Reflections of Thetford Issue 07

Welcome

Welcome to Issue Seven of Reflections of Thetford magazine, our One Year Anniversary Edition

by Martin Angus (Editor)

Welcome to our anniversary edition, One Year old today! It seems like only yesterday that I was walking into local businesses suggesting they join us in our very special Thetford magazine. A magazine that celebrates everything good in this little town of Thetford.

The greatest enjoyment in producing this publication for Thetford, is not only the immense satisfaction of producing something that portrays our town in a befitting way, but having the opportunity to get to know the many great people in this town doing great things.

When I started the Bubbly Hub What’s On and Events 18 months ago, I knew that there was much more going on than what people were really aware of, and especially more than I was aware of, but the magazine has taken this awareness to the next level. With the magazine we are now hearing the stories behind the people who have done, are doing, or are going to do, amazing things in Thetford.

A group of people I would not have been able to even think of starting this ‘hobby’ project without, are

the Guildhall Writers Group. An incredibly creative, talented and energetic collective of lovely people. Almost every day I receive either verbal or written praise for the creative writing they produce every edition.

Many hands make light work, someone once said, and The Bubbly Hub is living proof of this. The Bubbly Hubs are still going strong, and epitomise people working together, to make something greater than the sum of its parts. For example, 10 businesses all sharing the same marketing post on social media, not only is this supporting the businesses in the post itself, it is reaching a new customer base, and also every other business who is associated with the initiative.

Promoting events, brings people to our town, helping shops, hotels, restaurants and business.

As always, we value our reader’s opinions on what we are doing, so please keep the feedback coming in, and we will strive to make Thetford’s square magazine, ‘Reflections of Thetford’, even better for you the reader!

©Reflections of Thetford is published by The Bubbly Hub. All rights reserved 2025. Whilst every care is taken, the publisher accepts no responsibility for loss or damage resulting from the contents of this publication, as well as being unable to guarantee the accuracy of contributions supplied as editorial, images or advertisements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission.

‘Mehmet Altun’ Photography by Martin Angus

The Great British Chippy

Croxton Fish Bar

Written by Liam Chatton

On a small local strip mall, about halfway up Croxton Road, between Mundford Road and the A11, it is not an unusual sight to see cars vying for parking spaces in the lay-by. There is a carpark next to the Norfolk Terrier pub with a few spaces in front of the shopping strip. On the end of this strip, the premises closest to the road, is Croxton Fish Bar. Its popularity is testament to its quality. Its proprietor, Mehmet Altun, or Alex as he is popularly known, kindly sat with me to share a bit about how he came to run this business.

The Great British Chippy Fish and chips has been seen as a staple of the British diet since at the latest the 19th century. The origin is vague but a common story is that Jewish immigrants brought the practice of cooking battered fish in oil to England in the 17th century. Originally the batter was meant to be discarded, its purpose was to seal the fish inside so that it could

cook in its own steam. Sometime in the 19th century it was combined with a northern English dish of fried sliced potatoes.

Fish and chip shops popped up in towns and villages throughout the UK. As a result fish and chips quickly established itself as a popular meal for the working class as it was cheap and nutritious, providing essential calories for the long hours spent in post Industrial Revolution factories.

The British ‘chippy’, as those shops became to be known, went into decline following the introduction of VAT on hot takeaway food in 1984. The cost of fish and chips suddenly increased, and with the emergence of increasingly more ‘exotic’ foods such as Chinese and Indian, pizzas and kebabs, many chippy owners decided to throw in the towel. There still being a demand, a lot of the new takeaways took on the fish and chip provision alongside their

other offerings. Unfortunately many of them did not master the art of frying and, in many places, the quality of the local chippy suffered. Save for a few gems here and there it became acquired wisdom that the best fish and chips were served in coastal areas where tourism brought multitudes of hungry visitors happy to spend their discretionary incomes on an occasional treat.

Alex’s origins

Alex was born in Altalya, a coastal city south of the western part of the Taurus mountain range that stretches across southern Turkey into Northern Iraq. It is in the eastern parts of the Taurus mountains where the rivers Tigris and Euphrates start their journey towards the Persian Gulf, forming the eastern leg of what has become known as The Fertile Crescent.

Alex’s father moved to Iskenderun for work purposes by the time Alex finished primary school. His teenage years were spent playing football, mainly as a goalkeeper, and he had a keen interest in politics. He went on to study fashion design in Iskenderun, a city previously known as Alexandretta after its founder, Alexander the Great, in 333 BC. It lies on the north-eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, on the western arch of The Fertile Crescent.

Iskenderun is also known as the Key to the Syrian Gates, or the Belen Pass, a pass through the Nur Mountains. Such passes would have been busy thoroughfares for merchants from the East bringing their wares to the Mediterranean such as myrrh and frankincense from what is now Saudi Arabia; tin and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan. These goods, among many others, have seen millennia of trade throughout the ages. Empires rose and declined, wars fought over the jealously guarded routes

through the Arabian desert and into the east.

Being a coastal city nestled in the Gulf of Iskenderun there would have no doubt been an abundant sea trade with Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and lands further afield. Passing trade would have brought tales from far away lands. New knowledge and ideas would certainly have passed hands.

The origins of agriculture

For millennia the Tigris and Euphrates rivers flowed from the eastern Taurus Mountains, carrying and depositing rich minerals into the land known as Mesopotamia. Sometime around 12000 years ago some people learned how to cultivate the land and started growing crops. Settlements were established, city states emerged and this area is known as the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’.

The idea of agriculture spread, perhaps because of already existing trading networks. Grains such as barley and wheat became a staple of the human diet. These grains were pounded into flour, mixed with water, and allowed to rise due to naturally occurring yeasts before being baked into bread. Whole or partially pulverised grains mixed with water left in the sun would have released their sugars into the liquid and again, through the help of wild yeasts, fermented to produce beer.

Meanwhile, another group of people, a continent and an ocean away, found that they could cultivate the roots of a toxic plant of the deadly nightshade family into what we now know as the potato. Rich in starch and calories the potato became a staple of the Americas as its hardy nature meant it could grow in many environments. Anthropological evidence suggests that potato cultivation may have begun 10,000 years ago in the region of modern day Peru and Bolivia although archeological evidence

can only trace it back 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

Constantinople and its role in potatoes

The city of Istanbul guards the passage from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Once part of the Roman Empire the city was a hub of trade routes between Asia and Europe. When Rome itself fell this eastern part of the empire continued and, due to its strategic location and its three series of walls, the city of Constantinople held firm, becoming the capital of the Byzantine Empire, or the Eastern Roman Empire. That is until the Ottomans, a Turkic language speaking people from the east, laid siege. In 1483 the city fell and the Ottomans de facto gained control of the trade between Europe and Asia.

By this time Europeans had become somewhat enamoured by things like nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper. The traditional trade routes cut off, they desperately tried to find alternative routes to the east. The Portuguese developed ships that could withstand the voyage around Africa into the Indian Ocean.

The Spanish, however, had other ideas and sailed west to find a new route to the Indies. Many genocidal conquests later they returned with gold, silver and the real jewel in our crown. They brought back the potato.

After initially being subject to suspicion the potato quickly became a staple of European and Asian diets. Its ability to be grown just about anywhere, even where other crops could not, its popularity rose. Especially common among the poorer folk it provided calories and vitamins and sustained families. It may be difficult to imagine a life without potatoes (or tomatoes or bell peppers) but before the 15th century they didn’t exist in Europe.

Anyway, back to Alex.

From fashion to fish ‘n’ (chips)

After university Alex spent some time working in a cash and carry, studied a bit of accountancy and did national service in the army. In 1989 he moved to London to start working for TNT.

After a year of working he started his own business. “We manufactured skirts and trousers and employed around 80 staff.” Unfortunately changes to the fashion industry, with more and more outlets looking overseas for their stock, Alex’s fashion business became unviable and in 2000 he made the sad decision to close down.

After that he bought a fish and chip shop in Hull from a retiring chef who threw in 6 months of training on the art of frying. Whether through his time in fashion design, Alex’s general nature, or a combination of both, his meticulous attention to detail has put his Croxton Road shop arguably at the top of the pile of takeaways in Thetford. Ten years in Hull honed his skills and expertise in not just frying but finding the best fish, the best potatoes and the best cooking oil to deliver the best quality possible to his customers.

In 2010 Alex entered into semi-retirement. Then one day in 2011 a phone call from a friend in Thetford alerted him to the availability of Croxton Fish Bar. Originally opening to the public in 1983 the previous owner was selling up. Alex relocated and bought the chippy.

The science

We might take fish and chips for granted but there is a science behind the process. Potatoes are rich in starch and it is this starch, which when hydrated, undergoes a change. The starch molecules link together and form a gel. Intense heat forces the

gel to harden and enter into what is known as a glass state and, because the oil is water repellent, it prevents the gel from washing away. This thin coating encapsulates the potato within. The heat generates steam within the chips but cannot easily escape from the coating so the potato effectively steams in its own natural moisture. What results is a crispy outer and a fluffy inner.

Likewise the batter, essentially a slurry of flour and water, turns the starches in the flour into a gel state. “The batter has a long rest before being used,” Alex told me. The fish fillets are coated in the batter and like the potatoes, the starches harden when introduced to the hot oil. The batter reduces the amount of oil that penetrates into the fish and rather than frying, the fish is steamed with its own moisture with the flavour being preserved in its flesh.

Alex fully understands this science.

“I wanted to keep to traditional fish and chips.” Alex said. “I check the chips by feel to make sure they’re done. I teach all my [frying] staff how to check. It takes a long time to learn.”

Anyone who makes bread and pastry will be able to appreciate the role a sense of touch has. It’s not just in cooking, either, but many other industries do too. For example plasterers and bricklayers know when the mortar is the correct consistency just by the feel. Alex’s time in the textiles industry must have played a significant part in his tactile awareness as well as having an eye for detail.

“I could buy the cheapest potatoes. I could buy the cheapest oil,” Alex explains, “but I prefer to get the best I can. I pay more for them, yes, but I want the best quality. I change the oil in the shop twice per week. Every Tuesday and every Thursday the oil is

fresh. We are closed Sunday and Monday. The oil is never more than three days old.”

In the community

Whenever I’ve been to Croxton Fish Bar I have noticed that people don’t just come for their suppers. They also come for a chat. The staff are very friendly and often have conversations about their lives, their families, there is a very personal touch.

“Our customers are like family. I know many of our regulars by name. They come from Watton, they come from Brandon, even Bury [St. Edmunds] and Mundford.”

On the walls of the shop are a number of letters and certificates from charities that have benefitted from donations. Alex showed me some others that he keeps behind the counter. These included Dementia UK, The Stroke Association, Unicef and Ofsted. Pride of place on the wall is a letter from the LordLieutenant of Norfolk thanking Croxton Fish Bar for their annual offering of free fish and chips to the elderly every December.

Alex has two children, his daughter is a lawyer and his son has his own business in computer software development. His brother, Hamza, helps him run the chippy where he employs six people

From the Cradle of Civilisation and the birth of agriculture. From the cultivation of a toxic plant into a nutritious tuber in the Americas. From one of the very crossroads of knowledge and wisdom, Alex has surely brought a piece of near perfection to the town of Thetford. Altun is a name that means ‘golden’ and it is reflected in the batter of the fish, but most of all a golden character in Thetford.

Croxton Fish Bar: https://croxtonfishbar.online/

‘Known as Alex’ Photography by Martin Angus

Photograph

‘Kate Clements’ by Martin Angus

Thetford Netball Club

A safe, inclusive, gracious and sporting place to be.

Written by Joanne Lock

If you venture through the gate at the side of Kings House not only will you discover beautiful gardens that feel secret and hidden; follow the path around to the left and at the top of the wooden steps is the home of Thetford Netball Club, a wooden clad clubhouse overlooking a well maintained, floodlit court.

Kate Clements, the club’s chair, welcomed me to the clubhouse where we sat and chatted about the club. For Kate who grew up in Wales, netball did not feature in PE lessons there, Kate was a hockey player so her involvement with the club was not because she wanted to return to playing netball as an adult. Instead, it was her three netball playing daughters that brought her there.

Accountant and business owner Kate’s skillset were utilised and she served as club treasurer before

becoming club chair, alongside a robust and fully democratic committee consisting of a vice chair who works as an HR executive, a head coach and two safe-guarders, the club is well structured and runs with an efficiency which is comparable to that of a successful business. The fact that there has been no increase in subs for four years is testament to how well the club is run.

Balancing fun with opportunities for progression from the ages of 8 years and upwards the club is an inclusive place where all are welcome and a safe space is maintained that is non judgemental, free from bullying; a place where you are listened to and one that fosters the building of confidence. Wellbeing is always a priority here.

In a town surrounded by air bases it’s not surprising that the names of the various teams within the

club were inspired by aircraft. On a shelf in the club house the youngest members proudly display toy team mascots of aeroplane counterparts from the animal kingdom, there is a stingray, shark, panther and if you were an air cadet in the early 90s you would remember sitting in the backseat and taking to the air in a chipmunk!

Whether you have played netball or not, at Thetford Netball Club you’re sure to find a team for you.

Each week there are a variety of different sessions on offer and there is something for everyone, if you would like to come along and have a try please contact the club by emailing thetfordnetball@gmail. com or via the contact form on the club’s website www.thetfordnetball.co.uk/contact-us/ and they will find the best session or squad to fit you.

Sessions include walking netball, back to netball and mixed netball sessions are held. Back to netball focuses on those who used to play netball at school and are returning to the sport later in life and these sessions can be a stepping stone for progression into the competition squads.

It’s a fine balance for the club to maintain a safe space for girls and women with complete inclusivity and they achieve this by offering mixed netball sessions for ages 16 years upwards, open to all genders. The idea for these sessions came about after observing young lads hanging about in the garden, the mixed sessions provided them with a place to go and take part in something and was a way for the club to embrace inclusion without compromising the safe space it maintains for girls and women.

The club has 7 senior and 5 junior teams plus three regional teams and the club tries to create

opportunities for each team to play in a local league. Sometimes this can be difficult owing to how rural East Anglia is as it involves a fair amount of travelling commitment.

Opportunities to train are offered across the week and Saturday’s. The club’s juniors number around 90, and there are around 75 seniors plus the Monday night teams. There are players who travel far, including girls from across 20 schools.

The club was founded in the 1970s and today everyone who plays at the club is in the safe and experienced hands of the dedicated and passionate coaching team who started playing netball at school and the sport has remained a large part of their lives ever since.

Head coach Sue Collins played for England, has also coached county and still coaching a pathway for London Mavericks. Sue works alongside the club’s experienced team of coaches who also bring a wealth of knowledge ranging from playing county, regional and England.

You may recall the dread of sitting on a bench at the start of school PE lessons, as the person chosen by the teacher calls out names and the fear of being the one left until the end.

At Thetford Netball Club you can leave those fears at the door, the coaching team’s ethos here is that everyone deserves to participate, make progress and have fun. Positivity is the way. With this in mind, members from other squads and teams will take part in the senior’s training sessions to develop experience and encourage progression.

If you perceive netball as a sport which is mainly played at school and just part of the PE curriculum,

the netball scene is a lot bigger than you realise.

The pinnacle is the Netball Super-league, organised by England Netball and featuring teams from England, Wales and Scotland. A number of juniors have passed through the London Mavericks pathway and some are now within their U18 Futures and U19 player development squad which is represented at the very top in this league. The club also has juniors who play in the Norfolk and Suffolk academy.

Thetford Netball Club take part in the Netball East Regional Clubs League - playing teams from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The Club also plays within the Norwich Winter League, West Suffolk Winter and Summer League and Rickinghall South Norfolk league.

As we are just starting out in the new year, it’s a great time to look back on the club’s achievements in 2024 and talk about their 2025 ambitions.

In 2023, the senior regional team comprising players from the ages of 16 and over managed to stay up after their first year in the league. They hope to continue their progression in the regionals and to also play in the Norwich summer league for the first time.

In June and July each year the playoffs are held for the junior teams to gain a place on the table and last year 2 teams from the under 13’s and an under 16’s made the 3rd division, a result all at the club were extremely proud of. The hope for 2025 is to table again and for the junior teams to build on their experience and progression.

All this is made possible with thanks to the club

sponsors Foster Electrical Services, Master-seal Ltd, Prism Properties and Team C Express Logistics. The club also feels very well supported by Thetford Academy School who juggle the use of their indoor court, enabling the club to train in all weathers. A dream ambition for the club would be to have their own indoor facilities one day.

New members are always welcome at the club, whether you want to compete or play for fitness and fun. There’s also a social element as some of the teams sometimes arrange to meet off court for social activities.

So why not venture through the gate into the hidden gardens, to discover somewhere to belong, meet friends, build confidence and to discover or rediscover the joy of playing netball.

Photography by Martin Angus

Photograph ‘Megan and Cole’ by Martin Angus

Mr Barbers Thetford

Hair cut and a chat

Written by Andy Eden

“How are you today sir?”

It’s an often heard opening line as we gents settle into the chair and the barber places the cape over us to keep all the annoying bits off our clothes. The equally often heard reply is along the lines of “I’m fine.” Unfortunately that isn’t always true but it’s what we say isn’t it? It’s part of a ritualistic greeting or a password between sentries. One challenges with “How are you?” and the accepted reply is “I’m fine.” Then the conversation can start. While women are often more open to discussing personal feelings and emotions, men do the perceived ‘Manly’ thing and gloss over that and go for the safer ground of sport, politics or the weather.

So how would it be if, when you were going about your everyday business, someone asked that

question and was really interested in the answer? Well that is one of the guiding principles of ‘Mr Barbers’ in Thetford, owned by Megan Casey. I met Meg recently to find out about the business and her journey so far.

Since the age of 17, Meg has been a barber, working for many years on one of the American airbases. At the time of Covid, She was working at ’Mr Barbers’ in Bury St Edmunds. She enjoyed the atmosphere and work ethos so when the possibility of her having her own shop was raised, Meg jumped at the chance. It was a big step and obviously came with its own set of worries but that was November 2021, now three years on, plans are in place for a second shop.

For those who don’t know, ‘Mr Barbers’ is a franchise which aims to put control firmly in the

hands of the shop owners. There is no corporate style or décor and each shop succeeds or fails on the merits of the staff working there. The barbers are not employed by ‘Mr Barbers’ and they don’t rent out a chair as some other businesses do. Instead, each person is self employed and pays a percentage to the shop owner, in this case Meg.

Taking something like this on can be very daunting, particularly when it is not just the main income, it is the only income. Megan is a single parent and had to make this work, not just for herself but for her 9 year old son, Cole. She told me that as well as providing an income, she wanted to show Cole that anything was possible if you put the effort and hard work in. A very commendable example to set. It is obviously working because he asked for and got a practice head for Christmas which he can start to learn the necessary skills on. Obviously she is kept very busy but the business is worked around her family.

When Megan first looked at the building she was about to turn into her shop, she found it quite daunting. It had been a book makers and when the previous business had left, it appeared that they had just turned off the lights and walked out. Fortunately Meg had the services of an experienced shop fitter who cast his professional eye over the place and could see the potential. The old bookies shop interior was removed and the building transformed into the modern, welcoming barbers it is today. Then on the 21st of November 2021 it opened for the first haircut.

While opening your first shop is a red letter day in anyone’s book, Meg wanted more from the business. There had been some negativity on social media suggesting that Thetford didn’t need another barbers. And while it is true that the town

6 Bridge Street, Thetford IP24 3AA 07969 585183

does have quite a number of salons, the saying ‘build it and they will come’ seems to have been proven correct in this case. Several of the nay sayers are now clients. Megan is also thankful to other local businesses who supported and helped her during her start-up.

It was while working on the airbase that Meg came face to face with the realities of mental health issues and the what it can mean to people when at its worst. A regular client called to make an impromptu appointment and Meg was able to fit him in. Time was tight so they didn’t speak as much as they normally would have done. It was shortly after that appointment that Meg found out that the man had taken his own life. He was well know and liked, had a wife and children but something had been badly wrong in his life.

Obviously this experience had stayed with Megan and now she had her own shop, she went on a course run by the ‘12th Man’ mental health charity. The course was aimed at helping identify anyone who is depressed and possibly in danger of self harm. As her business grew, Meg encouraged the other barbers to do the course as well. Now the whole team is ‘Mental Health First Aid’ trained. And it’s not just an accolade to have, it’s practical. Megan has had to use her skills on more than one occasion. As an example, one client came in and had obviously had too much to drink. He wasn’t acting as he usually would so she started talking to him. That was at about 6pm. He finally went home just after 11pm but he was more his usual self and he no longer felt the need to do himself any harm. He is still a client.

The ‘12th Man’ charity is all about Men and mental health. Why men? Because, to be blunt, we are rubbish at talking about our feelings. The charity

Abbey Garage

likens those who are mental health first aid trained to a 12th man on a football team, there to help when things aren’t going so well. They aim to offer the training to businesses that men are likely to use, gyms, pubs, trades, taxis and tattoo shops as well as barbers. The theme is ‘Ask twice’ because as we all know, if someone asks if you are okay, the almost reflex response is ‘I’m fine’.

A local charity walk was held recently, raising £7,405 for the 12th Man. Four of the barbers from Megan’s shop took part walking up to 100 miles each, such is the belief in the work the charity does.

Mr Barbers and Meg are also great believers in helping people onto the career ladder. As such there are three apprentices in the shop alongside the seven fully trained barbers. ‘It is a great feeling to see the apprentices develop’ says Meg. ‘From their first day just watching, then the day they do the first cut to becoming skilled and confident.’

Mr Barbers is open normal shop hours and a few late nights as well. It is intended that the shop will be open seven days a week before long. So with a slightly smaller shop to be open soon in Brandon, Meg will have her work cut out but she wouldn’t have it any other way. From working as an employee, she now has a welcoming business that is thriving and helping people along the way. If you fancy giving it a try, you will find it on Bridges Walk, next to the Ex Services Club.

https://12th-man.org.uk/the-campaign/about

https://mrbarbers.co.uk/about-us/

‘Megan’ Photography by Martin Angus

Photography by

Bob Blogg

The Medusa Project

Orange nosed Tigga, a football fiasco, and Colt: the new kid on the block.

Written by Bob Blogg

Firstly: Orange nosed Tigga.

What can I say?

In the last issue I said that my pet project, Rolling Along the River, ended in a ‘blaze of glory’. I lied. It actually ended with a ‘bang’!

After Adrian had a quick look at the River Thet when he was waffling away down Arlington Way, I thought it would be a good idea to explore further upstream. After all, we had followed the Little Ouse all the way up to the Nunnery Lakes, so let’s see how far we can go along the River Thet. How hard can it be?

I knew I had had a brief explore the year before and I had found a really nice spot, a little beach by the river. Anyway, I jumped on Tigga and off I went across Hurth Way and up Rosecroft Way in search of the river.

I knew I had been there before but the film footage I had only started from a sunny path alongside the

woods. I wanted to show you how to get there and explore further. Well. Could I find it again? The simple answer is No!

But I found a lot of other hidden pathways, and I nearly caught a Bambi.

I weaved my way backwards and forwards to the river, along Bergamot Close, Foxglove Road and Campion Road.

I then hopped back onto Rosecroft Way and went further up the road to Charlock Road, trying to duck down all the Coverts there and get to the river. They all ended in dead ends as far as I could tell.

I hadn’t given up yet. I went all the way up to the Thetford Garden Centre and tried getting down to the river from there.

There is a nature trail there and I knew you could get to the river from there because I had arrived there at the garden centre when I left the river on my previous visit. But, fate decided I was not going to get to the river this time.

I wandered into the woods with the sun in my eyes, it got dark with stroboscopic flashes of light, I lost the path, I lost my mind and, BANG, Tigga lost his nose!

I had crashed into a tree stump hidden in the leaf litter. I actually pinned my scooter onto it.

It couldn’t go forwards or backwards, I just kept spinning.

Fortunately a few forest dwellers came to my rescue and lifted me off the dreaded stump.

I don’t think they were tree sprites or dryads, they were probably just elves!

Anyway, they pointed me back to civilisation, and I soon came out onto Trafalgar Way.

From there, I gave up trying to find the river and headed off to Tesco with my tail between my legs and poor old Tigga creaking and groaning.

Little did I know that I had passed the turn off to the river that I was looking for ages ago.

It’s in Campion Road, on the right, just after the turning to Harebell Close.

If only Stephanie Downes had published her wonderful article ‘A Winter Walk’ in October and not in the December issue of this magazine, Tigga would still have a white nose!

Anyway, you can watch the whole, sorry saga here.

Stephanie’s beautiful map clearly shows where I should have gone and where I went (she also has other great walks and maps in previous issues, so check them out).

Secondly: A Football Fiasco

Guess what? It all went horribly wrong again!

The plan was simple. We were meeting up at the Black Horse pub in Magdalen Street and then making our way up Lime Kiln Lane and Vicarage Road to Thetford FC in Mundford Road for a footie match between Thetford Town and Dereham Town.

What could possibly go wrong with that idea?

To start with, the Black Horse is a very nice hostelry with a great atmosphere and toasty warm. Outside it was freezing. We didn’t want to go anywhere. So we delayed our departure until the last possible moment. In fact we delayed it so much that we didn’t have any time to set the scene as we dashed off to the match.

I had to come back and do that later when I was trying to make sense of the footage we took. The picture above was taken on the following Monday. The game was on Saturday the 28th of December, 2024, incidentally.

Anyway, we finally dragged our sorry selves (that’s the polite way of putting it) out with a bit less than 30 minutes to spare before kick-off; turned on the cameras and off we went.

I was on Tiglet, my faithful boot scooter, and Adrian was on Breezy, his trusty road scooter. We thought it was a good opportunity to see what access was like at the club for both types of mobility scooters.

Anyway, we hadn’t gone more than a few yards before one of Adrian’s cameras, the Gopro, switched itself off. In fact I hadn’t even set off yet. We quickly

switched it back on and tried again.

One thing to note if you are going to the Black Horse on a mobility scooter or wheelchair is that the front is very gravelly. Our big scooters can manage it all right, but my little scooter struggles and I have to give it some welly to get it to the front door. Also note that you can’t drive your boot scooter into the pub. There’s a bit of a step.

So you need to get your stick out and hop in.

We rushed up the road to Lime Kiln Lane, which has a horrible pavement for scooters. In fact the road’s not much better.

We then popped over Norwich Road and went up Vicarage Road. Vicarage Road is much more scooter friendly.

Unfortunately, my gimbal control wasn’t very good. Because, with my gloves on, every time I tried to adjust the filming angle I pressed the wrong button. As a result I filmed most of it zoomed in!

I ended up taking one glove off, which didn’t help very much as my fingers soon froze.

Meanwhile, Adrian’s Gopro camera had given up the ghost completely. We were also running out of time. So we crossed over the railway line at the top of Old Croxton Road at the hurry up, then went over the Mundford Road and up to the football club as quickly as we could.

I did not dwell on the pavement surfaces and comment on their suitability for mobility scooter users, I just wanted to get there.

We did get there. And with about 5 minutes to spare!

So what can I say?

The first thing is don’t leave it to the last minute to get your scooter through the turnstile. It’s a very popular club and has a big turnout of fans.

To be frank, I have no idea why nearly 350 people want to stand in the freezing cold and watch an icy, winter mist descend on men in shorts, but I don’t think I understand football properly.

Secondly, don’t try and get your big scooter through the gate. It won’t fit, as Adrian discovered.

Now, let’s cut out the negativity and really look at the positives.

It’s a great club and you can drive your boot scooter through the gate.

If you arrive at a sensible time you can pick your spot. OK, you can’t fit a road scooter through the gate, but you can drive it up to the club house, and probably into it and out the other side if you really want to. You can easily get wheelchairs in and out of the ground.

At half time, 1 – 1, I had a quick nose around the pitch on Tiglet. There were still and awful lot of people about, mostly on missions to get alcohol, so I decided to be prudent and keep out of the way.

It is a narrow path around the pitch but very doable on a little scooter. I will definitely check it out more thoroughly later in the year when the weather is more sensible, and hopefully launch Drona to give you a proper aerial view.

But, I like my big buts; I have to say that it was a lovely afternoon out despite the arctic weather.

Everyone was really friendly, the club house was welcoming and the final score was 2 – 2.

By the way, the tickets cost £8 each which I think is very reasonable for a couple of hours frostbite.

Hopefully, I can wear my mankini for the next game in the summer!

You

all the action here:

Finally: Colt: the new kid on the block.

Well, with Tigga getting old and battered through no fault of his own, what could I do?

It is getting increasingly hard to get spare parts for him because TGA have stopped making Vita 4s, so it was time to start looking for alternatives.

Don’t get me wrong Tigga’s not going. He might have a colourful nose and a dodgy rear wheel bearing (that I hope I can get fixed) but he is still in pretty good health.

He is, however, going to start taking it easier, like the semi-retired movie star he is, and leave all the hard work to the next generation.

So I decided it was time he adopted a protégé! This ‘protégé’ needed to be young, fit and fast, a long distance cross country runner, and have plenty of style.

That is when I really realised just how hard it was to find any reliable, independent and sensible mobility scooter reviews. Most of the ones I found were obviously written by the PR Execs of the scooter companies who would not know what a kerb was even if it hit them on the head!

I felt a new pet project coming on!

I looked at some new mobility scooters and some nearly new ones.

I was tempted by some advertised at about £1500 claiming great distances and off-road performance. Especially when compared to the TGAs, Prides and other off-road scooters at £4000 plus with similar spec.

They are of course too good to be true, and in my heart I knew that I couldn’t afford a brand new one

with the spec I wanted, but I could get a very good used one.

Anyway, long story short, I got a bank loan of £3000 and went shopping.

And along came Colt.

Don’t get me wrong, he didn’t cost 3 grand. The rest of the money went on necessary expenses shall we say!

He cost 2; the rest was spent on fly-away gazebos and nose jobs.

He ticked all the right boxes. His range, on paper, was anywhere between 26 and 31 miles, he was a good off-roader, he was comfortable (very comfortable), his controls were good. His wheels, his tiller, his display, his seat, his lights, his brakes, his suspension all worked just ‘tickety-boo’ as my mate Adrian would say.

The only blemish was the silly granny basket on his nose!

Very practical if you need something handy to put the shopping in, but decidedly unattractive for a young scooter about town, and it rattled!

I soon removed that.

He needed a home, so I built him a gazebo, but unfortunately before we could strengthen it and lay down his Astroturf, storms Bert and Darragh blew it away. You can see the gazebo leg sticking up on the other side of the fence in the picture. I will hopefully fix it soon when storm Eowyn has passed (where do they get these names from?). At the moment Colt is wrapped up in tarpaulins a bit better than you see in the photo. I just can’t wait to get him unwrapped and back on

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charge so I can start charging around on him.

Anyway, the whole process of searching for, sourcing, testing and finally purchasing a new mobility scooter was a huge undertaking. It’s fraught with pitfalls and uncertainty.

Fortunately, I am friendly with the engineers who regularly service Tigga and Tiglet and their advice saved me from making stupid mistakes.

But not everybody has this luxury.

This got me and my friends talking, and our pet project of 2025 was born. We are going to do proper, in-depth reviews of mobility scooters.

We are even thinking about a Pirelli style mobility scooter calendar!

I’ve already volunteered for January.

We will look at every aspect of them we can think of. Their range, their batteries, their suspension, their steering, their brakes, their lights, their seats, their price, their...

We are still working on this list and methods of testing them all fairly and without bias.

We will test them on roads, pavements, gravel and off-road, and up and down kerbs.

To aid us in this endeavour, we decided we needed a test track. So we put our heads together and ‘The Nuns’ Axe and Triangle Test Track’ is the result. I will reveal its whereabouts and its full details properly in the next issue.

Of course, being the Medusa Project, we won’t just boringly list the properties of a scooter and give it

some points.

We need some action. We will test the speed and braking on what we are calling Acceleration Avenue (if it fails, it ends up in the river), and conclude each review with a timed lap around our test track. We will then of course have a leader board for the various types of mobility scooter.

Because they are all limited, allegedly, to either 4 or 8 mph it should be a close race.

Who knows, we will also put a star in our reasonably priced scooter!

There’s bound to be a handy Thetford celeb kicking around somewhere.

Already, we have 5 mobility scooters between us and our plan is to have our test track and reviewing criteria all set up by the 1st of April, in time for the next issue.

We can then review and race our way through spring and summer!

Also, we have been talking to the companies who service our mobility scooters and they have already expressed an interest. So I am pretty sure they will let us test drive other scooters. Adrian can’t wait to get his hands on a Scoozy!

They already let me have another scooter to use when they are servicing mine, so that’s another two or three at least to be going on with.

This project is still work in progress, but we think it is something that has been needed for a long time. And we fully intend to have great fun doing it.

Happy scootering.

Photograph

‘Greg Sadler’ by Martin Angus

Shaping the Future

Greg Sadler

Written by Andy Greenhouse

Imet up with Greg on a chilly January morning, for a coffee and a chat in a comfy chair, which turned into a very interesting and insightful hour.

The very last question that I asked him feels better suited coming at the start of this article:

Q - “Without saying you’re an Academy Principal, can you tell me what you do?”

A. - “I lead and manage a team of people who are working to shape the next generation.”

So please join me as we delve into the truth of those words…

Greg isn’t your stereotypical Principal. Not that I walked into our meeting expecting to see a stern old man sporting a flowing gown and mortar board, with

chalk dust-caked fingers and brandishing a swishing cane. I was greeted by a smartly presentable chap brimming with the effervescence of academia and an urge to share his story, and that of the Raleigh and Admirals Academies, with the world.

And after a few pleasantries about the weather and while we waited for the coffee, Greg started his story with a bit of background.

Born in Kent, to parents out of London’s East End, he was blessed with a Grammar school education which was to be the foundation of his teaching career. Being a very sport-minded individual bestowed him with fitness which he balanced with a classroom love for Geography.

He soon started becoming interested in the leadership side of education, which led to his university path and ultimately into teaching, with PE

and Geography being his areas of expertise.

Greg taught in various schools in London, Essex and Suffolk, attaining the position of Headteacher at the tender age of 36, at St. Felix Middle School in Newmarket. Here, he was introduced to the intricacies of crisis management when the school was razed to the ground by arson in 2009.

Since then, he has been Head at six other schools, (none of which have burned down), and then a Regional Director of Education with Eastern MultiAcademy Trust (EMAT) which currently supports twelve Academies across the eastern region.

It was from this position that he then moved back into the school-based role as Executive Principal at Raleigh and Admirals Academies in Thetford, some two and half years ago.

Still working through his development plan, this journey is far from complete. In his words, it is a challenge to consistently achieve the standards he has set. The work never stops.

It was at this point that Ofsted was brought into the conversation. Ofsted, the one word that can instil trepidation in teachers everywhere.

In their 2022 reports, just before Greg took over, the Ofsted verdicts on both Raleigh and Admirals were ‘Inadequate’ and ‘Requires Improvement’ respectively. It became Greg’s driving force to bring about those improvements in behaviour, teaching and learning, and also in the curriculum offer, making sure the subject matter was interesting, relevant and motivating, and then striving to maintain a consistency of approach to achieve these goals.

With the challenges we all face every day, I asked what he considered to be the most challenging

aspect of his job and how it was managed. For a moment, he wasn’t the teacher. He was the MD, the CEO, the business man, for his answer was, the financial climate.

Juggling budget issues and spending controls against salaries and rewards were high on Greg’s list of concerns, but he exuded positivity when explaining that it was well managed by the strength of the team around him. Team building was of paramount importance, and he was proud of the one now in place – all individual experts, but all team players. He was keen to say that everyone has a voice, and their strength is through the team effort, with reward and award being the way to sustain staff levels.

Part and parcel of this staff management was finding the right balance for everyone between personal and professional commitments, or the art of managing staff well-being. Greg was quick to point out that you can’t ask people for more and more, without creating the capacity for it. And so PPA, or Planning, Preparation and Assessment time, was changed whereby teachers can choose to spend that time at home during normal school hours to give them a chance to balance domestic life, alongside being well prepared to deliver great learning opportunities to their classes.

Greg practises this too and uses his own methods to switch off from the job when he can. Still a lover of the outdoors, he enjoys fishing, walking, land management and various sports. When I asked him about his proud moments or achievements in his career, we came back to Ofsted, and the result of the most recent report in June of last year, was a particular highlight.

The report came back as ‘Overall EffectivenessGood’ with ‘Outstanding’ listed against Behaviour and Attitudes, and Personal Development, which

was a fantastic achievement given the previous grade was ‘Requires Improvement.’ I could sense the satisfaction in his voice when he told me this and he was again quick to point out how this could not have happened without the dedication of the team of teachers, and the amazing support staff who keep the place ticking.

Of course, there’s not many a team that can function without leadership, and even with that leadership the most vital commodity is that of a game plan. I asked Greg about any innovations or programs that he’d implemented during his tenure, of which he was particularly proud of. Almost without hesitation, he told me that the use of Pupil Voice is helping shape the future.

Intrigued, I asked him to elaborate. The school holds weekly house meetings that all children attend. They use a kind of app, or software, called Smart School Council, which projects information onto a screen for all to see, and by using and interacting with it the children are given the opportunity to vote on various things that they feel would improve their quality of school life.

Things such as a tuck shop, the outdoor play area, more options for After-School activities, changes to assemblies, and concerns and suggestions about their general environment have all been subjects discussed and voted on in the past.

There is also the PLT – Pupil Leadership Team. This is where ten children of the older end of the spectrum can apply to be a part of the team that meets with Academy Leaders to discuss and organise things within the school that affect all the other kids. The interesting thing about this is that the children have to want to be a part of this team and have to write a 250-word application and then go through a selection process. It’s this combined implementation

of the PLT and the power of Pupil Voice, that Greg is most proud of, for they truly are helping shape the direction the school is heading in.

As for shaping their actual education, there is another well phrased acronym in use that is instilled into the kids’ rationale. ARK.

Aspiration

Respect

Kindness

These are the values and attributes that Greg, and the whole teaching team, believe are essential in these tender formative years to prepare them for their onward journey through education and life. They are quick to celebrate and reward children who can demonstrate the values, by word or action, and the teachers can nominate children during the week when they recognise those qualities shining through.

While we were talking about the future, I asked Greg about his visions and ambitions for the Academy in the next ten to fifteen years. After a moment of ponderance he said the real challenge ahead was that of making education an attractive proposition for young people to want to be a part of, though he did counter this by saying that it is an intense profession, but a brilliant one to be in!

With this in mind, he continued by explaining his belief in ‘growing our own talent’.

They recognise and encourage ECT’s, Early Career Teachers. Fresh out of university, these young teachers spend a further two years in training. There’s four ECT’s already at Raleigh and Admirals and Greg was keen to say that they were great people to have, and already good at their job which had been greatly helped along

by the mentoring from the experienced staff.

It was this plan of action that he foresaw as the way forward in order to make staffing more sustainable in the future.

It was also important to him and his staff that the children are the focus of their work, but there is often more to it than that. The school provides a service to the wider community around it, serving also the parents and families, the staff team as a whole, and even the general public. For an establishment like this to keep its momentum, it has to become more than just a school.

From relaying these visions and thoughts to me, it was apparent that Greg had experienced much in his career and has learnt much along the way. He interestingly shared that a notable lesson, which some leaders often miss, is learning what not to be like!

He affords much of his present methodology and mindset to the mentoring he received when in Colchester. The way his mentor led and managed his team, shaped Greg’s thinking and brought him to where he is now. In accepting who people are, and what people do he has learnt to see the value of their actions, and that by sticking to the vision allows people within the team to know what is expected of them.

Above all, he recognises the importance of his team and would be the first to admit he could not do what he does without them; together they provide the opportunity of a good education, which every child deserves.

Put simply, Greg’s tagline was ‘While we’ve got your kids, we’ll do the best we can for them.’

And do you know what? I believe him.

Photography

by Martin Angus

Photograph

‘Ray Hoskins’ by Martin Angus

Ray Hoskins

A Bit of a Dark Horse

Written by David Williams

All too often, I believe we look at people and “pigeon hole” them, judging them by what we see now, probably just Mr or Mrs Ordinary but I think it is fair to say that not one of us is just an “ordinary” person. However “ordinary” we may consider ourselves or however “ordinary” we may look, scratch the surface of anyone’s character you will often find, an extra ordinary person lies beneath, such was the case with Ray Hoskins, I quickly discovered that, as he himself said, he is anything but ordinary.

When writing, I always like to have what I call a route planner with a clear destination in mind, so armed with my carefully prepared list of prompts for Ray, I arrived at his house and was welcomed by his wife, the very aptly named Joy, and Darcey, their pug. Darcey appeared a very gentle little dog but her display of savagery to a toy squirrel was demonstration that, although small in stature, she could be relied upon to be an effective guard dog!

Unlike a physical locomotive, a train of thought can be easily derailed, shunted into sidings, diverted back onto the main line and even turned around and dispatched to their point of origin, only to depart in another direction completely; so it was with Ray’s story, the route stopping off at different stations in no particular order but nevertheless giving a comprehensive story of his life.

As I set up my recording device and opened my notepad in readiness, Ray was already relaying that how, from the age of eighteen in 1956, for seventeen years or so played “Last Post” on his trumpet at Remembrance Day services in the market square in Thetford. He was already at this point an accomplished musician encouraged and taught to play trumpet by his mentor, Hector Sutherland of whom Ray speaks fondly. Hector had served in the lifeguards, studied at the Sorbonne, performed in Paris nightclubs and on his return to Thetford, formed the Hector Sutherland Ensemble which Ray had

Thetford String and Wind Quartets

22nd April 1966

Betty Jepson (Violin), Charles Woodrow (Violin), Hector Sutherland (Cello and Trumpet), Ian Young (Clarinet), Carl Woorow (Viola), Raymond Hoskins (Trumpet) and Linda Ayton (Bassoon)

Photograph Studio

5, Thetford

joined to play trumpet in addition to playing cello at music recitals. At Christmas time, he recalls, they used to go carolling; visiting the bigger houses and old people’s homes in Thetford, including Ford Place and “The Spike” as St Barnabas (formally the workhouse and latterly hospital) was known. On good nights, they were treated to mince pies and sherry but, on one particularly poor night, Ray remembers, one of their group, Dr Brewis who lived on Earls Street, invited them all in for a drink to make up for what they’d missed. As a lad of sixteen, Ray was forbidden the hard stuff but the good doctor took pity on him and allowed him a few glasses of home-made damson wine which by all accounts was probably more lethal than the Scotch! A slightly sloshed Ray says he felt he was walking on air the short distance homeward to St. Giles’ Lane to receive an ear bashing from his mum - and I wouldn’t have liked to have been in the doctor’s shoes when she had a word with him about it!

were sent to the British Museum in London.

During the second world war, for a child, Thetford would have been an exciting but also hazardous place to live, surrounded as it was by airfields, both British and American, with the aircraft fuel storage site on what is now Mundford Road, disguised from aerial reconnaissance as grazing land by the presence of sheep. At RAF Barnham there was a weapons dump from which, there was on one occasion a mustard gas leak resulting in Ray being put in a protective chamber with a hand operated pump that his parents had to turn for hours on end to enable him to breathe. Another time he recalls playing on a piece of ground where Grove Lane surgery now stands, when a German aeroplane, presumably on recon, flew over-head at such a low level that Ray clearly saw the pilot who gave him a wave rather than, as his panicked mum had feared, a blast from his guns!

Sadly demolished in the 1960’s, the family home for the first twenty five years of Ray’s life was an old coaching house in a terrace of cottages in St Giles’ Lane almost opposite what was, until recently, the New Saffron Indian restaurant and built over the graveyard of the old St Giles’ churchyard. Ray recalls in 1949 during the extension to the Anglian Kitchen (now Tall Orders) the discovery of a number of skeletons, about a metre from the gable end of his home, including one, identified as the body of a former Abbot, by some articles of clothing and red slippers in which he was buried, and whose remains

Schooldays for Ray up to the age of fifteen were spent at Norwich Road School. He says regretfully that through ill health, he failed his Eleven Plus exam and was therefore not able to attend Thetford Grammar School at which his brother, six years his senior, was a pupil; although reading on you will see, it doesn’t seem to have had any adverse impact on his varied career.

Had his mother agreed, Ray’s life could have followed a totally different path as he was set on going to theological college with the aim of taking the cloth but as this was not to be, he embarked

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upon an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner with Boughton’s the builders until National Service beckoned. Ray opted to join as aircrew with the RAF but history repeated itself as due to liver problems was turned down. However, being aware of his musical abilities, the RAF offered him the opportunity to sign on for five years as a bandsman where health concerns would not be an issue: tempted as he was by the offer, having recently met Joy, he decided against this and resumed his carpentry apprenticeship.

Inevitably along the way, scrapbooks, newspaper articles and photographs were produced, a young Ray attending the opening of the “new” Thetford Library in 1952 in the former Mechanics Institute building (now the British Legion) this replaced the old library in School Lane and preceded the even newer library built on the site of the old manor house. Other photos show Ray playing trumpet in the Hector Sutherland Ensemble and a very smart and serious Ray playing classical cello.

So, how did Ray and Joy meet? Having moved to Thetford from Norwich, Joy had taken up Old Time Dancing (a form of sequence dancing) at the Guildhall, to which Ray was invited by a mutual acquaintance called Doris – it transpired that not only was she recruiting men for the sessions but also involved in a little matchmaking between the couple – and very successful she was!

“We used to go dancing a lot” says Joy and in my head, I conjured an image of a sedate young couple gliding gracefully around the ballroom floor, which fits the pictures I have seen of a rather studious young Ray at the Cello and contemplating a life serving the Lord. In complete juxtaposition, the vision is shattered when they tell me they used also used to spend nights whirling wildly around the floor dancing

and jiving to Rock and Roll music – I asked if I might have a demonstration but they politely declined my request!

All the talk had sent Darcey the dog to sleep and worked up a thirst in us, so a cup of tea was very welcome. The accompanying biscuits woke Darcey from her slumber until she realised the treats were not for her, whereupon she resumed the gentle rhythmic snoring as we continued our trip down memory lane. The subject then moved to matters scatological following a reminiscence by Joy of working for Barratt’s Bakery in Bury Road where she recalled being asked to serve a rather smelly individual who was the town’s night soil man. What, I suspect, many of you are asking is a night soil man and why was he so malodorous? This may seem like a throwback to the Victorian age rather than mid twentieth century Britain, but the night soil man was employed to empty the brick-built vaults or cesspits attached to domestic toilets (mainly outside privies) under the cover of night with his spade and bucket which he would then remove on his horse and cart. It may surprise many people to know that it wasn’t until 1952 that Thetford got a proper sewerage treatment works and not until the late 1950s were some of the older properties connected. This conversation segued neatly into the construction of the wooden closet and toilet seat which was built over the said vaults – apparently, they were constructed using wooden pegs only, no screws, nails or sharp edges to cause damage to the user’s nether regions – the one exception being the nail on the side of the unit upon which torn up newspaper was hung – toilet tissue at that time not having been invented.

After this brief diversion, we returned to Ray’s career where after he finished his apprenticeship, worked his way up in another company to become Joinery shop manager and accountant, pricing up small works and

Photograph

‘Ray Hoskins’ courtesy Norwich Mercury

some years spent in the building industry. Feeling a call for change, Ray retrained and became a teacher as part of Norwich City College attached to Wayland prison. Obviously relishing a challenge, Ray has also qualified and practiced as hypnotherapist and psychotherapist dealing with many complications of the human mind and ran a business from his home workshop as a glass engraver, scribing words and designs in glass freehand with a diamond stylus.

Eventually, on retiring after a busy and varied working life, Ray decided for the next five years to take it a bit easier - by learning to fly gliders with the Norfolk Gliding Club at Tibenham airfield! Qualifying as a solo pilot, he notched up around forty hours in his log book. So, what is next? On a previous visit, Ray had produced a beautifully crafted guitar which he “just fancied making” with inlay fashioned from old piano keys on the body and which he intends to teach himself to play. At just eighty-six years young, it goes to show it’s never too late for an old dog to learn new tricks – not that I’m calling Ray an old dog, he is anything but - rather, I would say, a bit of a dark horse - though with Darcey gently snoring at my feet, there is definitely a canine theme running through this story!

A little more small talk ensues where the couple tell me about horse riding holidays and hacking in the pouring rain, the broken oscilloscope that Ray bought for a fiver just because he wanted the challenge of fixing it - which he did, with the help of a fellow Parkinson’s sufferer – he laughs as he describes two pairs of shaky hands trying to line up wires for soldering – demonstrating that the ability to laugh in the face of any adversities life throws at you is essential for overcoming them. Talking of this, it reminds Ray of a talk he needs to prepare about Parkinson’s Disease for the local group.

It is at this point, nearly three hours into our little

chat that I realised I had not yet once referred to my thoughtfully prepared list of questions, most of which we have covered without my prompting and many more topics besides. This left only a few things to tick off – Earliest memory? Ray can vividly recall looking out from his pram as a couple of visitors to the house peered in and spoke baby talk to him. Next question – the most interesting thing about you? Well, I think we have covered that many times over! “How about the most boring thing about you, Ray?” After some consideration, he replies “I don’t say much” – well on that, my friend, I beg to differ!

As I gathered my things together and prepared to leave, the man who said he doesn’t say much was still imparting fascinating facts, casually chipping in that he has a keen interest in genealogy, as do I, and that he has managed to trace part of his family line back via entries in the Domesday book to 1066 – well of course you have, Ray, I wouldn’t expect anything less! Obviously, I’m going to have to come back and continue this conversation!

Photograph ‘Joy and Ray’ by Martin Angus

‘Barnham Common’ by Stephanie Downes

Barnham Cross Common Walk

... and a special tree

Artwork, Photography and Written by Stephanie Downes

It’s time to share another local walk that I have been on with my two little dogs; I had been wanting to visit Barnham Cross Common and the surrounding area for a while now as I wanted to see a special tree that I last saw several years ago, but more on that later.

Head along the A134 Bury road and on the outskirts of Thetford you will see the large open area that is part of Barnham Cross Common on the right hand side, this is also where you are able to park. From the parking area head to the left side of the field and start walking up, about a quarter of the way up you will reach a gate, go through the gate to enter the fenced off part of the common.

Barnham Cross Common is part of the Brecks heathlands and is a designated site of special scientific interest, it is public access land but dogs need to be on the lead in the fenced off area due to grazing animals.The day I visited was a particularly cold day so I opted to go for a short walk but I will definitely revisit to further explore the different routes available.

Gorse, making sure to keep to the right when the path forks into two directions.

Continue along the track until you reach an obvious four way junction, here you will need to turn right and follow the smaller track through the trees until you arrive at another gate. Go through the gate to exit the fenced off area and then follow the track that goes into the trees. A short distance along this path on the left side is where you will find the tree that I mentioned earlier, the tree is a twisted Scots Pine known as The Trysting Pine, Kissing Pine or Wishing Pine. This amazing tree has somehow managed to grow while twisting its trunk around to create a complete loop and in 2019 it was short listed in The Woodland Trust tree of the year competition.

Set off along the small track, passing trees and

The walk continues past The Trysting Pine until you reach a track on the right side which leads into an open space behind Elm Road, stay on the track until you reach another track crossing through, turn right here and head back towards the trees, the track carries on into the trees, keep left alongside the rear of Laburnum Grove. When you arrive at the track that runs along the fenced off section of the common, follow it to the left and this will take you back to the large open area where the parking is.

Charity Fashion Photo-shoot

Another Collaboration Between Businesses in Thetford

We had such a positive response to the fashion photo shoot last edition, readers were very excited about the fact that the illuminations.ja clothes were all recycled, so we thought we would continue with a similar theme. This time we collaborated with three local Charity stores in town, British Heart Foundation, MENCAP and YMCA.

The amazing teams at all of these stores dug into their stock and allowed us to use the clothing for a day to grab a few photographs.

Irena Volunge joined the team, a power house behind the scenes, and coordinated fitting and alterations,

this is a major consideration when thinking about recycling, if it doesn’t quite fit then engage the services of a competent seamstress to make the necessary alterations.

The amazing models, Ronnie, Alma and Amy, gave up their time for the photo shoot, and I think you will agree, looked incredible.

Hair and make-up was by the team at Elite Hair and Beauty, and Chloe’s Jewellers came along with their beautiful jewellery.

We were kindly offered the use of the Magdelen Street Community Centre, a very usefully sized space close to the centre of town.

The Team

Wardrobe - British Heart Foundation Thetford https://www.bhf.org.uk

Wardrobe - MENCAP Thetford https://www.mencap.org.uk

Wardrobe - YMCA Thetford https://ymca.org.uk

Wardrobe Director - Irena Volunge @irenavolunge

Models-Alma @aite_alma, Amy @amy.louise.06, Ronnie @ronhughes08

Location - Magdelen Street Community Hall

Jewellery - Chloes Jewellers https://www.chloesjewellers.co.uk

Hair and Make-up - Elite Hair and Beauty @theelitehairandbeautystudio

Photography - Martin Angus c/o www.thetfordbubblyhub.com

Photography/Wardrobe Assistants-Eva and Minnie

The Elite hair and Beauty Studio also known as The Elite Hair and Beauty Training Academy are able to offer the following services.

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Make up/prom/bridal, Session styling, Eyelashes, Manicures, Basic and Luxury Facials, Dermaplaning, Skincare , Eyelash extensions, Waxing, Eyebrow Definition.

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Colour, Colour corrections and Vivid Colours, Cutting, Styling/Hair Up, Hair Extensions and Fitting (most methods), other treatments available.

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A wide Variety of Aesthetic treatments available including, Botox, Filler, Chemical Peels, Fat Dissolving. A lot more treatments are available, feel free to contact us with any enquiries.

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As The Elite Hair and Beauty Training Academy we offer support to the local and wider community. We are able to offer 1-to-1 training for private student’s. We also offer smaller classes and classes that offer additional support for those that feel like they need it.

We have been working with the Pathfinder Trust, supporting individual student’s and doing larger project’s with the schools. We work in partnership with the following organisations: YOT (Youth Offenders Team), NCC (Norfolk County Council) and Social Service’s.

Local Schools, and Virtual schools, to help prevent exclusion and provide recognised qualifications. We also offer community support working with local counsellors, to be able to do referrals for food bank and gas/electric vouchers.

something truly extraordinary

In the world of flooring installation, there are projects that stand out as true testaments to skill, precision, and dedication. One such endeavor involved fitting herringbone Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) at an exceptionally high standard after an extensive amount of preparation. The task?

Transforming a floor that had previously been a maze of different levels and channels, necessitated by new pipe work and walls being demolished.

Before laying a single tile, the groundwork was laid— quite literally. The team embarked on a journey of preparation, smoothing out the surface, filling ingaps, and leveling out discrepancies. Each imperfection was addressed, ensuring a flawless canvas for the intricate herringbone pattern that would soon grace the space.

The complexity of the project lay not only in achieving a smooth surface but also in navigating the intricacies of the herringbone design. Precision was paramount; each tile had to be carefully placed to ensure perfect alignment and symmetry. The herringbone pattern, with its interlocking angles, demanded unwavering attention to detail and a steady hand.

Despite the challenges posed by the uneven terrain of the existing floor, the team persevered, their dedication unwavering. Countless hours were spent measuring, cutting, and laying tiles with a precision

that bordered on artistry. Each tile was not just a piece of flooring but a testament to craftsmanship and expertise.

As the project neared completion, the transformation was nothing short of astounding. What was once a patchwork of uneven surfaces had been reborn as a seamless expanse of herringbone LVT, evidence of the team’s skill and dedication. The once disparate levels and channels were now seamlessly integrated, proof of meticulous preparation that preceded the installation.

The end result was not just a floor but a masterpiece—to the artistry and dedication of those who had brought it to life. It stood as a reminder that with patience, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, even the most challenging of projects could be transformed into something truly extraordinary.

Photograph ‘Greenfinch’, by Allan Drewitt / BTO

30 years of monitoring Garden Birds

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

Written by Susan Jones, Garden BirdWatch Supporter Development Officer.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), based in Thetford, has run the weekly Garden BirdWatch (GBW) survey since 1995. This makes it one of the longest running continuous surveys monitoring garden birds in the world, and is the longest running survey to monitor other garden wildlife (added in 2007) in the UK. We know that gardens are an important habitat for wildlife, and this survey seeks to help us better understand how and why populations of garden birds and other wildlife are changing, and how to help them.

Many people will have heard of and taken part in the RSPB’s Big Garden BirdWatch, which takes place annually during the last weekend in January. The BTO Garden BirdWatch has a similar methodology to the RSPB’s annual survey, but many key differences allow it to represent a real step forward in citizen science. The main difference is that GBW is a weekly count of wildlife seen using your garden (yes, it’s not just about birds, but more

on that later).

To take part in Garden BirdWatch, people simply register on the BTO website (www.bto.org). While participating is free, Garden BirdWatchers have the option to support the survey by paying for an annual subscription. This subscription includes the quarterly magazine Bird Table, which offers a variety of articles about garden ecology written by experts in the field, a seasonal review of the status of garden bird populations in the UK, ID guides, and expert advice to help garden biodiversity thrive. In addition, all Garden BirdWatchers receive a weekly online newsletter with useful information about garden wildlife and full access to GBW Web app, where they can upload their weekly records.

The key to GBW is consistency, so how you monitor the birds in your garden doesn’t matter, so long as you do it the same way every week. Some Garden BirdWatchers

will have an allocated time every week where they will observe the comings and goings in their garden, while others will glance out of a window every time they pass and record what they see.

The advantage of taking part every week is that Garden BirdWatchers are the first to notice change. This has put the survey at the forefront of leading research into the decline of some of our most loved garden birds. For example, in the mid 2000s when Greenfinch numbers began to decrease in gardens across the UK, Garden BirdWatchers began reporting sick or dead birds through the Garden Bird Health initiative, a collaborative project involving BTO, RSPB and the Institute of Zoology. Post-mortems revealed that the birds were infected with trichomonosis, a disease caused by a microscopic parasite.

It was soon discovered that the parasite most likely originated in Wood-pigeons, and was having a devastating effect on finch populations. This prompted a major effort to raise awareness for good bird feeder hygiene for people who put food out for their garden birds. Finch trichomonosis continues to be monitored by Garden BirdWatchers, and the science teams at BTO are spearheading research into the spread and prevention of this disease.

More recently, Blackbirds in the south-east of England have been exposed to Usutu, a mosquito-borne virus which was first recorded in London in 2020. Since then, it has spread to other parts of the UK, and Blackbirds appear to be the main species affected by it. Through the continuous monitoring by Garden BirdWatchers, our scientists have been able to track this virus’s spread and working collaboratively with Garden Wildlife Health and Vector Borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response), have supplied data to help us understand how it impacts these birds.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Garden BirdWatchers

Photograph ‘Blackbird’, by Gray Images / BTO

have helped us understand the changing behaviours of several species. Blackcaps are a species of warbler which used to migrate south to the Mediterranean for the European winter, after spending the summers breeding in British hedgerows. In recent decades, the number of overwintering Blackcaps has increased substantially, which our research has shown is thanks to supplementary feeding in gardens. These winter birds originate from breeding grounds across a swathe of Europe (from northern Spain to Poland), while our UK breeding birds continue to move to the Mediterranean. Studies have shown that not only is there an evolutionary change in their migratory and feeding behaviours, but the birds who overwinter in the UK are different to our breeding birds, with slightly longer bills and more rounded wingtips, linked to their more generalist diet and sedentary lifestyle.

Garden BirdWatch is not just about monitoring birds. Participants are also invited to monitor mammals, reptiles, amphibians and selected invertebrates as part of their weekly observations. This has led to some interesting research highlighting the importance of gardens for species which are in serious decline elsewhere in the British landscape.

Hedgehogs were classed as Near Threatened to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List last year, following a significant decline of between 30-75% in some areas of the UK since 2000. The reasons for this include habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, the use of pesticides and herbicides, and climate change. In the wider countryside, Hedgehog numbers have declined to the point of localised extinctions. However, in urban or suburban areas, gardens are seen as a refuge, and Garden BirdWatch data have been used to show that with wildlife friendly gardening practices, Hedgehogs can thrive. These can include leaving areas of your garden to grow wild, creating Hedgehog Highways so that your local Hedgehogs can move between gardens in search of food, shelter and mates, limiting the use of chemicals in your garden and providing Hedgehogs with

Photograph ‘Blackcap’, by Liz Cutting / BTO

Photograph

‘ Hedgehog’, by Sarah Kelman / BTO

appropriate food, water and shelter.

Similarly, a paper published by BTO in 2023 showed that between 2007 and 2020, half of the butterfly species monitored by Garden BirdWatchers increased in their abundance in gardens. Butterfly data from GBW were compared with the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, suggesting that butterflies are faring better in gardens than in the wider countryside. And whilst 2024 saw widespread concern over the lack of flying invertebrates across the UK, Garden BirdWatchers helped us understand that the butterflies were present, but delayed their emergence due to the cool and wet spring conditions.

Here in Thetford, we have a number of Garden BirdWatchers who submit their weekly observations to us. Despite a widespread decline in the south of England, Blackbirds are the second most common species recorded in Thetford gardens, only beaten by Woodpigeons. Other commonly recorded species include Collared Doves, House Sparrows, Robins, Blue Tits, Great Tits and Starlings. Some Thetford gardens can boast good numbers of mixed finch flocks in the winter, containing Linnets, Bramblings and Redpolls. These species move into gardens when their natural foods run out, and we usually see a peak in January.

2025 sees Garden BirdWatch mark its 30th anniversary. During that time, the survey itself has largely remained unchanged, and there are a number of original volunteer Garden BirdWatchers still actively participating and submitting their weekly counts. However, GBW has evolved to include online submissions, and in 2020 the survey was offered for free to encourage more people during the Covid lockdowns to monitor their garden wildlife. The team are busy working on a programme of events and talks to mark the 30th birthday that will take GBW around the UK, and of course, this will include our home, Thetford. If you would like to find out more about GBW, including how to sign up to our weekly newsletter, please visit www.bto.org/gbw

Red Admiral Butterflies, by Edmund Fellowes / BTO

Photograph

‘Jen Francis’ by Martin Angus

GROW Indoor Plants

A Green Haven for Well-Being in the Heart of Thetford

Written by Liz Gibbons

Entrepreneur Jen Francis, has turned her passion into a green haven for indoor plant enthusiasts. The business opened its doors on Saturday 11th January and already it is clear from Jen’s impressive knowledge and enthusiasm that it is so much more than a shop. It is a place of connection and well-being brought to life by someone with a genuine passion for plants. Over a delightful conversation, Jen shares with me her inspiring journey, the challenges faced along the way and her deep-rooted love for plants that she endeavours to cultivate in the heart of our little town.

Jen’s story begins with a change in lifestyle. “Due to health reasons, I found that I couldn’t keep up with the allotment anymore.” She explains that while she found her garden more manageable, once it was complete and the cold winter months set in, she realised she needed a warmer, less physically demanding alternative. Jen suffers from

Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. Fortunately, there was an answer to keep plants in her life, houseplants provided the perfect alternative. “I have 152 houseplants at home.” The plants not only brighten the living space but serve as a balm for Jen and her family’s well-being. “It’s just nice to be able to do something indoors. I can sit down and do it, and it’s so much easier than tending to an allotment or garden.”

The idea of running a business is not a new one to Jen. Originally the idea was to open a refill shop but market research suggested that Thetford was not the ideal location for such a business venture. “You would need a bigger town or city to make it work.” Going back to the drawing board, Jen continued to consider alternative ideas. After much thought and many restless days at home, the idea of an indoor plant shop took root. “I’d been in talks with the landlord since 2021, and I finally decided to

go for it. I couldn’t keep sitting at home, worrying about whether it would work or not. I had to try.” Her next step may seem a surprising one to some, Jen visited Thetford Library. The library is home to the Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) where she gained invaluable advice on legal matters, accounting and everything else needed to launch the business. “The library’s resources were a gamechanger. I wouldn’t have even known where to start without their help.”

Running her own business feels like a natural path, though Jen admits it took her awhile to see it. Jen goes on to say that it is only in recent years that she’s discovered that she has both ADHD and autism. Reflecting on this, she feels that it explains her challenging school years, where feeling different often led to isolation. This followed her into adulthood, finding it difficult working for someone else. When noticing something not quite right in the workplace it would really upset her and her brain would not switch off from ideas. After the diagnosis, Jen now feels that she understands herself a lot better, she’s been able to “channel that energy and creativity into something positive. It’s been incredibly empowering.” When she really likes something, Jen goes on to say “I research it to the nth degree. I can absorb almost everything about plants.” This relentless curiosity and dedication have blossomed into an extraordinary depth of knowledge, allowing her to craft a business that reflects Jen’s vision perfectly, making her shop a true treasure trove for plant enthusiasts and novices alike. The journey to opening the shop we see today was not without its hurdles. Finding the right premises proved a significant challenge as most landlords desire long leases. Fortunately, Jen reveals, the landlord for their current location was open to negotiating. Jen hopes that others will be inspired to open new businesses in town. “If you’re thinking about starting a business, don’t be put off by the prices listed online,” she advises. “If you have a good

Photograph ‘Grow Indoor Plants’ by Mini Susan Marie

business plan, landlords are often willing to work with you.” Creating a complete business plan, however, did not prove to be straightforward in all aspects. “Forecasting cash flow is tricky, especially when you’re selling such a range of products. I’ve got plants that are £2 and plants that are £50. Trying to balance that was difficult, but the shop has exceeded my expectations so far.”

As a sole trader, Jen found that sourcing the right plants from a business that supported her individual needs challenging. She goes on to explain that many suppliers require bulk orders or minimum spends. Even some of the delivery costs proved to be highly expensive, some charging £150 for delivery alone. With limited space in the shop’s floorplan, Jen often only wants 1 or 2 of a specific plant and some places require you to buy a tray of all the same type. “If someone requests a rare plant, I might have to buy six of them, which isn’t always feasible.” Thankfully, Jen says smiling, a local nursery reached out, offering single plants with free delivery. “The less distance the plants travel, the better for everyone—the plants, the environment, and me.”

When asked about the design of the shop, the focus for Jen was clean lines and accessibility. Due to her medical condition, Jen sometimes relies on a wheelchair. As a result, she wanted to ensure that her shop considered spacing and shelving heights, accessible to all. “I’ve got two levels at the till, so if someone uses a wheelchair, they can come right up to the desk.” Jen goes on to show me that, wherever possible, she buys two of a plant so that if one is placed high up, she will also place one lower down. GROW’s selection reflects both Jen’s personal taste and her expertise. “I’ve picked a variety of easycare plants for beginners, like peace lilies and spider plants, alongside rarer finds for enthusiasts. When people come in and say, ‘I kill every plant I own,’ I’m happy to help them find something that works for their space and lifestyle.” Jen also offers bespoke advice, encouraging customers to share photos of

their plants via WhatsApp for tailored tips. “Most people aren’t bad plant parents; they just haven’t been given the right information.”

Leading on from this, Jen shares her plans to offer courses once she feels more settled and established. She envisions running workshops on terrarium creation, propagation techniques and, later in the year, festive wreath-making. “I want to show people how to make the most of their plants. If someone has a favourite plant at home, I can teach them how to propagate it or trim it properly.” Jen admits that utilising social media has been a learning curve, proving to be a vital tool for engaging with the community. “I’ve had so many messages and questions. It’s been amazing to connect with people who share my passion.”

There has been an undeniable surge of interest in houseplants over the past years and when I ask Jen about this, she answers straightaway. “COVID definitely played a role. Everyone wanted to bring a bit of nature indoors.” This trend seems to have continued. Jen goes onto say that she has been surprised in the range of people and ages that have been attracted to her indoor plant shop business.

“I thought it would mainly be Millennials visiting the shop but I’ve seen every generation, from teenagers to retirees.” One young visitor in particular, left a lasting impression. “A 14-year-old came in with her mum, and she knew so much about plants. She’s like a sponge, absorbing everything. She’s on the waiting list for a Saturday job or work experience.”

Jen is keen to instil a love and understanding of plants from as young an age as possible and is eager to provide a hub for community activities. “I’ve got nursery groups and Brownies coming in to learn about plants. They’ll propagate their own spider plants for Mother’s Day gifts. It’s wonderful to see the next generation getting excited about greenery.”

When asked about what the future holds, Jen’s vision is clear. “I’m not here to get rich. I want to spread my love of plants and encourage other people to

open shops in town. Plants bring happiness, and I think everyone should have a little bit of that in their lives.” To further support the community, Jen has introduced a charitable initiative. “Any change people add to the plant pot in the shop will go to a charity. We’re asking customers to vote via GROW’s social media which charity we should support.”

It has been a real pleasure speaking to Jen and learning all about her passion for indoor plants.

GROW Indoor Plants as a business, is so much more than just selling plants. Jen has created an inspirational space where people can learn, connect and grow.

GROW Indoor Plants – 14 Riverside Walk, Thetford, IP24 2BG

Open Tuesday - Friday: 09:30-16:30 and Saturday: 09:00-16:30

Why not follow them on social media:

Facebook: Grow Indoor Plants

Instagram: @grow_indoor_plants

Photograph

Photography by Martin Angus

Photograph ‘Corinne West’ by Martin Angus

Estate Planning

The Importance of Estate Planning

Written by Corinne West

Life can be unpredictable sometimes. But making sure your family is protected with proper estate planning can really bring a lot of peace of mind. It’s not just about the paperwork; it’s about knowing that your wishes are clear, your loved ones are looked after, and your family’s future is secure, even during the toughest times.

As someone who grew up in Thetford, I know how much this community values family and security. Many local families put off estate planning because they feel overwhelmed, think they don’t have enough assets, or simply don’t know where to start. But waiting too long can leave your loved ones facing unnecessary stress and financial uncertainty. My aim is to try and educate the residents of Thetford and the surrounding areas the importance of Estate Planning.

Wills: Protecting What Matters Most

We often think of wills as something only for the wealthy, but the truth is, every family deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones will be cared for. A will is so much more than

a document about possessions—it’s about making sure your children, your home, and the things you’ve worked hard for are looked after in the way you want. Think about the love and effort you’ve put into building your life in Thetford, the home and community that means so much to you. A welldrafted will ensures that all this care continues, even when you’re no longer here.

Common Concerns:

• “I don’t have enough assets to need a will.”

• “I’ll do it later.”

• “It’s too expensive or complicated.”

The Solution:

• A will ensures your loved ones inherit your assets smoothly and without disputes.

• It allows you to appoint guardians for your children, ensuring they’re cared for by someone you trust.

• I make the process straightforward, affordable, and stress-free. The cost of a Mirror Will is approximately the cost of 6 takeaways a year (based on a family of 4).

Although discussing a will can feel overwhelming, taking this step means you’re creating a legacy of love and care for those closest to you. In a time of loss, your family can find comfort knowing they are carrying out your heartfelt wishes.

Probate: Supporting Loved Ones Through a Difficult Time

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and dealing with legal processes during that time can feel like an added burden. Probate, the legal process of administering someone’s estate after they’ve passed away, can be confusing and emotionally draining for those left behind.

Probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions (their “estate”), when they die. You should not make any financial plans or put the property on the market until you’ve got probate.

You will most likely need probate if the deceased owned any of these assets:

• Property (solely owned or as tenants in common)

• Bank accounts with funds above a certain amount (varies upon the bank)

• Shares and investments

• Premium bonds over £5,000

• A pension that pays into the estate

• A life insurance policy that pays into the estate

• Business assets

If the deceased left all their assets to a surviving spouse, then probate may not be required. A grant of probate is not necessary for jointly owned assets, as on the death of one joint owner, the whole asset passes to the other by survivorship.

Imagine your loved ones, already grieving, trying to navigate complex legal matters without guidance. As an executor of a will, it’s your responsibility to ensure debts are paid and assets are distributed, but this can be a heavy load to carry.

Common Concerns:

• “I don’t know what probate involves.”

• “I’m worried about making mistakes as an executor.”

• “It sounds expensive and stressful.”

The Solution:

• I provide expert guidance to help families navigate probate smoothly.

• I handle the legal complexities, reducing stress during an already difficult time.

• I offer affordable, fixed-fee services so there are no financial surprises.

Understanding the steps involved in probate can make the process less daunting, offering your family some relief during a time when emotional energy is already stretched thin. By taking the time to familiarise yourself with probate, you can help your family focus on healing and remembrance, rather than legal confusion.

Lasting Power of Attorney: Peace of Mind for Life’s Uncertainties

We never know what the future holds, and the thought of losing the ability to make decisions about our own lives can be unsettling. But planning for the unexpected with a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can bring immense peace of mind—not just for you, but for your loved ones as well.

An LPA allows you to choose someone you trust to step in and make decisions for you if you ever lose the ability to do so yourself. It’s a selfless gift to your family, lifting the burden of having to make difficult decisions in moments of crisis. There are two types of LPA:

1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA: Enables someone you trust to handle your financial affairs, ensuring your bills are paid and your home in Thetford is cared for if you’re no longer able to

2. Health and Welfare LPA: This allows your chosen person to make decisions about your medical care and personal well-being if you lose the capacity to make these choices on your own.

By setting up an LPA, you’re not only safeguarding your future, but you’re also sparing your family from having to make heart-wrenching decisions on your behalf. It’s an act of love that ensures your wishes will be followed, no matter what happens.

A high-profile example that you may have read in the news, is that of popular television presenter Kate Garraway and her husband Derek Draper. Derek sadly contracted Covid in March 2020 and was extremely poorly due to the side effects of the virus and sadly passed away in January 2024. In an interview Kate gave back in 2021, she discussed the difficulties that she faced as they didn’t have LPAs in place. This meant she was unable to access funds, manage Derek’s care or remortgage their house. She also didn’t have the legal right to view his medical records due to data protection laws. The knock-on effect was serious; however, Kate was able to rely on friends’ financial support to get her through those difficult times, but not everyone will have this support available to them.

Trusts: Protecting Your Family’s Future

When we think about the future, our minds often turn to how we can protect the people we love the most. Trusts are powerful tools that can help ensure your family’s future is secure, providing for children, loved ones with special needs, or even reducing inheritance tax.

Creating a trust allows you to control when and how your beneficiaries receive their inheritance, ensuring it’s used in the way you intended. Perhaps you want to set aside funds for your child’s education, or make sure a loved one is supported even after you’re gone. Trusts give you that control, helping you protect

your family’s future in a way that brings comfort and security.

For families in Thetford, trusts can be especially valuable for securing generational wealth or ensuring loved ones are provided for in the way that best suits their needs.

It’s estimated that 1 in 3 families in the UK are now blended. There are trusts in place that can be particularly useful for blended families and situations where someone wants to provide for a spouse, whilst also preserving assets for children from a previous relationship. Trusts can also protect the estate in the event the life tenant (usually the surviving partner) becomes bankrupt or goes into care, as the trust owns the assets, not the life tenant. The trust also protects the assets from passing to a new spouse by either being transferred to them as part of divorce proceedings or being left to the new spouse by will or intestacy.

Though it may sound complex, a trust is ultimately about making sure your family is looked after, in the way you feel is best. It’s a way to give them a sense of stability and care, even when you’re no longer there to guide them.

Taking Action Today: A Gift to Your Loved Ones

Many people put off estate planning because it feels overwhelming or uncomfortable to think about. But making these decisions now is truly an act of love. It’s one of those things that ensures your family won’t have to struggle with tough legal decisions during already emotional times. Whether it’s sorting out a will, setting up a trust, or making sure you’re ready for the unexpected with a Lasting Power of Attorney, these are all ways to protect the people who mean the most to you, right here in Thetford. These conversations aren’t always the easiest. But by taking action now, you’re giving your loved ones a real gift—the peace of mind that comes with knowing

everything’s in place when they need it most. It’ll help them navigate life’s tough moments with a lot more clarity and confidence. So, if you haven’t already, now’s a good time to start planning. It’s all about making sure your love and care continue to support your family, no matter what the future throws their way.

Why Work With Me?

With so many estate planning options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Who is trustworthy? How much will it cost? What if I make the wrong decision?

I understand these concerns because I’ve helped many Thetford families navigate them. Here’s why working with me is different:

• Local & Trusted – As someone born and bred in Thetford, I’m dedicated to helping local families.

• Expertly Handled – I work alongside WLS Solicitors, ensuring all documents are legally sound.

• Transparent Pricing – Fixed-fee pricing, with no hidden costs.

• Friendly & Jargon-Free – I provide a warm, personal service in clear, plain English.

I know that estate planning is deeply personal. That’s why I take the time to listen to your needs, tailor solutions to your situation, and ensure you feel confident every step of the way. My goal isn’t just to help you create legal documents—it’s to give you and your family real peace of mind.

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your family’s future, get in touch today. Let’s work together to make sure your loved ones are protected, no matter what the future holds.

Editors note, Corinne works alongside WLS Solicitors, the information given in this article is for information only, independent advice should always be sought in all legal and financial matters.

Photography by Martin Angus

Photograph ‘Kittens’Breckland Cat Protection

Breckland Cat Protection

Antibiotics and a few facts

Written by Rita Thompson

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat and prevent bacterial infections. They can work either by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. This prevents bacteria from spreading. Many mild bacterial infections will get better on their own without the need for antibiotics. However, antibiotics are vital for infections that are unlikely to resolve on their own, have the potential to infect and negatively impact others, or could take too long to clear without treatment.

Each antibiotic is only effective against certain bacteria. When selecting an antibiotic for your cat, your vet will need to assess whether the bacteria is definitely present, where the bacteria is and which specific bacteria is the cause of disease.

To ensure that antibiotics are needed, our vet may suggest a culture and sensitivity test. This is a test where a sample, such as pee, blood, skin or mucus, is taken from the site of infection. The sample is then placed in a liquid or gel, known as a culture medium, that provides an environment suitable for bacteria to grow. If bacteria develop, they are then exposed to various antibiotics to see which ones are most effective at eliminating them. This information will

guide your vet in selecting the most appropriate antibiotics for your cat’s infection. This is important to both resolve the infection, but also to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop mechanisms to reduce the effects of antibiotics. This is a concern for both human and veterinary medicine as it can lead to ‘superbugs’ such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile. These are bacterial infections that are not easily killed by antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance has occurred due to a combination of the following factors.

Bacteria mutating and evolving naturally, overuse, extensive agricultural use, for example using them in farm animal feed to promote the growth of farm animals. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for example in cases of flu and colds, which are viruses. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

As antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in both human and veterinary medicine, there is some pressure to restrict the use of certain antibiotics in animals. This could have considerable implications for animal welfare. It is therefore vital that antibiotics are used responsibly and that vets adhere to the

following guidelines. Prescribe only where necessary, reduce use of antibiotics for preventing infections, offer other options, treat effectively to ensure the infection is resolved and use culture and sensitivity testing to ensure an appropriate antibiotic is selected.

Antibiotics have undoubtedly been important in curing infections and have saved countless lives. In order to preserve their vital function, society must collectively promote and practice responsible antibiotic use so that these important medicines can continue to save lives.

A few Cat Facts

Here are some facts and figures from the latest 2024 veterinary report. There are 10.6 million owned cats across the UK. 67% of cat-owning households own one cat, and 33% own two or more cats. 37% of the cats were bought from a specialist breeder, or from a neighbour, family friend or pet shop. 18% were adopted from a rescue, rehoming or animal shelter. And 13% were taken on from a neighbour, friend or family found as a stray. And 6% are kittens from a cat already owned.

91% of cats are registered with a vet . This is good news, but it also means that almost a million cats are not registered with a vet. 62% of owners take their cat to the vet routinely each year. The main reason why owners do not take their cat to the vet regularly is because of the cost, or the stress for the owner or the cat.

Although 35% of owners say that they do visit the vet when their cat us injured or unwell, this relies on the owners recognising signs of illness and pain. This can be notoriously difficult in cats, as they hide pain very well, especially dental pain, which may not be obvious to the owner.

These factors combined may mean that some cats who require veterinary care do no receive it.

As of 2024, half the cat population are now insured. This is good news for cat health as those who have insurance are more likely to take their cat to the vet for regular annual health checks. Pedigree cats are also more likely to be insured than moggies. Cats Protection strongly advise owners to have their cats insured, as vet costs at the moment are very high. The excess for cats is £80 and this increases with age. But when faced with a £500 vet bill, the benefits are obvious.

85% of cats are neutered, but this figure has fallen significantly since 2020. It is estimated that about 1.4million or 13% of cats are not neutered. Only 20% were neutered by the time cats become reproductively active at 4 months of age. More people are choosing not to neuter their cat because they want them to have kittens, particularly younger and more affluent owners. Owners of pedigree cats are also more likely to want their cat to have kittens.

2024 has seen a significant rise in the number of cats that are microchipped, as it became law for owned cats in June 2024. Microchipping numbers for dogs rose from 75% to 92% in the first four years following similar law changes and signs are positive that we will see the same results for cats. However, over 2.3 million (22%) owned cats are still without a microchip.

We can help with the cost of neutering. We offer vouchers worth £80 towards the cost of neutering a female cat and £50 towards the cost of neutering a male cat. Kittens can be neutered at 4 months of age providing they weigh 2kg.

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

Photograph

‘Ted Zipfel’ by Martin Angus

The Ultimate Club Man

Ted Zipfel

Written by Dave Griffiths

It seems that every time I write about a subject relating to Thetford, I discover it goes back a long way. The whole place seems to be steeped in history and tradition. A few months ago, I wrote an article about Thetford Town and discovered it was formed over 140 years ago. This article is about a man at the centre of the other prominent men’s football club in the town, Thetford Rovers. He’s a legend who has been at its heart for over 70 years. Now compared to Town, Rovers is a youngster at only 131 years old, having been form in 1893. To put that date into perspective, at the time Queen Victoria was on the throne, there were no telephones, no electricity in houses and the Boer War was still 6 years away! Another world but one where football played as important a part in the town’s life as it does today.

Unlike Town, who have played continuously since they started (excluding the war years), Rovers folded in 1900, and that might have been the end of their story but for the vision of a man born in 1913, George Angus Senior. Loving football from a young age, he played through school and went on to appear for Thetford Town, the County, and was even offered a trial with Tottenham, such was his talent. He never actually got to that trial and at the peak of his powers, WW2 broke out. He was captured and held as a PoW and, whilst he returned from his ordeal in excellent health given his experiences, he didn’t regain the old spark and played very little before hanging up his boots. He always remained involved in the game and in 1949, when a youth centre team that played a Kents Field folded, he led the revival of Thetford Rovers

after its 50-year slumber. Some of those who joined George in the relaunch were Curly Robinson, Tubby Orbell, Harry Reeve, Pat Fayers and Bob Goddard; names etched in Thetford’s football folklore. Rovers played friendlies for a season before being admitted to the South Norfolk League Division 2 for the following season. They won it in that first year as well as the South Norfolk Knockout Cup. They were well and truly up and running!

Ted Zipfel was born in 1928 in one of a row of thatched cottages in Weeting but he has lived almost all his life in Thetford. He first played football at school on Norwich Road, which he left at age 14 to take up an apprenticeship with the East Anglian Electric Light Company. Their showroom used to be where the Lloyds Bank is now. He was called up for National Service in 1947 into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and he only played a few games for Thetford Town Reserves before heading off to the Hussars at Catterick. He played football in the army and also discovered a love of rugby league (watching not playing) which he still has today.

Returning to Thetford after his service, Ted picked up his old job, but the company had been subsumed into the newly formed Eastern Electricity. He spent his time building the network in new areas and wiring up houses before leaving to work as a store man at the local canning factory for the next 20 years. He finished his long career at APV Refrigeration, again working as a store man. He played a couple of games for Thetford Reserves and one game for the 1st team on his return to Thetford but struggled to secure a regular spot. He spoke to Cisco Sizeland (who was playing for Rovers at the time) and Cisco asked George on Ted’s behalf if he could join Rovers. The

answer was yes, and he started his now near 75year association with the club.

Ted was not tall, but he was skilful and fit. He made the inside right position his own and, with John Fayers at inside left, he helped create chances for Geoff MacDonald up front, with Titchy Lockwood firing crosses in from outside right. The coach used to call Ted “fetch and carry”; I guess in today’s more woke world he would be described as a boxto-box midfielder with a good engine!

From the time of Rover’s 1949 revival, Curly Robinson had held the post of secretary but in the 1960s he stepped down and Ted stepped into the breach. He held this post, at the very heart of the club, for over 50 years only handing it on to his successor in 2015, as a spritely 87-year-old! Even now at the age of 96 he gets to all the games he can at Euston Park but tends not to make too many games.

Alongside all his Rovers responsibilities, Ted and his beloved wife Barbara had 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls. Eddy, Robert and Kevin all played for Rovers; Kevin played for town as well and Eddy went on to manage the reserves. Mark, whilst he never played, was Ground man at Euston Park. Robert became a referee in the old Division 2 (The Championship now) and once ran the line at a Tottenham vs Derby game. The ladies (Kim, Debbie and Janice) were not going to be left out however and Debbie served as secretary alongside Ted. Football is certainly a family affair with all seven children and their families supporting many different clubs with Norwich, Chelsea, Tottenham, Wolves, Liverpool, Everton and Man City featuring on the list. Saturday for the family during the season has always been centred around football in some way; organising, playing,

watching or helping.

Ted and I talked at length around some of the highlights and characters he remembers from his time with the club. His fondest memories are related to 1987 Norfolk Senior Cup Final day at Carrow road. In fact, he remembers many happy trips to Carrow Road to watch Norwich followed by an evening trip to the Speedway. There was also a memorable game against Bill McGarry’s Ipswich side in the mid 1960’s at Portman Road. Ted also reeled off Rovers players that had gone on to play or manage professionally. Simon Milton went on to play for Ipswich, Tommy Henderson for Norwich and Dean Greygoose for Crewe Alexandra. Dale Brooks played for and managed Rovers and went on to manage Cambridge United. So, several professional careers started with Rovers.

We looked at a few old team photos from the 1950s and Ted reeled off all their names quicker than I could write them down; what a memory and recall. There were also characters that he remembered. Georgie Davey was a huge man who played full back for Rovers, sporting a hook where he had lost a hand. Just imagine being a visiting forward bearing down on this huge piratical looking figure! Georgie was a lovely, gentle guy but the opposition certainly didn’t need to know that! At the other end of the scale was George Hopkinson, Rovers 5-foot 3-inch goalkeeper in the 1950s/60s. There must have been a lot of goal for an opposition attacker to aim at, but he was quick on his feet, so closed down the space rapidly.

Ted’s many decades of service have led to a host of awards which cover most of his dining room wall. He has been Secretary of the Year for the South Norfolk League. He has a Gold Award from Football Norfolk for 50 years of service. An

Ted Zipfel Front Row Second from the Left and

George Angus Snr Standing Far Right

Thetford Rovers 1950’s

Outstanding Contribution to Community Football presented by Trevor Brooking and signed by Geoff Hurst. And most recently he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the TARAs, presented by Rovers and Ipswich player Simon Milton. This award has a special place in his heart as it was the local community in which he has lived all his life, and he loves, that voted for him. And to add to all this, Thetford Rovers have named a stand after him at their home ground, Euston Park. An exceptionally rare accolade for an exceptional character.

And so, my time was up talking football and good times with Ted was sadly up and I left his house trying to figure out how I was going to do his story justice and fit in all the information he gave me. I believe Ted was off to ride his new Stana stair lift and see what sort of speed he could get out of it!!

Photography by Martin Angus

Photograph ‘Kathryn Knock’ by Martin Angus

If your pet could speak, what would you ask them?

Kathryn Knock, Animal Communicator

IWritten by Kathryn Knock

f your pet could speak, would you want to hear what they have to say to you? It turns out that many people do want to know exactly that.

Tucked away in a corner of the Charles Burrell Centre, the office looks much like any comfortable workspace for one: there is a desk with a laptop, two screens, and a printer. The filing could certainly be tidier, and there’s a crystal here and some birds on the wallpaper over there, giving just a hint of the occupant’s personality. Otherwise, it’s an ordinary study, except for one thing: this is where I go to talk to animals.

When I’m not there I am often found taking walks in the forest with my little rescue dog, Foxy. I also do scientific lab work in Newmarket for racehorse

breeders, which is a pretty grounding balance to the work that I do from my little office with people’s pets.

There aren’t many people who can say that they have conversations with animals for a living. I’ve been called many things – a horse whisperer, a real-life Dr Doolittle; a pet psychic, and a healer. I help people to understand what their pets are saying, and pets to understand what their people are asking. Using a photograph as the equivalent of a telephone number, I tune in to an animal, and with their human on a more conventional phone line I act as a translator to facilitate a conversation between them. Every day I am blown away by the specific things the pet say and their owners can verify, and by the things that the

animals tell us that I couldn’t have guessed in a million years.

People tend to assume that I must have been able to communicate with animals all my life, but the truth is both more fascinating and mundane than that. I wasn’t always able to do this – I learned it as a skill, just like somebody else would have learned how to play the piano.

Growing up in Thetford I was your average kid who liked animals. I took my kitten in to show and tell at Drake First School with Mrs Woodley, and I was a geeky shy teenager who didn’t really find her type of people until sixth form. I would lose myself in art and books and I spent endless hours helping out at the local riding school.

One of the first animals that I remember having a close connection with was also my first heartbreak. My parents bought me a horse when I was 16 and just about to start my GCSEs. When Henry arrived at the riding school I was asked to ride him under the pretence that I was to see if he was suitable for the riding school – I nearly said no, because I had revision to do! I absolutely adored him from the moment I met him, and when I was told that he was mine if I wanted him I broke down in tears.

I had an amazing time with Henry – we understood each other so well - but tragedy struck and less than 2 years after he appeared in my life he was injured in a freak accident and left just as suddenly as he had arrived. Even some of the best vets in the country couldn’t save him and I was devastated. The accident shouldn’t have happened, the vets gave him a 90% chance of recovery, and he was so young and loved by everybody. His death happened at around the time of the 9/11 attacks, and I remember that my

Kathryn and Alpaca, photograph by Shaun Whitmore

Kathryn and Goat, photograph by Shaun Whitmore

artwork got very dark and bleak at the time as I tried to process it all. I spent the following years looking for that quality of connection with horses again. I studied equine behaviour and psychology, I practiced the techniques of the famous gentle horse trainers, and I spent time in Spain riding horses without a saddle or bridle through the olive groves of Andalucia.

I don’t think I’m alone in saying that a tragedy changed the direction of my life. It’s happened at least twice in my life that I can think of. The first was losing Henry causing me to seek out that special close connection with animals that eventually led me to learn how to communicate intuitively with them. The second was my first job after university working for somebody who was a terrible bully. I felt like it absolutely destroyed not just my confidence but my sense of self and who I was. I went looking for ways to heal from the experience and came across Reiki (energy) healing, both as a patient and as a healer. I was soon picking up things intuitively about the animals that I was treating. I learned intuitive animal communication soon afterwards, and I spent 14 years practicing in relative secrecy before making it my job in 2021. I’m a big believer that anybody can learn to do what I do.

When people ask me for a reading with their pet, they want to know two things: If their animal is happy, and if there is anything that the animal particularly wants. I can’t tell you enough how lucky I am to be able to work with people who only want the best for their animals, it’s really very special.

The things animals most commonly ask for, are:

• Friendship and companionship: One particularly

heartwarming request came from a horse who longed for a friend of his own, rather than just the horses on the other side of the fence. His owner was able to grant his wish and the resulting bromance was instant and real! Sometimes though, it’s the opposite, with animals seeking solitude from a housemate they’ve grown weary of. If you think this might apply to one or more of your animals, try to make each of them a place where only they are allowed to go.

• “Please sir, can I have some more?” I’ve lost count of how many animals have complained about their portion sizes when their humans put them on a diet! Some animals also seem to have an incredible intuition about which herbs and supplements are good for them. One poorly pony, struggling to eat, mentally showed me a picture of blackberries. When his owner took him to a bramble hedge, the pony carefully picked and ate the leaves. To our surprise, we later discovered that blackberry leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, so were perfect for a pony recovering from colic surgery.

• The impossible request: Sometimes animals ask for things we just can’t give them. I still smile when I think of a cat who asked his owners to “put a roof over the whole of the outside world, please.” He loved being outside but disliked the rain—unfortunately, this was one request we had to let him down gently with!

• Small things can matter the most: These are the requests that resonate with me the most because they show how deeply animals value the smallest gestures of care. I once had a pet rat named Peanut ask for a new fleece hammock bed. Her owner laughed, explaining that she’d taken it out to wash that very day and would return it by bedtime. Poor Peanut

had thought that her bed was gone forever, and the simple reassurance that it was coming back meant the world to her. Similar requests from animals have included a dog wanting to revisit a favourite walk, and a pony who wanted to be allowed to work with a particular member of staff he was fond of. When we can fulfil these simple wishes, it lets animals know they’ve been heard and that their feelings matter, and when they know that, it strengthens their bond with us. Being told that the male partner of one dog’s owner didn’t mean her any harm was enough to cause her to relax enough to stay in the same room as him; something that she hadn’t felt able to do for the 8 years that she had lived with him.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to give animals from all over the world a voice, all from my little office in my hometown. If you are feeling drawn to serving people through your intuitive skill – be it reading cards, healing or something else – I’d like to offer one piece of advice to you; show up and be visible, even when it’s daunting. If you’re here to help people (and maybe animals too) you can’t do that if no one knows who you are or what you do. Stay connected to your sense of purpose, because if you want to truly make a difference, people need to know that you exist!

To connect with Kathryn, please find her social media contact details below,

https://bit.ly/m/AnimalCommunicator Facebook Kathryn Knock

‘Kathryn’ Photography by Martin Angus

We are a small Thetford chapter which is run by unpaid volunteers, we are so grateful to have the opportunity to support those who need access to such facilities as these in our community.

We offer:

• Free shower facilities for those without accommodation

• Free laundry facilities for those without accommodation

• Light refreshments and food.

• Access to Wi-Fi and phone charging facilities.

• Clothing available for those who need them.

• Recommendations and guidance on other community help available.

• A safe space with friendly conversation.

Monday 6:00pm – 8:00pm (last shower slot 7:30pm)

Wednesday 9:00am – 11:45am (last shower slot 11:15am)

Saturday 9:00am – 11:45am (last shower slot 11:15am)

Riversdale Annexe, Tanner Street

Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2BQ

For more information, please email nadine@chapter15.co.uk Registered charity no. 1188310

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/magicfloor-productions

Letters to the Editor

By popular request, we are publishing a a few of the letters and correspondence we have received from some of our avid local readers. This is a test feature, if we get positive feedback we can expand this in future editions, please let us know what you think.

Dear Editor,

Reading your last edition about Christmas Remembered, it brought back a memory I had forgotten. During the war years, fruit was quite an exotic commodity, and I remember being given a banana for the first time, which I ate with the skin on. I also did this with an orange. Happily, I was later shown the correct way to eat a banana and an orange, and grew to like them very much.

Edward P (born Thetford, now living in Brandon)

Dear Editor,

I would like to propose that one of your writers gets in touch with me, I was reading a copy of Issue 5 in my barbers and noticed that I am featured in an old photograph in one of your

stories, ‘My Life in Thetford’.

I would love to recollect tales of my youth in Thetford and share them with the wider community.

Terrence B

We have been in touch and looking forward to your tales in our next edition, thank you Dear Editor,

I found your magazine in The Black Horse on a recent short break in your lovely town of Thetford, I bought a copy and have thoroughly enjoyed reading about all of the amazing and interesting characters of Thetford. Having read the stories in your magazine, I would like to share a story about my return trip to

London.

I had bought myself an audio book to play whilst driving, a Sherlock Holmes mystery, on the car’s CD player.

I was amused by my inability to follow the plot as closely as I would have liked, and put this down to middle age. It was only when I arrived at my destination that I realised the CD player was on ‘shuffle’ mode.

Shirley P. (London, I’ll be back)

Dear Editor,

During a recent turn out of our loft, I came across an old leather satchel containing some hand written note books. The books appear at first glance to be a kind of diary, what we may call blogs. Most of the entries are dated, the earliest being 1892, and the latest 1920.

I asked my grandmother where the satchel came from, and she said it belonged to her father, he apparently was a porter at the old Railway Station which is now demolished, apparently the station where the trains went to Bury St Edmunds. It was handed in to lost property, never claimed, so after a period of time the satchel became my great grandfathers.

I would like to offer this collection to one of your writers to see if they can make a story from the notes. The satchel is in a fragile state but the paperwork inside is in quite good condition, with the initials M.R.J. in very faded gold lettering on the outside of the satchel.

Tanya P.

We would love to take a look at the note books and I am sure there is a story to tell from their contents. Thank you.

Dear Editor,

I walked into Thetford B&Q the other day and this bloke in an orange and black uniform asked me if I wanted decking. Fortunately, I got the first punch in and that was that. But others may not be as lucky, so be on your guard.

Sonya, H

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank your writers for being such a breath of fresh air for this town, I have read all editions over and over again, and still find little bits I missed on the previous reads.

Sara G (via email)