Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 89

Welcome to Brandon

Deadline for April edition 18th March

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Best of Brandon Awards

The evening of 13th February 2022 saw a lot of love, not for Valentine’s day but for the town’s annual Best of Brandon Awards. The BoB presentation night was carried over from April 2020, after being one of the first events in the town to be postponed due to the worldwide battle in trying to control covid.

Along with the nominees and guests some 80 people gathered for Brandon’s prestigious awards. nearly taking the hall to its capacity. Slightly lower numbers than previous years but keeping everyone safe was a number one priority.

The award classes remained as per previous years with five awards: Young Volunteer, Volunteer, Group, Business and finally The Lifetime Achievement Award.

The three nominations in each class were:

Young Volunteer: Amber Bird, Archie Storr, Eleni Spooner

Volunteer: Claire Goldstone, Karen O’Neill, Susan Rae

Group: Brandon Park Run, Brandon Rotary Club, The Drove Coffee House

Business: Hare Salon, MB Street Dance, Ozzie’s Metaphysical

Lifetime Achievement: Jill Blanchard, Ken Stroud, Lynda Smith

As is usually the case with this type of awards event the selection of the overall winner has proved to be a difficult task, the panel of judges consisting of the previous years winners, one of the BoB committee and

one invited prominent local figure, spent an evening going over each nominee looking at the reasons why one might be a stronger selection than another but continually finding reasons for all three in each section to be equally worthy of the title BoB.

Only one person can top each section and eventually after much debate and a secret vote, one name came forward in each section and thus we are please announce the winners of the BoB Awards for 2020 are:

Young Volunteer: Eleni Spooner

Volunteer: Karen O’Neill

Group: Brandon Rotary Club

Business: Hare Salon

Lifetime Achievement: Jill Blanchard

After each years event we look at ways of improving how the following event will run but we believe the format of public nomination followed by a small panel of previous award holders is the fairest way, we constantly see many nominations for one person, business or group where it is quite obvious that a number of people have put forward one name, this isn’t a problem as each is discussed in full by the panel before finding the final three and then meeting again for the overall choice.

In saying that the BoB panel is keen to make sure the integrity of the awards doesn’t diminish and we are always looking at ways to improve, we welcome suggestions.

These can be emailed to the organisers at bob@bestofbrandon.co.uk.

Breckland Cats Protection

Cerebellar hypoplasia occurs in kittens as a result of their mother being infected with a virus called feline parvovirus during pregnancy. It can also occasionally occur if the kitten is infected in the first few weeks after birth. Some or all of the litter of kittens may be affected and some individuals may be affected more so than others. The virus affects the cerebellum, during the kittens development and it is this part of the brain which is responsible for fine-tuning movement.

Wobbliness becomes apparent when kittens first start to move at a few weeks of age, but is non-progressive so does not worsen over time. Cats are affected for the rest of their lives and generally

learn to cope with their condition. Affected cats may stand with their legs apart, sway when they move, lift their legs high when walking, show nodding or head tremors, which may worsen when they focus to do something such as eat, and they may lose their balance.

Once the cerebellum has been damaged in this this way, it cannot be repaired, so there is no treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia. Here are a few tips to help improve the quality of life of cat with this condition. They may appreciate a deep litter tray with high sides

that they can use for support to balance when toileting, but make sure the cat can get in and out of it without difficulty. A large litter tray gives the cat plenty of space to move around inside it and ensures it can’t be tipped up. Affected cats can me messy eater – feed in an easily cleaned area and use a sturdy water bowl that isn’t easily turned over – for some cats, raising bowls a little can he helpful. These cats may find it difficult to accurately jump – provide easy ways for cats to access their favourite areas – cushions and rugs under windowsills can act as crash mats.

It is not recommended that you allow affected cats to roam outside unsupervised for their own safety. Their uncoordinated movement may make it more difficult for them to escape easily from hazards. Keep your cat indoors unless he can have access to safetyfenced garden or run. And make sure he is microchipped in case he escapes.

Most kittens are only affected mildly or moderately. With minor adjustments to their care they can enjoy a good quality of life.

For help or advice or if you need assistance with the cost of neutering, please call us on 01842 810018.

Rita Thompson.

Brandon Heritage Centre

The Brandon Heritage Centre will be opening for the 2022 season on Saturday 9th April with the first 6 week display entitled ‘Do You Remember?’

The focus is on our High street and local hostelries and how things have changed from the late 1800’s.

Also on display will be the fabulous diorama made by the late Jenny Arnold. Jenny’s husband Matt has very kindly allowed us to display this marvellous street scene. The detail is breathtaking and we are honoured to be able to share it with you.

We also have a big collection of Robert Opie’s amazing scrapbooks and other publications including ’Sweet Memories’, a book full to the brim of confectionery memories.

Another date for the diary, Saturday 2nd April when we hold our Easter Handcrafted Fair.

We wont be holding chldren’s craft sessions this time but we will be selling Easter Craft

Packs that we have put together ourselves, full to the brim of wonderful ‘crafty’ bits and bobs. If you bought our Christmas craft packs you’ll know how good they are!

Finally, many of you will have watched on the TV the wonder of the growth of Military Wives Choirs who are celebrating 10 years of ’Sing, Share and Support’. Now is your chance to come and experience them live for yourselves in an intimate setting of just 64 guests.

The ladies of Honington Military Wives Choir will be coming along to Brandon Royal British Legion on May 7th for 7.30pm.

Tickets are just £12.50 each and this will include a buffet brought to your table in the interval. Tickets will be available from The Craft Cabin and from the Heritage Centre from 2nd April on Saturdays and Thursdays.. Numbers are strictly limited so if you would like to join us please book your tickets as soon as you can to avoid missing this one off performance.

Gardening

As I’m writing this article, I’ve seen on social media that today is the opening of the Kings Lynn Mart which for us usually means a windy or bitterly cold snap. However, spring is on its way, the snowdrops have been in full bloom for a few weeks now, the species crocus are also in bud, I’ve even spotted the odd Daffodil in flower too. (By the time you read this there will probably be lots in flower!)

Every year I write “Mothers Day is the unofficial start of the gardening season” and this year it falls on 27th March. The more frequent sunny days provide a chance to get into the garden and get set for spring. Don’t get carried away though, frosts and winds are still frequent, so keep overwintered tender plants wrapped up warm.

Whilst the spring bulbs are in flower its time to turn our thoughts to summer bulbs. Garden centres, including here at P&R Garden Supplies, will have a good supply instore to be planted now. We often think of planting bulbs for spring colour, but there are many summer-flowering bulbs that can add colour and scent to the garden. Most summer bulbs are semitropical perennial plants. My top five are: Dahlias, Lilies, Cannas, Crocosmia and Begonias. Although its hard to resist Agapanthus, Gladioli, Nerines, Freesias and Eucomis too (I did say there are many!)

The majority of summer bulbs are sun worshipers, although begonias do well in a shaded spot. Most summer bulbs prefer a welldrained fertile soil so always add a handful of grit to the planting hole.

TOP TIPS

Sow hardier seeds and halfhardy annuals under glass

••Plant outside seed potatoes, shallots & onions

Dahlias are one of the most versatile bulbs for the summer garden. Dwarf types of this summer flower reach only a few inches tall at the opposite end of the spectrum the monster “dinnerplate” varieties can grow more than 6 feet (and feature flowers bigger than your head). Dahlia blooms come in nearly every colour of the rainbow and a range of flower forms. Dahlias appreciate a spot with full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Stake taller varieties to protect them from the wind. It used to be recommended to lift and store Dahlia tubers over-winter, but nowadays our warming climate and sandy soil means we can leave them in situ and they generally survive.

Not in my list above but the Queen’s favourite flower is “Lily of the valley”. You almost have to look for lily of the valley to actually see the flowers, but their intense scent will guide you to the plant. Given the right growing conditions Lily of the valley often will spread and form a carpet, especially in slightly acidic soil. Give your plants protection from hot sun, and keep the soil evenly moist.

March is a busy time of year in the garden and, before you know it, summer has arrived.

Onion Bhajis

Last month we had a healthy soup recipe and this month we have gone with a recipe for Onion Bhajis. Slightly less healthy but Oh So Delicious.

You will need ;

100g Chick Pea or Gram Flour

1/4 teaspoon Chilli powder

1/2 teaspoon Turmeric

1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

Salt 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

1 Large Onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 Green Chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

25g Finely chopped fresh Coriander

Cold water to mix

Vegetable oil for deep frying

Sift the flour, chilli powder, turmeric, cumin, baking powder and salt into

a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped coriander, onions and fries chilli and mix well

Preheat your oil to 180C//350F

Gradually add enough water to the flour mixture to form a thick batter that coats all of the onions. Very carefully drop dessertspoons full of the mixture into the hot oil and fry until golden. Drain well on kitchen paper and serve very hot.

Pompom World Record Attempt

Brandon in Bloom invites you to join in with our Guinness World Record Attempt for the Queen’s Jubilee.

Brandon in Bloom are attempting to beat the current world record for the number of pompoms in a line!

The current world record stands at 29,312, and was achieved by Eden Valley Hospice (UK) in Carlisle, UK, on 21 September 2016.

The pompoms must be no smaller than 5cm, and tied together in a chain of 50.

We are also looking for donations of yarn to make the pompoms.

The record attempt will take part on Thursday 2nd June at Brandon Country Park.

To find out more contact Brandon in Bloom at rachel@brandoninbloom.co.uk or visit our Facebook page: Brandon Suffolk Yarn Bombing.

Pompom making at Stow Heathcare, Brandon Park

Useful Telephone Numbers

Councils

Brandon Town Council (Town Clerk)

West Suffolk Council (Customer Services)

Suffolk County Council (Public Enquiries)

Health Services

Doctor - Brandon Medical Practice (High Street)

Doctor - Forest Group Practice (Bury Road)

Dentist - Apex Dental Care (Bury Road)

Dentist - The Dental Surgery (High Street)

Hospital - West Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds)

NHS 111 - Medical Help (Less urgent than 999)

Help & Advice

Citizens Advice Bureau (Brandon Office)

Social Care Services (Customer First)

Suffolk Constabulary (Non Emergency)

Utility Companies

Electricity - UK Power Networks (Fault Line)

Gas - Cadent (Emergency Number)

Water - Anglian Water (24 Hour Leakline)

01842 811844

01284 763233

0845 606 6067

01842 810388

01842 810206

01842 812276

01842 812381

01284 713000

111

0300 330 1151

0808 800 4005

101

08007 838 838

0800 111 999

0800 771 881

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