does with a smile!” Carl was unable to attend the awards ceremony following a serious illness.

Bicycles which would otherwise have gone to waste are given to families without bicycles who are referred to the group by support agencies.

Thetford Cycling Forward have now teamed up with "CrackOn" a charity aimed at getting young people into training and back into work. Over the past year Mark Byford who runs the charity has donated safety equipment which has been very well received by the young people. The new venture will see bicycles being donated to Thetford Cycling Forward as well, we now operate from the Bishop's School again as we did in the past and have storage for up to 100 bicycles and spares across Thetford from sponsors.

Carl Clark explains: “We have now recycled over 400 bicycles and donated them to families who are struggling or just in need of a blessing, with several hundred other bikes repaired in our community at no cost. Over 3000 people have used the project since it opened in January 2010. From a health perspective, it is exciting to see entire families out cycling for the first time. “Each time we have struggled we have handed it over to the Lord, listened and then God poured his blessings on the group, which can be as small as four or five youth,

ers Dayy h t o M a OPEN er Sund t s a E d an

I would like to thank everyone who has supported us in the past and look forward to an exciting future. Cllr Carl Clark

the

Mulberry

Open Tues - Sat from 6pm www.mulberrythetford.co.uk

Tel: 01842 824122 11 Raymond Street Thetford IP24 2EA Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

32 Garden Pages February:Garden 29/01/2013 19:36 Page 1

Gardeners & Allotment Holders of Thetford Hi Gardeners! I hope you all are well and have got over the bad weather in January, all that snow and then the big thaw.

In January you should have started to feed the fish in the pond as they are now waking up, also all the birds in the garden will probably need a helping hand food wise.

I hope you have not had too much damage on your allotments and gardens, I lost my cabbage cage, with the weight of the snow on it collapsed and is broken beyond repair.

The house plants will need some water now, but make sure it is just a little at a time as not to over water them, as they have been all winter without water they could become water logged and we do not want that do we?

The big clean up begins for another year... I noticed that my garlic is up, so hopefully there will be a good crop in August.

All my orchids are in flower at the moment as is my aloe vera, these are house plants that do not need too much water at all.

Now is the time to get your garden ready for this years crop, weather permitting, dig in manure for your potatoes. Your onions, shallots, parsnips can be planted this month and broad beans can go in now if you did not plant September, October time.

Well that is all for this month. Remember if anyone out there would like to join Thetford Garden and Allotment Club please do contact me on: 07867 974 544 yvonnerout@gmail.com.

Next I will be planting in my nursery, leeks, summer cabbages, red cabbage, and cauliflowers. Once they have grown to a manageable size transplant them to where you want them to go. As it is still early in the year please keep an eye out for any frosts that could still catch us out.

We have a lot of things going on, like yearly trips and talks every month.The next will be February 28th at the United Reformed Church, Earls Street, at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome, even if you are not a member. We hold three shows a year, the Spring show, Summer show and of cause the Annual show, which anyone can enter, just watch this space. bye for now Yvonne

Looking for someone to maintain your garden or to help you grow your own fruit and veg? Tel: 07545 765 274

DONE’S BUILDING SERVICES For all your building needs including...

BRITTA GARDENING

Patios • Re-pointing • Renovation Brickwork and Blockwork Extensions • Plastering • Decorating Free Quotes and Advice

Britta Lipper, Thetford - Gardener and Food Grower

General Garden Work Weeding • Lawn Mowing • Hedge Pruning etc. Help with Organic Veg & Fruit Growing, Advice and Raising Seedlings Happy to work independently or alongside you Call me for a quote - Reasonable Rates

60 Magdalen Street, Thetford IP24 2BN Tel: 01842 822557 Mob: 07921 914 327 Email: donesbuildingservices@gmail.com

MICKS BUILDING SERVICES

BETTS of BRANDON Ltd ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SUPPLIED AND FITTED DECKING l WALL REMOVAL TREE SERVICES l CARPORTS Children’s Playhouse from £248.00

Extensions • Driveways Patios • Garden Walls And all Home Improvements

(Playhouse Show Site) Thetford Garden Centre

For friendly advice and a free quote call:

Tel: 01842 811003

07979 696 802 or 01842 750224 sheddieb@aol.com

Fengate Drove Brandon

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

Stop Smoking:Template 29/01/2013 19:32 Page 1

Saying No to tomatoes could help you Stop Smoking

Change your life for the better with Hypnotherapy Anxiety & Worry

Avoiding tomatoes and changing the way you think about stopping could be the key to a healthier future for Norfolk smokers. Ian Chase is the representative of the National Smoking Cessation Institute for Thetford and surrounding area. The NSCI is a Brighton-based organisation that has helped thousands of smokers to stop smoking since it was founded more than 20 years ago. As part of their research they found that for some people tomatoes seemed to increase the craving for cigarettes during the first days after their clients stopped smoking. The humble tomato belongs to the Nightshade family of plants of which tobacco is also a member. It seems that if tomatoes are eaten in any form after stopping smoking the body can confuse the tomato molecules with tobacco molecules. This confusion actually keeps the person addicted to nicotine and although this doesn’t happen to everyone the NSCI recommend that smokers who are stopping should avoid tomatoes in their diet for four days after they stop.

Builders New Builds l Extensions Conservatories l Alterations Garden Walls l Patios and Repairs

Smoking

C I

Fears & Phobias

Ian Chase

Hypnotherapy & Stress Management

Weight Control

T. 07511 528738 E. change@ian-chase.co.uk www.ian-chase.co.uk Norfolk Natural Health Clinic, 6B Raymond Street, Thetford

Another important aspect of stopping smoking is to change the way you think about stopping. Some people say that they are quitting smoking or they are giving-up smoking. The terms ‘quitting’ and ‘giving-up’ are both seen by the mind as negative. To use terms such as these is unhelpful as they cause the person to think they are a quitter or they will be losing something of value. If instead you believe you are becoming a non-smoker then you are welcoming this positive change into your life and this change in attitude will help with your success. Most smokers have a fear of stopping and this is to be expected. Some smokers have never been non-smoking adults and such a change can cause them some fear. Ian works with his clients to reduce their fears and helps them to change their thought patterns in order for them to positively welcome becoming a non-smoker rather than fearing the change. For further information about stopping smoking please contact Ian on 07511 528738 or email him at change@ian-chase.co.uk for a free consultation

Let -Tec

Tel: 01842 765376

Property Maintenance

Mob: 07852 948 603 l Mob: 07887 935 444

GAS ENGINEERS - ELECTRICIANS - PLUMBERS Gas Safety Certificates/Landlord Certificates Heating and Hot Water Issues • Fuse Board Replacements Part P • Gas Leaks • Dripping Taps • All Maintenance Fast & Friendly Service • Free Quotes • 24hr Call Out Call FREE from any UK landline

CNC BUILDING SERVICES LTD Alterations • Extentions • Roofing Conservatories • Windows • Doors Fascias • Guttering • Walls • Patios Fencing • Decking • Driveways

0800 0016 953 web: www.let-tec.co.uk

Free Estimates

E-Mail: info@let-tec.co.uk

Can you sell advertising? Call 07926 024 471

For a Friendly Service, call now on:

07932 588903 or 07786 547608

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

34 Easifleet Feb 2013:Layout 1 29/01/2013 21:07 Page 1

All Monthly Bookings 4 Weeks for the Price of 3

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm Cars Unlimited Mileage / VAT & Insurance all Included Weekend Rates - 4pm Friday - 10am Monday

February Special Offer All Small Cars Only £100 For The Week

Hyundai i40 Estate

Merc Sprinter

i800 8 Seater

Daily Rate - £45.00 Weekend - £90.00 Weekly Rate - £225.00

Daily Rate - £65.00 Weekend - £130.00 Monthly Rate - £975.00

Daily Rate - £60.00 Weekend - £120.00 Weekly Rate - £300.00

WEEKEND

WEEKLY

MONTHLY

4pm Fri - 10am Mon Charge for 2 Days Rental

7 Days for the Price of 5

For the Price of 3 on all Monthly

2 FISON WAY, THETFORD IP24 1HT

SIGNAGE • BANNERS • POSTERS Call Trevor at About Thetford on

01842 761549

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

35 Inner Wheel:Template 28/01/2013 17:11 Page 1

Thetford Inner Wheel

Made

Measure

Curtains Pelmets & Tiebacks Blinds Cushions & Bed Throws Curtains Shortened from £10 Trousers Shortened £7.50p Free Measuring Service Collection & Delivery Service Available Over 20 Years Experience

Call Dena on 07842 110240

Pictured left to right: Liz Hodgson and Gill Price

At our January meeting at the Wereham House Hotel Thetford Inner Wheel was entertained by two of its own members. Liz Hodgson and Gill Price had decided after a chance discussion at a previous meeting to go to Nepal. After much planning and training, which even included walking to Brandon on one occasion, they left the UK for a trekking holiday last Autumn. Their talk was magnificently illustrated with slides and wonderful anecdotes which will last long in their and our memories. The club decided to give £100 to the village they had visited which had also been very grateful for the warm clothes and wind-up torches the club had donated. Marian de Bass - Club Correspondent.

SERVICE NOW DUE?

SHIFT_expectations

MOT’S WHILE YOU WAIT PETROL OR DIESEL ALL MAKES SERVICING AND REPAIR BRING THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE NISSAN BASEBALL CAP

ALWAYS A HELPFUL SERVICE

AMES NISSAN LTD 2 FISON WAY, THETFORD, NORFOLK

TEL: 01842 766222 www.ames-nissan.co.uk Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

37 Small Ads:Layout 1 29/01/2013 20:27 Page 1

Mar tin Taylor l e F ame Gmabsi Ser vices Ltd ng Engine Hom ng & Plu er Heati

Willow Property Management

28 Years Experience Installing, Servicing and Repairing all makes of Boilers, Cookers, Gas Fires and Warm Air Units

Our Services Include Cleaning • Gardening • Maintenance Property Rental • House Clearance

Tel: 01842 766722 Mob: 07879 698 271

FREE Phone 08000 356 156

SC flooring

Anglian Heating Services CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS BOILER SERVICING and REPAIRS ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING POWERMAX BOILERS

Limited

n Laminate fLooring n Kitchens designed & fitted n generaL carpentry For a high quality finish with friendly service please call 07800 532591

01842 753564 Call for Friendly advice anytime

TheTford • Norfolk registered in england 04351276

THETFORD GAS SERVICES

POWERCLEAN WITH A VEHICLE MOUNTED MACHINE CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

MARTIN REDMOND Gas Service Engineer

Have your carpets cleaned using a vehicle mounted machine and see the difference.

Tel: 01842 760521 Mob: 07947 752186

Drying Time 1-2 Hours Call David for a no obligation quote on

FOR ALL YOUR

Tel: 01842 754163 Mob: 07958 395 930 www.powerclean-thetford.co.uk

HEATING & PLUMBING

Barry Carter

P A S Plumbing & HeAting L ServiceS Gas Safe, Oftec & Unvented Hot Water Registered U For all Plumbing, Heating, Gas, Oil Bathrooms, Kitchens, Taps and Heating Controls M Tel: 01842 750582 B Mob: 07872 165 716 Mob: 07872 166 122 E michysayers@hotmail.com R 24hour EMERGENCY CALL OUT

FLAT ROOFING SPECIALIST

High performance torch on felt system Tel: 01842 814648 Mobile: 07775 946278 Free Advice & Estimates • All Work Guaranteed 20 Spruce Drive • Brandon • Suffolk IP27 0UU

please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

TEMPLATE:Template 29/01/2013 20:41 Page 1

Thetford Inner Wheel

Berties Crafts

10%

OFF

ALL Purchases During February on Presentation of this Voucher

Can only be used on one visit • closing date 28/02/2013

www.bertiescrafts.co.uk Contact Pauline on 01842 766297

13 White Hart Street, Thetford IP24 1AA

Thetford Inner Wheel President Carol Goodchild with Community Service Organiser Cathy Witton presented a cheque for £200 to Annalee Clarke on behalf of Age Concern Thetford. Mrs Clarke was very grateful as funding has become increasingly difficult at this time.

Picture F raming Bespoke and Handmade in our Workshop

Photo’s Old and New Drawings • Prints Posters • Certiﬁcates • Watercolours Oils • Cross Stitch Stretch and Lace etc. etc.

From their offices in Riversdale they, amongst other things, help the elderly with benefit forms, organise door to door shopping on a mini bus. Their aim is to support the well-being and independence of people over fifty in Thetford and surrounding villages. They can be contacted on 01842 750088.

The Craft Cabin 16 London Rd., Brandon IP27 0HS

Tel: 01842 814178 Open 9.30 - 5.00 Mon-Fri and some Saturdays

07826 567367 01842 824817 enquiries@markscomputerrepairs.co.uk

www.winnersbingo.co.uk Open EVERY AFTERNOON and EVENING Morning sessions Tuesday and Thursday

PC & LAPTOP REPAIR, TUNE UPS, VIRUS/MALWARE REMOVAL, DATA BACK UP & RECOVERY, INTERNET CONNECTION TROUBLESHOOTING + MORE WEB: WWW. MARKSCOMPUTERREPAIRS.CO.UK

• • • • • • •

Do you waste hours of time on paperwork you loathe? Or do you loathe it so much that it’s not getting done at all? Make life easy, call for a free consultation:

01842 754005

BIG CASH PRIZES every day SLOT MACHINE LOUNGE SUPER LINK and NATIONAL GAMES HOT and COLD MEALS at the BUFFET LICENSED BAR FULLY AIR CONDITIONED JOIN FREE and PLAY on arrival at the club

Guildhall Street Thetford

Simark Accountants Belmont House 20 King Street Thetford Norfolk IP24 2AP

Tel: 01842 752279

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

38 Library Feb:Library 28/01/2013 17:06 Page 1

February at Thetford Library! Board Games Mornings

The Book Club

Relax and enjoy a game of Scrabble, dominoes, chess or draughts at our FREE drop in Board Games mornings, twice weekly on Monday and Thursday mornings, between 10am - 1pm. Everyone is welcome. Groups are welcome to use the Board Games in the Library for free at other times-please contact David at the Library for further information.

Friday 22nd February, 5.45pm - 6.45pm

Opening Hours Tel: 01842 752048 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 - 5:30pm Wed 8:30-1pm • Fri 8:30-7pm • Sat 9:00am-1pm Thetford Library, Raymond Street,Thetford IP24 2EA email: thetford.lib@norfolk.gov.uk www.twitter.com/norfolklibs

NEW Books and Buggies Meet Up! Are you a parent/carer with children aged 0-4 years? Why not come to the library on a Monday morning to meet with friends for a chat and listen to a story. These free sessions are held every Monday between 10am - 11.30am and you are welcome to stay for the whole session or drop-in.

Thetford (Breckland) Lioness Club

NEW Thetford Writers Group Are you a budding Rowling, Motion or E.L. James? Whether you want to write diary entries, poems, prose or an epic trilogy come to this new group where you can help, listen and share your work. The February meeting will take place in the library on Friday 8th February, 5.45pm - 6.45pm.

25th Lioness Conference

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Whatever Next ! Story & Craft Session Tuesday 19th February, 10.30am - 11.30am Listen to the story and make some crafts! Admission by FREE child tickets available from Thetford Library from 3 weeks before the event. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Dental Health Team

MDLC June Mills (centre) with other Lionesses meet to finalise plans for the 25th Lioness conference to be held at Peterborough on February 15th,16th and 17th.

The Dental Health Team will be at the Library on Thursday 21st February - 10.00am - 12 noon Why not drop-in and take part in fun activities for children and have your dental questions answered. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Baby Bounce & Rhyme Times Songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers and their parents/carers Tuesday 5th February • 10.30am - 11.00am Tuesday 26th February • 10.30am - 11.00am No need to book, just drop in for these fun, free sessions and meet some new friends at the library!

Reading Group Friday 22nd February, starting at 2.30pm.

At the recent Thetford (Breckland) Lioness Christmas Quiz the "GROVE GIRLS" receive the Trophy from Lioness President Sheila. Proceeeds from the raffle and table fees will go toward Lioness Charities. Pictures Supplied

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

39 Index:Big Sitting Room 29/01/2013 23:05 Page 1

Advertising Index Accountants Breckland Accountancy Stacey and Partners Simark Lovewell and Blake Appliance Repairs J & M Appliance Repairs Aerial Supply and Installers Aerial Services Bathroom and Kitchen Installions Thetford Bathroom & Kitchen Plumbsure Cronin and Crisp Bingo Winners Bingo Blinds Norwich Sunblinds Builders Neil Cates Micks Building Services Chrystal Builders Carpets Thetford Carpet Warehouse Carpet Cleaning Powerclean Cleaners Sew Clean Suffolk Maids Kleen and Tyde Computers Services Kybird Computer Services Marks Computer Repairs Bailiwick IT Baker Computer Solutions Crafts, Wool and Haberdashery Berties Curtains Dena Curtains Dancing Jazzercise Dog Grooming Elles Beaus & Belle Drame School TADA

Page 3 25 37 8-9 30 8 23 32 6 37 17 30 32 33 3 36 14 15 29 39 37 13 6 37 35 10 15 28

To advertise call Marje on

Electrical Brunning Electrical Services MTS Electrical Services

Page

14 6

Firewood Norfolk Logs Flooring Services SC Flooring Ltd Furniture DAKO Furniture Gardening, Fencing and Sheds Betts Britta Lipper Gas Engineers Steve’s Heating & Plumbing Thetford Gas Services Homeflame Gas Services Anglia Heating Services Lec-tec Hairdressers John Olivers Cre8ive Hair Health and Beauty Halcyon Days Slimming World Alison Layton - Chiropodist Up to Scratch Nails Hypnotherapist Ian Chase Locksmiths Brecklocks Mobility Vehicles Breckland Mobility Supplies KSP Mobility Picture Framing The Craft Cabin Plumbers Steves Heating & Plumbing Thetford Gas Services AS Plumbing & Heating Homeflame Gas Services Plumbsure

Property Letting Lawsons Willow Property Management

Kybird Computer Services

23 36 2 32 32 3 36 36 36 33 11 11 10-11 10 10 10 33 17 39 17 37 3 36 36 36 30

01842 761549

Printing Page About Thetford Ltd - Printing 01842 761549 Property Maintenance 16 D.P. Services Neil Cates 30 Barry Carter (Roofing) 36 Dones Building Services 32 33 CNC Building Services Micks Building Services 32 Removals Simon Long 14 Restaurants & Shops The Mulberry 31 Solicitors Taylor Vinters 19 Taxi 21st Century Taxis Front Cover Tiles & Tiling Thetford Bathroom & Kitchen 23 Tyres SWAT Tyres 26 Upholstery Supplies Comfort Zone 35 Vehicle Dismantlers Balas Auto Dismantlers 27 DSR Auto’s 3 Vehicle Maintenance / Accessories Vickers Motors 16 Thetford Autoparts 27 Gorse Motors 15 M&S Breckland Motors 12 Ames Nissan 35 Abbey Garage 27 Vehicle Rental Easyfleet 34 Window Cleaners First Glass Window Cleaning 16

Back Page 36

Breckland Mobility Supplies

No Fix No Fee - Evenings and Weekends

Unit 5 Telford Way - Thetford - IP24 1HU Opposite Cosy Carpets TEL: 01842 766087

Broadband & wireless network setup • computer repairs • virus removal • hardware and software installation • new builds • sound advice

SALES-SERVICE-REPAIRS-PARTS BATTERIES, ACCESSORIES

23 Earls Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2AB Te l : 0 1 8 4 2 7 6 4 6 9 2 • M o b : 0 7 8 2 4 3 9 1 0 4 2 Email: enquiries@kybirdcomputerservices.co.uk We b : w w w. k y b i r d c o m p u t e r s e r v i c e s . c o . u k

For:- Scooters, Wheelchairs, Chairs, Beds Bath-Lifts, etc We also Hire Wheelchairs & Scooters

Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

Lawsons Back Page 2013:Template 14/01/2013 16:47 Page 1

One simple message...

we have the Highest Ratio of Sold to For Sale Signs of any agent* THETFORD

LAWSONS ESTATE AGENTS Agent 8 - 16.7%

Agent 6 - 25.0%

Agent 7 - 22.6%

Agent 5 - 27.8%

Agent 3 - 31.8%

Agent 4 - 30.0%

Agent 2 - 36.0%

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 21 - 2 3 N O V E M B E R 2 01 2

LAWSONS ESTATE AGENTS 44.4%

soldtoforsaleratio

44.4% forsale SIGN ANALYSIS SUPPLIERS OF INDEPENDENT MARKET SHARE REPORTS THROUGHOUT ENGLAND AND WALES

*LAWSONS ESTATE AGENTS WAS THE ESTATE AGENT WITH THE HIGHEST PROPORTION OF SOLD SIGNS EXPRESSED AS A % OF THEIR TOTAL SIGNS, BASED ON ESTATE AGENTS WITH MORE THAN 20 BOARDS IN TOTAL.

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.

0845 308 2004 路 www.forsalesignanalysis.co.uk

Tel: 01842 755422 Fax: 01842 755433

E. sales@lawsonsestateagents.co.uk

www.lawsonsestateagents.co.uk

2 Bridge Street, Thetford IP24 3BL