Village People Norfolk/Suffolk border Early Spring 2013

Early Spring 2013

HOMES • GARDENS • OUT & ABOUT • JOBS & MONEY • HEALTH • LOCAL SERVICES

Have a field day with Mum at Chapelfield

Local

History WALK

Pages 58-59

around Mendham & Metfield

Make Valentine’s Day Special

with our homemade heart decorations

WIN £200 to makeover your home

Plus

Working 9 to 5

q Local food in East Anglia q Have fun this spring with our choice of activities q Good news from our region

A fabulous new musical

q Restaurant review from our Ladies Who Lunch q Latest book and film reviews q Top tips for managing your money

The independent magazine for village people on the Norfolk/Suffolk border

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We pride ourselves at Haydon-Webb on making beautiful bespoke furniture; from a small occasional table to a complete kitchen.

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Showroom open on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.

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Trust village people to know a lot about growing We’re launching our third magazine reaching another 15,000 homes in villages south of Norwich We are big on numbers – a guaranteed circulation of 45,000 homes across our 3 magazines We reach 190 villages – across 900 square miles of rural countryside We are delivered free – by Royal Mail directly through the letterbox We offer exceptional advertiser rates – a quarter page from as little as £99

We deliver to more homes in Norfolk and Suffolk than ANY other magazine Whatever crops up we can help you grow your business so to increase your growth rate, call

0330 660 0325

editor@village-people.info www.village-people.info

17 19 24 27

Good news from our region Spring activity guide Mums the Word visit East Harling Ladies who Lunch visit The Jolly Farmers Local history walk around Mendham & Metfield Working 9 to 5 fab new musical comes to town Latest film reviews Village Notice Board Delicious one pot recipe for lamb

HOMES & GARDENS 33 39 41 44 47 53

Garden Jottings from Ken Colour for a winter garden Mowing know-how Local food in East Anglia WIN £200 to makeover your home NEW craft page – make a Valentine’s heart decoration

SHOPPING 56 Local book reviews 58 Find the perfect gift for Mum!

Contents

6 9 11 13 14

your home

HEALTH & BEAUTY

63 Health Q&A 65 Local lady visits Skid Row in LA

JOBS, MONEY & BUSINESS 69 Smart money secrets: 5 costly credit card mistakes 71 The basics of good money management 73 Need help with your divorce?

Early Spring 2013

WIN £200 to makeover

OUT & ABOUT

SERVICES 77 80 83 84 86

17

Meet the experts: we talk to our local pest control expert Great recommendations for local businesses Car reviews: Lexus GS 450h Find a local business or service Five minute interview with Robert Haydon

44 83

Editor’s Letter

S

itting in our cosy office with minus 10 temperatures outside I just can’t wait for the spring to arrive! Bulbs and spring plants will give that zing to the garden to replace the snow and then it will be Valentine’s and then Mother’s Day; there’s certainly a lot to look forward to in February & March.

We’ve been super busy here at VP HQ as our third magazine launches in Late Spring which takes our circulation up to a massive 45,000. We’re proud to announce that this means we deliver to more homes in Norfolk and Suffolk than ANY other magazine. Not bad for a brand new business that started only 4 years ago from the end of my dining room table in Tacolneston! And I remember in the early days when I’d drag my family out on cold and frosty weekends to deliver the magazines; thank goodness we use Royal Mail now!

As usual this issue is packed full of exclusive offers just for you so make sure you read from cover to cover for the best local deals and there’s £200 up for grabs for one lucky reader to makeover their home. All you have to do is send us an email so don’t miss it!

We’re always happy to hear from readers so do get in touch, give us some feedback and tell us if there’s anything particular that you’d like us to feature in your local village magazine. We’ll be back in two months at the beginning of April so until then, keep your copy safe and handy!

Lily Goulder 0330 660 0325 editor@village-people.info

5

The ladies of Wymondham P layers

bare all for Star Throwers Wymondham Players celebrate their 60th anniversary in June 2013. To mark this milestone, they have chosen to perform Calendar Girls by Tim Firth, in Central Hall, Wymondham, from 17th – 20th April 2013. It seemed a natural development when the ladies of Wymondham Players mooted the idea of doing a calendar. In no time the volunteers were signing up, the thoughts of many being; “If I’m not gonna get them out now, when am I?” Profits from the sale of the calendar will be donated to Star Throwers, the locally based cancer support and therapy centre, which is close to the hearts of many of those appearing in the calendar.

The calendar, £5, features a bonus picture for January 2014, but you have to buy a copy for this to be revealed. The calendar is available from various Wymondham outlets including; Geo Reeve, Market Street, Wardrobes, Fairland Street and The Book Fountain, Whartons Court or online at www.wymondhamplayers.org.uk/ calendar

Good Beer Guide success for local pub

In 2011, the Queen’s Head in the centre of Eye was sold into private ownership. After a complete makeover the pub reopened with the objective of reinstating itself as a classic traditional pub with real ales from the cask, homemade food, log fires and scrubbed floor and furniture. “All this paid off when CAMRA decided to feature us in the 2013 Good Beer Guide”, says landlady Pamela Roper. “‘It’s been hard work but being in the guide means such a lot to us, it feels as if we’ve won an award.

A huge thank you to customers who recommended us.” www.queensheadeye.co.uk

Good news

7 Years of trading & still going strong

Martin & Cathy are now in their 7th year of offering a service that comes to you! Whether its new tyres, batteries, even caravan tyres, their service is convenient as they come to you either at work or home, and that’s 6 days a week! Martin explained: “We have very low operating costs, which means our prices are often much cheaper than the leading high street tyre depots.” If you don’t fancy driving miles to an oily depot to get new tyres fitted, dashing out of work or trying to keep the children occupied while the car goes up on the ramp, then get in touch with etyres today!

www.etyres.co.uk

6

Never use an iron again!

Anyone who misses the smiling face of Tomasz who owned and ran the Ironing Shop Diss for seven years will be delighted to hear that Tomasz has relocated to the beautiful setting of Red House Yards at Thornham Walks, Thornham Magna, just a couple of miles off the A140 (IP23 8HH for satnav).

As before Tomasz irons anything you can’t or don’t want to iron yourself and also takes in dry cleaning. He looks forward to seeing you (and while you’re there you can stop and have a cuppa at The Forge Tearooms!) www.ironingshopdiss.co.uk

Free computer scheme Barry Woods, a computer expert from Norfolk, is using his skills to benefit the community. He can take a computer which is broken or out of date and give it a new lease of life. But this scheme relies on people donating their old computers to Barry, rather than just disposing of them at the tip. He will repair and refurbish it, security clean it, and remove all personal details from it.

Then Barry gives it to a local group or charity free of charge. Barry gets great satisfaction from helping charities and seeing something useful happen to a

from our region Doctor gets the result he was hoping for

Star Throwers are delighted to declare that all restrictions placed on Dr Henry Mannings imposed have been revoked.

Back in November, an Interim Orders Panel imposed an order on Dr Mannings to restrict him from prescribing any medication. At the IOP review hearing on Monday 14th January 2013, Dr Mannings, who represented himself, produced additional scientific evidence to the panel to prove the efficacy and safety of his approach. A petition with about 3000 signatories was brought to the panel’s attention, along with the hundreds of letters of support written from patients and families of patients.

Dr Mannings said after the hearing, “We are exceptionally pleased that we will now be treating patients again, but can only hope that the time lost whereby they had not received any treatments will not have any long term consequences.” www.supportdrhenry.co.uk

refurbished computer. “It is part of my policy of giving something back to the community”, he says. If you have an old computer which you would like to donate to the scheme, please email barrywoods@barry-woods.co.uk

Bressingham Gardens as you’ve never seen them before!

“The winter garden need not be dull”, has been my long held belief for over 45 years, and in creating Foggy Bottom and the Winter Garden at Bressingham, I think we have convincingly proved how much colour and excitement can be created”, says Adrian Bloom. “For the first time in cooperation with Blooms Garden Centre, we will be giving gardeners the chance to enjoy the gardens from mid to late winter, the 18th January until the 27th March 2013.” Both gardens and Bressingham Steam Museum are open for the 2013 season on March 28th.

www.thebressinghamgardens.com

Sleep well

knowing you’ve got a bargain!

Sound Sleep was established in 1993 and to celebrate their 20th year in business, they are doing an Anniversary Sale to mark the event. Over the past 20 years the showroom has got bigger and better with more choice of mattresses and beds than ever before.

There are some huge offers on brand name products with £100 off Silentnight beds, £150 off Rest Assured beds and up to 50% off selected Relyon mattresses, so this celebration sale is a great chance to get your sleeping arrangements sorted! Mattress specialists are on hand to design your new bed and help make sure you get a sound night’s sleep! www.soundsleepbeds.co.uk

7

Out & About

Gardens|Garden Centre|Steam Museum

w w w. br e s s i n g h a m . c o . u k

Spring Half Term 16-24th February 11am to 4pm

visit www.bressingham.co.uk for further details Tel 01379 686900

8

Step Into Spring a

with our spring activity guide

t this time of year, Christmas seems like a very distant memory, the January blues are fading and we’re all looking forward to the beginning of Spring.

So, here are a few ways to help pass the time between now and the appearance of the first daffodils…

you can feast your eyes on some of the finest classic vehicles ever to be produced by Uncle Sam.

Snowdrop walks

Anchor Plaza, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth

You’ll be able to see vintage Hot Rods, American muscle cars, Harley-Davidson bikes and many other all-American classics that are rare sights in the UK. Free entry. Sunday 17th February, Sunday 3rd March and Sunday 17th March

Banish the last of the winter chills this February with an invigorating walk around some of the county’s most beautiful gardens.

Admire the snowdrops in the grounds of Walsingham Abbey from the 2nd February onwards (open every day from from 10am - 4pm). Or, visit Horstead House, near Norwich, to see the millions of beautiful snowdrops and scented flowering shrubs that carpet its woodland.

Oxburgh Hall (near Swaffham) boasts plenty of early spring flowers. Why not go on a free guided woodland walk with one of the Garden Stewards or ramble your way round one of the winter nature trails?

American classics

If man-made beauty is more your thing then this will really get your motor running! The East Coast Pirates Car Club is organising an American Classic car show, where

Easter funfair

Inject some originality into your Easter this year and banish the Hot Cross Buns and chocolate eggs in favour of a trip to the Funfair in Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich.

You can nibble on a toffee apple while you hook a duck and munch on candy floss as you sail elegantly around the Ferris Wheel.

There’s also an International Village Market to explore on Gentleman’s Walk, in the city centre, with over 30 stalls showcasing unusual food and crafts from all over the world.

Both events take place between Friday 29th March and Monday 1st April

Seaside beer festival

Half-term boat trips

Here’s something to keep the younger family members happy during February half term! Broads Tours is offering boat tours with live commentary on the origins of the Broads and the wildlife that lives there. And, best of all, children go for free!

You can take 2 children for free with every full-fare adult.

Adult tickets cost £8.

Once the haunt of smugglers, now the haunt of those who appreciate real ale and real log fires, the Ship Inn at Dunwich is holding its third annual beer festival in March.

It promises to be a great weekend; with live music on the Sunday and plenty of beer from all the best local breweries: Adnams, Green Jack, Grain, Cliff Quay, Humpty Dumpty and Earl Soham. And you won’t go hungry, either. Fish and chips are available all day.

Friday 29th to Sunday 31st March The Ship Inn, Dunwich, Southwold

Sunday 17th - Friday 22nd Feb www.broadstours.co.uk

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9

Out & About r de l l r o a No s m o to

catering equipment & furniture hire

Thursday 14th Feb 3 course Valentines meal £19.95pp 14th & 15th Feb 3 course Valentines meal with an overnight stay for just £69 per couple

Sunday 10th March enjoy all you can eat 3 course carvery buffet Only £19.95pp (Children under 10 £9.95) Includes gift for Mum

01379 652 100

full colour brochure online at www.cmahire.co.uk

TABLES • CHAIRS • TABLE LINEN • CHINA GLASSWARE • COOKERS • WATER BOILERS FRIDGES • FREEZERS • PROJECT MANAGING 24/7

Head Office: Units 9 & 10, Forge Business Centre, Upper Rose Lane, Palgrave, Diss, Norfolk IP22 1AP

Sunday Roast

Now taking bookings

1 course £5.95

for Valentines Evening

2 courses £7.50

open 14th

3 courses £10

& 15th Feb

Over 50s Lunch 1st & 3rd Monday of each month 2 courses £6.95 3 courses £8.95

March 10th Mothers Day Lunch & Evening bookings being taken NOW

Delicious Traditional Home-made Food

Also open evenings – bookings only

01379 783035 10

Park Radio presents Boogie Night: Friday 22nd March at 8pm Tickets £5 Thursday Night Steak Night Choose from Sirloin or Ribeye served with hand cut chunky chips, mushroom, tomato & and sauce £19.95 for Two

Tel. 01379 642244

www.parkhotel-diss.co.uk • info@parkhotel-diss.co.uk

Mums The Word

The GeorGe and draGon Market Street, East Harling www.georgeanddragonharling.co.uk 01953 717918 Carrie Barrett lives in Blo Norton, near Diss, right on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, with her husband and two children Maisie (9) and Olly (5). She has been dining out and about in our area for many years, seeking out restaurants that offer great value, quality and above all else are child friendly. If you would like Carrie to visit a particular pub or restaurant just get in touch with us at village people and we’ll ask her to visit.

W

e are very lucky in Norfolk and Suffolk to have fantastic pubs and restaurants on our doorstep, but we do lack somewhere that children and parents can get excited about visiting!

Usually pubs and restaurants that are designed to attract children offer what we have come to know as substandard food, mostly fried, with very little homemade offerings.

When a friend suggested we meet at her local because it had a children’s indoor area, straight away I cringed thinking that it would be heaving with children, the food would be dreadful and I would end up coming away with a headache and possibly hungry from avoiding the fried menu!

However, she managed to convince us to go, and we were so pleased we did! The pub and restaurant areas have all been recently renovated, and offer a very modern and chic dining experience.

The children have both an indoor and outdoor play area, so for those summer months children can play outside.

There are plenty of seating areas for parents to sit outside and watch their charges. And when the weather isn’t so great then the second play area is completely indoors.

Unfortunately, the day we arrived, the play area was closed as they only open at the weekend. I believe this is such

.

a shame as there are lots of people with young children that eat out in the week and would love the option of somewhere like the George and Dragon instead of the large noisy indoor play places.

The lunch menu was simple and very similar to lots of pubs in the area with offerings such as lasagne, bangers and mash, scampi, curry of the day, burgers and steaks, all ranging from a very reasonable £8 to £18.50 for a ribeye steak. Children have the choice of their own menu, with lots of choices such as pasta, bangers and mash and scampi. Children could have a half portion of most of the adult meals at half the price.

In the evening the menu is slightly different and offers a little more variety. There is a specials board with fresh fish, and shellfish and my daughter’s favourite, mussels.

On the day we visited I chose lasagne. I have to say, that it was the best lasagne I have ever had in a pub before. I was so impressed at the venue that I booked one of the Christmas Party Nights as I had a friend leaving to live in Australia; we thought this would be the perfect venue.

The food was great and of a good standard for pub food.

I would highly recommend coming here if anyone is thinking of planning a party night next year.

So next time you are passing East Harling, pop in. The staff are welcoming, the bar and restaurant are just a delight to be in and the food is great value and delicious and above all else, the kids are happy too!

11

Out & About

R es tau R ant The Perfect Location for

Superb Food • Events • Small Weddings • Conference & Meetings • Accommodation

Using seasonal locally sourced fresh produce every time Norwich Road, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2JX e: stay@sherbourne-house.co.uk www.sherbourne-house.co.uk

t. 01953 454363

Ipswich Road, Yaxley, Suffolk, IP23 8BZ 01379 783 604 www.the-auberge.co.uk Best UK Restaurant with Rooms 2012

12

Ladies Who Lunch the Jolly Farmers

i

Norwich Road (B1113), Forncett St Peter, Norwich, NR16 1LG • 01953 788197

promised I wouldn’t exceed last month’s £60 bill, so in my search for somewhere really cheap, I asked around and someone mentioned the Jolly Farmers (along with various other suggestions including a burger on Norwich Market and taking our own packed lunch). So recently I went there with a friend, to find out what this place is all about.

It stands on a rather bleak crossroads at the end of Tacolneston. Evidently it used to be a one-room pub with dartboard, and sawdust on the floor.

An old beam above the roaring fire, from a demolished windmill, bears testimony to the pub’s age. Larger modern rooms have been added to cater for increasing numbers and a purpose built restaurant is available for really busy times, parties, and board meetings. We were shown to one of the smaller rooms made cosy by recent redecoration in mulberry red.

I still couldn’t quite believe that two people could dine on two courses for only £9.95; that’s less than a fiver each! Whatever sort of food would it be?

The menu board for this two-for-one deal was restricted to three main options (for which I was thankful; I have such trouble deciding).

Chicken curry, steak and kidney pie, beef lasagne.

I chose the steak and kidney pie, my companion the curry. There was a selection of omelettes too.

We didn’t have to wait long. Really hot plates were brought through and the first thing I spotted on mine was a little pile of sprouts. If anything ever reveals what the rest of the meal would be like it’s the greens – sprouts especially. My God they were perfect! Honestly - the only time I’ve ever tasted such fresh sprouts is in my own kitchen. So far, so good.

BoTToM line

The steak and kidney pie was a really healthy sized portion and thankfully wasn’t served in one of those separate bowls which Mains & Puddings £9.95 are convenient for Drinks - 1 Wine, the kitchen staff but 1 Coke, 2 Coffees £7.00 impossible to eat out of. It was full of top quality beef and kidney, TOTAL £16.95 hiding under a proper Please note that the restaurant is pastry crust. Absolutely closed all day Monday. On Sunday top class. Carrots and there is a carvery from noon to broccoli were excellent 2.30pm, but no evening service. too, and the mashed potato and gravy

sublime. My friend’s chicken curry was well flavoured and satisfying but not too spicy. Rice and naan bread accompanied it.

The chef made no secret of the fact that the deserts were bought in but the portions were generous and quite delicious.

Seated in the room was an elderly couple obviously enjoying their meal, and I said to my companion that if I were an OAP, I would come here every day. Then I remembered that I was. On a Friday evening, the speciality is fish and chips and on Thursday lunch there is sometimes a carvery if the local shooting party are in attendance, so it’s best to ring and check what’s available.

The Jolly Farmers evidently has a loyal following of patrons who just want an honest plate-full of food, just like granny used to cook.

Bookings are increasing and I have a feeling that a cult following is beginning to take shape here.

Be there or be square!

13

Explore the Churches and Monasteries

T

his treasured Suffolk walk is an atmospheric mix of archaeology, history and scenery. The walk explores the area between Mendham and Metfield, revealing its past and telling many intriguing stories.

The walk takes you from the earthworks of Mendham Priory to the tiny gem of the Church of Mary Magdalene and leads you across the marshes of the Waveney Valley to the cultivated fields of the Withersdale plateau. Check the map for interesting historical sites which are mentioned throughout the walk.

Start by turning left out of the car park towards the church. Note the Sir Alfred Munnings pub (1), which commemorates one of Mendham’s most famous sons.

The artist Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) was born at nearby Mendham Mill, his father being the miller.

Walk towards All Saints’ Church, Mendham (2). A ‘minster’ here and its ‘community’ are mentioned in the will of Bishop Theodred, c.AD 951, implying that there was a monastery here in Anglo-Saxon times. Step inside and look up at the carved angels that support the nave roof. In the chancel, look out for the carved portraits of Lord Waveney of Flixton Hall, who funded a restoration in the 1870’s.

14

The path to the left of the churchyard entrance takes you on to the marsh trail, along the southern edge of the River

Waveney, towards the ruins of a Cluniac Priory, St. Mary’s Priory, Mendham (3).

A lonely chunk of masonry beside a heap of rubble on a low grassed island in the marshes is all that survives above ground of the Cluniac priory that was founded here in the mid 12th century

by William de Huntingfield, the grandson of a conquering knight from Caen in Normandy.

The ruins of the real priory survived into the 20th century and are said to have finally fallen as the result of a wartime bomb blast in the winter of 1943-4.

Continue down the medieval causeway that leads southwards across the marsh to Withersdale Street. In front of you you will get a glimpse of the mansion that now bears the name of Mendham Priory.

A right turn at the end will quickly bring you to Priory Lodge (4).

Priory Lodge is the entry lodge to Mendham Priory – dated 1822 on a buttress and with the initials ER for Edward Rant. It is decorated with stones taken from the original priory and set above its door is a shield with the arms of Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII and widow of King Louis XII of France.

Turn back toward Withersdale Street. On the bend of the road you can make a slight detour into Bluebell Wood (5) and continue until you turn right in to Hunter’s Lane. Continue until you reach the brow of the gently rising landscape and after Hunter’s Lane Cottage, where the lane curves right, pick up the footpath on the left, downhill to a footpath

crossroads near Villa Farm.

Continue to St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Withersdale (6).

St Mary Magdalene’s Church is one of the smallest medieval churches in Suffolk. This gem sits in grassland, perched above the small stream that runs through the dale that takes its name from the sheep (wethers) that grazed here.

Parts of the church probably date back to the 11th century, but inside, it is like stepping back into the early 19th century.

Return to the footpath crossroads and past Oak Hill Farm into the village of Metfield, with its community shop on The Street (7).

Stop to take a look at St John the Baptist’s Church, Metfield (8).

Metfield was formerly the ‘upland’ part of Mendham and there is little evidence for a church here until the 14th century. The tower and the chancel probably date from that century, but much of the rest of the church was reconstructed on a grander scale in the 15th century. Inside the church, the ticking noise comes from a 17thcentury clock in the tower – one of a very few of that date that has survived. From the green in front of the church, turn left to the

of MendhaM and MeTfield junction with the Harleston Road.

Cross the road and continue along Mill Lane which soon turns into a track. Take the first footpath on your left past Turkey Hall to the lane called Sandpit Hill. Turn right up the lane. The first turning on the left brings you into Foxes Lane (9).

Foxes Lane takes you along a plateau with wonderful views back toward the St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Withersdale. You pass Highfields (formerly Bryants Farm) which has the remains of a medieval moat towards its rear. At the slight dip at the junction with Hollow Lane there is, unexpectedly, the louring concrete mass of a World War II pillbox, an outlier to the defences of Metfield Airfield.

The lane continues past Gray’s Farm, another fragmentary medieval moated site.

Then, at the junction with Withersfield Road, take the footpath on the left across the field that sweeps gently downwards back towards Mendham church.

Start: Mendham lies just off the A143, just 2 miles (3km) east of Harleston between Bungay and Diss.

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) Terrain: Quiet lanes, public rights of way, undulating but gentle.

Mendham Marshes can be wet, so wear your walking boots!

Duration: 4-5 hours Parking: There is free parking in the centre of the village opposite The Sir Alfred Munnings pub.

Discover many more walks and rides and great days out in the countryside at www.discoversuffolk.org.uk With thanks to Suffolk County Council

15

Out & About

FEB/MAR

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Thur 24 Jan – Sat 2 Feb PROPELLER £5.50 - £23

Sun 3 Mar BRITTEN SINFONIA £6.50 - £26

Mon 4 – Sat 9 Feb SWEENEY TODD £5.50 - £19

Mon 4 – Sat 9 March THE LADYKILLERS £5.50 - £23.50

Mon 11 – Sat 16 Feb THE WOMAN IN BLACK £5.50 - £22.50

Sun 10 March ROBERT CRAY £6.50 - £29.50

Fri 15 – Sat 16 Feb SPOT’S BIRTHDAY PARTY £5.50 - £10

Tues 12 – Wed 13 March RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY £5.50 - £19.50

Sun 17 Feb YAMATO DRUMMERS £5.50 - £21

Thur 14 – Sun 17 Mar JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH £5.50 - £16

Mon 18 February HIGH SCHOOL ROCKS £5.50 - £12.50

Mon 18 – Sat 23 Mar MIDNIGHT TANGO £6.50 - £35

Sun 24 Mar NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT Free Mon 25 – Wed 27 Mar ENGLISH TOURING OPERA £6.50 - £35 Thur 28 – Sat 30 Mar THE BLUES BROTHERS £6.50 - £26.50 Sun 31 Mar – Tues 2 Apr DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! £5.50 - £16

Tues 19 February RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC £5.50 - £22.50 Thur 21 – Sat 23 Feb ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MOUSICAL £5.50 - £16.50 9 TO 5

Sun 24 Feb PAUL CARRACK £6.50 - £27.50 Mon 25 Feb – Sat 2 Mar 9 TO 5 £6.50 - £35

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

16

W hat a way to make a living! i

We caught up with Bonnie Langford about a fabulously feel-good new musical coming to the Theatre Royal this spring.

f you are making a list of true British performing legends, the name Bonnie Langford is likely to be close to the top.

From the infamous ‘thwcream’-ing Violet Elizabeth Bott through a host of West End and touring productions to Broadway success, she’s done it all. But Bonnie shows no sign of slowing down and is heading to Norwich for a date in the hit Dolly Parton musical 9 To 5.

Doing a daring dance routine wearing very little is all in a day’s work for Bonnie Langford. Her latest role sees her doing some stunning moves wearing some pretty suggestive garb in the stage version of the Dolly Parton hit 9 To 5.

Bonnie plays the uber-passionate but lovelorn office supervisor Roz in the smash-hit production, based on the hit movie.

Bonnie’s character is office supervisor Roz - the only person who holds a candle for the egotistical, sexist and downright nasty boss in the story. While she adores him, the rest of her office workmates conspire to take control of the company and banish him from his powerful position.

life hard. I think it happens to everyone at some point,” she said “I sometimes seem to spend my life making lists and doing washing. It is funny on the show as I commiserate with Jackie Clune, who is also in it and has four children. There are so many things to do when you are not in the show.

“Jackie and I laugh when some of the younger cast say ‘well, at least we had a very restful Sunday.’ We think ‘a restful Sunday?’ What’s that?”

This show promises to be a feelgood February (and early March) night out. Bonnie said: “There is just so much laughter in it and I think people will really enjoy it.”

So there is the last word and very much the motivation for Bonnie’s success. No matter how hard the work, the audience need to leave happy and wanting more. As the great Dolly Parton writes in 9 To 5…what a way to make a living.

The scene is set for a show which celebrates the power of workers and women striving for success in a man’s world to the backing of a fantastic Dolly Parton soundtrack, and Bonnie loves every minute.

She said: “Roz is basically the woman working there who loves the boss but her passion for him is, of course, totally unrequited. I call her a 50 Shades of Grey woman.”

9 to 5, which comes to Norwich Theatre Royal from February 25 to March 2, is the latest acting job for Bonnie after making her West End debut at the age of just seven in a musical version of Gone With The Wind. Since then, in theatrical terms, it is a case of ‘you name it, Bonnie has done it’ with performing credits including West End runs in Cats, The Pirates of Penzance, and Peter Pan just three of the hit musicals she has done.

It is not just balancing the different performing projects. Bonnie is also very conscious about balancing this work up with her home and family commitments too. “Sometimes I find the pace of

9 To 5 runs from Monday 25 February to Saturday 2 March at 7.30pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickets £6.50-£35 available from the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

17

Out & About Creative Arts East Working in partnership with communities to make exciting events happen

Bringing big screen cinema to the heart of the community

A rural cinema scheme run by Creative Arts East, enabling community groups in Norfolk to put on latest blockbusters, timeless classics and archive films in their local venues for local people.

Showing on Village Screen NOW: Anna Karenina

Starring: Keira Knightly, Jude Law Loddon Lecture Hall, Marlingford Village Hall, Wicklewood Village Hall

English Vinglish Starring: Sridevi, Adil Hussain, Priya Anand Weston Longville Village Hall Gambit Starring: Colin Firth, Cameron Diaz Poringland Community Centre, Garboldisham Village Hall, Welborne Village Hall Quartet Starring: Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly Dickleburgh & Rushall Village Hall, Hempnall Village Hall For full details of What’s On, and to find out more about how to get involved go to www.creativeartseast.co.uk, call 01953 713390 or email alice@creativeartseast.co.uk

www.creativeartseast.co.uk

Your convenient local service Travel to Attleborough, Diss, North Walsham, Thetford, Watton, Wroxham and Wymondham from surrounding villages For more information about Flexibus in your area visit

www.norfolk.gov.uk/flexibus Tel. 0344 800 8020

18

Film reviews

This issue, Village People reviews two biopics and the latest teen sci-fi adaptation from Twilight author, Stephanie Meyer

Lincoln

Steven Spielberg’s heavily Oscar-tipped biopic of the great American president features a magnificent performance

by Golden Globe winner, Daniel Day-Lewis. Already very successful at the US box office since its release in November, the drama follows Abraham Lincoln as he battles to abolish slavery in the United States.

The film follows Lincoln’s political struggles to get the 13th amendment passed, against the bloody backdrop of the American Civil War. This intense and intelligent film brings to life one of the most iconic figures in American political history with a great cast including Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as his son, Robert, and Tommy Lee Jones as Republican Thaddeus Stevens.

Spielberg’s long term collaborator John Williams provides an elegiac Americana score for the film, which sheds new light on the personal and political struggles of this legendary figure.

Release: 25 January See it if you liked: Amistad (1997), J Edgar (2011), War Horse (2012)

Hitchcock

Hitchcock stars Anthony Hopkins as the great British director and Helen Mirren as his wife, Alma Reville, and focuses on their relationship during the making of Psycho. This darkly witty biopic takes a behind-thescenes look at the ‘Master of Suspense’ as he struggles with the financial and emotional pressures of creating a masterpiece.

You may have enjoyed The Girl which aired on BBC 2 on Boxing Day, and focused on Hitchcock’s relationship with Tippi Hedren (Sienna Miller), during the making of The Birds and Marnie. Sacha Gervasi’s film presents a slightly more affectionate, humorous depiction of Hitchcock.

Screen siren, Scarlett Johansson co-stars as Janet Leigh, who performed the iconic shower scene in the terrifying 1960 original. But this film shows us that, despite his often lecherous, controlling behaviour towards his leading ladies, Hitchcock’s wife Alma was instrumental in the artistic development of Psycho.

Release: 8 February See it if you liked: Psycho (1960), Ed Wood (1994), The Girl (2012)

The Host

The latest adaptation of a Stephanie Mayer novel since the final instalment of the Twilight saga stars Saoirse Ronan (Atonement and The Lovely Bones), Max Irons (son of Jeremy Irons), Jake Abel and Diane Kruger.

Mixing sci-fi with the teen romance genre, this film is about parasitic aliens, or “souls”, which have taken over the world by possessing the minds of human beings.

But when Melanie’s mind is possessed by the “soul”, Wanderer, she refuses to give in. As Wanderer starts reading Melanie’s memories, she starts to develop feelings for Melanie’s loved ones, too.

There is of course a love triangle – well, at least two actually, but one is very different, with the two consciousness’s – human and alien - occupying the same host body falling in love with the same man...

You’ll have to watch it to understand that!

Release: 22 March See it if you liked: Twilight (2008), The Hunger Games (2012)

19

Out & About

OPEN DAY

Friday 1st March (10am - 4pm) Friday 10th May (10am - 4pm) Saturday 11th May (10am - 1pm) Contact Mrs Louise Coates Registrar

Tel: 01953 681246

Alpha Nurseries

• We provide healthy home cooked meals and promote a balanced diet

• Dedicated Baby Room providing a homely environment for babies aged 6 weeks to 18 months • Fully funded sessions for 15 hours a week for 3 & 4 year olds • After School Club & Holiday Club for 5 to 11 year olds • 3 large, safe and secure outside play areas • Nutritious home cooked meals • Indoor heated swimming pool & lessons with a qualified instructor • Highly qualified, experienced, friendly & caring staff • Ofsted inspected & accredited with the ‘Every Child a Talker’ award

Jarretts Yard, Church Street, Diss, IP22 4DD

Please contact us for a prospectus and further information

In the heart of Diss Town Centre Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm • Nurturing ‘home from home’ experience • Flexible and supportive • We take into account your child’s individual needs and interests to enhance their learning and development • Children have the opportunity to go outdoors all year round and be adventurous in safety

Contact Teresa on 01379 651906 info.oaksdiss@alpha-nurseries.co.uk www.alpha-nurseries.co.uk

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Caring for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years Flexible sessions throughout the year from 7:45am to 6pm

Langton Green, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7HL 01379 871 412 eye@mulberrybushnursery.co.uk www.mulberrybushnursery.co.uk

Out & About Norwich High School GDST (3-18 years) Find out what makes Norwich High such a great place to learn and grow. Bring your daughter along to one of our Taster Days. Please call the Registrar to make an appointment.

01603 453265

admissions@nor.gdst.net The

best start for

your daughter

95 Newmarket Road, Norwich NR2 2HU A member of the Girls’ Day School Trust. Registered charity number 306983

To request a prospectus or arrange a visit telephone 01842 752840 or email: hmsec@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk www.thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk

3½ to 18 co-educational day school

Together We Learn

Family Friendly Pizza & Pasta Restaurant

01379 644447

3 Cobbs Yard Diss IP22 4LB

Open Monday to Saturday From 11am lunchtimes and 5.30 evenings Credit and debit cards Accepted

www.ildivorestaurant.co.uk

An independent co-educational day & boarding school

Junior 5-11 Senior 11-16 Sixth Form 16-18

More than just a school

An ideal learning environment, which offers so much more To view our Outstanding Inspection Report and details of our OPEN DAYS visit our website below The New Eccles School, Quidenham, Nr. Norwich, Norfolk NR16 2NZ T: 01953 887217 E: admin@neweccleshall.com

www.neweccleshall.com

21

Out & About

www.abshomeimprovements.co.uk

ABS Home Improvements

Our work speaks for itself!

Dear Alex & your fine craftsmen,

Dear Alex,

Dear Alex,

Very many thank’s for all the work the firm has put in to my house - it is great to ride around the corner to a nice, neat home that no longer stands out at the scruffiest house on the estate.

Please pass on my special thank’s to your fitters for the quiet, unruffled professionalism in dealing with this particularly fretting customer!

Many thank’s for the first class job your staff made of our windows and door, they were very careful and cleared up all the old windows and door as they went along.

May I take this opportunity to say what a great job your men have done.

Mr M - Diss

We are delighted and would happily recommend your services to anyone.

Thank’s again for an excellent job.

Mr & Mrs B - Gislingham

I would have no hesitation in recommending ABS to anyone. In my line of work, I meet the public all the time, so advertising your company by word of mouth is the best way.

So once again thank you very much.

Mrs B - Diss

PVC-u Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Fascia Boards, Barge Boards & Guttering All work inspected with customer before final payment

For advice and a quotation please telephone

Diss 01379 890626 A family run business serving local people for nearly 25 years

22

REG No. 10369

Energy Efficient Rated Windows as Standard

Out & About

“Pupils and parents alike rate the school highly“ Good Schools Guide

An independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 years

• • • • •

Judged‘Outstanding’byOFSTEDandISIin boarding andpastoralcare Comprehensive Scholars’Programme Superb Sports facilities including IndoorTennis Centre Excellent academic record Scholarships and bursaries available

Open Mornings ✆01284 385308

admissions@culford.co.uk

www.culford.co.uk

Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX

Pre-Prep (ages 3-7) Monday 11 – Friday 15 March 9.00am to 11.00am each day Please phone to book

Prep (ages 7-13) Friday 1 March & Monday 6 May

Senior (ages 13-18) Saturday 9 March & Monday 6 May Please contact us for a prospectus or to book your place at one of the above events.

Individual visits are also welcome.

Reg. Charity No. 310486

23

Village Notice Board Har lest on’s Indoor F lea Mar ket at the Sw 1st Saturday an Hotel of ev

Saturday N

ery month ge, antique, . 9am to 1pm collectibles, etc.

Stalls £10 Enq 01379 855486

FEB/MA

TW Gaze Auction Rooms

ques FEBRUARY Fri 8 Jewellery with Anti Fri 8 Small Holder’s Effects Fri 15 Winter Fine Arts ary Sat 16 Architectural Salvage & Statu Fri 22 Antiques Fri 22 Photographica MARCH Fri 1 Special Antiques Fri 8 Antiques 8 Fri Outdoor Pursuits Sat 9 Modern Design Fri 15 Clocks & Watches with Antiques Fri 22 Antiques Fri 22 Automobilia Sat 23 Rural & Domestic Bygones Thur 28 Jewellery with Antiques

ights Social

Dancing

& Sequence Ballroom Latin m Starting at 8p e ffl Ra Bar and

Stalls of vinta

calendar:3 Auction RCH 201

ll

W il by C or onat ion Ha

ntact formation co For more in 8357 63 8 Gwen 0172 5LE) 21 IP (SATNAV

Wreningham V il

lage Hal l

Saturday 9 Februa ry the band HI-DEFIN Music 8.3 IT IO N 0pm unti l midnigh t £ 6 Contact C , licensed hristine M b a r inns Dance to

Dumplin

on 01508

Sunday 3

488123

Country p March resents R Doors 1p ICK HALL m, music AM 2pm unti food availa l 5pm £4 ble, tea, c , offee and Contact licensed b John & T ar eres

a Stanna rd on 01603 43 3918

ILM N IGH GArB oLD ISHAM F

T presents

“Gambit”

ch Saturday 9 Mar ldisham bo ar G m Tickets £3.50 fro 416 953 681189/681 Post Office or 01

List your local event for FrEE on our Village Notice Notice Board Email details to Lily at editor@village-people.info

24

T P uLHAM MArallkE Memor ial H

February Saturday 9 Y ARREN BUSB d presents D ol m G 0p y .3 tr 11 un Co m until m, music 8p lable £6, doors 7p d coffee avai an a Te n. ow ur yo g in br se No bar - plea 995199 or e on 07880 Contact Jess 5 166760 54 Allan on 07

Theatre In Gar bo ldis ham

V il lage Hall

Eastern Ang les present “The Long Li and Great G fe ood Fortun e of John Cl Thursday 14 are” March at 7.30 pm Tickets £8 fro m Garboldish am Post Offi 01953 6814 ce or 91/681416 Licensed bar

SCHOOL DISS HIGH LEAVERS 3 ‘8 F O R A E Y iss High Calling all D avers. le School 1983

nising a We are orga e io reun n at th iss on D in el ot H Park 13. We are May 18th 20 hool in sc ft le ho erybody w id looking for ev know anybody who d if you keep ill w e w d this year or an get in touch ent details. ask them to of all the ev ed rm fo in them om

l.c ssof83@gmai Email: disscla hool Leavers of ‘83. iss High Sc Facebook: D ent, is a great ev ch.

Lets make th u to in so please get

It’s

FR

to list EE evenytour !

LoNG S T rA T T oN B o W LS CLuB

We will be op ening our gre en which is situated on the playing fi eld in Manor Road, on Sunday 21 st April.

We could do w ith some more players, so if you fancy giving it a go, pl ease come along at about 1-30 to 2 o’clock where our coac h and senior m embers would be please d to help and ad vise you to enjoy th is great sport. Th ere are no restrictions as to experienc e, age or gender and all you will need is a flat soled pair of shoes.

For more info ca ll Peter Smith on 01508-530129 , or Jean and Fr ank Hepburn on 01379-6742 86

T B o o k SALE & Ar TIBENHAM

COMMUNIT

EXH IB I T IoN Y HALL

10am - 4pm rd February 23 AY RD TU SA am - 4pm February 10 SUNDAY 24th ble la hments Avai Light Refres

F P rEV IV o uSLY o N Io T C E L E S HuGE S , CDS AND DelVD S k o o B D ed.

E m N co W o w very much

s Donations rch at Railton n be left in po on l al H ity Books etc. ca un at the Comm benham), or and 2 pm.

(The Street, Ti tween 10 am be nd 22 Friday to arrange lie Ju e Carole or on ph le te 677190. se Plea livery 01379 collection/de ds the upkeep of go towar ity Hall.

All proceeds the Commun

25

Out & About

Like traditional pubs?

Look no further than Eye. If your idea of the perfect pub includes cask-conditioned ales, tasty home-cooked tapas, pizzas and bar food, and a truly welcoming atmosphere, you need to visit the Queens Head.

Find us online or in the Good Beer Guide 2013.

See you soon. It could be eye-opening.

QUEEN’S ’S HEAD, EYE -FREE HOUSE-

Cross Street, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7AB Tel : 01379 870153 www.queensheadeye.co.uk

GREAT ALES | GOOD FOOD | BEER GARDEN 26

roast lamb Steaks

with Herby Potatoes

This recipe is simplicity itself, a one pot treasure with very little work. Just what you need when we’re all busier than ever. The flavours work together in delicious harmony - all you need to serve are some seasonal greens, or even a tray of baked tomatoes.

INGrEDIENTS

4 lamb steaks or 8 lamb chump chops (approx 750 g in total) 1kg of floury potatoes

(King Edwards or Maris Piper) sliced

Preparation

You’ll need a sturdy roasting tin or dish (ideally one that goes straight to the table!) Pre-heat the oven to 190˚C / gas mark 5

Method

Wipe the lamb steaks of excess moisture and season, then sprinkle with half of the oregano, if using.

Tip the potatoes and onions into the roasting tin and drizzle over the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle over the remaining oregano or add the rosemary sprigs.

Mix together until everything is

coated with the oil nicely, and nestle in the garlic cloves.

Roast the potato mixture until they are just starting to soften, 20 minutes or so.

Place the lamb steaks on top, and pour in the stock.

Return to the oven until the lamb is tender and the potatoes are tinged brown.

Serving

Make sure everyone gets a garlic clove to squeeze out. Along with some seasonal greens, garlic mayonnaise or a fresh mint sauce are welcome accompaniments.

Several fat cloves of garlic 2 good sized onions, sliced (or even 2 leeks) 3 tbsp olive oil 300ml of lamb or chicken stock (half of a good cube is fine) Either 2 tsp dried oregano or 6-8 sprigs of rosemary Salt and freshly milled pepper

Serves 4

27

Out & About

Ostend & Bruges Wkend Delightful North Devon Ironbridge Gorge Easter in the Cotswolds Salford Quays/Beatles Magical Malvern Scarborough & York Mystery Weekend Dunoon & the Highlands Isle of Wight – Sandown Italian Riviera Historic Chester Austrian Lakes

22 – 24 March 25 – 29 March 25 – 29 March 29 Mar – 1 Apr 29 Mar – 1 Apr 1 – 5 April 1 – 5 April 5 – 7 April 8 – 12 April 8 – 12 April 12 – 19 April 15 – 19 April 20 – 27 April

Royal Astor Hotel Durrant House Hotel *** Buckatree Hall *** Tewkesbury Park **** Copthorne Hotel **** The Abbey Hotel **** Esplanade Hotel *** Mystery Destination Esplanade Hotel *** Trouville Hotel ** Diana Majestic **** Beaufort Park *** Tirolerhof Hotel ***

£175 £250 £310 £245 £255 £349 £285 £179 £305 £359 £665 £355 £595

No feeders or interchanges * No optional extras * Seat Selection Financial Security * Local family firm * Luxury Coaches

DAY EXCURSIONS & SHOWS Billy Elliot including Lunch (Dress Circle) Thriplow Flower Festival A Chorus Line (Stalls) Bletchley Park – Station X Tower of London Kew Gardens Les Miserables (Dress Circle)

28

Thurs 14 March Sat 16 March Wed 20 March Wed 27 March Sat 6 April Sun 7 April Wed 17 April

£69pp £22pp £65pp £34pp £39pp £36pp £65pp

Pickups at Stratton Strawless (free parking), Hellesdon, Norwich, Notcutts Garden Centre (free parking), Wymondham, Attleborough & Thetford

Call 01603 754155 or Book online www.eastonsholidays.co.uk

Out & About

Tuesday-Saturday 12noon til 3pm and 6pm til 11pm Sunday 12noon til 4pm (Closed Mondays)

• Sunday lunches 12pm-3pm... booking advisable • Monthly changing menu of freshly prepared dishes • Local ales

29

Home & Garden

Purpose Built Boarding Cattery Fully Licensed, Insured & Heated Collection & delivery service available Call Angela or Mike 01379 388 979 cats@hillcottagecattery.co.uk www.hillcottagecattery.co.uk

Hill Cottage Cattery Worlingworth Road, Horham, (near Eye) IP21 5EF

First for Riding We believe that everybody should have the chance to enjoy horses, regardless of age, ability or background

First class treatment!

Uplands Way Vets is a long established practice with clients throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. We care for all types of animals including household and exotic pets, farm animals and horses.

Call 01379 642 865 for further information.

COMPETITIVE PRICES • SPECIAL DISCOUNTS £10 TASTER SESSIONS • And much more . . .

EYE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, CLINT FARM, CLINT ROAD, EYE IP23 7JE 01379 870303 info@eyeequestrian.co.uk www.eyeequestrian.co.uk

             

30

Uplands Way Surgery Diss 01379 642 865 Connaught Surgery Attleborough 01953 454 945 George Hill Surgery Stanton 01359 251 730

For a full list of services visit www.uplandswayvets.co.uk

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

Home & Garden

£150 OFF Rest Assured Divan Beds excludes 3’0

£100 OFF all Silentnight Divan Beds excludes 3’0

10% OFF all Headboards

50% OFF Selected Relyon Mattresses

10% OFF Selected Sealy Mattresses

10% OFF all Silentnight Mattresses

MILE ROAD - WINFARTHING - IP22 2EZ

Telephone 01953 861177

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Sunday 10:00 - 1:00 Find us on the main B1077 between Diss & Attleborough Look out for the yellow signs!

31

Home & Garden Mike Smith Gardenworks All types of garden work undertaken

A VARIETY OF

VEG, FRUIT AND DAIRY

PRODUCE TO CHOOSE FROM local fresh produce delivered to your door for free no heavy bags or queues meal ideas included for details or to order call

• Grass Cutting • Border Maintenance • Garden Design • Supply & Plant Service • Hedge Cutting • Fencing Services • Garden & Shed Clearance • Ponds Installed • Odd Jobs • All Aspects of Tree Work

01953 457393

30 years experience • No job too large or small Competitive Rates • Friendly Reliable Service

follow us on twitter @norfolkvegbox

t: 01379 870140 m: 07860 473518

07712 443463

PD Garden Services Ditch and pond cleaning/clearing Garden clearance/maintenance Small tree work Hedge trimming/removal Fencing Gutter cleaning Gravel driveways Log splitter available • Fully insured

Call Paul 01379 652903 07827015215 pdgardenservices@aol.com

32

Gardens, hedges, lawns, fences.

Pressure washing. General repairs.

Delivery / Collection service.

Call Anytime Mobile: 07834 193237 andrewlewis2004@btinternet.com

W

Garden Jottings from Ken

e’re all told that fresh is best, but how can you be sure that it really is fresh? Once picked, fruit and vegetables start to deteriorate, which means a loss of flavour and goodness. Farmers do an incredible job in getting crops to market quickly, but you can’t beat the freshness of picking from your own home-grown produce – after all, it may only take a minute from your vegetable plot into your kitchen, and no-one can beat that!

If you fancy having a go at growing your own food it’s easy, and now is a good time to prepare for the coming season. Start by making a list of the fruit, salad and vegetables that you and your family regularly buy and enjoy (there’s no point producing a bumper crop of sprouts if no-one likes them!) You may not be able to grow everything on your list (bananas might be a bit of a challenge) so just select a few from it to try.

We’re all so used to having every kind of produce available in the shops all year round, that we tend to forget about cropping times. Choose at least one item that will be ready for harvest during each season, and many crops can also be stored, preserved or frozen for a little later on. A good allotment gardener should be able to provide something for the table every day of the year.

Soil type, pest and disease problems, and the weather play a big part in successful growing. Some crops will fare better in one year than another, so if you’ve tried something before and were a bit disappointed, give it another go, nature may be on your side this time!

You don’t need fancy equipment or even a dedicated garden plot, although it’s great if space allows.

Ornamental borders will happily accommodate a wonderful range of fruit bushes (available now from only £3.99), brightly coloured rainbow chard, luscious mixed salad leaves, or a stately wigwam of beans (to name but a few choices) amongst its more traditional flowers, or you can achieve good results growing suitable varieties in pots on your patio.

Most vegetables are fast-growing and therefore require a good rich soil, so add well-rotted manure or compost before planting starts. Keep the soil just moist until plants are established, then water and feed regularly.

Check crops daily for any signs of problems and act quickly – a hungry clan of caterpillars could decimate all your brassicas in just a couple of days!

Some of the simplest crops to grow include lettuce, beetroot, radishes, courgettes and onion or shallot sets (mini bulbs to grow on). These are all available now, together with potato tubers. Grow an ‘early’ variety of potato as they’re less prone to problems and they’ll crop when prices are still high in the shops.

If space allows, add a ‘main’crop which is lifted later and is suitable for storing.

For really unrivalled flavour, you can’t beat fine sweet-tasting peas, regularlypicked tender runner beans and fresh, juicy tomatoes. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll appreciate why fresh really is best!

Cheers, ken

from The Garden Enclosure at Banham

food for pets, birds, plants… and you!

INDEPENDENT PLANT CENTRE & GARDEN SHOP 01953 888043 www.gardenenclosure.co.uk Ample

Inspiring plant selections, plant sourcing and garden advice, gardening and floristry sundries, pet supplies, gifts… and more!

Find us at Banham Zoo, NR16 2HE - outside Zoo ticket kiosks Open Thursday to Monday 10.00am to 4pm (9.30am to 5pm March to October)

parking & stress free shoppin g!

33

Home & Garden

A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Care Service since 1907 For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has led both the science and services that make your landscape thrive. No matter the size or scope of your needs, our arborists bring a rare mix of groundbreaking research, global resources and a local service approach to every task at hand. Trees add so much value to our lives; Bartlett adds even more value to your trees.

Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal Tree Stock Surveys | Woodland Management Health & Safety Reports | Disease & Insect Control For a free consultation please contact your local arborist Elliott Brydon

01245 248 033

ebrydon@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

GROWERS OF QUALITY PLANTS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

NEW CENTRE NOW OPEN www.foundryplantcentre.co.uk

COME AND LOOK AT OUR RANGE OF QUALITY HOME GROWN PLANTS & MUCH MORE

Flowering Perennials from £2.50

Hedging

Shrubs from £4.50

Win Plants Worth £50 visit our website for details

Large Selection of Pots

Roses from £3

FOUNDRY PLANT CENTRE • TASBURGH • NR15 1NS 01508 498 263 • OPEN 7 DAYS • 9AM - 5PM 34

Woodland Wildlife

by Joan Garnham, Waveney Tree Specialists

M

ore plants and animals live in woodland than any other part of the countryside. In a 700 acre deciduous wood there will be about 4000 different species.

Woodland can be divided into zones.

Top soil is the lowest layer (up to 6inches) and is rich in decomposing organisms, fungi, earthworms, insects, mosses, low growing flowering plants, mice, voles and shrews.

The next layer - up to 6ft – is known as the field layer, where we see flowering plants, woody shrubs, saplings and bracken. This encourages nectar and pollen eating insects like bees, moths, butterflies and plant eaters like deer and rabbit. These in turn attract predators, spiders, insect eaters, mosquitoes. Many species of birds nest in this layer.

From 6 – 15ft is the lower canopy and contains flowering shrubs; hawthorn, blackthorn, rhododendron, elder, spindle, dogwood, guelder rose. These in turn attract fruit eaters like blackbirds, redstart and wasps.

Predators who feed on these will also be found in this layer.

In Britain the canopy extends to about 60ft. This is the home of a wide variety of insects (up to 1600 have been recorded). Most of the large birds nest here; hawks, owls, magpies, crows, jackdaws, jays and pigeons.

Plants need light to thrive, which is why the first signs of spring are seen in the field layer, which finishes flowering when the leaves shoot in the shrub layer, followed by the lower canopy. Not until the flowers are past their best does the upper canopy come into leaf. So you will see a slow

.

awakening of the wood from the ground up.

Proper management of the wood is essential. Removal of thin weak saplings will give space to stronger more vigorous specimens. Felling of diseased older trees helps prevent the spread of infections and create areas of sunlight on the floor to encourage plants. Some fallen trees should be left for the wildlife; the decomposing matter giving rise to nutrients for further growth.

35

www.chapeldoors.co.uk info@chapeldoors.co.uk

Tel: 01379 651959

GARAGE DOORS, GATES & AWNINGS

Home & Garden

FoR all youR REmoval & SToRaGE REquiREmENTS

REmovalS & HouSE ClEaRaNCE SPECialiSTS

John Ryder Removals and light Haulage is a local family business based in Wymondham, offering reliable removal services throughout the uk along with light haulage and house clearances.

• Removals & stoRage • Domestic Homes oR office moves • fRee estimates & aDvice • 3.5 ton & 7.5 ton veHicles • full Packing seRvice • fully insuReD • 7 Day seRvice

Call 01953 605553 www.johnryder.co.uk

Est 1987

3 White Horse Street, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0BJ

36

PATIO SHADE SOLUTIONS

Home & Garden

Cabinville Garden Cabins www.cabinville.co.uk

QUALITY AT DISCOUNT PRICES Home Office • BBQ Cabins • Gym • Games Room • Teenagers Own Space Garage • Workshop • Art Studio • Music Room • Treatment Room Fast Delivery & Full Support from a company that cares For advice and information contact our friendly expert team Cabins on display (View by appointment only)

01379 687 467

Church Farm, Church Lane, Bressingham, Diss IP22 2AE

paving east anglia ltd

Landscaping & Garden Design Block Paved, Tarmac & Shingle Driveways Patios & All Types of Fencing & Gates Turfing, Plants & Planting We also offer a garden design service with a full scaled drawing or sketch All hard landscaping comes with a 10 year guarantee

call 01953 887346 or 01603 360116

www.noblelandscapers.co.uk

info@noblelandscapers.co.uk 37

Home & Garden

We offer Roofing solutions for all your roofing requirements

Reduce Your Energy Bills NOW!!!

EST. 1975

and we cover the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk REA Installer of theYear 2012 Runner Up

• Solar Photovoltaic • Solar Hot Water • Heat Pumps + Biomass • Domestic + Commercial • Free Energy Review • Consultancy • Ethical Trading Policy

01603 734851

www.norfolksolar.co.uk

Choose your renewable energy system from a local company with impressive environmental credentials and a reputation for excellence...

Renewable technology specialists since 2001

1 Baines Way, Bowthorpe, Norwich, NR5 9JR

38

Quote VP01

Call now for a competitive quote

Tel: 08456 777035

At Scofield & Lait we cater to both commercial and domestic clients, we are sure to offer you quality and service at a competitive price, be it a pitched or flat roof.

The Coach House, The Old Rectory, School Lane, Stratford St Mary, Suffolk CO7 6LZ Fax: 08456 777034 E-mail: enquiries@scofield-lait.co.uk

Colour for a

Winter Garden T

he Botanic Garden in Cambridge is lucky enough to have a one-acre Winter Garden; a masterclass in combining foliage, flower, scent and texture for winter interest and designed to entice even the most committed armchair gardener, tucked up with seed catalogues and dreaming of the June border, out into the icy air for an invigorating walk.

There is a structural underpinning of evergreens, formally clipped into enclosing hedges, to provide a dark-toned background against which a kaleidoscopic palette of vibrant colour shines out - the horticultural equivalent of a Caravaggio painting. A great variety of bare winter stems of dogwoods and willows provide the warp threads of the garden in red, lime green, yellow, black, coral and even bright orange.

Most are cut right to the ground

in March or April to encourage fresh growth for the next year, but the spectacular willow, Salix alba ‘Chermesina’, is instead pollarded back to a handful of trunks standing between 2-3 ft high. This reveals the clever handling of light, crucial to a garden in winter. Our whole site has been excavated a little to allow the low sun to flood in, lighting the swathes of stems and coming to rest on the stunning fan of the Chermesina willow, elevated by its pollarded treatment.

As winter eases its grip a little, the weft threads are provided by pools of electric blue scilla, golden aconite, pink cyclamen and pearly snowdrops that weave through the dogwood and willow stems.

Embellishments come from scarlet cotoneaster berries, the crimson baubles of Malus ‘Red Sentinel’ fruits and white spheres of snowberry, but there is flower too – candy

pink viburnums, lemon yellow mahonia, brassy yellow winter jasmine, rusty orange witchhazel, and the lovely, large pale pink, semi-double flowers of the Japanese apricot, Prunus mume ‘Omoi no mama’.

Although few will have a spare acre to devote to a winter garden, it is definitely worth tucking one or two of these combinations into the back of that June border or even a pot by the front door for a shot of colour in the darker months.

The Garden is open daily through the winter months from 10am-4pm.

Adult admission is £4.50 or join the friends, get free admission and help the garden grow! For ‘Plant Picks’ and other information, please visit the website at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

39

Home & Garden

hempnall lawnmower centre

Selling many brands & models of ride-on mowers, lawnmowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, snow blowers, log splitters, strimmers and much more Servicing and repairs of all garden machinery

Lake & Pond Aquatics Water Garden Specialist

Collection service available Our well furnished showroom is open to the public

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday mornings 9.30am to 1pm Please feel free to drop by – no appointments needed!

Check out the full range at www.mowdirect.co.uk

for friendly advice and guidance on selecting the most appropriate machine for your needs, give one of our sales team a call on

01508 473700 Brick Kiln Lane, Morningthorpe, Long Stratton, Norwich, NR15 2LH

Design • Installation • Maintenance Pond Cleaning • Planting Advice

Expert advice - Competitive Rates t: 01379 652720 m: 07900 370304 e: lakeandpondaquatics@gmail.com

24 HOUR

7 DAYS A WEEK SERVICE

your local Expert Plumbing & Drainage Service Full Domestic and Commercial emergency plumbing service

Treatment Plant & Soak-away Advice and Installation

Complete drainage service including drain clearing, drain jetting, CCTV drainage surveys, sewer and drain pipe repairs, sewer and drain maintenance

No call-out charge

From drain clearance to repair & reline, including no-dig

Covering Norfolk & Suffolk 24 hour, 7 Days a Week Service

Pre-fixed prices All work guaranteed

01379 629027 01953 660119 01508 500012 www.angliadraindoctor.co.uk 40

S

Mowing know-How

pring is upon us, so it’s time to make sure your machine is prepared for the tasks ahead. The right mower, well maintained, will reward you with a garden to be proud of. When choosing one, it may help to know what types are available and what the features mean; Electric mowers What they lack in power, they make up for in ease of use. Plug-in and go eliminates trips to the fuel station, and maintenance is minimal. However, they are only suitable for small lawns which have a power point close by, and there is a risk of cutting through the cable. Prices start at around £70.

Battery mowers Slowly growing in popularity due to the relatively high cost. No cable to plug in or run over, but do remember to charge it before you need to use it (can be done overnight). Low power output means ideally suited to frequent use. Prices start at around £300.

Auto-mowers The ‘greenest’ option but very slow to take off in the UK, though more popular in mainland Europe. These will mow the lawn themselves, within a sunken wire boundary. They are only capable of cutting a low height of grass, but do so as many as 3 or 4 times a week, meaning very minute clippings fall to the ground unnoticed (mulching). Prices start at around £900.

Petrol mowers By far the most popular for medium to large lawns, as these have the power to cut longer, tougher, and to a degree, wetter grass. They do need more maintenance though.

Mulching Benefits are that there is no grass box to stop and empty, so cutting is quicker. Also, the clippings act to re-fertilise the soil. A brief disadvantage is that fresh clippings can stick to the feet of pets and people.

Getting the right mower for your needs can save extra effort for years to come, so seek advice from a recognised lawnmower dealer.

Your local Lawnmower Specialist

Tripp Batt Country Store

Stanton IP31 2BT

Tel. 01359 250268

www.trippbatt.com

Large showroom with over 30 models of lawnmower Sales Service Spares Free local delivery ~ Open 7 days a week

41

Home & Garden

Larkins Fuel Merchants Buy with confidence from your local independent approved supplier Coal & Smokeless Fuel also available in pre-pack bags

Area distributors of

Certainly Wood’s kiln dried logs are recommended by the UK’s major stove manufacturers and distributors

Consistent high quality every time



CERTIFICATION MARK

We also sell Kindling, Firelighters & Coal Bunkers and supply Farm Shops, Convenience Stores & Garages with a range of products

THE UK’S FIRST HETAS APPROVED FIREWOOD SUPPLIER

The Coal Yard, Old Buckenham, Norfolk NR17 1PE

Tel 01953 861145 www.coalandlogsnorfolk.co.uk

1.2m3 & 1.6m3 bulk bags small bags also available hiab, tipper & tail lift deliveries

for all your glazing needs • energy rated double glazed units at affordable prices • glass cutting service • window frames – upvc & wood • measure & fitting service available • open to the public • you can buy just one sealed unit

01953 888606 gsultd@btconnect.com www.glasssealedunitsnorfolk.co.uk 7.30am to 5pm Mon to Thursday 7.30am to 4pm Fri Unit 21 Oakwood Industrial Estate, Harling Road, Snetterton, NR16 2JU

42

Home & Garden

Your local, family owned, independent Fuel supplier 

Competitive Heating Oil prices



Interest free budget payment scheme



Rix Oil Alert (Automatic Tank Monitoring)

Contact the team today!

01953 457057

www.rix.co.uk

eastanglia@rix.co.uk East Anglia & Suffffolk 43

local food in East Anglia

T

his spring, David seddon reminds us of the great wealth of local food in east anglia

In previous issues of Village People I wrote about local vineyards and local wines, and, more recently, about local home-made drinks.

Spring is when we turn from the heavier foods of winter to re-discover the lighter foods of spring - almost with relief. As the days grow longer, the weather improves and a healthier way of life appears to beckon.

44

But each of the East Anglian counties has its own distinctive produce and food traditions.

Lincolnshire is especially well known for its cheeses, its meat and its sausages; Suffolk for its ales and its cider; Essex for its fruit and jams; Norfolk for its mustard, its turkeys and duckling, and of course its cockles, crabs and oysters; and Cambridge for its celery and eels, gages and gooseberries and its puddings.

The East Anglian coastal region is particularly plentiful and offers a wide range of fish and shell-fish, as well as such local ‘sea-side’ specialities as sea salt, bloaters, and marsh samphire.

‘Wild’ Food

Some food can be collected ‘from the wild’, for there are still many fields, woods and hedgerows where ‘private property’ is loosely defined and access to ‘food for free’ is still possible. When I first came to Norfolk in 1972, I bought a copy of Richard Mabey’s ‘Food for Free: a guide to the edible plants of Britain’, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in foraging.

Nuts to look out for include hazel and sweet chestnut, beech, acorns and walnut. For an experienced forager, fungi can be a great source of free food and is especially plentiful in wet years. The largest part of Mabey’s book is devoted to various types of ‘greens’, which he divides into plants with leaves that can be eaten raw, those whose leaves are normally cooked, those whose stems are eaten, and sea-weeds.

Household and allotment production

Increasingly, local produce can be found in stalls outside houses and farms across the region, as families and farmers put out items fresh from their own garden, usually depending on an honesty system for payment. Those who have the time and energy cultivate allotments, mainly for home consumption, but also often sell the surplus produce locally. There has been real growth in the number of those signingup for an allotment in recent years, in part as a result of a wish to ‘grow one’s own’ (for both health and financial reasons) and in part through a wish to be

involved in a sociable local activity with a real material pay-off. The variety of produce available is often staggering.

Farms and estates

East Anglia is the most intensive farming regions in the whole of the European Union. There is a wide range of farms, from small holdings to larger specialised farms and estates like Sandringham, which may produce game among other farm produce. Some sell their produce in the local market or at farm shops.

Farmers’ markets

One of the best things about going to a farmers market is that you get the chance to try before you buy! Particularly common are the cheeses, honey, jams and chutneys, pies, sausages, cooked cold meats, and other items made in ‘traditional’ fashion by the rapidly increasing number of local small producers across the region. But raw materials for home cooking can also be found at these markets, in the form of free range chicken, home grown lamb, pork and beef - often of ‘special varieties’ – and, less commonly, game (rabbit, hare, pheasant, partridge, wild duck and venison).

Small Food retailers, Cafes and Teashops

Small retailers in villages and towns have faced increasing competition from the supermarkets and are caught between rising rents and falling numbers of regular customers (made worse in some cases by by-passes, new traffic schemes and problems with parking). However, many have found that the best way to survive is by virtue of their principled commitment to quality food, locally and reliably sourced. Some have also engaged in the sale of locally cooked food, providing customers with an opportunity to consume food cooked on the premises as well as to take it away. Small cafes and teashops and even small restaurants (including fish and chip shops) offer an attractive alternative to the standard range of ‘takeaway’ providers, and provide shoppers with a day-time rather than a night-time offering, as well as a focus for social interaction.

Many villages throughout the region have seen local shops and restaurants close over the last two decades, with a real loss of convenience and valued services, badly affecting those without cars or with mobility problems. High streets have been hit, in East Anglia as throughout the country, but many small towns in our region have been able to ‘buck the trend’ by providing an attractive alternative to supermarket shopping.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets have taken over much of the retailing of food stuffs and have even started to cook food on their premises, including breads and delicatessen items. With lower out-of-town rents, large car parks, volume sales and lower prices, they have been able to attract customers away from the smaller enterprises.

Several supermarket chains have started, ironically, to open ‘small’ express stores, to take advantage of local custom. However, these are carefully located in areas of high footfall and demand, and rarely in the smaller towns, let alone villages. On the other hand, some companies do maintain shops in small towns and cater to a less mobile population, often providing good value for money and reasonable prices, and valuing loyalty.

Many supermarkets now offer “Local” ranges to reflect the growing interest in locally produced food but these items are usually relatively expensive.

The Local Food Movement

There is a strong and growing movement in East Anglia in favour of local produce, concerned with small-scale, artisan production and a reduction in travel miles, both of the foodstuffs themselves and of customers. Some businesses even display a map of the food miles travelled by the produce it stocks. There is a definite growth of interest in supporting such a movement – with groups like Transition sponsoring and supporting various forms of ‘localism’.

There is funding and support available to local food projects, so if you are passionate about where your food comes from, why not consider setting up a local food group in your village?

45

Home & Garden

&

Diss Bed Centre Furniture Warehouse

The Number 1 Choice for Style & Comfort

LIvING

NEW SOFA SHOWROOM

1, 2 & 3 seater sofas and sofa beds

Friendly & free expert advice

DINING

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEk Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 4pm Sunday 10am to 1pm

BEDROOM

01379 640070 Sawmills Road, Diss, IP22 4GG

Solid wood furniture in Oak, Ash and Pine all ready assembled

www.dissbedcentre.co.uk

EYEFLOORING FOR ALL YOUR FlOORING NeeDS

www.eyeflooring.co.uk

e: info@eyeflooring.co.uk

• Carpets, Seagrass & Sisal • Vinyls & Luxury Vinyl Tiles • Carpet Cleaning • Safety Flooring • FREE fitting, doorbars and grippers g kin • Out of hours visits • Service & Professionalism is key Ma xury ble lu rda 01379 870190 • Broad Street, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7AF fo Af

46

WIN £200 WORTH OF BLINDS OR CURTAINS

From Norwich Sunblinds

Imagine how you could transform your home with £200 worth of blinds or curtains...

They also offer a beautiful range of made-to-measure curtains, from silks and tapestry fabrics to cottons and satins, these can be made with a multitude of headings, with matching pelmets, and cushion covers, and a completely free measuring and estimating service.

Their representatives can visit you at home and offer the best advice on the type of blinds or curtains to suit your needs and they trained in home furnishings co-ordination.

For your chance to win this prize, email competition@village-people.info with your name, address and daytime contact number

Closing date is 31st March

Any room in your home could benefit from a smart new look courtesy of Norwich Sunblinds, an independent company that have been supplying and installing blinds and curtains in Norfolk for the last 35 years.

UP TO 60% OFF SELECTED BLINDS! We have an extensive range of blinds and fabrics to suit all needs and requirements, from subtle shades to daring and dramatic, or simply stunning!

Call today to arrange your free home visit.

when quality matters www.sunblinds.co.uk

01953 455415

Haverscroft Industrial Estate Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 1YE

01603 615945

8 St. Benedicts Street Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4AG

47

Home & Garden

01379 790008 www.martinco.com

Wet Rooms • Free Survey • Adaptions • Fully Insured • Extensions • Local Authority approved • Alterations for disability grants For further details contact us today

(t) 01953 601678 (m) 07788 722151 (e) mailbox@clarkbuild.co.uk 48

Unit 15 Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WZ

Home & Garden

Passionate about Stone. . .

Umbrian Collection ªExclusive bespoke stone from Italy ªMaintenance free, stain and scratch resistant ª20 years manufacturer’s warranty ª10 stunning shades in honed & brushed finishes

Price promise We promise you will get the best possible price on all materials and installation

Limestone Collection ªHigh quality limestone ethically sourced from European quarries ªVery hardwearing with a subtle range of white, beige and blue shades ªExtremely versatile and durable & suitable for heavy wear domestic & commercial applications We also supply and install electric under floor heating

For the best stone available talk to us first www.thestoneflooringcompany.co.uk thestoneflooringcompany@ymail.com

Tel 01692 666287

Acorn C a b i n e t s

C a b i n e t s

Makers of Bespoke Interiors

Handmade Kitchens, Bathrooms & Studies

Luke Huggins on 07894 988380 Phil Morgan on 07947 779908 info@acorncabinets.co.uk

www.acorncabinets.co.uk 49

Home & Garden

MOVE IN WITH PART-EXCHANGE PLUS

1 - 6 BEDROOM HOMES ACROSS NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK THE CHARLES CHURCH PART EXCHANGE PLUS SCHEME* • We’ll arrange your free valuations • We’ll make you an offer at market value • We’ll pay your estate agent’s fees To find out more call us on 01502 509843 Or visit our website

charleschurch.com Imagery for illustration purposes only. * Part Exchange Plus is available on selected plots at selected developments, subject to status, terms and conditions and using a Charles Church-nominated solicitor and/or financial adviser as necessary.

50

Home & Garden

Visit our Wymondham Showroom

New

Showroom Now Open 17 Victoria Road Diss (next to Merelander Garage)

at Unit 25, Penfold Drive (behind the Police HQ)

www.conservatoriesetc.com

51

Home & Garden

handmade Turkmen carpets classic quality and style fair prices and fair trade principles PO Box 126, Bradenham, Thetford, IP25 7WY

e: altibolaq@btinternet.com w: www.altibolaq.co.uk t: 01362 822523

www.altibolaq.co.uk

Swedish Blinds Made to Measure Fabrics by

Cath Kidston, Orla Kiely, Clarke and Clarke, Vanessa Arbuthnott, Designers Guild etc

WOULD YOU LIKE AN HONEST, DEPENDABLE & AFFORDABLE CLEANER TO CLEAN YOUR HOME?

Contact Margaret

For a free quotation

manser92@btinternet.com

01953 681844

REGULAR WEEKLY CLEANS TYPICALLY ÂŁ10 PER HOUR HUNDREDS OF SATISFIED CLIENTS LOCALLY

IP22 Villages Tel: 01359 250677 Email: suffolk@timeforyou.co.uk IP21 & IP23 Villages Tel: 01508 495520 Email: norwich@timeforyou.co.uk

Pressed to go Established family-run ironing & dry cleaning business Local Delivery

Tel Karen: 01379 652767 or 07984512275 www.pressedtogo.co.uk

52

Make your own Valentine Hearts Decoration

On our new craft page, Caroline Fraser will share a seasonal project which you can easily make at home, whatever your crafting ability. We’re sure the results will leave you feeling quite pleased with yourself!

What to do… 1. Choose your patterned paper

wisely. Larger patterns on smaller projects do not always work. Try playing with different patterns to obtain your desired effect. For this project I have gone for a small floral design by Amelia Bowman.

2. Draw around the three individual hearts onto the paper. Be sure to include the details of the pattern you wish to show. Cut out your hearts and glue them to one side of each wooden heart. Remove any excess glue & trim away any overlapping paper.

4. Put a dot of glue on top of the hole.

5. Fold a strip of raffia in half to find the centre point. Then, using the needle tool, push the centre point of the raffia into the hole. To ensure a secure hold, keep pushing the raffia into the hole until it is packed tightly. Do this with each heart. Any excess glue will dry clear.

3. Using the needle tool, make a hole at the top of each heart (about 1cm deep).

You will need…

♥

♥

Scissors (or scalpel) • Needle tool Pencil • PVA Glue 3 different sized Wooden Hearts Florist Raffia (approx. ½ meter lengths) Patterned paper

6. Once all the glue has dried, gather the raffia strands together to make your arrangement and then tie a looped knot.

And there you have it, one unique, personal Valentine’s decoration. Feel free to bring your own creativity to this project by possibly using more hearts or a mixture of patterns. We would love to see your results, so why not send a picture to editor@village-people.info

Caroline organises craft workshops in Wymondham and runs her own Craft Facebook page, just search for Crafty Ladies of Wymondham.

With thanks to: Zoe @ www.buffnails.me (manicure) Craft Paper www.ameliabowman.co.uk Craft supplies www.hobbycraft.co.uk

53

Home & Garden A beautiful range of thermally efficient blinds and shutters Transform your rooms or conservatory and stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer Call Amanda or Alastair for more information on:

01379 669 209 Village Green

Blinds & Shutters

Architectural Technologist Nick Clarke mciat

andrew p r love architecture . design . planning wymondham road cherry tree farm bunwell norfolk nr16 1nb 





     



planning applications & building regulations submissions alteration works, extensions & conversions architectural design consultation & drawings specialist in listed buildings & conservation work site supervision & management excellent local knowledge and contacts domestic & commercial projects

South Norfolk Design Award winner 2011 for innovative and ecologically aware architecture please contact us on

t: 01953 789911 m: 07771 855225 e: a.love@btconnect.com 54

• • • • • •

Partial or Complete Service Extensions & Alterations Conversions & New Build Work on Listed Buildings Eco-Friendly Design Outdoor Design

Tel.01379 898831

Home & Garden

Never use an iron again! g Tomasz at The Ironing Shop has been smoothing things out in Diss since 2005.

He’s recently moved premises to the gorgeous surroundings of Thornham Walks, where he offers ironing, dry cleaning, laundry, alterations and repairs for less than you’d imagine.

DRY CLEANING SPECIAL OFFERS

2-piece suit - £8.50 / Trousers - £4.50

THE IRONING SHOP

14 Red House Yards, Thornham Magna Thornham Walks IP23 8HH

07749 851035

wwww.ironingshopdiss.co.uk

55

The book concentrates upon photographs which help give a clearer picture of some of the people and events in the town from the 1850s. We are shown the real people, at work or at leisure, as well as some of the buildings that no longer stand, with iconic images like the Pedlar sign or the Market/ Butter Cross. Wherever possible individuals who appear in the pictures are named and great efforts have been made to provide as much information as possible.

The Book of Swaffham

Swaffham History Group Halsgrove Hardback 9780857041647 £24.99

In 1412 the first prisoners arrived at the Norwich Guildhall and for almost six tumultuous centuries its ancient courtrooms witnessed stories of mayhem and murder, as well as the more mundane judicial affairs.

Within 200 years Justices had become the virtual rulers of the city. Justice was harsh, with hanging, whipping and transportation routine for children as well as adults. This book reveals for the first time the colourful history of Norwich Magistracy.

BooKS

Nothing But The Truth Dick Meadows

Sad Shires Press Paperback 9780957388901 £5.99

Norwich City’s All Time Greats looks at some fascinating facts and figures about the Hall Of Fame in general before examining each personality in detail through a short biography.

These look at each character’s career, focusing specifically on their achievements, records and memorable moments, illustrating just why Canary supporters hold them in such great esteem. Written in chronological order we relive the highs and lows, through the “Famers” involved in that era.

56

Hall Of Fame Allan Kemp

Derby Books Paperback 9781780910376 £14.99

Lowestoft Within Living Memory Ian Robb

History Press Paperback 9780752462783 £12.99

V

iew your region from a different

perspective with this fascinating selection of local titles from roy futter of Jarrolds Book department.

The marriage of William Frederick “Mad”Windham of Felbrigg to Agnes “Willoughby” in 1861 startled their family and friends. But it was the desperate plan of the rest of the Windhams to save the estate from ruin which was to shock and divide the nation. The full story of one of the mid-19th century’s most notorious scandals is told for the first time, using rare sources, contemporary sources and family insights. A true story of one of London’s most celebrated courtesans and the eccentric heir to a fabulous Norfolk estate.

Once a town famed for fishing, shipbuilding, its coachworks and numerous other factories, Lowestoft was transformed after the Second World War. Despite redevelopment in the 1960s and the relief road cutting of the 1970s, nothing could prepare the people for the demise of many of its industries in the 1980s and ‘90s. Taking a nostalgic look back local historian Ian Robb charts these changes to bring the reader fond reminiscences of days gone by.

The Mountains of Norfolk

Kevin Crossley-Holland Enitharmon Paperback 9781907587108 £10.99

The author, recent winner of the poetry prize in the East Anglian Book Awards, brings together poems from eight previous collections, spare yet sensuous, bearing witness to relationships, history, language and East Anglia. The volume also contains a group of new poems musing on youth and old age, friendship, love and the layers of landscape. Evocative and original.

A Scandal at Felbrigg Trevor Heaton

Bosworth Paperback 9780955115349 £9.99

57

With February being the month of love and March being the month for Mums, you’ll find that little something special for a very special someone at the fantastic selection of stores in Chapelfield, Norwich.

2

5

4

6 1

3

7

8

9 11 10

13 12 14 15

1. Anna Karenina DVD £12, HMV

2. Josh Groban All That Echoes CD £9, HMV

3. Linea Curiosity soap dispenser £10, House of Fraser

4. Linea Brights flower print cushion £25, House of Fraser

5. Sweetheart patent shoes £48, Schuh

6. Maxine 7. Armani Code quilted tote bag Luna, 30ml £19, Accessorize £33.50, 50ml £44.50, The Perfume Shop

9. Jagged leaf drop earrings £8, Accessorize

10. Pastel pink blouse £39.99, Zara

11. Cocoa Juvenate Revive treatment candle £30, Hotel Chocolat

12. Cocoa Juvenate Revive body butter £20, Hotel Chocolat

13. Linea Tropitech photo frame £15, House of Fraser

14. Tropical print scarf £75, Biba at House of Fraser

15. Vintage pretty pink satin mules £20, Boux Avenue

All items featured subject to availability, prices correct at time of going to press but may vary.

58

8. Optimum Grape day cream £12.99, Superdrug

Have a field day with Mum...

Whilst you’re out shopping don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day Sunday 10 March

Shop | Meet | Dine | Enjoy www.chapelfield.co.uk

59

Shopping

Spring Sale of Underwear and Nightwear Dressing Gowns, kaftans & Onesies – £10 each Nightdresses: short, long or sleeveless, Poly or brushed cotton & jersey – less 25% vests: thermal, interlock & cotton, Ribbon strap, french neck, short or long sleeve – less 25% Pants 3 pair packs £4.50 (34 - 64 hip) White swan, airtex & interlock – less 25% Sloggies maxi 4 pair packs & 2 pair pack control White, black or natural – less 10 % Bras Triumph & Playtex – less 10 % All others 1/2 Price

WYMONDHAM’S HOME FURNISHINGS Jarrolds can offer expert advice and great prices on all aspects of home furnishings and are very proud to have been part of the historic town of Wymondham since 1988

LINENS • HOUSEWARES • FURNITURE • CARPETS • RUGS • CURTAINS • COOKSHOP UPHOLSTERY • SOFT FURNISHINGS • BEDS • MATTRESSES • LIFT & RISE ELECTRIC CHAIRS

7 Middleton Street Wymondham NR18 0AB

60

01953 603251 www.jarrold.co.uk

Shopping JOIN FOR FREE* Start losing weight today

“Iwentfrom a size18to a10 in 6 months!”

Member Alison, 43.

willow Affordable fashion Opening Times

Before

Mon - Tue 9.30 to 2.30 Weds - Sat 9.30 to 4.30

Follow us on

Classes are held in Beccles, Diss, Haddiscoe, Harleston, Long Stratton & Wymondham

• womans clothing • accessories • gifts Telephone: 01379 658691

Now running

Want to get fit? Join for just exercise!

6 Cobbs Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4LB (To the rear of Norfolk House Yard)

classes!

JOIN FOR FREE!*

TOY BOX TOYS

INCluDES fREE PACk *New members only.

01508 499750 or 07918 907423 Valid until 28/02/13.

Class price: £6.00. catriona.jermy@ Bring voucher to claim. rosemaryconley.com

Call Catriona on

Avoid the city rush come and see us!

Visit our new shop 36e Mere Street

(opposite Morrisons crossing)

The Appleyard, opposite Banham Zoo, NR16 2HE

www.artfulpots.com

GLAD RAGS Dress Well for Less

All Sizes and a Vast Stock.

To BUY, SELL or BROWSE Call 07714 333 660 for an appointment any time

Email: gladrags1@hotmail.co.uk Poplar Farm, Laxfield Road, Fressingfield IP21 5PY

Established 1830

For All Your Printing Requirements

Offset Litho

New and Nearly New Clothes and Accessories,

FRANCIS CUPISS Letterpress

01953 457092

Colour & B/W Copying

Parties, wedding plates, baby footprints & more Visit us to paint your own pottery masterpiece!

Diss IP22 4AD 01379 640003

The Wilderness, The Entry, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4NT Telephone: 01379 642045 E-mail: mail@franciscupiss.co.uk

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Health & Beauty

Welcome to a New Era in Dentistry Netherton Dental Practice is pleased to welcome Peter Clark to the team in Long Stratton.

He joins Auriel Gibson and Adam Stacey, adding to the existing wealth of knowledge and experience on offer to patients at the practice.

Practice Philosophy • Many patients come to us because we are known to be a gentle practice.

• Our personal service ensures that a close professional & caring relationship is developed with a dedicated dental practitioner.

• Our preventative team, comprising hygienists & an oral health educator, guarantees that oral health is given top priority.

• We actively listen to you & place great emphasis on thorough investigation sending you a written report & treatment planning options for complex dentistry.

• Children are treated from an early age & advice is given to parents & children on plaque control & preventative dietary habits.

Our Services Complete dental care for all ages & advanced cosmetic dentistry: Professionally Placed Restorations - Implants Tooth Whitening - Telescopic Overdentures Sports Mouthguards - Fissure Sealants - Facial Aesthetics & Veneers - Diagnosis & Treatment of Periodontal Disease - Orthodontic Treatment including Invisalign & Inman Aligners Treatment of Termperomandibular Signs & Symptoms

Netherton Dental Practice The Plain, Long Stratton NR15 2XG

01508 532226 info@nethertondental.co.uk

62

Dr Auriel Gibson BDS. MSc. FDSRCS (Eng), MGDS, FFGDP. Auriel’s focus is on complex restorative treatments & dental implants. She teaches advanced dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons and is a national postgraduate examiner. Auriel is a past president of the British Society for General Dental Surgery and actively engages in postgraduate study.

Dr Adam Stacey BDS (Lond), DPDS (Brist).

Adam has 17 years of experience in general practice including an advanced diploma plus a forsensics now working through an M.Sc in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Peter Clark

LDS, RCS (Eng), DPDS (Bris)

Peter graduated from the London Hospital Medical College in 1981 and has worked in East Anglia for 30 years. Three years ago he sold his practice in Eye and went to work in Norwich before taking a year to travel the length of the Americas. He has recently returned to Norfolk and will carry out general dentistry in the practice. Peter has a particular interest in complete dentures.

Q&A HEALTH Q

A

With two children under five, what is a good natural germ fighter for little noses?

Trish Stephenson from the Natural Food Store Exchange Street Norwich says:

“ Temperatures are dropping and the dreaded cold and f lu season is upon us. Young children are often more vulnerable at this time of year but there are lots of steps you can take to keep them healthy!”

Natural solutions for your health problems honey from the bee hive - a few drops added to water is amazing! There are nice Propolis sweets too which are soothing and healing and helpful to suck.

Use Vitamin C rich rosehip tea or blackcurrant and remember to add the remarkable Manuka honey which has antiviral and antibacterial properties!

Steam clean! Although it does not kill the cold or flu virus steam assists in opening the sinuses to help you breathe more easily.

Usually caused by a viral infection (although sometimes by bacteria called streptococcal) a sore throat – which is often accompanied by a nasty cold – can make little ones feel utterly miserable.

With guidance and some safely warm water with a few drops in of Tea Tree oil or the funnily named Po Ho Oil from Bioforce, a towel draped over the head to catch the steam, this will all go a long way to improving a child’s breathing.

Try turning learning how to gargle into a game and a little teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water gargled and spat out four times daily greatly helps.

If all else fails use the kiddie friendly Kaloba syrup, made naturally from pelargonium to reduce congestion and mucus.

If salt is unpopular a blend of apple cider vinegar and honey mixed with a little warm water is a great gargle too.

For lots more information go to our web site www.shop-naturally.com or ring our popular help line on 01603 613228

Propolis is a wonderful healing tincture - originating like

We are a small private dental practice providing treatment in quiet, calm and comfortable surroundings.

This allows us to give you individual and personal attention, plenty of time and an excellent service.

We would like to treat everyone as we would like to be treated ourselves. Our primary goals are to help you achieve and then maintain a preferred level of oral health.

We hope and trust that your visit to the practice will be pleasant and relaxing.

You and your family are welcome here.

General and Family Dentistry Root Canal Treatment Implant Dentistry Partial /Full mouth Rehabilitation Crowns, Bridges and Dentures Tooth Whitening, Smile Makeover, Veneers Orthodontic Treatment

Call for more information on 01379 897176 or visit us at www.botesdaledentalpractice.co.uk

63

Health & Beauty

SAY GOODBYe TO WRINkleS THIS SPRING Specialist in muscle-relaxing injections, dermal fillers & TCA Medical peels Safe aseptic injection technique by an Advanced Nurse Practitioner BSc (Hons), RGN Flexible appointments & realistic prices If you’d like to enhance your beauty quickly, without surgery & in a very natural way, call Catherine TODAY for a free consultation

Rejuvenescence

the art and science of beauty

Willow Lodge, The Common, Mellis, IP23 8EF

£20 OFF VOUCHER if you mention Village People

T: 01379 783126 or 07905895070 E: catherine.brooks@rejuvenescence.co.uk

A new era for Diss Dental Practice new premises and a new name Camberwell Dental Practice formerly at 3 Church Street, Diss has recently undergone a complete renovation and relocation.

Mr Alek Missankov, the owner and principal dentist is pleased to announce that the new practice has been renamed as Dentabrite Clinic, and is now located at 4 Church Street.

Dentabrite now boasts two new surgeries, a large reception area and a comfortable waiting area.

Since taking over the practice in 2009, Alek and his staff have transformed the practice into a modern and inviting new environment where he continues to offer a varied range of excellent dental services.

New patients are welcome for a full range of dental treatments

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• General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Tooth Whitening • Veneers • White Fillings • Crowns, Bridges • Gum Treatment • Advanced Root Canal Interest Free Payment Plan Available Denplan available For more information on any of their services please contact Susanna or Wendy on 01379 652580 or email at dentabriteclinic@surfanytime.net

DENTABRITE CLINIC 4 Church Street, Diss, IP22 4DD

Health & Beauty

refreShinG WaTerS

Sarah Johnston visits Skid row Norfolk journalist, Sandie Shirley, spotlights the inspiring stories of men and women from the region and beyond that have seen them reach for victory. For more stories visit: www.refreshingwaters.co.uk

T

o many Los Angeles spells glitz, glamour and Hollywood but Sarah Johnston’s mission trip last year brought a largely hidden and forgotten area of poverty, hopelessness and violent gang culture to light. Sarah left the comfort of her home on the Norfolk and Suffolk border for a whirlwind of contrasting missions in LA’s Skid Row and Mexico.

The pharmacy technician from Barningham joined a two-week mission trip as part of a ministry training course. Recalling her trip she says: “Walking towards Skid Row the first thing that hits you is the smell and the scale of the poverty with between 11,000 to 15,000 homeless.

People sit amongst the rubbish in the gutter. Some are mentally ill; high on drugs or perfectly lucid and just two blocks away are the opulent banks and insurance companies.”

The vision of a 20 year-old that turned a former hospital into The Dream Centre also came into focus.

The Centre has been helping to rescue and rehabilitate people from addictions, homelessness, abuse and human trafficking since it began in 1994, explains Sarah. The visionary behind this massive project started by setting-up a table and chair outside of church, intent on reaching out to the needs of the community.

“Now The Dream Centre serves 40,000 people a month and receives one million pounds worth of food donations every month. It just goes to show what the power of one can do,” says Sarah.

“We also met Ernest – a former boxer who lived on Skid Row for 14 years before he became a Christian.

Today he runs the Dream Machine – a gym where youngsters can do their homework, workout and learn to box.

“Much of our work was getting alongside the Christians that run these projects, praying for their needs and helping to encourage them,” says Sarah. “We also prayed for those living on Skid Row. A lot are there due to broken relationships and many are professional people who had made bad choices and lost everything. We sat with them and listened and then asked if we could pray for them and for me, this is what church is all about.”

Part of her week in LA involved learning about the Homeboy Industries – bakeries and cafes launched by Father Gregory, a Jesuit priest, 25 years ago to help stem the violent gang culture. Father Gregory believed that nothing stops a bullet like a job and the successful Homeboy Industries employ and train adolescent gang members to bake bread, produce and serve

first-class food and use silk screen printing to make saleable t-shirts and sweatshirts.

“The Homeboy Industries is a moving example of unconditional love and the importance of fighting despair. It reminds us that no life is less valuable than another,” says Sarah. Today the scheme has grown with free mental health counselling, tattoo removal, legal services, job development and case management. The gang intervention programme has also been replicated worldwide.

A week at San Felipe in the desert region of Mexico marked the final leg of Sarah’s trip. She arrived on the back of a month of prayer for the ‘Paint the Town Red’ evangelism mission with The Grand Commission Church in a town that was also noted for witchcraft and drugs.

For more information email richard@christiangrowthinternational.org or visit www.homeboy-industries.orgloss

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Health & Beauty

Hip and knee surgery when you need it If you’re waiting for hip or knee surgery (including hip replacement and hip re-surfacing), why not give us a call.

Whether you’re insured or not, we’re open to everyone and offer one-off private treatment with a fixed price agreed in advance.

You may be surprised at how affordable it can be.

For us it’s more than just treating patients, it’s about looking after people.

For more information, call our enquiry team on

01603 255614 www.spirenorwich.com Old Watton Road, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7TD

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Health & Beauty Nicola Clarke MCFHP, MAFHP

Foot Health Practitioner • Nail Cutting • Corns & Calluses • Verrucae • Dry Skin

• Ingrowing Nails • Fungal Infections • Cracked Heels

Friendly and professional service

Home Visits

Fully Insured, CRB Checked

Tel: 01379

641 926 Mob: 07759 143 145

Bombshell Lashes ♥ Eyelash ♥ No

Extensions

more mascara!

♥ Grown

up glamour

♥ Perfect

for special occasions

♥ Longer,

thicker, fuller lashes!

01379 668157 ♥ 07535 983810 www.bombshelllashes.co.uk

Dentures Direct

GDC registered Dental Technician

to help you find solutions to any denture problem

From simple repairs to full replacement dentures Home collection service available Contact us for an understanding, unhurried service for any denture related problem

01379 676560

Get in shape with Pilates Introduce a friend – get your course half price*

Pilates – gentle yet effective. It can help you to strengthen your back, flatten your stomach, improve your posture and aid relaxation.

Specially-designed beginners classes.

To take advantage of our ‘Introduce a friend’ offer, please email: fiona@pilateseastanglia.co.uk

*When your friend books a full course

www.pilateseastanglia.co.uk 67

Jobs, Money & Business METCALFE COPEMAN & PETTEFAR

SOLICITORS Convenient town centre locations Home visits available on request Free half hour and fixed-fee appointments available www.mcp-law.co.uk 01945 464331 KING’S LYNN PETERBOROUGH

THETFORD WISBECH

K J ACCOUNTANCY A friendly and efficient service for the self-employed & small to medium business  Bookkeeping ~ Accounts ~ VAT Payroll ~ CIS ~ Tax Returns Tel: 01379 890502/01284 763687 Mob: 07788 408916/07718 257517 Self Assessment always a headache? Don’t worry, give it to us and get on with running your business.

We specifically support the smaller business in all accountancy and tax matters.

For a free, no obligation initial meeting call us today

Contact Graham Cormack

T: 01953 630 004 e: grahamcormack@taxassist.co.uk Connaught Plain,Attleborough, NR17 2eJ www.taxassist.co.uk/attleborough

Philippa Green WEB DESIGN

Affordable bespoke web sites designed and built to your own specifications and budget using the latest build and design techniques.

We’ll put you in the picture

Domain names Hosting eCommerce Joomla and Cubecart all available Fully qualified and insured.

01953 887141 info@philippagreenwebdesign.co.uk www.philippagreenwebdesign.co.uk

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or service, we can help.

From logo to website, advertising to print, call Ian on 01379 608358. mail@copy-concept.co.uk

www.copy-concept.co.uk

Smart Money Secrets five costly credit card mistakes

i

Andrew Hagger Money expert from www.moneycomms.co.uk

f you use it wisely, your credit card can be an invaluable and flexible financial companion. Not only does it offer you protection in case a retailer goes bust, but it can be a real god send and help you to manage your cash flow if you’re suddenly faced with an unexpected major expense.

But be warned if you don’t use your plastic wisely. The financial consequences can be severe, be a huge drain on your wallet and even damage your credit record.

1. only making the minimum repayment every month

If you owe £2,000 on a credit card charging a pretty run of the mill 18.9% APR and only pay the minimum payment each month, it will take more than 17 years to clear the debt and cost you over £1970 in interest charges.

Yet if you can manage to find just an extra £25 from your budget each month, then you could free yourself of the financial albatross in just 4 years as well as slashing your interest costs by more than £1200 in the process.

2. using a credit card to withdraw cash

This is a habit that really should be avoided unless it is an absolute emergency. Most credit card providers will charge you a handling fee of 3% plus interest at a rate of almost 28% per annum. A £300 ATM withdrawal could easily set you back £15 or £16 in terms of fees and interest charges, even if you pay the balance in full when your monthly statement hits the doormat.

3. Missing your monthly repayment If you are late in making your monthly credit card repayment or miss it completely, the credit reference agencies will be notified and your credit score will suffer.

If it’s just a one off oversight and totally out of character then you may get away with it, but if you make a habit of not paying on time, you will be classed as ‘higher risk’ and may find it difficult and more expensive to get any form of credit in the future.

transaction, known as a foreign loading fee.

There are some cards that don’t charge, so if you’re a regular traveller overseas, take a look at the cards from Halifax (Clarity) Saga, Post Office and Metro Bank, they could easily save you £30 to £50 over the course of a two week holiday in the sun.

5. Failing to repay 0% promotional deals before they expire

There’s a huge choice of different credit cards on the market currently offering interest free promotional deals.

Whether it’s a 0% balance transfer card for 24 months, or interest free on major purchases for 16 months, these deals offer a fantastic opportunity to cut your interest costs.

However, be sure to make a note in your diary, phone or iPad to switch again if you’re not going to have fully repaid your balance by the end of the zero per cent term - otherwise you’ll soon undo all that good work when you suddenly find yourself being clobbered with interest charges at 20% or more.

4. using the wrong card when you’re abroad

When using your plastic overseas many credit card companies will hit you with an additional charge of between 2.75% - 2.99% on top of each

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Jobs, Money & Business

Malthouse Security installs, services and maintains all types of intruder alarms, domestic and commercial Intruder alarms CCTV Fire Alarms Senior Care & Nurse Call Access Control Door Entry

Do you want your home to be safer and more secure?

Introducing… The Wire Free Intruder Alarm

• Minimum inconvenience and maximum protection

Call

today for a FREE design and quotation!

01379 890606

• No need to disturb the décor of your home • Possibility to link alarm to mobile phone SIM card

sales@malthousesecurity.co.uk Telephone 01379 890606 www.malthouse-security.co.uk Malthouse Security Ltd, Unit 10, Willow Farm Business Park, Allwood Green, Diss, Norfolk. IP22 1LQ

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understanding how

W

to manage your money

hen it comes to managing your finances, your needs and priorities will change over time so it’s good to speak to a financial adviser regularly. That way you can be sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your current finances, increase your capital, plan for retirement and avoid leaving your loved ones with a hefty inheritance tax bill.

However, it’s also essential to understand the basics of good money management for yourself.

Invest cleverly If you’re looking to increase your capital through investments, then it’s vital that you (or your financial adviser) choose the best investment managers; they’re the ones making the decisions for you about how and where to invest your money.

Take advantage of tax-efficient pensions Make sure you’re taking advantage of recent changes in tax legislation, particularly with regard to your pension.

The latest rules (introduced in April 2012) have made it much simpler to save for retirement. You can now invest up to 100% of your salary or £50,000 per year, whichever is lower.

Use ISAs to save money Another great way to save in a tax-efficient way is by making regular use of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs).

These allow you to build up decent sums of money in a tax-efficient environment. Of course, it’s important to mention that tax legislation may change and ISAs might not always be treated as favourably in the future.

Protect yourself against Inheritance Tax Soaring property prices have made the issue of Inheritance Tax (IHT) much more of a problem for people in the UK. But, although most people are aware of the existence of IHT, few do anything about their potential liability.

So, are you at risk of leaving your loved ones with a heavy IHT bill? In most cases, you can do a quick calculation to find out.

Count up the value of all the assets that you’ll be leaving behind when you die, subtract the current £325,000 nilrate band for individuals - £650,000 for married couples or civil partnerships - and what is left is taxed at 40%.

It’s plain to see that careful IHT planning is essential if you want to make sure the bulk of your assets is passed on to your family rather than the taxman.

Make sure you draw up your Will in a tax-efficient way and get professional advice on how to transfer assets by making lifetime gifts.

Stay in control of your ‘everyday’ money There’s a huge amount of choice when it comes to mortgages, commercial banking, savings accounts and current accounts so it’s good to get advice from a financial adviser on these everyday aspects of your money, too.

Protect against risk If you were unable to work, what would happen?

The last thing to consider as part of your wealth management strategy is protection against risk - to your health, life and assets - to create a cushion against the unexpected. A financial adviser will help you determine and establish the right levels of insurance and appropriate kinds of cover to protect you and your dependents against all the most serious risks.

If you’d like some advice on managing your finances or would like to find out more about planning for retirement or IHT, contact Ian Farrant of Anglian Wealth Management on 01603 752500 or email Ian@anglianwealthmanagement.co.uk

Anglian Wealth Management 124 Thorpe Road Norwich NR1 1RT

www.anglianwm.co.uk

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Jobs, Money & Business

Time for a change?

Our knowledgeable & locally based consultants are happy to spend time discussing your individual needs and advising on how to best market your skills and talents.

W h a t a re yo u w a it in g for ?

Ca ll u s TODAY

office jobs, accountancy jobs, IT jobs, HR jobs, sales jobs, temoraray jobs, permanent jobs, short-term jobs, industrial jobs, executive jobs, administrative jobs, engineering jobs, finance jobs, HR jobs, insurance jobs, management jobs, sales jobs, health & social care jobs, flexible jobs, jobs for young, jobs for old, jobs for everyone across the whole of East Anglia

Your new employment opportunity is waiting for YOU

01379 642276 Diss branch 01502 582000 Lowestoft branch www.halesgroup.co.uk

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S

Get help with your divorce

adly it is common for Steeles Law’s family team to receive an increased number of new enquiries from spouses or partners requiring advice in relation to divorce or separation at this time of year.

Some clients see the start of a New Year as a symbol of a fresh start and often couples already considering separation will decide that they will wait until the first few months of the year before they take any action.

The current recession is also creating additional pressure for couples and can influence their decision on whether or not to separate. The team has seen an increasing number of couples who have delayed separation due to falling values in property prices and other investments.

Some are trying to reduce the costs of resolving their problems by dealing with their own divorce or dissolution and there are also more couples willing to consider mediation.

In order to address some of the concerns held by clients, Steeles Law has recently launched fixed fees, which help to provide certainty as to the cost of a divorce or dissolution. The costs of the fixed fee divorce start from £450 plus VAT.

this service. In addition, legal aid funding is coming to an end in April 2013 and therefore, unless domestic violence has been involved, clients will no longer be able to rely on the government assisting low income clients with their divorce/ dissolution fees. Of course, we have to check that clients are eligible and therefore we suggest that clients meet with a member of our family team for an initial chat in order that we can best advise whether that particular client’s set of circumstances are suitable for a fixed fee.”

Steeles Law is also offering fixed fees dealing with the related financial settlement.

Amanda Owens, head of the family team at Steeles Law, added: “Often clients wrongly believe that if they obtain a divorce/dissolution of civil partnership and receive a Decree Absolute, that their ex-spouse can make no future financial claims against them.

This is not the case. Even if property and assets have been divided AND the parties are divorced, if financial matters have not been appropriately documented, both parties are left exposed to the risk of further financial claims from their ex-spouses.

For further information or to arrange for a fixed fee appointment with one of our practitioners, please visit www.steeleslaw.co.uk email family@steeleslaw.co.uk or telephone 01379 652141 This could apply amongst other things to accumulated wealth after separation such as an inheritance or a windfall, such as a lottery win and that is why we always advise our clients to legally formalise financial matters”.

Separation is not easy at any time of the year, however at Steeles Law our family team strives to help you deal with the issues in an empathetic and timely manner and in the most cost effective way for our clients as possible.

If you are considering divorce, dissolution or separation the outcome always depends on the circumstances of each case and therefore we would urge anyone about to embark on this to seek independent legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

Emma Alfieri, family practitioner at Steeles Law’s Diss office, commented: “Increasingly our clients are looking for certainty in respect of how much their divorce/ dissolution is going to cost them and that is one of the reasons why we have recently launched

2 Mount Street, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4QE 01379 652141

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Later Life Services Open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.

Ample FREE parking at both Superstores.

BRAND NEW HALES STORE NOW OPEN (Previously C J Ball’s Motorcycle Shop).

HALES 01508 549900

Yarmouth Road, Hales, NR14 6SP

CH WI OR

ADJUSTO-MATIC BEDS FROM ONLY £499

N TO

RISE RECLINE CHAIRS FROM ONLY £499

LODDON A146

HALES LES ECC TO B

MOBILITY SCOOTERS FROM ONLY £399 WALKING AIDS FROM ONLY £499 Photo for illustrative purposes only.

Please call us for full details.

See, try and test them in our great new Hales store!

WE ALSO SERVICE & REPAIR SCOOTERS, WHEELCHAIRS, BEDS & CHAIRS

WE ARE HERE

NORWICH 01603 787070 19a Alston Road, Hellesdon Ind Est, Norwich NR6 5DS

N HIG

YTO DRA

RK RD DON PA

HELLES

A caring service from your independent mobility experts

ON

AD

www.mobilitynorwich.co.uk

RO

AD

H RO

Mobility Superstore has everything you need in two great stores - Norwich, and now Hales.

We’re here to help you with good old-fashioned service and unbeatable prices.

AL

ST

WE ARE HERE

ASDA

AD RO IAR BR ET E SW

Care in the comfort of your own home and support when you want to go out

“You don’t need to go into a care home to be cared for. Stay in your own home, surrounded by the things you love and where you feel secure” We can help with your shopping, washing, cooking, housework, support you on day trips and to attend appointments Our carers are CRB checked, experienced and really do care Help is available hourly, daily, weekly or to meet your needs

For more information call us for a friendly chat TODAY 01842 780000 Thetford branch 01603 765281 Norwich branch www.halesgroup.co.uk 74

Later Life Services

A Unique Care Home in a Unique Setting Offering Long Term Residence, Convalescence and Respite Care for Elderly Residents with Dementia.

The Beeches is an elegant country house set in two acres of wooded and meadow style gardens which provides peaceful surroundings and yet is close to all local amenities.

The majority of our bedrooms are on the ground floor and have the benefit of en-suite facilities.

Please call or email for further details or to request a brochure.

“We are here to help” West Harling Road, East Harling NR16 2NP Tel: 01953 717584 Email: thebeecheseastharling@btconnect.com Website: www.beechesresidential.co.uk

We all have to make choices with advancing age when everyday life becomes a bit difficult to cope with independently.

First Choice Home Care offers you an alternative choice of remaining within the comfort of your own home by providing a supportive care service helping you maintain independence and choice.

Please telephone Sharon to arrange an appointment for a FREE no obligation visit to discuss our services or alternatively to request an information pack.

It’s not a 999 emergency.

But you need medical help fast.

There’s now

We will listen and we truly care

number to call.

Dedicated in the provision of Quality Care and Support

Tel 01379 741116 Mob 07710 255363 Email sharon@firstchoicehomecare.co.uk www.firstchoicehomecare.co.uk

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Services

fit... + Windows UPVC & Wood + Doors UPVC & Wood + Conservatories + Facia + Barge boards + Extensions + Glass and Glazing!

www.gr8glass.co.uk

Contact Matt Porter

07840 486688 - 01953 788581

Anglia Chimney Sweeps • Fully certified and insured • Smoke draft tests as standard • Triple-filtered vacuum • No mess, no dust, no fuss • Insurance-recognised safety certificates

Tel 07711 458575 Or 01379 644770

www.angliachimneysweeps.co.uk

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Is your garden over run with Moles ?

Do you have a wasp nest ?

Are your paddocks over-run with rabbits ?

All typical Pests controlled.

For ALL your Domestic / Commercial Pest Control.

Garden Maintenance undertaken.

No obligation – free survey/quotes.

Pest infestation can damage your health and your home.

Recent surveys show that numbers of mice/rats and bed bugs found in UK homes are on the rise.As Local Authorities are cutting back on free pest control services. We are here to offer you a service at the right price.

Please call for a chat on

01379 788865 • 07809 226109 • 07518 731106 www.safeandsoundhygieneandpestcontrol.co.uk

Meet The Experts

This spring, Mark Sano from Safe and Sound Pest Control tells us all we need to know about getting a pest control expert into your home.

How many dierent types of pests can you deal with?

We offer a no obligation quote to remove any type of pest you may have from rats and bed bugs to moles. The list is endless - just enquire to see how we can assist.

It is extremely serious if vermin are trying to get into your home. Any problem inside the home must be treated urgently.

How do you tackle pests?

In a safe and professional manner, with advice given to the customer.

If I have little children, is it safe to be using poison in the home?

All our pest solutions would be child and animal friendly and when surveying the area all of this would be taken into consideration on what method we would use depending on the location.

How long does it take?

Safe & Sound provides professional home pest control services. Our call-out service for household pests is fast and effective and offers the highest level of safety for your family and pets.

Is it messy?

How do I dispose of dead pests?

Our Pest Technicians dispose of all dead pests and there is no mess involved.

Will the pests come back again?

Like anything you can never eradicate it but control it.

Contact Safe & Sound on 07809 226109 to discuss pest control in your home.

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Services

AA Utilities Limited 01379 650671 07766770553 a.aldous@tiscali.co.uk

Got a water leak? Old lead piping need replacing?

We carry out all work to the highest standards causing minimal impact to your driveway or garden using thrust boring methods

• Leaks Repaired • New services installed: adding water services to outbuildings, old services renewed, especially old galvanised piping or lead • Thrust boring • Burst mains & more!

All work guaranteed and fully insured Working throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex & Cambridgeshire

Merlin Boilers Spares & Parts

For all your heating and plumbing supplies please contact us Tel: 01953 857398 E-mail: info@oilboilerwarehouse.co.uk www.oilboilerwarehouse.co.uk Sold by TCF Fabrications Ltd, 15 Rookery Business Park, Silver Street, Besthorpe, Attleborough NR17 2LD

R. Oldfield

Carpenter and General Builder -Property Maintenance - Carpentry and Joinery - Plastering and Rendering - Kitchen Fitting - Patios, Paving and Decking - Replacement Doors and Windows -Roofing, Roof repairs - Fascia and Barge Board replacement - Guttering - Painting and Decorating - Timber Flooring Wall and Floor Tiling - Extensions and Renovations - Conversions and Restorations - Timber Framed Buildings - Fencing

Free estimations, advice and written quotations upon request

Call 07979 361 682 or 01379 783 458 78

Affordable Pricing • Same Day or A.S.A.P Power Flushing • System Health Checks Leaks and Repairs • New Installations Green Alternatives • Free Estimates

Services

The local specialists for containers and mobile space solutions CONTAINER HIRE on your premises

SELF STORAGE at our premises

Can store the contents of an average 3 bedroomed house from as little as

Long and short term hire from only £5 per week

20ft and 40ft containers available Delivery throughout East Anglia

Secure on-site storage Free transport available for long term storage

£10 per week

OFFICE CONTAINERS

NEW

Office cabins, Sanitary cabins, Storage & Shipping containers Service Containers for hire in various sizes, Direct Delivery and assembly Multiple uses including site offices, sales offices, storage rooms, health and medical centres, classrooms, canteens, media centres, military camps, first aid rooms, nurseries, laboratories, antivandal units, toilets and washrooms, marketing suites, show rooms, changing facilities, drying rooms, community centres, clubhouses, refrigerated containers and many more

SHRINK WRAPPING

NEW Service

Suitable for small products

Delivery throughout East Anglia Find us just off the A11, only 20 minutes from Norwich

www.squaredealstorage.co.uk

Hereward Way Business Park, Roudham Road, East Harling, Norwich, Norfolk NR16 2SR

Tel: 01842 762143 • Mobile: 07801 837227 79

Supporting local Business Here is what you had to say about some of the local businesses which advertise in Village People. With great recommendations like this, why look further afield?

Chris Clarke Boiler Services

“

I would like to thank you for your friendly, reliable and efficient service. One of your most special qualities is that I am always able to get hold of you when I need you, if you are busy working and I leave you a message you always return my call. I will have no hesitation in highly recommending your excellent service to others Chris.

Broadland Tree Services

“

I want to say thank you to Broadland Tree Services for doing a first class job. They took out about 150 feet of infected hedge, including all the roots, re-planted a new hedge and put up a fence. All that was done in 2 days! I’ve had people stop in the road and ask who had done my hedge, so it must look good! I would definitely use them again and recommend them to anyone.

Mr B Wade, Ashwellthorpe

”

Hypnobalance uk

” “

Mrs C, Long Stratton

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the help you’ve given me this year. I felt very much at ease during our sessions which were completely relaxing and left me with a real sense of wellbeing. I’ve always been a little sceptical of hypnotherapy in the past but you have changed my mind - it definitely works and I feel I have gained a tremendous amount from the experience.

I can’t recommend Hypnobalance highly enough!

V, Costessey

■

Oil Tanks Supplied and installed

Pipe Work ■ Gauges ■ Fuel Pumps ■ Spares ■ 24 hour call out ■

Established over 30 years

01508 570629 07979 846139

info@panddoiltanks.co.uk Watton Road, Hingham, Norfolk, NR9 4NN

www.panddoiltanks.co.uk

Domestic ■ Agricultural ■ Commercial

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”

Else Heating & Plumbing Oil and Gas Installation * Breakdowns * 24 hr call out * Servicing * Powerflush Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting Fully Insured

Contact Eugene Else

01379 688183 07787 854923

elseheatingandplumbing@gmail.com

Great recommendations from your area The Stone Flooring Company

Sherbourne House restaurant

I would like to thank you for the professional way in which you laid the tiles, despite there being an almost complete lack of right angles and straight walls in the building! We are both pleased with the finished result which will greatly add to the atmosphere that we are trying to create in the barn.

Crisp white tablecloth, gleaming cutlery and glassware, friendly staff, and a warm comfortable restaurant serving the most delicious food that we have tasted. We will definitely be back. My compliments to the Chef!

“

Mr D, Suffolk

“

”

”

Mr and Mrs D, of Banham

Eye Flooring

We were impressed with the quick response to our initial enquiry regarding carpeting and even more impressed when, a few days later, it was fitted. Appointment times were kept, fitting carried out quickly, efficiently and with minimum disruption. We could not have asked for more.

Mr and Mrs C, Gislingham

“

”

Clark Build

“

Thank you for changing our bathroom into a wet room. Everyone worked so hard, especially Danny. He was always on time and very cheerful. Everything works well and we are pleased with it all.

Mrs o, Norfolk

”

Would you like to recommend a service which you found in Village People?

Or are you a local business owner who has had some good feedback? If so, get in touch!

You can call us on 0330 660 0325 or email office@village-people.info For a friendly competitive HOUSE CLEARANCE and REMOVAL SERVICE call

BENNETT CLEARANCE

For all vehicle electrical faults & installations 30 years experience

Domestic or Commercial Pubs * Barns * Garages * Sheds * Farms

M 07764 352214 T 01379 388548 Email info@lesautoelectrics.co.uk www.lesautoelectrics.co.uk

01379 740457 / 07960 969118 No job too large or small

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Services

Classic Vehicle Hire Classic Vehicle Hire provides unique and distinctive chauffeur driven vehicles for hire, whatever the occasion. Our vehicles are genuine restored originals that are beautifully presented, professionally maintained and will add a touch of class to your special day.

Whether it be a wedding, prom, anniversary, theatre night, race day, corporate event or any kind of special occasion, travel in style, make a memorable first impression and your special day one to remember.

www.classicvehiclehire.co.uk Tel: 01359 252232 Email: info@classicvehiclehire.co.uk Please contact us to discuss your vehicle requirements and to arrange a viewing of our vehicles at The Workshop, Maltings Farm, The Street, Hepworth, Diss, IP22 2PX

ÂŁ10

Mobile Tyre & Battery Fitting

DISCOUNT VOUCHER This voucher may be redeemed against any purchase of two or more brand tyres to be fitted in a single visit by any participating etyres.co.uk branch. Voucher code must be given at time of ordering.

One voucher per car. Excludes Economy and Mid range tyres. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offer expires 31/12/13. E&EO

01379 790079 Voucher Code:

NR11

82

etyres .co.uk

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*5185 etyres.co.uk customers surveyed between 1/6/11 & 1/12/11

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Free mobile fitting at home or work.

Great prices & convenient service!

01379 790079 Free mobile fitting in Diss and surrounding area

Car reVieWS Lexus GS 450h Luxury hybrid Auto

By tim Barnes-Clay, motoring Journalist Twitter@carwriteups - www.carwriteups.co.uk

S

itting behind the wheel of a Lexus is always a pleasure. It doesn’t really feel like you’re driving the GS 450h though – it’s so accomplished it almost drives itself.

connecting personal music players. A Mark Levinson premium surround system with 12.3-inch navigation and multimedia screen is available as an option on the 450h Luxury model, and came already fitted to. my test car. It’s the largest screen on the market, yet it doesn’t dominate; in fact it seems at one with the Lexus’ interior.

The 450h Luxury grade has lots of other kit, but standing head and shoulders above the crowd is the blind spot detection system which is integrated into the door mirrors. This is incredibly useful, not to mention a great safety feature, especially when visibility is reduced on those dark, spray-ridden motorway commutes.

The full hybrid GS 450h Luxury model, introduced in February 2012, does what it says on the tin well. It oozes opulence on the inside and has a heady mix of petrol and electric power underneath its skin.

The first clue that it’s a hybrid is when you push the starter button. There’s no engine noise and no exhaust note – just a barely audible hum. You see, the Lexus operates in electric-only mode as much as possible, the petrol engine kicking in without a glitch when you get to around 30mph or when extra power is needed – e.g. climbing hills.

But you don’t need to drive the 450h like an eco-warrior if you don’t want to. It’s a true beast when not tootling along at ‘green’ speeds. And so it should be with a massive 3.5 litre V6 lump under the bonnet. Developing 286bhp with 197bhp worth of electric assistance makes it disgracefully rapid. It’ll hit 0-62mph in under six seconds and the needle will rise all the way to 155mph before an electronic limiter says enough is enough.

But be warned, the power output can surprise you and sometimes the back end can skip out on greasy surfaces if you’re too heavy footed.

The Lexus is definitely best for long distance motorway commutes. It can feel a little big and ungainly on twisty country roads but, with the help of its smooth auto gearbox, it glides effortlessly along the straights. Cabin contentment is assured with leather upholstery, dualzone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for

If I had a wallet fat enough to contain nearly £50k, then I might well walk into a Lexus dealership and buy a GS 450h. It’s less flashy than some of the German marques that many businessmen feel they must drive, but it looks after you just as well - maybe even better. It’s a cracking car – but I suspect it’s slightly too expensive for many – and maybe not quite cool enough for others. If this was America it’d be a different story – Lexus is seen as the crème de la crème of motoring there.

PROS ‘N’ CONS Luxurious √ Rapid √ Fuel efficient √ Safe √ Expensive X FAST FACTS Max speed: 155 mph • 0-62 mph: 5.9 secs Combined mpg: 46.3 Engine: 3456 cc V6 24 valve petrol/electric Max. power (bhp): 286 at 6000 rpm (+ 197 bhp electric assistance) Max. torque (lb/ft): 254 at 4600 rpm CO2: 141 g/km • Price: £44,995 on the road

83

Local Directory:

Getting Your Business Noticed

Accountant / Book-keeping TaxAssist KJ Accountancy Animal & Veterinary Services Swallow Aquatics Hill Cottage Cattery Norfolk Dog Training Uplands Way Vets Ltd Smylee Pets Architect Andrew P R Love Keith Day Nick Clarke Arts & Crafts Susan’s Work-Basket Artful Pots Bathrooms & Wetrooms ClarkBuild Ltd Acorn Cabinets Beds Diss Bed Centre & Furniture Warehouse Sound Sleep Ltd Building / Roofing Glenn Wilson Ltd N.S. Hughes Construction Scofield & Lait Roofing

68 68 87 30 30 30 30 54 54 54 52 61 48 49

46 31

78 54 38 R. Oldfield General Builder & Carpenter 78 Car Repairs Les Auto Electrics 81 Care Home The Beeches 75 Carpets, Flooring & Rugs Eye Flooring 46 Alti Bolaq 52 The Stone Flooring Company 49 Catering CMA Hire 10 Chimney Sweeps Anglia Chimney Sweeps 76 Cleaning Time For You 52 Chris Cottrell Cleaning 76

Computer, Internet, Web & Design Services Philippa Green Web Design Bailiwick IT

68 68

Curtains, Blinds,Awnings & Shutters

Norwich Sunblinds Cooks Blinds Margaret Manser Village Green Blinds & Shutters Ballantines Blinds & Awnings Days & Nights Out Bressingham Village Screen Dentists & Dentures Botesdale Dental Practice Marlborough Dental Practice Netherton Dental Practice Dentabrite Clinic DIY Godfrey DIY Financial Services Anglian Wealth Management Fitness Pilates East Anglia Food Norfolk Veg Box Little Crumbs Fuel Merchants Larkins Fuel Merchants Rix Furniture Haydon-Webb

47 36 52 54 46 8 18 2, 63 67 62 64 88 71 67 32 10 42 43 3

Diss Bed Centre & Furniture Warehouse 46

Garden Services, Landscaping & Supplies The Garden Enclosure Waveney Tree Surgery Noble Paving East Anglia Ltd Land Army Designs P.D. Garden Services Clive Lewis Garden Services Nigel Payne Fruit Tree Pruning Bartlett Tree Experts

33 35 37 32 32 32 32 34

Foundry Plant Centre 34 Mike Smith Gardenworks 32 Tripp Batt Country Store 41 Cabinville Garden Cabins 37 Lake and Pond Aquatics 40 Hempnall Lawnmower Centre 40 Gates, Railings & Doors The Smithy 76 Chapel Doors Ltd 36 Cooks Blinds 36 Health and Beauty Spire Norwich Hospital 66 Dr Gaye White Foot Health 67 Nicola Clarke Foot Health 67 Rosemary Conley 61 Rejuvenescence 64 Bombshell Lashes 67 Homecare & Personal Assistance Hales Group Health & Social Care 74 First Choice Homecare 75 House Clearance & Removals Joe Bennett 81 John Ryder 36 Insulation Aspiration Energy 38 Jobs, Recruitment & Training Key Education Services 72 Maid 2 Clean 72 Hales Group Recruitment 72 Kitchens Acorn Cabinets 49 Laundry Services Pressed-to-Go 52 CMA Laundry 52 The Ironing Shop 55 Lighting Abbeygate Lighting 42 Marketing Services Copy Concept 68 Mobility Mobility Superstore Ltd 74 Pest Control Safe & Sound Pest Control 76

Village People is a trading name of Village People Magazines Ltd. Village People accepts no liability for loss, damage, or difficulties resulting from contracts made through the magazine, nor from errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers. Publication of any entry does not imply a recommendation.

Readers must make their own enquiries to establish the credentials of each entry.

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Magazine, adverts, design, layout and content Copyright Š Village People Magazines Ltd. 2008-2013

Village People

contact us today on 0330 660 0325 or email editor@village-people.info website www.village-people.info

Plumbing, Heating, Tank & Boiler Services Pat the Plumber 78 AA Utilities Limited 78 Else Heating & Plumbing 80 Complete Plumbing 78 TCF Fabrications Ltd 78 P & D Tank Services 80 Drain Doctors 40 Chris Clarke Oil Boiler Services 48 Printers Francis Cupiss Ltd 61 Property Martin & Co 48 Charles Church 50 Restaurants, Pubs & Hotels The Park Hotel 10 Sherbourne House Hotel 12 Gamekeeper/Inn on the Green/Red Lion 29 The Auberge 12 The Forge Tearooms 10 Il Divo 21 Italian Job Pizza 27 The Queen’s Head, Eye 26 Riding Eye Equestrian Centre 30 Schools, Colleges & Nurseries New Eccles Hall School 21 The Mulberry Bush Nursery 20 The Oaks Nursery 20 Thetford Grammar School 21 Riddlesworth Hall School 20 Norwich High School 21 Culford 23 Security Malthouse Security Ltd 70 Shopping She Ladies Clothes & Shoes 60 Jarrold 60 Chapelfield 59 Glad Rags 61 Willow 61 Toy Box Toys 61 Bundles of Joy 60

Solar Norfolk Solar Solicitors Steeles Law MCP Solicitors Stone Masonry Cutstone Ltd Storage Square Deal Storage Stoves & Fires Raven Stoves Theatre Theatre Royal Travel Eastons Holidays NCC Flexibus Tyres etyres Vehicle Hire Classic Vehicle Hire Window Cleaning Chris Cottrell Cleaning Windows & Conservatories ABS Home Improvements C & M Glass Glass & Sealed Unit Centre Ltd Gr8 Glass Conservatories etc

38 73 68 49 79 43 16 28 18 82

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85

Five Minute Interview

with Robert Haydon

Robert Haydon makes beautiful bespoke furniture from the workshop in Debenham.

If you have an idea or design for a piece of furniture, or a complete kitchen, bedroom or study, Robert is the person to speak to! The showroom is open from 10am- 3pm on Saturdays, or call into the workshop during the week and someone will be there to let you browse around the showroom.

What’s your idea of perfect happiness in South Norfolk? Good weather If you weren’t talking to us now, what would you be doing? Working How would you spend your ideal day in the country? Walking or playing golf What’s the best thing about living in a village? Being in the countryside

Tell us about your new business ventures…

No time for new ventures, kitchens take up all the time.

How many hours do you work each week?

55-60 depending how busy it is What’s the best thing about running Haydon Webb? Having the showroom, enabling us to show off our handmade kitchen furniture If you had a year off you would…

Travel into Europe using the train where possible What keeps you awake at night? Not a lot You could talk for hours about?

Who could run our country better Where would you most like to be right now?

Travelling in Europe

Red or white? Red

Thanks for the interview Robert!

What’s your favourite word? Sport What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Red with strong cheese Age you feel on the inside?

36 (externally up to 65 some days) Last saintly deed?

Having milk delivered to the house, so the village can hold on to the milkman

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High point of your week is?

Talking to potential customers when I am in the showroom on Saturdays

You can find out more at www.haydon-webb.com

Spring is in the Air!

KOI CARP & PONDS WE STOCK A WIDE SELECTION OF KOI KARP & GARDEN PONDS

MARINE & GOLD FISH LARGE SELECTION OF COLOURFUL MARINE & GOLD FISH

FILTERS & PUMPS

WE STOCK EVERY PUMP & FILTER YOUR POND WILL NEED

PETS & REPTILES LARGE SELECTION OF REPTILES & PET PRODUCTS

GARDEN CENTRE N

E NOW OP

VISIT OUR ON-LINE SHOP

www.swallowaquatics.co.uk MARINE • TROPICAL • KOI • POND • PET • REPTILE

Harling Road, East Harling, Norfolk NR16 2QW

Tel : 01953 718184

87

Collect

Gold!

Apply for your Godfrey Gold Card now and we’ll reward you with points worth up to 10% of the value of your spend*

w Apply no t r and sta saving!

Start collecting points now and enjoy special privilage days and exclusive offers.

To apply visit us in store and ask any member of staff. *Benefits of 10% are available when you spend over £400. Initially your points are worth 4% of the value spent.

Victoria Road, DISS, IP22 4GA 01379 640111

Also at Norwich & Stowmarket www.godfrey-diy.co.uk Open 7 Days a Week – Please chack online or with individual stores for opening times and late nights *For Terms and Conditions - see in store