SEPTEMBER 2020 About Thetford magazine

SEPTEMBER 20

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ISSUE

176

CIRCULATION 12,500

IN THIS ISSUE

COLLEGE BACK FOR NEW TERM

SCAM AWARENESS

THETFORD TREASURE TO RETURN

MOVEMENT MATTERS PLUS LOTS MORE!!

Learning Continues Despite

Challenges

Inside this month...

and advertisers had an We trust that all our readers obvious challenges and Page 5 - Students Celebrate Year the enjoyable summer despite ist.

Page 7 - College Back For New Term concerns that still pers to this month’s Page 8 - NOVA Back To Learning e them l ona cati edu inct dist There’s a all Thetford students that Page 10 & 11 - Leaping Hare magazine! Congratulations to academic year and are Page 13 - Online With Norfolk Libraries t pas the have come through to what is next. We are Page 15 - Scam Awareness hopefully now looking forward itive updates from both Page 18 - Another Fly-tipping Fine pleased to share with you pos folk College’s Thetford Page 22 - Thetford Past & Present Suf t Wes Thetford Academy and Page 23 - Ancient House Spoons Ask Training.

Campus plus news from NOVA Page 24 & 25 - Norwich Castle Project note to sing plea is it s and Learning of course never stop Page 29 - Horticulture Industry Scheme U3A socially distanced this month that the scheduled Page 32 - Can We Turn Back The Clock a and ked ady fully boo meeting in September is alre Page 35 - Thetford U3A News led. schedu further one has needed to be Page 37 - Movement Matters of About Thetford delivery Page 39 - TADDS Sponsor A Donkey is th mon this er cov t fron Our holding her exam results. Page 41 - Spotlight On Carpet Business team member Kate Richardson y History. She is pictured Page 45 - Air Ambulance Challenge Set Kate is off to University to stud g West Suffolk College in with Jake Catchpole, attendin Media. Congratulations ive ract September to study Inte About Thetford ng their results this year. to them and all students collecti magazine is tford magazine Terry Jermy, Editor, About The proudly printed Tel: 01284 751296

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E-mail 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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I’m getting a test now.

For you.

If you have symptoms, don’t leave home except to get a test. Stop the spread.

Book a test now at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119

PROTECT OURSELVES. PROTECT OTHERS. PROTECT NORFOLK.

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Students Celebrate After Difficult Year It’s been a challenging year for students across Norfolk and we are all proud of the way that young people, their parents and carers and teachers have risen to the challenges of the past five months.

There has also been a lot of recent discussion in the media about GCSE grades this year, but we hope that Norfolk’s young people have received the GCSE results that they need to take them forward with whatever it is that they want to do next.

Councillor John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “I want to offer my Congratulations to all the Norfolk students receiving their GCSE results. Although students were not able to sit exams this year, I hope they will be satisfied with the grades they have worked hard for. They have shown remarkable resilience during an extraordinary time.

Studying at home with the support of teachers and families must have been a very different experience.”

Dan Carter, Principal of Thetford Academy, said: “I offer warm and sincere congratulations to our Class of 2020.

Underlying those results are hundreds of individual success stories. The Class of 2020 have worked very hard and made excellent progress during their time at Thetford Academy and their grades are fully deserved.

They have been a fantastic year group and we wish them every success in their future endeavours. We look forward to welcoming many of them back into our sixth form in September. The A-level class of 2020 leaves us with some of Thetford Academy’s best ever grades”.

Thetford Academy’s Sixth Form has achieved 65% of A* to C grades this year. The top subjects for the academy were Art, Business Studies, Dance, French, Portuguese, Photography, and Sports Studies - all of these subjects have 100% of A* to C grades.

Some of the students at Thetford Academy receiving their results recently

Advice For Students There’s plenty of help and advice for those who may have not done as well as expected, changed their mind or don’t have anything in place for September.

Speak to the careers teacher/adviser at the school you went to - they will be able to offer you help and advice.

Get in touch with the sixth form or college that you have applied to - find out whether they will still give you a place on your chosen course. Even if you have not achieved the grades required for the course you may still be able to get a place on another suitable course.

Visit the ‘Help You Choose’ website to search for the latest courses and qualifications in sixth forms and colleges or look for apprenticeships, traineeships and training vacancies. Use the Norfolk County Council web chat service for careers advice. You can also speak to an adviser at Norfolk’s Help You Choose Helpline on: 0344 800 8022 - if your plans are not confirmed and you need impartial advice or support. To speak to a careers adviser about your exam results call 0800 100 900, open 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers.

01842 400321 - 07847 732 883

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Thinking about studying for a maths, English or one of our online qualifications?

Sarah Blackaller Celebration of Achievement Winner 2020

Sarah did just that! With the aim of starting her own business she signed up to study functional skills and an online level 2 in Creating a Business Start-up and now she is on her way of achieving her dream.

Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Rd Thetford IP24 3LH t 01842 760 150 e thetford@wsc.ac.uk

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You can study for these at our campus at the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford.

Enrolling now for September!

Your College in

Thetford

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College Back For New Term This year, the West Suffolk College adult provision has achieved Grade 1 Outstanding in all curriculum areas of ESOL, English and Maths including GCSE, Functional Skills and Workplace engagement as well as Skills for Employment which includes Princes Trust and Level 2 Online courses.

Ian Evans, the manager of the learning centre said; “We cannot wait for students to be back in the classrooms.

Although the college adapted quickly and was able to move all of its learning online, we have certainly missed the buzz that having students around gives�.

During the lockdown period all learning for students was moved online to allow learners to still achieve their qualifications. We were still able to deliver both English and maths to staff and new recruits at Addenbrookes Hospital, the East of England Ambulance staff as well as within the community. Our online engagement for the adult provision has been very strong and feedback from some students has been almost instantaneous after we have loaded lessons onto google classrooms. Our normal face to face ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teaching style is interactive and very collaborative and so it has been interesting to adapt this to online provision. In September learning within the classroom will resume with Covid-safe measures taken to ensure the safety of all teaching staff and students.

disappointment as class numbers are limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. We appreciate that some people may be apprehensive about coming back into the centre to learn and we encourage anyone who wishes to study at the Charles Burrell Centre to give us a call on 01842 760150 or email; thetford@wsc.ac.uk - whether it be about what course is right for you, if you have any questions related to the Covid safe measures we have put in place or even if you would prefer to learn online.

Vocational Classes at WSC Thetford include English, maths, ICT, ESOL and Nursing. We also have an array of leisure learning courses to choose from such as Spanish, Japanese, Photography and Floristry.

The WSC Thetford team are now present on site within the Charles Burrell Centre. If you would like to come in to discuss courses, please contact us and arrange an appointment as access within the Charles Burrell Centre is limited to by appointment only. Classes are due to start from Wednesday 16th September 2020.

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NOVA Thetford Back To Learning It has been a tough lockdown for Nova Training Thetford.

At the very start, we moved from face-to-face delivery of Maths, English, ICT, and Employability to fully remote learning, delivered over Microsoft Teams, in just two weeks. Like many other businesses, the learning curve was steep, but we got there and we kept continuity of learning going throughout.

In early July, head office made the decision to gradually reopen our colleges, across the country, and a small selection of staff came into Thetford to put in numerous health and safety measures. We now have a one way system around our Raymond Street Centre, we have alcohol gel stations, lots of signage, a separated seating plan, and much more. By the time our students started to return, we felt that we were all singing and dancing.

young people for apprenticeships and the world of work, we truly believe in the youth of Thetford. If you'd like to know more, or you'd like to come and see what we're about, then get in touch. We'd be happy to meet for a cup of tea and a chat. Contact us on 01842 761400.

Nova Training has been graded ‘Outstanding’ in all Nova Thetford is now looking towards the new academic areas by Ofsted, which means it is officially one of the year. We're taking on students in the 16 to 19 age group. highest-performing training providers in the country.

We're looking to engage the young people around the Our Apprenticeships & Study Programmes are delivered area and looking for opportunities to support community from 28 locations across the West Midlands and East projects. We're always keen to know where you think of England, including Thetford, covering the vocational that we could make a difference. As your local college, areas of Motor Vehicle, Construction, Hospitality, plus Simon Long Advertpersonal 2018.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2018 10:01 Page 1 offering study HP choices, development, plus Business Admin, Retail, Warehousing, Sales, Customer improvement in behaviours and attitudes, preparing Service and Hair and Beauty.

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The Return To Education This month schools around the country, including here in Thetford, will be reopening for all students on a fulltime basis for the first time since they closed on the 20th March. Thetford Academy opened for Years 7, 11 and 12 on 3rd September, followed by all other years in a phased return plan.

It is essential that students are able to access effective education in a safe environment. To ensure this, schools have heeded Government advice and have prepared thoroughly for September by implementing a range of precautions to keep everyone safe as they learn. The Thetford Academy have installed hand sanitizing points on site at regular intervals to promote cleanliness. In addition to this, a letter home from the Academy asked students to ‘keep their distance from others’ and to ‘observe good hygiene habits’. Contact between students has been minimized to reduce risk, with each year group being assigned a different access point to the site and the discouraging of congregating in the local community before and after school. Alongside safety precautions, the Academy has also prepared for the return to academia. Teachers kept in contact with students over email during the lockdown period, and have set regular work to ensure that content can still be covered. In addition to this, some subject teachers have also been setting work over the summer so that students are less likely to fall behind before their return.

Of course, working from home has had a significant impact on the lives and the learning of all students, whether in primary, secondary or post-16 education.

The stress of the pandemic and time away from the classroom has led to a disruption to learning.

According to an A-Level student’s survey on Twitter, 87.9% of students said lockdown had a negative effect on their motivation. In addition to this, the same survey recorded that 75.6% of students said their mental health suffered as a result of COVID-19 and lockdown.

However, students remain determined to succeed and have been working arduously and independently in recent months. In addition to students attending online lessons and completing work at home, they have also been developing life skills through their adaption to the current situation and productive use of their time.

According to a 2020 Youth Resilience Survey from Bayside Council, 97% believe that helping other people is important and 86-95% are involved in at least one extracurricular activity outside of school.

Mr Kinnen with students at Thetford Academy

These statistics are echoed among the young people of Thetford, who are taking up care roles at home and work in the public sector to support their community.

They have also been involving themselves in creative activities and online groups such as Girl Guiding to make use of their time. Despite absence from school, and the negative impact of lockdown on student retention and motivation, the skills acquired from these activities such as time management, communication and independence will likely put students in a good position to get back on track quickly.

While for many, the return to school is simply a return to learning, there is a lot of discussion surrounding next steps. The pandemic has meant that this year’s exams could not be sat, and grades for last Years 11 and 13 had to be worked out using alternative methods. This year, the algorithm used by OFQUAL for A Levels has led to 40% of students being downgraded past their teacher’s predictions. This downgrading has caused understandable anxiety among young people. This same anxiety is being felt by this year’s Year 11 and 13 surrounding their own examinations in 2021. For Year 13, the Personal Statement process began in April, but with no face-to-face guidance and support students have been finding it difficult, and this is causing increased stress for their University applications. The return to school this September now ensures that they will receive the guidance they need for their next steps.

Education is going to look very different for students of all levels this September, but The Thetford Academy has prioritised safety and effective learning above all else. The determination of young people to succeed throughout lockdown will be carried across into the next academic year, as they rise above the challenge of the pandemic and return to learning.

Article by Sophie Watkins, aged 17

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Thetford Calendar Competition A big thankyou to About Thetford readers who have been voting for their favourite entry in this year’s Thetford Calendar competition. Congratulations to Robert Salisbury with his photo of Captain Mainwaring, who just nudged it to the top spot as overall favourite and will take pride of place on the front cover. Calendars are now in production and will be on sale during September - pre-orders now being taken.

Price held at £7.95 or two for £15.

Thetford Calendar project is generously sponsored by Lawsons Estate Agents and About Thetford magazine and all proceeds go to help keep our shop open.

About Thetford magazine’s winning entry Captain Mainwaring On The Bench by Robert Salisbury.

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Memorial Garden - Update Thanks to the many of you that saw our article in last month’s About Thetford magazine and have made your contribution. The team are so very grateful for your generosity and hearing how this story has touched you personally, whether connected to Forgotten Soldiers or to much loved and missed David Osborne has been very inspiring and also of great comfort to his widow Joy. We have now set up a Paypal donate button on our website www. leapinghare.org to make it even easier to donate. Get in touch if you would like to know more about the project.

We’re thrilled that our latest range of greetings cards has been so well received.

We champion local maker’s products and our team have extensive experience of creating ourselves. Our new cards are just £2.50 and £1 each and we are currently working on a range of hand printed wrapping paper and gift tags. Pop in and see all of our lovely maker’s products

NEW! Heather’s Kettlecorn - all four sensational flavours are now in the shop £5 for large (very large!) and £2 for small. FREE samples to give away - limited supply, don’t delay!

What’s on in and about Thetford

Join us for a monstrously super family day out!

The hunt is on! 10 Monster superheroes have been spotted in Thetford and it’s your job to find them! Families are invited to take part in MonsterHero Safari 2020. Start the safari by finding any character tapping their belly and off you go. There is a nominal platform cost of £2 per family taking part, with further donations going to NHS Charities Together.

To take part simply: 1. Tap any character and pay & donate (all of which goes to NHS Charities Together) 2. Hunt down the MonsterHeroes 3. Learn their names, stories and powers by tapping with NFC or scanning QR codes 4. When you’ve found them all you will unlock your free ebook Get set for your safari! Hunt for your first monsterhero at: www.monsterherosafari.com/locations/thetford.

You have until September 30 to complete your trail.

We are grateful to all the following for participating, enjoy finding out what they all have to offer: Ancient House Museum, Scotts the Opticians, YMCA Charity Shop, Studio Five Photography, Hughes TV & Audio, Thetford Library, The Case Place, Precious Bear, , Cancer Research UK and Leaping Hare.

Monster Hero Safari is a not-for-profit CIC. Reg No. 12645268 www.monsterherosafari.com

Heritage Open Days Fri 11 - Sun 20 September On Sat 12 September 11am - 2pm come and see how money was made in medieval times, have one struck just for you in pewter (£1.50) or chocolate (25p).

On Fri 18 September 7pm powerful documentary For Sama watch along and after-show discussion.

Go to our website for more local events or go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk for more details about all Heritage Open Days events.

For information and tickets to our Box Office events visit: 20 King Street IP24 2AP

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Online With Norfolk Libraries Reading Friends - A weekly opportunity to relax with a cuppa and enjoy listening to a good story. Each week we’ll bring you a tale to lift your spirits and give you an opportunity to share your thoughts with others via Zoom. If you’d like to join in, email ‘Reading Friends’ to: libraries.iconnect@norfolk.gov.uk and you'll be sent a personal invite. If you’re new to Zoom, we’ll also help you set things up on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Escape With A Poem Podcast - Take a moment to unwind with our podcast on the Soundcloud website.

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Norfolk Borrowers Facebook Group - If you’re missing your book group or chatting about books with friends, then why not join our Facebook group? You’ll be able to share what you’re reading with others and get lots of recommendations to add to your ‘to be read’ piles.

Activities For Under 5’s - Are you the parent of a new baby? We're pleased to be able to offer a new stay and chat group, via Zoom, on a Tuesday morning at 11am.

Why not enjoy Bounce and Rhyme at 10am, grab a coffee (or feed your baby, or both!) and join us for a chat at 11am. We normally have a guest who will share some information on a relevant topic for a few minutes, followed by time to chat. If you’d like to join a session please email; libraries.iconnect@norfolk.gov.uk.

It’s very informal, you can pop in and out as you need to, and please don’t worry if your baby has other ideas.

Bounce And Rhyme - Songs and rhymes are an excellent way of engaging with your little one. As you can't join us in the library at the moment, why not join in online. Watch and join in with rhymes at home through our Norfolk Libraries Facebook page every Tuesday morning at 10am. You can also watch past sessions on our YouTube channel. Facebook page link: www.facebook.com/ NorfolkLibrariesForFamilies/

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Scam Awareness It is a very sad fact that many of us have been in receipt of some form of scam either through email, telephone call or doorstep cold-calling. These scams and frauds can take many forms but I would like to bring to your attention a particularly worrying scam which has been doing the rounds. The scam targets our vulnerable and elderly community members and I would like to appeal to you to share this article with your friends, family and neighbours in an effort to forewarn and prevent loss of significant amounts of hard-earned savings.

The scam involves the fraudster telephoning the potential victim and claiming to be a detective from a London police station. The caller may have personal details such as the name of the potential victim and can sound very convincing. The caller may say that they have arrested someone who is in possession of stolen bank cards or that they are working with the banks investigating a possible cloning of the victim’s bank cards. They ask the victim to call 999 to verify the authenticity of the claim, however the fraudster keeps control of the phone line and the victim will receive a false message confirming the scam. The victim may then be asked for the bank account or card details or to withdraw a sum of cash from their bank and to hand this over to a courier who will be sent to their address.

Some victims who have fallen prey to this scam have been conned out of thousands of pounds.

PC Paula Gilluley warning residents about a scam

While we are seeing reports of these incidents across the County, there have been no reported incidents in Thetford and I would like to take this opportunity to ensure that our community is forewarned.

PC 898 Paula Gilluley, Breckland Community Engagement Officer E-mail: Paula.Gilluley@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

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Gardening Notes For September September sees the end of one growing season. This year we have no Annual Show to let us show off our successes and admire the achievements of others.

However it makes sense to review the year and note down things you would repeat or avoid in the future – it’s surprising how easily we forget. In addition this is National Organic Month so look out for ideas to improve ways of gardening while enhancing wildlife and cutting back on those powerful (and expensive!) chemicals.

I am still hoping for a late flush of flowers and pods from my Runner and French Beans; you can certainly expect something from them in October if you keep them watered. I have been very pleased with the way the plants grew alongside the trench I had filled in the Spring with leaves and stalks. Quite coarse material (stems of sweet corn or sunflowers) will no doubt serve the purpose because material that does not rot away completely can provide a moisture-retaining layer for thirsty beans; legumes make their own nitrogen so they need water more than food. I plan to dig a trench for the debris from clearing the veg plot. October sees Hallowe’en celebrations and now is the time to pay attention to your pumpkins: you can help them ripen by removing leaves which are covering the fruit so that the sun gets to the skin; it is also a good idea to raise the fruit off the ground onto a piece of slate or wood to limit the risk of rotting from contact with damp soil. The cooler nights can lead to botrytis in greenhouse crops if the atmosphere is too damp. Watering is best done early in the day now so that the atmosphere is dry by evening.

any time, give it a quick blast in the microwave and save it, all mixed together, in the freezer to make Summer Pudding in the winter. Those sharp berry fruit flavours are wonderful in the winter especially if you have a few blackcurrants for richness.

The club is marking time at present, though the shop has been functioning. Members will be saddened to hear of the death of Harry Collins who often helped customers. Harry was instrumental in the founding of the modern TGAC and always looked out for the interests of allotment-holders. His friendly support for any gardener will be long remembered.

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Another Fine For Fly-Tipping A resident who left a pile of household waste next to a public bin in Thetford has been fined £300 for flytipping by Breckland Council.

Significant packaging and household waste were left by a public bin, on the town’s Mallow Road and reported to Breckland Council online by several members of the public within a few hours of it being dumped. Breckland Council’s Enforcement Team quickly tracked down the culprit who, in the face of overwhelming evidence, opted to pay the fine.

Online reporting by residents has enabled Breckland Council to capture evidence effectively and clear the waste quickly, ensuring a higher rate of success in capturing fly-tippers in the community and reduced pollution risk to the local environment and the public.

Fly-tipped items at Mallow Road in Thetford left

the person with a £300 fine to pay Councillor Gordon Bambridge, Executive Member for Environmental Services and Public Protection, said: not wanted by residents, nor by Breckland Council and “Public bins are for waste created while residents and when we find an incident like this we will investigate to visitors are out and about, it’s certainly not for house- help protect our environment for future generations.” hold waste and anything left by the side of a public bin Forge HP Advertby02.20.qxp_Layout 19/02/2020 12:37 can Page 1 fly-tipping in Breckland at: report isThe considered fly tipping the law. I hope this 1case will Residents www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit now act as a reminder that fly tipping in Breckland is

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Irruption Of The Angry Williams!

Crossbills (ha ha!) use their overlapping beaks to prize open conifer cones, to get at the energy-rich seeds inside. Being a specialist feeder means that they can take advantage of a food source that most other birds cannot reach... but at the same time, it makes them heavily reliant on the availability of just one type of food.

Most conifers don’t produce cones every year and even if they do, the size of the cone crop varies year on year.

For crossbills this means a nomadic lifestyle, moving around within and between countries to where there’s food at any given time.

Four types of crossbill are recorded in the UK: Common, Scottish, Parrot and Two-barred. Adult males of all species are various shades of orange-red, whilst females and younger birds are yellow-green. The beak size varies between the different types.

As the name suggests, Parrot Crossbill has the largest beak and they concentrate on trees that bear larger cones – particularly Scots pine. Parrot Crossbills are rare breeders in the UK, with breeding usually restricted to a small area of the Scottish Highlands (along with Scottish Crossbill). Like Two-barred, which is an even rarer visitor, Parrot Crossbills have been seen in Thetford Forest. However, it is the Common Crossbill that is most regularly found in Breckland, and that breeds locally in varying numbers most years.

After a few years of Common Crossbills being anything but common in much of southern Britain, there was a large movement of these wandering birds along the east coast of England this June. Crossbills breed very early in the year, so this is likely to have been a post-breeding dispersal, with family groups forming larger flocks to go in search of new feeding grounds – an ‘irruption’.

Betts of know Brandon 1/8 birds AD.qxp_Layout 09/04/2019 We don’t if these were of UK or1 continental origin but either way, it didn’t take long for groups of

Common Crossbills by Philip Croft / BTO

Common Crossbills to reach Thetford Forest. Flocks can be encountered anywhere in the forest: two even flew over my house on the south side of Thetford the day I wrote this piece! Lynford Arboretum is a favoured spot, as there are many suitable conifers for them to feed on and enough open areas for birdwatchers to see them high up in the trees. If you go in search of crossbills, one of the best ways to locate them is to listen for their ringing ‘chip-chip-chip’ calls.

Nick Moran / BTO Abbey's Great British September Clean

Join Thetford River Group on Saturday 12th September from 10am for Abbey’s Great September Clean. We’ll be meeting at Bishop’s Primary School on Canterbury Way. All equipment will be provided. This is an outdoor event, please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear and bring lots of enthusiasm! Children under 18 years old are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more info, please contact us by join us!

16:38 admin@thetfordrivergroup.org e-mail; or find us on SATURDAY 12th September at 10am Facebook; facebook.com/ThetfordRiverGroup Meet at: Bishop's Primary School, Canterbury Way

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Fishing Lines, Hooks And A Lucky Swan About Thetford had the pleasure of meeting Sean Ready and Clare Higson from Thetford River Group recently.

Many of you will know them and the other members of the group as the folks that are on the river cleaning local waterways of everything from beer cans, bikes and trolleys to discarded PPE, fishing lines and hooks.

The pair recently met with Peter Staggs who works with them on River Fly Monitoring (a way of checking the general health of the waterways and the fish in it).

He recounted to them a recent incident locally where he and a friend found a swan with three fishing hooks embedded in it, very obviously in distress. Luckily they were able to free the hooks and the swan lived to tell the tale, however the outcome could of course have been very different. Sean told us that discarded fish hooks and fishing lines were becoming a huge issue on the Thet and Little Ouse as the lines do not biodegrade and entangle wildlife and hooks, even barbless ones, injure wildlife. Old lines and hooks should be taken home and Sean suggests chopping old lines into tiny pieces so that no wildlife can be caught up in it should it go to landfill. Clare pointed out the need for fishermen and women to have a licence and understand the national / regional bylaws around fishing.

If you are 13 and over you must have a licence that can be applied for online. Sean explained that many locals new to fishing do not know about closed season, limits to the amount of certain fish you can remove in any 24 hour period, that 3 line hooks are illegal as is leaving lines unattended and returning signal crayfish (the non-native species with the red claws) to the water once caught.

Thetford River Group do all they can to improve the Thet and Little Ouse so that they can be enjoyed by us all and the wildlife that calls the river home. You can follow them on Facebook @ThetfordRiverGroup

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Great British September Clean Earlier this year we were blown away by the support from everyone – volunteers, local authorities, charities and businesses – for the Great British Spring Clean, which was due to take place from 20 March - 13 April.

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With more than 680,000 volunteers promising to give us their time, the enthusiasm and excitement that it generated exceeded all our expectations. However, with our first priority to make sure everyone stayed safe and well, we postponed this year’s event due to Covid19.

Now we are back and you can get involved and show your support for our Great British September Clean! The Great British September Clean runs from 11th - 27th September. You can organise your own private clean-up COME AND VISIT US IN-STORE TODAY with up to five other family and friends. You can simply 0330 111 6810 www.bestbedsdirect.co.uk register your support by pledging on the website and Rated 4.5 stars on Trustpilot telling us how many minutes you are going to give to the campaign. You could pick up litter while walking the dog or on the walk to school. We will also keep you updated on the latest Great British Spring Clean and which may include information about how you can support Keep Britain Tidy by making a donation or fundraising (you About Thetford ad June 2018.pdf 1 25/05/2018 10:14:53 can unsubscribe at any time).

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The aim of the Great British Spring Clean is for our communities to come together, clean up their local area and have fun, which of course means staying safe at all times. For further information, visit the website; www.keepbritaintidy.org

Community Litter Pick - 19th September A socially distanced Community Litter Pick is being organised for Saturday 19th September 2020, meeting at 10am at the Charles Burrell Centre. It is open to all.

Litter pickers and bags will be provided.

Social distancing must be strictly adhered to and gloves will be provided. As the litter picking will be taking place outside then mask wearing will be optional. Anyone assisting with the litter pick will be invited to join in a free lunch, sponsored by local Councillor Terry Jermy, in the Engine Room Cafe afterwards.

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Past & Present

Top Image: A nice sepia toned Boughton & Sons photograph from around 1918 of Bridge Street looking north from the Town Bridge towards St Peter’s Church. The building line on the left of the image remains similar today, although changes have been made to shop fronts, but the orbed mounted post in the foreground still remains.

In contrast, apart from the original core of the Bell at the junction with King Street, the rest of the frontage has completely changed with the hotel’s modern expansion.

Top photo - Ancient House Collection / Keith Robinson. Bottom photo - Mike Brindle Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 22

TADDS Sponsor A Donkey Here we are in September and I was really hoping that things would be moving forward for Thetford And District Dementia Support with a potential re-opening date on the horizon… sadly this is still not the case and things are still not safe enough for the group to reconvene on Friday mornings.

This said, we are still busy holding our weekly online virtual coffee mornings, with various topics every week, as well as occasional online bingo for members of the group to join. Trustees and volunteers are still in contact with members of the group, but we are also mindful that there may be people out there who have never had the option of attending the group (prior to lockdown).

We are still here to support carers and their loved ones, through their dementia journey, with information about dementia, benefits and general coping strategies.

Please do not feel you have to cope alone.

If anyone needs to contact us, this can be done through, email, Facebook or by phone. The website is: www.thetford-dementia-support-group.org/ Contact us by E-mail: taddsgroup@hotmail.com Or phone number is 07542866519. This phone is not manned 24 hours a day and we advise leaving a name and phone number so that we can get back to you.

TADDS also took the opportunity to support a fellow charity that has (in the past) supported us with visits to the group. Many charities have been struggling throughout the pandemic and have little or no funding whatsoever, Mini Donkey’s for Wellbeing is one such charity. They have been hugely supportive to TADDS in the past and have come to our group to give a mini donkey cuddle experience for our group members, who have always found the experience richly rewarding.

Saffy and Jack, mother and son, at the Miniature Donkey’s For Wellbeing centre

TADDS is very proud to have sponsored Rubik for the year. The money will support Mini Donkey’s in their endeavours until things resume for them again.

If About Thetford readers would like to support them as well, there are a number of gifts now available on their website which may be lovely Christmas gifts (for those who want to get ahead) and the money raised will support the Mini Donkey’s Charity to: www.minidonks.org.uk/ minidonks-merchandise/ Our sincere thanks to the community who continue to support our group, and whilst there appears to be nothing visible happening, the wheels are turning for TADDS and we remain busy providing ongoing support and activities until we can all actually meet again. We are also hatching plans for the 2021, so stay tuned to find out more. See you all in October hopefully!

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Construction Work Starts On Norwich Castle’s Historic Keep Restoration Construction work has begun on the major National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project to transform Norwich Castle Keep back to its origins as a Norman royal palace.

Morgan Sindall Construction have been appointed as the project contractor to undertake the work which will recreate the Keep’s original 12th century lay-out and make all five levels – from basement to battlements – fully accessible for the first time in 900 years. The project is one of the largest and most ambitious heritage projects currently underway in the UK. Morgan Sindall will be delivering the Norwich Castle project from their office in the Norwich, allowing them to deliver a local impact beyond the build. They have developed a tailored social value charter for the scheme, dedicated to local investment. The project team will aim to host over 100 apprentice weeks, five work experience placements, two workless job starts, two NVQ starts, and five STEM and school engagement sessions.

Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, Alister Broadberry said: “We are extremely proud to have secured the Norwich Castle project. It is one of the most prestigious buildings in the East of England and our team is excited to create an environment that will inspire each and every museum visitor”.

Project Partners gathering at Norwich Castle recently

The key physical changes which the project will deliver include the recreation of the Norman interior spaces of the Keep through reinstating the original principal floor level. This will enable the interpretation of the Keep as it appeared during its heyday under the great Norman kings, including the recreation of the Great Hall, King’s chamber and chapel. Plus, the construction of a unique viewing platform at battlement level which will offer stunning views of medieval and present-day Norwich.

The installation of a new lift to ensure that all five levels Gas 1/4th 1 08/12/2016 07:54 Pag ofSafe the Keep – fromAdvert_Layout basement to battlements – are fully accessible for the first time in its history.

Councillor John Ward, Chairman of the Joint Museums Committee said: “We are delighted to be working with such experienced contractors to realise our ambitious Plumbing & Heating specialists vision for Norwich Castle Keep. A huge amount of work for domestic purposes. has been going on behind-the-scenes over the past l Central heating installations few months to reach this milestone. We look forward l Boiler changes to sharing this amazing journey with our visitors and David Powell Advert.qxp_Layout 1 17/10/2019 11:58 P communities over the coming months.” l Landlord certifications & safety checks

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The Keep project also includes a new medieval gallery, designed in partnership with the British Museum, it will showcase national medieval treasures alongside objects from Norfolk’s own internationally-significant collections plus the creation of dedicated learning spaces, including a multi-sensory area for our Early Years audiences where they will be encouraged to lead their own creative exploration of life in a medieval castle The development of new visitor facilities including a new café overlooking the atrium with an internal glass bridge into the Keep, and a new shop will be much welcomed plus upgraded toilets which will include a Changing Places facility designed to accommodate visitors who cannot use a standard accessible toilet.

Pictured: The battlement level of Norwich Castle which will become accessible as a result of this project

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “This is one of the most exciting times in the 900 year history of the castle. We’re so pleased to announce that the construction project has begun. After such a testing time nationally and locally over the past few months, the Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project is a cause for optimism and is a major investment in the future of the city and the county.

We look forward to seeing the results of this fantastic project which will secure Norwich Castle’s future as a Home Flame QP Ad.qxp_Layout 1 10/10/2018 13:33 Pa jewel in Norfolk’s and the UK’s heritage crown.”

Complementing these changes will be the innovative use of projection and digital technology will bring the building to life, immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of King Henry I’s lavish Castle. Newly-exposed Norman archaeology and architecture will tell previously untold stories of the Castle’s fascinating past while the British Museum Medieval Gallery will show beautiful and fascinating objects to explore the lives and stories of people from the wider medieval period and Norwich’s importance within it. Working conditions during the construction phase will adhere strictly to Covid-19 safety protocols relating to construction sites, with extensive measures in place to ensure the safety of construction staff, museum staff and visitors.

The rest of the Norwich Castle site, including the museum and galleries, is due to reopen to the public in September with a new temporary entrance and safety measures including one-way systems through the galleries, hand sanitizer stations and social distancing guidelines in place. Entrance to Norwich Castle will be by pre-booked tickets only. The construction works will be undertaken in two phases with the new entrance spaces completed first.

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Huge Price Hikes For Popular Breeds During Lockdown Revealed New statistics show prices for some of the UK’s most desirable dog breeds reached record levels, as some sellers exploited demand for puppies during lockdown.

Dogs Trust can reveal these breeds are among those most likely to be illegally imported into the country via puppy smuggling, a cruel practice the charity have fought against for several years.

Dogs Trust’s research has revealed that the asking price for five of the UK’s most sought after breeds and the five breeds most smuggled into the country – Dachshunds, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Chow Chows - shot up between March, when lockdown was announced, and the end of June this year, when lockdown started easing. The charity has reviewed advertisements from the last three years on some of the UK’s largest classified advertising websites, and prices for Pugs, Dachshunds and Chow Chows have never been higher, whilst English and French Bulldogs have also seen significant price hikes. The most expensive of the breeds, English Bulldogs, advertised for as much as £2,140 on average in June compared to an average of £1,637 in March.

Millions of people have been working from home and demand for puppies has soared during lockdown, with Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increasing by 166% since lockdown was announced on 23 March.

Sadly, since the beginning of lockdown, the increase in demand for puppies has meant Dogs Trust’s Puppy Pilot scheme, which rescues smuggled pups at the UK border, has continued to be busy, despite restrictions on movement being in place. Between the beginning of lockdown and the end of June, the charity rescued 43 puppies that were illegally imported into the country from Central and Eastern Europe.

These dogs were destined to be advertised online for extortionate prices, sold to unsuspecting buyers, while the cruel puppy smugglers make huge profits. If sold, they could have fetched an estimated £80,000 for their smugglers. The charity – which has been campaigning to raise the awareness of puppy smuggling since 2014 – also saved 12 heavily pregnant mums during the lockdown, who have given birth to 56 puppies worth around an additional £100,000 to cruel smugglers.

It is all too easy to buy a dog which may not be what it seems. Dogs Trust call this ‘Dogfishing’. Remember: Always see puppy and their mum together at their home and make sure to visit more than once, even if it is via video call due to coronavirus restrictions. Never pay a deposit up front without seeing the puppy in person.

Ask lots of questions and make sure that you see all vital paperwork, such as a puppy contract – which gives information about their parents, breed, health, diet, the puppy’s experiences and more. If you have any doubts or feel pressured to buy, as hard as it may be, walk away and report the seller to Trading Standards.

For more information and advice about how to avoid being misled when buying a puppy advertised for sale online visit; www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogfished

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 27

DIY Masters Advert.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2020 08:51 P

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The Open Evening will be followed by either online or phone ‘Drop in Sessions’ with either the Executive Headteacher, Head of School or SENCO. To sign up to the Virtual Open Evening and to find out more information visit: www.ixworthschool.org.uk/virtal-open-evening For further information please contact: Charlotte Flight, Marketing & Events Coordinator, The Seckford Foundation. Mobile 07464980389 E-mail: cflight@seckford-foundation.org.uk

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Thetford Horticulture Industry Scheme About Thetford recently met with the team behind the Thetford Horticulture Industry Scheme (THIS) to find out more about the scheme and its participants who are all ex-offenders looking to make a positive life once they are released from prison.

Based in Thetford, behind the garden centre, the team offer gardening and landscaping services to companies as well as individuals and also grow herbs and flowers for the restaurant industry too. THIS is the brainchild of Georgina Keatley and Tim Melville and came into being because of a shared belief that ex offenders need assistance and help settling back into daily living. Both have an extensive background in the prison service and saw first hand how just a little help and goodwill stopped ex offenders reoffending. They wanted to concentrate on this assistance and positivity and through grant funding were able to launch THIS in 2017. Since then they have had numerous participants through the scheme with very few reoffending. In fact, many come back to the scheme to just let everyone know how they are doing or to ask for a little further guidance. This guidance comes in many forms from giving participants a wage for the hours they work, help with setting up a bank account, liaising with housing departments and the job centre and health related matters.

Tim and Georgina have worked hard to forge great relationships with local agencies. Georgina realised many years ago that when she felt over loaded with work, getting into the garden had a hugely positive effect on her mental and physical well being, so making THIS all about horticulture, gardening and the great outdoors seemed an obvious choice.

The participants gain knowledge of gardening, receive training, a wage and of course working well with the team. It also gains them a crucial reference.

Baz, Robert, Georgina and Tim from THIS

Speaking with Baz and Robert - two participants currently working with THIS - it is very apparent that they not only love the opportunities that have come their way since joining but just how important and valued the non judgemental rapport is between the whole team.

Robert said that he came along to try something new and has realised that the outdoors and gardening is where he should be. "I am looking to get qualified in horticulture and I know THIS will help me with that". Baz told us how he has enjoyed meeting all kinds of people as well as all the training and help he has received. He says "It's great when you can look at what you have done and feel you have done a good job-something worthwhile".

The aim of THIS is to continue offering a nurturing positive environment to ex offenders and to be self funding through garden maintenance contracts. Having seen the wonderful rapport the team have and heard the positive influence THIS is having on people's lives.

We know that THIS will go from strength to strength.

Should you wish to find out more about the scheme or to book them to complete gardening work for you, please get in touch via the website: www.this.org.uk or 07810 650233 / 07969 776077.

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Activity Packs To Stimulate Minds Forty activity packs consisting of arts & crafts materials, toys and games are being made available for Thetford families thanks to the efforts of local Councillors.

Norfolk County Labour Group has been running its Food Out Friday initiative since the Covid19 lockdown, delivering food and essentials to foodbanks, hostels and other community hubs across Norfolk. So far, more than £4,000 worth of support has been provided. Now, they’ve managed to secure more than 250 activity packs for families and 40 of them have been made available for Thetford.

The packs consist of arts and crafts materials, plus stationery and children’s books made up of supplies provided by a range of sources including Norfolk County Council’s Children’s Services, the British Library and funds raised by Labour Councillors through their 365 challenge earlier this year. Information about local clubs and groups that may be of interest to local families has also been included as well as local support services.

Breckland Councillor Susan Dowling who represents MCP HPPriory Advert 11.18.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2018 Thetford Ward, is coordinating the distribution locally said; “It has been a stressful time for families

Susan Dowling with some of the craft materials

with disruption to children’s education and added pressures on family budgets. I am pleased that we have managed to secure these activity packs for Thetford children as this will help keep them entertained and stimulate their imagination. This is so important for their future development and parents may enjoy helping too!”

If you would like to receive an activity pack or you know a family that would particularly benefit, please email; thetfordlabourteam@gmail.com and confirm the name and address of the family. They will be allocated on a first come, first served basis but organisers will 09:41 1 families that are particularly in need or aim toPage prioritise experiencing disadvantage.

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New Community Clothing Resource The Salvation Army and Chapter15 are working together on a new Community Clothing Resource. The group have a large stock of clothes which currently help clothe homeless people within our community. They are now in a position to extend this service across the town to anyone in need. Those involved are all too aware and feeling an increase in low income people and families across the town due to Covid19. The clothes and other items will be given freely to those who are referred.

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The clothes available include; Men’s, Ladies, Teenage items, Children, Infants, Babies, School uniform and formal wear (e.g. suits/jackets etc). There is also a stock of Sleeping bags, Towels, Bedding, some household items and some items of furniture. They can also be an emergency response should there be a crisis of any sort such as domestic abuse situations, house fires, flooding or any other impacting situation. You can support this new project by making donations of clothing - at this time they especially need school uniform, shoes and rucksacks. They are currently at full capacity with duvets and bedding.

To donate items or request support, please email; nadine@chapter15.co.uk or thetford@salvationarmy.org.uk

Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS) The NCLS offers free, confidential and independent legal advice to people in Norfolk who may not otherwise be able to access legal assistance. Areas include; Employment Law, family law, general law, as well as discrimination, domestic abuse, debt, immigration and welfare benefits (appeals and tribunals only). Telephone: 01603 496623 or e-mail: info@ncls.co.uk

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 31

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Call Dena on 07842 110240 Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 32

Cats Protection’ Fundraising Appeal We have recently had some poorly kittens come into our care. A lady was looking after a cat who had kittens and she managed to find homes for three of them. She then ordered flea treatment online and treated the two remaining kittens with the contents of the vials put on to the back of the neck of the kittens. Unfortunately one of the kittens must have licked the other one, and he quickly became very poorly. He was rushed to the vet where he had a low body temperature, was dehydrated, stumbling around and blind. He was immediately washed, so that the flea treatment was no longer on his coat. The vets kept him in for 24 hours and managed to stabilise him, rehydrate him and bring his temperature up to normal.

However he was still blind. At this stage he came into our care with his brother. The poorly kitten remained blind for several days, and at the time we didn’t know if his sight would come back, which could be a problem when finding him a home. The thought of a 13 week old kitten being blind, doesn’t bear thinking about. However, his eyesight gradually returned and we took him back to the vets for a check up. All appeared to be well, but the vet didn’t want us to give him any kind of flea or worm treatment, or have him vaccinated until his liver had time to recover. A week later, he was successfully vaccinated, microchipped and also had flea and worm treatment from the vets. The moral of this story is, do not buy flea treatment from the internet. The best place to buy it is from the vet. Fleas become resistant to all flea treatment eventually, and therefore the vets have the most up to date, safe treatment that will work. Even if you buy flea treatment from the supermarket, there is no guarantee it will work, so it could be a false economy.

with vet fees. We agreed to help her and the kitten came into our care. One of her back legs is deformed from the knee joint down. She cannot put weight on it and she drags it behind her. She was taken to our vet for xrays and the xrays were sent off to a specialist centre. The outcome is that sadly the leg cannot be saved.

As we have not been able to do any fund raising during lockdown, we are very short of cash. If you would like to contribute towards the kitten’s operation, go to our Facebook page – ‘Breckland Cats Protection’ and see our fundraising site. For information or advice, or if you need help with the cost of neutering please call us on 01842 Paws 810018.

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Art & Handicrafts Take To The Open Air Like many organisations, Thetford’s U3A (University of the Third Age) has had to curtail much of what it does because of measures to combat coronavirus.

But some of its 40 or so groups have found innovative ways of allowing members to continue their interests and activities using, for example, Zoom and the internet.

And now restrictions are easing, groups are hoping to return to a new normal. Lynn Ready, the founder chair of TU3A took a first step to restart the Art and Handicrafts groups, two of several groups she leads, by arranging an open air get-together.

Lynn said: “It was good to meet up for the first time in months and not only did it give those who were able to come along the opportunity to pursue their hobbies, but also to enjoy chatting and catching up on news.”

Lynn was pleased to announce that the TU3A aims to restart its very popular monthly social and talks in September. These are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Carnegie, and added that she will be speaking about her trip to India earlier this year to discover the real ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

Members of the TU3A Art & Handicrafts group meeting in the open air recently

Thetford Inner Wheel Life still isn’t back to normal yet. Thetford Inner Wheel members have kept in touch with each other and we held a different ‘handover’ recently. A socially distanced gathering was held in our President Cathy Witton’s garden with a few committee members present. Cathy handed over to Susan Watson for next year. Sadly, all our meetings remain cancelled and the Association Conference due to be held in Blackpool next April is also postponed. However, one of our members has been busily making masks for charity, so it’s not all bad news.

For more details visit: www.thetfordu3a.org

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Update From Thetford U3A

Views Sought On Sharing Health Data

We are delighted to announce our September meeting on September 24th will be able to take place. There was a meeting recently to ensure all necessary guidelines would be fulfilled. We will enter by one door and exit in another. Hand sanitiser will be at the front desk and chairs will be arranged at intervals one meter apart.

We will however due to the new rules be only able to accommodate 40 people thus we need to know who will be attending and it will have to be on a first come first served basis. It will be of great help if you would ring either Gil on 01842 766166 or myself 01842 824074 to advise us that you will be attending. This will be for fully paid up members only. No refreshments will be available so I suggest you bring a bottle of water. The toilets will be open and all sanitary requirements will be enforced.

The CLIMB Project is a Cambridge-based team working both locally and with colleagues around the country to improve mental and physical health care and research using health data. Four key projects are being undertaken to enable better understanding, access and sharing of data for clinical and research use. These projects are; Developing research databases to analyse health data securely, using computer-based predictions to help understand mental health, involving service users and the public in the work that they do and creating better tools to record clinical assessments.

How do you think health data should be shared and used? Grove Surgery in Thetford is encouraging people to take part in a survey which is exploring this question.

Health data is information collected in the course of health care provided by the NHS. It is used to provide care, and sometimes also for research to improve the care for others. However, there are ways of controlling how health data is used. Researchers based at the University of Cambridge would like to know your view.

Too busy?

I have received a telephone call from Marilyn to inform all members that the days out programme has been cancelled for the rest of the year and they are hoping to hold their first meeting in February, if this changes I will notify you and Gil will put it on to our website.

Ellie Hurry-Palmer on 01842 750081 has started a new group called Lets Us Talk. It is a group formed to help and support (whenever it is needed) the bereaved. Ellie plans to have coffee and biscuits at a suitable venue. If you would like more information on this please ring Ellie.

She will be delighted to speak to you.

Sign Language will now start again on 18th September.

We have been invited to have the meeting in one of our member’s garden which will be more comfortable.

Our monthly meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of every month at 2pm in the Carneigie Room.

To take part in the Health Data survey, visit the website: www.climbproject.org.uk

THETFORD

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Marigold Hotel Experience with Lynn Ready

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Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 35

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 36

Movement Matters Exercise On Prescription Covid-19 highlighted the importance of health. For many individuals living with medical conditions the pandemic caused much fear and resulted in isolation.

One positive from lockdown was the realisation that online exercise can be safe and effective even for older adults and those at high risk.

Over the years Michelle Jermy has worked in exercise referral. Unfortunately lack of funding has meant many successful programmes were not sustainable. Covid-19 has highlighted the need of exercise on prescription.

Michelle has been working hard behind the scenes to find a way to bring such a programme back to Thetford and surrounding areas. There has been a lot of paperwork, filming, establishing working relationships but finally The Wellness Clinic is pleased to announce ‘Movement Matters – Exercise On Prescription’ will be launching this September 2020.

The programme will be working with a variety of local health professionals including West Suffolk Hospital to ensure individuals who may shy away from exercise due to health complaints, medical conditions and/or disabilities can access safe & effective exercise.

Conditions include but are not exclusive to: high blood pressure, post heart attack or surgery, diabetes, lower back pain, anxiety and / or depression, asthma and weight management.

Are you looking to improve your health? Wanting to increase your fitness? Increase your activity after illness or injury? Gain ease of movement? Feel good about yourself? Would you love to return to a sport or a form of exercise that currently seems impossible?

If you answered yes, read on...

As an exercise specialist Michelle guides you, advises and supports to help you achieve your goals, exercise is for everybody. Known as the go to person for hip, back and pelvic floor issues. Michelle has also published research within specialist exercise. When you join full screening is carried out including a health and lifestyle questionnaire plus a movement assessment, feedback is given with personal recommendations to ensure you start at the right level, exercise safely and effectively.

With an impressive portfolio rest assured all sessions can be adapted. You can start movement therapy and watch your health improve. Michelle is kindly offering everyone referred 50% discount for two months off her monthly online memberships. You receive all the benefits of the clinic membership; access to the live and online sessions from the comfort of your own home.

Pilates, Yoga & adaptive exercise sessions are noncompetitive, low impact (kind on your joints), you choose the level which means you can do; small or big movements, a few repetitions or many. Michelle teaches intuatively, teaching you to listen and respond to your body being aware of breath & what your body needs.

For the full timetable please visit the website: www.thewellnessclinic-withmj.com

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 37

Meet Museum’s 13 Year Old Volunteer At the age of just 13, Theo (pictured) is the youngest volunteer at the Charles Burrell Museum.

His fascination for history and historical vehicles started at the age of 5 when he developed a passion for steam ships like the Titanic. At the age of 7 his field of interest increased to take in steam locomotives which was then followed by traction engines and steam cars.

Theo is highly dedicated to the Museum, making the journey from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire (with his Mum Tiff who has joined us in the role of Workshop Keeper) in order to volunteer with us and he has impressed us all with his thirst for knowledge and his genuine desire to keep history alive. Theo first discovered the Charles Burrell Museum in late 2018 when he happened to come across video footage of one of our Closing Day events on YouTube and eventually in early August 2019 Theo and his Mum came for a visit. They both signed up as volunteers the same day and have been helping out whenever possible since then.

Theo will literally turn his hand to anything. Last Closing Day he was a runner for the Café as well as helping run the tombola and chatting to visitors. During the winter months he was involved in the dirtier job of maintenance on Mac the roller, cleaning the smoke box, fire box and ash pan as well as helping remove the water pump and emptying all 3 of our engine's boilers of water.

When asked what he liked about the Museum he said “Everything... the atmosphere, the people and the engines” Asked if he would recommend volunteering at the Museum to others he said “Yes! It’s a great place to work and smaller than many museums so we are all like a family. With a smaller workforce you get to do more jobs and be more hands-on with the engines”

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Theo admitted that he had missed the Museum during the Covid-19 lockdown and said he “thought about it a lot", he's also looking forward to coming back in the not too distant future and we are looking forward to him being there!

For more information on volunteering with us please visit; www.charlesburrellmuseum.org.uk Helen Whitton-Rogers

Hazardous Waste Amnesty Waste is hazardous if it can cause harm to humans or the environment and includes any waste that needs specialist disposal. Norfolk County Council does not normally take these items at their recycling centres, however they hold annual free household hazardous waste days (amnesties) when they do accept certain hazardous waste items. These days are for residents disposing of household hazardous waste only and not for any business, group or other organisation.

The Hazardous Waste Amnesty day for Thetford is 9am - 5pm on the 18th 19th and 20th September.

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TADDS Sponsor A Donkey Here we are in September and I was really hoping that things would be moving forward for Thetford And District Dementia Support with a potential re-opening date on the horizon… sadly this is still not the case and things are still not safe enough for the group to reconvene on Friday mornings.

This said, we are still busy holding our weekly online virtual coffee mornings, with various topics every week, as well as occasional online bingo for members of the group to join. Trustees and volunteers are still in contact with members of the group, but we are also mindful that there may be people out there who have never had the option of attending the group (prior to lockdown).

We are still here to support carers and their loved ones, through their dementia journey, with information about dementia, benefits and general coping strategies.

Please do not feel you have to cope alone.

If anyone needs to contact us, this can be done through, email, Facebook or by phone. The website is: www.thetford-dementia-support-group.org/ Contact us by E-mail: taddsgroup@hotmail.com Or phone number is 07542866519. This phone is not manned 24 hours a day and we advise leaving a name and phone number so that we can get back to you.

TADDS also took the opportunity to support a fellow charity that has (in the past) supported us with visits to the group. Many charities have been struggling throughout the pandemic and have little or no funding whatsoever, Miniature Donkey’s for Wellbeing is one such charity. They have been hugely supportive of TADDS in the past and have come to our group to give a mini donkey cuddle experience for our group members, who have always found the experience richly rewarding.

Saffy and Jack, mother and son, at the Miniature Donkey’s For Wellbeing centre

TADDS is very proud to have sponsored Rubik for the year. The money will support Mini Donks in their endeavours until things resume for them again.

If About Thetford readers would like to support them as well, there are a number of gifts now available on their website which may be lovely Christmas gifts (for those who want to get ahead) and the money raised will support the Mini Donks charity: www.minidonks.org.uk/ minidonks-merchandise/ Our sincere thanks to the community who continue to support our group, and whilst there appears to be nothing visible happening, the wheels are turning for TADDS and we remain busy providing ongoing support and activities until we can all actually meet again. We are also hatching plans for the 2021, so stay tuned to find out more. See you all in October hopefully!

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Library Introduces New Grab & Go Bags We’re looking forward to welcoming you back soon at Thetford Library. We are now open so ask that when visiting, you follow our one-way system to browse the shelves. We have some new services to help us adapt including an option to pre-order a selection of up to 10 books for adults for free through Select and Collect Use the online form at norfolk.spydus.co.uk or call 01603 774777. You can also borrow our new Grab and Go children’s book bags for families and book one 60 minute session per day on a computer. To book a session or if you need any help using our computers call 01603 774777. Items can be returned through the drop box or self-service kiosks. Download the FREE Spydus app to check out books on your smartphone.

You can also download eBooks, audio books as well as newspapers and magazines by visiting; www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries We’ve made some further changes to keep you safe.

There is no ‘Open Library’ access, please bring your library card with you or join in the library or online. We may ask for details from you to help with Test and Trace and you will need to wear a face covering in the library.

We have a one-way system for social distancing, hand

New Grab & Go Bags available at Thetford Library

sanitiser is available for use on the way in and out of the library. Surfaces and computers will be regularly wiped down and returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours. Sorry, there are no newspapers, magazines or seats in the library and the toilet is not available.

We have also made some changes to our opening hours; Monday - Friday open from 10am - 7pm and Saturday from 10am - 4pm. We are closed on Sundays.

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Spotlight On Thetford Carpet Warehouse As soon as you open the front door at Thetford Carpet Warehouse there's a warm welcome from Gemma Tilly and a "Come on in!” The word ‘Warehouse’ also may mislead as the customer area is bright and warm with a very comfortable sofa for customers to sit on to discuss their needs. The carpets underfoot are plush and deep and a great showcase for the standards you can expect from Gemma and Brett - the husband and wife team behind the business.

It quickly becomes apparent that it's a family orientated business with the children helping in the warehouse area and some of the fitters being relatives too. The only fitters that are not related are now part of the Thetford Carpet Warehouse family and all work closely to offer the customer an outstanding service from start to finish.

Gemma is front of house as well as the office manager and says that she often feels she misses out on seeing that final fitted carpet or new flooring as she rarely goes to site. Brett loves seeing the finished project but says that he couldn't manage without Gemma because he is absolutely no good with the paperwork side of things!

Working and living together may not suit many people but it was obvious to us that this couple are very much in tune with one another and love working the business together. They met at school in Thetford and have been sweethearts ever since. Neither could imagine living anywhere else and when asked what they loved most about the town they both said "It's home. It's family and friends". We asked Brett what it was he always dreamed of doing. His reply was that he never thought of doing anything other than carpets after he started working at 16 for a local carpet company, going through an apprenticeship then at the age of 23 becoming a self employed fitter. Gemma was working in design and administration but plunged into the new role.

Gemma & Brett Tilly of Thetford Carpet Warehouse

When they originally opened in Old Market Street, with two very young kids at the time and during a recession.

They quickly went from strength to strength and when the opportunity to take the Unit in Faraday Place came up they both jumped at the chance.

For any carpet and flooring needs get in touch with Gemma at the office on 01842 760598. They have also a Facebook page. Or have a look at their website: www.thetfordcarpetwarehouse.co.uk.

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On The Fence With Training It’s been a long 5 months taking precautions, going to the shops with face masks on, using hand sanitiser wherever you go, planning and booking in to places you’re heading to and you’re still not certain about joining in with group fitness training, let me try to ease your mind with a few things to look out for!

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What ever you decide to do and wherever you decide to train, be mindful of your social distancing and other people, especially their anxieties towards this awful virus, we all know it seems to be getting old now but the threat is still so very real and it’s not time to be relaxed.

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Thetford Parkrun Update Parkrun UK is starting to look at new procedures for future runs and have been publishing the new parkrun Covid framework. Until it’s all finalised there will not be any parkruns. Rest assured though the team will be ready, willing and able to get started again as soon as they get the green light!

However, in the meantime, our friends Mel and Richard have organised a charity event in aid of a local donkey sanctuary. Run or walk 5k or 10k for Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing at only ÂŁ12 which includes a bespoke spinning medal. Mini donkeys provide much needed love and support for many people who are receiving palliative care or have dementia and go out during non Covid times to care homes and community groups.

Patients and attendees can stroke and cuddle the donkeys which is soothing and calming.

Due to covid-19 it has been difficult for the chairty to raise funds. Visits to care homes and patients will be vital when restrictions are lifted. During lockdown they still require care, feeding, exercise, vets and looking after. Mel and Richard want to give the charity a fighting chance to restart vital visits this autumn.

Complete a 5k or 10k on 5th or 6th September and share your photos on the Thetford Iceni half and full marathon Facebook page. It is suitable for all abilities and ages - you can run jog or walk! To book your place, visit: www.marafunevents.co.uk For more information about Mini Donks, you can visit their website: www.minidonks.org.uk

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01953 542313 07756 776995 i n fo@ j p - p ro p e r t y m a i nte n a n ce. co. u k w w w. j p - p ro p e r t y m a i nte n a n ce. co. u k Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 44

Air Ambulance Call On Thetford To Help Them Run 2,000 Miles Next Month Together We Run is the latest fundraising challenge from the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) which is encouraging local people to pledge their miles towards a collective 2,000 mile target.

EAAA normally organises several mass participation challenge events throughout the year, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help keep its crucial yellow helicopters flying and saving lives. These events cannot go ahead this year, so the charity is asking its many supporters to take part in Together We Run instead, a virtual fundraising challenge from 14 – 20 September, to run (or walk) a combined 2,000 miles, wherever and whenever suits them.

If successful, this virtual running event could become a regular addition to the charity’s event calendar, along with its Only the Brave muddy obstacle run (held in Elveden) and Trek 24 walking challenges.

A 2,000 mile target has been chosen as EAAA was established in September 2000, twenty years ago.

EAAA would like to thank the people of East Anglia for their incredible support over the last 20 years which has enabled EAAA to help more than 17,000 local people when they needed emergency care. EAAA does not receive regular government funding and relies on the generosity and kindness of local people to save lives.

Signing up to take part in Together We Run is a simple way to help celebrate this milestone for the charity – and for East Anglia - at a time when we can’t physically come together. Participants can walk or run as much or as little as they like, and are encouraged to submit their activity using exercise tracking app, Strava.

Dr Pam Chrispin of EAAA is ready to lead her team to victory in the new Together We Run virtual challenge

To add an extra element of fun to this challenge, there will also be four Together We Run teams, headed up by members of the EAAA crew. Deputy Medical Director Doctor Pam Chrispin, Consultant Doctor Neil Berry, Consultant Doctor Drew Welch and Doctor Joanna Stevens. Dr Pam Chrispin said: “If you take part in Together We Run, you could be in my team! I’ve been a doctor with EAAA for 12 years and just love everything about this charity, especially the way that it puts its patients at the centre of everything it does. It’s really simple. We can’t fly without community support and donations, and we’re incredibly lucky to have been here for 20 years already. I encourage everyone to take part – even if it’s just walking one or two miles. Your support will help to keep our yellow helicopters flying”.

To take part, tickets range from £5 to £15. Additional The Mulberry REV Advert 3.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2020 16:13 Page 1 is encouraged.

For more information and to Join a Team and see who will be crowned the winners? fundraising sign up, go to; www.eaaa.org.uk/werun

the

Mulberry

www.mulberrythetford.co.uk

From 1st September:Tuesdays & Wednesdays we deliver to you either from our Menu or Pies and other items ready for you to cook or freeze at home Thursday-Saturday Restaurant open for pre booked tables only.

We ask for pre orders in line with government guidelines.

11 Raymond Street Thetford IP24 2EA

Tel: 01842 824122

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Update From Feltwell Golf Club Juniors And Ladies: Golf for the whole family! Why not join our community and see what we have to offer? We are ‘Safe Golf’ accredited, offering a safe environment for the whole family. We offer opportunities for all ages to learn to play golf at Feltwell and we are particularly looking forward to welcoming our Juniors back in September, when their group sessions will, at last, start again. Remember to put Saturday 12th September in your diary, 1pm – 2pm for the first group and then 2pm – 3pm for the second group. Prices will be the same as last year. If you are unsure which group you are in please call Jo on 07855 821116.

The take-up of the Junior Golf Camps over the summer holidays has been amazing, resulting in us adding more dates to the schedule, they all had such a fun time and we will posting some photos on social media very soon.

Ladies, why not join our Get into Golf Campaign?

Whether you are new to the game or returning after a break, we hold Ladies Sessions starting from Friday 11th September, from 10 – 11am or you can contact Jo and she would be more than happy to fix a time that suits you. Follow this up with coffee and biscuits and a natter in the clubhouse – Price £8/person and all equipment can be provided.

Driving Range: We are pleased to announce that we have opened our Driving Range for general use. If you are not a member of the club you can join the Driving Range as a member for as little as £50 a year and still get discounted rates. Buy your tokens from the Pro Shop or office for £3 (28 balls) or £5 (56 balls) or if you are a member of the Club or the Driving Range for as little as £2 and £4 respectively.

Robert’s at Feltwell Golf Club: The Clubhouse is now open, albeit with some changes, in line with the latest

City & Guilds Qualified with over 20 years experience

PLUMBING • HEATING • BATHROOMS Affordable Kitchens Supplied and Fitted with free 3D drawings Please Contact Nick White for advice and a no hassle estimate Telephone: 01842 750505 • Mobile: 07737 044700 E mail - plumbsure@yahoo.com

32 Fisher Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2LD

Covid 19 guidelines. You will need to pre-book your table by phoning Robert on 07376 182419. Numbers are restricted to allow the required distance between tables. There will be table service only for both drinks and food. Robert will still be continuing to run his Home Delivery service as we do know this is a life line for some locals who still can’t get out during this time. Check on our or Robert’s Facebook Page for the ‘Menu of the Day’ - to order your meal phone 07376 182419. Changes/ relaxations of the restrictions will be notified on both Feltwell Golf Club and Robert’s Facebook pages.

Hopefully this finds you all safe and well and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible now that we are able to play golf again. Take care and stay safe.

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EMERGENCY CALL-OUT SERVICE

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T: 01842 763165 M: 07703 256356 E: peter@fixaleak.co.uk

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Back to school LOOKING TO SELL? Do your homework first and call your multi award winning estate agent on

01842 755422

01842 755422 2 Bridge Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3BL E. sales@lawsonsestateagents.co.uk

www.lawsonsestateagents.co.uk