July 23 About Thetford magazine

Things Are Hotting Up This Summer

Thetford is well and truly coming alive this summer with the first of our town festivals kicking off at the beginning of the month. The Mela is a firm favourite in the About Thetford magazine office, a real whirlwind of sound and colour. We are also thrilled that the Stage and Screen Festival is returning again this year.

One of the best things about living in Thetford is being surrounded by the glorious forest, but long periods of hot dry weather can quickly turn this beautiful landscape into a tinderbox. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service have a tough job this time of year, especially with wildfire outbreaks. We can all do our bit to help prevent these and there’s more advice on page 19. The Thetford crew are also busy training for their Three Peaks Challenge towards the end of the summer, raising much needed funds for the Firefighter’s Charity who offer lifelong support to those from the Firefighting Community. Please do support them if you can.

Karen-Emma White, Assistant Editor, About Thetford magazine

Where everyone

Inside this month...

Page 4 - Last Chance To See Viking Display

Page 5 - Festival Of Thetford & Punjab

Page 7 - Summer Reading Challenge

Page 9 - Thetford Stage & Screen Festival

Page 11 - Hosts Sought For Ukrainians

Page 13 - u3a To Welcome Phoenix Owls

Page 15 - Clear Space And Help NHS

Page 17 - Spotlight On IC Travel

Page 19 - Wildfire Prevention Advice

Page 20 & 21- Firefighter’s Challenge

Page 22 - Probus Visit To RAF Honginton

Page 23 - News From Lions Club

Page 24 - Marian Enjoys The Gallopers

Page 25 - How Acne Impacts All Ages

Page 27 - Gain Computer Confidence

Page 29 - Cuckoos Are Ready To Go

Page 33 - Heat Advice From Dogs Trust

Page 35 - West Norfolk Aviation Society

Page 38 - Black Belt For Septuagenarian MUNDFORD,

Email: ben@bensbikes.net

Website: www.bensbikes.net

Last Chance To See: Vikings History On Your Doorstep Exhibition

This month is the last chance to see the Vikings exhibition which explores the exciting history of the Vikings in Thetford and the surrounding area and the impact of their presence and culture.

Beautiful objects on loan from the British Museum alongside impressive Viking artefacts from the collections of Norfolk Museums Service and Suffolk County Council chart the Viking story in East Anglia – from the time of their initial raids along the east coast around 1,200 years ago, through 200 years of integration and settlement and the creation of an Anglo-Scandinavian culture.

Visitors will be able to find out about the area on the eve of the Viking attacks in the 9th century, the invading ‘Great Viking Army’ which overwintered in Thetford and life in the major Viking period town of Thetford which became the sixth largest town in the country. The exhibition runs until 9th July 2023.

On Tuesday 11th July at 2pm join Keith Robinson, Chair of Ancient House Friends for a brief look at the people of Norfolk and north Suffolk at the end of the Iron Age and at the beginnings of the Roman occupation. Exploring the social and cultural changes taking place, particularly through the objects they made and suggesting a special relationship with the horse. Just £5 or free for Friends and Norfolk Museum Service Passholders. Advanced booking essential. Tickets can be booked online at: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ ancient-house/whats-on/

Festival of Thetford & Punjab Returns

Thetford will be once again hosting the Festival of Thetford & Punjab in venues across the town from Friday 7th July until Sunday 9th July 2023.

The weekend of cultural celebration is inspired by the life and legacy of the Duleep Singh family, the last Royal Family of the Punjab who lived in Elveden Hall. The Festival of Thetford & Punjab 2023 commemorates the 130th Anniversary of the death of Maharajah Duleep Singh.

There are plenty of highlights for all to enjoy, including the Thomas Paine Hotel’s annual curry night, zine workshops and family activities at Thetford Library, free admission all weekend at Ancient House Museum, and special tours by Commonwealth War Graves Commission at Thetford Cemetery. Ancient House will also be hosting the Anglo-Sikh Virtual Museum, with talks by Gurinder Singh Mann on the famous Koh-i-nor Diamond.

Sikh historian Peter Bance is also back in town, sharing insights and stories about the Duleep Singh family at St Andrew’s and St Patrick’s Church in Elveden, where the Maharajah is buried. And Rav Singh from A Little History of the Sikhs will be telling stories from Lahore and Punjab, using the streets of London as his starting point.

On the Sunday, all are welcome to the Thetford Mela, the grand Festival Finale On The Green along Thetford riverside, bringing together colourful and vibrant performances by artists from India, Norfolk, and across the UK.

The event will feature performances from Circus Raj and the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, music and dance from the Dhol Enforcement Agency, Virsa Punjab Bhangra Dancers and a Bhangra DJ. There’ll be Sikh martial arts from the Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara, all framed by Kinetika’s beautiful Silk River Flags. With food, Henna Art and heritage stalls. There is bound to be something for everyone!

To read the full programme and book for events, please use the QR code (top right) or visit: www.thetfordpunjabfest.com

Above: Rajastan Heritage Brass Band

Left: Circus Raj image: ©Pat Mitchell

New Acquistion For Museum

A walking stick owned by the Maharajah Duleep Singh and presented to him by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII (18411910) has gone on display at Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life. The handsome walking stick is a recent acquisition and an important new item for the museum’s collection, providing a personal connection to this significant historical figure. It was acquired through a generous anonymous donation. Duleep Singh was the last Maharajah of the Punjab and lived at Elveden Hall near Thetford. His son, Prince Frederick, was the benefactor of the Ancient House Museum. The Prince of Wales visited Duleep Singh at Elveden and attended lavish shooting parties there.

Museum Curator, Oliver Bone said: “We are absolutely delighted to add this generous donation to the museum collections of this personal piece. It shows the connection between Maharajah Duleep Singh and Edward the Prince of Wales. They had been friends from the 1850s when Duleep Singh first came to England and met the Royal Family.”

The malacca walking stick has a bulbous, swollen handle just under which is an attached gold insignia of a crowned lion supporting a shield –the same motif appears in the coat of arms designed for Duleep Singh by Prince Albert, a version of which carved in wood is also in the museum collections. Below the lion, there is a gold banded collar around the cane. The collar is inscribed to say it was a gift to Duleep Singh from the Prince of Wales, ‘FROM H.R.H THE PRINCE OF WALES TO THE MAHARAJAH DHULEEP SINGH’.

For opening times and admission prices visit: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ancient-house/ plan-your-visit

Summer Reading Challenge At Thetford Library

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to keep reading during the school summer holidays – and to enjoy anything they like to read! It is aimed at children aged 5 - 11 years, but there is a mini challenge for children under 5 as well.

It’s FREE to take part. All the children have to do is read six library books throughout the summer and visit the library to collect stickers. They will receive their very own certificate and medal at the end! The theme this year is Ready, Set, Read! which is all about sport. The library will have themed events and activities running throughout the summer too. Why should my child sign up?

• They will be better prepared to return to school in the autumn.

• The Challenge supports the move into a new year group.

• Becoming more independent in their reading boosts children’s confidence and self-esteem.

• The library provides free access to books and fun family activities all through the summer.

Let The Fun Begin

• Library staff are on hand to offer support and book recommendations.

Your child will be part of a UK-wide programme developed by the Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with the public library network. You can sign up by visiting Thetford Library from the 8th July and speaking with a member of staff. Your child will receive a Ready, Set, Read! welcome pack where they can keep a record of the books they’ve read, give ratings and add stickers. They will get a set of stickers for every two books they read, and we suggest three library visits during the summer to collect them.

We will be holding a medal ceremony on the 2nd September for those interested.

Illustrations by Loretta Schauer and © The Reading Agency 2023

FREE Outdoor Cinema

Enjoy tasty street food with a selection of Hollywood blockbusters on the Riverside green in the heart of Thetford. www.breckland.co.uk/whatson

6th August 1.00pm Moana PG

5th August

Coco PG

Matilda The Musical PG 5.00pm Back to the Future PG

Space Jam U

Jurassic Park PG

Open Air Theatre at Thetford Priory BOOK NOW

Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility

Tuesday 22nd August 2023

William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Wednesday 23rd August 2023

Venue: Thetford Priory, Water Lane, Thetford, IP24 1BB

Gates open 5.00pm, performances at 6.00pm

• Please bring your own picnic blankets or low-backed seating.

• Tasty street food

Tickets

Adult £12.00 • Child (5-16/NUS student) £5.00 • Family (2 adults & 2 children) £30.00 • Free entry for children under 5.

Book online at www.chapterhouse.org (Open Air Theatre)

Disabled parking is limited, please contact tdps@breckland.gov.uk for arrangements. No glass permitted on site.

Thetford 'Stage And Screen Festival' Returns In August

The popular Thetford festival, which attracted thousands of stage and screen fans in 2022, returns with two days of free outdoor family cinema ‘On The Green’ by the Thetford riverside leisure complex in early August. Free outdoor cinema events will then be followed by two evening outside theatre performances of Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' and Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', against the medieval backdrop of Thetford Priory at the end of August.

Breckland Council has funded the Stage and Screen Summer 2023 programme, in partnership with Thetford Town Council, to bring together local communities, attract visitors to the town and support local businesses.

The festival kicks off ‘On The Green’ at the Thetford Riverside complex on Saturday 5th August, with a free outside cinema showing family favourite 'Moana' at 1pm, 'Space Jam' at 3pm and finally the time travelling family epic, 'Back to the Future' at 5pm. On Sunday, 6th August, Pixar's 'Coco' will be shown at 1pm, followed by award winning 'Matilda the Musical' at 3pm and concludes with Spielberg's 'Jurassic Park' at 5.15pm.

Over both days, a range of street food vendors and high street takeaways will be on hand for people including Dough & Co, Burger Amor, and popcorn buckets from the Light Cinema.

After the free outdoor cinema events, Thetford Priory will be providing the magnificent backdrop for two outside theatre productions by Chapterhouse Theatre company. The famous company of actors will be performing Jane Austen's ‘Sense and Sensibility’ on Tuesday 22nd August, followed by Shakespeare's ‘A Midsummers Night's Dream’ on Wednesday 23rd August.

Thetford Town Council will be running workshops during August, as part of the Creative Carnival programme, watch out for further details. There is no need to book a space to attend the free outside cinema, just bring a chair or picnic blanket if you’d like something to sit on.

The Thetford Priory theatre shows are ticket-only events and can be purchased online from: www.chapterhouse.org

Enjoy ‘Sense and Sensibility’ at Thetford Priory this summer as part of the Stage and Screen Festival

New Hosts Sought For Ukrainian Families Across Norfolk

Norfolk County Council are looking for new hosts to join the hundreds of other Norfolk residents who have opened their homes and provided accommodation for a family or individuals from Ukraine. The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched in March 2022 to provide support to Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022. The war in Ukraine has now entered its second year, and the need for support and compassion for those displaced by the conflict has not changed. We are still in need of people to host Ukrainian families; especially for guests who have been in Norfolk for a while now and are needing to move for employment, education or other reasons. Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said, “Over eight hundred households have so far welcomed a guest, but we still need more hosts to come forward. In particular, we are looking for people who can help house families, so if you’ve got space, please get in touch with the team to find out more.”

A range of ongoing support is on offer for hosts, including a monthly thank you payment of £500. Hosts also get support with all safeguarding and accommodation checks from Norfolk County Council, alongside our district, borough, city councils and voluntary sector partners. Information packs are available to help hosts with the settling in period and provide information on the practical steps that guests will need help with, like setting up a bank account and finding work. Throughout the time guests live with hosts, NCC also conduct welfare visits to support everyone to help make the hosting arrangement successful and rewarding. Once guests are ready to move on, either into their own accommodation or to return to Ukraine, we have a range of practical support and services available to help this go smoothly.

Mary, who lives in Wretham, hosts a family from Ukraine. Alya who has two children came to the UK in April 2022. Mary supported the family to get their children into school and is hoping to host them until the children have finished their schooling. The oldest child will then go onto college to study. "The experience has been really rewarding," Mary said, "There is so much support on offer when you become a host, and I'd encourage anyone who is considering offering accommodation to get in touch with Norfolk County Council to see what's involved. The thank you payment is nice, but the whole process is worth far more to me than that.

You get to help people in real need and see that you are making a difference to their lives - I'm so glad that I signed up!" Maureen, who lives in Watton, responded to the call for hosts straight away, offering her spare room to Nadia, a twentytwo-year-old from Ukraine, where she had an apartment and a good job. Using her background in vocational education, Maureen helped Nadia successfully apply for a job, and after being hosted for a number of months, Nadia now lives independently.

Do you have a spare room or rooms and can offer a safe place to stay to those fleeing the war in Ukraine? Join hundreds of other hosts across the county and register your interest now at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/ukrainehost

Makers Galore!

Word is getting out that our small shop is a haven for beautiful locally made gifts. As well as regularly receiving fresh stock from our lovely makers, we are also thrilled to welcome new. Recently in are No Two Silver Eco pendants; traditonal knitted baby jackets with matching hats from Young Knit Boutique; original watercolour cards by Michelle Biddick and beautifull wooden pieces - including Gonks! - from Holt Wood. All of these new makers are from Thetford, what a talented town we are! Our talented and generous makers are often happy to share their skills. Our next season of workshop Wednesdays have just been released: 26 July 9 Aug 23 Aug 13 Sept 11 Oct 15 Nov 29 Nov 13 Dec. More details online and flyers in the shop.

Events

‘Breathtaking, awesome, inspiring’ - just some of the comments after people have experienced one of the Euston Hall tours. There are just two weeks left this year for you to see it all for yourself Sat 26 Aug - Fri 1 Sept and Sat 23 - Fri 29 Sept.

We are hosting two events for Heritage Open Days this year, our Medieval coin striker will return and we have a lovely event celebrating the ‘crazy ladies’ that took the Flintknapper’s Garden all the way to Hampton Court PLUS local garden themed makes!

Coming soon...

NEW Ghost Walk dates.

NEW Open Art Studios for Thetford

The QR code below takes you to all events on our box office.

Thetford u3a

The May talk on ‘Midsummer Flowers’ was presented by George Lockwood. George provided members with an insight into some of the huge range of flowers which will bloom during the summer and into the autumn, along with the planting conditions and aspects that best suits each of them. The speaker for June was Lois Seas, who spoke about ‘The history of women in the police force’. July’s speaker is Jo Daffin. Jo will be visiting on Thursday 27th July and will talk about Phoenix Owls. Hopefully she will be bringing some of her birds along with her.

The u3a Cinema Club is showing the film ‘Belfast’ on Monday 11th September at 1.30pm at the Church On The Way, £2 per person. Tickets are limited so please book your seat by contacting Anne on 01842 761506 (after 10am please).

The committee is always looking for new recruits and since last month has been supplemented with two new members. If you’re interested in helping out on the committee please let them know.

For more information about Thetford u3a please call Lesley on 01842 820074 or visit:

https://u3asites.org.uk/thetford/welcome

To find out what positions we have available or to apply for a role please scan the QR code with your smartphone!

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*First month free trial on all Upp plans plus one month free if you place an order between 1 June 2023 and 16 August 2023 (inclusive) automatically applied at checkout or with code summer23 (new residential customers only). Upp’s standard pricing applies thereafter see: Charges document (upp.com). All orders are subject to a 12/18 or 24-month minimum term contract and network availability. £100 cash reward applies to orders for a 24-month contract only, and is subject to data sharing requirements and additional terms and conditions – see https://upp.com/portal/legal-centre/summer-2023-promocash-reward. You can cancel your plan at any time during the first month without paying any early termination fees, just let us know before the end of your one-month trial. This offer can only be used in conjunction with another offer where the terms for that offer expressly state this is permissible. For full offer terms, see https://upp.com/portal/legal-centre/summer-2023-promo.

Clear Some Space & Help The NHS

The West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) is calling on local residents to help the NHS and make a positive impact in their community by returning any unused NHS community equipment so others in need can use it.

Equipment such as crutches, wheeled walking frames and pressure care items such as cushions, mattresses and slings play a vital role in aiding people’s recovery and enhancing their quality of life in their own homes or care facilities but are often forgotten about when that person recovers.

Laura Rawlings, contract manager for the community equipment and wheelchair services at WSFT, said, “We know that residents are generously wanting to support their NHS services and one easy way to do this is to ensure that any unused community equipment that you may have around the house is returned to us. Please check spare rooms, sheds and conservatories, where equipment might have been stored and forgotten about. There’s no better time to have a spring clean and help the NHS!”

NHS services suffer significant financial losses every year because of misplaced equipment, which also has adverse effects on the environment. Many of the abandoned or neglected items can easily undergo thorough cleaning and safety inspections, making them suitable for reuse and recycling. To make returning equipment easier, WSFT work very closely with Medequip, the company responsible for supplying community equipment to patients’ homes. They have a dedicated telephone number and email address that residents can contact and someone from the team will come out and pick the equipment up. There are also drop-off points at West Suffolk Disability Resource Centre (IP32 7BX) and West Suffolk Hospital (IP33 2QZ) where patients can drop off their unused equipment.

Laura added, “You can choose to drop off the equipment at any of the locations listed or pick up the phone and let us know you have some equipment that is no longer needed. Medequip will arrange a time with you and collect the items completely free. Returning these items means the majority of them will be cleaned and re-purposed, resulting in them helping to support other patients in their own homes or residential homes in their recovery and everyday lives.”

To arrange for your unused equipment to be picked up, please contact Medequip via 01473 351805 (choose option 1) 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, or by emailing: suffolk@medequip-uk.com

Know Your Holiday Rights

What are your consumer rights if something goes wrong on your package holiday? Firstly, tell the company or travel agent you booked with as soon as possible. This way you’re more likely to be able to get it sorted quicker. If you wait until you get home, you might get less or no compensation at all. If the holiday you went on turned out to be lower in value than the one you originally booked you can make a claim for ‘loss of value’. For example you paid for a deluxe room but only got a standard one, if it wasn’t sorted out at the time you can claim back the difference in value.

You can also claim compensation for any extra money you have to spend while away, for example the hotel was a bus ride away from the beach rather than across the road as advertised. This is called claiming for ‘out-ofpocket expenses’. If this does happen make sure you keep all your receipts for things like bus journeys. If big parts of the trip you booked didn’t happen or services weren’t provided, for example a planned two-day excursion was cancelled and

no alternative was organised, you can make a claim for ‘loss of enjoyment’. You can also make this claim if something happens that causes you distress or disappointment, such as the pool was closed for the whole trip.

It’s worth noting that there’s no strict guidance on how much you can claim for loss of enjoyment but any claim you make must be reasonable. You can’t get compensation if you simply didn’t enjoy the holiday or if the problem was out of the holiday company’s controllike bad weather. Check the information you received when you made the booking to see what you’re supposed to get. If you don’t get the service you’ve been promised, you may be entitled to compensation for breach of contract. You might also be able to claim from your travel insurance – check if your policy covers this.

For more support with consumer issues, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/

Spotlight On... .

IC Travel

Do you like day trips and short breaks by coach or need transport to airports or other locations? IC Travel is run by Ian Colman MBE, who has had over twenty-five years’ experience arranging group days out to shows and venues across the UK. Ian is well known in Norfolk as Musical Director of Taverham Band and also from working with other community groups. Most trips feature a host alongside the driver, ensuring that your day out is stress free and personal to you. Additionally, many trips have hot and cold drinks as well as snacks available on the coach, whilst also including a comfort stop along the way.

IC Travel value their customers highly. That’s why each and every one of their day trips, excursions and short breaks are designed to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible, from pick up to drop off. Based near Norwich, they pride themselves as a tour operator and travel service, also catering for private hire, such as airport transfers. IC Travel take their customers to fabulous destinations, such as ABBA Voyage, the Derbyshire Canal Cruise, Strictly on Tour, and a whole host of shows on London’s West End! If that isn’t enough, IC Travel also come to you – their excursions feature a range of pick-up points, and all trips to the Midlands or South include one at ‘The Chase’ in Thetford! The trips have been especially popular with retired clients and those who may wish to make new friends and be part of a group with similar interests. Their personal service, including local pick-ups and fully escorted trips, is what sets us apart, no one is to be dropped into the middle of London on their own!

Here’s what some of their loyal customers have to say… “Everything about the trip was brilliant; the coach was on time, it was comfortable and the driver (Keeno) and host (Lou) were so helpful and friendly. I shall certainly use the company again.”

“Thank you, IC Travel, and especially Alison, the transfer to Gatwick and back home after our

holiday, went so smoothly, couldn’t have asked for anything more. It made a perfect start to our holiday and when returning Alison was waiting in arrivals.”

IC Travel’s newest brochure has just released, including excursions throughout the remainder of 2023, and into 2024. To view online or request a copy through the post, use this https://ictravel.co.uk/brochure/ For more information please visit: https://ictravel.co.uk/

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Award For Local Business

Lawsons Estate Agents have just won a British Property Award. Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels. Lawsons Estate Agents have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced later in the year. The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition. Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

The British Property Awards are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter. This has enabled their award to be structured in a manner that ensures maximum participation, on average judging over 90% of agents that meet their minimum criteria on a local level. The team personally mystery shops every estate agent against a set of twenty five criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The judging criteria is both comprehensive and detailed, exploring

different mediums, scenarios and time periods to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged. Speaking about the award, Managing Director Matt Lawson said, “I am over the moon for the team that they have won this award. I know and can see how much hard work they put in every day and this award just proves it. We truly care about helping people move, it’s not just about the number of houses you sell or who has the best statistics, it’s about helping people with the next exciting journey in their lives. With our years of experience and expertise, to me being number one is just a bonus.”

Lawsons are celebrating their latest British Property Award success

Help Prevent Wildfires In Norfolk This Summer

Following the devastating fires that destroyed twenty-two homes across the county in July last year, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service has secured over half a million pound for new equipment and training for firefighters and are increasing efforts to work closely with communities to make sure they are more fire wise. The farming community and landowners have received help to reduce fire risks on their land and plan how they can help stop the spread of wildfires using their skills and equipment in the event of an incident. They have also helped map out how to access their water supplies in the event of an emergency. NFRS staff have benefitted from new training and are currently trialing brand-new Wildland Firefighting suites which are both lightweight and more breathable, making it easier to work in extreme heat for long periods. Plus new misting adaptors have been added to all fire appliances so that they can maximise water supplies as effectively as possible.

Terry Pinto, Group Manager - Prevention Lead for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Last year our communities suffered significant fire damage during the devastating wildfires during July when the temperatures hit 40°C. This year we are determined to do everything we can to prevent this happening again. Preventing wildfires is the responsibility of everyone in Norfolk and by following a few simple steps we can all help keep Norfolk safe this summer.”

Residents and visitors can help prevent wildfires in Norfolk by following six simple steps:

• Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly rather than throwing them on the ground.

• Do not have BBQs in parks and public spaces other than designated areas.

• Portable BBQs pose the greatest risk, especially when they are placed directly on the groundavoid using them altogether.

• Do not have campfires or bonfires except in carefully managed and designated areas. You must never leave them unattended and always have the ability to extinguish them if needed.

• Do not drop glass bottles because they can magnify the sun's rays and cause fires.

• Report any signs of smoke or wildfire immediately to 999.

All residents should take steps to protect their home from wildfire. Trim back shrubs or trees that are close to or touching your home and dispose

of cuttings responsibly. Piles of cuttings are fuel for fire. Clear away any build-up of flammable material in and around your garden such as leaves, compost heaps, log piles, dry grass etc. Check for spaces between roof tiles or within your home where burning embers could become lodged such as rain gutters. Position sheds and outbuilding away from your home and make sure that flammable substances (including fertilisers and pesticides) are stored safely. Ensure your home is adequately insured and protected with smoke detection. If you see wildfires approaching your home call 999 immediately.

Three Peak Challenge For Thetford Firefighters

Norfolk Fire And Rescue Service Thetford Fire Station, have assembled a crew who all live and serve within Norfolk/Thetford, to take on the Three Peaks Challenge this September in aid of raising money for a charity close to their hearts, the Firefighters Charity. The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to live happier and healthier lives. The Thetford crew aim to raise money to enable the charity to continue doing what they do and to raise awareness for anybody who may need their support.

The Firefighters taking on this challenge are Steven Meen, Steven Collins, Rob Breen, Freddie Schunmann and Jordan Boulton. Drivers for the event will be Sam Pick and Mark Childs. The crew will also be guided on routes working alongside Neil Boulton from Beez Leisure. This is a mountain challenge in which the crew will attempt to climb the highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis 4,406ft), England (Scafell 3,206ft), and Wales (Mount Snowdon 3,560ft) consecutively within twenty four hours, including travel between the three peaks. With a hike of more than twenty five miles, ascending more than 10,000 feet and sleep deprivation this will certainly be a challenge of mental and physical strength.

Neil and Jordan are experienced climbers as Neil explained, “Jordan and I are hoping and dreaming of achieving the Worlds Seven Summits. We both summited Mount Kilimanjaro

the highest mountain in Africa (5895m), in 2019 as our first leg, and were due to climb Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak on the Russia/Georgia border in 2021, but Covid and more recently the war in Ukraine has put this on hold. So, we booked our third leg, Mount Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak and the highest mountain in the World outside of Asia (6961m) for January 2024.” Unfortunately, Jordan is now unable to attend the three week expedition with Neil, who explained, “I have to push on with Aconcagua alone as opposed to waiting another year for Jordan because at forty five years of age and it only being possible to attempt a climb of this magnitude every two to three years due to training and cost, time is against me!”

Some of the Thetford crew taking part in the Three Peak challenge

L: Jordan and Neil at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2019

Neil says that he and Jordan often climb the UK peaks, Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, but this is their first attempt at doing the twenty four hour challenge. “Norfolk is a little bit too flat for training so Wales is our go to place to get some altitude in. Generally light training can consist of walks around Norfolk whilst carrying a backpack loaded up to around 20kg.”

The rest of the team are looking forward to the challenge, "I'm a keen advocate for taking on challenges and this all started back when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2019. I live an adventurous social life and the Three Peaks Challenge will certainly be a test of teamwork and graft to accomplish this climb within the time,” explained Jordan.

not able to complete Snowdon due to weather conditions. I'd love to get back and give it another go and smash it this time around.”

Steven Collins is returning to climbing after a long gap, “It’s been thirty years since I climbed a mountain during air cadet summer camp and now I’ve signed up for three in one day! It was hard then and this is next level, but all for a good cause." For Freddie Schunmann, the challenge is to complete all three peaks this time, "I can't say I'm a particularly experienced climber, I've climbed Ben Nevis and Scaffel Pike as part of an attempt of the three peaks before but was

Freddie has been part of the Fire Service for just over a year and says that he feels a great sense of pride in being part of the Fire Service community. “There is a great friendship between everybody and that goes a long way; but it's also really important to remember that while we have each other as colleagues and friends to talk to, sometimes people need a little extra help. That's where The Firefighters Charity can step in and support not only the firefighters themselves, but their families, too. It is vital that public service personnel feel able to reach out for support when they need it, and that is why I'm taking part in this climb.”

The Three Peaks Challenge will take place from 2nd September 2023. To support the Thetford crew please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/ thetfordfirestation3peaks

The deadline for the August edition of About Thetford is 15th July. Please send content to: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

The summit of Ben Nevis - the highest peak in the United Kingdom

Snow capped Scafell in the Lake District

Thetford Probus

The May lunch outing saw over thirty members, partners and friends enjoy a delicious two course lunch at the Broom Hall Country Hotel, Saham Toney. Recently, the hotel’s leaking swimming pool had been filled in and a new function room created. Preparations were under way for their first wedding reception in the new room. The proprietor also explained that this was the first phase of further refurbishment.

Please

Members enjoying a coffee at the Heritage Centre, RAF Honington

A group of members visited the Heritage Museum at RAF Honington for a very informative guided tour, followed by an excellent buffet lunch. The Station Commander was able to find time in his busy schedule to join us for lunch and shared his plans and aspirations for the future of the base and its personnel. The speaker at our June meeting was a returning visitor, Patricia Alker, who gave us a very informative talk on the Zulu Wars.

You can follow us on Facebook at Probus Club of Thetford or visit our new website: https://probusclub.net/thetford/ Here you will find news and reports as well as details regarding membership of Probus.

MADE TO MEASURE

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

Lions Clubs International Serving

Thetford And Attleborough

Thetford is being covered by local Lion members who have supported a number of initiatives recently. Used spectacles are being collected from Specsavers in Thetford along with four other outlets in Attleborough, with around three thousand pairs collected in the past three months, for recycling worldwide. With thanks to the Black Horse in Thetford, fundraising has enabled the club to purchase eight sets of Wild Tribe Hero Books which help children to understand how important recycling and the environment in our oceans is to our world. These were presented to all the infant and junior schools in Thetford. The two schools in Attleborough received the three new books in the series to add to those which they also have had in the past.

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Each school receives an Educational Pack of the three books plus teaching ideas and digital resources and the aim is to target an entire region at the same time. The result of children reading the books in schools is remarkable. They are organising litter picks and beach cleans, setting up recycling stations and importantly, using their persuasive writing skills to write to local business asking them to stop their use of single use plastic. The club also attended the Peter Beales Rose Festival and the Royal Norfolk Show, to fundraise and give out free wrist bands to the children attending the show. The wristbands contain their parent’s telephone numbers and are designed to help if a child becomes lost at an event.

If you feel you have time to help your local community, please have a look at the Facebook page to see some of the projects undertaken, and contact the team if you live in Thetford and would like to join the Lions, helping to make a difference.

www.facebook.com/AttleboroughLions

Children at Queensway Infants and Junior Academy recieve their books

Thetford Inner Wheel

Our meeting In June was our Annual General Meeting when Marian de Bass took over as President from Marie Muir. We heard how we have had various Royal occasions, all celebrated in Marie’s garden. However, we also raised money to help various charities both home and abroad as well as being represented at the Remembrance Parade and the Methodist Church Tree Festival.

Three members joined with others from around the area at Bressingham Steam Museum. Blessed with beautiful weather, we went on two trains around the gardens and had a fantastic ride on the gallopers! As one actress said ’Such fun’! Marian presented a Word Art gift to Marie to thank her and to mark the end of her highly successful year. Inner Wheel was founded in Manchester, England in 1924. Clubs meet regularly and have a full and varied programme through which friendships form and flourish. Visiting other clubs and joining in their activities broadens the opportunity to make new friends. For more information please visit: www.innerwheel.co.uk

Above: New President Marian de Bass (R) presents the outgoing President, Marie Muir with a gift to mark her year

Left: Marian enjoys the gallopers at Bressingham

How Acne Iimpacts On All Ages

Acne is undoubtedly one of the most common disorders to be treated by dermatologists and as a skin care therapist we can really help with dealing with the condition. It is estimated that more than 90% of the world’s population is affected by acne at some point in their lives.

Although, Acne is more commonly associated with teenagers, it actually affects many in adult life on and off over a number of years. It may be classed as a skin disorder but it has also been linked to both emotional and psychological problems, such as low self esteem and depression. It effects women and men of all ages and in adults can be really painful. Many causes can be linked to hormones, stress, diet, health and lifestyle and skin sensitivity. Using the wrong products can worsen the condition.

Depending on the severity, it may be advisable to seek professional medical guidance to ensure you receive the correct treatment for the seriousness of the problem. In the skincare salon, we can offer treatments to exfoliate, help remove excess sebum, calm the skin if inflamed and create a customised homecare routine. We can also help with using topical products to help boost exfoliation, stop the build up of dead skin cells and reduce the chance of scarring.

We have also found the use of our Intense Pulse Light has been extremely effective at helping to treat acne and reduce scarring by encouraging the production of the skins own collagen. It is so rewarding to help someone improve their skin’s health and condition and make them feel much more positive.

Lisa Stallings, Halcyon Days

The deadline for the August edition is 15th July. Please send your contribution, including a high res jpeg image to:

aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

Thetford Salvation Army Helps Build Computer Confidence

People in and around Thetford who lack the confidence in day-to-day computing skills are being given a helping hand by the Salvation Army. After securing funding from Norfolk Community Foundation, the church and charity has been able to hold the classes at its Employment Plus sessions, twice a week. Although the workshops are aimed at helping people get job-ready, anyone with limited digital skills is welcome to attend. To date, participants have been able to complete benefit and housing applications and access healthcare and education, amongst other things. People attending the classes have also been able to gain health and safety qualifications, set up eBay accounts and learn a foreign language.

Led by Employment Development Coordinators

Jon Rees and Lahra Kravitz, the workshops give the community a welcoming safe space to come and access the internet. Jon said, “There’s always a buzz of activity and Captain Diane Dickson, the town’s Salvation Army leader, is really proactive in supporting the local community, there’s a very diverse range of people who need support, including many who don’t speak English or don’t

have access to IT or the internet.” Lahra said she has helped a number of people including a lady who came for help shortly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “She was fearful she would need to terminate her employment, and felt unsure about the future. I supported her with her Universal Credit application and cost of living support. Her cancer treatment is going well, she will be able to work September/October time. When the time comes, I will support her with setting and achieving job searching goals.”

Similar sessions take place at Salvation Army churches in Diss, Norwich and Sheringham and have just started in Stowmarket.

Participants taking part in an Employment Plus session at Thetford Salvation Army

And They’re Off! 2023’s BTO Cuckoos Are Tagged & Ready To Go

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has fitted ten more Cuckoos with state-of-the-art satellite tags, allowing scientists and the general public to track their annual migration to central Africa and back. The UK has lost more than a third of its Cuckoos in the past twenty-five years but the full reasons why are still unclear. Following these birds on migration will help researchers understand the pressures they face.

County Clare; and ‘Cuach Cores’, ‘Cuach Torc’, and ‘KP’ near Incheens in Killarney National Park, County Kerry.

In England, ‘George' and 'Michael' were tagged at Loddon Common in the Norfolk Broads, ‘Trent’ was tagged at Ryall, Worcestershire, and ‘Jasper’ was right here at the King’s Forest, just over the border into Suffolk.

Researchers got a surprise at Knepp, Sussex, when they caught a bird they had tagged the previous year but who was presumed to have died. ‘Bluey’, as this bird was named, was fitted with a new tag alongside a new bird, ‘Sayaan’, bringing the total number of new tags deployed to ten.

Irish Cuckoos have been included in the project this year as part of a collaboration between BTO and Ireland’s National Parks & Wildlife Service. Ireland’s Cuckoo population has declined by 27% since the early 1980s.

Since it began in 2011, the BTO Cuckoo Tracking Project has tagged more than one hundred Cuckoos. Its work has revealed that English Cuckoos migrate more often via routes associated with higher mortality than Scottish Cuckoos do. The Irish birds’ migration routes will be revealed this year for the first time. The differences in survival rates are linked to the conditions the birds encounter at the sites in southern Europe where they stop to refuel. The availability of large insect prey on their breeding grounds in the UK and Ireland may impact their ability to successfully complete their migration south.

Four Cuckoos were tagged in Ireland and were named after mountains close to where they were caught. ‘Cuach Carran’ in Burren National Park in

The next stages of the birds’ lives are not for the faint-hearted. After heading out across the English Channel and south through Europe, the Cuckoos have a Mediterranean Sea crossing to contend with before they face the Sahara, the biggest challenge of them all. Most traverse the desert in a single non-stop flight, travelling at altitudes of up to 5km to avoid the worst of the heat.

Anyone can follow the BTO Cuckoos on migration by visiting: www.bto.org/cuckoos

Thetford Garden & Allotment Club

After dry weather in June we have all been watering. I also have to remind myself to just sit and enjoy the garden especially in the lighter evenings rather than always finding jobs that need doing! To encourage repeat flowering rose cultivars to produce more blooms quickly, snap off any faded flowers just below the head. Dead heading bedding in the ground or hanging baskets will keep them blooming all summer. Birds should have finished nesting by now so conifers can have a trim to sharpen their look. Many conifers will not regenerate if you cut into bare wood, so just trim the green leaves. Keep harvesting crops, beans and especially courgettes which have the ability to turn into marrows overnight.

Cauliflowers are one of the hardest vegetables to grow but very rewarding. They seem to be susceptible to pests and diseases, birds, slugs and caterpillars, so netting is a good idea. They require good growing conditions and lots of nitrogen, water and feeding. As the curd develops fold the outer leaves over the top to keep the curd white and prevent it from yellowing. Cauliflowers are thought to have come from Cyprus in the 16th century and were considered as exotic as melons back then! Plums and cherries can be pruned later in the month, pruning at this time helps prevent Silver Leaf disease which is caused by a fungus prevalent in the winter. If you are thinking about purchasing a new fruit tree, specialist nurseries are producing their stock for Autumn and Winter delivery. If you choose bare root trees they will be sent out between November and March when the plant is dormant. If buying an apple tree check which type of rootstock will be suitable for the space you have. All apple trees are grafted on to root stocks and different ones can produce very different trees. M27 is a very dwarfing rootstock whereas M111 can produce a tree up to 5m tall!

Happy Gardening! Maggie Baldwin

Thetford Flower Club

The latest Thetford Flower Club meeting featured ‘The Committee Presents’. Lorraine, Lynda, Pat, Mo, Grania and Jenny all demonstrated their favourite flowers and shapes delighting the many members and friends present. The congratulations and cheers for the committee’s efforts were really appreciated. The group then enjoyed some light refreshments, with an opportunity to marvel at the colourful creations.

Thetford Society

Our speaker at the June meeting was Linda Scoles who spoke amusingly about her experience of becoming a UK citizen. Having lived in England for some time, initially in Mildenhall and later having been widowed, she decided that the UK was where she wanted to live and eventually started the arduous process of Dual Citizenship.

In order to pass the examination of “the British Way of Life” the candidates need to answer twenty-four out of one thousand possible questions. We were told that 90% fail their first test. She then set us, as a group, a questionnaire and based on a majority show of hands we managed to get only six wrong. Which means we would have failed. The contents of the test has been criticized but Linda thought that it correctly expected the candidates to make the effort to study and absorb the questions. You will not be surprised to know that she passed even if her Thetford Society audience did not!

The next meeting on Tuesday 11th July at 2pm, where Sue Horn will present a demonstration called, ‘Floral Cavalcade’, and giving advice on flowers, foliage and answering questions. If you are interested in learning about flowers, you’ll receive a warm welcome at our friendly club, and could make lifelong friends. Thetford Flower Club hosts regular demonstrations, visits to other clubs and area meetings along with annual trips out.

For more information please contact Lynda on 01842 762919. Membership costs £30 for the year, or individual visits are £6. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, (except August and December) 2pm at the Church On The Way, Churchill Road, Thetford.

Our speaker at the next meeting will be Georgette Vale whose subject is Lucilla Reeves, who refused to leave her farm in the Stanford area when the MOD took over the village and surrounding area for military training. She will be telling the story in the character of Lucilla who became renowned as a Land Agent, Farmer, Dowser, Writer and Broadcaster. A formidable subject for a formidable speaker. Not to be missed.

As usual we meet in United Reformed Church in Earls Street at 7.30pm Tuesday 4th July. Members old and new will be warmly welcomed.

Peter Thomson

The deadline for the August edition is 15th July. Please send your contribution, including a high

Thetford Flower Club committee from left to right: Mo, Pat, Lynda, Lorraine, Jenny and Grania

Breckland Cats Protection

Cats Protection is a national charity, and here's some figures for you: We have 207 branches, 31 centres and 106 shops across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In 2022 we helped 144,000 cats and kittens, which is about 400 a day! We neutered 132,00 cats to keep them happy and healthy and prevent unwanted litters of kittens. We found homes for 30,000 cats and helped 900 cats stay with their loving owners. 2,000 cats were reunited with their families and we microchipped 43,000 owned cats and cats that we rehomed to help them find their way home in the future. We handled 143,000 enquiries from the public, providing expert advice on a range of cat topics. 900 cat welfare talks were delivered to schools and community groups spreading the word about good cat care. 9,200 volunteers gave their dedication, skills and time to help cats across the UK.

Families fleeing domestic abuse were helped by our Paws Protection cat fostering scheme. Our fantastic Cat Champions have trekked the three peaks, run the London Marathon, canoed the

Zambezi river and jumped out of planes all in aid of cats and kittens. They've also taken part in our Craft for Cats craftalongs and hosted online gaming streams as Pawsome Players, as well as visited our charity shops, supported our appeals and donated to our cause in so many wonderful ways.

Thank you, on behalf of the cats, for everything you helped make possible in 2022. Paws Protect is a free and confidential fostering service for people experiencing domestic abuse so they can rest assured that their cat will be taken care of until they can be safely reunited. The service is available in Essex, London, Hertfordshire, Kent, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex, Yorkshire and East Anglia.

To get in touch with the local Paws Protect branch call 0300 021 0283 or email: pawsprotecteastanglia@cats.org.uk

Calls are handled by our experienced female team. They will take details about your cat and arrange safe collection. For help or advice, or if you need assistance with the cost of neutering, please call us on 01842 810018.

Rita Thompson

Our family and caring team will look after your loved one, like we would our own.

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Lauren, Mark & Sam Skinner

Twenty Is Plenty

The Dogs Trust has issued warm weather guidance as summer temperatures rise.

With the arrival of warmer weather, Dogs Trust Snetterton has issued guidance that exercising dogs in temperatures as mild as twenty-one degrees centigrade can be problematic for dogs, particularly brachycephalic, or “flat-faced”, breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs.

While most dog lovers will be aware that extreme weather and heatwaves can be dangerous, sometimes even deadly for dogs, many will be unaware that exercising dogs in early summer temperatures as low as twenty-one degrees can cause heatstroke in dogs. In some cases, heatstroke can prove fatal. The symptoms of heatstroke can include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapsing. Dogs Trust has issued the following advice to support dog owners this summer:

• Avoid walking or doing activities either indoors or outdoors with your dog at the hottest times of the day, so early morning or later in the evening is often best.

• Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog and make sure they have access to fresh water at home at all times.

• Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they don’t burn their paws. Try the ‘fivesecond test’, if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

• If you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the car on a hot day, even if travelling a short distance, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day.

• Never leave your dog in a vehicle on a warm day. Not even with the window open. (Leaving your pet alone in a vehicle or tied up outside can also put them at greater risk of being stolen.) If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call 999.

• Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on if they wish.

• Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.

• Don’t let your pet get sunburnt - use pet-safe sun cream.

• Know the early signs of heatstroke which include panting, difficulty breathing, tiredness, less keen to play, drooling and vomiting, and take immediate action.

For more advice on seasonal advice on caring for your dog please visit:

www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/ life-with-your-dog/seasonal

Loki enjoying a paddling pool on a hot day

Image: ©Dogs Trust

West Norfolk Aviation Society

Thompson man, Mark Burch, could easily have headed his CV, ‘Fourty Six Years in Air Traffic Control’ before presenting his talk to the WNAS on the 6th June. Like so many boys, Mark had an early ambition to fly. He joined the ATC (Air Training Corps) at Bournemouth in 1976 and learned to fly gliders but his eyesight would never allow him to fly professionally (Wg Cdr Ken Wallis, late president of the WNAS, might have given him some advice on eye test dodges). So, Mark became another ATC (Air Traffic Controller).

He gradually developed his career serving at various famous aeronautical locations like: Cranworth and Shawbury. Then he came our way and did more time at Honington and Watton’s Eastern Radar establishment. He spoke of his time at Mildenhall, helping to organise the annual air shows, juggling the performances of regular visitors with the encrypted flight plan of a classified arrival: after refuelling in the North Sea it began its return to Mildenhall at Mach 3. No prizes for guessing: The Blackbird.

In one breath Mark mentioned Bloodhound Radar and height finders; one wonders whether he had control over low flying missiles as well? He spent further time at Wattisham controlling the behaviour of helicopters over the North Sea and proudly boasted that this airfield was a close second in prominence to Aberdeen in its involvement with North Sea oil fields. He made a personal comment that the army were better helicopter flyers than the air force (Chuck Pettitt, a former WNAS member, would have loved to hear that). Why did he say this? Perhaps he regretted not having spoken to Ken first. Mark offered his services to supervise charity events at Duxford. For the first time in his career he was present during an air accident: a mock dog-fight between a Mustang and a Skyraider resulted in a collision and a subsequent

ball of smoke at the end of a runway. Both pilots walked away from the crash unscathed and, allegedly, shook hands afterwards. It was never Mark’s fault but he chastised himself for looking in the wrong direction at the moment of collision.

After retiring from the RAF in 1997 he went back to Bath Flight Training Academy, in an attempt to obtain commercial flight recognition. Here he found the syllabus identical to the one he had undertaken after joining the RAF. His fame circulated the grapevine and very soon received an invitation to attend an interview at Norwich Airport. He was recruited before getting through the door and stayed there until his retirement about a year ago. He now holds the equally challenging position of Club Secretary at the WNAS.

For more information on West Norfolk Aviation Society please visit:

www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.org.uk

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Mark Burch, a man of many talents

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Thetford RFC Summer Season And New League Game Dates

After successfully conducting our Annual General Meeting, we took immense pleasure in presenting Lisa Tanner with the esteemed Chairman’s Shield and Neal Thynne with the prestigious President’s Cup (pictured). Throughout the past season, both Lisa and Neal have played pivotal roles in propelling our club’s progress. Their dedication and tireless contributions to their respective positions have been highly valued and deeply appreciated.The operation of clubs relies solely on the invaluable work of a dedicated team of volunteers. Congratulations to Lisa and Neal, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our volunteers for their invaluable contributions.

Just when you thought this was a closed season, we are still open on Thursday evenings from 7pm for closed season Touch 7's and fitness circuits using our trim trail equipment surrounding our rugby pitches. Everyone is most welcome to come along and join in and the clubhouse is open afterwards for re-hydration fluids. Our senior coach and his team will be there to welcome everyone, and we would love to see old and new players alike, and anyone who would like to try

rugby to turn up. The very active and dedicated playing committee members will be posting any activities they arrange where all are welcome to come along and join in, so do please look at:

www.facebook.com/thetfordrugbyclub

Next season, which starts in September, sees us in Eastern Counties II North (West) League. Our first league game is away to Norwich Medics on the 16th September, but our first home game is on the 23rd September against Lakenham RFC. The club would be delighted to see you come up and support us. In the meantime everyone have a wonderful summer.

Touchline Tippler

Black Belt For Septuagenarian Jack

At seventy-three years of age Jack Eves from Barnham Cross has just been awarded his first degree black belt in the Korean Martial Art of Kuk Sool Won. He had to test before the Grand Master, Kuk Sa Nim, Suh In Hyuk, prior to the European Championships held in Norwich in early June.

Jack, who is an instructor at Kuk Sool Won of Thetford, based at the Charles Burrell Centre, has been training for this promotion for the last six years, recently attending classes six days a week. His intention now is to run a class specifically designed for older students. The new class called the Silver Tigers, will cater for those over fifty years old who want to keep fit and active and have an interest in Martial Arts. It will put great emphasis on fitness and wellbeing and include learning defence techniques to develop self confidence and self esteem.

Kuk Sool Won of Thetford was founded in 2013 by its owner and chief instructor JIKJN Kris French. His title Joo Im Kwahn Jahng Nim translates as 6th degree Master. Kuk Sool Won is a wide-ranging martial art including everything from meditation techniques to weapons training. These weapons include bow and arrow, staff and sword amongst many more. There is always a strong emphasis on self defence techniques. Good etiquette, self-control and respect for others are also important aspects expected of all students. The ages attending start with Tiny Tigers who are four to six years. Now, with the addition of the Silver Tigers class, the age range will spread over seventy years.

Saturday Morning classes now include a class for family groups. Kuk Sool Won of Thetford prides itself in being a family orientated school and now family groups of all generations can train together.

Anyone interested in joining can book

Above: Jack in action during a display. Left: Jack with Tiny Tiger Milena Kwiatek who gave him his first official bow as a black belt in her class. Milena won a gold and two silver medals at the European Championships Image: ©Thetford Kuk Sool Won