AUGUST 2022 About Thetford magazine

AUGUST 22

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE

199

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IN THIS ISSUE

THETFORD CALENDAR FINALISTS

About Thetford Cover_Aug 22_v1.indd 1

CHARLES BURRELL CENTRE COMMUNITY DAY

SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT THETFORD LIBRARY

JOURNEY’S END FOR PJ PLUS LOTS MORE!!

20/07/2022 10:58

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• Sales • Lettings • Property Management •

Keeping You Busy This

Summer

news as PJ the Cuckoo We bring you a bit of sad setting the BTO page was I has passed away. As p but think what a legacy this month I couldn’t hel nowingly?) left as his PJ has (presumably unk d to our knowledge of ute trib many flights have con page 29. these birds. Full story on on ust, there’s lots going Looking ahead to Aug the at ge llen r Reading cha with the annual Summe t es at Thetford’s Ancien iviti act of lots and Library a new of ails det you g brin House Museum. We also ch ajah Duleep Singh whi exhibition about Mahar of. nch lau the nd d to atte Karen and I were please some e hav will we nth mo Towards the end of the ing to Thetford Priory and fantastic live theatre com rell the annual Charles Bur in September we have ting hos also is tre Cen The Centre Community Day. this month on Mondays free NHS health checks le at Thetford Library on and these are also availab and do!

Fridays - so much to see Terry Jermy, d magazine tfor The ut Editor, Abo

Inside this month...

Page 5 - CBC Community Day Page 7 - Andy’s Lifesaving Gift Page 9 - Thetford Open Gardens Page 10 - Leaping Hare News Page 11 - New Duleep Singh Exhibition Page 12 - The Hollow Review Page 13 - Bowls Club At Risk Page 14 - Safer Thetford Action Group Page 17 - Help For Pensioners Page 19 - School Performs With Singers Page 20 & 21 - Calendar Finalists Page 25 - Salon Opens Academy Page 26 - Ancient House Museum Page 29 - Farewell PJ The Cuckoo Page 34 - Summer Reading Challenge Page 37 - Looking At A 4 Day Week Page 38 - Thetford Ladies FC Image: Afternoon tea in the garden ©neiljamesmedia.com

About Thetford magazine is printed on carbon balanced paper in Norfolk CBP009364

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The email address for all articles, adverts etc: aboutthetfordmagazine@gmail.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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Tickets On Sale For Priory Events Tickets are on sale now for two fantastic live theatre performances due to take place at Thetford’s medieval priory.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company will perform a new production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet on 31st August, followed by family favourite pantomime, Cinderella the following day, 1st September. The shows have recently been touring across Ireland and the UK.

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Thetford Priory - Home to live theatre this summer Photo by Neil James Garrod

Councillor Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth at Breckland Council said: "We're thrilled to be bringing these fantastic performances to Thetford and to be making the most of the wonderful Priory”.

Romeo and Juliet, a classic story packed with feuding families and two star-crossed lovers trying to find happiness is sure to be a highlight for the open-air theatre season. Meanwhile, Cinderella will take attendees on a magical journey to a far-away enchanted kingdom, featuring silly songs, panto puns and pumpkin carriages, where nearly anything is possible especially if it's before midnight. Children and visitors of all ages are invited to dress in their favourite fairytale characters and join the midsummer ball!

Councillor Mike Brindle representative for the Thetford Priory Ward said; “I am very pleased that there has been so much interest in these events, I am sure that they will be very enjoyable.

I am pleased that the Priory is being used for this purpose - we are so lucky in Thetford to have such a wonderful space available on our doorstep” For more information and to book tickets for either show, including a family ticket offer for Cinderella, visit the website: www.chapterhouse.org or contact the Thetford Town Council Box Office on 01842 754247.

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CBC Community Day We are getting very excited for our Community Day at Charles Burrell Centre - taking place this year on Sunday 4th September.

There is so much planned for you to enjoy. We will open at 10am and close at 4pm. Parking is free (at Pine Trees School) playing field and it’s free to attend too. The Engine Room Café will be open serving you drinks, cakes and other treats of course. The Main Hall will be filled with stallholders and Thetford Short Mat Bowling teams. Our main field will be packed with traders, community groups and charities, Larry Gray will be bringing a bouncy castle and a funfair ride or two. There will be performances throughout the day in the Community Display Arena. Also on the field will be food vendors, a chocolate fountain and Mel’s Happy Dayz Bar.

Last year we invited you to help create a huge piece of artwork that is now displayed in our corridor at CBC. This year we have another fun and creative activity that we need your help with!

There will also be information points on getting involved in the Queen’s Jubilee Challenge and the Queens Green Canopy too.

Look out for our Facebook event page detailing the traders and community groups that will be showcasing what they do. If you are a local trader or community group that would like to get involved email Billie: billie@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk

CBC Community Day returns on Sunday 4th September, 10am - 4pm

Throughout August the Centre will be open as usual including the Burrell Shop and the Engine Room café serving delicious cakes and hot meals.

Free Community Dinners will be held on the 2nd, 16th and 30th August. These are open and free to all, there is no need to book, just pop in between 5pm and 6.30pm to enjoy a lovely homecooked two course meal. The Engine Room Café have a Summer Holiday Special - a Children’s Packed Lunch FREE when their grown up spends £2.50.

We are also very happy to be hosting the free ‘Read and Feed’ initiative with the help of Norfolk Libraries, Keystone Trust and the Thetford Community Association, this is sponsored by Hubbub and the Cynthia Della Hoy’s Croxton charity. If you are aged 8 - 11 years, please have your parent/carer sign you up for all or any of the four dates; 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August between noon and 2pm. You will be able to explore the mobile library, enjoy some storytelling, cook and eat lunch and take part in some other fun games and activities.

Many of you have asked about the concrete area at the front of the Centre and you will soon be able to see what it’s all about! Our ‘Friendly Bench’ is taking shape nicely and will be installed on 2nd August. See link for more info: www.thefriendlybench.co.uk/ Nik Chapman, CBC Chief Executive

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Andy’s Lifesaving Gift Only 1% of people currently die in circumstances where organ donation is possible. This means that every potential donor is precious.

Cyclist Andy Hornby, 50, was training for a triathlon when he was involved in a serious collision. Sadly, he wasn’t able to survive his injuries. He donated his kidneys, liver, heart valves, eyes, bone and tendons, which has been a great source of comfort to his family. Andy’s wife, Charlotte, said: “We did not expect Andy’s life to come to a sudden end, but I am so grateful that we had that conversation because it made it easier, and I could not think of a reason to say no. To give the gift of life is one of the most precious things anyone can do.”

Andy Hornby with his daughter and wife.

Andy’s donated organs gave others the chance of life after his death

Even though the laws around organ donation 60 transplants taking place. More than 415,00 have now changed to an opt out system in England, Scotland and Wales, families will people in Norfolk are on the NHS Organ Donor Register. To join the NHS Organ Donor Register always be consulted before organ donation goes visit: organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300123 23 23 ahead. Organ Donation Week runs from 19 to 25 or register your decision via the NHS app.

September 2022 and provides a great opportunity to show your support by registering as an organ donor and starting conversations about organ donation with your loved ones, just like Andy did.

Natalie Ashley, Specialist Nurse Organ Donation concludes: “Having these important conversations will make it much easier for families to make a decision if they are ever asked to support a loved one to donate”.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Trust said that 6394 people are currently waiting for a transplant in the UK, with 37 of those living in Norfolk.

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Aged 40-74? Get your FREE NHS Health Check in Thetford Our Health Check Practitioners can help you reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Take action now and enjoy a healthier life for longer.

Health Checks are taking place from August* onwards on: Mondays at Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road,Thetford IP24 3LH or Fridays at Thetford Library, Tanner Street, Thetford IP24 2EA * Health checks are not available on August 29th

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Fundraising Success For Hospice Thetford Open Gardens are jubilant following the success of this year’s event. 25 gardens opened on June 26th, welcoming over 600 visitors across the town. This year the gardens were situated from the south side of the town, running into the town centre and then along the northeast side of Thetford to Kilverstone, including the new Kingsfleet development. The weather was glorious as visitors enjoyed an array of plants, garden features and refreshments.

The team behind the event are thrilled to announce that they have currently raised £11,481.71 and are hoping to hit £12,000 by the end of their campaign on September 30th. Many of the garden owners joined the team shortly after the event for the Grand Prize Draw, and to be thanked for their support, “It really is a team event”, said organiser Karen-Emma White, “we couldn’t do this without the support of those who open their gardens, our sponsors, those who volunteer to help or sell tickets, our box office, ticket holders and the support of St Nicholas Hospice team, especially Miranda McCoy who looks after us.”

The Thetford Open Gardens team with supporters Image: ©neiljamesmedia.com

the winner will be announced on September 15th.

As the event moves towards its 17th year, the team are as passionate as ever about supporting St Nicholas Hospice Care, and want to continue raising as much money as possible. They are now looking for other people to join them organising the event. If you are interested in getting involved, or opening your garden (especially if you live on Barnham Cross Estate, Mill Lane area, Monksgate/Abbeygate/Priory Park area, Norwich Road Estate or the town centre) please contact Ear Irrigation 1/8 Ad.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2020 thetfordopengardens@gmail.com or call Karen09:11 Pa on 07884431391.

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Tours, Events & Makes Two more weeks left this season to take advantage of the amazing guided tours at Euston Hall. Doors open Thurs 25 – Wed 31 August and Mon 12 - Sun 18 September. The art collection alone is outstanding.

Thetford Cricket Club have a great line up, food and drink offer ready for their All Out Music Festival on Sat 3 September. it’s great value too with ticket prices at just £5 for adults and £1 for a child (under 5’s go FREE).

Heritage Open Days return Fri 9 - Sun 18 September and our medieval coin striker will be back on Sat 10 September from 11am - 1pm.

Spend An afternoon of Song on Sun 25 September with the Honington Military Wives Choir, all proceeds to RAFA Wings Appeal.

See our online events calendar for details of these events and many more.

New Makes We’ve just taken delivery of new ceramic coasters from the Kevin Robinson Collection, available in ‘Thetford’ and ‘Norfolk’ Designs and just £3.95.

We welcome new maker Frances Sullivan. Frances is renowned for her realistic, sympathetic paintings of Suffolk Punches, heavy horses, farm animals and wildlife, not to mention the odd Massey Ferguson tractor. We carry a range of coasters, mounted prints and we add to our beautiful range of greetings cards.

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Norfolk’s Princely Family Exhibition Opens A new exhibition is being held at the Norfolk Record Office, exploring the life of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last emperor of the Punjab, and his family. Over 150 years ago, the Duleep Singhs purchased the Elevden Estate near Thetford and made East Anglia their new home. For the next century the family continued to live in the region, from Old Buckenham, Hockwold, Blo’ Norton, Breckles, and Walcot.

The exhibition contains artefacts and objects loaned from the renowned collection of Peter Bance, who has spent 25 years amassing this largely unseen archive, much of which will go on display for the first time. Peter is also the author of ‘Sovereign, Squire & Rebel: Maharajah Duleep Singh’.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “We look forward to welcoming people to this new exhibition. Norfolk is a diverse county which is proud of its history. This project celebrates the life and work of a very influential family who made a real impact on the county, which one can still see today.”

The Peter Bance Collection is one of the largest associated with the Duleep Singhs, with many items being sourced directly from the family’s friends and associates. Highlights include the Maharajah’s velvet Indian jacket, his shooting paraphernalia with which he shot game at Norfolk parties with the Prince of Wales, textiles and apparel of the Princesses, the family’s photograph albums, and personal intimate letters. The family’s legacy is still present today, from the Ancient House Museum, which was donated by Prince Frederick, to the numerous Norfolk churches he saved from closure and restored. He went on to join the Norfolk Yeomanry and later served in the

Some of the artefacts on display at Norfolk Record Office

First World War, and even built War Memorials for those who fell. The Princesses were not only active Suffragists supporting the rights for women to vote but the youngest, Sophia, belonged to the renowned Suffragettes and gave a gift of over 200 portraits to the Town of Thetford from the family collection. The town is home to the Maharajah’s equestrian bronze statue at Butten Island.

The exhibition is now open and available Monday to Friday, from 10am - 5pm until 29th September at The Archive Centre, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DQ. It is also free to attend so well worth a visit!

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Murder Mystery Thrills Audience It was another first for Thetford Players when they performed their first full length play, Agatha Christie’s The Hollow at The Carnegie last month.

The ‘whodunnit’ was originally cancelled due to the pandemic so it was a real achievement for the cast and crew to finally get to show week.

Standout performances from Dani Dunsmore as Henrietta Angkatell and Lynne Jefferies as Lady Angkatell, topped a great cast with Andrew Hamilton and Rose Ash making their debut.

The action takes place at the home of Sir Henry and Lady Lucy Angkatell, The Hollow during a weekend gathering of family and friends. Mix in a Hollywood starlet, the butler, maids, shooting lessons, an attempted poisoning and a couple of detectives and you have a story of secret passion, unrequited love and a murder!

Lynne Jeffries as Lady Angkatell on stage with Dave Griffiths, Dani Dunsmore and Emma Kelly Image: ©neiljamesmedia.com

working together as a team, with a superb production team in the background enabling the cast to all deliver strong performances. One member of the audience said, “All the actors were excellent, so we were engrossed in the story as the performance was so convincing.” Another said that the storyline had them hooked and they had no idea of who the murderer was until they were revealed at the very end.

Caroline Foot returned as Director, her first production since My Fair Lady in 2017 with Jo Cooper as Producer. “I’m really happy to be back, it’s been great fun, the cast has been great and everyone has put in so much hard work.” Jo said that she was thrilled to be back putting on another Simon Long Adverthad 2018.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2018 10:01Players Page 1will return on January 21st and show and thatHP Caroline joined as the Director.

Thetford The success of the show was down to the Players 28th 2023 with their Panto, Puss In Boots.

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Future Of Bowls Club In Doubt

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The future of the G.W Staniforth Bowls Club in Thetford is currently in doubt after their landlord increased the rent by 1200%.

The last remaining Bowls Club in Thetford have long paid a small rent at £300 per annum and Friendly and professional IT service for offered to increase this to £1000. But the Club’s Mac or Windows, call Joe Richards on landlord, the G.W Staniforth Trust have recently insisted on a new rate of £3,950 per annum. The Telephone: 01953 718421 club, who were founded in 1951 and have around Mobile: 07928 326008 55 members held an animated Emergecy General Email: help@bailiwickit.com Meeting in July at which the new rent proposal Made toWebsite: Measurewww.bailiwickit.com 1/8th Advert 2020.qxp_Layout 1 11/0 was discussed.

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Club Secretary John Wright said: “This has come at the wrong time for many of our members. We are only just recovering from Covid both as a club and individually – we have an older demographic who need a bit of confidence before a return to a full social scene again, not a huge rent rise”.

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CYNTHIA DELLA HOY’S CROXTON CHARITY CHARITY NUMBER 1148374

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES The Trustees are able to make grants from their retained funds to charities and other organisations benefitting the communities of Thetford, the villages of Croxton, Kilverstone and East Wretham.

Charities, community groups and other organizations within the area outlined who wish to seek assistance from this charity for themselves or on behalf of another, may request a grant application form from the charity’s secretary.

For more information please email: cdhcc2012@gmail.com

G.W. Staniforth (third from left on bottom row), pictured with members of his bowls club in 1935, gifted Kings House and the gardens to the people of Thetford - he was a passionate bowls player. © David Osborne - A Century Remembered

The Bowls Club pay for all the upkeep of the bowls rink as well as clubhouse repairs and decoration, inside and out. Members heard that the club have a bank balance of around £10,000 with estimated outlay of £7,000 minimum expected in September.

Wright added: “The financial reality is subs would need to rise from the current £50 a year to £150.

With a cost-of-living crisis in full swing, this is completely unfeasible. We expected a rise – but this seems punitive. If the club does fold Thetford would be the biggest town in England without a green. After 71 years it would be such a loss.”

You can sign the petition to support the G.W Staniforth Bowls Club by using this link: https://chng.it/HDzkZKD2YW A hard copy petition is available at the Staniforth Bowls Club and also at Leaping Hare in Thetford Town Centre

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Safer Thetford Action Group (STAG) Appeal STAG is a multi-agency group working to resolve community issues in Thetford focusing on safety, crime and all other anti-social behaviour.

Recent projects include supporting the ‘30 For Thetford’ campaign which will result in all roads in Thetford having a maximum speed of 30mph by Christmas.

• Would you like to have an input and try to make your area a safer and more pleasant place to live?

• Do you think that where you live gets over looked from a Police perspective?

to put into action those concerns from residents which are voiced at our quarterly open meetings with the public.

The current priorities for STAG are: 1. Anti-Social Behaviour in the Public Space Protection Order area of Thetford Town Centre 2. Drug Misuse

3. Illegal off-road vehicle use and car meets at the retail parks Tackling street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour has long been a priority for STAG, as has work to make all Thetford roads a maximum of 30mph. Do have a look at our Facebook page and drop us a line on there: www.facebook.com/STAG-Safer-ThetfordOvenclean AD.qxp_Layout 1 email: 22/01/2021 08:41 Page 1 Action-Group or stagforthetford@gmail.com

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Neighbourhood Watch Are you interested in taking part in tackling important issues affecting your local community?

Have you thought about starting a Neighbourhood Watch Team in your area? The Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) website, www.ourwatch.org.uk gives lots of advice on the initiative and whilst, of course, part of its purpose is to help prevent crime, it is also about supporting communities and tackling issues that impact on the community.

There is a facility to check if there is already a scheme registered in your area on the OurWatch website, if not a scheme can be as involved or as not as suits your needs. For more information or if you are already a NHW co-ordinator and would like to be included in Police alerts please do get in touch with me.

PC Paula Gilluley Email: Paula.Gilluley@norfolk.police.uk

Neighbourhood Watch schemes can make a real, long-lasting difference to communities: increasing cohesion and connectedness; helping to prevent crime; increasing neighbourliness and community wellbeing; supporting vulnerable people and increasing the voice of the community with councils, the Police and other organisations. As a member or co-ordinator of a NHW Team you can work with the Police. The Local Policing Team Wayland Show Returns Beat Managers and the Engagement Officer for Sunday 4th September 2022 your area will share crime prevention advice and At the heart of the 2022 Show will be all that is you can be involved in Police drop-in surgeries best from the region; quality livestock, unique where you can discuss and advise on local craftsmanship, local musicians, and local foods concerns. There is no hard and fast rule of how and produce. Further details are being added schemes should be managed or run and the MCP HP Advert 1 19/11/2018 to the1website all the time, please visit: OurWatch website11.18.qxp_Layout provides lots of information on 09:41 Page www.waylandshow.com getting started and useful suggestions.

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U3A Celebration On the last afternoon of June, Thetford u3a members joined the national u3a 40th birthday celebrations with a ‘full-house’ party of their own.

Held at the Church On The Way, the party featured a sumptuous buffet, jointly provided by u3a members, and a special 40th birthday cake. The delicious cake was cut by the new Thetford u3a chair, Lesley Braund, with excellent foot-tapping entertainment provided by the u3a music group.

All the different u3a groups were represented and a thoroughly good time was had by one and all.

Lynn Ready and Anne Fabian organised the event and received rapturous applause for their efforts.

On 7th July, Thetford u3a held an Open Day in the Carnegie which showcased its many different groups. This attracted a good number of new members who wandered the room, visiting the groups and chatting happily with the various group representatives.

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Extra Help For Those Over State Pension Age If you get State Pension, you may also be entitled to get it topped up by Pension Credit.

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Citizens Advice know that some people may not be getting Pension Credit when they might be eligible for it. Accessing this extra income could make a huge difference, particularly with the current cost of living crisis. Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 a week for single pensioners or £278.70 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and live in the United Kingdom.

You may still get Pension Credit even if you: • Have not paid National Insurance contributions • Have some savings or a small pension • Live with your grown-up family • Own your own home

We would encourage you to talk directly to friends and family of people over State Pension age, encourage them to talk about Pension Credit and the other benefits that come with claiming it with people they think may be eligible. This can help to open up important conversations that could make a real difference to the lives of their loved ones. If someone is eligible for pension credit, they could also get help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and free TV license (for those over 75 years old) too.

To find out more, including information about eligibility, visit: www.gov.uk/pension-credit Or, call Citizens Advice Adviceline 0800 144 8848, or get in touch via our website: www.cadat.org.uk

Breckland Cancer Support Group

Providing local support to all affected by cancer.

Next meeting: Wednesday 10th August See website for more information: www.brecklandcancersupport.group

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Do you waste hours of time on paperwork you loathe?

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Sing It Stronger, Sing Together Thetford Singers celebrated the Commonwealth in the company of schoolchildren from Raleigh Infant Academy and Admirals Academy and an enthusiastic audience on Friday night, 15th July.

Their latest concert in the Carnegie featured a programme of folk song arrangements in a variety of largely upbeat styles, sourced by director Chris Parsons, who conducted with his customary verve. Under Chrisʼs guidance the Singers have made significant progress, tightening their ensemble and developing in range and flexibility of expression. This was evident in a compelling suite of African numbers arranged by Alexander LʼEstrange as Songs of a Rainbow Nation, alongside LʼEstrangeʼs quirky version of Dashing Away with a Smoothing Iron and a plangent Canadian love-lyric, Sheʼs like a Swallow.

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For the remaining numbers the choir was joined to great effect by the fourteen strong childrenʼs group, rehearsed and directed by Fiona Barnett in a contribution which left the Academiesʼ Interim Executive Principal Mary Foreman “immensely proud of each child as they sang their hearts out”. The brightness and energy of their singing illuminated the evening. Fiona Barnett (piano) and Bob Settle (percussion) accompanied in the spirit of a thoroughly enjoyable concert. Very acceptable entertainment for a summerʼs evening in Thetford with the audience, in the words of the Townʼs Mayor Jane James “left wanting more”.

SET Ixworth School Open Evening We are delighted to invite prospective students and their parents / carers to attend our Year 5 & 6 Open Evening at SET Ixworth School on the 15th September 2022 from 5pm to 7.30pm. Students at local primary schools are invited to experience the bespoke education on offer at SET Ixworth School, including the community environment and range of extra-curricular activities. Bookings via email: ixworth@seckfordeducation.org.uk.

If you are unable to attend our open evening and would like some additional information, please visit our website via: www.ixworthschool.org.uk

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Thetford Calendar Competition

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Well, you’ve done it again - lots of lovely entries from all ages and abilities gave our judges, including representatives from Lawsons Estate Agents, About Thetford and independent judge Nik Chapman from Charles Burrell Centre quite a challenge. After much debate, here are the final 12 calendar images that will make up the 2023 Thetford Calendar. It’s now up to you, the About Thetford readers, to vote for your favourite image overall, which will take pride of place on the front cover and wins £100. Well done to everyone who entered.

Pick your favourite number and send to info@leapinghare.org or post or drop in to Everything Thetford at Leaping Hare, 20 King Street. You have until 26 August to vote.

Choose Your Winner!

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We are very grateful for the generosity of our sponsors Lawsons Estate Agents and About Thetford Magazine, the calendar simply wouldn’t happen without their support. Entry is now open all year - we are already receiving entries for the 2024 competition (closing date is Wednesday 31 May 2023). Judges consider both the ‘Thetford’ and the seasonal aspect - an image perfect for August for example wouldn’t work quite so well for January. Always worth bearing those top tips in mind when you are sending in your entries.

The War That Wasn’t Called A War July’s Thetford Probus meeting featured Doug Stephen relating his personal experiences of the Indonesia / Malaysia Confrontation, which started in 1962 when Indonesia’s President Sukarno decided to annex the northern part of Borneo, which included British territory.

The terrain was very difficult - mountainous with primary jungle - so there was an important role for both aircraft and helicopters in supplying the ground troops and the forts along the border.

Doug was the youngest member of the flying crew whose main task was to drop large supply packs from around 200 feet with the plane flying as slowly as possible. Sometimes the pack’s parachute would catch on the tailplane and he told us how he was once sent out of the door, on a long strap, to free it – luckily it freed itself before he had gone too far.

They dropped ammunition, building materials, rations and animals – live goats and sheep if there were Gurkhas below, and cats for rat-killing, although the rats often killed the cats. 85 to 90% of drops were successful, but one landed on the fire which had been lit as guidance, resulting in the ammunition exploding. The rest were lost in the jungle.

Doug Stephen (left) with Thetford Probus Speakers’ Secretary Bob Hurle

Personally life was difficult as they didn’t wash and had no hot food, to reduce the chances of being detected in the jungle, but there were few losses and the skirmish ended when Sukarno was overthrown. Doug flew 137 trips totalling 990 hours in two and a half years’ service.

If you would like to join Thetford Probus, contact Secretary John at: john.bet@btinternet.com

Parkinsons Support Group

We will next be meeting at the Warrener, Brandon Road, IP24 3PG, on 9th August at 12 noon. All welcome. Contact June on 07771637821 for more information.

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Exciting Year Head For Brandon Photographic Club

We at Brandon and District Photographic Club hope you are all enjoying the summer and have been able to get out in the countryside with your cameras. September sees the start of our new season 2022 – 2023 with lots of new challenges for you all to join in with or simply come down to meetings to watch and meet like minded people with a love of photography.

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Our first meeting for this year is on Wednesday 14th September at Brandon Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Brandon at 7.30pm until 9.30pm and is entitled : Blue Hour Challenge. We will start the evening with a wander around Brandon capturing the town at dusk, so do bring your cameras and a tripod (if you have one). Afterwards there will be tea/coffee in the Hall and time for a chat and club admin, plus a chance to pay your subs!

At the meeting on Wednesday 28th September we will be discussing and critiquing each other’s work completed on the 14th, please bring along your images either in printed format or as a Jpeg on a memory stick. We hope you may be inspired to come along and share your interest in photography with us. We all have a lot to learn from each other and from the experts we ask to join us from time to time. Watch out for these editorials to learn more about what we have in store as each month passes, it is promising to be a very interesting year. Don’t forget you can follow us on Facebook and keep up to date with what’s going on. You can also check out our website at: www.brandonphotographicclub.co.uk

1940s Event

Saturday 20th August, 3pm - 5pm at Thetford Methodist Church Put on your 1940s clobber to hear, sing and dance to Glenn Miller

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Eating For Healthy Skin

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You are not just born with good skin, many factors need to be taken into consideration, and what we eat can really help with not only improving our skin but our total wellbeing. The best example of how skin responds to change can be observed during times of stress, illness, or major hormonal transition, like puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. All of these physical states can be accompanied by certain nutritional deficiencies or imbalances which can result in needing to make adjustments in your diet.

Having an excellent skincare regime, thorough cleansing, moisturising, sun screen and therapeutic oils will be undeniably useful to your skin’s health in protecting against free radical damage, external elements like extreme temperature, pollution, harsh winds and above all sunlight. There is no other visible part of the body which can record the shifting patterns of health as accurately as the skin. Try to avoid food which is processed, high in fat and preservatives. Some foods can make you feel bloated and cause excess stomach acid, things such as, citrus fruits and juices, pineapple, kiwis, mangoes, rhubarb,white wine and acidic drinks, canned sauces and ready meals (they include acidic preservatives). Also, eating too fast, stress and certain medicines, and smoking can all add to excess stomach acid.

Everything is a matter of balance, getting the right amount of exercise, together with good sleep and taking time to relax and unwind, all will help in keeping our skin looking healthy.

Foods which can help the skin are almonds, carrots, pistachios, cardamon and turmeric.

Foods which can be particularly helpful for the hair and nails are fish, marrowbone stock, aloe vera pulp, broccoli and pomegranate.

Wishing you a happy, healthy August, Halcyon Days Skincare Ltd

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Salon Opens Training Academy

We’ll Style, You’ll Smile Online Booking Available

• Cuts from £20 • Cut & Blow Dry from £30 • Colour, Cut & Blow Dry from £45

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Sarah Blackaller opened her salon in January 2020, having previously worked in the hairdressing industry in London and Thetford. Having her own salon and training school is a dream come true for Sarah, who is passionate about giving young people a similar experience to her own. Sarah started hairdressing straight from school, “I went to my local hairdressers and asked for a job. I literally started at the bottom and then completed a 3 year apprenticeship.” The college she attended was small, and she feels that because of this she had a better experience. “Tutors get to know you really well, and you get much more hands on, one to one teaching. I certainly benefited from the small class experience and really enjoyed my college training because of it.” Sarah is a qualified assessor and tutor and delivers training to level 2, the industry standard. She also offers retraining courses for older learners looking for a new direction.

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Sarah in her salon, once the CBHS library Sarah specialises in cutting and ‘hair up’, although she offers a full service including colour, men’s styling and children’s cuts. “I really enjoy making people feel nice and lifting their spirits. Having a good haircut gives people confidence, particularly as image is such a massive thing these days.”

The salon is friendly, relaxed and offers personal treatment. Sarah says although she follows hairdressing trends, she always offers an initial consultation so her clients can discuss what they’d like. She says she’s not expensive and offers a good value service so people can have their hair done. Dry cuts start from £20, cut and blow dry from £30 and colour, cut and blow dry from £45.

All new clients must have a patch test at least 24 hours before a colour treatment. The salon is a GHD stockist and uses Wella products.

Sarah’s Scissors Hair Academy is open Monday – Friday and by appointment only on Saturday. Late nights available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Museum Fun This Summer!

Ancient House has a packed programme of museum trails this summer. They’re designed to help families explore the museum in different ways. Topics cover subjects from natural history to Vikings, including one using your sense of smell. All the trails come with a small prize. If you complete six trails over the summer, you’ll receive a dinosaur pencil case to hold all your prizes.

Trails are free with museum admission.

Melissa Hawker, Learning Officer speaking about the trails said: “We know that local families look for something new to enjoy at their local museum over the holidays so we are delighted to ring the changes each week with a new trail. All the prizes have been selected to link with the trail topic and also have value beyond that, many will act as a great ‘back to school’ stationary kit. Running alongside the trails, we’ll also have a craft table with simple colouring or make and take crafts for families”.

Thetford Baths

trails too. Ancient House is delighted to be working with The Tales from the River project which is part of The Brecks Fen and River Edge project to offer a weeklong summer club where young people can learn new skills and make new friends. Young people (11 years and over) will work with oral history, archival documents, images, film and artefacts to create an exhibition on how the river has been used for fun in the past. The Summer Club is completely free and also includes all refreshments. To book your place visit:

Join the Ancient House Friends for just £15 per family to enjoy all the trails for free and explore Ancient House’s brand-new Vikings, History on your Doorstep exhibition with loans from the https://norfolk-museums.arttickets.org.uk/ Redcastle School 06.22.qxp_Layout 1 14/06/2022 17:51 Page 1 British Museum.

AllAdvert Children’s University Passport ancient-house/2022-08-22-tales-of-theHolders can collect stamps for taking part in the riverbank-summer-club

We are proud to introduce our newly

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Redcastle Family School, St Martins Way, Thetford, IP24 3PU Contact: 01842 752239 email: office@rfs.norfolk.sch.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 26

Village Celebrates Social Club Refurbishment Croxton Village Social Club re-opened in June after an extensive programme of refurbishment and modernisation just in time to help celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

Formally owned and operated by the Royal Naval Association (RNA) the building was due to be sold at auction but following negotiations with the RNA it was agreed that the village would have 'first refusal' provided the agreed upon price could be raised in time. This was achieved in just 6-weeks with the money coming from donations from existing Club members and also from the wider village at large.

Above: Members enjoy the newly refurbished social club L: Andy Poore, Vice Chair Croxton Parish Council opens the social club with Croxton Village Social Club Chairman, David Vick (R)

Since the purchase in 2018, the Club has gone from strength to strength amassing a membership of over a 100 and now puts on regular social activities for its members and the local village residents as well as providing a vital hub for members to meet and socialise.

included: fully insulating the building, new floor and ceiling, new energy efficient windows and doors, redesigning the interior to allow for mobility friendly access and accessible toilets and the installing of more efficient systems of Recent grants from Breckland District Council heating and lighting. A brand new bar and draught have enabled theHP clubAdto06.22.qxp_Layout undertake a huge project Premier Paving 1 13/06/2022 beer 09:00 systemPage has 1also been installed courtesy of of refurbishment and modernisation which has Greene King Brewery.

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BTO Bids Farewell To PJ The Cuckoo BTO has tagged almost one hundred Cuckoos since 2011, to reveal their incredible migratory journeys from their wintering grounds in central Africa to their breeding grounds in the UK. Each satellite tag gives us detailed insights into the movements of individuals year on year, helping us to better understand why this once-familiar species has suffered a dramatic 71% decline across England since 1995.

The anticipation begins each March, as we watch our tagged Cuckoos embark on the perilous journey north from their tropical wintering grounds towards the UK. This journey takes each Cuckoo through the Congo rainforest, across the Sahara Desert, via Italy or Spain and finally on to their last leg through the UK. The journey is fraught with danger, as each individual attempts to elude predators, navigate the harshness of the Sahara Desert and avoid adverse weather conditions.

PJ hatched in 2015 and was tagged the following year in the Kings Forest in Suffolk. He was a special bird as he completed an impressive six tracked migrations to Africa and back. That’s over 60,000 miles under his wings and the greatest number of migratory journeys of any tagged Cuckoo! Prior to PJ’s tagging, BTO research showed that Cuckoos migrated to central Africa via either Spain or Italy, but PJ showed us that he used both, revealing that the species is not always tied to one route. This year PJ arrived back in the UK on 24th April, and unfortunately there have been no transmissions from his tag since 6th May. He was at least seven years old when he arrived in the Kings Forest this spring, only one year short of the longevity record for a wild UK Cuckoo.

Although PJ may be gone, his legacy lives on through six years of data, and his contribution to our understanding of Cuckoo migration will continue to inform the BTO’s research.

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PJ the Cuckoo, photographed by Neil Calbrade

We hope the body of research that PJ and all BTO tagged Cuckoos contributed to will help reverse the sad decline seen in the Cuckoo population. PJ was named by the family of Pamela Joy Miller and sponsored in memory of her love of birds and the joy that they brought her. We are grateful for the data and the inspiration that PJ has given us, and we hope that you too have enjoyed following him.

To learn more about the project and discover how far south our current crop of Cuckoos have already flown, visit: www.bto.org/cuckoos.

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Last month the Club and friends enjoyed a trip to RHS gardens Wisley, it was a glorious day. Some members enjoyed a guided garden tour and picked up a lot of useful knowledge. I visited the new Hilltop complex which contains the Library, Herbarium as well as a super new café. Hilltop is surrounded by three new gardens, a wellbeing garden, a wildlife garden and a world food garden. This showcased many unusual crops such as tiger nuts, chick peas, sweet potatoes and quinoa, all grown outside, perhaps climate change is playing a part in the type of crops we can now grow. I also viewed the trial fields, dahlias and sweet peas were being trialled and at the end of the season the plants and flowers are assessed by a committee of experts whom confirm which cultivars are the best and which ones will be awarded the RHS Award of Merit usually a sign of a worthwhile plant to purchase!

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Dahlias are flowers that come into their own this month and fill the house and garden with colour and interest right up until the first frosts. They fell out of favour at the end of the 20th century but have staged a comeback! They come in all shapes and sizes of flower from the dainty pom poms to cactus types whose flowers may be as big as dinner plates. For longevity as a cut flower, pick them in the morning when the air is cool and the plant cells are as plump as possible. Trim the stems under water as this prevents air bubbles forming and blocking the uptake of water.

We have no August meeting, the Club’s Annual show will be held on Saturday 3rd September at the Methodist Hall. There are classes for flowers, vegetables, crafts and culinary items. Why not enter a few classes, you may go home with a prize or just come along in the afternoon and view the entries?

Maggie Baldwin, TGAC

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 31

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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 33

Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge is underway at Thetford Library. Just read 6 books over the Summer to complete your sticker collection and get a certificate and a medal! If that’s not enough fun we’ve got loads of fab (and FREE) events to keep your little ones entertained. Some events will require booking – visit the website for more info: www.library.norfolk.gov.uk/whats-on Go Cart Making – 5th August, 3pm - 4pm Ready, set, go! Build your own mini go-cart and compete to see whose is the fastest.

Slime Making Workshop – 10th August, 11am - 12 noon. The blob is back! Enjoy messy, gloopy fun in the library and learn about the weird and wonderful nature of slime.

Teddybear Zipline and Picnic – 15th August, 12 - 1pm. Ready Steady Teddy!

Have fun learning about friction and send your teddy down the zipline.

Grimms’ Fairytales – 12th August, 10.30am - 11.30am. Join library staff with storytelling inspired by Grimms’ Fairytales and create your own fairytale creature!

BAWBG_16650 - I C Travel_NEW.pdf 1 01/07/2019 10:01:58 Drop-in session, no need to book.

Reading Sparks: Animals – 19th August, 2.30pm - 4pm. Reading Sparks is a new project to engage children and families with science through reading from The Reading Agency.

We’ve got 3 different experiments to try – how many will you complete?

Coding Taster Session – 23rd August, 3pm - 4pm Learn how to code games, animation and more using Scratch. Sessions are perfect for 7 - 11 year olds with little or no coding experience.

Epic Engineering – 26th August, 3pm - 4pm Your mission: Join us and build the tallest tower you can out of spaghetti and marshmallows (the best building materials libraries can buy)!

Reading Sparks: The moon – 30th August, 11am - 12noon and Reading Sparks: Simple Machines – 2nd September 2pm - 3pm.

Medal Ceremony – Saturday 3rd September, 11am. Congratulations on completing the Summer Reading Challenge! Come along and collect your medal and certificate.

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Not Just Books August, it’s August and our thoughts turn to taking time out from our everyday lives for rest and relaxation. We love the start of Hollie McNish’s poem, When We Got to the Beach: I screamed sprinted to the sea flung off shoes and socks ran towards imagined heaving waves and jumped each tiny trickle that I found there with just the same excitement Whether you’re on the beach or staying closer to home, a book is the perfect companion for a bit of rest and relaxation. The Indie Books of the Month for both Fiction and Children’s also offer an element of escapism. The Mermaid’s Tale by Lee Wei-Jing is a beautiful solo dance of a novel. It brings to mind the exploration of the female body in The Vegetarian and the madness of the dance world of Black Swan, but is told in a lighter voice at once dreamy, whimsical, and scintillating. Written in the author’s darkest days, it is nevertheless a book about life and freedom.

Joseph Coelho has just been named the Children’s Laureate for 2022-2024 and his beautiful new picture book, Our Tower has been chosen as the August Book of the Month. It’s a fantastical adventure about three children living in a tower block who travel to a strange, magical world inside a tree and meeting an old man with supernatural powers, only to realise that the magic they’d been looking for had been in their tower all along. Beautiful illustrations by Richard Johnson complement the poetic narrative, creating an enchanting story which children and adults alike will fall in love with. This powerful story is about how society separates

NotJustBooks Independent Bookshop 23 Riverside Walk Thetford. IP24 2BB 01842 753660 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

urban spaces from the countryside, but the reality is that nature is everywhere, and everyone should have access to it.

If you’re looking for some real adventures closer to home, Not Just Books are delighted to be taking part in Thetford’s first Creative Carnival.

We’ve got children’s workshops on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th August. We’re also hosting a talk by Dr. Susan Dean who completed her PhD with a study of Mary E. Mann, a female Norfolk author who D J Taylor described as ‘brutal as Hardy, as sharply satirical as Thackeray’. Mann lived and wrote just down the road in Shipdham which she immortalised as “Dulditch” in her short stories. Please pop into the shop, visit Facebook or our website to book your place at these events. We’re also delighted to be teaming up with the wonderful team at The Mulberry to bring you Dinner With An Author. Join Kate Sawyer on Sunday August 14th for Dinner at The Mulberry, hors d’oeuvres followed by a two-course dinner and conversation from 6pm. £30.00 per person, advanced booking only. Kate is the author of The Stranding which was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award and winner of the Fiction Prize at the East Anglian Book Awards 2021. Please book this directly with The Mulberry on 01842 824122.

Designers and manufacturers of furniture & furnishings for care homes, based in Thetford Job Vacancy: PT Cleaner & Housekeeper

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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 36

MONEY MATTERS

The Four Day Week: Not So Much A Question Of Productivity, But Of A Culture Of Respect

A four day working week can be a great motivator for staff and doesn’t have to mean a drop in productivity, but making it work is not just an organisational challenge, but a cultural one as well, says Gemma Chapman of Lovewell Blake.

In a world where employers are fighting to attract and retain the top talent, more and more employers are considering moving towards a four day week, through making productivity gains to enable workers to turn up for four normal length days, with the fifth day off. Despite concerns about the difficulty of increasing productivity and meeting clients’ expectations, evidence is emerging that it can work well, delivering happier and more motivated employees, without denting productivity overall. Achieving this requires considerable adjustment though – not just in organisational and contractual terms, but also in workplace culture.

Practicalities, first, though: delivering five days’ worth of output in four days means identifying where current unproductive time lies. Evidence suggests that much time spent at work is unproductive, through badly organised work patterns or because people working longer hours are less motivated.

difficult in smaller teams.

Some employers choose to offer a four day working week to some employees, but insist on a five day pattern for client facing teams. This sort of staff segregation can lead to resentment, and a confused working culture.

Of course, there are practical considerations to take into account, but even where these hurdles can be overcome, the four day week will only work if there is a genuine culture of respect for everybody’s work/life balance. In some senses the organisational, contractual and productivity issues are relatively easy to overcome – but only if there is a genuine culture of respect in place first.

Gemma Chapman is HR manager at Lovewell Blake

Negotiation with staff is a crucial part of making the transition. You might expect some defensiveness at first (no-one wants to admit they are not working hard every hour), but if workers can see the prize of an extra day off, they will be willing to co-operate in finding productivity gains.

You must also allay concern that cramming a week’s work into four days might introduce new sources of stress. Making the change permanently will necessitate changing employees’ contracts.

Employers must respect the needs of staff (and vice-versa). A good idea is to introduce changes to working patterns on a trial basis before making it permanent, leaving the door open to returning to a five day week if it doesn’t work.

You must consider customers’ expectations too. If they expect you to be providing a service all week, then you can’t simply shut down on Friday. This might mean that people in customer-facing teams take their extra day off on different days - more Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 37

Presentation For Thetford Ladies FC Thetford Town Ladies had their end of season presentation in June. The ladies had a lot to celebrate in only their third full season (the previous two being disrupted by Covid). The ladies played in the first division of the Norfolk Girls and Ladies League - a league that they initially weren’t expected to be in.

The ladies finished fourth and reached the quarter finals of the Harrod Sport Norfolk Cup where they bailed out to the top side - Wymondham Town Ladies. The squad performed superbly throughout the season remaining unbeaten until Christmas.

Then a raft of injuries left the squad short of numbers, but still performing to a very high level.

With four members of the team aged 17 years or under, they surprised some of the established sides. The presentation evening was hosted by Assistant Manager Stuart Terry and also included a quiz and a raffle to raise funds.

Sprowston was awarded goal of the season.

However the biggest cheer on the night was for coach and founder of Thetford Town Ladies David Skipp, who recieved a card of gratitude from the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, for his years of services to grassroots football and ladies football. The ladies also celebrated becoming the firstl adies club in East Anglia to be linked with #HerGameToo - an organisation founded by women whose ethos is to eradicate sexism within football. The team are also linked to the Daisy Foundation - a Breckland charity that provides support to people that have experienced domestic abuse.

17 year old Abi Corbyn walked off with four awards which included winning Young Player of The Year, A special thanks also goes to the team sponsors a remarkable achievement from a young lady Beez Leisure, Silver Fern Ceremonies and who is fast developing into an extremely good Chilterns Estate Agents. The ladies are on the Mr G'sRachel HP Summer 2022.qxp_Layout 1 Training takes place from player.

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Chris

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