MARCH 2022 About Thetford magazine

MARCH 22

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE

194

CIRCULATION 13,000

T’s & C’s Apply.

W W W. B AT H R O O M - P L A C E . C O . U K 03301239334

IN THIS ISSUE

THETFORD LADIES RAISE ABUSE AWARENESS

About Thetford Cover_Mar 22_v1.indd 1

SUPPORT WITH HOME ENERGY BILLS

THETFORD FLOODING TO BE REVIEWED

PANTO SUCCESS FOR PLAYERS PLUS LOTS MORE!!

16/02/2022 09:48

SCAN FOR YOUR FREE INSTANT VALUATION

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Spring Is In The Air!

Inside this month...

February that it has felt It has been so mild during the arrival of March, with but like Spring already, Page 5 - New Books For Diamond Academy the 20th March to be we’re officially there! (On Page 7 - Increases To Home Energy Bills rly nea is it ans me Spring precise). The arrival of Page 8 - TARA’s For Community Champions to and we look forward time for the Fun Fair, Page 9 - Thetford Flooding Issues Explored end the at team back welcoming Larry Gray and Page 11 - Update from The Flâneur ing llbe We S RV the sees of the month. Plus, March Page 13 - Art Group Tells Priory Story to and special free access Fayre for the over 50’s Page 15 - When Spring Comes In al ion Nat tnership with the the Ancient House in par Page 17 - Panto Success For Players . rch Ma h 27t 19th Lottery - this runs from the Page 19 - World Book Day At NJB ny people’s Page 21 - Ancient House Museum ma on bt dou no are Home energy bills ce Page 23 - Garden & Allotment Club - there’s helpful guidan minds at the moment ic. top this on ice Page 25 - Story Of The Collared Dove Adv s zen inside from Thetford Citi y Page 27 - Call-out For Gardens about this month, proudl Karen’s been out and d Page 31 - Discover Sound Therapy tfor rd as part of the The accepting a ‘TARA’ awa d Page 32 - Bespoke Fostering Agency tfor The the enjoying Page 35 - Thetford Boys Cycling Challenge Open Gardens team and can read about both Page 38 - Charity Links With Ladies Team Player’s pantomime. You st as well as the late events inside this month Front cover image: ‘Thetford Town Bridge’ s ing der neur on his wan © Neil James Media installment from The Flâ around the town.

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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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New Books For School The School library has been restocked for Diamond Academy in Thetford, with £500 worth of books donated by Upp after being referred

by About Thetford Magazine. Upp broadband, who since the end of 2021 have begun servicing the Thetford area with their high-speed fibre network, have donated £500 worth of books to Diamond Academy school, who are in the process of revamping their library. Amongst an array of colourful and exciting fiction books, Upp also donated books with an educational purpose, which can be used for both personal reading and in lessons.

Abi Jones, the English Lead at Diamond Academy said “We are absolutely thrilled with the donation from Upp. This was such a kind and generous donation for our school and the children are already greatly enjoying reading the library’s new additions.” Prior to receiving Upp’s donation, the library housed a very limited supply of books. The new books have made a real difference and will appeal to all ages at the school.

Edward Money, Head of Brand and Communications at Upp said “It has been fantastic to see the children at Diamond Academy reading

Diamond Academy pupils enjoying some of the new books donated by Upp

and enjoying their new books. As we expand Upp’s network into Thetford and the local area, it has been wonderful to get involved with the local communities and provide more than just highspeed broadband!”

To find out more about Upp and to see if they are expanding their network up your street, visit: www.upp.com

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Increases To Home Energy Bills Most households are expecting to see their home energy bills rise by around 54% in April 2022 (unless they are in a fixed deal). On average, that is a rise of more than £700 per year! Ofgem has increased the cap on the price of each unit of energy (with standing charges taken into account) from April to reflect the huge rise suppliers are facing buying energy wholesale. If you’re on a fixed deal, the unit price of your energy will not go up until your fixed plan ends and you are moved onto a variable default tariff. If you’re not sure what tariff you are on, check your bill or contact your energy supplier.

What extra support is available?

In February the government announced a new package of support to help households with rising energy bills including: • A £150 non-repayable rebate in Council Tax bills for all households in Bands A-D in April 2022.

• A £200 discount on energy bills this Autumn for domestic electricity customers (automatically paid back over the next 5 years).

• Funding from Local Authorities to support households who need support but are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate or are on income support but live in an E or above property.

• Expanding the Warm Home Discount and increasing its value from £140 to £150.

What if you think you are being charged too much?

Suppliers will be contacting customers by the end of February 2022 to let them know if their price is changing from April 2022, and what it might mean for their payments. A customer's bill will vary depending on how many units of energy they use in the billing period. If a customer uses more energy, they will have a higher bill.

Are you getting accurate bills? Customers without smart meters are advised to regularly read their meters and pass this onto the supplier, so that the bills reflect what’s being used and estimated bills are avoided. Talk to your supplier if you are being billed for the wrong meter reading, or if you think there is a meter fault.

What you can do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bill? If you’re struggling to afford your gas and electricity bills, contact your supplier to discuss ways to pay what you owe them. Your supplier has to help you come to a solution. You should try to negotiate a deal that works for both of you and avoids disconnection.

Should customers still switch? Increases in wholesale energy costs has meant that fewer deals are available on price comparison sites.

Some customers may still be able to make a saving, so it may still be worth comparing prices in case there is a cheaper deal.

The Norfolk Warm & Wise energy team offers free, impartial and confidential energy advice.

The Norfolk-wide project is a partnership between Citizen Advice Diss, Thetford and District and Norfolk Citizens Advice. Telephone 0800 144 8848 or e-mail: energyadvice@cadat.org.uk

How can I reduce my energy use? There are lots of ways to save on your energy bills. For example, making sure that your heating is working correctly and that you understand which appliances are the most expensive to use.

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Thetfordians Recognised At Awards Thetford’s annual feel good evening, the TARA awards returned this year with a host of unsung heroes recognised for their achievements in the town. The awards – Thetford Awards Recognising Achievement were launched in 2015 by local businessman and Councillor Mark Robinson. The Black Tie event celebrated 20 finalists, chosen from 140 nominations in 9 different categories.

The evening was hosted by Mark and Mark Jefferies, with entertainment from local magician James Samuel and the Guildhall Singers. Corinne Fulford was recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to the community, and Jane Howard was awarded the Lifetime Achievement. Corinne’s contribution to the town includes being the driving force behind the statue of Captain Mainwaring, organising its unveiling event and subsequent stage show. In addition to helping to create the Dads Army Museum, she campaiged for, and delivered the skatepark, organised Thetford’s Great Festival and established the town’s unfunded Tourist Information Centre - amongst many other things! Jane is well known to many as their school dinner lady or colleage at Tesco, however from adversity she has also raised enormous amounts of money to provide essential

heart screening to young people after the tragic death of her son Stuart.

Other organisations recognised included Thetford Open Gardens, Ed Sheridan from Thetford Bulldogs and Tesco Thetford.

Speaking about the event Mark Robinson said, “I’d like to congratulate all the finalists, and offer my heartfelt thanks to the event sponsors Upp. com, Thetford Town Council, our guest presenters and everyone else who worked so hard to make the evening such a success.”

Above: TARA organiser Mark Robinson introduces this year’s finalists Photos: Maria Cooke

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New Sites Announced As Flood Alliance Marks First Anniversary At a meeting marking the first anniversary of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance (NSFA) and the work already done by its members, a second tranche of 11 potential flooding sites to be examined by the Alliance has been announced which includes six locations in Thetford.

After a year in which Alliance members have carried out over 30,000 tasks to reduce flood risk in Norfolk, from removing drain blockages to investing in a new pumping station at Islington, West Norfolk and during which the NSFA has adopted a Norfolk wide strategy to enable a countywide response to flooding, the Alliance’s members have announced a new tranche of sites to build on the success of the NSFA’s first year. As part of its ongoing programme of work, the NSFA identifies sites across Norfolk that are regularly at risk of flooding and tasks its members with inspecting the sites, understanding what issues cause flooding at location, and identifying what work would minimise or mitigate the local flooding risk. The Thetford sites being examined by the NSFA’s members have been named as: Bridge Street, Burrell Way Industrial Estate, Fairfields, Gloucester Way, Bracken Road and Bury Road.

Once work examining these sites is complete, the NSFA’s members begin sourcing funding to carry out these works, including from the members themselves where appropriate or via national funding schemes.

Captain Mainwaring surveys the Christmas floods

that has been made not just in joining up, but in identifying solid solutions for locations around Norfolk, but we’ve got to keep this momentum going. That’s why we’re announcing a second tranche of sites and pressing ministers to provide the funding needed to protect the people of Norfolk from flood risk, and will continue to do so”.

The announcement of the second tranche follows on from the work on the first, which has identified a range of work that could make the initial 16 sites more resilient in the event of flooding.

In the event of flooding, residents should ring 0344 800 8013.

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Let’s celebrate Mum...

Spring is in the air and with Mother’s Day fast approaching (Sunday 27 March) what better way than to show Mum you care than to celebrate with a unique, hand-made gift. New in are beautiful Dazy Flower bath bombs, part of the new Spring Collection from Stepping Stones Emporium, which also includes new candles and wax melts – hand-made right here in Thetford. Choose from jewellery, ceramics, luxury handbags and wooden bowls and much, much more. For a tiny shop, we carry a great range.

Event tickets make great gifts too...

Thetford Singers are back with their Spring concert on 23 March.Tickets are just £8 for a sequence of words and music for the season. Alternatively, on the same evening, the Modern Slavery Conference is being held in Norwich Cathedral. An opportunity to discover what “slavery” is, why it exists, where it exists, what motivates the slave masters and how it affects the victims.

If you love quizzes, then you will be spoilt as we have two – a quiz night on Friday 1 April is raising funds for the Norwich Road Defiibrilator Appeal and the St George’s Day Quiz on Saturday 23 April will be raising funds for the new Wellbeing Garden at Charles Burrell Centre.

We now have the new 2022 dates for Euston Hall tours beginning on Saturday 9 – Friday 15 April.

The perfect Mother’s Day gift.

A special thank you!

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Our grateful thanks for our recent nomination for this year’s Tara’s. It is greatly appreciated.

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My very favourite Thetford walk is the pretty stroll from the Blaydon Bridge, along Haling Path and on to Butten Island and the Spring Walk up to Nun’s Bridges. I’ve yet to get tired of the change of seasons and activity along the rivers; human, animal and vegetable.

My wife has a particular fascination with Spring House, largely I suspect, from an overdose of Downton Abbey.

We’ve never actually watched the show together – for me a “costume drama” is confined to the fuss we have over what to wear before a night out – but I know she sneaks an episode or two in if I’m not around.

If your version of historical interest tends towards the social, the following story may be of more interest. In 1885 a Miss Cooke, possibly fed up with unemployed using the land behind her house as an ad hoc meeting place, decided to build a fence that enclosed land on the western quadrant of Town Bridge (where the bench now sits). A restless crowd grew at the site with the appearance of Miss Cooke providing the spark that ignited what are now known as the “Thetford Riots”. In less than half an hour the mob tore the fence down and threw it in the river.

Seizing their new found power, our heroes adjourned down the river to Spring Walk and tore down further fencing.

After some toing and froing the Mayor, Mr Sowells, was forced to address the crowd and literally read the Riot Act to the assembled, a function I fervently hope the current Mayor, Cllr Mike Brindle never has to fulfil. Order was restored only after a stone hit the Mayor in the face. In that respect I know how he feels!

Built about a century before the TV series Terry Land, The Flâneur and just two years prior Above: The Baths at Thetford ©Norfolk Museum to the unpopular and Service/Ancient House Museum featuring Spring wasteful George IV ascending House and Regency life along the river.

Opposite: the site of the start of Thetford Riots the throne, Spring House was the epicentre of an attempt to reinvent Thetford as a spa town.

The deadline for inclusion in the April edition of Although the plan failed, and the pump house was About Thetford magazine is the 15th March. closed 20 years later, we can still enjoy a stroll Send content to; The Mulberry REV with Advert 7.qxp_Layout 1 12/05/2021 16:50 Page 1 along Spring Walk Gore-Tex clad walkers a aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com substitute for Regency finery.

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Art Group Tells The Story Of Thetford Priory Many readers will be familiar with the work of local artist and former art teacher Dan Morgan. What many people might not be aware of is the art group he runs in the town. Access Art Group meets on a Monday afternoon for two hours at The Crossing in Tanner Street and is open to everyone.

Their most recent project is a stunning puppet theatre, with puppets and backdrops created to tell the story of the Duke of Norfolk and his fight to keep Thetford Priory open during the dissolution of the monasteries. The group have created the theatre, their beautiful rod puppets and 5 sets using as much recycled materials as possible. Speaking about the project Dan said, “My well known interest in Victorian toy theatres has slightly influenced the design of the theatre, but this has been a group project with everyone working together.”

Julie, James, Dan and Sean with the puppet theatre.

Chris is behind the scenes controlling the lighting!

being creative, and I’m looking forward to sharing our work with the wider community.” The group are due to take the project to Ancient House Museum for one of the Friends talks this summer.

The art group has been active for 4 years, with previous projects including print making and model making. It is open to all abilities and welcomes anyone looking to improve their wellbeing by being creative. For more information please contactAdvert.qxp_Layout Annette on 01842 818361 or email:08:51 P DIY Masters 1 26/06/2020 the.crossing@accessct.org

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Chris Sanderson and Dan Morgan with some of the puppets created at the Access Art Group

The project started when the group resumed in May 2021 and now the group are preparing to take the theatre on tour to venues around the town. “With covid, it’s nice to have things to do, it’s good for your wellbeing.” Explained group member Sean. “You can always learn something new at the group, “ continued Julie. James and Dan said they had been busy writing the script about a period in time that changed Thetford’s fate from a prosperous Monastic centre to a quiet market town. The script features a cast of characters from history including Thetford’s Sir Richard Fulmerston. Another member, Chris said that she has found it a fascinating project and enjoyed everyone being able to take part and make something. “We’ve had a lot of fun together

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Paine Talk For U3A Members We recently had the pleasure of Fraser Harrison speaking to us on the subject of Thomas Paine.

Many of the members were well acquainted with his story but Fraser recounted many things we had not known. He was pleased when talking on the erection of Paine’s statue two members stood up and told us although they were very young at that time they remembered it very well and also remembered seeing the statue a few days later being completely covered in blue paint. Fraser has spoken before on a number occasions and it is always a pleasure to hear him once again.

This year seems tp be flying past. In March we have Sarah Doig giving a presentation on The Sign Of The Times which promises to be very interesting. We have had a little change with the seating at the Carnegie, the committee decided to have round tables at our meeting which makes it very friendly rather than sitting in long rows. We hope that you are happy with this arrangement.

All future talks are on our website. Free to attend for U3A members and £2 for visitors.

Lesley Braund, Thetford U3A Telephone: 01842 824074 E-mail: lesleybraund@hotmail.com

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When Spring Comes In… When spring comes in, nature awakes and all begins to grow and bloom around us. For centuries this has inspired writers and musicians to put pen to paper and illustrate this great miracle. The season stretches from the first tentative stirrings on otherwise still cold and dismal days through the mysteries of the Eastertide to the glories of May with its fragrant blossoms. Our own John Weeks has followed in the footsteps of generations of writers and has linked a programme of springtime songs old and new with existing as well as specially written texts to take us through ‘springtime, the only pretty ringtime’. The choir is proud and excited to be presenting this cornucopia of literary and musical works. Please join us for an evening of seasonal words and music on 23rd March 2022 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £8 from Leaping Hare Box Office, online at www.leapinghare.org or by phone: 01842 751975.

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Changes Come To Probus

The Probus organisation for retired PROfessional and BUSiness men started in the mid-60’s. Last year, the local group decided that membership should also be open to women and Jennifer Bullock, a former Mayor of Thetford became the first female Officer taking on the Welfare Officer role. In the business section of the January meeting, we were told that speakers have been arranged for meetings up to and including July’s and that venues have been arranged for the year’s lunches.

The speaker for February’s meeting was Linda Scoles, whose talk “I was born in them thar hills” was a detailed and loving history of her family, starting in Denmark in the mid-19th century, where a four-year old girl called Anna began to look after the family’s cows. Three years later she graduated to working in the house and continued until she reached 16, at which stage she fell in love. Now her Father didn’t approve of the boy and when she became pregnant he threw her out.

She was indentured to a Quaker family in Iowa but soon moved to a neighbouring farm where she married one of the sons. Around 1900 they moved to Washington State where new land was available cheaply as the railway was pushed westward.

Here the farm on which Linda was born was developed, as well as skiing facilities in the mountains above. Eventually marriage to an airman brought Linda to England in the seventies, although the farm continues to supply fruit (mainly cherries) and hay to the American market.

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Panto Success For Players This year saw the return of Thetford’s ever popular Panto by the Thetford Players after a lockdown enforced break last year. Alice In Wonderland, A Curious Panto was indeed a very different kind of Panto for the Players. As with so many things the covid pandemic had an impact on the production.

Gone were the younger members of the cast, the chorus, elaborate backdrops, make up and hair. In its place were dynamic costumes and a company, each with multiple roles and tasks to keep as covid secure as possible. And the Players triumphed again – with audience members openly saying it was their best Panto to date!

Sue Dupont from NODA said that she ‘just loved the Caterpillar, Tim Lovejoy, in glorious pantaloons plus hookah, and his dancing moths round the toadstools. Fighting Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee (Simon Kitching and Lorna Podbury) joined into the action with energy. Not to forget the Mock Turtle of Lynne Jeffries telling her tales on the seashore and beside the Pool leading into a superb UV sequence of sea creatures’.

So despite all the obstacles, Alice In Wonderland A Curious Pantomime, the Panto that wasn’t in 2021, was a triumph and gave us all a little bit of post-Christmas normality in our lives.

The cast of Alice In Wonderland A Curious Pantomine Photos: Neil Coomber-Webb

The simple set enabled the cast acting to take centre stage this year. Directors Katie Wright and Craig Plumley along with Producers Jo Cooper and Leonie Sweeden had their job cut out with the Omicron outbreak threatening to derail rehearsals and performances. Highlights of the show included a UV puppetry under water scene and the rock ‘n’ roll caterpillar.

Starting with the superb entrance by the White Rabbit, this year’s Panto had all the normal thrills along with a musical theatre soundtrack. Laura Williams made the perfect Alice with notable performances from Beck Powell as the Cheshire Cat, Dave Griffiths as the White Rabbit and Charlie Wilson as the March Hare. Luke Jeffries playing the Knave of Hearts provided the Players most camp villain to date. Gary Largent followed in a long line of joyous Dames, gently teasing his target audience member without having the easy gag of sitting in the unfortunate man’s lap!

Adam Bond took his Mad Hatter to a whole new level with an array of accents. Knobby The Door played by Panto favourite Phil Pearson provided enough innuendoes to keep the adults happy with knocker jokes being at the forefront. It should be said that the entire cast acted their socks off and the success of this year’s Panto is very much a company effort.

The next Thetford Player’s production will be The Hollow by Agatha Christie on the 8th and 9th July.

Tickets available from Leaping Hare Box Office.

Thetford Guides Go To The Panto!

On the 22nd January the 1st Thetford Rainbows, 1st Thetford Brownies, 3rd Thetford Brownies, and 1st Thetford Guides united to watch the Thetford Players Alice in Wonderland A Curious Pantomine.

The girls were thrilled to be able to all come together again and enjoy the show! Rooting for Alice in her wonderful adventure and booing the naughty Knave of Hearts!

Since its establishment in 1909 The Guides has provided young girls with a safe space to grow in confidence, make new friends, learn new skills, go on adventures, and have fun! It is a fantastic opportunity for girls aged four and up to learn important life skills. All thanks to a brilliant team of volunteers who work together to make guiding happen. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer let us know. If you were interested in joining Girl Guiding or finding out more information please visit our website: www.girlguiding.org.uk Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 17

Hugh Lupton Thrills With Tales Of Old From time-to-time Storytellers visit Thetford and entertain us with their tales of old. There’s always a keen following in the town and this was no exception when Hugh Lupton performed in the Guildhall Small Court. Performing ‘Mardling Acre’ Hugh took the audience on a journey through fields and hedgerows, stable yards and onto London Bridge. The performance celebrated the gossiping acres of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and the Fens, conjuring some colourful characters in the process – Charlie Wag, Jack Ostler, Tom-Tit-Tot, Old Nol, the Parson of Sedgeford, John Chapman the Peddler of Swaffham, and the wonderful true tale of Jenny Wing and the Horses.

Poignant, funny beautifully crafted tales that captivated the audience including a poem written

by Thetford’s Thomas Paine. Organised by Jane James from Not Just Books, the intimate performance was interjected with musical moments and a 11.18.qxp_Layout dancing doll once owned by MCP HP Advert 1 19/11/2018 legendary folk musician Billy Bennington.

Storyteller Hugh Lupton with Jane James and one of Billy Bennington’s dancing dolls

Hugh Lupton is an award winning storyteller, performer, and author. He has toured nationally and internationally and has performed at the RSC, National Theatre, and the Barbican – and now Thetford Guildhall! Hugh said that he was delighted to perform in the town and continue Thetford’s storytelling tradition. Jane said that she was thrilled to bring storytelling back to town, “it's so nice to be back doing events and storytelling is at thePage heart1of Not Just Books. We hope everyone 09:41 enjoyed it as much as we did!”

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World Book Day At Not Just Books It’s that time of year again as Not Just Books are taking part in the national campaign to swap the World Book Day £1 book token for one of the TWELVE exclusive, new and completely FREE World Book Day Books! Not only that, but World Book Day is celebrating its 25th year on 3rd March 2022.

We’re very excited to be working with some of our local schools as well to ensure as many young people as possible get hold of their free World Book Day book as reading is such an important part of our young peoples’ development. With the core message of “You Are A Reader”, World Book Day has a particular focus on reaching children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In its 25th year, World Book Day will highlight the importance of all children having the opportunity to own and be inspired by inclusive stories, written by authors and illustrators who are representative of the society we live in.

Did you know that:

• In 2021, 1 in 5 children receiving free school meals said the book they ‘bought’ with their WBD book token was the first book they had of their own

• Spending just 10 minutes a day reading with a child makes a big difference to their future success throughout their lives Here at Not Just Books, we are extremely passionate about reading, for young and old.

World Book Day is part of our commitment to supporting young people and their reading and we thoroughly support their vision of changing lives through a love of books and shared reading. We want to help create the readers of the future and love to give children the chance to experience B A Royall Advert.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2022 12:24 choosing and owning a book – for free.

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Young people can use their vouchers to choose from this years selection and enjoy a book for free at Not Just Books this month

The World Book Day £1 books are a gift from Not Just Books and other booksellers, who fully fund the cost of the £1 book token redemptions. There are also some fabulous online events, please do go to www.worldbookday.com to catch up with the World Book Day Live digital events.

Let’s spread a love of books and reading for Page of all ages. children

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Springing Up Thetford Voices is launching its 2022 programme of Open Singing Workshops for children and young people aged 6 to 16 with a half-day session on the afternoon of Saturday 23rd April, 1.30pm to 5pm in the Williamson Hall of Thetford Grammar 2020 wksp_small Page 1 School.springs Our08/02/2022 Spring15:01 Sing Thing is a chance for newcomers to discover the fun in rehearsing a it’s a mix of songs chosen to suit across the age SP R N G ranges and delivering a S NG quality performance to TH NG friends and families at the end of the day. Past and present Voices will be able to put aside the disappointment of our Covid-cancelled Carolling Day in December in discovering even more great songs that are guaranteed to stay in the memory for months to come. The workshop is led by very experienced song leaders and a DBS registered volunteer team; appropriate Covid-safe measures will be in place. Generous grant support from Thetford Town Council enables us to keep the attendance fee to £5 a head. All enthusiastic young singers are welcome.

Email thetfordvoices@gmail.com for a booking form and further information.

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Book Now For Family Egg Hunt A family-friendly Easter Egg hunt returns in April after a two-year break due to covid.

The popular event, organised by Thetford Toy Library is due to take place on Saturday 9th April 2022. It’s the 20th year that its been held and the sixth to take place at the Charles Burrell Centre.

There will be a new style ticket system with one ticket for all ages. All egg hunting takes place outside and there will be a special visit from the Easter Bunny! When you book you can select a preferred start time from 10am through until 2pm. When you’ve completed your hunt, be sure to hand back your completed entry to be in with a chance of winning some ‘eggcellent’ sports equipment. Every person taking part receives a big chcocolate egg and there may well be some extra gifts available from the Easter bunny.

Entrance is the £2.50 a ticket and the tickets are available now from Thetford Toy Library which is based at the Charles Burrell Centre. See the Toy Library’s Facebook page for details of opening times. This event is kindly being sponsored by Sainsbury’s Thetford, Wilko and Charles Burrell Centre. Thetford Toy Library is a voluntary, not for profit organisation.

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National Lottery #ThanksToYou At Ancient House Museum This month the team at the Ancient House is saying a special #ThanksToYou to National Lottery players for your support in making the work we do possible. From Saturday 19 March to Sunday 27th March 2022 we are offering free admission (worth £5.10 for adults, £4.86 concessions and £4.70 for a child) to lottery ticket holders. All you need do is bring along a used Lotto ticket and we will be delighted to offer you free admission.

This includes access to our two special exhibitions – the Thetford Treasure, a late Roman hoard on loan from the British Museum, and Princess Catherine Duleep Singh exhibition, featuring new artwork from contemporary artist, Inkquisitive.

Plus visitors will be able to enjoy our Fairy Tales and Myths Family trail, play ‘I Spy’ with characters from myths and fairy tales around the museum to win a small prize.

Since The National Lottery’s first draw took place on 19 November 1994, more than £45 billion has been raised for good causes in the areas of arts, sport, film, heritage and community - that’s over £30 million raised for good causes each week.

Thanks to National Lottery player support, more

Costumed characters at Ancient House Museum after a school workshop

than 660,000 projects, like the Ancient House, have received National Lottery funding.

The National Lottery Open Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to thank the National Lottery players who have helped to make our work possible as well as welcome visitors to the museum. For more information, please call 01842 752599 or go to the website: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ ancient-house/whats-on/events-days/ thankstoyou-open-week

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Thetford Garden & Allotment Club March Gardening Notes As the nights draw out it feels as if Spring is on its way! It’s the time of the year when we can be impatient to get on with gardening tasks but it can be a mistake to set seed or plant outside before the soil has had a chance to dry out and warm up a little. Later in the month first early potatoes can be planted. They may require fleece protection at night if frost is forecast. Earthing up the shoots also provide extra weather protection.

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of Cornus stems (Dogwood) now is the time to cut them back, just before the new growth starts, to a few inches above the ground. You will be much rewarded with better stem colour next winter.

Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’ is a variety that is best in full sun which also shows its fiery hue. Cornus alba ‘Kessellringii’ has black stems and white berries and is also very striking. Even gardens have fashion trends and for 2022 the gardening press are predicting the colour purple to be popular, perhaps try one of the following to perk up your plot! Agastache ‘Black Adder’ or Lavender ‘Melissa Lilac’. Now is a good time to boost fruit trees and bushes such as blackcurrants, pears and plums with a Nitrogen based fertiliser. Apply at a rate of 100g per square metre (3oz per square yard). If the soil is not too wet, any weeds can be tackled and soil forked over ready for planting and setting seeds later in the season.

A warm, dry day can allow the first cut of the lawn, have the blades a little higher than usual, better to have two cuts a few days apart than ‘scalp’ the grass. It’s amazing the difference cutting the grass and trimming the edges can have to the look of your garden. If your mower needs servicing get it done now before everyone is wanting theirs done!

Join us for a Beetle Drive on 31st March at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church.

Happy Gardening! Maggie Baldwin

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Open Evening For Flower Club Thetford Flower Club are thrilled to be bringing back their ever popular Open Evening after a two-year break. Sadly, the original National Demonstrator, Gill McGreggor cannot attend due to ill health. However, the club has found a wonderful replacement in Brenda Tubb.

Brenda is a much loved Area Demonstrator and has a been a great success with many local clubs and organisations. Former florist and college lecturer Brenda has been demonstrating since 2005 and is known for her colourful and innovative flower arrangements and commentary. She has also been involved with the prestigious Harrogate and Malvern Flower Shows. Brenda will be demonstrating ‘A Blooming Wonder’ at the Open Evening.

Along with Brenda’s fantastic demonstrations, there will also be a selection of stalls including

jewellery, handbags, cards and plants. Light refreshments will be available and social distancing is encouraged. Brenda’s flower arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening.

From April Thetford Flower Club will meet at Church On The Way on every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the new time of 2pm. Anyone interested in finding out more about the club is encouraged to go along, enjoy a demonstration, meet the demonstrator and meet club members. The club also supports local charities and organises trips out to other clubs and a Christmas meal. The next Thetford Flower Club meeting is Tuesday 12th April 2022.

Thetford Flower Club Open Evening

Thursday 17th March at the Carnegie Doors open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start Tickets: £10 for members, £12.50 for visitors.

For more information and tickets please call Lynda on 01842 762919

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The Story Of The Collared Doves Late last year I watched a pair of Collared Doves build a nest of twigs on Platform 1 of Thetford railway station, the male bird was rather clumsily delivering nesting material to his mate under the eaves. This month, the soft warmth of the cooing song – ‘Uni-ted! Uni-ted!’ – they deliver from the chimneys, telegraph poles and other exposed perches has been a welcome reminder that spring will soon arrive.

Since 1955, when they first bred in the UK, Collared Doves have become familiar in a range of suburban environments. Last year they were reported from more than half of gardens in the BTO Garden BirdWatch scheme. But unlike other relatively new additions to our bird life (the Canada Goose, Little Owl or Ring-necked Parakeet, for example) the Collared Dove wasn’t introduced by humans – it arrived here of its own accord. In fact, the story of how it came to be such a common and widespread British bird is one of the most extraordinary in European ornithology.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Collared Doves could be found from Korea in the east to Turkey and northern Greece in the west.

A Collared Dove by Tom Streeter

Today it numbers some 800,000 pairs. Why the range of the Collared Dove expanded so far and so quickly may always remain a mystery.

Young birds are known to disperse hundreds of miles from their fledging sites, however, and the increased availability of food around houses and farms may also have played a part. Despite its earlier successes, our Collared Dove population now appears to be in decline, perhaps due to competition from Woodpigeons. Trichmonosis – the parasite-borne infection linked to the crash in Greenfinch numbers – is another possibility, so remember to give your bird feeders a thorough clean once each week.

In 1912, they were recorded for the first time in Belgrade, Serbia, and so began their rapid European colonisation. At first, this seems to have followed the course of the River Danube, reaching Budapest, Hungary around 1930, Czechoslovakia in 1935, followed in the 1940s by Austria as well as Germany and Italy. War does not appear to have dampened the birds’ pioneering spirit. The village of Manton in Lincolnshire was the site of Head to bit.ly/BTO_hygiene for more info. the first British record when a male Collared Dove Tom Stewart, BTO sang there throughout the summer of 1952. Three years later, Cromer became the first place to The deadline for receipt of articles for the April boast a breeding pair. By the time of the first BTO edition of About Thetford magazine is the 15th Atlas the UKAD.qxp_Layout population stretched from Betts(1968–72) of Brandon 1/8 1 09/04/2019 16:38 March. Please send all content to; Shetland to Scilly and from East Anglia to the west aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com coast of Ireland.

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Call For Gardens Thetford Open Gardens are looking for garden owners to take part this year – especially on Cloverfields, Kingsfleet, the Norwich Road and Birds Estates along with the town centre.

they also chose a design by Qing to be the programme artwork for the 2023 campaign.

Karen-Emma White said, “We are enormously grateful to Caroline Griffiths, Head of Art for her involvement and to all the students who worked so hard to create such fantastic designs. It was a difficult decision to make.”

Follow ‘Thetford Open Gardens’ on Facebook for the latest updates on this year’s event.

If you’d like to open your garden, please contact Karen on 07884431391 or, email: thetfordopengardens@gmail.com

Events at Redgrave & Lopham Fen Wild Tots/Wild Babies - See website for details One of the gardens that opened in 2021

Would you like to be part of our event this year and show your garden to a very appreciative audience? Ideally, we like to group a few gardens in areas of the town so why not have a chat with your neighbours and see if 3 or 4 of you can open together. You will of course be helping St Nicholas Hospice Care at the same time, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to them. It’s always a fun day and an opportunity to not only show your garden but to engage with fellow garden enthusiasts. You don’t need to have a ‘show garden’ or a large garden – just an outdoor space you’re willing to share with others on the day.

Some of our most loved gardens are small, have interesting features such as wildlife patches or are tucked away in unexpected places.

Many of our visitors enjoy the opportunity to see what other gardeners do in their outdoor spaces and come away with lots of inspiration and ideas. Last year one of the gardens had a tortoise who was very popular, in past years we’ve had gardens with chickens too!

Weekend Wildlife Club For 6 - 11 year olds 2nd Saturday of the month, 10.30 - 12.30pm Young Naturalists For 11 - 16 year olds - 2nd Saturday of the month, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Guided Walk 4th Monday of the month, 10am - 12noon Adult stroll looking at seasonal wildlife Time To Paint Creative and social session for adults Last Friday of the month, 10am-2pm £5 donation. No need to book Talk: Hobbies and House Martins Tuesday 29th March, 7.30pm £3 (under 25s free), including refreshments No need to book Booking essential for all activities unless otherwise stated. Monthly dates may vary please check our website. For further details and to book, call 01473 890089 or visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Thetford Open Gardens is very much a community event and this year the team are thrilled to unveil a brand new logo designed by Amelia from Thetford Grammar School. The GCSE and A Level graphics students were sent a brief and Amelia’s design was chosen as the logo. The team were so impressed by the quality of the designs submitted Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 27

Adapting To Missing Limbs Some cats are born with only three limbs, but the majority of three-legged cats have suffered injury or disease, which has led to amputation of the affected limb. Cats adjust to a three-legged lifestyle remarkably well, although the initial adaption process can be a little challenging.

However, once adjusted, most three-legged cats are able to jump, climb, hunt and play albeit perhaps a little more slowly than in their fourlegged days, young cats and males are more likely to become threelegged, with males more likely to roam further than females and younger exploring cats more likely to be involved in road accidents. Most three-legged cats have lost a hind limb, rather than a forelimb.

Some cats will feel that they can still use their missing limb – for example, many cats missing a hind leg, will continue to try to scratch their ear with the missing limb, for the rest of their lives. It is not absolutely known whether cats are affected by phantom limb sensation which affects a high proportion of human amputees, but they only rarely show signs suggestive of this. It is likely that the change in movement and load shared over the remaining limbs, may sadly contribute to the development of arthritis later in life. The majority of elderly four-legged cats are already affected by arthritis, so it is possible that it may develop earlier

in their three-legged counterparts. For this reason, it is especially important to control their weight carefully. Extra weight puts more strain on the remaining legs which can cause problems later in life. Cats which have lost a front leg may be particularly at risk from the consequences of excessive weight and arthritis, as the front legs carry more weight than the back legs. Some cats overeat when stressed and there is likely to be a reduction in exercise during recovery from the amputation, so owners should be aware that their cat could be prone to becoming overweight.

Discuss an optimum weight for your cat with your vet and ask them to help you in implementing an appropriate diet.

For information or advice or if you need help with the cost of neutering, call us on 01842 810018.

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Inner Wheel Funds For Good Causes

West Norfolk Aviation Society

Covid caught up with us in February so, as our usual venue was unavailable to us, at short notice we met in a member’s home. A busy meeting involving much business took place when we decided to send £100 each to the Stroke Association and the same to British Heart Foundation. Another amount of money which members had collected in loose change in collecting boxes over the past few months was also sent to the Stroke Association. At the end of February we are filling bags of essential items such as clothing toys and children’s books to send abroad. Our picture shows a happy member of Thetford Salvation Army with the cheque we gave to help their excellent work in the town.

Roger, WNAS Membership Secretary and one time big wheel in Tesco’s technical data processing department, was praised by the Commander for the competency and enthusiasm he portrayed whilst executing his maiden voyage into lecturing us about the world of flight simulation recently.

Roger’s chosen demonstration model was a Boeing 737 and, with graphics illustrating the nature of the cockpit, went on to explain that, with modern software, every perceivable control in this knob-twiddler’s paradise has a simulated equivalent; even down to collision avoidance sensors. The Commander invited Steve C to explain his idea about a society logo based on photos he had taken himself. The emblem makes its debut as a trial before approval. It features silhouettes of three aircraft which have made a presence in our area over the years; examples that have helped to keep everyone safe for almost a century. David then announced that he had booked a table at Brown’s Restaurant in order to pay tribute to a few designated life members in the village who are no longer able to attend the regular meetings. (He didn’t say that he foot the bill himself!).

WNAS Command Centre: 07706 030307

In March we welcome our District Chairman Coral Campbell to our meeting and in the same month we will gather with other members from all over the district. Sadly, our Annual Conference in Bournemouth was cancelled due to Covid.

Marian de Bass, Club Correspondent

Society’s Rebellion Talk The speaker for the February meeting of Thetford Society was Georgette Vale, dressed in the period costume of the time, she gave an interesting, amusing and informative talk about the Ketts Rebellion. The inflation of prices, the dissolution of the monasteries and finally the Enclosure Act which enabled land owners to enclose land originally used as common land for grazing livestock. This gave rise to unrest & dissatisfaction amongst the peasant classes. Robert Kett, himself a land owner, attempted to enclose his land but was prevailed upon not to do so by local peasants.

The next Meeting of the Thetford Society will be on the 1st March at the United Reformed Church, Earls Street, commencing at 7.30pm.

Community Wellbeing Fayre For Over 50s

The Carnegie

Cage Lane, Thetford IP24 2DS

Tuesday 8th March 2022

10:30am - 2:30pm

Come and meet some of the organisations that offer services and activities for people in around Thetford. Pop down, say ‘Hello’ and join us for a cup of tea, coffee or some light refreshments

Looking forward to seeing you there!

For more information please call Linda on 07442505603 or email: Linda.Hunter@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

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Discover Sound Therapy And Forest Bathing In Thetford Nicky Dorrington is a Sound Therapy Practitioner, Meditation guide and Forest Bathing guide. Her aim is to help you feel the many benefits of sound therapy, and mindfulness in nature and to see the effects these have on your wellbeing.

Sound therapy is the use of various instruments, sounds and the voice used in therapeutic ways so that you can simply listen to the sounds and allow the vibrations and frequencies to calm, balance and restore you. Nicky offers monthly group sound baths in Thetford and Brandon, Yoga and sound collaborations and retreats, 1:1 personalised sound therapy, bespoke groups such as parties, birthdays, and corporate wellbeing.

Forest bathing connects us to nature using mindful walking and by using all of our senses. It offers you time to truly slow down your pace of life and appreciate fully the nature you are part of. Almost everyone can take part, and it offers huge benefits for your health and wellbeing, it’s increasingly being recognised as a preventative approach to ill health. Join Nicky for a guided forest bathing session in a group, or a private session for your family/friends, or a 1:1 personalised session tailored to your needs. Sound Therapy and Forest Bathing have scientifically proven benefits for your mental and physical health and wellbeing which can include: • Better sleep • Decreased stress • Reduced blood pressure • Enhanced immune function • Much needed rest and relaxation • Feeling less anxious and depressed • Improved mood, energy and concentration

Sound Therapist and Forest Bathing guide Helping you connect with nature and sound for your improved wellbeing.

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Bespoke Fostering Agency Opens A brand new fostering service has been launched in Thetford. Soundly Fostering offers a person centred, solution based therapeutic approach to fostering. Soundly Fostering was established

by Joy O’Brien-Miller and Katarina Carter, who are qualified social workers and have 27 years of working in fostering between them. Both Joy and Kat wanted to create a small agency offering a bespoke, personalised service meeting the needs of foster carers. Speaking about the new agency Joy said, “We both originally worked for an agency which was acquired by a much bigger organisation. For us it just didn’t feel like they had the same values as us anymore. We’re very passionate about fostering.” Kat says they wanted to create an agency to make people feel valued, staff, foster carers and children. “We want people who work with us to feel that they are not a number, but a person. If they phone up, they’ll know who is at the end of the phone.” Foster caring is rewarding and life changing. Not only do you make a change to a child’s life, but often that child will make a huge difference to yours.

have some experience of looking after children (this could be in your wider family for example) and an awareness of child development. Soundly Fostering will advise and discuss the process with you. It might be through introducing you to other foster carers, giving you the opportunity to meet previous looked after children who will share their experiences or training. Joy says that people shouldn’t be scared to pick up the phone and ask questions, “lots of people think they don’t meet the criteria but the reality is that many just don’t know.

We can answer those questions for you.”

To become a foster carer, you need a spare room and should have been considering fostering. You don’t need any specific qualifications but should

If you’re a current foster carer and not happy with your agency, get in touch as Soundly Fostering will talk through how you can move agencies.

Becoming a foster carer is a huge and important decision. It is a step that will change your life and one that can be both exciting and nerve racking, but most of all, personally fulfilling.

Soundly Fostering is small, friendly and family focussed agency, which could be right for you…

So whether you are: • Thinking about fostering • You are already a foster carer & thinking about transferring • You just want to know more We would love to hear from you

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What’s Coming Up At Burrell Centre Charles Burrell Centre’s plans for the Queens Jubilee continue with a Community Lunch on Sunday 5th June as well as a 5K Colour Run in the morning. Booking for the colour run will shortly be available and it promises to be a run (or walk!) to remember. We have an area set aside for the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ and already have had individuals and companies come forward who wish to sponsor a tree. If you want to know more about how to get involved with that, please email Nik via; nik@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk On March 19th the Earth Spirit Fair will be at the centre – always extremely popular and always plenty to see, experience and buy. The Engine Room Café will be open as usual that day to look after refreshments. March will also see the return of the All Day Brekkie in the Engine Room Cafe with customers being able to choose items specifically to their likes! Tracy, Bailey and Jon will happily take your order and serve it all up with a mug of tea or cup of filter coffee. In April we are hosting a CBC St Georges Day Quiz – Quiz Master Rick will be in charge of the questions and as always with our quizzes there will be a lot of fun and laughter. Booking is live now via our friends at Leaping Hare.

February saw us host the NHS pop up Vaccination Team who offered advice and vaccines. Our Community Lunches continued through February and will continue fortnightly on a Thursday. All are welcome, lunch is FREE and there’s no need to book. Dates for March are 3rd, 17th and 31st.

Arrive anytime between 12 - 12.45pm.

Kangoo Jump classes also started, as did the Rehab style chair based exercise classes. It was also our pleasure to host the young people from the Damara School for cookery classes and shopping experiences. They were a fun and happy bunch and welcome back anytime. To find out more about cookery classes for yourself or for your community group email: tracy@engineroomthetford.co.uk

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Thetford Boys Cycling Challenge Have you seen two boys in yellow cycling round Thetford and the surrounding area? They are two boys on a mission for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. If you do see them and their support crew (aka Mum & Dad/ Vicky & Rob), give them a wave to show some support and encouragement.

Having gotten rid of their training wheels in May 2021 and mastered two wheels, James (aged 7) and Samuel (aged 6) have decided to challenge themselves during 2022 and are going to keep a log of every mile that they cycle. For a mile to count both boys will need to cycle it - the boys think they can go further than 400 miles!

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During January, James and Samuel have both cycled 90.99miles, how far do you think they could go during the whole of 2022? If you sponsor please also guess how many miles you think the boys will cycle, the person who has the closest guess will win a Christmas Hamper. One guess per sponsorship, if you pick a number that has already been taken we will ask you to choose a different number. Current guesses range from 350-780 miles. Your support and sponsorship will hugely encourage the boys. They are very proud to be able to do this to raise funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Your encouragement will keep the wheels moving and we will keep you updated throughout the year on progress.

To sponsor James and Samuel, visit the website using the link below or simply scan the QR code to the right: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ 2022cyclingchallenge

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Suffolk Walking Festival The 14th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on 14th May 2022 with over 70 guided walks over two weeks over some wild countryside, outstanding landscapes, rolling hills, forests, and coastal beauty spots. With lots of weekend, evening and family walks, the programme has accessible, short, medium, long and challenging walks. There is something for everyone!

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This year’s programme will discover a dragon in the iconic Stour Valley, explore Hawkedon’s horizons through idyllic green villages, celebrate 75 years at RSPB, one of the most special places in Suffolk, tell stories of smugglers and shipping routes at Dunwich Heath, and spend time watching Sweep the sheepdog, managing Orford Ness Nature Reserve’s very own herd of rare breed sheep. You can tune into bats on a twilight safari through ancient woodland at Priestley Wood, brush up your whittling skills and make damper bread over an open fire in the woods at Thornham Walks, and get crafty at Brandon Country Park finding willow, sticks, leaves and rushes in the woods to make and keep your own creations.

Christmas

The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 14th May with refreshments and 2 Launch Jaunts. It then runs every day until 29th May. Tickets are on sale from early March. For more details of the programme, to sign up to the regular newsletters, and to buy tickets please visit the website: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 37

Domestic Abuse Charity Links With Thetford Ladies’ Football Team The Daisy Programme and Thetford Town Ladies Football Club have announced that they will be working together to raise awareness of domestic abuse, and the support available to those affected by it, in Breckland. The Daisy Programme will be running awareness sessions at the football club.

Players will be invited to become domestic abuse awareness ambassadors. The charity’s logo will also be displayed on part of Thetford Town Ladies’ kit, as a way of making fans more aware of the work they do.

The arrangement between the club and the charity was made by Breckland Council, which works with The Daisy Programme. Councillor Stuart Terry, who represents Thetford Boudicca Ward is also an assistant coach at Thetford Town Ladies.

He brought the idea of working with the charity to officers at the council, and the link was made with The Daisy Programme. Breckland Council supports The Daisy Programme to provide a range of services across the district to anyone affected by domestic abuse as part of its Inspiring Communities programme: a £1m investment to enhance the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our residents The Daisy Programme plans to build on this initial work with Thetford Town Ladies FC to form similar links with other community organisations to raise awareness of domestic abuse throughout the district, with help from Breckland Council.

The captain of Thetford Town Ladies, Sausha Levy-Twomey, has committed to becoming a domestic abuse awareness ambassador, and said: “It is an absolute privilege to have the Daisy Programme partnering up with Thetford Town Ladies. I think it is so important for teams like ours to start getting involved with charities such as the Daisy Programme, it will hopefully have a domino effect and encourage other teams to get involved

Thetford Town Ladies Football Team

with such crucial programmes. I think being a Ladies team especially, it shows that we stand in solidarity with these victims. People are very unaware of what constitutes domestic abuse, people know that physical abuse is wrong, but sometimes the emotional and financial abuse for example are sometimes forgotten”.

Councillor Stuart Terry (pictured) added: “Almost one in three women aged between 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime, and even more worryingly around 3 women a week commit suicide as a result of domestic abuse. The Daisy Programme is an important charity that’s been working in Norfolk specifically since 2015”.

Leigh Doran, Programme Director of the Daisy Programme, said: “I am inspired by the growing community support in tackling the ongoing concerns that domestic abuse raises. Domestic abuse is not going away and the more we can raise awareness, educate about the different types of abuse and repeat the message that domestic abuse is not acceptable the better”.

More information about The Daisy Programme and the Inspiring Communities can be found on the Council’s website: breckland.gov.uk/communities/priorities

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