JANUARY 2016 - About Thetford magazine

Circulation 12,000 copies

Issue 122 January 2016

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Welcome to January’s

About Thetford

Inside this month...

write this, but by the time Christmas is yet to occur as I delivered, it will have the magazines are printed and Page 4 & 5 - Dad’s Army feature enjoyable time. an been and gone - I hope you had Page 6 - 13 - Health & Fitness feature next brings with it hope The moving from one year to the Page 20 - 21 - Ladies’ Pages nity for new beginnings and expectation. It’s an opportu Page 23 - Garden & Allotment Club this d pile we have com and new ambitions - that’s why lth hea y man Page 24 - 25 - Thetford Town Council the some of month a guide for you detailing you e hop We lly. loca t exis Update - community grant news and fitness opportunities that Page 27 - Breaking New Ground find it useful and interesting. that ers ertis adv Page 29 - Breckland Cats Protection new eral Welcome this month to sev ers this Page 33 - Past and Present ertis adv our out with e azin have joined the mag e so we remain thankful. Page 34 - 35 - Charles Burrell Centre publication would not be possibl perhaps reading this for Also welcome to the new people Page 36 - 37 - Leaping Hare News eased our circulation to incr ntly the first time? We’ve rece l rura Page 41 - Community Corner 20 in ts pick-up poin 12,000 copies and established ber num ter grea a Page 43 - Thetford Library that so locations surrounding Thetford e hop We lly. loca on g goin t’s Page 44 - 45 - Ancient House Museum of people are aware of wha e and welcome your input. Page 47 - Leah’s fundraising effort you enjoy reading the magazin Prosperous 2016.

Thanks to Maria Schepers for the front cover Wishing you a very Happy and photo of Nuns Bridges, Thetford tor) (Edi y Jerm Best wishes, Terry Remember we1are now on Facebook, Project3:Layout 18/10/2014 11:35 Page 1 like us at ‘About Thetford magazine’

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E-mail address for all articles, adverts etc: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com Contact us: 07742157967 Office Address: C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, IP24 3HL Publisher; In And About Thetford Ltd, C/o Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3HL 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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Dad’s Army Museum Thetford The Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford is looking forward to the release of the new Dad’s Army film in February 2016 as the museum’s prize exhibit, the original Jones’s butcher’s van in the series, will be featured along with an all-star cast that includes: Bill Nighy, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtney and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Although filming took place in Yorkshire rather than the Thetford area (where the 80 episodes of the TV series were shot) the museum has another connection with the film as a number of volunteers were involved as extras. Thetford resident, Neville Lockwood who was an extra 40 years earlier in the TV series enjoyed his day filming along with the museum’s own Captain Mainwaring lookalike, Mick Whitman who was stripped of his rank for the day playing a private in the film’s St George’s Day parade. As you may have read the museum obtained a number of props used in the film and is looking to have some of these on display in Thetford during 2016.

Bridlington high street transformed with hundreds of extras ready for the St George’s Day parade Photo: Matthew Heath

The Museum opened its doors in 2007 and now sees 10,000 visitors a year visit Thetford to seek out the locations that were featured in the series and to have their photo taken with the town’s bronze statue of Captain Mainwaring sitting alongside the river in the town centre. As the new development on the old Anchor site takes place we have been assured that the statue will be reinstated in its current position although on a slightly different level as landscaping work is completed. The statue was positioned on this site in 2010 and it was felt this was most appropriate due to its proximity to the Anchor where the first ever scene of the first episode was filmed and also the Bell Hotel, the cast’s home whilst staying in the town during the nine series filmed between 1968 and 1977.

The film crew on their secret scouting trip.

L to R back: Simon Bowles (Production Designer), Phil Robertson (Co-producer). L to R front seated: Damian Jones (Producer), Oliver Parker (Director)

The Dad’s Army trail of the Thetford locations was initially launched in 2004 and the popularity of the trail and guided tours was instrumental in an initial display area being made available where the ‘Church Hall’ area is in the museum today. A friend’s organisation was soon formed and a lease from Thetford Town Council obtained to develop the embryonic museum further.

The area expanded twice more with Marigold Tearooms opening in 2011. The museum’s prized exhibit Jones’s Van was acquired at auction in 2012 and is displayed at the Charles Burrell Museum in the town to whom we are grateful. The Bell Inn has renamed its rooms after characters from the series, we have our own Jones the butcher in King Street and even a new housing development has been namewd Walmington Court!

Why is the museum important to Thetford? Having taken many guided parties round the town on heritage walks we know the town has a fantastic history and wonderful natural assets, however it is obvious that we have not capitalised on these potential tourism assets.

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What the Dad’s Army Museum has achieved is to bring thousands of visitors into the town from not just this country, but across the globe as the visitors book bears testament. Many of these visitors make special plans to visit Thetford for the Dad’s Army experience. Once here visitors often remark “I didn’t know Thetford has so much to offer we will have to return”. Slowly the town is getting recognised as a place to visit. However we as a town need to be able to gear up to develop this tourism which will require a concerted effort from both public bodies and the private sector. We are very reliant upon the Thetford’s Great Information Centre run voluntarily

by Leaping Hare and without this the town’s tourism offer would suffer greatly.

If you look closely you will see our very own Captain Mainwaring (Mick Whitman) in the centre of the platoon - demoted to private for the day.

Photo: Matthew Heath

for yourself and have a cup of tea in Marigolds and the entrance is free! Maybe you are interested in helping out in the museum or behind the scenes or even dressing up as one of the characters! Have a look at our website: www.dadsarmythetford.org.uk Come and see us for a chat, or email: dadsarmythetford@googlemail.com Or call 07467 175782 you too could become part of the Thetford’s Dad’s Army story.

Jones's van will also make an appearance in the new feature film. Photo: Allan Measom

The Dad’s Army museum will open on 27th February until the end of November in 2016 on Saturdays 10am3pm and Tuesdays in Norfolk School holidays and July, August and September. We would love to open more however our volunteer base at present does not allow this. The museum’s volunteers are often complimented for their friendliness and knowledge and the museum is the recipient of a Trip Advisor Excellence award. If you have not visited the museum why not come and see

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Thetford Hockey Club

New Year Health and Fitness feature

Thetford Hockey Club was formed in 1977. Back then they played on grass, 38 years on and they now play on an astro turf pitch behind the Leisure Centre which allows the ball and the game to flow faster. With hockey becoming more and more popular and the national men’s and ladies’ teams doing so well now has never been a better time to get involved. Hockey is a great way to keep fit as it works all the muscles in your body. It is also a good way to meet new people and make friends.

New Year’s resolutions are so often health and fitness related; not surprising given that the festive period often surrounds us with more food and drink than normal and we can all succomb to over indulging.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled some information about the range of sport and fitness activities that take place locally. We’re lucky that there’s such a great range to choose from including Hockey, Dancing, Football, Boxing, Swimming, Running and Martial Arts. With some of the activities there’s a cost, but many are in fact totally free, such as the weekly Parkrun sessions. Also, we’re delighted that Breckland Leisure Centre and Waterworld are offering readers 2 months free membership when you take out an annual membership (see previous page). Best of luck with your own resolutions.

Terry Jermy, Editor

Here at Thetford Hockey Club we would welcome any men, ladies or children to come and join us. The men’s and ladies teams train on Wednesday evenings between 7 - 8.30pm. Our children’s hockey club was set up for children over the age of five to give them the chance to play the beautiful game of hockey. This allows them to be taught everything they need to know about hockey. So one day they can go on to play for the adult team as so many of our youth players have done. Thetford Junior Hockey Club meet on a Sunday morning at 11am. So whether you used to play at school or have never picked up a stick why don't you come and give it a go. For more information visit:

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Thetford Bulldogs

Martial arts that stand the test of time

Thetford Bulldogs Football Club was started in 1996 by Andy Consantino. The club has grown over the years with the help of lots of coaches, players and supporters, In 2003, Bulldogs achieved their FA Charter Standard.

In May 2013, Bulldogs had the first all girls team in Thetford, and achieved their Development Charter Standard. Our age groups range from 4 years old up to our U19’s. Since June 2015, Bulldogs have trained at the Charles Burrell Centre playing fields, Free School and common. All our home games are played at Euston Football pitches. Bulldogs play in the South Norfolk Football League, Ipswich League and Norwich and District Sunday League. Some of our teams have won league titles and cup titles or have been runners up.

Bulldogs are also very proud of their charity events, where the coaches play for different charities. We have raised money over the years for Cancer, Diabetes UK, St Nicolas Hospice and the Air Ambulance. We also have hosted our summer football 6 a side tournament for the last 2 years. Bulldogs FC would like to thank all who have been involved since 1996. Thank you.

Martial arts are no longer relevant to their original purpose i.e. hunting, defending your village, protecting the Nation. Happily though, we have been left a legacy of fighting arts that were developed over thousands of years to create supremely fit, well disciplined and humble human beings; capable of incredible feats of mental power and physical agility.

Now martial arts are for you and your community. They will accelerate your development as a person, helping you to achieve your goals and giving you confidence in all other aspects of your life. In the two years I have been teaching Kuk Sool Won in Thetford that is exactly what we have been striving for, and achieving. The school has doubled in size in the last six months and the comments of students and parents speak for themselves. Ssee their testimonials at: www.thetfordmartialarts.com

We have had students beat their confidence issues, get fitter, lose weight, make strong friendships, win medals at UK and European levels, and of course learn self Kirsty Turner, Club Secretary defence. We are also now able to give a little back She Dance Exercises QP Advert_Layout 1 19/08/2015 and each year will nominate a charity to support. In October 2015 we raised £1200 for Breast Cancer Care in our annual fund raiser when junior students completed a board “Break-A-Thon” and the adults endured “The Night of a Thousand Kicks.”

Anyone interested in taking advantage of our free try out sessions can book through the website, or by calling 07984 494146. You can also email: kjn.kfrench@kuksoolwon.com Kris French, 5th Dahn Master Instructor Kuk Sool Won of Thetford Gratitude to ladies from She Dance exercises

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Happy New Year ladies! Hope your wishes started to come true! The past years were blessings to dance with you. You moved to beats from around the world And giggled because you weren’t bored. Romantic, jazzy, classy, sassy.

French or Italian – you weren’t fussy.

Thank you ladies for your support, You must know that you are adored.

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Moves from films “Inspirational” – Olivia, 57 Carnegie Room, Cage Lane Thetford, IP24 2DS Mondays at 10.30am.

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Olya launches new fitness class “My name is Olya Rouse. I would like to introduce a new keep fit class.The class will guarantee a full body workout, incorporating pulse raiser, core stability, muscle toning, strength and endurance, as well as flexibility exercises, which, if done regularly, will make you stronger and healthier, and in combination with the right nutrition, will help you lose those extra pounds.

It will be fun, too. I have been a Norfolk Adult Education GCSE Maths and Functional Skills English tutor for over ten years, as well as a Supply Teacher for local schools. I have always had a real passion for sports and a wealth of sports experience. Unfortunately, my life journey has not always been straightforward. After my second child was born, I had problems with my back, could not move about easily and, naturally, had put on weight. I gradually started to re-introduce sports into my life, attending fitness classes run by wonderful Fitness Instructors, such as Michelle Jermy, Linda Williams, Pippa Munro and others, to whom I am truly grateful. As a result, I have become fitter than ever before. This inspired me to qualify as a Fitness Instructor and run my own fitness classes to help others achieve their fitness goals. I believe that due to my previous teaching experience, I am very good at helping people improve their confidence, motivating them to aim higher and to reach for their full potential. That's why I called my classes 'Unstoppable Fitness' - once you set your mind to achieve something and keep going, despite difficulties or even setbacks, nothing can stop you!

Class starts: 8th of January on Friday mornings (from 9.15 for 9.30 start till 10.15) at Charles Burrell Centre and at 11am at Attleborough Snooker Centre. Please bring a water bottle and an exercise mat.

Cost: £5 pay as you go or £20 for 5 sessions.

January special offer: bring a friend for FREE.

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Boxing... Great Fitness, Discipline and Self Defence Attleborough Boxing Club. An inspiring fun and vibrant safe haven to many within the local community. The club is open to all, boys and girls, able and non able and have fitness/ technical sessions suitable for all from the age of 5. One of the UK's fastest growing clubs, they hold the prestigious Sport England Club Mark Award, is totally voluntarily ran and have over 30 coaches, staff members and volunteers striving for excellence.

Head Coach Jon Dennis recently awarded the highly acclaimed Volunteer Coach of the Year in the recent Norfolk Sports Awards. It's the busiest club in the region at present, the clubs dedicated competition squad compete nationally and internationally.

The benefits of the sport are tremendous, many regarding boxing fitness as supreme to any other sport, it also teaches essential key disciplines that underpin the sport, respect, self discipline, self control, communication and confidence. The team feel and education ethos of the club builds essential life and employability skills for all involved. The clubs aim, to ensure that each individual reaches their realistic optimum success. The club welcome aspiring boxers, those that want an excellent fitness regime, those that wish to learn self defence. The club also have a state of the art strength and conditioning room and conference facilities. Just a 15 minute easy drive away from Thetford, open to Juniors (under 17), Monday and Thursday at 6.15pm. Seniors (17 and over) at 7.30pm and a mixed session Saturday mornings at 10.15am.

Visit www.attleboroughboxingclub.co.uk or email succeed@attleboroughabc.co.uk or ring 01953457329 for more information.

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Thetford Town Football Club

Thetford Dolphins

The club is currently going from strength to strength with the addition of the youth section this season. The committee feel this is a positive move for the future of the club, and will give local youth the opportunity to impress the first team management team in years to come and increase the squad with home grown talent.

This move will show the youngsters that they have a path into adult football. The club reintroduced the Saturday morning soccer school for children aged 4-7 years, which takes place at 9.30am on the club’s main ground. Anybody interested in taking part contact Dan Lott on 07734 418488.

Thetford Dolphins Swimming Club was formed in 1971 by the late Tony Hegarty at the former Staniforth High School. Thetford Dolphins is a competitive swimming club open to swimmers of all abilities. Under the watchful eye of head coach Terry Clucas and ably assisted by his youthful coaching team the aim is to encourage, teach and instill confidence in all our swimmers.

The adult section of the club has been through a difficult start to the season, with both the first team and reserve team managers being replaced. The first team is now managed by Danny White whose previous clubs include Wroxham, King’s Lynn, Wisbech and Needham Training takes place six times a week at Thetford Market. Danny is used to winning on the pitch, and he Waterword on Croxton Road where swimmers can train will instil his hard working ethos onto the team. from one hour up to a maximum of nine hours and for over eighteens there is a pay and swim offer. With over The reserve team now have a management team of 160 members starting from 7 years the club competes Chris Tarsey and David Smith who have joined the club in various leagues covering Norfolk, Suffolk and Fenland afte successful seasons at Watton Youth FC. Both sides area and travel as far afield as Lowestoft, Yarmouth, play their home matches at the Recreation Ground, Gainsborough, Peterborough and Boston to name a Mundford Road, Thetford. Fixtures can be found on the few. Every year Thetford Dolphins compete in the links club website: gala where teams from twinning towns from Hurth in www.thetfordtownfootballclub.co.uk Germany and Spijkenisse in Holland enjoy an excellent day of high class competition and is well supported Thetford Town FC has recently been given a 25 by all clubs. Thetford will be hosting in 2017. The club is year lease on the ground. This has opened up more friendly and sociable with many events being organised opportunities for funding, and they are currently throughout the year, for swimmers and family members. applying for funding to rebuild the current club house.

Any swimmers wishing to join should check the website: If anyone is interested in sponsoring a match, or www.thetforddolphins.com advertising at the ground, please contact Nigel Armes on 07778 929202.

AYd D N r

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Friday evenings at The Core Studio, Charles Burrell Centre, 6-7 First session FREE!!. Contact Richard either by phone 07737582906 or Facebook: www.facebook.com/tigerfitnessthetford

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Thetford Parkrun Want to get fit in 2016? Want a new challenge?

Want to lose weight or even work towards a 10k, half marathon or full marathon. Look no further, come and join in at Thetford parkrun and the parkrun community.

We offer a free timed parkrun 5k event for walkers and runners of all abilities and from ages 4 to over 70.

Hello, and a warm welcome. It is the time of year when many people look forward to a fresh start in life and decide to improve their health and fitness. Whether your goal is to lose weight, exercise regularly or stop smoking, embrace the New Year, look to a New You! Locally we have many clubs, groups & instructors that offer a high quality professional and diverse range of classes and services, there is something for everyone and you have the support you will need to achieve your goals.

The big question for many people; What is the best form of exercise? What is the best weight loss method?

Parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9am from the Priory car park, IP24 1BB. It is free to register at www.parkrun.org.uk You never know you could train for Thetford Iceni Marathon in September. In addition we offer free social walks/ runs on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm, Thursday mornings 9am and Sunday mornings at 9am. All of these events are for beginners who want a social walk or run and distance varies from 5k-10k. In addition in the New Year we are offering ‘couch to 5k’ programmes.

We are supported by Active Norfolk, Thetford Town Council and Breckland Council. All our events are run by volunteers so if you want to become involved and help us please email: thetfordhelpers@parkrun.com

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Simple answer: We are all different, some body types respond better to certain training systems. If an individual has an injury or medical condition certain types of exercises maybe advised against. This applies to dare I say ‘diets’. Many have tried various fad diets, great for initial weight loss but being healthy is a lifestyle, be the best version of you, aspire for total health & well being. Look for something you enjoy, the more you enjoy the more you do!

At The Core Studio we had a fantastic 2015 and I’m excited by 2016. Kick Start Fat Loss is a great educational programme and we are introducing transformation mornings once a month, the timetable has Pilates & Fitness Yoga suitable for all abilities, new personal trainers and class instructors are joining us and my first book is to be launched.

In best health with much love, Michelle x

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Community Fly Tipping Officers Report After all the big build up, all the celebrations, presents, decorations, eating, drinking and everything else that may have made up your Christmas and New Year, what do you do with the rubbish that is left? Please go to http://www.breckland.gov.uk/waste to find out what can and can’t go into your bins as well as when your next bin collections are due. There is a whole page on ‘Re-cycle Right For Christmas’ which contains useful information that I am sure most people wouldn’t necessarily know so please do take a look.

What do you usually do with your old Christmas cards?

They can be placed in your black bin. However, you could cut them into gift tags, give them to children for making collages or why not offer them to your local school or Nursery? The same applies to left over roll ends of wrapping paper.

Did you know that the Queen celebrates her 90th Birthday this year? Clean for The Queen is a campaign launched by Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy to clear up Britain in time for her birthday. I hope to be working along- side resident groups on the West Thetford estates to organise clean up days in their areas. This will include Barnham Action Group, Redcastle Action Group and Abbey Residents Group.

This is an ideal way of communities working together to tackle the issue of rubbish and litter in an area close to where they live. Details will be announced soon and if you would like to become involved please contact me by email at Barbara@tcathetford.org or call into Charles Burrell Centre. Please leave your telephone number if I am not around and I will get back to you as soon as I can. You could also let someone from your local residents group know.

If lots of volunteers come forward, for just a few hours of our time, we could really make a difference to some of the worst areas on our estates. You may of course wish to organise your own clean up day in your own area. The good news is that Breckland District Council are also encouraging people to become involved in this campaign. If you do, there are possible grants available for helping to fund a celebration in honour of the Queen’s special day but this is not guaranteed. Thank you to everyone who has reported fly tipping incidents via the above website and it is really important that you continue to do so. Wishing you all the best for 2016 Barbara Bysouth

Our final ‘Community Hero’ award of 2015 is awarded to Sean Ready. Sean has been diligently clearing our rivers in Thetford using his trusty boat. Sean posts regular updates on the ‘Thetford Forum’ page on Facebook outlining his activities. Sean explained recently to us that he started collecting the rubbish about 18 months ago when he built a boat. He said: “When I first built it, I just enjoyed going out on the river, but everytime I went out I would see empty beer cans and food packaging. So I thought why leave it there? - I can get that out with my boat! I soon found that boating is relaxing and I found it therapeutic, especially good as I have brain damage and the more relaxed and calm I am the better I can handle the problems. So clearing litter gives me an excuse to go out. I lost part of my brain which gives me intractable diplopia which affects my sight so I can’t work. Sean is also a volunteer at the ‘Crack on’ charity - featured in the About Thetford magazine some months ago. Sean collects about 100 items a week from river and says that he enjoys doing it, and that it gives him a challenge.

In reward for his excellent efforts, we’re awarding him the Community Hero title for December 2015 and donating £50 to Sean to spend with an advertiser of his choice - kindly sponsored by Thetford Garden Centre.

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Highest accolade for 1109 Cadet Tommy Lawrence of 1109 (Thetford) Squadron received his Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) promotion on Tuesday 27th October. Since joining the squadron in 2010 he has certainly lived up to the Corps’ motto of ‘Venture Adventure’ by representing his squadron and wing at a variety of sports, drill competitions, Wing Field competitions, attending numerous camps, completing all the academic classifications, achieving his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and passing his flying scholarship at the age of 17, to name just a few. As well as this Tommy has been a driving force in developing younger cadets on the squadron and recently helped lead the training of 12 cadets on a Recruit Training Camp.

After his promotion Tommy said, “I am really pleased I have managed to get this far within my cadet career, I have always tried to take advantage of the opportunities the organisation provides. The experiences and skills I have learnt along the way have all contributed towards receiving this promotion and I am eager to continue to help develop the younger cadets on the squadron.’

Officer Commanding 1109 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Samuel Chapman-Allen, pictured with Tommy, added; “CWO Lawrence’s promotion to the highest rank is richly deserved and very few Cadets will ever achieve this. He thoroughly deserves this promotion for his years of dedication, service and commitment to the Air Cadets and 1109 (Thetford) Squadron”.

It is fantastic to see cadets join the Air Cadets at the age of 13 and progress through the ranks to reach the very top, something of which the squadron is very proud of. Please like ‘1109 Thetford Squadron Air Cadets’ on Facebook to keep up to date! Interested in joining? Then MCP HP Advert_Layout 1 02/12/2015 10:20 Page contact: 1 adj.1109@aircadets.org

By Sergeant (ATC) Matt Drewry

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Thetford (Breckland) Lionesses

Thetford Inner Wheel

Thetford (Breckland) Lionesses held a successful soup and quiz evening recently. Team Silk was the winning team, pictured above. A total of £230 was raised which will go towards Lioness Charities including Admirals Nurses - supporting those with dementia and their families. Thetford Lioness Club meets at 7:30 PM on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at Kings Court.

New members are welcome. For further information please contact Dorothy on 0845 8334764

The December meeting was celebrated in true Christmas fashion with Turkey, Pudding and Christmas hats. Our President, Janey Mackay even wore her amazing Christmas Jumper! We then participated in light hearted quizzes with chocolate as prizes. What more could we ask for? At the successful Beaujolais Nouveau quiz night, held recently, over £600 was raised to be shared between Thetford Rotary and Thetford Inner Wheel Charities. A coffee morning is to be held in January to raise funds for Parkinson’s Disease.

Over the year we have been well looked after by the Wereham House Hotel and to thank Caroline and Andy the club presented them with a floral planter for the garden - pictured above.

Thetford (Breckland) Lionesses held a Teddy-bear THETFORD SOCIETY Tombola on the evening of the “Christmas Light Up”. Every The next meeting is on January 5th at 7.30pm at ticket was a winner meant many happy children! A total the United Reformed Church when Paul Van Der of £89.00 was raised. Lionesses in fancy dress (pictured Hulk will speak on Golders Green Cemetery: a above) welcomed shoppers and collected £276.60 at the contribution to UK society.

Tesco store. All money collected from both events will New members welcome and subscriptions be donated to Lioness charities which include Admirals Powerclean QP Advert_Layout 1 16/12/2015 14:04 Page 1 can be paid at the meeting.

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Packed audience for show

Pupils from our Pre-Prep and Preparatory School at Thetford Grammar School enjoyed performing 'When Sasha Got Swept Up the Chimney' to packed audiences this week. The children told the story of a group of orphans who went on a magical adventure to meet Santa and his elves. The talented children in the Prep School performed their lines and songs with great enthusiasm and members of the audience, including the Mayor of Thetford, were extremely impressed!

This wonderful event was coordinated by Mrs Nicki Peace, Head of TGS Preparatory School, with generous assistance from many members of staff and enthusiastic parents!

Success for Choir Admirals Academy choir and Norwich Road Academy choir joined together after the town Christmas lights were switched on, to give a sparkling Christmas performance of 'Come and See', a Christmas concert planned and organised by local businessman Simon Barnett. The 55-strong children's choir were joined by choir members from 'Thetford Sings Gospel' and supported by a live band. Rev. Helen Jary and Rev. Tony Heywood narrated and 'juggled' their way through the Christmas story. 'A wonderful bunch of people' of mixed ages performed the puppet song 'party in the sky' and the most popular choir song was 'From East to West' which included a camel or three! A packed hall for the evening raised £775 through ticket sales for the Quicken Trust, supporting a community project in the village of Kabubbu, Uganda.

Simon Barnett

The Jack Pilling Art Gallery We have had a very successful year, thanks to all our customers, artists and supporters as we have sold 406 pictures. Our Jail and Bail event raised £1,500 for St Nicholas Hospice Care. Christmas Fish n’ Chip Quiz did exceedingly well with 66 people in attendance. That event raised £585. The next big event is the Open Art Competition which will run from Monday the 29th of February until 26th March 2016. A maximum of two painting per artist at £2 each. Everything must be framed, strung and labelled with the artist's name, title, medium and price if for sale, ‘nfs’ if not for sale. All paintings are to be in the Jack Pilling Art Gallery no later than Wednesday the 17th February. The Award evening will be on 16th of March at 19.00hrs in the Large Court in the Guildhall with Lord Fisher presenting the awards.

The Gallery will be closed January 18th until January the 30th as we are having a holiday.

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Thetford Women’s Institute

We look forward to a trip to the Norwich Theatre at the end of January, our own 70th birthday celebrations in June and an interesting programme for the year. Anyone who is interested can find out more information about the W.I from President Rose Peterson on 01842 754273.

In November we had our Annual Meeting and through the President and Secretary we heard about all the amazing things we have done during 2015. Amongst other things, we supported the County at a Centenary Buffet Reception at Gressenhall and we visited other groups for their celebrations. A garden tea party with East Harling Institute had to be hastily rearranged to cope with the weather. We re-elected Rose Peterson for a further year as President, and there was just one change to the Committee. December was the opportunity for our Christmas Party and Patsy Rose came to entertain us - she easily had everyone joining in with her singing and even dancing where appropriate.

Maths, English & ESOL classes Thetford January 2016 Thetford Methodist Church Hall Maths (Functional Skills). Days TBC. 09:30am – 12:00. 12 weeks - FREE Thetford Riversdale Centre English (Functional Skills). Tuesday & Wednesday 12:30 – 3pm, 12 weeks - FREE ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Monday & Friday 09:30am – 12:00noon Tuesday & Thursday 6:30pm – 9pm 12 weeks - £200.00 Benefits rate -JSA or ESA (WRAG) – FREE For details or to enrol call: Mobile: 07776474491 Adult Education: 01953 455783 Email: christine.flude@norfolk.gov.uk

When it came to the conga, we had our President leading the line-up. The buffet consisted of a delicious array of goodies supplied by members. We also took part in the Methodist Church Christmas Tree festival.

We move into the New Year with some more new members and our membership now totals 48.

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News from Thetford Probus Cheeky offer bought a nuclear bomb site Ownership of a top secret Nuclear Bomb site is unusual enough, but the story of how this came about made Keith Eldred’s talk at the December meeting of Thetford Probus Club both highly entertaining and humorous.

Picture: Speaker Keith Eldred, centre, with Probus Vice Chairman Gerald Goucher (who officiated in chairman Mike Brindle’s absence) and the club’s latest new member - John Snow.

Dubbed ‘Semi-detached to Scheduled Monument’, Mr Eldred painted a picture of his life that had many twists and turns, taking him from college in North London through National Service in the RAF, and on to becoming a chartered surveyor, while playing plenty of football along the way. Eventually he worked as a government surveyor, helping Hong Kong reclaim land from the sea to expand the colony’s New Territories. All this was before coming to make his home in Thetford some 50 years ago and becoming an unlikely landlord of one of the Cold War’s most closely guarded and secret sites.

Mr Eldred had members laughing as he recounted some of his experiences – a first flight in a Meteor jet fighter, when the unsettling comment from the pilot at the start of near vertical climb was, “this is closest to heaven you’ll be before you actually go there”. It obviously didn’t put him off flying as he went on to learn to pilot an Auster training aircraft. Although, at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak international airport a first solo attempt to land was so fraught that on enquiring whether he could land across the runway the control tower informed him that he could land any b..y way he liked in their desperation to get him down. Returning to Britain with his wife Margot and a young family, saw them set up home close to the town centre in Thetford while, at the same time, he searched for a new job or enterprise to bring in an income.

By chance he spotted a newspaper advertisement for the sale of a Cold War site which had failed to sell at auction because the highest bid was less than half the reserve price. Asked what he would pay, he cheekily said he would buy it at the same price. To his surprise (and consternation as he had no idea how he would raise £20,000) his offer was accepted. Luckily, with Margot he was able to scrape together the money.

With its large buildings, built to store the nuclear bomb, the site was ideal for growing mushrooms and before long the output made it one of the biggest producers in the region. Sadly, a devastating disease brought an end to this enterprise, but Mr Eldred went on to build a very successful business called Gorse Industrial Estate and establish its status as a Scheduled Monument marking the important part it played during the 20th century’s period of Cold War. It has also been recognised as a conservation site for wildlife.

Speaker secretary Danny Jeffrey gave a vote of thanks and, with their appetites whetted to know more about the history of the site, members can now look forward to a guided tour in the coming year. First speaker in the New Year will be local historian David Osborne.

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Looking forward to an exciting and fun New Year

Fat – free Skin Could the road to damaged skin be paved with thin intentions? Nutritionists now say that people who live on fat free foods and diet drinks are missing out on vital skin-friendly essential fatty acids (EFA for short) and also fat soluble vitamins. A lot of the fat free foods often substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners and these can lead to skin sensitivity. A diet that is deficient in EFA can be devastating to the skin resulting in problems such as chronic itching, dryness, scaling and thinning. It can also lead to an imbalance in prostaglandins (these are chemical messengers that do loads of things such as control inflammation).

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The lack of ‘good fats’ in our diets could also be the reason in the percentage of our population that suffers from psoriasis, eczema and dandruff. While Flax Seed Oil and also selected types of seafood are recommended as necessary EFA dietary supplements, Oil of Evening Primrose is one of nature’s richest sources of fatty acids - and it is possibly the least well-known. You can get Evening Primrose Oil as a supplement it contains Gamma Linolenic Acid, this is a rare EFA that becomes inhibited in the body due to diet, stress and ageing.

It is also used in many topically applied products to help restore suppleness and strengthen the skin’s natural defensive barrier.

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Thetford Garden and Allotment Club January Gardening Notes All the possibilities of a new year lie ahead and we can dream of the weed-free haven that the garden may become! It is a good time of year to decide on any hard landscaping (paths, new beds, new bench) while the ‘bones’ of the garden are visible once all the soft plant material has died down. There is time to cost up any plans and perhaps get down to action on a bright crisp day.

Another thing that can be done over a cup of tea in the warm is reviewing what grew well (or badly) on the vegetable patch. I shan’t bother with butternut squash again after a couple of years with nothing much to show for the care they receive. On the other hand the baby sweet corn will be on the seed list as a welcome addition. Because the little fruit spikes (they can hardly be called cobs) are picked immature, there is no need for the “flower” to be fertilised and so they do not need to be sown in blocks to catch the wind. Each plant produces a series of heads so you can return to pick over the crop for some weeks as new spikes form. If you like to cook stir-fry, they are definitely worth trying.

At last the lawn has stopped growing and now is the ideal time to get the mower serviced. If it wasn’t performing too well in the Autumn, it won’t be any better in the Spring, assuming it starts at all. If you plan to get shears sharpened, this could be dealt with now as well.

Then you’ll be ready to go when the plants are racing away in March.

One treat to be enjoyed in January is the show of snowdrops that is such a delight every year. One of the finest displays nearby is at Anglesey Abbey which has many varieties of snowdrop set against different background planting, the most spectacular of which is Dogwood. The stems of this shrub come in different brilliant colours – red, yellow, lime green and so on which are very striking on a sunny day. After seeing them last year I bought a couple of Dogwoods which are lovely but seeing them in plantings of fifty and sixty is just breathtaking. Although crowds of visitors go to this National Trust property, the winding paths mean you can feel quite secluded and wander along at your own pace.

Fortunately snowdrops spread happily if they are in the right place and we have a free show alongside Spring Walk by the spinney as you approach Nuns’ Bridges.

Watch your footing on Spring Walk however; it is getting very uneven with tree roots.

Our first club meeting of the year is on Thursday 28th January and we have a real treat. Bryan Thurlow who was such a hit last year is making a return visit with his performance of “An Evacuee’s Story”. This should be most entertaining and worth coming out for on a winter night – non-members most welcome too. Our meetings are at the URC starting at 7.30pm – members can collect their booklets for the year and pay their dues – still only £6.50.

Happy New Year! Sue Pilgrim

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Council Page:Layout 1 16/12/2014 16:20 Page 1

THETFORD TOWN COUNCIL King’s House, King Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2AP Tel: 01842 754247 • Fax: 01842 762567 Email: mail@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk Town Council Offices Opening Hours: Public counter service available from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. Monday to Friday

THETFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven....

On Friday 27th November, enormous crowds gathered on the Market Place in eager anticipation for the Thetford Christmas light switch on. The town centre buzzed with laughter, chatter, noise and excitement. Performances from Thundercat Cheerleaders, Beauty of Dance School and Zumba Lou wowed the crowds while they waited for the switch on.

The Mayor of Thetford Councillor Robert Kybird arrived in style, escorted to the stage by the Norfolk Militia, along with Father Christmas and the Ancient House Museum’s Teenage History Club. The Town Crier Mike Wabe gave a cry written especially for the occasion, leading the large crowd in an enthusiastic count down for the switch on. The Teenage History Club then pressed the button lighting up the town centre.

Father Christmas then travelled to his grotto on King Street, saying hello to all the excited children as he passed. Many then queued to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a little treat. They were also able to meet his friends the reindeer who were positioned near to his grotto. The fun continued throughout the evening with the fair rides on Well Street, the Night Market on Guildhall Street, Continental Market on Riverside Walk and outside Kings House where the Queen Mary Steam Engine and volunteers from the Charles Burrell Museum entertained all who came to see her.

Thetford Town Council would like to thank the following for their support of the switch on event: Brecklocks Mr James Grint Haart Estate Agents Hirebase (Thetford) Lydia & David Turner Thetford & District Funeral Services Ltd Mervyn Lambert

Thetford Town Council would also like to thank the following for their sponsorship of the Christmas Lights, the total raised to date is £570.00:

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Council Page:Layout 1 16/12/2014 16:20 Page 1

THETFORD TOWN COUNCIL King’s House, King Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2AP Tel: 01842 754247 • Fax: 01842 762567 Email: mail@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk Town Council Offices Opening Hours: Public counter service available from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. Monday to Friday

THETFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Community Grants Thetford Town Council operate a scheme whereby local community groups can apply for a grant of up to £250.00 to assist in projects and activities they are running. Since April 2015, the Council have awarded grants to: Munford Road Allotment Association - £250 Croxton Road Community Association - £250 Royal British Legion (Thetford Branch) - £250 Charles Burrell Centre - £250 Bulldogs Football Club - £250 The Thetford Society - £250 Thetford United Reformed Church - £250 Thetford Music Project - £250 Redcastle Resident’s Group - £250 If you are a local community group and wish to apply for a grant, please visit the Thetford Town Council website: www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to download a form for completion, or alternatively call the office.

Grant Support for Thetford’s Great Information Centre Thetford Town Council’s Amenities Committee are pleased to announce that they have agreed to grant £3,000 to Leaping Hare CIC towards the running costs of Thetford’s Great Information Centre. Brenda Canham, chair of Amenities said: “The Town Council recognise the work that Leaping Hare CIC are doing and the valuable asset that Thetford’s Great Information Centre is for the town, helping thousands of visitors and residents every year. This grant will enable the centre to continue with its work and will go towards the necessary funds it needs to keep the service running.”

Jake Shannon said: “This is exciting news for Leaping Picture: Thetford Town Council Amenities Committee: Brenda Hare CIC. The directors have managed to provide the town Canham (chair) John Newton (vice-chair) Leaping Hare: with a vibrant and essential service with no regular funding Jake Shannon (office manager) Simon Skull whatsoever. We rely on an amazing team of volunteers – our & Corinne Fulford (Directors) Harey Leapers! – but we still need to cover our very basic overheads. This grant will enable us to keep the service running for the next season and now we have launched Thetford’s Great Directory on line, we hope to be offering our services for many years to come.”

Follow Thetford Town Council

To keep up to date with news and events from the Town Council, log onto our website; www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk, follow us on our Facebook page ‘Thetford Town Council’ or on Twitter at @thetfordcouncil. We also update these with information from Breckland Council, Norfolk County Council and other local organisations so sign up to make sure you keep in touch with everything that’s going on.

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Breaking New Ground The Breaking New Ground Landscape Partnership Scheme is half way through and has achieved some exciting things already. We’ve trained over 250 people in heritage building skills, re-introduced a species of frog that went extinct in the UK 25 years ago, scanned Thetford forest with ground breaking LiDAR technology, held the Big Brecks Fest, planted some new pine lines and got many people out into the landscape who hadn’t appreciated it before.

Over the next year and half remaining, our host of projects will continue to take place in the area - this is your chance to enjoy and explore all The Brecks has to offer; to learn new skills from local experts; to get to know The Brecks landscape and to help safeguard its future. From family fun events to research projects, there really is something for everyone!

What’s On In the next column you will see our current events and activity programme. New ones will be added as the year progresses. There are also lots of volunteering opportunities, and a grant scheme to fund new projects.

To find out more, book any of the activities/events or be added to our mailing list please:

9th & 10th January 2016: Invertebrate Sorting Marathon • Invertebrate sorting weekend • Sorting taxa into groups against the clock!

• Location: FC Classroom, Santon Downham 12th – 30th January 2016 Breaking New Ground Exhibition An exhibition celebrating our Brecks inspired art projects. Including works from: The Iceni Botanical Artists’ Brecks Watercolour workshops. Sandlines: A series of creative writing workshops.

Brecks Landscape Patterns. 1 13/08/2015 09:18 15952_LB_AboutThetford_Ad_Layout Location: The Apex, Bury St Edmunds

• Visit the Breaking New Ground website: www.breakingnewground.org.uk • Phone us on 01842 815465 • Email us at bng.admin@suffolk.gov.uk • Write to us at Breaking New Ground, c/o Visitor Centre at Brandon Country Park, Bury Road, Brandon.

IP27 0SU Breaking New Ground is a Heritage Lottery Funded Landscape Partnership Project, focusing on the heart of the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks. Over the course of three years (2014 to 2017) the scheme will deliver over 37 landscape and heritage based projects, including a grant scheme for new ideas. The aim is to engage with local communities to tell the story of the Brecks and celebrate its unique landscape character, wildlife and history. The scheme is based at Brandon Country Park and is hosted by Suffolk County Council.

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Are you paying more than you need for gas and electricity? Do you know how much you could save by switching?

appointment. Once you have an appointment you should bring with you a copy of your most recent bill (if you are using a pay-as-you-go meter note down roughly how much energy you use each year); details of the tariff you are on including whether there is an exit fee (this should be on your bill); how much energy you used in the last year; how you currently pay for your energy; and information about any benefits you may be getting. For any other issues please come along to our drop-in service – we are open from Tuesday to Friday, from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and will see you on a first-come, first-served basis. Or you can visit our website - www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Thetford Citizens Advice is once again providing Energy Best Deal appointments to help make people aware of the savings that can be made by switching fuel providers, or by negotiating with your existing providers.

With support from the energy regulator Ofgem and the major energy companies we are advising domestic energy customers to shop around to reduce bills; whether you have a regular or pre-payment. We can also give you information about any help available for people struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills, as well as tell you how you might save money by using less energy, and become energy efficient.

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The Importance of neutering With the New Year upon us, and female cats about to come into season and produce lots of kittens, I thought it might be a good time to remind you about the importance of neutering.

Female kittens can come into season as young as 4 months old, when they are far from fully grown. We have had young cats with kittens and the mother still hasn’t got all her adult teeth. They don’t always make good mums at this young age, as they are more interested in playing with toys!!

both of which are viruses in cats, and are transmitted through saliva, often during cat fights. Neutered cats are less aggressive and so fight less and make better pets as they are more likely to be ‘homebodies’. An uncastrated male cat marks his territory with strong smelling urine, indoors as well as outdoors. He will disappear for days or weeks often turning up injured or ill from untreated wounds. Most cats killed on the roads are uncastrated toms. And he’s out every night yowling and causing trouble with the neighbours and their cats. Uncastrated male cats are at risk of tumours of the testicles.

We at Cats Protection recommend neutering male and female cats at 4 months of age. If you are on a low income of less than £15,000 a year, we can help you.

You can apply for a voucher which has a value of £40 for a female cat and £25 for a male, which you can take to any vet. Call us on 01842 810018. Please be a responsible cat owner and have your cat neutered.

Rita Thompson Deadline for contributions and adverts for the February edition of About Thetford will be the 15th January. E-mail; aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

A cat can have 3 litters of kittens in a year, and if she has 5 or 6 each time, that’s up to 18 kittens that need to be found caring homes. There is a misconception that a female cat should be allowed to have one litter of kittens before spaying. As a cat has no anticipation of motherhood, there is no benefit to the cat from having a litter. A cat only recognises a kitten when it squeals at her the first time she gives birth. This first experience provides the memory so therefore it would seem kinder to spay before the first pregnancy. A female cat can, in just 5 years, be responsible for 20,000 descendants.

A neutered cat is less likely to catch life-threatening diseases such as Feline Aids and Feline Leukaemia

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29

Lions raise vital funds

Tel: 01842 752 097 Mob: 07912 938 376

Thetford Lions raise money to help local people whose needs can’t be met through other means. To carry out this aim they recently purchased two drawing pads and donated them to the West Suffolk Hospital where children from Thetford go for treatment. Sally Daniels, the Fundraising Officer at the hospital, decided to give them both to the Day Surgery Unit. Here they will be used by lots of children pre and post procedure.

The staff were thrilled as it is sometimes a forgotten area of the hospital as it is based in a different building.

As can be seen by the photo, the first child to play with them was very excited, and despite feeling quite groggy after the operation, was desperate to play with them.

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The Thetford (Breckland) Lioness Club enjoyed a delicious meal at the Larling Angel both to celebrate the festive season and to welcome two new members into the Lioness Club of Thetford. The Lioness Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at the Kings Court Earl Street Thetford, for further information please contact only on 0845-08334764

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30

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Succesful open evening for Flower Club Mrs Margaret Rumens of Solihalls demonstrated ‘Christmas is Coming’ to a capacity audience at the Carnegie Rooms, Thetford recently.

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Pictured: Lynda Moore (Chairman) and Mrs Pat Fuller (past President) with the pedestal Pat created for the raffle at the Open Evening

The evening included festive stalls, a sales table, bric a brac stall plus jewellery and handbag stalls. The demonstration of magnificent arrangements were included in the raffle, followed by tea / coffee and mince pies. The evening was a great success and at the AGM in February, a donation will be given to the local cancer group supporting cancer sufferers in Thetford.

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The Flower Club meets every third Thursday at the United Reformed Church, Earl Street ay 7.30pm.

Visitors welcome - £3 per person.

Lynda Moore

Tel: 01842 814648 Mobile: 07775 946278

21st January 2016, 7.30pm, United Reformed Church Bring a few flowers to arrange and meet new friends

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Wild Walk in Thetford Why not join us for our New Year walk starting at the Captain Mainwaring statue on Bridge Street, Thetford at 11.00 - 12.30 on Sunday 10th January 2016. We’ll be walking down the river spotting birds and other wildlife. These walks are aimed at adults everyone is welcome from the expert to the beginner.

Wear good footwear, wrap up for the weather and bring binoculars, if you have any. This event is free but donations are always welcome. We hope to see you there! For more information contact 01842 753732 or email: thebrecks@rspb.org.uk

Your local friendly Locksmith around the clock for all your Lock and Key needs Professional Locksmith Services 24/7 Professional Keycutting on Thetford Market Tuesday & Saturday Professional Mobile Keycutting all Other Days We can Cut and Programme most Car Keys Professional Shoe Repairs & Engraving by Award Winning Cobbler

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31

New sessions announced for older adults exercise The recent pilot course, “Life is for Living: Older Adults Exercise” has proved that there is a need for this type of activity in Thetford. New sessions will therefore be starting on Fridays from January 22nd 2016 at 1.30pm and lasting an hour. The venue is the Terrapin, behind Fulmerston Church on Fulmerston Road IP24 3LE. If you would like to be more active, have greater mobility, co-ordination and muscle strength, then do come and join this friendly group. Both standing and chair-based exercises are on offer which you are able to follow to suit your abilities. Afterwards there is an opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, a biscuit and a chat.

Attendees at a recent Life is for Living session Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

This is a community funded project, but once the funding runs out, the venture will need to be self sufficient. A weekly charge of £3.00 per session will ensure the long term viability of the initiative.

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32

GC-LIFT 12393

THE

Independent Way

THETFORD PAST AND PRESENT

Past and Present photographs

When the past photograph was taken in 1970, houses in St Giles Lane had already been demolished to make way for a new service road behind King Street. Photographs courtesy of the David Osborne collection.

U3A Members Celebrate Christmas Around 150 Thetford U3A members attended their annual Christmas get together in the Thetford Carnegie Room. Entertainment was provided by local singer, Kenny Bernard and the Drama Group put a Third Age spin on that old pop classic, “Leader of the pack”. Lynn Ready, Chair of the Trustees Committee said, “It was a fantastic turn out. But it was only possible because of all the people who volunteered to help. Also the staff at the Carnegie Room have been very supportive throughout the year. A big thank you to everyone.”

Thetford U3A (University of the Third Age) is one of nearly a thousand local U3As in the UK with a total membership of 362,376. The U3A is a voluntary self-help organisation founded to provide life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities for people in their Third Age (retired, or semi-retired). Members learn together in groups, not for qualifications but for the sheer joy of discovery. You can find out more or contact us through our website at www.thetfordu3a.org

Although the Christmas event was members only, Thetford U3A hold meetings every month and non-members are very welcome for a small fee of £2.

The meetings usually have a guest speaker and the variety of topics covered has been quite staggering, everything from Radio Caroline to Bee Keeping. The next meeting will be Thursday 28th January 2pm at the Carnegie Room (opposite the Library). The speaker is Jason Middleton, an International gem stone buyer, and his subject will be “Pearl, a famous gem stone”. If you think you might be interested or just want to find out more about the U3A, do come along.

Picture Kenny Bernard entertains Thetford U3A

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33

Christmas Quiz raises Centre funds Brains were put to the test recently at a special Christmas themed Quiz Night held to raise funds for the Charles Burrell Centre.

Local Quiz Masters Jason Vince and Emma Jennings guided eleven teams through a series of 100 questions, all with a distinctly festive feeling. The winning team, named ‘Odds and Sods’ claimed first place, in a close run battle with the top 3 teams all within just a few points of one another. The succesful team consisted of Mike & Corinne Brindle, Barbara Bysouth, Corinne Fulford, Andrew Fitchett and Lauren Cope. A total of £260 was raised to support the running costs of the Centre which provides a home for over 30 organisations. A raffle was also held and the following were thanked for their support; Shadwell Stud, Zaks, the Hearing Care Centre, Dave’s Emporium, Unicorns & Rainbows, Stitch & Steam, Leaping Hare, Ancient House Museum, Thetford Grammar School, Thetford Rotary Club, Thetford & District Model Railway Society, Centre Stage School of Dance, Mike Wabe, Sue Webber, Thetford Town Council, Techniques, John Olivers, Creative Hair Studio, In and About Thetford Ltd and Thetford Labour Party.

The winning team collecting their prize from the Mayor and Mayoress of Thetford; Councillor Robert Kybird and Glynis Irish

Quiz Night such a success. The Centre has become an important venue for a large number of organisations, including permanent tenants and sessional hirers.

Thanks go to Emma and Jason and to everyone that donated prizes for the raffle”.

VALENTINES QUIZ

Friday 12th February 2016, 7pm A further Quiz Night will be taking place in the New Year to raise funds for the Thetford Community Association. For further information and to register your interest, please contact 077421 57967

Chairman of Charles Burrell Centre Ltd, Terry Jermy, who organised the event said; “I’d like to thank everyone for attending and helping to make this first

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34

THETFORD LIVE

ACOUSTIC NIGHT II FRIDAy 22ND JANUARy 2016 7-10PM

Update from Manager, Mark Snowdon...

Become a ‘shareholder’ to support our work: Charles Burrell Centre Limited was established in April 2015, taking over the lease of the former school site.

Having an overarching community purpose, we were eligible to form the organisation as a ‘community benefit society’ which is basically a form of a co-operative with the benefits that charities receive. We chose this option as it offers local residents the opportunity to become members of the society and have a say in the running of the centre. Membership is available from just £1 and all members will be invited to our AGM which is due to be held in 2016. When we apply for grant funding applications we are also asked ‘How many members do you have?’ so it is important that we are able to evidence the support that the Centre has. If you would like to show your support for the centre please contact us for further information. Our staff are always on hand to provide information and tours of the centre.

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We also have a position available on our board of directors. We are looking for a ‘community rep’ to attend monthly board meetings and represent the views of local people. The individual chosen we will able to vote on key decisions in regards to the management of the centre. For more information contact 07742157967. The succesful candidate will be chosen by way of a vote due to take place at the January meeting of the Barnham residents group. All residents attending will be eligible to vote for the representative.

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35

New in for the New Year!

These fab new bags are just in, courtesy of SoRT iT! and are proving very popular. They are high quality - made from a very hard wearing jute and cotton mix, with very comfy handles.

Thetford is rightly proud to have 3 statues and all of them feature in this lovely silhouette design. The Thetford’s Great Heritage brand is featured on the other side.

These lovely new double-sided bags are a great size, great quality and at ÂŁ4.95 - a great price!

Buy tickets from our Box Office/Shop at 20 King Street 01842 751975, 07802 701911 and on line www.leapinghare.org

36

Tues 5th Jan Golders Green Cemetery Talk th It’s Live! Are you on it? Thurs 7th Jan STAG Public Meeting Sun 10 Jan 2016 Loki Winter Sprinter We’re passionate about all things Tues 12th - Wed 13th Jan Age UK event Thetford and our shop loves promoting Fri 15th Jan Ghost Walk all that is going on in our town, now we Fri & Sat 15th16th 22nd 23rd Jan Peter Pan Panto have taken that one huge leap forward by launching Thetford’s Great Directory. Fri 22nd Thetford LIVE Acoustic Night 2 Thetford now has the ability to showcase Fri 29th Jan T.A.R.A. Awards itself both locally and much further afield. Fri 29th Jan Forever Buble With nine great main categories, for the Fri 29th – Sat 30th Jan WellMade Theatre very first time Thetford can promote Thurs 2nd June Red Rooster everything in one place and locally, we Visit www.leapinghare.org can really appreciate what we have. to buy tickets and for more events No matter what you do, product you make or sell, club or society that you are How do I sign up? involved with there is a category for you. It’s easy! www.leapinghare.org select Thetford’s Great Directory, then ‘add your listing’. This gives you our guide, you will then be prompted to create your own personal login details (so you can edit later) and choose which of the 9 main categories suits you best (once selected, there will be lots more sub-categories to choose from).

How much does it cost?

You have 3 levels to choose from:

Premium Listing £50 per year for a business £25 per year community/charity

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If you’re not, then make sure you grab the opportunity!

Buy tickets/merchandise from our Box Office/Shop at 20 King Street, Thetford Tel: 01842 751975, 07802 701911 and on line at www.leapinghare.org ‘like’ our facebook page www.facebook.com/leapinghare

37

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A Happy and Prosperous New Year to everyone. We are kicking off the New Year with a Tutorial on Flash Photography. This will be run by one of our members, Pat Childerhouse and he has asked that we all bring our cameras with us. So if you are new to our club and think that this will interest you, please come along to the Baptist Chapel on High Street, Brandon at 7.30pm on Wednesday 6th January 2016. The meeting following this will be Competition night on Wednesday 20th January 2016, an ideal opportunity for anyone to see the work we produce at the club and listen to our very knowledgeable Judges give constructive critique to our work. Don’t forget too to visit our website: www.brandonphotographicclub.co.uk Denise Whiting, Club Secretary

NEW YEAR – NEW COURSE The WEA is presenting a course on:

CHINA – LAND AND PEOPLE from Mandarins to Commissars.

Tutor – David Prynn

Starting on Monday January 4th at the Methodist Hall at 10am 10 sessions x 90 minutes - £50.

Queries? - Sue Pilgrim 820332

Rotary News: The Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs held a Beaujolais and Quiz at Croxton Village Hall in late November.

Over 50 people were treated to Sausage Cassoulet followed

by French Apple Tart. The evening took a serious turn when headmaster David Childerhouse strictly controlled the quiz. The evening raised £760 for charities supported by Inner Wheel & Rotary. In December Rotarians treated their wives and partners to an early Christmas Dinner at the Cadogan Arms in Ingham.

WEA in Thetford

We have had a particularly riveting course this Autumn.

Our speaker was an Imam from Ipswich, Muhammad Manwar Ali, who was once a Jihadist in Afghanistan but now works with police and other organisations to oppose terrorism and help young Muslims. We have learnt something of the beliefs and requirements of Islam and how the faith has been failed by some of its teachers. Imams with limited training in the faith or understanding of British culture have caused problems and divisions. We appreciated the wisdom and humanity of our speaker and were left full of admiration for what he is trying to achieve. Moving on to the Spring Term our course is an overview of the culture of China. David Prynn will spend 10 weeks giving us an outline of 4000 years of history. As well as talking about the dynasties of the past, he will expand on developments since 1900 and contemporary issues. Details at top of next column.

January 9th at 7.30pm Carnegie Room OPEN TO ALL 2 course Hot and Cold buffet, Entertainment and dancing Quizzes: Raffle £15/ticket Contact Pat Smith 01842 752854

Burns Lunch, Croxton Village Hall Sunday 24th January at 12 Noon Haggis Lunch with table wine £12:50. Licensed Bar Contact D Childerhouse 01953 498079 Proceeds to charities supported by Rotary and Inner Wheel

MEN’S BREAKFAST SATURDAY 30th Jan //8:30am THE HUB, BISHOP’S SCHOOL, Canterbury Way, IP24 1EB

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39

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40

COMMUNITY CORNER

Details of forthcoming resident group meetings taking place in January are below: Abbey Tenants and Resident’s Association Meeting on Monday 11th January, 6.30pm at the Bishop’s School Community Room (to the left of the main school entrance). Surgery with Councillors and agencies from 6pm. Contact 07768974026 Barnham Action Group Next meeting will be Monday 18th January 2016.

6pm - 6.30pm for surgery time with Councillors and agencies. 6.30pm main meeting. At Fulmerston Church.

Croxton Road Community Associatiom Next meeting will be taking place on Monday 11th January at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 7.30pm. Refreshments available. Contact Ian Dixon, Chairman - 01842 765890 E-mail: croxtonrd-community2@tiscali.co.uk Norwich Road Resident’s Association Next meeting Friday 8th January, 8pm, at Church on the Way, Churchill Road Redcastle Action Group Next meeting will be on Monday 26th January 2016, 7pm at Redcastle Senior Citizens Club.

Table Football

NEW: Vicarage Road Ward Resident’s Association Join us at the next residents’ meeting on Wednesday 20th January at the Deer’s Leap on Norwich Road. For further information, please call: 01842 766059.

Tea / Coffee

Table Tennis

Air Hockey

Cake

Board Games and Children's toys

Cans / Water

Church Of The Nazarene Croxton Road Thetford IP24 1TA

Friday 15th Jan 2016 Friday 12th Feb 2016 Friday 11th Mar 2016 Friday 8th April 2016

Pool / Snooker

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42

January 2016 Health and Wellbeing Open Morning Wednesday 27th January 10.00am – 1.00pm

Thetford Audio Book Club with NNAB Are you visually impaired?

Come and enjoy audio books with people who understand.

Friday 8th January 10.30 am -12.00 noon.

To find out more please call Mark or Elaine: 01603 629558 or email: marksmith@nnab.co.uk

Many organisations here to advise & help, including Breckland District Council; offering information on energy saving, healthy housing with information on grants; falls action project, Boiler prescription scheme- Boiler tune up service.

Waste management/recycling, Healthy eating;

Thetford Reading Group The January meeting is on; Friday 29th starting at 2.30pm.

Breckland Health Trainers; health Mini MOTs, Norfolk County Council Adult Education: Workshops on ‘well being’. Norfolk County Council Public Health: Slipper swap and information; Age UK: offering information on dementia issues and other services, plus the smoothie bike to ‘pedal’ your own healthly smoothie.

The Book Club The Book Club meets monthly on a Friday evening.

The January meeting will take place on Friday 29th, 5.45pm – 6.45pm.

NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME TO BOTH GROUPS

Thetford Library Local History Group A chance to find out about the library’s local history collections. Meeting on the third Friday of each month at Thetford Library, 10.30am – 12 noon.

Next meeting: Friday 15th January 2016 .

Community History Group Volunteers still welcomed.

For more information on all our groups, events or volunteering opportunities please contact: Kathryn / David on 01842 752048 or email: thetford.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

NEW Chatterbooks Book Club Fun activities based around reading for children aged 8-11 years. Meets monthly at Thetford Library on Fridays 4pm-5pm, Next meeting: 29th January

Opening hours at Thetford Library Monday : 8.30am –5.30pm Tuesday: 8.30am –5.30pm Wednesday : 8.30am – 1pm Thursday : 8.30am – 5.30pm Friday : 8.30am – 7pm Saturday : 9am – 1pm

Mondays for pre-school children Baby Bounce & Rhyme Time now alternates fortnightly on Mondays during term time with Books and Buggies Meet Up.

Where to find us Thetford Library, Raymond Street Thetford, IP24 2EA www.twitter.com/NorfolkLibs

Baby Bounce & Rhyme Time Songs & Rhymes for babies and toddlers and their parents/carers. 10.30am – 11.00am at Thetford Library Mondays 11th and 25th January No need to book for these fun, free sessions!

Books and Buggies Meet Up A chance to meet with friends and share books together. Meets fortnightly, 10.00am -11.30am on Monday 18th January You are welcome to stay for the whole session or drop-in.

Story Time Activities with Sure Start at Thetford Library – on Wednesdays, 10.00am – 11.00am during term time. These fun sessions with Sure Start in the library are free and are held in the library during term time. No need to book, just turn up on the day!

For further information please contact Sure Start on 01842 766438

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43

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   --  

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    

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   –         

 –  —  

– 



 –       

 — -  

-        

        —       

Leah’s Fundraising Challenge The About Thetford magazine is so often used as a resource by many people living or working away from the town to stay in touch with what’s happening locally.

We have people from as far away as Australia and American that read the magazine online on a regular basis. Recently, we were contacted by Leah Veasy, originally from Thetford, who is asking for local people’s support with a fundraising effort “I grew up in Thetford, and am a former Charles Burrell and Thomas Paine Sixth Form student. I now live and work in London, as a Residential Leasehold Solicitor at Bolt Burdon in Islington. As I’m turning 30 in 2017, I wanted a new ‘get fit’ challenge so I signed up for the London Marathon and was one of the lucky runners to gain a place. Training is tough and slow going – I’m a keen netball player, but the type of fitness needed for the Marathon is so different to what I am used to.

Picture: Leah Veasy who will be completing the London Marathon this year

babies like my nephews. If you would like to help the cause, please visit my Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/Leah-Veasey/ LEAFLET DELIVERY SERVICE Don’t forget, the About Thetford magazine is pleased to deliver leaflets alongside the monthly magazine.

We charge £30 + VAT per 1,000 leaflets.

Contact: 077421 57967

I’m running for the Luton and Dunstable Special Care Baby Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, in memory of my angel nephew, and in thanks for my surviving nephew. The Hospital are raising funds for a refurbishment, so that they can help more premature

no win no fee

injured an accident? first weinlisten...

Local specialists all types of We offer adviceinon: personal injury claim including: Wills & Trusts Inheritance tax Road accidents Probate andaccidents administration of estates Workplace Powers of attorney Fatal accidents

• •• •• ••

Brain and orthopaedic injury •Contact Robert Chalmers

on 01603 703231 Hannah Clarke

h.clarke@ashtonkcj.co.uk

then we advise

here to help

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01842 768717

Bury St Edmunds | Cambridge | Felixstowe | Ipswich | Norwich | Thetford

www.ashtonkcj.co.uk

Ashton KCJ is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Recognised Body number 45826).

Ashton KCJ is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Recognised Body number 45826).

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements

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