APRIL 2018 About Thetford magazine

Circulation 12,500 copies

Issue 149 April 2018

25%

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Your Local Independent Community Magazine

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April Treats To Come

Spring has sprung then No sooner do we declare that ves. It certainly caused a the ‘Beast from the East’ arri ations and changes for Page 5 - Competition Time cell considerable amount of can the community rallying Page 6 & 7 - Thetford Faces see to many but it was nice Our delivery staff went to Page 9 - Breckland Lottery Launched round to support one another. azine to you in a timely Page 10 & 11- Out And About Thetford extra lengths to get your mag efully now the colder Page 14 & - 15 Leaping Hare News Hop . them manner - well done to we can look forward to Page 18 - Afternoon Tea Invitation weather really is behind us and instore locally.

Page 21 - Thetford Past and Present the months ahead and what’s interesting Page 23 - Chick, Chick, Chicken! of lots of full is th mon Our magazine this l groups. Thetford Faces Page 25 - TADDS Befriending Service stories and updates from loca insight into the life of Page 28 - What’s On At Ancient House ing this month provides a fascinat rge Angus. The lighter Page 29 - Thetford Library News our former Mayor’s Officer, Geo also bring a range of Page 31 - ‘With The Best Of Will’ evenings and warmer weather East Anglian Game And Page 33 - Your Own Place events taking place including the and tours of Euston Page 35 - Garden and Allotment Club w Sho folk Country Fair, South Suf activities taking place at Page 37 - Four And Twenty Blackbirds Hall. As ever there are lots of Redgrave & Lopham Fen Page 40 & 41 - Health and Beauty both Knettishall Heath and icularly busy so it is well Page 45 - Thetford Business Forum part - and this time of year is Best Of Will’ by Thetford Page 47 - Full Steam Ahead For LIFT worth having a look. ‘With The Page 51 - Community Corner be a great night out.

Academy pupils also looks to Page 53 - Tesco Cash For Dolphins tor) (Edi y Best wishes, Terry Jerm Robin Howe 1 07/02/2018

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Inside this month...

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E-mail address for all articles, adverts etc:aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com Contact us: 075404 63662 Office Address: C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, IP24 3LH Publisher; In And About Thetford Ltd, C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this magazine, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by its contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission of the publishers is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

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The Searchers and Hollies Experience

The Best of Both Worlds brings to the stage the magical hits of two legendary harmony bands.

The Searchers, from Liverpool, made their debut with the rise of MerseyBeat. Their very first recording ‘Sweets For My Sweet’ reached number one and they went on to have many more memorable chart hits including ‘Sugar And Spice’ ‘Needles And Pins’ and ‘When You Walk In The Room’. They became part of the British invasion of the American charts alongside The Beatles.

The Hollies, from Manchester, were also pushed forward with the rise of MerseyBeat and known as the most successful British singles band ever – having had phenomenal chart success and hits in every decade since the 60s. ‘Stay’ ‘I Can’t Let Go’ ‘Bus Stop’ ‘Sorry Suzanne’ ‘He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’ ‘Here I Go Again’ ‘Just One Look’ and the haunting ‘Air That I Breathe’ are just a few of their hits.

The Searchers and Hollies Experience is performed by the FOD Band, formed in 1983. Tony Jackson,the original lead singer of the Hollies, selected the FOD Band to back him under The Tony Jackson Group banner when he returned to performing in the 90s.

The FOD band have also appeared with Eric Haydock’s Hollies, a band that Eric (the original Hollies’ bass guitarist) formed in the 90’s. FOD love the harmonies and the melodic material these groups recorded and have combined their hits into this exciting two hour show featuring over 30 hit songs.

The Searchers (Tony Jackson is 3rd from left.

The Hollies - Eric Haydock is 2nd from the left.

Competition Time!

This month we have 4 tickets worth £60 to give away to The Searchers & Hollies Experience Thetford on Saturday 19th May. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question:

Who was the original lead singer of the Hollies?

Send your answer by email with your name and full contact details to Leaping Hare info@leapinghare.org or drop your entry into their shop at 20 King Street by Friday 20th April. The winner will be drawn from a hat on Monday 23rd April Normal In & About Thetford Ltd T&Cs apply.

Please see our website for more details

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Our April Thetford Face is George Angus. He has lived in the town all his life and was a key part of the town’s civic life for many years working with 16 different Mayors.

Have your family been in Thetford for many years?

Yes, my mother was a member of the Chalk family, they originally came here when my grandfather who was an engineer, went to work at Burrell’s. He lived in Bury Road and died in 1933 before I was born. From around 1880 until the turn of the century my grandfather collected news cuttings from the Thetford area, he was also a photographer and had an exhibition in the Ancient House Museum during its early days. David Osborne has used some of his photos in his books. I was born in Castle Street and have lived in the town all my life. I went to Norwich Road School until just before my 15th birthday. My birthday was on the Wednesday and I started work at Boughton Builders (now RG Carter) the following day. I was an apprentice carpenter and joiner, and worked there for 10 years.

Too busy?

George with wife Julie enjoying short mat bowls walked or used bikes to get about in those days. When I lived in St Mary’s Crescent there was nothing else nearby, just the gas works and St Barnabas Workhouse.

Did you enjoy your apprenticeship?

Yes, I learnt plenty of new skills. Part of being a carpenter was making coffins, Boughton Builders were also undertakers at the time. David Turner, who is a well known undertaker in the town also worked there.

What was it like growing up in Thetford?

It was an extremely lovely place to be a child in, a place of freedom for us children. Sadly, so many of the old buildings were destroyed in the name of progress in the 1960s. We had fun because we had to make it ourselves; we played in the street as there were no cars or mobile phones. I learnt to swim in the river; my favourite swimming spot was at the bathing sheds at Barnham River. It was deep enough there to dive! Everyone

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What else did you do for entertainment in the town?

I used to go to the Milk Bar in King Street with my friends and met my wife Julie outside there when I was 16 and she was 14! I also belonged to Thetford Town Motor Car Club, we enjoyed rallies all over the place.

George (left) with Val Swinger and their rally trophies

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In 1968 along with Val Swinger I won six trophies over the year. I was the navigator. Our head quarters were at The Red Lion. We had some really good times in some hairy cars in those days. Unfortunately we had a few accidents so insurance costs, fuel and regulations put paid to the club in the end.

Have you worked on any of Thetford’s iconic buildings? I’ve worked on several, one of the first was The Red Lion refurbishment in 1957-59. I had my 18th birthday when we were working there and had the first pint of beer ever pulled in the Breckland Room!

It was a big job for Boughtons and really put them on the map, we were employed by Lacons Brewery on day rates. When the job was finished Margery and Hector Sutherland who owned Boughtons threw a party for the whole firm in the newly created Breckland Room. In the early 1960s I worked on the refurbishment when Mr Lowndes and his wife Camilla took on Nunnery Place.

I also helped Michael Swash, an architectural surveyor do a complete survey of St Mary’s the Less. I got married there in 1964, so I find it so sad to see all the lead stripped off and the level of decay there now. In 1979 I was part of the rescue team for the donkey that fell down a deep hole at the back of the Black Horse pub. The mine was 20 foot beneath the surface, after falling the donkey went underneath the bungalow and the then dairy. Graeme Jacobs from Studio 5 came and took a series of images showing the rescue and the cavern where the donkey was found. It was quite an adventure going under Magdalen Street!

Roger Stebbings (left) receiving the Sword of State from George Angus on his retirement

Terry Lamb when he was made an Honorary Freeman of the City of London. The then Lord Mayor of London was a Bidwell and had a Thetford connection. I had the opportunity to visit the Mansion House and The Guildhall. I also met Prince Charles when he came to Thetford during Jennifer Bullock’s year as Mayor. In 2001 I became Warden for the Guild of Mace Bearers.

I had my investiture at the Carnegie Room, followed by a luncheon. People came from all over the country including all the senior members of the guild. They were so impressed that we had maintained the traditions in Thetford. Over 16 years I worked with a lot of Mayors and each one was different to the last!

Are you involved in the town now?

With Julie, I am part of a group called Time Travellers, we meet at Thetford Library once a fortnight and have our memories of the town recorded. The group are made up mostly of people born during the wartime or just after, we’re given a theme such as what were your birthdays like, or where did you go on holiday (we didn’t have holidays, just visits to family!). Some of us bring LJ Taxis 1/8 and AD.qxp_Layout 1 08/11/2017 15:51 Page photos along our recollections are documented providing a snapshot of life in Thetford.

Where did you work after Boughton Builders?

I joined the maintenance team at Danepak when it was built in 1965. It was a brand new factory, different to the building trade but I enjoyed it. I returned to Boughtons Builders who had become RG Carters for a few years, then I worked with David Turner for 3 years.

After that I joined Thetford Town Council.

LJ'S TAXIS

What was life at Thetford Town Council like?

In 1986 Thetford Town Council advertised for a General Assistant, Mayor’s Officer & Cemetery Superintendant, I got the job and quickly had to learn what a Mayor’s Officer had to do. I got a great deal of pleasure doing the job. I could never have done my job so well if it wasn’t for the support of Diane Alyward and Roger Stebbings.

It’s not until you do this type of job that you realise how much work goes into it. One of my most memorable moments was towards the end of the 1980s. I was tasked with driving with Police Outriders the then Mayor,

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South Suffolk Show 2018 The 130th South Suffolk Show will be taking place at its usual location: Ampton Racecourse (near Ingham, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1HU on the A134), on Sunday 13th May 2018.

The South Suffolk Show is a one day agricultural show regarded by many as one of the leading shows of its type in the eastern region with cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and a wide array of attractions. It covers an area in the region of 90 acres and caters for a wide range of tastes and all age groups.

Cavalry Of Horses performing at a previous event

Come along to a lovely, traditional, rural day out, not to mention the arts and craft marquee, shopping marquee, food hall, countryside area, vintage farm machinery, modern classic tractors, trade stands and superb children’s entertainments, as well as the horse and livestock classes.

Be sure to catch the Farriery Competition for master and apprentice farriers. And enjoy horse power of a different nature with a great array of farm machinery on show, from vintage tractors to the latest bit of farmyard kit! Plus plenty more, with tradestands galore!

So don’t be left at the gate, buy your ticket and don’t be late! Special offer, early bird tickets are available via the e-ticket page on the website up to 12 noon on 12th May. Car parking at the event is free and the showground is open to the public from 8.30am.

The Cavalry of Heroes will be performing a tribute to the horses and soldiers of World War One in the grand ring, marking 100 years since the end of The Great War. Don’t miss these courageous stunt riders and their stunning steeds in action. Stop by and admire the horses competing in our dedicated equine area with jumping, carriage and show classes.

Visit the website for more information: www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

The South Suffolk Show

Ampton Racecourse, Ingham, Nr Bury St. Edmunds Follow the signs off the A134

SUNDAY, MAY 13th 2018

A Traditional Agricultural Show Featuring

Cattle, Sheep, Pigs & Horses, Farm Machinery, Trade Stands, Countryside Area, Food Hall, Arts & Craft Marquee, Children's Entertainment and Public Catering & Bar Ring attractions to include

‘The Cavalry of Heroes’ with their 100 year anniversary tribute to the soldiers and their horses of the First World War plus displays by The Suffolk Gundog Club, The EATC with Terrier Racing and Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations & Auction

“Come along to the South Suffolk and experience a great day out”

Admission: Adults £12, Children 5-16 £6, Senior Citizens £7, Family Ticket £30 (See website for discounted pre-show e-tickets and ticket retail outlets) FREE CAR PARKING For further info Tel: 01638 750879, or view

www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

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Lottery Launched To Support Local Groups A community lottery that will help Breckland-based groups raise much-needed funds has gone live with tickets available to buy online now.

Created by Breckland Council, the 'Our Breckland Lottery' provides a free and simple online platform for charities and not-for-profit organisations to raise awareness of their work and sell tickets that directly benefit their cause.

Cooking Club - a project delivered by Thetford Community Association. One of the organisations registered for ‘Our Breckland Lottery’

Breckland Lottery to raise valuable funds. We're very excited about the difference this will make to them and the lottery is a particularly exciting opportunity for organisations that may not otherwise have the capacity to fundraise on their own."

As part of the purchasing process, players will be asked to choose one of the registered 'good causes' to receive 50p of every £1 ticket they buy. By promoting the lottery to their supporters and members, and engaging their local community, organisations can increase the amount of money they will receive through ticket sales. In addition to 50p from ticket sales going directly to good causes, a further 10p will go into a general funding pot which Breckland will release as grants.

Visit www.ourbrecklandlottery.co.uk to buy tickets and keep up to date with Our Breckland Lottery by following @OurBreckland on Twitter.

Organisations in the area served by About Thetford magazine that are registered for the Lottery include: Fulmerston Family & Community Project Access Community Trust - The Crossing Thetford Town Cricket Club Keystone Development Trust Charles Burrell Centre Thetford Town Football Club Thetford Community Association G W Staniforth Trust Leaping Hare Cloverfield and the Willows Residents Association Music Arts Project CIC

For every £1 ticket sold: * 50p will go to local good causes that are signed up to Our Breckland Lottery * 10p will go to a general fund, which Breckland Council will distribute locally as grants * 20p will go to the lottery prize fund * 20p will go towards running costs and VAT Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Place, said: "I'm delighted with the fantastic response we've had so far from local causes that are all keen to use Our

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Out and About Thetford New Guides To The Brecks Showcased

The British Trust for Ornithology hosted a launch for the first two books in a new series based on the wildlife and fauna in the Brecks. Produced as a pocket sized guide, these books are the perfect companion for a day out in the unique Brecks countryside. Supported by partners including The Brecks Society, Suffolk Naturalist Society, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalist Society, Norfolk Biological Information Service and the BTO. The books are part of a planned series of 8. Mike Toms from the BTO said, “This project roots us back in Brecks, it’s the first time we’ve published something focussing on the Brecks.” Brecks Guide No.1, Birds of the Brecks was Authors Mike Crewe and Su Gough written by Su Gough using information from BTO surveys.

Introducing her book Su said, “Most birders go thundering up to the coast and the Brecks has so much more to offer, it’s a bit of a well kept secret. There are some amazing habitats in Breckland. Nightjar and Goshawks can be found in the forest, stone curlews on the Breck heaths. There are lots of pig fields in Breckland and the pigs bring in birds including Egyptian Geese and Starlings. On the wetlands you can spot common cranes. What we hope that people will do with these books is to use them to enjoy what we have.” Mike Crewe author of Brecks Guide No.2, Flowers of the Brecks introduced his book by talking about the importance of the heath and grasslands of the Brecks and how some of our native species are now being discovered at multiple sites across the Brecks thanks to ongoing conservation work. Speaking about his book Mike said, “There has been a mushroom of general interest in wildlife in Britain, it’s really exciting. Flowers of the Brecks covers all the species you are likely to encounter in the area from Ribwort Plantain to Spiked Speedwell and highlights to best sites to visit.” Both books are available at Thetford’s Great Information Centre or www.bto.org Empower Network Launches In Thetford 10 ladies joined organiser Billie Lawler to launch a new networking service for women in Thetford. Empower Network has hubs across East Anglia, “It’s a great service where we can help each other, for us to be together as a network and help each other as we need it” explained Billie. The group included publishing, accountancy, bespoke travel, a utilities discounter, make up and skincare, legal services, health products, handcrafted goods and 2 CEOs from local charities. Karen was invited by Billie to talk to the group about writing effective press releases and About Thetford magazine. “It’s been great to meet with a lovely vibrant diverse group of businesswomen who are passionate about supporting each. Supporting our community is one of the things that have made About Thetford a much loved publication in the town. It’s been great to meet Rebecca White from Your Own Place and some of our advertisers who were here today. For me it’s also been a treat to look back at how the magazine has changed since its early days and where we are now.”Karen was followed by Robina Cawston, a solicitor who specialises in Wills and Probate. Robina spoke about the importance of having a will, “Death is such a taboo subject, yet it is a fact that we will die. I’ve seen how difficult it can be when people don’t have their affairs in order.”

Empower Network is open to new members and meets at Grand Central Restaurant on the first Wednesday of each month at 10am. For more information visit: www.empowereast.co.uk

The Empower Network ladies with Karen

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Thetford Businesses Showcased At West Suffolk College Members of

Thetford Business Forum joined together to support The Business & Student Engagement Programme launch at West Suffolk College.

The scheme is being piloted with Place 21 at the college. It has seen a number of students benefitting from meaningful work experience at a variety of Thetford businesses recently including Victoria Irving who spent two weeks with About Thetford Magazine. TBF Chair Chris Kennard from Shadwell said, “This is very Lucy Nixon from Thetford Garden Centre and Estee Ross from timely as it’s our 10th year anniversary of the Warren Services showcase their businesses to students forum. We’ve achieved the original purpose of the forum, the dualling of the A11. Now with the recent announcement of funding for infrastructure we can push forward with our roadshows, ‘Thetford, A World of Opportunity’. Our main constraint to expansion at the moment is labour, with the onset of Brexit we need to attract the best young people.” For more information about Thetford Business Forum see page 47.

Olympic Athletes Inspire Young Thetfordians Admirals Academy welcomed GB 100m sprinter Deji Tobais and Para-athlete Team GB T36 long jumper Ryan Raghoo recently. The athletes came to the school to talk to the children about the importance of sport and run sessions with all the age groups across the school. Head of PE Ed Kearse told Karen, “Sport is really important here, we’ve got great swimmers, footballers and rugby players.

We’ve taken 96 children out of 325 to sporting competitions this year. We have a sports and wellbeing club starting next term to add to the existing sports clubs we run.” The Athletes started their day with a full school assembly, telling the children their story “You could have heard a pin drop,” continued Ed “The children were totally engaged for 45 minutes.” Deji delivered a series of physical sessions which included a warm up power work and sprinting for each year group. He was really impressed with the effort the children put into their sessions and congratulated them for doing well. Jasmine from year 5 said, “I enjoyed Deji’s session because I like sport and it’s an once in a lifetime opportunity to meet an Olympian. He would be a great PE teacher because he is so inspiring and we’d like him to come here every week.” Jasmine’s fellow classmate Sam said, “It was epic and I think other schools would like this day, it’s been fun and really good for everyone.” During his sessions, Ryan talked about his daily struggles with cerebral palsy and how he has overcome them to not only perform as an athlete but also to work as a physio for other cerebral palsy suffers. “I didn’t bring my medals because I don’t want people to focus on the end result; the medal is just the bit at the end. You have to enjoy the process and work to get there.” Ryan explained. It wasn’t just the children who were enthralled, Teaching Assistant Mrs Winney also enjoyed his session, “Ryan was an inspiration, we think he should write a book for children! He was fantastic with them. He gave us some dietary advice too, not to eat meat 3 times a week because it doesn’t digest well and make 80% of your diet fruit and veg per day.”

Deji Tobais (left) and Ryan Raghoo (Right) with pupils from Admirals Academy during their sessions Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements

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EUSTON HALL OPEN DAYS

A unique opportunity to see the rich history and splendid art collection of this delightful stately home

Monday 7th - Saturday 12th May 10am - 2pm

Access to Gardens & Guided Hall Tour Adults £12 Children £5 Access to Gardens only Adults £7 Children £5 (No fees for Children under 12)

Tickets available from the Leaping Hare Box Office: T:01842 751975 www.leapinghare.org Dates also available in June, July, August & September

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Euston Hall Majestic Euston Hall has been the home of the Dukes of Grafton for over 300 years, and is now home to the 12th Duke and his family. For the second year running the Duke and Duchess are opening the doors of their beautiful home for the benefit of local charities. Hourly guided tours are led by knowledgeable members of the estate team who will enthral you with the Hall’s rich history and stunning interiors. Limited to a maximum group size of 20, the tours give a real insight into the Fitzroy family over the centuries.

The Hall itself has had several major changes over the centuries and has recently undergone an extensive 3 year restoration project. The current Hall was built by Henry Bennet, Ist Earl of Arlington in a French style. One of the earliest depictions of Euston Hall dates to 1710.

The Hall has seen visits from many monarchs over the centuries including Elizabeth I, Charles II, after whom a fine pair of gates were erected to honour his visit and more recently, the late Queen Mother. Discover one of the country’s finest art collections featuring works by Stubbs, Van Dyke and Reynolds. The Stuart painting collection is second only to the Queen’s collection at Windsor Castle. Other treasures include furniture designed by William Kent, a telescope belonging to Lord Nelson, love tokens from Charles II to his mistress Barbara Villiers. Discover the family connections to Darwin’s expeditions, a connection to the Gun Powder Plot and the story of the Wicked Earl.

Visitors are free to explore the beautiful grounds the Hall sits in including long yew tree avenues planted by the Hall’s first landscaper John Evelyn, William Kent’s Temple Folly, the waterways designed and created

by Capability Brown during the 18th century and The Church of St. Genevieve, still in use today and the final resting place for many of the Dukes of Grafton.

Of course no visit would be complete without a trip to the tea room, manned by local WI ladies, with a fantastic choice of homemade cakes. The volunteers are raising money for St Peter’s Church in nearby Fakenham Magna.

To purchase tickets, please contact Leaping Hare Box Office on 01842 751975. For more information on Euston Hall visit www.eustonhall.co.uk Deadline for receipt of content to be included in the May edition of About Thetford is the 15th April - send to: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com Visit the website: 1st Choice Locksmiths _Layout 1 09/12/2015 12:40 P www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk

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16

GoGoHares

Have you seen the incredible work in progress on ‘Theodford Hare’ (pictured above)?

On display at Ancient House museum and painted by artist in residence Dan Morgan.

This is a joint project between Leaping Hare, Ancient House and Dad’s Army Museums for GoGoCreate, part of Break Charity’s GoGoHares. A city trail of 50 hares will go live in Norwich from 24 June to 8 September, with a County trail of 18 hares across Norfolk. Our ‘Theodford Hare’ will be on display in Norwich from 2 July – 2 September. A BIG thank you to Shadwell for providing the paint. We now need to raise £234 to complete the project - please get in touch if you can help in any way.

Product of the Month

Hot off the press, we are thrilled to bring you these fabulous new books from the BTO. Priced at just £8.95 each.

Sun 1 April Charles Burrell Museum Opens Sun 1 April Thetford 5K Easter Bunny Run Sun 1 April Charity Car Boot Sale at Tescos Tues 3 April Rachel Duffield 40s Song Book Fri 6 April Alton Wahlberg ‘Time’ EP Launch Sat 7 April TGAC Spring Open Show Fri 13 April WAW Wrestling Sat 14 April From Zimbabwe with Love Sun 15 April Dad's Army Locations Tour Sun 15 Spring Foraging Course Mon 16 April Biscuit Workshop Wed 18 - Sat 21 April L Gray & Sons Funfair Thurs 19 April Books & Boots Fri 20 April St George’s Day Quiz Sat 21 April Dig For Victory Sun 22 April Soapbox Challenge Mon 23, Fri 27 & Sat 28 April With The Best of Will Wed 25 April Your Retirement Experience Thurs 26 April BTO Mark Cocker Talk Fri 27 April Ladies Night Fri 27 April Bollywood Night at Barnham Sat 28 - Sun 29 April East Anglian Game & Country Fair Mon 7 - 12 May Euston Hall Open Days Fri 11 May 50 Years Croft & Perry Sat 19 May Searchers & Hollies Experience Thurs 31 May - Sun 2 Jun Red Rooster

NEW

Coming Soon…

This year’s public Heritage Tour dates released: 15 June and 14 September.

Tickets on sale now just £6 each. (Private tours also available).

2018 is the 125th anniversary of the death of the last Maharajah of the Punjab – Duleep Singh. The Festival of Thetford and the Punjab will be coming to Thetford from Sat 7 July - Sat 21 July. Save the dates!

HOSTS

Friday 20th April 2018

Doors at 7pm, Trivia starts at 8pm At the Charles Burrell Centre

£2.00 per person, maximum 6 players per team

CASH PRIZE FOR THE WINNING TEAM! Tickets from Leaping Hare 01842 751975 Book online: www.leapinghare.org Facebook: @oldskoolbar2016

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Refurbishments Continue At Charles Burrell Centre Our exciting Power to Change funded refurbishment project is contunuing at the Centre and there have been a number of recent developments: · The balustrade in the balcony viewing area has now been installed (see picture top right of page) · New main hall curtains will be fitted on the 10th April.

We will also be hosting a Volunteer Action Day on the same day where contractors will be delivering short talks about their trade, being in business and skills/ qualifications needed for their particular trade, 8am – 2pm - all welcome to attend.

Upcoming CBC Fundraising Events:

· Library refurbishments set to take place in April, creating two new office spaces and an option of two sessionally hireable rooms or one larger room

· Big screen sing-along, 5th April, £2 per child (tickets purchased from CBC reception), prize for best dressed

· Plans are well under way for the storage facilities and changing rooms – updates coming very soon!

· Ladies Night, 27th April, 7 -10pm - see poster below.

· Easter Open Day, Saturday 31st March, 10am – 4pm – Easter raffle, tombola & old school furniture sale

· Table Top Sale in the Main Hall, Saturday 14th April

· CBC is attending the East Anglian Game & County Fair, on 28th & 29th April at the Euston Estate

We have also been busily fundraising to raise the necessary £37,500 that will unlock the full £112,500 from Power to Change. So far we have raised £15,769 so we have a bit more to do.

· Community Business Weekend – Saturday 5th May, 9am - 1pm - including tours of centre available

· Forty chairs have been sponsored including one of the platinum plus chairs, a massive £500 towards our fundraising target of £37,500 – a huge thank you to the organisation that made this donation. · We still have 100+ chairs that can be sponsored – the campaign is now online with Leaping Hare where you can see what chairs are still available and sponsor your chair online. We think past students or teachers who have moved away will be particularly interested in this option. Visit the website for more information: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/230110 Next Sunday Mix April 15th 10.30am

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Silver Social – Stamp & Collage Print Making Workshop

Success For Thetford U3A When you read these lines, Thetford U3A will have had another successful Open Day. If you were not able to come and sample our 40+ groups, you can have a look on our website www.thetfordu3a.org to see what is on offer. Join our 400+ members! You will not only have loads of activities to choose from but loads of new people to get acquainted with. Our next event is our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 26 April, 1.45pm to 4 pm at the Carnegie Room. This is for members only, so if you would like to participate, make sure you join beforehand. All details are on our website. We always welcome new members!

The popular Silver Social Project presents a brand new stamp and collage print making workshop, entirely for grown-up, led by Norwich based print artist Vicki Johnson. The free, daytime sessions will run at Thetford Library on Monday 16th April 10am – 11:30am, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Arts Council Strategic Touring Programme.

Silver Social offers a range of daytime activities for older residents, held by professional practitioners in local venues. Working in partnership with Norfolk Library Service, the project invites residents to design their own fancy biscuit, using paint, collage & stamping techniques. All materials, guidance (& biscuits!) are provided & no experience or booking is necessary.

Visitors can make a voluntary donation towards the workshop & anyone needing assistance with transport should contact us. This biscuit themed workshop is the precursor to an upcoming Silver Social performance ‘Ministry of Biscuits’. More details on the website.

For more information on the Silver Social Project, please email Sophie Soto: community@breckland.gov.uk T: 01362 656870 Web: www.thesilversocial.com

The U3A Short Tennis Group pictured recently just one of the many groups available

Invitation

If you are over 50 and live on or around the Ladies Estate , come and join us for a free and tasty…

Afternoon Tea at

The Church of the Nazarene

On Wednesday 18th April 2018 ,2pm to 4pm

Free raffle, music and quiz, not to mention a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones!

Booking is advised, please call Sheena on 07442505603 Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements

18

Could You Become A Health Volunteer?

Spending time with Daphne Medcraft and Richard Fry together feels like you’re in the presence of lifelong friends – all the more amazing to think that they didn’t know each other four months ago!

Daphne was introduced to Richard following his application to become a volunteer befriender with Voluntary Norfolk’s ‘North Norfolk Health Volunteers Service’. He applied as he wanted to have that connection with an older person again after having such a close relationship with his grandparents who he has sadly lost. He also wanted to ‘give something back’ and find a work/life balance.

Daphne was referred to the service following recommendation from her community physiotherapist to have support to go out for short walks to aid healing of a leg condition. She doesn’t live too far from the beach at Bacton and used to enjoy taking walks along the water’s edge but she explained that it’s quite a busy road and she felt she needed support to do able to this, as she lives alone. Following their introduction, Daphne joyfully reports that they have become “great pals” and that Richard is “lovely”. He visits on a weekly basis and they have been thoroughly enjoying each other’s company and do various things such as going out on short trips, Richard has taken Daphne out for lunch but has also cooked himself. They are even planning a trip to Southwold!

Daphne Medcraft and Richard Fry - who became good friends through Norfolk Health Volunteers Service

Why not get ready and make a start towards doing something different for 2018? Voluntary Norfolk is keen to hear from anyone who would like to become a Health Volunteer. If you are 18 years old or over, enjoy meeting and spending time with other people, and can put aside an hour or so a week to change someone’s life, please contact Karl Hills for South Norfolk on 01508 531175 or alternatively you can email: chloe.edwards@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk You can also register your interest via our website. www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk

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During each visit there is a mutual respect and a great deal of chatting about all sorts of topics, Richard describes his visits as giving him a “different dimension to my working week and it’s nice to give something back”. They both agree that they equally get something out of the befriending partnership and that it shouldn’t just be one sided.

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Mondays 10.30-11.30am at the Church of the Nazarene Hall, Anna Gurney Close, Thetford IP24 1TA Followed by light refreshments and a chat

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Thetford Society; March Report

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Our speaker, David Jessop was born in Watton and after National Service he worked for the Norwich Union.

Impressively he was also a Football Referee for over 20 years. With a holiday of a lifetime booked to Australia with his wife, the search was on for a break for the outward journey, and after much deliberation they chose South Africa.

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Keen to be involved in the local atmosphere they soon befriended a local woman Ivy, whose partner had died leaving her struggling with a 5-year-old daughter. They started to support the daughter’s education and were able to pay for her schooling. Later, they also assisted the family to build a house, even when Ivy found a new partner and two more daughters came along. The countries deep rooted prejudice (by some) was highlighted when they took Ivy for a meal in a local hotel, unfortunately her boss was in the hotel and fired her the next day as he could not have black staff sharing the same social amenities as him. Despite the Jessops intervention the boss would not change his mind, luckily, she was found a job in another shop locally. Keen on wildlife they would visit Kruger National Park over 500 times (there is plenty to see as it is the size of Wales).

Even though you have to remain on the road and in your car, he had plenty of close shaves. Charging elephants, lions and jaguars who attacked the vehicle, but the deadliest of all, hippos! David finished his talk with a selection of excellent wildlife photographs which he had taken and sold in aid of the local people where he visits.

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Next Thetford Society event: At 7.15pm on Tuesday 3rd April 2018 at the United Reformed Church on Earls Street.

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Past & Present

The high street is forever changing as shop keepers come and go, and fashions and society change.

The past photograph was taken in 2005, and since then there have been several different shopkeepers retailing from this shop.

Photographs from the David Osborne Collection.

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21

Ask The Undertaker Each month we invite readers to submit questions to our resident undertaker - Mark Skinner. Here are some questions that have been submitted this month.

Julie – Thetford “I have looked after my Aunt for many years and she has requested that I wash and dress her when her time comes. She is uncomfortable with a stranger doing this.

Is this allowed?”

Julie, the simple answer is of course yes. We are quite happy to allow any of the families we help to assist in the care of their loved ones and although this does not happen very often there is no reason why it cannot. At our premises we have really good facilities for care of loved ones and everything that is needed in helping you to do this. We sometimes have clients who have a preference for the care of a loved one to be carried out by a lady and of course Lauren Skinner is able to do this if requested.

Frank we have many people approach us who wish to follow this career path. Being a small firm we often find it difficult to actually offer employment, however we are happy to give advice and information. I would be happy for your son to contact me if this would help him. We would also recommend contacting the following Funeral trade bodies as they both offer extensive education and training courses. They are the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied Funeral Directors. If he needs any help just let me know.

Frank – Thetford “I have recently been told by my son that he would like to become a Funeral Director, can you give any advice.”

If you have a question that you would like to ask Mark, please send it to: mark@mark-skinner.org.uk

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Chick Chick, Chick, Chick Chicken Lay A Little Egg For Me! Following on from the article in the February issue of About Thetford - `Birthday celebration raises money for cancer research`- three of Russ and Sue Webber’s friends decided Easter would be another ideal opportunity to raise funds not only to support Cancer Research UK but also another charity very close to our hearts - the Sick Children’s Trust for premature babies and sick children and parents at Addenbrooke’s.

We want to say not only a big thank you to the stores which so generously donated Easter Eggs but also to the many people in Thetford who have supported and encouraged us. Without all of you it could not have happened. We will advise the winner of the rabbit and confirm the total amount raised in the next issue of About Thetford. Sincere thanks, Happy Easter to all and here’s to stuffed Easter Chicks, 2019!

Sue Webber

Wendy Greenwood, quickly joined by two friends Janine Moore and Sylvia Saunders started clicking their knitting needles together and began knitting Easter chicks - their tums to be filled with creme eggs - the chicks not the ladies! They approached several Thetford stores, including Tesco, Sainsbury, Iceland, Aldi, Wilko and Roys, all of whom readily donated eggs to fill the chicks.

One store manager who did not stock creme eggs, even offered to help knit some! A rabbit donated by another friend, Mrs Jean Stone, is also being used to raise funds in a Guess My Name competition. To date, the girls have raised over £300 - and are still going. The money will be split equally between CRUK and Sick Children’s Trust.

Thetford Methodist Choir Family

Led By Sue Webber Celebrates 25 years of music; Big Sing Concert!

At Thetford Methodist Church Saturday 28th April 2018, 7.30pm Buffet Supper and Charity stalls available Donations in aid of Cancer Research UK

Wendy said, “Cancer certainly has affected my family.

I lost my Mum, Dad, brother and more recently my OPEN EVERY husband Chris, all to cancer. Thankfully my niece is AFTERNOON AND EVENING a survivor and now in remission.” Sylvia has also lost family to cancer and her daughter is having treatment at the moment. They both felt they wanted to get involved in fundraising to help find a cure for this devastating disease. Janine recently had a premature Great Granddaughter - Luna - who had to fight for her life. She had two major operations, one in the first few days of her life. The family were supported during the worrying time by to theMeasure Trust at Addenbrook’s and want1to 10/02/2017 say not Made 1/8th Advert_Layout 1 only thank you and help others in same situation.

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Later Life Planning Makes Sense Death is a subject that none of us want to dwell upon, inevitable as it will be.

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Nevertheless it is something that we should think about seriously, at least in terms of planning. This was the message brought home by Jackie Reeve, pictured below, guest speaker at Thetford Probus Club’s March meeting. As local Estate Planning Consultant, Ms Reeve spelt out making a Will, creating a Lasting Power of Attorney and other what is termed ‘later life planning’ is wise and sensible.

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Key to this planning is making a Will, creating Trusts where appropriate and determining the best arrangement for any property ownership. These will help to avoid any ambiguity and could minimise inheritance tax. The aim, Jackie emphasized, is ensuring perfect clarity about your wishes and what is to happen to your assets. Other aspects of ‘later life planning’ touched upon were making provision for any care that might be needed in the future, and taking out a funeral plan. This is a guaranteed way of fixing the cost of a funeral at the current price rather than later when it could have increased by around seven per cent annually. Ms Reeve indicated that funerals now cost from about £3,500 and upwards, so arranging a Pre-paid Funeral makes very good sense. Another reason to do this is to reduce the stress for dependents at a critical time.

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If anyone would like more information about any of the Estate Planning services mentioned, please contact Jackie direct on 07702 602082.

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The speaker for April’s Probus meeting is local historian David Osborne. Also during the month, an outing for members and partners will be a guided tour of the Stanta Battle Area followed by lunch at The Olde Windmill, Great Cressingham.

For your free quote call Marcus on tel: 01842 764564 or 07585 446563 Email: marcus@findlayservices.co.uk

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24

Befriending Service Up And Running TADDS Helping Hands Befriending Service officially launched their Befriending Service in January of this year. It has been a long process with lots of policy and procedure writing to make sure everything is in place to support their clients and volunteers. This week however, they had their first official befriender session, when volunteer Leanne took one of their clients, Albie, for a trip to the garden centre for a wander followed by hot chocolate and a cheese scone.

Joy, who is Albie’s partner and carer said “I was privileged to be the first recipient of this new and wonderful addition to our local dementia group TADDS. This service is only possible through the hard work and generosity of the volunteers giving their time to help others. They say, ‘if you want something done give it to a busy person’, well in Leanne’s case this is so true, she is a full-time wife and mother to three daughters but still finds time and energy to be a befriender to Albie and help at our Friday support group. Albie is 82 and has Alzheimer’s Disease, this couple of hours’ break enabled me to enjoy an uninterrupted FaceTime chat with family who are many miles away, but I could have read a book, taken a long bath or just sat and done nothing - until you have been a dementia carer you have no idea of just how stressful life becomes, and Albie benefited from a trip out and returned with colour in his cheeks and a lovely smile on his face.”

Leanne (left) with Albie enjoying a drink at Thetford Garden Centre

homes and who may be struggling to live well, to remain active and feel part of their local community. Albie and Joy are regulars at our Friday support group and it was a privilege to match them with a volunteer to give them both the support they deserve. Other clients and volunteers have now been matched and regular sessions are starting to happen, if anyone would like to volunteer, make use of the service, or just find out more, please get in touch.

Tiffin for TADDS Saturday 26th May from 10am til midday Old School at Thetford Grammar School, Bridge Street There will be Teas, Coffees, soft drinks, and of course cake!

For more information, contact Billie Lawler on 07710436655 or email: bkins1971@gmail.com

Jo Cooper, Co-ordinator of Helping Hands, said “We are so very grateful for the funding received to enable us to get this service up and running, it has already started to make such a difference to carers and people in our community who live with dementia to keep doing the things they love with the support of a volunteer. The free one-to-one support makes it easier for those who might sometimes feel isolated or find it difficult to leave their

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Rotary News The Rotary Club of Thetford collected recently at Tesco’s for Marie Curie. £1,300.22 was collected for this most wonderful cause. It was amazing when collecting how many people recognised this appeal and commented on how the Marie Curie organisation had helped them in their time of need and gave most generously. Our thanks go to Tesco who had allowed this collection in all the stores throughout the UK and do so annually.

Thanks also to the Rotarians and wives who helped with the collection and to Rotarians David Childerhouse and Tom Muir for organising.

On 6th March 2018 Rotary held its 64th Charter Dinner.

Rotary was established in Thetford in 1954 when 21 people attended the first meeting at The Bell Hotel.

Our President Brian Farrell outlined the details of the early meetings and those that attended. Brian then introduced our speaker for the evening who was Edward Edwards talking about “The Hovertrain Experments”.

Eddy is obviously a real and dedicated enthusiast and went in to great detail about the story of the rise and fall of Britain’s Wheel-Less Railway in the Sky. Christopher Cockerell an engineer had invented in the 1950’s a linear induction motor and in the gardens of Grove House in Hythe, Hampshire with his team produced a 600 foot long circular track with a glass fibre vehicle.

This first experiment was quite successful and the team gained government backing to create a full scale model and track in the Fens. They produced a 20 mile long track along the Ouse Washes from Erith to Downham Market. The scaling up proved very difficult and many alterations took place along the way. The RTV31 and guideway had to be radically redesigned as they encounted vibration issues which would have affected passenger comfort. In July 1970 some of the track collapsed and had to be rebuilt with improved beams and track. The final RTV31 Hovertrain using magnetic

Volunteers collecting for Marie Curie at Tesco recently

levitation was then built in Swindon and transported by road to Erith in 1972. The last test run was in February 1973. The project then ran out of money and the government refused to fund it any longer and the project was closed in February 1973. It was all finally demolished in 1975 and the vehicle was moved to Cranfield and then moved to Peterborough in 1995.

After a number of questions Rotarian John Gallen proposed a vote of thanks to Edward for a very informative talk.

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Victorian Spring Cleaning

Ancient House is doing a spring clean and we need some help! Join us on Tuesday 10th April for our Victorian Spring Cleaning Discovery Day.

Visitors are invited to step back in time and join costumed characters to find out how to spruce up the home Victorian style. Our Victorian forebears some 150 years ago believed cleaning was good for you and that the Spring was the best time for dusting, washing and polishing after the home had been shut up against the cold all winter. However some of the techniques used then were very different from today’s. Try your hand at shining up the copperware and learn how to clean using banana skins. Experience washing clothes as the Victorians did including using the museum’s mangle. There’s also the chance to make something to take home to freshen up your own clothes!

person, or £1 per person for Friends, Museums Pass holders, Museums Association and Art Fund members with a valid card and Children’s University members.

Admission to the museum is also included providing an inexpensive way to enjoy some time together during the school holiday. To complement this event there will also be a fun family trail, Mrs Newton’s Cleaning Cupboard, from Tuesday 10th April until Saturday 14th April. The cost of this is 50p per person plus museum admission and includes a small prize.

Ancient House Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm For Admission Fees and Further Information Visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/AncientHouse or call 01842 752599 Pop in for £.50 everyday 1 hour before closing. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/AncientHouse Find us on twitter: @ancienthousemus Facebook: /ancienthousemuseum Have a go at washing during Victorian Spring Cleaning Discovery Day at the museum

And for a break from their labours, the Victorians really enjoyed their afternoon tea. As part of the Discovery Day, visitors are invited to take our “tea test challenge”.

A variety of teas will be put out for visitors to guess which they are, and correct entries will be put into a draw to win a small prize. No afternoon tea would be complete without cucumber sandwiches and you can have a go at creating your own. Running from 10.00am until1.00pm, this is a drop-in event, the charge is £2 per Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements

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At Thetford Library in April Lego Club is here!

Starting on Friday April 20th 3:45pm - 5:00pm, (and then every Friday) the library will have plenty of Lego for over 5s. Be quick to turn up as space is limited, so it is the first 12 who arrive who get to create.

We need volunteers to assist with this club; volunteers can be 14 or over. Interested? Come to the library and pick up a volunteer application form.

Books and Boots Start with a ‘spring ‘ in your step and join Books and Boots - our monthly walking book club. Starting from the library we discuss the same book and walk a gentle and familiar 3 miles around the Nunnery Lakes, finishing with a cuppa in the library. April meeting Thursday 18th; 10:15am - 11:30am.

Easter Opening Please recall that we are closed on Good Friday, 30th March and also on Easter Monday Bank holiday, 2nd April. Open as normal at all other times.

For information on our opening hours and all our regular activities for children and adults from Baby Bounce and Rhyme to the Local History Group, Just a Cuppa to our new Home Education club call us on 01842 752048 or email: thetford.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

Home Library Services Would you like a Home Library Service? Or know someone that would benefit? The Home Library Service is aimed at older people who enjoy reading or listening to a recording but can't get out of the house, our home library services offer a vital link to the local library.

Royal Voluntary Service Books on Wheels volunteers bring a selection of books, large print, DVDs, CDs and audio tapes to older people in their home on a regular basis. The volunteer is also a friendly face and a useful check on the safety and well-being of the older person.

Older people who sign up to the service are asked to complete a questionnaire to indicate their tastes and preferences. In many instances, however, our volunteers will get to know those they are helping to such an extent that they will begin to make their own recommendations and bring a selection of books they believe will be of interest If you would like to use the Home Library Service contact Royal Voluntary Service on: 01603 397998 or email: norfolkhls@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Check out page 18 for details of the Silver Social project being held at Thetford Library in April Stamp and Collage Print Making Workshop

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30

‘With The Best of Will’

Partnership With Major Grocery Firm Gives Students Food For Thought

Well Made Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Vince Gregory and Thetford Academy’s Curriculum Lead for Performing Arts Helen Thomas Jones are equally excited to announce a joint project and production they will be bringing to audiences in April called; ‘With The Best of Will’.

New career skills were on the menu as students from a Thetford school earned a nationally recognised food safety qualification at a major food manufacturer.

A group of Year 11 students at Thetford Academy, pictured below, spent a day behind the scenes at 2 Sisters, one of Britain’s biggest food producers, which employs over 800 people at its Thetford poultry factory.

They toured the site and earned a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate by learning about safe food handling and storage. Thetford Academy worked with the Institute for Grocery Distribution to set up the partnership with 2 Sisters, with the aim of connecting students with major employers in the region’s food industry and boosting their employability skills. Students from the school have previously taken part in work experience at 2 Sisters, and its managing director is set to give a careers talk to sixth formers in May alongside a CV and interview skills workshop.

It will contain scenes from five of Shakespeare’s most popular plays and will include six, year 12 and 13 students in the casting who will have the opportunity to train, rehearse and perform alongside some well established, experienced, professional actors. Thetford Academy is very pleased and keen to set up a co joined effort to offer these students valuable work experience as required for their Level 3 Performing Arts course, which has not previously been available. The first performance will be 23rd April; William Shakespeare’s birthday which will be a Gala Performance to be held at Thetford Academy auditorium, a fine venue for the event. It will then be played at the Garboldisham Village hall on 27th and the Guildhall Thetford on the 28th, giving the students a complete experience of what it’s like to be a touring actor.

Thetford Academy students at their visit to 2 Sisters

Sue Scott, Careers Advisor at Thetford Academy, said: “Our students found the day really interesting and it increased their knowledge of the many careers available in the food industry, as well as giving them a valuable qualification for their CVs.”

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Arabian Nights Wows Audiences Thetford Grammar School Drama Department recently staged a fantastic production of 'Arabian Nights'. The play is an adaptation of the famous stories by Dominic Cooke that were revived by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2008.

The audience were treated to the transformation of Williamson Hall into an Alhambra, setting the scene perfectly. With a cast created from across Senior School and Sixth Form, the production was one of the strongest yet at TGS. King Shahrayar played by Ben Doyle, takes a new bride every day. By morning, the new Queen Shahrazad – Maia Chalfen, is to be put to death like all the young brides before her. But she has the gift that could save her - the gift of storytelling.

Cast and crew for Arabian Nights

that everyone watching was enchanted and on occasion surprised! This year's production has been a labour of love with Thetford Grammar School Head of Drama, Mrs Boyce and the pupils and students involved giving up countless hours after school to rehearse. It was certainly worth all the hard work as the performance was colourful, energetic and as mesmerising as Shahrazad’s stories. The creative team should also be congratulated for the set, costumes, make-up, artwork, props, lighting and sound and all the hard work put in back stage.

Narrated by Cecily White, the stories performed included Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Es Sindibad the Sailor, The story of Aladdin and the magic lamp and The story of the little beggar. Sterling performances "The pupils worked so hard and put on such a fabulous included Franziska Elders, Max Albury, Tom Hayden and performance” said Mrs Boyce. “I would like to draw Oliver Floyd and Michael Heslop who played a variety of special attention to Year 11 Rory White for his technical characters stories. From the audience wizardy, Mr G's HPacross Easterseveral Advert.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2018 15:09 Page as well1 as the Sixth Form students for whom reaction, and the roaring laughter at times it was clear this will be their last production.”

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Tackling Street Homelessness By Volunteer mentoring those most at risk!

Who doesn’t want to eradicate street homelessness in Thetford? We think we have a new solution to homelessness - and it’s you.

Did you know that there is more to homelessness than just rough sleeping? We know there is homelessness in Thetford as we have a number of hostels, some expensive housing as well as occasional rough sleeping, especially in the town centre.

A recent ‘Your Own Place’ session

in Thetford young people have been found sleeping in tents in the forest because they can’t get housed.

People of all ages can find themselves ‘sofa surfing’ too.

This means that with no means of securing a home, often young people, hop between friends’ houses, making it impossible to hold down a job, look for work or get their clothes or themselves clean. This can quickly become cycle that is hard to break right in the heart of our town. Some young people right now are going to be the future homeless population.

and motivation to do something in your local community that makes a real difference.

We’ll be training in Thetford on 10th and 11th July as well as all over Norfolk. If you’re a member of the public, a local employer or community champion, please get in touch and get involved in making a real difference today!

Your Own Place CIC operates across Norfolk. We’re a social enterprise that works with over 150 young people a year to prevent them from becoming the future homeless population. We were founded in 2013 by Rebecca White who was recently featured in the Natwest Wise100 women social entrepreneurs in the country. For more information, please use the contact details below to get in touch with us.

We know enough about the circumstances that lead to homelessness to do something about it early. It’s not just down to local government agencies or charities.

The solutions lie within us and our communities.

Contact Details

At Your Own Place we’re working with employees of local businesses as well as the public to provide trained and motivated Volunteer Mentors. Once trained you will mentor those young people that lack support as they make their way in the ever-complex world. Our pledge to you, our valued volunteer mentors, is two-days of superb training that will develop new skills, confidence

E-mail: rebecca@yourownplace.org.uk Telephone: 07530 028446 Website: www.yourownplace.org.uk www.facebook/com/youngpeopleintranstion www.twitter.com/yourownplace

Barry Martin

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Decca & Premier AD 06 February 2018 14:18:53

Thetford Garden and Allotment Club After the visit from the ‘Beast from the East’ at the beginning of March, who knows what the weather will throw at us this month. Hopefully the ground will be warming up and the milder days will allow the sowing of hardier seeds. Leave the frost-prone areas of your garden or allotment and see what you can do in the sheltered parts.

Flowers at a previous Garden & Allotment Club Show Photo by Yvonne Rout

In the vegetable garden, prepare the ground for beans with a trench of compost if you can spare it. If you have nothing better, bury some layers of cardboard as this will hold the moisture. If you put in your canes for the runner beans and climbing French beans now the site will be ready for plants started indoors. (The club sales hut is open on Saturday mornings 10-11.45 on the London Road site so that members can get canes, Growmore, compost, etc. at non-profit prices.)

The month starts with the Spring Show on Saturday 7th April in the Methodist Church Hall. Entries should be brought in between 8.30am and 11am and the show is open to the public from 1 to 2.30pm; there is a charge of 50p for viewing, though entry is free if you have brought in an exhibit. Anyone can show their flowers, culinary produce, Easter bonnet, etc. The details of all 43 classes have been included in the member’s diary but can also be obtained from the Leaping Hare office.

The club has a Facebook page for clarification as well.

In the garden this is the time to prune fig trees – maybe this is the year when it will be hot enough for fruit to ripen! If you wish to divide bamboos, you will need a mattock or axe (according to the RHS) so not a job for the faint-hearted. Bamboos can be lovely with their elegant shape and variety of heights but it is important to choose a clump-forming type rather than one that is described as spreading, as these can quickly become invasive. Once bulbs have flowered, a sprinkling of feed around the leaves will help a new flowering bulb to form for next year. It is worth watering the leaves as they die Sullivan Advert_Layout 1 14/12/2016 08:28 down if the1-8th weather is hot and dry for any length of time.

You can be sowing some seeds this month. In the flower bed, hardy annuals should be happy outside and half-hardy seeds can be sown in the greenhouse or on the windowsill. In the vegetable area you can sow beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard, leeks, spring onions, peas etc. Check the back of the packet as varieties differ (use your instinct with the weather conditions).

Our meeting this month should be of wide appeal as Derek Archer is coming to speak on Bonsai trees.

Derek is also an expert on orchids so can give advice on their care too. All are welcome at our meetings: 7.15 for a 7.30 start at the URC Hall on Earl Street on the last Thursday of the month - 26th April on this occasion.

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Happy gardening! Sue Pilgrim

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Mothering Sunday Pop Up Garden

Thetford Open Gardens

Plant Sale

Thetford Open Gardens had the first “pop up” garden of the year on Mothering Sunday.

Saturday May 5th 2018

9am – 12 noon Thetford Open Gardens Sunday July 1st 2018 11am-5pm

Cecily, Karen and Maggie enjoying the snowdrops at the recent ‘pop-up garden

This was to say goodbye to the snowdrops and welcome the start of the daffodil and tulip season. Sadly the weather wasn’t as predicted, but over 20 brave people came to see the snowdrops, hellebores and the early flowering white forsythia. Perhaps the cream tea was the real attraction, as £117 was handed over to St Nicholas Hospice Care. We will be having some more spring gardens open, several of which will not be open on July 1st, so do watch out for them on Facebook, or Twitter @Thetopengardens.

Outside St Cuthbert’s Church Near Thetford’s Market Square In collaboration with Thetford Garden and Allotment Club

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Four And Twenty Blackbirds During the icy blast of a couple of weeks ago, a Blackbird was busy building a nest in my Thetford garden, diving into the ivy with beaksful of what looked like dead grasses. The cold weather didn’t seem to slow her down and the last few days have seen her going in with beaksful of mud and grass, indicating that she is in the final stage of building what will hopefully become home for a young family of Blackbirds.

Blackbirds usually lay 3-4 beautiful pale green eggs, coloured with varying amounts of reddish mottling and speckling. The female does all of the incubation, sitting on the eggs for around fourteen days. Once they hatch both sexes feed the young with a variety of invertebrate food but if they are available earthworms are a favourite.

After another fourteen days, or so, the young leave the nest and can be heard noisily calling for food. At around ten days the young become independent and you would think the adults would now take a well-earned rest; this is invariably not the case. Blackbirds can raise as many as four broods in a year, sometimes using the same nest, at others building a completely new one. This behaviour helps cement the Blackbirds position as one of our most common and widespread birds.

Jill Pakenham / BTO

with beautiful Blackbird song, arguably one of the most beautiful of all our bird songs, and well worth the early start. Sound travels better in the cool air and it can sound like the whole town is alive with Blackbirds.

Right now many of our garden birds will be either starting to build a nest or thinking about it. Early nesters can include Robin, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Wren and Long-tailed Tit. You can find more information about our garden birds at www.bto.org/GBW Safe Gas 1/4th Advert_Layout 1 08/12/2016 07:54 Page 1 Paul Stancliffe British Trust for Ornithology

Around five million pairs breed in the UK, from the northern tip of Shetland to the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. All they really need is a bit of cover; my ivy seems to fit the bill perfectly as this is the third year running they have used it. Also top of the list is a lawn to hunt for worms and somewhere for the young to hide once they leave the nest – our gardens tend to be perfect.

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Events at Knettishall Heath - April

Redgrave and Lopham Fen

Families: Forest Fables Friday 6th April, 2pm-4pm Can you tell wildlife myths from wildlife fact?

Age: Families. Cost: £4 child / £2 adult.

Wildlife Watch Group Saturday 14th April & 12th May, 10.30am-12.30pm A club for 6-12 year olds, £2 Contact marcus.halmshaw@btinternet.com Or call 01379 688333

Fun Wildlife Games and Activities Sunday 8th April, 10am-12pm, Children: Junior Rangers Age: Unaccompanied 6-12 year olds. Cost: £2.

Time To Paint Fridays 27th April & 25th May, 10am-2pm £5 donation, includes tea and cake All welcome, no need to book. Contact 01379 688333 Guided Fen Walks Saturdays 7th April & 5th May, 10.30am-1pm £4. Meet at the Education Centre. No need to book.

For a full list of events in April visit the About Thetford magazine website: www.aboutthetfordmagazine.co.uk or www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Young Wardens.

Sunday 8th April,1pm-3pm Practical conservation activities.

Age: Unaccompanied 11-15 year olds. Cost: £3.

Families: Spring Safari Wednesday 11th April, 2pm-4pm Searching for springtime heathland creatures.

Age: Families Cost: £4 child / £2 adult.

Walk: Dawn Chorus Sunday 6th May, 4.00am, Listen to and identify birdsong with the ranger and an expert birder.

Cost: £4. Sorry, no dogs Booking essential for all events.

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Cats Protection - Fundraising Our branch of Cats Protection (covering all of Breckland) has to be self-sufficient. This includes very large vet’s bills, usually between £1500 and £2000 a month at our vets in Thetford, and we use lots of other vets as well.

We have a neutering budget every year from our Head Office, so the vet’s fees do not include the cost of neutering. All the cats and kittens we take in are checked over by the vet, flea’d and wormed, vaccinated, microchipped and where necessary, neutered. Some cats or kittens come to us with other problems requiring veterinary treatment which costs more money. Of course, all the cats in our care have to be fed, sometimes on specialist food which can be expensive. And we get through a large amount of litter too! We have various collection bins around the area - one in Tesco in Brandon and one in Pets at Home in Thetford where kind people can donate cat food. We also feed 3 colonies of feral cats twice a week on an industrial estate in Thetford. All these cats have been neutered by us so they can’t reproduce. Our adoption fee for cats and kittens is £60 each, which also helps towards our vet fees. As an animal charity we are always at full capacity and can only take in another cat when one has been homed, freeing up another space.

We go to great lengths to raise money. We have a sale about 6 times a year at St. Cuthbert’s Church Hall in Thetford where we sell jumble, bric-a-brac, books, toys, tombola and lots more. And we have two lovely ladies who give up their Saturdays to set up stalls outside St. Cuthbert’s with tombola and anything else that they think they can sell. They can raise as much as a couple of hundred pounds each time, which goes a big way towards our vet fees.

money on at the recycling centre. The amount we make depends on the weight of the metal. We accept anything that we can sell to make money. If you have unwanted items, whether it is clothing, books, or bric-a-brac, and we are always very grateful. However, we cannot accept furniture as we have limited storage space. Just give us a call on the number at the bottom of this page and we will get back in touch with you. We are always looking for new ideas on how to raise money, so if you can give us any pointers, we will be much obliged.

For advice or information, or if you need help with the cost of neutering, please call Breckland Cats Protection on 01842 810018.

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All our classes are Yoga or Pilates inspired. With classes suitable for beginners or individuals looking to improve core strength gently, for those needing a mind & body release through to the clients that enjoy to feel every muscle worked in a controlled way or maybe you love the sweat. Something for everyone. Check out our timetable.

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The reason is our hands are continually exposed to sun damage, extreme temperature changes which can cause extreme dryness, pigmentation or age spots. The skin can look thinner due to the loss of elasticity. Although we can’t turn back the time we can protect the skin by using regular moisturiser, especially those containing SPF (sun protection Factor). Over the years we have been conditioned to use SPF in our face products but tended not to follow through on the hands.

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Wearing gloves will help protect the hands whilst doing jobs such as gardening and cleaning. In the salon, we offer IPL skin rejuvenation which using intense pulse light to target areas such as the hands and other areas of the body. We achieve excellent results rejuvenating the skin, removing pigmentation and age spots and giving the hands a much more youthful appearance. Most clients only need 1-2 treatments to obtain fabulous results. We do required a consultation and patch test prior to this treatment

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The Marquetry Society The Marquetry Society of Thetford involves making artistic masterpieces out of wooden veneers. Marquetry is an inexpensive way of starting up a new hobby, which can become a skill that is developed through the leisurely pastime. The society first began 2 years ago last October, and is currently made up of 12 members both male and female. Judy from the society says “I joined before Christmas, and we giggle all the time.”

They meet between 2-4pm on the third Wednesday of every month in St Cuthberts Church Hall. There is no annual subscription, just £2 per session. The group is led by John, who has enjoyed creating pieces of art through marquetry for 40 years. He first began when his Father hadn’t had much luck with a kit, and so handed the kit over to John who has enjoyed the hobby since he left school. Jean, a member of the society says, “it’s hard work and you have to concentrate, but it’s relaxing.” Wooden veneers and a cutting knife will be provided, however cellotape and PVA glue will have to be brought to the sessions yourself.

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RudlingsWakelam

Solicitors

And the survey says‌..

Buyers carry out a survey additional to the basic valuation required by lenders. The most common misconception with those Buyers reliant on a mortgage is that their lender will carry out the survey for them.

Whilst some lenders may offer a survey as part of their product or at an additional charge most will just carry out a basic valuation. Below I explain the three different types of surveys available:

Mortgage Lenders Valuation Report:

This is the survey the lender carries out when they are considering a mortgage offer. It is a mandatory requirement for any Buyer reliant on a mortgage. The purpose of the survey is to advise the lender whether the property will make a suitable return should the Buyer default on the mortgage. The report does not comment on the structural soundness or any defects the property may have. It is merely a report on the current market value of the property.

Home Buyers Report:

A homebuyers report will comment on the quality of the property. It is a survey more suited to newer properties, which means properties less than 70 years old. This survey points out to the Buyer any areas of concern such as damp or woodworm and indicates an estimated cost of repair. When instructing a surveyor some lenders will offer, at an additional charge, to have their surveyor carry out this survey.

Full Structural Survey: This is more comprehensive and as such time-consuming and costly to the Buyer. It is a survey more suited to older properties, which may have timber frames, thatched roofing or are listed.

It would also be the more appropriate survey for any Buyer considering having significant works carried out on the property. As the name suggests it will comment on the structure, major and minor faults and any areas of concern.

It is important to note that the responsibility for investigating the property lies with the Buyer and their solicitor. The Seller has a limited duty to disclose latent defects in the property. The survey will advise the Buyer of any concerns which can then be duly forwarded to the Seller during pre-contract enquiries. This may then result in the defect being corrected, a re-negotiated purchase price or indeed neither of these.

It is important when buying a property to make your own investigations in the first instance. A Buyer should always visit the property and inspect as much as possible.

By doing this you may find areas of concern that you can ask the surveyor to pay particular attention to.

Most Surveyors are regulated by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. You can find a local surveyor at www.rics.org.uk.

When looking to purchase a property a Buyer should be focused on finding out as much about that property as possible as its likely to be the biggest investment you make. It is important to understand what you are buying, whether it is worth the money you are paying and whether there are likely to be any significant expenses in the future. Surveys are one way of achieving this.

For more information contact Michael Riches on 01842 754151

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About Thetford is printed by www.reflex-litho.co.uk

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Thetford – A World Of Opportunity.

After ten years of success and continued growth the Thetford Business Forum (TBF) has started the anniversary year with a new visual identity and a strategy in place to work as a business community; to attract inwards investment, as well as to market the industry strengths in the area to attract employees to the town.

Over the past ten years the group has evolved and now has over 80 members, all keen to raise the profile of the town as a place to do business. Working on creating a vision of the town based on the strength of different business sectors including - engineering and manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, retail, professional services, warehousing and advanced supply chain logistics, creative and tech industries, agriculture, conservation and equine and pharmaceuticals. The forum aims to reach out to other cities and towns as well as educational establishments to showcase why Thetford is accessible and a great choice to relocate to. The forum is working with local government organisations with similar responsibilities.

The TBF unveiled the new look at West Suffolk College on Tuesday 13th March. The event is being held at the college to launch the Thetford Business Forum roadshow and to celebrate the success of working with students from the college on the Place 21 project.

Business representatives at the recent roadshow held at West Suffolk College

Director of The Lively Crew, Valerie Watson-Brown from Thetford Business Forum said; “Thetford has an amazing business community with many market leaders based in and around the town. This includes multi-national companies working in technically advanced industries, making the town a perfect place for individuals looking for a career or for companies looking to relocate�.

Working with the college students (potential employees of the future) the partnership has developed a Place 21 pilot project to match employers with students, so young people gain knowledge of industry types and the variety of work on offer within. 52 students were placed in the town over a two-week period in February with 30 Thetford businesses. Moving forward the roadshow will roll out to places like Bury and Cambridge with different Thetford businesses representing the town each time.

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Delighted Doris Lands £100 A Thetford woman received an early Easter treat of £100 after winning a competition held by The Nottingham to celebrate its new branch in the town.

Doris Goulding was delighted to receive a call informing her that her name had been drawn out of the hat after she entered a no obligation prize draw at a recent ‘branch warmer’. The event also saw Doris come face to face with some Nottinghamshire folklore as Robin Hood and Little John were also in attendance. Doris returned to the branch this week to be presented with the money by cluster manager Sharon Clark. The Thetford branch of The Nottingham.

Cluster manager Sharon Clark presents Doris Goulding with her prize.

Whole of Market mortgage advice and local estate The Nottingham Building Society (The Nottingham) agency services. The Thetford Branch of ‘The operates in 67 locations across eleven counties. Nottingham’ is located in the Town Centre on King Established in 1849, it is the ninth largest Building Street. For more information, visit the website; Society in the UK with assets of over £3.9bn. The www.thenottingham.com Nottingham is an award-winning regional building society and estate agency operating across the UK with branches in areas including Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. It offers a broad range ofMCP building society services1 such as mortgages HP Advert_Layout 12/02/2016 16:45 and Page 1 savings as well as independent financial planning,

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Full Steam Ahead For Jobs Support

Job Vacancies

A new project aimed at supporting people into employment is set to launch in Thetford following succesful grant funding applications.

Project Co-ordinator, Full Steam Ahead - LIFT 37 hours per week, £18,500 per annum.

Fixed 2 year contract. Co-ordinate project on behalf of Charles Burrell Centre Ltd

The aptly titled ‘Full Steam Ahead’ project based at the Charles Burrell Centre has recently secured funding from the Local Investment In Future Talent (LIFT) scheme administered by Norfolk County Council which uses funding by the European Social Fund. A further grant from Breckland Council in March provided the final piece of funding meaning the project can launch.

Over a two year period, 80 individuals will be able to undertake work experience placements at the Centre and will be provided with personal development support and able to access a training package. The budget allows for eligible participants in the rural communities surrounding Thetford to receive transport support and there’s potentially support with childcare costs as well.

Project Administrator, Full Steam Ahead - LIFT 18.5 hours per week*, £16,750 per annum, pro rata Co-ordinate administration tasks on behalf of project Finance Administrator, CBC Ltd 18.5 hours per week*, £16,750 per annum, pro rata Co-ordinate finance administration tasks on behalf of Charles Burrell Centre Ltd including invoicing * We will consider combining the two administration related roles if there is a suitable candidate interested in a 37 hour a week role.

Full Steam Ahead project funded by ‘LIFT’, using funding from the European Social Fund, Breckland Council and Charles Burrell Centre Ltd For a full application pack, including job description, contact mark@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk

60 year old Rosemarie began a work placement at the Centre in 2015 after being referred by the local Job Centre through ‘Ceetec’. Rosemarie had been made redundant by a previous employer and was struggling to find work, complicated by health concerns. After completing her voluntary placement, the Centre management was so impressed with her work ethic she was offered a 30 hour a week contract and has continued to work at the Centre ever since. She said: “I didn’t think I’d ever get a job again. The CBC gave me a chance and its changed my life”.

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Anyone interested in taking part with the project can register their interest by contacting the Centre on 01842 779867 or popping in to see a member of staff.

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Thetford Voices Local support in the form of recent grants from Thetford Town Council and Cynthia Della Hoy's Croxton Charity, with further awards from the Chivers Trust and Norfolk County Council’s Arts Project Fund, means that Thetford Voices is able to offer its popular singing programme for children and young people once again in 2018.

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Children at Raleigh Infant School and Nursery had a colourful time celebrating Holi.

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The children enjoyed a fantastic day of learning about the Hindu celebration of Holi where they learnt the story behind Holi, special Bollywood dances and ended with a fantastic display of colours in the throwing of brightly coloured powder paint in the afternoon. Kalpesh Zalavadiya from K’z dance worked tirelessly and was full of energy all day supporting the children to learn the dance techniques and also got involved in the powder throwing in the afternoon. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves one child said “I got covered in paint, my whole face was green like the Hulks”. Mrs Purvis (Acting Head Teacher) said “The children had a fun filled day learning about the Holi Festival They enjoyed learning and performing a whole school dance and getting covered in paint at the end of the day”

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Thetford’Calendar Competition

Calling photographers of all ages and abilities!

Thetford Calendar Competition is OPEN and you have until 31st May 2018 to get your entries in if you would you like one of your photos to become part of the the final 12. The calendars will be on sale from September with all proceeds going to keep Thetford’s Great Information Centre open.

Each photographer will receive full accreditation and About Thetford magazine will then publish the final 12 and you will be able to vote on the overall winner, who will take pride of place on the front cover. Get those creative juices flowing, be inspired by our beautiful town – the river, wildlife, trees, flowers, architecture – entries are already coming in and with the new leaves of Spring about to appear there is no better time to get out there with your camera.

You can enter up to 5 photos in total and you can email them to info@leapinghare.org or hard copies can be delivered to Thetford’s Great Information Centre. Full terms and conditions are also available at leapinghare.org

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Barnham Action Group Next meeting will be Monday 16th April, 6pm - 6.30pm for surgery time with Councillors and agencies. 6.30pm main meeting.

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Croxton Road Community Association Next meeting will be taking place on Monday 9th April, at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 7.30pm. Refreshments available. Foodbank donations welcomed. Contact Ian Dixon, Chairman - 01842 765890 for more info.

Norwich Road Residents’ Association Next meeting: Thursday 26th April 2018 at 7.30pm Church On The Way, Churchill Road.

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Thetford Town Council Full Council Meeting - Open to the public. Tuesday 24th April, starting at 7pm with a 15 minute Open Forum for the public to ask questions. Agenda available via: www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk Other Committee Meetings: Amenities, Land and Property Committee on the 4th April from 2pm.

Planning Committee on the 10th April from 7pm.

Venues, Events and Marketing on the 11th April from 1pm and Finance Committee on the 17th April from 6pm. Additionally, there will be an Allotment Committee meeting on the 12th April from 10am and a Cemetery Committee meeting on the 12th from 11.30am. All meetings at Kings House unless otherwise stated on the Agenda.

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Spring Awaits I promise you, Spring is just around the corner, so time to dust off those golf clubs and get back into the ‘swing’ of it!

Get into Golf or Get Back into Golf in 2018. With this initiative we are offering Group Lessons on Friday mornings for those interested in improving their game or for those of you who would like to start. You don’t have to be a member of the Club, everyone is welcome.

Feltwell Golf Club pictured in the recent snow You equally don’t need to buy yourself a set of clubs you rather have individual lessons these too can be until you are sure you’ve really ‘got the bug!’. We can arranged either for a Friday or at a time to suit you. supply all the equipment you need for the lessons; Make sure you follow us on Facebook to keep up to date we just ask you to wear trainers. One group of ladies with all that’s going on at Feltwell Golf Club. Watch out started after Christmas, braving all the winter weather too, in the near future, for notices regarding an Open had to throw at them and they have come back for more Day later in the year, aimed at everyone. You can come – so why not join them on Friday mornings at 9.30am. up, try out the course, sample the catering, meet the Either turn up on the day to talk to us or contact the club members and see what the Club has to offer you. beforehand on 01842 827644. Alternatively, you can email Lisa Nunn; lisa@spectrumaluminium.com, For more information on Green Fees and membership Denise Whiting on denisewhiting0509@gmail.com please contact Kim Heybourne, Secretary at Feltwell or contact us through our Facebook Page. We are also Golf Club (next to Feltwell Air Base) on 01842 827644 organising group lessons for improvers from 10.30am or Denise Whiting on 01842 862079. Remember you Simon Long HP Advert_Layout 1 18/04/2011 11:35are Page on a Friday, whether you are a member or non-member never1 too young or too old to start playing golf and of the Club, again everyone is welcome. Should we look forward to seeing you soon!

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Easter Treats!!

Tesco Cash For Dolphins

It’s that time of year again, the shelves in the stores are flooded with chocolate eggs and big discounts on sweet treats in general! If you’re like me and have a sweet tooth, sometimes it’s hard to know when to stop!

During the months of November and December, Thetford Dolphins took part in the Tesco’s Bags of Help project and won £4,000 to go towards the remaining cost of a new sound system alongside the grant received from Thetford Town Council of £2,000.

Easter eggs can start to be sold from as soon as January, so you may have found yourself avoiding the aisle ends for a few months now but here’s some top tips on how to curb your cravings and not buckle to the ‘buy 2 get 2 free’ offers!! * Write a list when you go shopping – It can be nice to browse and pick up something new but knowing what you’re going to the store for and following through with it will help deter you from snacking on that sweet treat that you just happened to pick up while travelling back home with your shopping! * Head to the shops after eating – Rule 101 of shopping! If you go to do your shopping while hungry or with a sugar craving you’re gonna stake out the sweet, biscuit and chocolate aisles and see what you can feed your tummy with (I do it – sometimes) normally regretting it after.

Reps from Thetford Dolphins with Sarah Douthwaite, Tesco Community Champion (far left)

Some of the Tesco’s money was used for a training session we held at the London Aquatic Centre which was a fantastic experience for the swimmers and we hope to do this again. The remaining money will be spent on computing and equipment for the AOE (Automatic Officiating Equipment) room at the sports centre which is where recordings take place during galas. We want to thank Sarah Douthwaite, Community Champion, from Tesco’s for awarding us with a cheque accompanied by her daughter Kerry Douthwaite who is a past Dolphin swimmer. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the two months. For any information please see our website: www.thetforddolphins.com

* Shopping online – It can be boring, but it could also save you a lot of money over the course of a year from not picking up the odd bits you may come across in store.

We all love Easter, whether it’s another excuse to see family, have a snack out of your favourite egg (or 10) a long weekend off work or heading away you should enjoy yourself! Everything in moderation, enjoy your egg and your Easter break!

Column By Richard Taylor

Did you know? * A crème egg has 26 grams of sugar in it * A male’s daily recommended amount of sugar is 38 grams * A female’s daily recommended amount of sugar is 25 grams

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Parkrunner Of The Month - April 2018 Parkrunner of the Month is the amazing Luvuyo Mfazwe. Luvuyo, 37, from South Africa, moved to the UK almost 13 years ago. Luvuyo joined Thetford parkrun in May 2016, following recommendations by his friends Natalie and Dave. Luvuyo completed his first parkrun in a good time of 30 minutes and 22 seconds. Luvuyo has now completed 64 parkruns with his fastest time of 19 minutes and 24 seconds completed in January 2018.

Luvuyo has impressed the Thetford parkrun team and other parkrun members with the quick improvement with his running and tremendous weight loss. Less than 2 years ago Luvuyo weighed 23 stone and has lost an impressive 8 stone.

Luvuyo soon settled into the parkrun family and has impressed many with such a significant improvement in his weight loss, transformation in body shape and athletic ability. Unusually, Luvuyo very quickly started to run longer distances, completing the Norfolk Coastal Marathon in December 2016. The Positive Steps event had a challenging terrain along the coastal pathways of North Norfolk and Luvuyo completed the event in 6 hours and 35 minutes. Luvuyo to date has completed 16 marathons and 3 ultra marathons.

So what does Luvuyo have in store for the future?

He wishes to complete the famous Comrades ultra marathon and Two Oceans Marathon, both events are in South Africa. Apart from that he would like to do a few triathlons but said he needs to polish up on his swimming first.

Luvuyo really has impressed parkrun Event Director Melanie Sturman, with his enthusiasm for running and his ability to complete ultra marathons. An ultra marathon is recorded as an event which is longer than 27 miles. Luvuyo completed the Norfolk 100k (62 miles), event in June 2017 in 15 hours and 16 minutes and also completed the Stour Valley 100k event in August 2017 in 15 hours and 18 minutes. Luvuyo said his favourite event to date is the Stour Valley 100k event.

Luvuyo continues to be an active member of Thetford parkrun and has recently joined Thetford Athletic Club.

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