Brandon TOWN MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2014
READ YOUR TOWN MAGAZINE ONLINE AT BRANDONSUFFOLK.COM
• More properties wanted for waiting tenants • Tenant finding service or full management • All tenancies managed locally, not from a central office many miles away • Rents paid promptly to landlords (usually within 2 working days) • All maintenance problems reported immediately and landlords’ instructions carried out • Member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) • Reasonable fees, no hidden extras • No VAT on fees
Tel: 01842 815777
Email: rentals@jwhichelow.co.uk
Northumberland House, 30 Bury Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0BU
Mark Skinner Funeral Service Local Independent Family Funeral Business with over 35 years experience
Brandon Office Tel: 01842 810534 (24 hours) London Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EW Email: mail@mark-skinner.org.uk
Thetford Office Tel: 01842 752197 (24 hours) 30 Bury Road, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3DE Email: info@mark-skinner.org.uk
Funeral Planner of the Year 2013 We can take care of ALL funeral arrangements allowing you to grieve without the worry “You made the sorrow easier to bear, with your extremely sensitive yet 100% efficient and professional service” - Caroline Trett, Thetford Looking after families in Norfolk & Suffolk - Pre-paid and pre-arranged funeral plans available
Visit www.markskinnerfunerals.org.uk or find us on Facebook, Twitter & Google+
Welcome to Brandon As Autumn approaches and we see the wonderful change of nature, we also witness changes to the Brandon Magazine. How do you like the new page layouts? Are your favourite articles easier to read in columns? We hope the new headers and striking pages highlight the article or news you’re looking for and there’s a lot of other changes planned for future issues.
We hope to be able to print a short story from some of our readers and a diary page written by local people that we think have an interesting or unusual lifestyle. If your club or group want to feature then drop us a line and maybe we can provide that much needed promotion for you. Regards The Brandon Town Magazine Team
To advertise your business please email magazine@brandonsuffolk.com
Deadline for November issue 17th October
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this publication, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by it’s contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.
THE GAS COMPANY 192820
BRANDON
20 years British Gas & Transco Training & Experience Repairs • Servicing Installation Central Heating Cookers • Fires Water Heaters All Plumbing Requirements
Incorporating...
BUILDING SERVICES DIVISION All work undertaken by skilled tradesmen Property Extensions Property Renovations Carpentry • Electrical Tiling • Plastering Fitted Kitchens • Fencing Painting & Decorating
Call Mark on Mobile: 07931 375908 thegascompany.mark@mail.com Office: 01842 813919
Conservatories, Windows and Doors
Full size Conservatories in our large Indoor Showroom
open 7 days a week
3-4 Station Way, Brandon Telephone: 01842 813233 or after hours sales 01760 721947
also at Thetford Garden Centre
www.stylewindows.co.uk Serving the Local community for over 30 years
Brandon Town Council Report Allotments: There are now only eight allotments still available. Normally the cost is £30 per annum but as the growing season is almost at an end, the decision has been made to offer these at no cost until the end of March 2014. These plots have been cleared / sprayed and are ready for immediate rental on a first come first served basis. Half plots are also available. Contact the office on 01842 811844 for further details. The Nine Stiles Walk: Again another success for the Town Council. Approximately twenty five residents went on the walk and later joined us for a BBQ and a free concert by Breckland Brass Band. Play area at the Brandon Remembrance Playing Fields: We have successfully received a grant of £3000 from Cllr. Reg Silvester’s Suffolk County Council locality budget. This will enable the purchase of two new items of equipment and safety matting at the play area. Further grants are to be applied for to complete the new toddler section. The Lode: A small bench style seat has been positioned within The Lode. Hopefully, the
same issues that we were experiencing previously with litter and antisocial behaviour will not occur. This however will be carefully monitored. Bus route: The Town Council has recently written to Coach Services asking whether the 201 bus route operating in Brandon could be changed to loop through The Paddocks and St Dominic’s Drive and vice versa. Their response is as follows: ‘We did change the route to operate around these two areas a few years ago. After operating the route for several months we encountered very low patronage on the loop and we also faced problems with poorly parked cars where on several occasions the bus became stuck and had to perform reversing manoeuvres to get back onto the route. This also had an impact on the running of the services. The services in Brandon struggle with congestion at the best of times and we really cannot afford to add the possibility of further issues to the service.’ Christine Mason Town Clerk
1st Brandon Scout Group The summer holidays are over and here we are planning our Autumn programme and of course, Christmas. We still have room to fit a couple of camps in before the dark nights move in. During August, 5 of our Scout group took part in the WW1 Commemoration Service where they read the Role of Honour. It was a very moving experience for them, something that they can recollect when they are adults. I know some of them were very nervous but they delivered the names with great clarity and respect. We welcomed the good coverage we were given by the local press. Our next project is to help with the mammoth bulb planting which will be going on around Brandon. If any of you have a spare hour I
am sure the organisers will be grateful for the help. We will be once again be at the Brandon Fireworks in November with our BBQ. This is our main fundraising and all monies raised goes back into giving Scouting to the young people of Brandon. We have a few vacancies in our 3 sections. If you would like to join, please contact one of us for further information. Beavers meet on a Monday 6.15pm - 7.30pm Cubs meet on a Wednesday 6.30pm - 8pm Scouts meet on a Friday 7pm - 9pm. Lynda Smith (01842 878765)
5
BRANDON TEST CENTRE 01842 811130 / 01842 812210
15 Barnes Close, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0NY www.brandontestcentre.co.uk • MOT / SVA TEST for Car, Taxi, Motorcycle, Camper Van, Commercial Van (up to 3000kg) and Mini Bus - FREE RETEST • Light Conversions • Any CAR REPAIRS • Car Services • VAT FREE programme for our U.S. Personnel • Air Conditioning Servicing • Diagnostic Test & Repair • Changing bulb up to rebuilding engine
Loyalty Discount - £11.85 OFF Car MOT RRP
1ST CALL 24/7 LOCKSMITHS uPVC DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS Locks, Handles, Hinges replaced - Auto locksmith service - City & Guilds qualified - Workmanship and warranty on parts supplied - Free on-site quotations
CRB Vetted By MLA OAP Discounts Mover Specials!
NO CALL OUT FEE NO VAT
Home Improvements • • • • •
Painting & Decorating General Maintenance No Job too Small Free Estimates Over 25 Years Experience
Local Reliable Service Call Paul Fisher 01842 815439 or 07986 527154
CARTERS BRANDON CARS Private Hire
01842 811430 Local & Long Distance
01842 250123 GENUINE LOCAL TRADESMAN
• 4 & 8 Seats • Airports • Clubs • Parties • Hospitals Long Established Family Run Business
Glade Primary School Well, school’s back and Glade is even bigger and better than before. We now have two new classes of Reception pupils, Wrens & Owls, and are thrilled with the way they have settled into school so quickly. All of the transition work that the teachers did in July has really paid off. Owls class are the lucky ones who get our brand new classroom. As part of the development of Glade, we will be burying a time capsule with plans to dig it up in 50 years’ time. We are all sure that it will be a very emotional time in 2064 when our pupils come back in their 50s and 60s to uncover evidence of 2014 Brandon. If any readers
have memorabilia related to Brandon, and especially Glade, that could go into our time capsule, please contact us on 01842 811580. Before you know it, we will be heading towards our many Christmas events, with our new Reception children soon preparing for their first school nativity. Make a date in your diary for the Glade Christmas Fair on Friday 5th December. It’s always a great event, and this year we plan to make it even better. If you want to keep up to date with events at Glade follow us on Twitter @glade_school, or subscribe to our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/gladeprimaryschool
7
L.A.M Home Improvements & Property Maintenance
All building work undertaken • Extensions • Conversions • Renovations • Alterations • Full house refurbishment • Tiling • Carpentry • Complete Kitchens and Bathrooms
07809 379 843 - 01842 751 885 enquiries@wrpbuilders.co.uk www.wrpbuilders.co.uk
PLASTERING & COVING PAINTING & DECORATING TILING & MORE Call Lee for your free quote today 07762 497445 or 01842 814686 leemabey@hotmail.co.uk
GNF FORESTRY LTD FIREWOOD SALES Seasoned Hardwood
£68 per load, approx 1 cubic metre Free delivery 20 mile radius of Mundford
Bagged logs £3 - Kindling £3.50 Bags can be purchased at Jo Jangles tearoom & crafts, 10 London Road
Call 07940 235404 or 07768 668966
Brandon School of Dance Classes in ballet, tap, modern, freestyle, street, contemporary & cheerleading Principal: Kerry Shoop Please call Kerry on 07864 025041 or visit our website for more information:
www.brandonschoolofdance.com
(Ballet from 3 years, Tap from 4 years, Street/Modern/Freestyle from 5 years, Contemporary from 8 years, Cheerleading from 5 years)
CHRONICLES OF BRANDON AT WAR By Darren Norton
www.brandonatwar.co.uk
The excitement from a couple of months ago has given way to concern. Mr and Mrs Chapman of Beavor House are collecting donations such as tobacco, writing paper and fruit to send out to the local men at the front. They hope these gifts will keep the men’s spirits up. We have received confirmation that one of our men has been killed and many are still missing. I will tell you more about them next time. You see something extraordinary happened in the town this month. We usually disregard the gossip going around, however fear and ignorance has now provided a breeding ground for it. About five years ago two gentlemen came to Brandon with their families and opened up a shop specialising in quality fabrics and clothing. Housman & Mr Relhan’s is now one of the town’s largest shops, spreading across 1 and 2 High Street, and both gentlemen play an active part in the community. However, when war was declared a few tongues spilled out gossip about Mr Housman. Was he a foreigner? Perhaps spying for the enemy? Suspicion was raised.
It is true that Mr Housman was not born in England, although his family originated from Cornwall. In fact he was
October 1914
born in Donegal, Ulster. Perhaps more to the point, there is this messy subject of Home Rule in Ireland and some people think there are Irishmen willing to assist Germany in the war. Ignorance and fear have led some locals to believe such fantastic stories about Mr Housman. The Police should have acted to protect Mr Housman. However they didn’t. In fact they acted on the gossip. It all escalated during the morning of Monday 26th October when Police arrived from Mildenhall. The authorities felt it was a matter too serious for Brandon’s Police. Mr Housman was arrested under the ‘Alien Act’ and took off for questioning. He then had to prove he was a British citizen. Fortunately for him he was able to do this. However, had he not been able to do so then he would have probably been put away in one of those detention camps. As it is he has been allowed to return to his shop. But you know what? Despite all the humiliation of poor Mr Housman there are still some people who continue to question his patriotism! These are nervous times. Postscript: After the Armistice many towns and cities sought a war trophy to mark the nation’s victory. Brandon’s war trophy was a German machine gun. Perhaps there was some embarrassment felt in the town at the treatment of Mr Housman, or perhaps it was purely coincidental, but it was Housman & Relhan’s who displayed the trophy first.
It is documented that Mr Joseph Housman was still running the shop in Brandon’s High Street in 1925. Mr Harold Relhan and his family had left the business a few years previously. Mr Housman would eventually return to his roots in Cornwall. He died in St Austell, in1950, aged 78. 9
Brandon
01842 819999
Car Centre
www.brandoncarcentre.co.uk Brandon Car Centre 72/74 High Street Brandon Suffolk IP27 0AU T 01842 819999 E sales@brandoncarcentre.co.uk W brandoncarcentre.co.uk
Brandon Car Centre is an independant garage offering used car sales, service and MOT testing for cars. We service and repair all makes and models at competitive prices and guarantee all our work and parts for 12 months. Our technicians are all qualified and we have the latest diagnostic equipment which is continually updated. Call us today on 01842 819999 for a quote or to book your car in for a MOT or service. To view our current car sales stock list please visit our website at www.brandoncarcentre.co.uk
Bunches and Bows We Deliver Anywhere In Brandon And Surrounding Areas Local and International Service Fresh flowers delivered daily • Potted plants • Arrangements All occasions, including: Weddings • Receptions • Funerals • Corporate • Love & Romance
Hire Service being extended - details soon!!! 57 High Street • Brandon • Suffolk • IP27 0AU
Tel: 01842 819600 www.bunchesandbows.org.uk
Brandon & District Rotary Club Part of what Rotary do is providing support and help to local charities and individuals in need, this often starts by the individual or organisation arranging to come along and provide an after dinner talk at our weekly meeting. Speakers coming up during the next few weeks will include a local lad; Owen Pick, a potential young Paralympian for 2018, seeking support for self funding (apparently the Olympic Committee select individuals but do not fund them). A couple of weeks ago Leigh Driver came along and talked about the history of Brandon
from 1900 to 1914, Leigh has been to the club several times and is a very interesting speaker. For our open evening on 16th October we have booked an amazing speaker, details of which will be published soon. Places must be pre booked by speaking to any Rotarian or by making an enquiry at our Facebook page. On Sunday 12th October we will be hosting our annual forest walk through Santon Downham, details and cost etc will be published on our Facebook page nearer the date, this is an event open to all.
Brandon Town Bowls Club These two photos show Brandon Town Bowls Club before and after their victory in the Bury League Shield where they led from start to
finish to beat Ixworth 86 to 66 in the Final on Sunday 7th September.
11
COUNTRY LION
NEW RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY COMPLETE DRY DOG FOOD W.P.S. NOW OFFERS YOU A CHOICE OF QUALITY DOG FOOD AT
UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICES
NO SUPERMARKET OR LARGE PET STORE WILL BEAT OUR QUALITY OR PRICES
ON OUR NEW COUNTRY LION DOG FOOD
ALL OUR BAGS ARE 15kg PUPPY. – CHICKEN & COUNTRY VEG. – LAMB & RICE. – BEEF & COUNTRY VEG. – CHICKEN & RICE. – SUPAMIX.
THE PRICE ONLY £12.99 PER BAG To take up this AMAZING offer just
CALL 01842 815551
Forest Academy Ms Maria Curry who has been Headteacher of Forest Academy for the past 10 years and Elveden Academy for 5 years says its time to move on even though she will miss the pupils greatly. Forest Academy celebrated this summer with record Key stage 2 results achieving 100% at Level 4 in both reading and Writing and 92% in Maths. The school achieved excellent level 5 results as well. Ms Curry has led both schools effectively for the last 10 years and transformed both school in terms of attainment, popularity and behaviour. “The numbers at Eleveden have doubled and we now are oversubscribed at both school” “We cannot thank Maria enough for how she has led our schools” said Mr Paul Brooks the Chair of Governors.
Maria Curry believes that all schools can be successful if all staff work hard and ensure the very best is expected from each pupil, and that pupils’ individual needs are met. She recognised the strength of all her staff telling them “I could not have achieved all that we have including achieving outstanding and good ofsted results without all of you” Mr Paul Brooks said “We will miss the outstanding talent of Maria but know the schools pass into the good hands of April Grimes and Lorna Rourke who will jointly share the leadership of both schools“ Ms Curry intends to travel and act as a consultant locally and nationally.
13
P&R Garden Supplies Brandon’s traditional plant based garden centre
Horticultural Garden Fleece
8m x 1.5m £2.99 Pack of 2 fleece drawstring bags £1.99
77cm Galvanised Garden Waste Incinerator Only £20
Re-useable, collapsible garden refuse bags From £1.50
P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0PW Open 6 days a week - Closed Wednesday 01842 814800 • www.p-rgardensupplies.co.uk
OCTOBER
gardening
October days are often glorious with many deciduous trees and shrubs providing a riot of colour. However when the leaves fall from trees and shrubs, clearing them up can seem like an endless task. Don’t look at this as pointless as recycling fallen leaves is the easiest way to make free garden compost known as leaf mould. Most leaves can be turned into leaf mould, but some take longer to compost than others. Oak, alder and hornbeam will soon rot down, while sycamore, beech, horse chestnut and sweet chestnut take longer. Leaves from evergreen plants can take three years to compost and are best added in small quantities. Pine needles should be collected in a separate heap as they slowly rot down to produce an acid leaf mould that can be used for plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas and heathers. Walnut, eucalyptus, camphor laurel and cherry laurel contain substances that inhibit growth so leaves from these plants should be avoided. Also avoid collecting leaves from the side of the road as these would have been exposed to pollutants. Do not collect any infected leaves (e.g. Rose Black Spot) these should be cleared away from the plant and destroyed to prevent the infection spreading. Leave behind any fallen leaves that are under hedges and out of the way area’s as these provide an ideal home for hedgehogs and other wildlife.
the bag for two years and it will rot to a fine compost suitable for seed sowing.
One area that leaves must be removed from is the lawn. Rain turns leaves into dense, soggy mats that kill grass by blocking sunlight, reducing air circulation and encouraging pests and disease. Rather than using a rake the best method of clearing leaves off the lawn is to run over them with a lawn mower. This will help to shred the leaves and accelerates decomposition. All that’s needed to store the leaves is a bin liner. Simply punch a few holes into the sides and bottom of the bag and fill with the collected leaves. Once the bag is three quarters full sprinkle the leaves with water, shake the bag to evenly disperse the water and then tie the top of the bag. Store the bag in a shady spot. The following autumn the leaves should have rotted down into a rich crumbly mixture that can be used as mulch around the base of plants. Leave the leaves in
As the nights are drawing in garden lighting is a great way to extend the use of your garden beyond daylight hours. Lighting the patio, garden features or specimen plants, gives the garden a whole new dimension, allowing the garden to become a feature at night. When choosing lighting consider the effect on wildlife. Night-flying moths navigate by light sources such as the moon and become disorientated by artificial light. Bats and owls are also distracted by bright lights. Choose low intensity lights, such as solar-powered lights, which emit a dim light that is unlikely to affect wildlife.
It’s also time to start thinking about protecting plants from frost (if by the time this article is published there hasn’t already been one). As temperatures start to drop at night move tender plants indoors. Although they are tender, leave Dahlias & Cannas outside until the first frosts. Once a frost has hit the leaves of these tubers they will blacken and die back, at this point cut the foliage back hard and either lift the tubers and store in trays of dry compost in a frost free area or leave the tuber in the ground and cover with a thick layer of mulch. Herbaceous perennials will now naturally die down leaving behind dead foliage. Don’t be tempted to cut down all annuals and perennials as some benefit from frost protection of the dead foliage and some seed heads provide food for birds. It’s easy to grow your own bird food, and by choosing the right combination of plants you can help a wide variety of garden birds, whilst saving money on purchased blends. Teasels and ornamental thistles are perfect for goldfinches, providing an alternative to nyjer seed imported from India or Africa. Frost covered seed heads also add interest to the garden in winter.
Rachel Sobiechowski BSc (Hons), P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove, Brandon 01842 814800 www.p-rgardensupplies.co.uk
15
Border Cars Private Hire
01842 814488 All Air & Sea Ports Local & Long Distance Hospital wait & return Contracts Welcome
Picture framing Oils, water colours, pastels, prints, photos old and new, medals, football shirts, cross stitch, tapestry, canvas stretching etc. All aspects of picture framing undertaken in our workshop, 100s of frames to choose from, liven up that old picture with a new mount and frame.
the craft cabin 16 London Road, Brandon - Tel: 01842 814178 Open 9.30am till 5pm weekdays and some Saturdays
www.bordercars.com
bookings@bordercars.com
Horse Watch event raises over £300 Police in Forest Heath have presented a cheque to an equine charity based locally, following donations made at a Horse Watch event earlier in the year.
corner, the money raised will hopefully help towards the care of horses and ponies which can be very expensive, especially if they come into the centre with any ailments or injuries.
The event, organised by PC Victoria McNamara of Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team, was held at Newmarket Racecourse in March of this year and was open to all horse owners across the Forest Heath district.
“I would like to thank all those that assisted with the event, in particular Jacko Jackson who is an Equine Welfare Officer at World Horse Welfare and someone who I worked closely with regarding the Horse Watch event and other equine-related matters.
The purpose of the evening was primarily to promote the Suffolk Horse Watch scheme, but in addition to this a number of informative talks were held on issues including equine nutrition, grass sickness, laminitis, equine crime and the current equine crisis.
“A special thank you also goes to all the sponsors and those companies who donated raffle prizes, as well as Newmarket Racecourse who provided the venue and were excellent hosts.”
A raffle was held at the event to raise money for World Horse Welfare, with donations totalling £360. PC McNamara presented a cheque for this amount to the charity’s Chief Executive Roly Owers at their headquarters and rescue centre based in Snetterton on Tuesday 9 September.
World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers added: “On behalf of everyone at World Horse Welfare I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to PC Vicky McNamara, Suffolk Constabulary and those who attended the Newmarket Horse Watch event for their incredibly kind donation.
Commenting on the donation, PC McNamara, said: “The Horse Watch event was a resounding success, not only promoting the scheme but enabling us to raise money for a worthwhile cause such as World Horse Welfare.
“I would also like to commend all those involved for their commitment to tackling equestrian related crime.
“The charity carries out very valuable work and with colder weather just around the
“The crisis is placing huge strain on our resources and these funds will provide a welcome boost to our efforts to care for more horses suffering in the UK today.”
PC McNamara presenting Mr Owers with the cheque
19
COPELAND INTERIORS LOCAL CHIMNEY SWEEP For your home...
All sweeps certificated
· Curtains & Blinds · Wallpaper · Designer Paints made to order · Carpets & Rugs · Re-upholstery · Bespoke Furniture · Interior Design
Phoenix Eco Plumbing
Other services we offer: Flue fitting • Stove fitting Clean and professional Fully insured
Please call 07506 683 354 Ask for Ian www.phoenixecoplumbing.com
L.A.M Services info@copelandinteriors.co.uk
www.copelandinteriors.co.uk
01284 754388 17 St Johns Street Bury St Edmunds IP31 1SJ
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING PRESSURE WASHING PATIOS & DRIVEWAYS GUTTER CLEANING Call Lee for your free quote today 07762 497445 or 01842 814686 leemabey@hotmail.co.uk
READ YOUR TOWN MAGAZINE ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER
Business cards Flyers Postcards Menus Leaflets Brochures Posters Letterheads Catalogues
Whatever your printing needs, we can help! Email us for a competitive quote magazine@brandonsuffolk.com
IES Breckland The new school year has begun and it has been a successful start for all of our new students. We welcomed 100 new students through the school gates on the 4th of September and several new members of staff. Our new year 7s have settled into life at IES Breckland so well and it is wonderful observing such enthusiastic participation in classes and around the school. The English department will be running over the half term holiday, on the 28th, 29th and 30th of October, extra sessions for our year 11 students. Our aim will be to complete at least one Controlled Assessment and put them firmly on the path for success in the summer’s exams. Sessions will begin at 0900 and will end at 1500. Transport will be available for those who usually take the school bus during term time but there will be no need for the children to wear school uniform. The
Head
of
Humanities,
Mrs
Seal,
accompanied the year 11 Geography students to the North Norfolk Coast (photo below) on the 17th of September on a Geography field trip. This trip was an essential part of their GCSE course and needed in order to complete their controlled assessment which is worth 25% of their final GCSE grade. The field trip allowed students to practice geographical techniques and gather data to use in the controlled assessment. The trip was the highlight of the GCSE syllabus and provided an excellent opportunity for students to visit the beautiful North Norfolk coast and participate in group fieldwork activities. It was a great day and the weather was kind! The experience gained and skills developed will remain with the students their whole lifetime. Kindest Regards Mrs A Tilbrook, Principal IES Breckland
21
Spicy Butternut Squash Soup I would like to share with you, on paper and ‘for real’ my favourite recipe for spicy butternut squash soup. You can use pumpkin instead. I will be serving it at the Halloween event on the Market Hill on 31st October between 6pm and 9pm. So come along and warm yourselves up with a cup of this lovely soup. 1 butternut squash, halved and deseeded 2 large onions, peeled and quartered 1 medium head of garlic 6 cups vegetable stock (about 1 1/2 litres) 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon mild curry powder 1/2 teaspoon mixed herbs 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste Small pot plain yogurt or single cream Preheat the oven to 350 º F (175 º C). Line a baking tray with parchment or aluminium foil. Place the squash halves and the onion on the tray. Wrap the garlic in foil and put on the tray. Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes until the squash is soft and tender. Remove from the oven and put aside until cool enough to handle. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins into a food processor or blender. Scrape the squash flesh from the skin and add to the garlic along with the onion. Purée until smooth. Add a little stock if necessary to help it all blend. Transfer the puréed mixture to a large pot and stir in the vegetable stock. Add the bay leaf, brown sugar, curry powder,herbs, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir well and taste. Add salt and pepper if necessary. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Pour into bowls and swirl in some yogurt or cream. This tastes better made a day in advance giving the herbs and spices time to infuse.
22
The Jack o’Lantern Legend There are many ‘urban myths’ surrounding the origins of Halloween. An urban myth is a form of modern folklore that may or may not be believed by those telling the story. More often than not there are horror connotations attached to these stories. One of the most popular myth involves Irish folklore, an unsavoury character called Stingy Jack and the Devil. A long time ago a chap called Stingy Jack met the Devil and asked him if he would like to have a drink with him. When it came to paying the bill Jack refused to hand over the money, so the Devil agreed to turn himself into a coin and Jack could use that to pay the bill. Jack being the cunning person he was, decided to keep the coin, putting it in a pocket where a silver cross already lay. This made the Devil very angry as the cross stopped him being able to revert back to his normal self. He made a deal with Jack not to bother him for a year and he would not claim his soul if he died within the year if he would just remove the cross. Jack agreed to do this and they went their separate ways. A year later they met once again, this time under a fruit tree. Jack wanted the fruit to eat but did not want to climb high up into the tree to retrieve it so the Devil agreed to do so for him. When he was at the top of the tree Jack carved a cross into the trunk thus disabling the Devil’s safe passage down from the tree. To be able to climb down from the tree the Devil had to agree to leave Jack alone for 10 years. When Jack did eventually die he was not allowed into heaven because of all the underhand deals he had previously made with the Devil. True to his word the Devil did not remove Jack’s soul. Instead he gave him a piece of burning coal. Jack placed the coal in a hollowed out turnip to continue, to this day, roaming the earth. Over time he became better known as Jack of the Lantern and later, Jack O’Lantern. In Ireland and Scotland, faces were carved in hollowed out turnips and potatoes. A candle was placed inside and then the vegetable was placed on a window sill to ward off evil spirits. When Stingy Jack saw the light he knew he couldn’t use his trickery on them. When the Irish and Scottish immigrants arrived in America on the first wave of emigration in the early 18th century, they continued with making Jack O’Lanterns, but instead of turnips and potatoes, they used the native pumpkin. Today, pumpkins are grown on a massive scale in this country and mainly used as lanterns at Halloween and then discarded. However, if you have never made a pumpkin pie, I urge you to do so. You will be surprised at just how good it is. Or alternatively, try the soup recipe on the opposite page! 23
We need you today You may need us tomorrow To donate £5 text heli to 70500
East Anglian Air Ambulance Did you know? Our life saving service is operational 365 days a year Our highly trained, specialist medical teams bring doctor-led emergency care to the incident site, bringing the emergency department to the patient We are the first in the UK to fly night time HEMS missions with almost 50 missions flown in the dark since the end of May 2013 We’ve attended over 13,000 life-saving missions across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire The majority of incidents we attend are serious road traffic collisions, people suffering cardiac arrests and horse riding, motorbike and cycling incidents We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available - take a look at our website for latest positions
www.eaaa.org.uk 08450 699 999 Registered Charity No: 1083876
Follow us on Twitter: @EastAngliAirAmb ‘Like’ our Facebook page: East Anglian Air Ambulance
East Anglian Air Ambulance East Anglian Air Ambulance is shortlisted for Nationwide’s online charitable giving scheme and could receive £5,000 if the charity receives enough votes.
“EAAA rely on donations from the public and the funding is vital for EAAA to continue their lifesaving work. The awareness it will raise is brilliant for the charity.”
Nationwide Building Society allows members and the public to vote online for the charities they would like to receive £5,000 of funding, as part of the Society’s initiative - The Big Local.
The Big Local forms part of Nationwide’s Living on Your Side initiative, which has seen the Society commit to investing and unlocking £15 million for local communities over the next five years.
Each month Nationwide selects three charities nominated by its members from a different UK region. The three chosen charities will each be awarded £200 and members will then be able to visit the new ‘Big Local’ website http://your.nationwide.co.uk/thebiglocal and vote for which of the three they would most like to receive an additional £5,000 of funding.
Chloe Keen, Senior Citizenship Manager at Nationwide, commented: “Nationwide is owned by our members, not shareholders, and we believe they should have a real say in how and where we support the community.
The Big Local also features on Nationwide’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/ NationwideBuildingSociety – look for The Big Local button) allowing people to not only vote for their preferred charity but also share their choice with their friends and family, potentially generating even more votes.
“The Big Local website allows members to vote for one of three member-nominated local charities, providing information about what each of the charities do and giving members the chance to monitor each charity’s progress. It is a fantastic way for our members to get involved and tell us exactly where our funding, volunteering and fundraising efforts should be focused - after all, our members know their communities better than anyone else.”
Hannah Isted, Press Officer at East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “We are delighted that EAAA have been nominated for The Big Local and we would like to encourage all of our local supporters to vote.”
“We are supporting charities from East Anglia in September. East Anglian Air Ambulance is one of three great causes nominated by our members, and we encourage everyone to vote.”
25
CAR PARTS & ACCESSORIES • Body & Exhaust • Brakes • Cooling & Heating • Electrical & Lighting • Engine Parts • Lubricants & Fluids • Service Parts • Suspension & Steering • Transmissions
FREE WEEKDAY DELIVERY
TO HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES IN BRANDON OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Brandon Town Youth FC With the 2014-15 season well under way, there is one thing Brandon Town Youth FC would not be able to function without – OUR SPONSORS!! With fifteen teams to kit out each season, we rely heavily on the kind support of local businesses to get the players looking smart in our yellow and royal blue club colours each week. Then there are the hoodies and rain jackets that keep the players warm and dry during the winter months; you cannot pass through Brandon without seeing one of our players in club colours. Over the years, many local businesses have proudly seen their name displayed on the front of the Brandon shirts supporting teams their sons or daughters may play in. We also have ex-players who are in a position to sponsor teams; remembering what it was like when they played and wanting to give something back to the community. We really are grateful for the fantastic support we receive each season and to all our sponsors, past and
present, we would like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU! Without your continued support, our club would struggle to provide the children of Brandon, and the surrounding area, with grassroots football. Pictured is our current U7s team in their hoodies sponsored by Lite-Wire and Frederick Hiam directors Lindsay Hargreaves & Ashley Malpass who presented our U16 Lads team with their kit. Frederick Hiam Ltd has sponsored this team for over 10 years from mini soccer to adult football. Once again, to these and the entire club’s sponsors, thank you for your continued support. We are continually looking for sponsors and local companies to support the club, so if you are interested in seeing your name on the front of one of our kits or hoodies please contact our Club Chairman Gary Rampley on 07716 1888000. Thank you.
27
Shoestring Halloween Event Shoestring Theatre Co are coordinating a Halloween event on Market Hill on the 31st October, between 6 and 9pm, with the help of Brandon Town Council. We are looking for groups to take part which may help with your fund raising or just getting your name noticed and advertise your future events, whilst entering into the ‘spirit’ of the night. What we would like is someone to perhaps run a table top game stall, spin the wheel, roll a penny etc and we do have some of these types of games you could borrow. There must be lots of other traditional Halloween fun things you could have a go at putting on.
To date besides our own marquee of scary goings on, we will have a witches fire and a gruesome graveyard set outside, Fancy dress competition, face painting, Friends of the Library telling spooky stories, at least one of our schools is taking part, Brandon School of Dance, plus of course BBQ, courtesy of CJ and Tea and coffee by Brandon Carnival Committee. If you, as a voluntary local group are interested please contact Jill Blanchard, Shoestring Theatre Company 01842 811532 or jill.blanchard@BTInternet.com with any questions and any ideas you might have for your group to put on.
Christmas Carolling 2014 As part of the 2013 Christmas Fayre on Brandon’s Market Hill, a small group of around a dozen Brandonians got together to practice and perform traditional festive carols & songs for the event. This was well received and thoroughly enjoyed by the performers.
I have been asked by some of those who performed last year if the singing could be included again. Well, now that a few preliminary arrangements have been made, the answer is yes. So I have arranged some practice/rehearsal sessions for Monday
28
evenings at 7.30pm, in the choir rehearsal room at St. Thomas’ RC church, just 100yds over the railway line on the Weeting Rd. By the time you read this the rehearsals will have been under way since the 15th September. However, the carol group is very informal and as all the pieces we will be practicing are widely known with copies of all the repertoire supplied, you will be made most welcome if you wish to join us. You do not need to read music nor be a Pavarotti or a Katherine Jenkins either. None of us are. The more voices the better. None of the rehearsals last year went beyond an hour & a half, some weeks even less. And you do not have to attend them all, as many as you can fit in. If transport is required a few of us have cars and we can arrange to pick you up. My mobile number is 07708 997022. Hope to see you either at rehearsals, or if you can’t make those, on the Market Square on the day. Regards to all. David Parr
PUZZLE PAGE Sudoku
Code Word
Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
Each letter A-Z is represented by a number 1-26. Can you crack the code and solve the crossword? Every letter of the alphabet us used at least once.
Number Pyramid Fill every box in the tower with a number. The value in a square is the sum of the numbers directly beneath it.
Word Wheel
Solutions can be found on page 31
Find as many words as you can. Words must be at least 3 letters and must use the central letter. No letter can be used more than once. There is a 9 letter word to be found.
29
READ YOUR TOWN MAGAZINE ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER
www.terryh.co.uk
WHEREVER YOU GO, TAKE
BRANDON WITH YOU
Useful Telephone Numbers Councils Brandon Town Council (Town Clerk)
01842 811844
Forest Heath District Council (Main Switchboard)
01638 719000
Suffolk County Council (Public Enquiries)
0845 606 6067
Health Services Doctor - Brandon Medical Practice (High Street)
01842 810388
Doctor - Forest Group Practice (Bury Road)
01842 810206
Dentist - Apex Dental Care (Bury Road)
01842 812276
Dentist - The Dental Surgery (High Street)
01842 812381
Hospital - West Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds)
01284 713000
NHS 111 - Medical Help (Less urgent than 999)
111
Help & Advice Citizens Advice Bureau (Brandon Office)
01842 811511
Social Care Services (Customer First)
0808 800 4005
Suffolk Constabulary (Non Emergency)
101
Utility Companies Electricity - UK Power Networks (Fault Line)
08007 838 838
Gas - National Grid Gas (Emergency Number)
0800 111 999
Water - Anglian Water (24 Hour Leakline)
0800 771 881
Puzzle Page Solutions Sudoku
Pyramid
Code Word
Word Wheel 9 letter word: journeyed
31
The Times/Sunday Times
The Times/Sunday Times Judges’ Report
“Best Small Agency East of England”
“Chilterns works smart and hard for its clientele; they will always go the extra mile.”
“Use of social media is excellent with the result that consumer engagement has increased, especially amongst first time buyers who view this business as an authority”
Proud winners at The Times / Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2013
... call your local award-winning estate agent
Do your homework ...
2014 .
Chilterns
01842 813466