Village People Norfolk / Suffolk border edition – December / January 2018 (Winter)

Norfolk/Suffolk border edition

DEC / JAN 2018

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

CELEBRATING

Human Rights Day through art

WIN

H YLIS A ST DOWN T GAL BEN ER COA T N I W

UNIVERSITY

of the Third Age

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018

Wickham Skeith & Hoxne history Space age fashion Job success for former Norwich homeless man

2

A high quality carpet fitted as it should be. We can easily recommend Eye Flooring...

Mr and Mrs Gorringe, Thornham

Providing Comfort Underfoot

CARPETS, VINYLS, LUXURY VINYL TILES & CONTRACT SAFETY FLOORING Eye Flooring are a family run local business situated in the thriving market town of Eye. We are ideally located to supply and install flooring across Norfolk and Suffolk.

VISIT US TODAY

01379 870 190

www.eyeflooring.co.uk info@eyeflooring.co.uk Broad Street | Eye | IP23 7AF 3

new bedroom this Christmas? sale now on in store

Sound Sleep

Mile Road - Winfarthing - Near Diss - IP22 2EZ For mattress advice or information call us on 01953 861177 Find us on the main B1077 between Diss & Attleborough Showroom Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Sunday 10:00 - 1:00

soundsleepbeds.co.uk

Contents

29

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2018

Out & About

45 Adopt a horse or donkey

10 Good news from our region 16 Ladies who lunch visit Four Seasons at Wymondham Garden Centre

20 Film reviews – what’s on the big screen

22 How Emmaus is helping the homeless

29 WIN tickets to see Sleeping Beauty at Norwich Theatre Royal

62

this Christmas with Redwings

47 Garden jottings from Ken 48 Local stories by Neil Lanham

51 WIN a Bengal down coat 53 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018

59 Burgate Singers 40th anniversary concert

60 Divine providence or just chance?

62 Memories of Hoxne 67 A sign of the times – Wickham Skeith

71 Village notice board 73 Discover the joy of the journey

Health & Beauty 79 Health Q & A – battling the festive fat

81 Book reviews – what we are

Home & Garden

loving this issue

83 Volunteer - can you help children to learn to love reading?

Shopping 84 Fashion – space age styles to see you into the new year

Jobs & Money 87 Celebrating Human Rights Day through the arts

91 Smart money secrets – check your credit score for free

92 Find a local business in our directory

94 Exercise your brain cells with our crossword

32 University of the Third Age and what the group could offer you

34 Recipe for chocolate, cherry & chestnut torte

38 On your plot – protecting your garden and its inhabitants from the cold

43 Strictly a guilty pleasure – new short story from Attleborough Writers’ Group

32

Are you looking for a particular product or service?

Check out our Local Business Directory on pages 92 & 93 5

FREE PLASTERING & ELECTRICS

On All Orders Placed Before 28th Feb 2018

IS YOUR CONSERVATORY TOO HOT IN SUMMER AND TOO COLD IN WINTER?

With a Guardian™ Warm Roof in-place, you’ll be able to sit back & enjoy your extra living space all-year-round. Nice & cool in summer - cosy & warm in winter.

Comfortable, quiet, light & airy, it’s the extra room you always wanted

In just a few days...

...we will convert your old conservatory into a beautiful garden room.

The Guardian™ Warm Roof system is ideal for both new build conservatories or for replacing the polycarbonate/glass roof on your existing conservatory.

This is not a make-over. The Guardian™ Warm Roof solution is based on an insulated lightweight tiled or slate roof that will not only look beautiful, it will give you extra all-year-round living space.

Installed by our own tradesmen and fully compliant with local authority building control.

• • • •

Reduced fuel bills Achieves a U-Value of 0.18 Thermally efficient & fully insulated Cool in summer & cosy in winter

To see how we do it, watch our video online at:

PROJECTS

ROOFING

www.projects4roofing.co.uk/guardian

9 Sam Alper Court, Depot Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 0GS Email: info@projects4roofing.co.uk Telephone: 01379 01638 629190 507730

www.projects4roofing.co.uk

Certificate No: EWS320

Welcome

COMPETITION

KEEP WARM WITH A BENGAL DOWN COAT

This issue we’ve teamed up with Bengal Down Clothing to offer you the chance to win a stylish winter coat. We spoke to the director, Robert Jennings from Norfolk, to find out more…

VP: These coats look incredibly warm! How did Bengal Down Clothing come about?

RJ: Thanks, yes they are. Like a lot of ideas, it started because we couldn’t find what we needed ourselves: a down coat warm enough for my wife (our model). All other down coats were too short or too thin. So we started on a journey to replicate the full length down coats from the 80s and 90s but with the latest high quality materials and down.

VP: A lot of people own a down jacket or coat, are yours really different?

RJ: Of course! We use only 100% duck down, which means there are no quill shafts or feathers at all.

This gives superior insulation so it keeps you much warmer than a traditional feather / down mix. We only use European down which is ethically sourced and ‘Downpass’ certified. Another benefit is the material, which is incredibly soft and light, as well as being showerproof!

I

’m a sucker for a fashion mag and my ears prick up when I read ‘If you buy one thing this season, buy this’, whatever it is. Well now I’m saying it as I treated myself to the best winter coat I think I have ever had! It’s like going outside with your duvet on but super stylish and so lightweight. And one of you lucky readers can win one in this issue’s competition, so to be in with a chance, check out our interview and visit www.village-people.info to enter.

VP: Where are the coats made?

RJ: They are handmade in the UK by a team with over thirty years of down-filled coat manufacturing experience. The quality is beyond anything mass produced and the same care and pride goes into every coat we make. The press studs on the ‘Sha’ coat are sewn in rather than pressed together, so they are always beautifully concealed and firmly attached and the long zip is the best quality we could find.

VP: Sounds like you have a unique product, where can our readers find out more?

RJ: Please visit us at www.bengaldownclothing. com to find out more. If you feel the cold, use a wheelchair or just want to be right ‘on point’ with this winter’s fashion we have the answer. What’s more, we’re offering Village People readers free postage and packaging with the code VP.

Win your own Bengal Down coat To be in with a chance of winning one of these beautiful coats, worth £399, visit www.village-people.info and answer the following question: Where are Bengal Down coats made?

1. Sweden 2. UK 3. Bengal, India Closing date 31 January. Usual Village People rules apply

WIN A STYLISH BENGAL DOWN WINTER COAT

We’ve got some great articles on local history in this issue, Hoxne and Wickham Skeith, and it’s lovely to hear from readers who are reminded of days gone by when they see the old postcards we feature.

ADVERTISE WITH US!

We’re also delighted to invite you to take part in the upcoming Big Garden Birdwatch, organised by the RSPB. Read our feature inside to see last year’s results for Norfolk and do make sure you pop the January dates in your diary to be part of something wonderful again this year.

Reliably delivered by Royal Mail, reaching 50,000 homes every two months. Three editions of Village People provide unrivalled coverage of South Norfolk, reaching more homes than ANY other local magazine. For more information, call our friendly team on 01284 788623 or send an email to office@village-people.info

Make sure your diary is full with the many events taking place locally.

Our Village Notice Board pages are packed full and there’s never enough space to list everything so head over to our website for a complete list at www.village-people.info. It’s the place to submit details of your event too. We are very happy to support anything and everything local and it’s the best way to get enormous free promotion in the region.

Keep your magazine handy as we are not back again until the beginning of February. Where do you usually keep your copy? #coffeetable, #kitchen, by the #phone, in the #loo – connect on Instagram and Twitter @vpmagazine and let us know.

Enjoy lots of festive fun!

Lily

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vpmagazine Read all our magazines issuu.com/villagepeoplemag

Lily Goulder editor@village-people.info 01284 788623

Visit our website to find out more www.village-people.info

DEC / JAN 2018

South Norfolk edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

WIN PANTO TICKETS at Norwich Theatre Royal

University

of the Third Age

Big Garden Birdwatch 2018

WIN

A STYLISH N DOW BENGAL COAT WINTER

DEC / JAN 2018

South Norwich edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

UNIVERSITY

of the Third Age

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018

WIN

DEC / JAN 2018

Norfolk/Suffolk border edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

CELEBRATING

Human Rights Day through art

WIN

LISH A STY DOWN AL AT BENG ER CO WINT

UNIVERSITY

of the Third Age

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018

H A STYLIS WN DO BENGAL COAT WINTER

Celebrating

NEXT DEADLINE February / March (Early Spring) 10th January

Human Rights Day through art c am eith & Hoxne history Space age fashion Job success for former Norwich homeless man

c am eith & Hoxne history Space age fashion Job success for former Norwich homeless man

c am eith & Hoxne history Space age fashion Job success for former Norwich homeless man

7

Contact us todayy for your FREE survey

n-b-k.co.uk Find us on

facebook and

twitter

Forward-thinking design Traditional customer service.

Images featured are our own designs and installations.

We offer all these great benefits

3 years guarantee on installations

Full project management

Latest 3D CAD software

Free Design & Planning

You will always receive a warm welcome at one of our Norfolk showrooms... showrooms

Diss Carmel Works, Park Road, Diss IP22 4AS diss@n-b-k.co.uk 01379 640812 Norwich 2 Heigham Street, Norwich NR2 4TE sales@n-b-k.co.uk 01603 219957 Thorpe p End Plumstead Road,, Thorpe p End Norwich NR13 5AJ thorpeend@n-b-k.co.uk 01603 300866

This is an advertisement feature on behalf of E.ON

SOMETHING’S in the air There’s a heating solution on the scene that’s set to transform homes that are currently using oil and LPG for good: the air source heat pump. It’s a compact unit that harnesses the power of air, combined with electricity, to heat your home and water.

We spoke to Mark Hadfield, an energy expert, who told us everything you need to know about an air source heat pump from E.ON.

Q&A WITH MARK HADFIELD This air source heat pump sounds pretty futuristic, is it available right now?

Yes, it’s available right now from E.ON. It might sound futuristic, but you probably already have a couple of appliances in your home that use the same principle – your fridge and freezer.

How exactly does it work?

The unit uses electricity to draw in the heat from the air.

This heat is increased as it’s compressed by the heat pump.

The unit inside your home pumps heat around your central heating system in the same way as your boiler would do.

Is it tricky to install? And what about your heating system?

It will work with your existing system and our team of experts make light work of it. We’ll visit your property for a free home survey that allows us to give you an accurate quote and let you know what work needs to be carried out.

If you’re happy with the quote, let us know and we’ll get things moving. Typical installation takes two days.

Compared to an oil or LPG boiler, is an air source heat pump low maintenance?

It is. Though we do recommend an annual service to ensure your heat pump runs at its highest efficiency, just as you would with a standard boiler. If you do this using one of our approved partners, then you’ll also enjoy peace of mind with a 7 year warranty.

Does an air source heat pump take up much space?

The outdoor unit itself is unobtrusive, and we replace your existing boiler with a compact indoor unit. You’ll also need a hot water cylinder.

Is an air source heat pump suitable for all kinds of homes?

Most, but not quite all properties, for example we wouldn’t install in a flat. To begin with, E.ON are focusing on homes with 3 bedrooms or more who use oil or LPG to heat their home. But soon we’ll be able to offer a solution for homes using gas.

Does this mean households can get rid of oil and LPG entirely?

Yes, you’ll never have to buy oil or LPG again to heat your home. We can take away your old boiler, tank and pipework too, for an extra cost.

Down to the important stuff. How exactly will people benefit from getting an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump is a cleaner alternative to oil and LPG, it saves on the hassle of buying fuel to heat your home and hot water. You can also claim back your garden space by removing your unsightly tank, plus you’re investing in a new heating system that’s renewable and greener, so you’re doing your bit for the environment.

Let’s talk money – is it expensive?

It depends on the size of your house and how much heat you use. A typical 4 bed house would pay around £9,500.

There are some extra services we can help with, such as removing your existing oil or LPG storage tank.

The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme could help fund an air source heat pump. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

E.ON are MCS accredited, which means that you can take advantage of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.

To put it simply, the government incentive could pay you for every unit of renewable heat that your air source heat pump creates. For a typical 4 bed house, this could mean £1,273 per year for 7 years. So you could earn back what you’ve spent. You can find out more at www.ofgem.gov.uk/ environmental-programmes/domestic-rhi

Are you interested in an Air Source Heat Pump?

Call E.ON on 0330 400 1119 and quote pump or visit eoninstall.com/heatpump

Good News from our region JUST FRIENDS TOGETHER Join this group of like-minded individuals, who meet up on a regular basis for conversation, fun and laughter, dining, the odd tipple, but most of all for friendship and support.

‘Just friends together’ is a group of men and women over 55 years old who have a common bond; through different circumstances they each found themselves living alone and experiencing feelings of isolation. Thanks to the group, they can now pick up the phone for a chat with someone in the same situation or attend a social event, leading once again to a sense of belonging.

Christmas can be a very difficult time, so why not get in touch and make some new and understanding friends, who would love to meet you. Email justfriendstogether@mail. com or phone Lynda on 01379 674382.

Late Night Christmas Experience Wednesday 13th December 5.00 - 8.30pm Fairylight Trail Craft & Food Stalls Santa Claus

Attleborough NR17 1AY www.classicroses.co.uk

10

01953 454707

ALPACA ADVENTURES IN SUFFOLK If you are out and about in the village of Hepworth, Suffolk, you may just spot alpacas taking a winter stroll.

The seven alpacas are part of a diversification project at a small family farm, run by Kath Shearer and her father. They’ve been introduced to help to graze the farm’s grassland meadows but also enjoy walks with visitors, including the campers that arrive on the farm’s eco campsite in the summer months.

With the help of the East Anglia Alpaca Mill near Norwich, Kate also produces alpaca yarn, available in 50g balls. Walks with the alpacas are on offer all year round and are suitable for older children and adults. ww www ww.lingsmeadow.co.uk. w

40 YEARS EXPerience

Good News

CALLING ALL NORFOLK ARTISTS Applications are open for artists across the county to take part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2018. Each year hundreds of artists across the region take part, inviting the public into their studios to reveal where and how they work.

In 2017, 515 artists participated in the scheme across 254 venues, along with 13 Norfolk schools.

This year it could be you!

Berni Marfleet, an artist based in Norfolk, who has been taking part in Open Studios for a number of years, said: “There are always delightful surprises with the people you meet, and the reaction and feedback not only boosts confidence but gives one new ideas and avenues to pursue.”

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2018 will take place between 26 May and 10 June 2018. To apply, visit nnopenstudios.org.uk before the closing date of 8 December 2017.

SCHOOL EQUIPMENT SENT FROM SUFFOLK TO AFRICA School equipment worth hundreds of pounds will be a lifeline for underprivileged children in Africa.

Pupils are benefiting from a donation of hundreds of pencils and cases distributed by Malthouse Security, a Suffolk business based at Rickinghall. Peter George, owner of the security firm, heard about the appeal for stationary through the charity, School Aid. “Hopefully, our donation will raise awareness of the difficulties facing children in the African educational system and inspire others in Suffolk to get behind the School Aid organisation,” he said.

School Aid’s mission is to support the improvement of education in disadvantaged communities in Africa.

It is currently appealing for books to send abroad.

For further details about School Aid, or to make a donation, visit www ww ww.school-aid.org w

Fundraising to help underprivileged children, staff at Malthouse Security at Rickinghall. Picture by Keith Mindham. From left, Peter George, Mark Flatters, Kevin Cook, Teresa Bridgeman and Jordan Mills with some of the pencils and cases sent to Africa.

KITCHEN SENSE of Harleston

62 London Road, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9BZ

Fitted Kitchen Specialists

Tel: (01379) 852592 Fax: (01379) 854411

web site: www.kitchen-sense.co.uk email: staff@kitchen-sense.co.uk

Pressed to go

Established family-run ironing & dry cleaning business Local Delivery

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

11

Good News

REDLINGFIELD WALK RAISES OVER £2,000 Redlingfield residents Tony Rose-Freitas, Steven Capps, Robert Griffiths and John Chapman have completed their fundraising walk along the Suffolk Costal Path from Lowestoft to Aldeburgh, raising over £2,000.

The group are raising funds to convert two acres of farmland in Redlingfield, near Eye, into a recreation and wildlife amenity for the village,

adding to the existing ‘Doorstep Green’ that villagers created in 2006.

Parish Clerk Janet Norman-Philips said: “We didn’t realise just how popular the Doorstep Green was going to be nor that it was far too small.”

Over the past few years, villagers have raised £27,000 to buy the extra land, where they plan to plant native hedging and wildlife meadow, as well as improving access for visitors.

(L-R) Marley the dog, Samantha Rose, Elle Chapman, Tony Rose-Freitas, Steven Capps, John Chapman, Freya Rose & Maya Chapman Being greeted by family having just arrived in Aldebugh following their fundraising walk from Lowestoft.

First for Riding

Thinking of selling or letting your property...

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

...or just curious to find out what your home is worth?

Call NOW to book your FREE no obligation property appraisal or try our new online valuation tool.

Long Stratton Office 01508 532244 www.howards.co.uk

longstratton@howards.co.uk

12

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

Good News

SUPPORTING MUSICIANS OF THE FUTURE The Burston Crown is launching a bursary scheme to support young musicians of the future. Working with the Hub – Diss Music School, the pub will provide £500 for a youngster to have music lessons.

Bev Kembery, owner of The Burston Crown said, “We host the best original musicians from East Anglia at the Crown and I just felt that it would be lovely to help a youngster start playing or perfect their skills, sort of putting something back into the community that we are proud to serve.”

The 16th century pub is renowned amongst fans of live music for its Eazy Thursdays and Sunday Sessions where original local bands come to entertain under the watchful ear of in-house sound engineer Billy Fleming.

The bursary is open to all children who live in Burston, attend Burston School or have parents who are pub customers. To apply, email enquiries@ burstoncrown.com, explaining why your child should be chosen to receive the £500 bursary.

Photo credit: Robert Powell

LOCAL HOLIDAY FIRM WIN TOP AWARD Congratulations to Norfolk-based family coach holiday firm, Eastons Holidays, who have won the Small UK Coach Operator of the Year Award.

Competing with some of the biggest names in the industry, Eastons Holidays managed to impress the judges with its exceptional customer service and plans for the future. Director Robert Easton, who accepted the award, said: “The great success of the family firm is down to the dedicated hard work of our Eastons tour drivers and office teams along with continued reinvestment in the company.”

IF YOU HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS TO SHARE EMAIL US AT editor@village-people.info 50 years experience

Supreme

Family Firm Est 1998

Bathrooms and Kitchens

TREE FELLAS Professional and accredited

Visit our fantastic large showroom showcasing the latest quality bathroom & kitchen designs.

OPEN TO PUBLIC & TRADE

Open Monday - Friday & Saturday morning

WE OFFER A DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICE OR WE CAN JUST SUPPLY

t:01953 600660

www.supremebathroomcentre.co.uk 10 Chestnut Dr, Wymondham Business Pk, Norfolk, NR18 9SB

Tree Surgeons

With 20 years experience we can cater for all your arboricultural needs www.treefellasuk.com

Please feel free to contact us on

01379 871490 or 07542 039490 £5m public liability insurance

13

OPE UK & EUR

IDAYS 2018 AN HOL

E ON ALL ION AVAILABL HOME COLLECT

HOLIDAYS

Over 200 Day Excursions every year

Call for your 2018 Brochuress Today!

A selection of 2018 Holidays 26 Feb 30 March 2 April 13 April 13 April 20 April 20 April 7 May 8 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 17 May 25 May 27 May

2018 Reunion in Somerset – 5 days £325 Easter Mystery Break - 4 days £278 Stunning Cornwall & The Eden Project – 5 days £448 Harrogate & the Yorkshire Dales – 5 days £375 Cardiff Flower Show – 3 days £225 Wonderful Delights of Liverpool – 5 days £428 Spring Bulbfields Cruise – 5 days £495 National Trust Properties Tour – 5 days £448 London Theatre Break – 2 days £248 Norway - 11 days £1,275 Malvern Flower Show – 4 days £299 Jersey by Air – 8 days £685 Winchester & The Watercress Line – 5 days £438 Discover Beamish & Durham – 4 days £299 Scotland & Deluxe Perthshire – 6 days £525

To Book Call 01379 647300 or visit www.simonds.co.uk

Private Hire

Garage Services

Tel: 01379 647300 www.simonds.co.uk info@simonds.co.uk

MOT from £34.95 Service & repairs on all makes & models l MOT Class 4,5 & 7 tested call for details l Collection & delivery service/Courtesy Car* l Friendly reliable service l

MOT Offer excludes Saturdays. Re-test fee applies if required

Roswald House, Oak Drive, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4GX

Pick-ups are South Norfolk and North Suffolk (home collection available on all holidays)

- LANDSCAPING - TILING - FENCING - PAINTING & DECORATING - GARDENING - PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

01986 469632 07713 689507 Open all day everyday to residents & non residents Dinner dances, Weddings, Birthdays/Anniversaries All parties catered for Food served all day every day Sunday Carvery served 12.00-3.00pm Regular live music & themed nights

Tel. 01379 642244

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

14

ANY JOB BIG OR SMALL - FREE QUOTATIONS - AFFORDABLE PRICES

VAN AND A MAN Move Anything, AnytiMe, Anywhere NATIONWIDE COVERAGE

Single iteM or Full houSehold reMovAlS SAMe dAy Service / 1 or 2 MAn teAM Seven dAyS / eveningS Student, oFFice / PiAno MoveS S Free inStAnt QuoteS All cleArAnceS undertAken

Tel: 01953 488919 or 01362 687222 Mobile: 07751 171 606

www.vanandaman.com Email: gary@vanandaman.com

Discover more with a coach holiday Take a short break by coach with Galloway in 2018 as we take you on a journey of discovery to banish the winter blues with a special weekend treat.

To view the full range at travel-galloway.com or head to your local Travel Centre for more details.

Sunday Night at the Waldorf with Afternoon Tea £1pe7r 9 Various dates • 1 night B&B person

Spoil yourself with a stay at one of the world’s most prestigious hotels, situated in the heart of Theatreland and on the doorstep of Covent Garden.

Snowdrop Spectacular 9 February • 2 nights HB Banish the winter blues with a visit to Colesbourne Park in the Cotswolds, recognised as ‘England’s Greatest Snowdrop Garden’ by Country Life and enjoy a short break at the Hallmark Hotel in Gloucester.

£2pe1r 5 person

Ipswich • 7/9 The Walk • Tel: 01473 216266 Stowmarket • 6 Old Fox Yard • Tel: 01449 618077 Colchester • 9 Sir Isaacs Walk • Tel: 01206 540424 Norwich • 3 Castle Meadow • Tel: 01603 679010

01842 766999

e: fireplaceman@btconnect.com w: stoveandfireplacecentre.co.uk

Bringing Warmth and Style to Your Home

Marble & Limestone Fireplace Surrounds

Stone Surrounds All types available

EXCLUSIVE STOVE PACKAGES includes

Wood Burning & Multi Fuel Stoves

Electric & Gas Fires (Up to 5 years warranty)

Mix & Match any choice of 4 Fire Surrounds or: • 2 GeoCast Oak Beams • Choice of 6 Brick Chambers • Choice of 6 Stoves (with Lifetime Warranty) • Choice of Honed or Polished Granite Hearths

Full Installation service available by our own HETAS Registered Engineers Come and visit our superb showroom at: 11 Brunel Way, Thetford IP24 1HP

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday: By Appintment

15

Eating Out

Ladies Who Lunch

FOUR SEASONS

I

Wymondham Garden Centre, Tuttles Lane East, Wymondham NR18 0EP 01953 600282 www.wymondhamgardencentre.co.uk

like the name of this coffee shop, ‘Four Seasons’; it suggests there is more to gardening than summer bedding plants. The garden centre’s main indoor space has embraced the quiet winter months with the most splendid and varied array of gifts and decorations – quite the best I have seen.

When I visited in late October, the display was focussed on Christmas, but I was scared witless by a plastic Halloween ghost with a menacing grin and a big axe in his hand.

We decided to check out the coffee shop immediately on arrival, plan our lunch, and then go looking for Santa’s grotto, which was in construction. It’s a bright spacious area, a little bit noisy and the ‘piped music’ didn’t help, but it was very clean.

Coffee was hot, strong and plentiful and set us up for the next hour as we browsed the indoor Christmas merchandise. We then braved the outdoor garden section and bought pansies and primulas to brighten up our winter gardens, and seeds to get ahead with the broad beans.

Back in the restaurant we quickly chose a vegetable moussaka and a jacket potato with prawns and coleslaw. Both meals came with a very generous serving of salad and the moussaka was accompanied by a bread roll and plenty of butter.

The whole plateful was delicious and as usual I didn’t leave anything except the raw onion. My friend dealt with her meal similarly – slightly sad that the meals came on cold plates, but I reminded her that salad on hot plates isn’t ideal either – it’s a conundrum.

There were no puddings as such – pie and custard or tarts with cream sort of thing – but the range of cakes on offer more than made up for that. There was an irresistible five inch tall chocolate cake comprising four layers of sponge and alternate layers of chocolate cream and orange cream: of course, my friend chose that! Not to be outdone I plumped for a triple chocolate cake covered in chocolate. Really we should have shared one! But

16

I like to have two different options to tell you about each time. Sadly the place isn’t licensed, so no wine or beer; we had elderflower fizz and apple juice instead.

Four Seasons Wymondham Garden Centre, Tuttles Lane East, Wymondham NR18 0EP Table 201

Chk*111

Apple juice Elderflower fizz

Guest:3

1.65 1.50

Moussaka 7.95 Jacket with prawns 5.95 Two coffees 3.50 Two cakes 5.00

Total

£25.55

I like this coffee THANK YOU FOR DINING WITH shop very much, PLEASE COME AGAIN and saw several people I know taking a break from the rigours of early Christmas shopping, or late Halloween, or even buying fireworks for bonfire night – it’s all there, and parking and access is good too!

US!

Open Monday to Saturday, 9-5 and Sunday, 10-4

Visit our fantastic Christmas department for all of your festive needs.

Lights, trees, decorations, baubles, garlands, wreaths and so much more. We have everything you need to make your Christmas magical. Come along and see our dancing snowman, the story telling Santa, our super steam train and our fabulous singing, dancing, talking reindeer!

Four Seasons Coffee Shop

Scrumptious home cooked breakfasts and lunches.

Fabulous home baked cakes. Come and try our famous scones and sausage rolls, delicious!

Wymondham Garden Centre, Tuttles Lane East, Wymondham NR18 0EP 01953 600282

www.wymondhamgardencentre.co.uk

Fed up repairing your flat roof?

t Get a fixed price quotation, valid a fixed price quotation, validfor for12 12 nths, for for thethe replacement months, replacementofofyour your t roof from Projects4Roofing. flat roof from Projects4Roofing. our flat flat roofroof is over tenten years If your is over yearsold oldororsuffers suffers leaks, moss growth, cracksororbumps bumps–– mfrom leaks, moss growth, cracks we can help. unique Rubberbond™EPDM EPDM can help.

OurOur unique Rubberbond™ Fleeceback™ installation will giveyou youaaflat flat eceback™ installation will give roofing solution that not only looks good, but fing solution that not only looks good, but is proven to last over years. roven to last over 5050 years.

Get peace of mind and never worry about leaks again with this new type of flat roofing installation.

So replace your flat roof once and for all for a fixed price – no hidden extras.

Call now for your free advice, survey & no obligation quotation

 01379 629190

17

Pub, restaurant and live music 4.5 Trip Advisor

Mill Rd, Burston IP22 5TW Tel: 01379 741257 www.burstoncrown.com

HEATHER COTTAGE Your place in the County of Norfolk

CHEERLEADING DANCING - TUMBLING

Oct to April £250pw May to Sept £350pw Self catering accommodation for all the family and dogs Sleeps 5 plus baby, private patio and secure dog kennel for two dogs A beautiful country cottage in a quiet rural village of Aslacton with country views 01379 677323 or cynthiagrimmer@btinternet.com

Diss F Firewood

AMPS & CLASSES, CPS FOR ALL O SH K R WO CHILDREN ABILITIES, S, MALES LT U D A D AN LES. AND FEMA

Barnn Stored Seasonedd Hardwood

FER WE ALSO OF CLASSES TOO. OL PRE SCHO FIND US ON

WW 18

.UK

TARS.CO

EALLS W.BRAV

Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Birch ch Beech Etc...

M: 07802 186347 T: 01379 687646 E: r.aves@icloud.com

MUM WHO LOST MORE THAN 8.5 STONE has more energy to play with her children Lisa Johnson went on a ride with her three children – and was so large the bar would not clip in place.

John at 21 stone

She felt breathless, tired and ached all the time, and was horrified when she saw the look on her children’s faces as she couldn’t fit into the ride seat.

Lisa was stung into action – “That day made me realise I had to change. Not only was I killing myself – I was affecting my children,” she said.

The 41-year-old mum slimmed down from 18 stone 9lbs to 9 stone 13lbs with the Cambridge Weight Plan, a total weight loss of 8 stone 10lbs.

We all need help sometimes, I could never have lost my 7 stones ten years ago without one to one support from someone who had been there themselves.

We all want to exercise more but a busy life gets in the way. Make exercise a diary appointment

FINALIST

with yourself and stick to it.

You wouldn’t miss other appointments, so why avoid this one?

A swim, cycle or walk can burn hundreds of calories depending on the intensity and length of exercise and give you leeway for those treats we all love.

Award winning diet coach John Howard lost 7 stone in five months.

It really is possible to lose a stone a month with one to one support from someone who understands and cares.

Award winning diet coach John Howard and his partner Katie, a nurse, support dieters on a one to one basis at Eye and Stowhealth centre in Stowmarket to lose about a stone a month and no longer be unhappy with their weight. They can be contacted on 0787 231 4653, 01379 678416, or by email at john@live-everyday.co.uk

Steak night every wednesday Select your Steak and how you like it.

Choose a Side – Select a Sauce.

All Steaks are served with a Grilled Plum Tomato and Field Mushroom.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

4 Course Dinner with a glass of Fizz on arrival.

7.30 for 8pm. £65 per person.

Visit www.theboars for further details and menus.

Bookings with prepayment 01953 605851

Coffee shop OPEN from 8am every morning

ON SUNDAYS WE ROAST 12–7pm

Find us just off the A11, 20 minutes south of Norwich in the village of Spooner Row, NR18 9LL Menus can be found on our website: www.theboars.co.uk Bookings: 01953 605851

Cinema

On the BIG SCREEN With thanks to The Light Cinema Thetford, a 3 screen all-digital cinema in the heart of Thetford STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI 14th December Having taken her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Rey continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the saga.

PITCH PERFECT 3 22nd December Following their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices. Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson headline the returning cast of Pitch Perfect 3, the follow-up to 2015’s blockbuster hit that took the honour of highest-grossing live-action movie-musical opening of all time.

GREATEST SHOWMAN 1st January The Greatest Showman is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. The Greatest Showman is directed by exciting new filmmaker, Michael Gracey, with songs and lyrics by Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land) and starring Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman. Jackman is joined by Zac Efron, Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.

20

COCO 19th January Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Give the gift of fantastic film this Christmas

Values of ÂŁ5 to ÂŁ150 can be used against any purchases at the cinema.

Visit the cinema today to buy.

Also available to buy online thetford.lightcinemas.co.uk/gift-cards/buy-online The Light Cinema Thetford, Bridge Street, 1 Anchor Place, Thetford, IP24 3AQ 01842 740242 | thetford@lightcinemas.co.uk Light Cinema Thetford | @LightThetford | lightcinema_thetford

21

Emmaus

JOB SUCCESS for formerly homeless man in Norwich Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney supports 20 formerly homeless people by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem to help rebuild their lives. This issue, 58-year-old Mark Spindler tells us how Emmaus helped him get his life back on track.

I

arrived at Emmaus in April 2014 following the loss of my parents and the subsequent breakdown of my marriage; it was a really difficult time in my life. I have always struggled with a chronic back condition and while it is much better today, back then I was heavily reliant on pain relief. One day, after a petty row with my wife, I convinced myself that I wasn’t strong enough to cope anymore. I stuffed my pockets with painkillers, headed for the beach and took as many as I could. Fortunately I wasn’t successful in taking my own life, as someone found me and called an ambulance. But when I returned back home, things just weren’t the same; my wife said she didn’t recognise me anymore. The relationship went downhill, and she asked me to leave.

When I was kicked out, my sister told me she could put me up for a couple of weeks, but after that I would have to find alternative accommodation; I had no one to turn to and nowhere to go. I turned to the church and after explaining my situation they mentioned Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney. I went along and met with Cathy Hembry, General Manager, who said that if the companions (formerly homeless people) were happy for me to live at the community and avoid any heavy lifting, I could move in. Back then, there were only five members of the community and they were all happy with the arrangement, so I came in and worked on the front desk, answering the telephone. It worked well; I enjoyed being front of house greeting people. I was fearful at first, as I’m naturally quite a shy person and the break-up had damaged my confidence but it soon came back.

I was at Emmaus for almost three years, and the best thing that came out of my time was that it made me believe in myself again. I was able to undergo surgery on my back, which helped greatly. Once

22

I had recovered, I was then keen to take the next step and work towards moving on… No sooner had I thought about moving out and getting a job, was it actually happening. I applied to the council for sheltered housing and within three or four weeks, a home had been found for me. Shortly after, I applied for a receptionist role at the Probation Office in Norwich and was successful. I feel so lucky, really.

Emmaus gave me a new lease of life; it takes you in and harnesses your potential, believing in you when you’re at your lowest. What’s more, the support continues, even once you leave; for that, I’m grateful.

To get involved or find out more visit www.emmaus.org.uk/Norwich

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS Thank you for your great support this year - it’s you who make us what we are (along with our beautiful old building, log fires, amazing ales, choice wines, great food and happy smiling staff).

Come and celebrate the festive season with us!

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

23

Western Way, Bury St Edmunds

IP33 3SP | Tel: 01284 220102

www.planetlaser.co.uk

LASER ARENA

Multi Level over 6000 sq ft

MINI BOWLING

Great fun for all the family

TEDDY MOUNTAIN ER LAS & PLANET HERS C GIFT VOU LE AVAILAB FOR AS CHRISTM

AMUSEMENT ARCADE Great fun for all the family

CAFÉ LUNAR

with fully licensed bar Catering for birthday parties and other events

TEDDY MOUNTAIN CREATE YOUR OWN BEAR Available to buy and for birthda ay part p ti ties

MOND DAY: CLOS CLOSED OS D (OPEN (O FR ROM ROM 10AM ON SCHOOL & BANK HOLIDAYS) N NOW OPEN TUES - FRI: 12.00PM - 9PM SAT: 9.00AM - 9PM 24

SUN: 9.00AM - 6PM

Security

Protect your home FROM BURGLARS A security company is issuing a stark warning to householders during the long winter nights – act now before you are in danger of being burgled.

Malthouse Security says eight out of 10 people who come to the company for cameras have already been victims of a callous break-in.

They often mistakenly think their family dog is enough of a guard-dog deterrent. “But the reality is that dogs rarely deter thieves,” said a spokesman for the local business.

“We had one person who was burgled when they took their dogs out at the same time nightly and, in a throwback to Dickensian times, we hear that people will even put children through small windows to help them break-in to homes.

“Perhaps even more disturbing, is that thieves could watch every movement. You leave a 56inch television box out for the dustman. What does tha at say? You

have just bought a lovely new TV, TV V something a burglar would love to have!

“And don’t forget, some of your possessions have a huge sentimental value that can’t be easily replaced.”

Malthouse Security’s message is: “Protect your family. A good CCTV TV V camera system will guard you, reduce insurance premiums and burglars will be forced to look elsewhere for easier pickings.”

Call security system installer Malthouse Security today on 01379 890 606, email sales@ malthouse-security.co.uk or visit the website www.malthouse-security.co.uk for more details of how this established local company can help your home, or your business.

Installation service & maintenance of all type of security and communications systems, covering East Anglia www.malthouse-security.co.uk “After having our iron gates stolen, Malthouse Security came highly recommended. A person came out to discuss our requirements, followed by the engineers who fitted everything then showed us how it worked. All very quick and easy and most importantly we now have peace of mind.” The Dell Caravan Park in Thurston

Please Call 01379 890 606 or sales@malthouse-security.co.uk

25

High Tea at Royal Albert Hall

Sunday 25th - Monday 26th February 2018 Copthorne Tara Hotel **** Kensington

Located in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

All rooms are en-suite with TV, hairdryer, telephone, iron and tea/coffee facilities. Guests can enjoy an Oriental meal at Bugis Street or sample the British and European cuisine at The Brasserie.

Price Includes Day 1: After joining the coach from your local joining point we travel through London and onto the Royal Albert Hall. Your extensive guided tour of this iconic building, which will last around an

hour will take you on a fascinating journey through its unique history.

After your tour has finished, we have included for you a traditional afternoon tea. We continue to your hotel, where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

CALL 01603 754155

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE

www.eastonsholidays.co.uk Day 2: After joining the coach from your local joining point we travel through London and onto the Royal Albert Hall. Your extensive guided tour of this iconic building, which will last around an hour will take you on a fascinating journey through its unique history.

After your tour has finished, we have included for you a traditional afternoon tea. We continue to your hotel, where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

1 Night Afternoon high tea at Royal Albert Hall Luxury Executive Coach Travel Local Joining Points

2 Days – £155pp Single Supplement: £37

A Warm Welcome awaits you at the White Horse Thelnetham Enjoy a cosy and relaxing atmosphere here at the White Horse, pop in for a drink a meal or sample our tea, coffee and homemade cake selection.

We pride ourselves on using locally sourced ingredients where possible on our monthly changing menus along with some wonderful weekly specials.

Opening hours Monday – Closed

Tuesday 5.30-10.30pm drinks only DRINKS – Wed-Fri 5pm – 11pm Sat 12-3pm and 5-11pm Sun 12-4pm and 6-9pm FOOD – Wed-Fri 5.30pm-9.30pm Sat 12-2.30pm and 5-9.30pm Sun 12-2.30pm and 6-8.30pm

To book a table or see our current menu please call 01379 898779 or email us at: info@whitehorsethelnetham.co.uk 26

Stradbroke antiques

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS

REDWINGS HORSE SANCTUARY

& Coffee Shop

Monday to Saturday (Closed Tuesdays) 10am – 4:30pm

Sunday

Every purchase helps horses in need.

Full range online at www.redwings.org.uk

10:30am – 4pm

Cards and calendars

An intimate setting with a group of specialist dealers offering quality and diverse items to suit all pockets.

All photos from the Sanctuary

Christmas cuddles

Exclusive toys based on Redwings’ own rescued residents

Queens Street, Stradbroke, IP21 5HG

TEL: 01379 388447

Help horses and donkeys in need by shopping with Redwings this Christmas.

Freshly Cut Locally Grown

Fresh Cut Holly & Mistletoe Holly Wreaths Beautiful Christmas Decorations

CHRISTMAS

TREES Non-Needle Drop,Blue Spruce & Traditional Norway

Flowering Houseplants & Planted arrangements Remember to stock up on all your pet & wild bird food this winter

01379 642873 dissgardencentre.com

Colin & staff would like to wish a Merry Christmas to all our customers & Thank you for your continuing support

Victoria Road, Diss IP22 4JG (Next to Diss Swimming Pool)

27

D ec/Jan Dec/Jan

B OX O FFICE: ((01603) 01603) 6633 0 00 0 BOX OFFICE: 00 00

Mon 27 Nov - Sat 2 Dec

Thur 4 January

Mon 22 - Sat 27 January

Star-studded hilarious Ayckbourn comedy £8 - £28.50

Songs from the best musicals £7 - £22.50

Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society with glorious Irving Berlin musical £7 - £23.50

HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES

Tues 16 - Sat 20 January

Sun 3 December

RA RAF A IN CONCERT

The RAF’s finest musicians £8 - £26 Wed 13 Dec 2017 - Sun 14 Jan 2018

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Gillian Wright (EastEnders), Richard Gauntlett, Ben Langley star in East Anglia’s biggest and best family pantomime £7 - £24.50 Mon 18 December

A VISION OF ELVIS Award-winning tribute to The King £7 - £24.50

BEYOND THE BARRICADE

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS High-speed, globe-trotting comedy adventure. 7+ £7 - £21

TOP HAT

Sun 28 January

BRENDAN COLE All Night Long Tour £8 - £38.50 Mon 29 January

CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Rock’s finest moments £7 - £24 Tues 30 January

AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON

Chat and clips from the master £8 - £28.50

SLEEPING BEAUTY

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

28

Theatre

Win TICKETS TO

E

SLEEPING BEAUTY

astEnders actor Gillian Wright will be leaving television’s Albert Square and heading for Norwich to join the cast of this year’s Theatre Royal pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.

Gillian will be treading the boards as the panto baddie, The Dowager Aunt Vipera – a very different character to her role as Jean Slater, one of the BBC soap’s most memorable residents.

She will join seasoned Theatre Royal panto comedy doubleact Richard Gauntlett and Ben Langley. Richard is returning to Norwich once again as director, writer and panto dame for his 17th festive production in

the city, teaming up for the fourth consecutive year with comedian and variety star Ben Langley who lives near Diss.

Ben plays Muddles Midges, the under-gardener, while Richard is his mother, Mrs Midges the housekeeper.

The cast is completed by Elizabeth Carter who was recently seen at the Theatre Royal as Laura in Dreamboats & Petticoats. She will be playing Sleeping Beauty (Patience Midges, daughter of the panto dame), while Glenn Adamson, who played the lead role in Dick Whittington (2016)) and Aladdin (2015) at Colch hester’s Mercury Theatre, will play p the prince. Professional op pera singer g Stephen p Godwa ard,

who appeared in Norwich in September with The National Gilbert & Sullivan Company, will be bringing his rich vocals to the role of Lord Teddy Norbridge of Norbridge Abbey.

Richard Gauntlett has promised Sleeping Beauty will deliver lots of traditional panto fun with all the usual Norwich Theatre Royal special twists including lots of water. “We will be getting very wet this year. We will be getting very, very wet!” he said.

Tickets for Sleeping Beauty cost from £7-£24.50 from the box office on 01603 630000 or online at www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

WIN TICKETS We have once again joined forces with h Norwich Theatre Royal to give away a family ticket (for two adults and two children) for Sleeping Beauty on Friday 15 December at 7.30pm. To be in with h a chance of winning this prize, visit www.village-people.info and answer the following question: What is the name of Gillian Wright’ss character in Sleeping Beauty?

A – The Dowager Aunt Vilette B – The Dowager Aunt Vipera C – The Dowager Aunt Vitriolic Closing date 8 December. Tickets cannot be exchanged for seats for another show or a cassh alternative. Normal Village People rules applyy.

29

New store Harleston

now open BULLOCK FAIR CLOSE, HARLESTON

Your East of England Co-op Supermarket, Harleston

I

n October 2017, the East of England Co-op welcomed community advocates Annie Chapman BEM and Carol Wiles MBE to officially open their new Supermarket on Bullock Fair Close.

a chance to collect a share of a ÂŁ1,000 donation every three months.

Working directly with the East of England Ambulance Service, the East of England Co-op has installed over 100 Community Access Defibrillators in harder to reach towns and villages across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. As part of this initiative, Harleston has received a new Community Access Defibrillator on the outside of the new supermarket.

As a community retailer, local people, businesses and charities remain at the heart of the East of England Co-op. The Harleston supermarket is a culmination of everything that the East of England Co-op stands for – a strong sense of community, supporting passionate local producers and providing customers with high quality, convenient and friendly service right on their doorstep.

Returning customers were met by familiar faces with the team from the former East of England Co-op food store on London Road having transferred to the Supermarket, joining the former Budgens team, with Steve Charlton as Store Manager.

The East of England Co-op Supermarket, Harleston is open Monday to Saturday 6am to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. To find out more about the East of England Co-op visit www.eastofengland.coop

Customers can now enjoy more choice than ever before from their Harleston supermarket, with over 450 lines of local produce from 61 local suppliers from across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, as well as over 100 lines of locally sourced Deli to Go products.

The East of England Co-op believes in being a business for people and communities, not just for profit. They work in partnership with the local community so that everyone benefits.

Working in partnership with Redenhall and Harleston Town Council, parking has remained free of charge on Bullock Fair Close thanks to an annual donation by the East of England Co-op.

In recent years, the East of England Co-op has also supported a huge range or organisations, charities and schools in and around Harleston. They offer free tea to community groups and good causes through their Co-op Cuppa initiative and fund opportunities through their Community Token Scheme, giving local good causes

31

Hobbies

UNIVERSITY OF THE Third AGE John Hooper, Chairman of Wymondham U3A explains more about the University of the Third Age and what it could offer you.

O

ften in talking to people I say “I’m a member of Wymondham U3A” and I’m met with confusion. “It’s the University of the Third Age,” I reply. In response to their quizzical gaze I explain that it is an organisation for retired or semiretired people. We have a monthly meeting and there are lots of special interest groups: astronomy, history, learning languages, short-mat bowls and walking to name but a few. Some U3As have over 50 different groups. U3As vary in size but here in the South Norfolk/Suffolk borders area the average is around 350 members.

The concept began in France where “university” has a wider meaning than we understand. The ethos is the promotion of self-learning. In England the number of U3As now exceeds 1,000. Whilst we pay monthly speakers, groups are self-led by volunteers who have the knowledge and confidence to do so.

In addition there is usually a wide social programme including day trips to places of interest and holidays.

In Wymondham U3A we have had 4 holidays; Holland, France, Scotland and Northumberland in 2017. We also seek to promote cultural events and concerts.

U3As are ideal for getting to know people if you have just moved to an area or if you are living on your own and hesitate to go to events alone. Friendships are soon formed and at Wymondham we have a

32

weekly coffee morning, providing a friendly social venue in the centre of town.

There is a central organisation which provides support, information and resources and a constitution setting out the principles and ethos of the organisation. All U3As however are independent organisations governed by their own elected committees. There is a regional structure and there are currently 140 U3As in the Eastern Region.

There are several U3As within the area covered by this magazine: Diss, Beccles, Halesworth, Wymondham to name a few. So if you are retired or semi-retired, wondering what to do with your time, looking to pursue existing interests, develop new ones or simply looking for friendship, visit www ww ww. w u3a.org.uk to find a U3A near you. U3As have a policy of being open and accessible and there will always be a warm welcome awaiting you.

BEOVISION ECLIPSE & BEOLAB 50 Welcome home. To a place where technology doesn’t steal your attention but earns it for all the right reasons. Introducing our new powerful OLED 4K TV and high-end active loudspeaker, for the ultimate cinematic and musical experience.

P R E S S PA U S E A N D P L AY BEOVISION ECLIPSE

b a n g - o l u fs e n .com

BEOLAB 50 LOUDSPEAKERS

LIKE NO ONE ELSE

Bang & Olufsen of Norwich

Bang & Olufsen of Colchester

20 Bedford Street, Norwich NR2 1AG Tel: 01603 767375

61 High Street, Colchester CO1 1DN Tel: 01206 763344

Email: norwich@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: www.bang-olufsen.com/norwich

Email: colchester@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: www.bang-olufsen.com/colchester

Recommended retail prices: BeoVision Eclipse 55": £7,495. BeoVision Eclipse 65": £10,795. Prices exclude placement option on either wall or floor starting from £795. Energy class A. BeoLab 50 loudspeakers (pair) with black fabric front panel and oak wood lamella side panels: £23,000.

33

Recipe

CHOCOLATE, CHERRY & CHESTNUT TORTE

This flourless torte is a delicious blend of chocolate and chestnut mousse, spiked with black cherries – it’s a favourite pud at The Pennoyer Centre’s Christmas parties. It’s easy to make, keeps up to four days in the fridge and is a fantastic alternative to Christmas pudding – a little goes a long way, if you’ve got hordes on the big day. It will crack and settle as it cools, and the cherries may sink. Don’t worry about it!

Serves 12-14

383kcal, 25g carbs per slice

INGREDIENTS 250g butter 250g dark chocolate (at least 55% cocoa solids) 400g tinned unsweetened chestnut purée 25ml milk 4 eggs 125g caster sugar 25ml cherry brandy (optional) 400g tin of black cherries, in syrup (260g drained) Fresh cherries with stalks, to decorate Dark cocoa powder (Green & Black’s is best) Edible gold dust or paint

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 170ºC. Base line a 23cm round springform cake tin with baking parchment.

2. Put the butter and chopped chocolate in a pan and set over a very low heat to melt together. Stir occasionally. When melted, set aside to cool slightly.

3. Whizz or mash the chestnut purée with the milk until smooth.

4. Separate the eggs into two bowls. Whisk the egg whites until stiff. Add the sugar to the egg yolks and whisk together until light and creamy.

5. Add the chestnut purée and the chocolatebutter mix to the egg yolks, and stir into a smooth, uniform batter. Add the whisked egg whites and fold gently until completely combined. Add the cherries (drained, stoned and halved) and the cherry brandy and fold through.

6. Pour the batter – which will be quite loose – into the tin, and place in the centre of the oven. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes until set with the tiniest wobble in the middle when touched.

7. Leave the cake to cool in its tin. Meanwhile, gild the cherries with gold dust – just paint or rub the cherries and stalks with the dust.

8. Run a knife around the tin, open the springform and ease the cake out. Place on a serving plate, dust with cocoa powder and decorate with your gilded cherries. Serve with crème fraiche or double cream. If you want it warm, zap each portion in the microwave for 20 seconds, then decorate.

Tip: Tinned chestnut

purée is in most supermarkets, but you can use tinned or vacuum packed whole chestnuts.

Just mash or whizz them to a smooth purée with the milk

The Pennoyer Centre’s volunteer BakeForce make delicious cakes for sale in the café, which in 2014 won the EDP Norfolk Food & Drink Best Baking Award. The café in Pulham St Mary is open Mon-Sat from 9.30am to 3.30pm. www.pennoyers.org.uk 01379 676660

PE

YEARS

PE

RIENCE EX

12

RIENCE EX PE

RIENCE EX PE

RIENCE EX

Gard ‘n’ Cox Garden Care

Garden maintenance l Planting designs Supply of trees, shrubs, perennials & bulbs Lawn care & mowing l No VAT Tel: 01359 221220 Mob: 07773 138306 Email: gardncox@hotmail.com

Would you like a Maid to Clean your home?

Philippa Green WEB DESIGN

Responsive Web Design & Google Device Friendly AFFOR

Could you use some help with your cleaning, ironing or both from as little as £10.50 per hour? You even get to meet your cleaner first!

0800 878 6388 0330 010 6388 Are you looking for part time work? If so call 0843 289 6858

www.maid2clean.co.uk/suffolk

PC or Laptop Problem?

For a Fast, Friendly and Affordable Local Service Call Paul

NO VAT

01953 887141

BESPDABLE RESPO O K E NSIV WEB S

ITES

E

Fully qualified and insured.

DOMAIN NAMES GOOGLE DEVICE JOOMLA & & HOSTING FRIENDLY ECOMMERCE

info@philippagreenwebdesign.co.uk www.philippagreenwebdesign.co.uk

Do You HATE IRONING? Don’t get De-Pressed

01379 308250

Home s t Callou 39 from £

Efficient, friendly, professional service with a quick turn around.

Opening Hours Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm Sat: 9am to 12 noon

Repairs - Advice - Tuition Centiflex Systems - Harleston Norfolk

www.centiflex.co.uk

repairs@centiflex.co.uk

Ironing • Dry Cleaning Laundry • Alterations Repairs

Ironed 4 U, 28 Victoria Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4HW Phone: 01379 643291 email: ironed4u-diss@hotmail.co.uk

35

Antique Clocks and Lifestyle Antiques The Olde Time Lifestyle Antiques Showrooms located on the Norfolk / Suffolk borders provide a spectacular showcase for both fine and decorative pieces with which to decorate the home. Over 250 m2 full of pieces of outstanding quality from sumptuous sofas, beautiful paintings, exquisite porcelain to elegant mirrors, luxurious rugs and much more besides.

Combining the old with the new, you’ll find Art Deco, pieces living discreetly and elegantly among ornate neoclassical pieces, cool contemporary rubbing shoulders with gorgeous Georgian furniture.

Olde Time Antique Clocks and Barometers have four hundred fine antique clocks, barometers, barographs and scientific instruments on display. Olde Time Antique Clocks are members of both BADA (British Antiques Dealers Association) and LAPADA (London and Provincial Antiques Dealers Association). Our customers can buy with confidence, all of our clocks and barometers are fully guaranteed.

Restoration / Repair as well as our well known antique clock repair and restoration service we are also able to offer a complete furniture restoration service Pay a visit to our showrooms and you will find a wealth of ideas with which to decorate your home

Beautiful Antiques for Beautiful Homes

Oak Bank Farm, Wacton Norfolk • T: 01508 532188 • e:paul@oldetimelifestyleantiques.com • www. Oldetimelifestyleantiques.com

BE ONE STEP AHEAD Protect your property and valuables CCTV – aerial surveys – secret safes

“I just want to know what is going on, I don’t think it’s possible for so few Police to look out for us all”

“I can see what’s happening at home and in the stables even when I’m away”

“I had no idea how easy it could be to comprehensively and discretely cover our property”

CCTV and secret safe installation Historic building specialist CAA registered drone pilot for surveys n Covering East Anglia – town & country, home & office

“The Police closed our vandalism case within a week because we had no CCTV footage to help them”

“At last I feel my small valuables are safely hidden”

n

n n

Call for a confidential chat about your security solutions 36

07594 114 364

info@skyhighsecurity.co.uk www.skyhighsecurity.co.uk

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery

21 October 2017 - 7 January 2018 www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

37

Gardens

HELP WILDLIFE GET THROUGH WINTER

Protect your garden and its inhabitants from the cold

BER JOBS FOR DECEM & JANUARY ants from Insulate your pl cold weather and pear trees l Prune apple e, , winter cabbag l Harvest leeks ps ni rs pa d an s sprout houseplants l Water your tly en qu fre less your bird table g l Keep refillin and bird bath ols and service l Clean your to er your lawnmow

l

The best way to help wildlife throughout the winter is to put out food. Supply a good mix of fatty foods, like suet balls, bacon rind or grated cheese, and healthy grains to encourage a balanced diet. Try different foods to encourage a variety of birds to visit your garden; fruit attracts visi blackbirds and thrushes, berrries will entice finches d peanuts will appeal to and starlings. You may even like to cconsider planting fruit and berrry trees to keep birds fed natturally. y

Water is just as important as food, so keep your bird bath topped up and ice free. If you have a pond, use a hot pan to melt a hole in the ice, allowing wildlife to enter and exit the water.

If you have a bug hotel, you may find that overwintering ladybirds and lacewings have checked in. Leave dead wood for beetles to shelter and be careful when turning compost heaps – you may find that frogs and toads are keeping warm inside.

Available end of November FREE DELIVERY over ÂŁ30.00

www.myhillspetandgarden.co.uk 38

Gardens

ON THE VEGETABLE PATCH It’s time to harvest your last vegetable crop and protect any remaining plants against the cold.

Harvest your final leeks and parsnips before the soil freezes.

Clear yellowing or dead foliage from your winter brassicas, asparagus and Jerusalem artichokes. These are no use to the plant and may encourage pest and disease if not removed.

Divide clumps of rhubarb and replant to give it a new lease of life.

Cover remaining brassicas with netting to protect them

from birds. Also be prepared to protect your plants with fleece or straw on colder nights; hardy salad crops like winter gem lettuce and any remaining leeks will benefit from some insulation.

Prepare for next year by digging empty borders and piling on the manure – the worms will break up any clods of soil. You can also prepare the ground for growing beans next year. Dig a trench and fill it with compostable kitchen waste, which will rot down and create a perfect environment for your beans.

CARE FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE If you want your Christmas trree to last longer and hold onto its needles, try a pine or fir tree rather than the traditional Norway Spruce.

Before putting up your tree, saw about 5cm off the bottom an nd place it in a bucket of water so it re etains moisture over the holiday season.

Don’t forget to keep it topped d up!

Try to avoid positioning your tree next to a direct source of hea at, like a fire or radiator, or it will ove erheat and start shedding needles before the festivities are over. After Christmas, continue to make e the most of your tree by shredding it and using it in the garden forr mulch.

MY PET........

MY GARDEN........

KEEP YOUR HOUSEPLANTS HAPPY With its bright red flowers, poinsettia is one of the most popular plants of the festive season and makes a great gift. Try to avoid buying poinsettias which have been chilled, for example those sold in outdoor markets, because the cold damages the foliage. Once home, place your poinsettia in a warm place with lots of light.

As the shortest day approaches, light is really important for all your houseplants. Move plants from dark corners to sunny windowsills where they will receive lots of natural light.

Beware of frosts, particularly with single glazing. If it’s going to be a chilly night, tuck your plants safely in front of the curtains or move away from the window.

In the winter, your houseplants need much less water so water sparingly and only when the compost starts to dry out.

Thousands of products available for you and all your pet’s needs Visit one of our shops at Attleborough, Dereham, Diss, Swaffham, Watton, Wymondham Free local delivery when you spend over £30 www.facebook.com/Myhillspetandgarden www.myhillspetandgarden.co.uk

He doesn’t have a Scale Problem...

Water Softener Sales & Installations Service, Maintenance & Repairs Salt Deliveries Drinking Water Systems Filter Cartridges & Taps

Do you?

Call us today 01379 871020

www.adveale.com

40

We are a locally based, family run Company, established for over 35 years offering a fully independent and professional service dealing with the regions hard water problems.

LG TREE SERVICES

TREE REMOVALS PRECISION DISMANTLING HEDGE CUTTING & REDUCTION

OLD CARS WANTED Any old cars, any condition wanted from 1960 to 1990 cash paid prompt service

Full Public Liability Insurance 24 Hour Call Out & Free Quotes E: lee@lgtreeservices.co.uk M: 07932 593320 T: 01508 813 525

THE LADY GARDENER Lady on your own?

Would you prefer an experienced Lady Gardener? l l l

Border Specialist Garden Maintenance No job too small l Planting plans R.H.S. trained Garden Designer and Horticulturist

Please ring Marian on 01379 898646 or 01449 723412

www.the-ladygardener.co.uk

Call Glenn on 07949 113720 Professional Fruit Tree Pruning NIGEL PAYNE Specialising in restoring old fruit trees Also wall trained and espalier Apples and Pears pruned October to April Plums and other ‘stone’ fruit when in leaf

01842 828615 07816 130934

nudgepayne@hotmail.com www.fruittreepruning.co.uk 41

Larkins Fuel Merchants

01953 861145

READY TO BURN HARDWOOD KILN DRIED LOGS Available in 1.2m3 & 1.6m3 bulk bags

HOUSE COAL & SMOKELESS FUEL Available in 25kg pre-packed bags or 50kg open sacks

WATER SOFTENER SALT TABLET & BLOCK ALSO DELIVERED www.coalandlogsnorfolk.co.uk CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED

NCC APPROVED WORKSHOP MOBILE SERVICING OF CARAVANS AND MOTORHOMES All work covered by 6 month warranty plus manufacturers guarantee on parts Unless otherwise stated at time of repair

LOCAL, RELIABLE,FULLY FULLYINSURED, INSURED, LOCAL RELIABLE, NCC APPROVED WORKSHOP, , NCC APPROVED WORKSHOP , GAS SAFE GAS SAFE MOBILE SERVICING MOBILE SERVICING AND REPAIRS AND We offerREPAIRS a full range of services for your Caravan, Motorhome orTrailer, from gas to electrics, water to brakes.

We offer a full range of services for your Caravan, Motorhome or Trailer, from gas to electrics, water to brakes.

Paul Trailers Ltd

CAR TRANSPORTER TRAILER CAMPING TRAILER BOX TRAILER MOTORBIKE TRAILER PLANT TRAILER

OFFICE & SHOWROOM UNIT 13 BRUNEL WAY THETFORD • NORFOLK • IP24 1HP T: 07518 852472 E: SALES@PAULTRA RAILERS.CO.UK A W: WWW.PAULTRA RAILERS.CO.UK A

hempnall lawnmower centre

01508 473700 GARDEN MACHINERY SERVICING G, REPAIRS & SALES COLLECT TION & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE View our o full range...

www.mowdirect.co.uk Open 6 days a week Saturday 10am - 4pm

Call Simon on 01953 861221 or 07815 709944 info@aces-leisure.co.uk

42

www.aces-leisure.co.uk

BRICK KILN LANE,, MORNINGTHORPE, NR15 2LH

Story

STRICTLY A Guilty PLEASURE A short story by Deborah Dunseith of Attleborough Writers’ Group

M

oira settled down on the sofa with a box of Milk Tray and a small glass of cherry brandy. Her podgy fingers hovered over the chocolates, which one to choose?

Settling on a hazelnut swirl she popped it slowly into her mouth and let it melt on her tongue.

She felt excited. Very soon her favourite TV show was about to restart. Oh how she’d missed it – the celebrities, the outfits, the cavorting – yes, Strictly Come Dancing was back!

More especially, Moira had missed Anton, one of the dancers. He was tall, suave and sophisticated. He was her guilty pleasure. She loved a man who looked smart and Anton practiced his rumbas in a shirt and tie. Oh how she wished she was one of the celebrities on the show.

She’d make a beeline for Anton and make sure he’d partner her.

She closed her eyes and imagined his tight grip, his strong lifts and

throws and their fizzing sexual chemistry dancing the salsa.

terrier out leaving her to lust after Anton in peace.

In the armchair, Bob snored and woke himself up momentarily with a loud snort. Moira threw her slipper at him.

Brucie heard the word ‘walk’ and began to gambol around the living room yapping excitedly.

He jumped up at the side table and Moira’s small glass of cherry brandy wobbled precariously and then toppled over onto the new cream coloured rug.

“I can’t hear the TV!” she shouted.

Then the instantly recognisable theme tune started and Moira lost herself in rapture.

Each celebrity paired with a professional dancer. Finally Anton appeared on the screen, smiling broadly with a mouth full of white teeth. Moira swooned.

Who would he be matched with? Eventually after much anticipation and build up Anton’s celebrity partner appeared.

Anton bowed low and offered her a bouquet of flowers. It was Carol Klein from Gardeners’ World.

“Ugh!” said Moira in disgust.

“Stick to dahlias love.”

Moira was rather put out by the fact that Carol wa as years younger than herself and had a figure to envy vy. y She begrudgingly admiitted that Carol would look good in a tight fitting sequinned evening dress.

Bob stirred and then sat bolt upright.

“Is that Carol?”

“Brucie needs a walk” said Moira hoping that Bob would take their

“Bob, you and that mutt get out of here before I brain the pair of yer!”

But Bob wasn’t going anywhere.

In fact, oblivious to the spillage on the very expensive new rug, Bob had already made himself comfortable.

Gorgeous Carol. He often thought of her whilst pruning his pear trees and pricking out his pansies. Carol knew her onions alright. What she didn’t know about horticulture just wasn’t worth knowing about!

He loved the way she offered friendly, helpful advice to novice gardeners and she didn’t mind getting her hands dirty either.

He wondered, licking his lips, whether she had compost under her nails even now on Strictly Come Dancing.

“Bob!” shouted Moira.

But Bob was lost in a world of his own. In his mind he was leading Carol by the hand through a colourful, fragrant wild flower meadow... for she was his own guilty pleasure. © Deborah Dunseith Attleborough Writers’ Group

43

Buy direct from the growers 5 stars

“Local to my daughter’s house so handy to pop in when visiting her. Plants are of very good quality; garden ornaments and gift shop as well as a café. The food was excellent. Staff in both the shop and café were very polite. Loved it!”

This season’s star buy

TREES FROM ONLY

£25.00

ROSES FROM ONLY

£6.00

FRUIT TREES FROM ONLY

£19.99

NATIVE HEDGING NOW AVAILABLE

Foundry Plant Centre ‘On the A140’ Tasburgh NR15 1NS

www.foundryplantcentre.co.uk OPEN 7 DAYS

A. WATERFIELD & SONS LTD

8.30am - 4.30pm

CHRISTMASTREES & FRESHLY MADE HOLLYWREATHS

01508 470357

MOORESTONE PAVING LTD

DISS (01379) 740255

• Brickweaving • Patios • Driveways • Carparks • Concreting • Tarmac

Specialist in brickweave drives, paths, patios, asphalt drives and shingle

Bungay Road, Scole, Diss IP21 4DT

Contact Brian Stebbings on

www.awaterfield-sons.co.uk

01953 451658 or 07796173578

44

Charity

S

ADOPT A HORSE OR DONKEY IN NEED THIS Christmas

ponsoring a rescued horse or donkey at Redwings Horse Sanctuary not only makes a special and unique Christmas gift, but will help ensure hundreds of equines in need enjoy a safe and happy home this New Year.

at Redwings. They’ll even be invited to their friend’s birthday party and can visit them for free!

And, due to a brand new relaunch of the scheme, adopters can now enjoy even more fun features to bring them closer to their new four-legged friend.

Lynn Cutress, Chief Executive, said: “Christmas is a time of happiness and love, but sadly many of our Adoption Stars were deprived of these simple things in their early lives.

Giving just £15 in sponsorship not only makes a beautiful gift for a loved one, but will ensure your friend and all our rescued residents can continue to enjoy a safe and happy home at Redwing gs.”

Sponsors will receive a beautiful adoption pack, photographs and letters from their Adoption Star in the post, plus access to an online diary full of photo galleries, videos and blogs about their life

To sponsor a Redwings Adoption Star, call 01508 481000 or visit www.redwings.org.uk/ k/adop ption

Redwings’ popular adoption scheme offers you the chance to sponsor an “Adoption Star” for just £15 per year with every penny going towards their care and that of other residents across the sanctuary of which there are over 1,500!

The adorable list of Adoption Stars includes gentle giant Shire cross Fox, sweet little donkey Esther and Redwings’ very own black beauty, Maya!

Looking for a unique Christmas gift?

Sponsor a rescued horse!

“I’ll write to you and you can visit me for free!”

Adopt a rescued horse (or donkey) from Redwings for a whole year for just £15!

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? We can SAVE your windows!

SAVE money, energy & time Replace the pane, not the frame Your local trusted expert

Faulty locks, handles or hinges?

All glazing backed by our

GUARANTEE

Local, friendly engineer

We are a Which?

Trusted Trader

Priority freephone

www.redwings.org.uk/adopt 01508 481000 SAVE money - SAVE energy - SAVE time

45

To cla im discointroduc your tor un bags t on all y 1 dog of Troph 5kg fo y VP M od Quote agaz ine

Gardens & Grounds Lawn mowing l Scarifying l Ponds Shingle gardens l Regular maintenance Hedge trimming l Window/gutter cleaning Turfing l Fencing, decking & pergolas Garden Clearance l Pressure washing Commercial grounds l Concrete bases Large private grounds l Property maintenance

07786 851895 / 01953 714853 eclipsegardens@btinternet.com eclipse-homeandgardens.co.uk

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

Carole Mole Catcher

Quality British Made pet foods delivered to your door, saving you time, trouble and expense.

Do you know what is in your current pet food?

Try Trophy Pet Foods - Premium Quality, British Made Pet Foods With No Derivatives and No Artificial Preservatives or Flavourings.

Examples of discounts on your first order:15kg Trophy Premium Grain Free Weight Control £35 (RRP £45.90) 15kg Trophy Premium Lite £35 (RRP £45.00) l 15kg Trophy Premium Maintenance £37 (RRP 47.50) l 15kg Trophy Chicken Rice & Vegetables £23 (RRP £28.25) l 15kg Trophy Sensitive & Shine £27 (RRP £32.45) l l

All this with free delivery ry to your door.

Support your local business.

Call Paul today 07825 222531

email trophypetfoodseastanglia@btinternet.com

Go on, give us a try, we won’t bite!

Trophy Pet Foods are Not Tested On Animals – Guaranteed

Water Gardening Specialist Design • Installation • Maintenance Pond Cleaning • Planting Advice

The expert you can trust

01508 47 19 16 07918 18 78 37

Competi tiv Rates e No Fuss

Contact Robert Foulger on:

01379 652720 07900 370304 carole@norfolk-mole-catcher.co.uk 46

lakeandpondaquatics@gmail.com www.lakeandpond-aquatics.co.uk

Gardens

Festive Jottings from Ken Shh! a little bird tells me that Fa ather Christmas is coming....

So you better watch out, you be etter take care, he can’t leave the presents if the tree isn’t there.

For where can he put them iff there’s no green bough to lay parcels beneath for th hat big Christmas ‘wow’!

Now Santa is fussy, he like es only the best, so buy locally-grown to en nsure the tree’s fresh.

With soft tactile needles that stay on the tree, a beautiful Nordman is the choice it should be.

We have tall ones & sh hort ones, some fat & some e thin, I’m sure we’ll have on ne that you can fit in to your hallway or corner, maybe a room with a view, in front of the wind dow, whatever suits you.

Always choose ea arly for a shape that is great, you want to be proud of your green festive mate.

As all trees are unwrapped & none are the same, it makes choossing so easy, a pleasure not pain.

Now you’ve selected, it’s through the machine that neatly re e-nets it to make transport a dream.

Once home e it will slip through your wreath-adorned door, a process so simple, need I say more?

Slide into a stand that’ll keep its feet wet, place into position & lift off the net.

Decoratte & cover with warm sparkly lights & yourr tree will look stunning on cold frosty nights.

If you think chopping down trees is a little bit mean, a new w one will be planted where that one has been.

So visit us now, our trees don’t cost the earth, we wish you a Christmas filled with merriment & mirth!

CChe hee eers erss Ken en n & Ang nge geelllaa T Garden Enclosure, Banham The Have fun this festive season!

H

IND DEPENDENT GARDEN CENTRE & GIFT SHOP 01953 888043 www.gardenenclosure.co.uk

Fresh local Christmas trees & wreaths, fabulous gifts, seasonal basketware & gorgeous goodies, floristry sundries, garden bird & pet supplies, gift vouchers … & more!

Find us at Banham Zoo, NR16 2HE - outside Zoo ticket kiosks

Open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm (closed Dec 25th to Jan 17th)

M ak i n Christ g ma S pec i a s l!

Local Stories

A CHRISTMAS Journey A true story by Ruby Lanham, born in 1904 in Bures, as told to her son, Neil Lanham.

M

y father was hard on me when I was young.

You know, when I was twelve, during the ‘14-18 war, we had two wounded soldiers doing convalescent work for us down at Red House Farm. When it came to Christmas time, Father had sold the turkeys to a butcher in Ipswich. When they were to be delivered there was a terrific downpour of snow which made travelling almost impossible.

Anyway, the turkeys had to be there or we wouldn’t get paid.

They were all plucked and ready to be loaded onto the van, but there was nobody to go with them. Neither of the wounded soldiers knew the way to Ipswich, so somebody’d got to go and show them the way.

“You’ve got to go Ruby,” said my old man. “You’ll be all right sitting up there next to Charlie Cope.” The snow kept coming down as cold as charity.

We put Derby, a blue roan

mare, in a van, loaded the turkeys and covered them up.

It was an open wooden van like a four-wheeled farm cart with iron wheels and a board across the front to sit on out in the open.

Charlie Cope was a decent sort of chap; he came from Walthamstow and had two sons. His wife was running his little general shop for him while he was in the war. Dad let him go home at weekends and he would bring us back some sugar or the like. He had been wounded in battle at the front, but was getting better.

I was well wrapped up and we started off. When we got as far as the blacksmith’s at Kersey Tye, we stopped to have the mare shod with iron spikes so she couldn’t slip. The snow kept coming down fast and thick in a blizzard and it was difficult to see. Anyway, the mare still kept slipping about, but we went on to Ipswich and got there eventually.

Harling Electrical Domestic Commercial Industrial

01953 860876

office@harlingelectrical.co.uk www.harlingelectrical.co.uk 48

But when we arrived, the butcher said he’d changed his mind and couldn’t pay for the turkeys. I think he thought he’d try it on with me as I was not very old. We wanted the money badly, but he said he’d bought them at so much a pound, and that came to so much money, but he was going to knock some off. However, I said that the price agreed was the price it had to be and eventually we got it.

Well, we set sail for home, my fingers and toes numb and frawn, and when we got as far as Hintlesham George, Charlie Cope said, “I’m gonna get us a drink.” He brought me out a glass of ginger wine to warm me up and a packet of five Woodbines. I had never smoked before but when he offered, I said yes.

Then we set off from Hintlesham for home, but when we got just outside Hadleigh, the mare was taking one step forward and almost

DISS HOUSE AND PROPERTY CLEARANCES All types of property clearances undertaken

FOR CALL OTE A QU AY TOD

07802 186 347

Local Stories one step back, the road was so bad. All of a sudden, at the top of a hill, she slipped and started to slide, her hind legs gone from under her. It was a good job that she had a strong

pair of britchins on which held her. She just sat in the britchins and we couldn’t stop her, and she kept going, sliding down the hill, from side to side all the way into Hadleigh, past

the convent, down Conduit Hill, and right into town. It was lucky we never turned over and never met anything that day but the sky coming down that hill.

When we finally got home at about twelve o’clock that night, I went straight away to give the money to my old man. He was in bed asleep.

Neil Lanham runs www.oraltraditions.co.uk, a website devoted to the spoken word of the vernacular indigenous people and all that it passes in terms of traditional song, story, wisdom, history and cultural identity – folk life, folk song & folk story. You can contact Neil on 01379 890568 or traditionsofsuffolk@gmail.com.

Ceramic Tiler

Kitchens, bathrooms etc Ceramics, stone, porcelain & mosaic DOM ESTI C COM AND MER CIAL

Please call for a quote

01359 240423 or 07871 190639 DC Mutton & Son est 1965

PRIVATE HEATED INDOOR POOL

Completely refurbished Exclusive private use of 12.5m heated indoor pool Reserve your weekly 1-hour slot for exercise or as a family activity

Great for all ages

Tel: 01379 741482 49

andrew p r love architecture . design . planning cherry tree farm wymondham road 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 & 2013 for innovative and ecologically aware architecture please contact us on

t: 01953 789911 m: 07771 855225

e: info@andrewprloveadp.co.uk www.andrewprloveadp.co.uk

Residential photography Our drone can capture truly remarkable and unique pictures of your residence from above and within its grounds, being very useful for sales and lettings opportunities or simply as a keepsake.

Building Inspection We can inspect hard to reach areas from above such as chimneys, spires and roofs without the expensive and damaging requirement for scaffolding and cherry pickers.

Email: overalldrones@gmail.com Visit: www.overalldrones.co.uk

07557 875007 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

50

Competition

COMPETITION

KEEP WARM WITH A BENGAL DOWN COAT

This issue we’ve teamed up with Bengal Down Clothing to offer you the chance to win a stylish winter coat. We spoke to the director, Robert Jennings from Norfolk, to find out more…

VP: These coats look incredibly warm! How did Bengal Down Clothing come about?

RJ: Thanks, yes they are. Like a lot of ideas, it started because we couldn’t find what we needed ourselves: a down coat warm enough for my wife (our model). All other down coats were too short or too thin. So we started on a journey to replicate the full length down coats from the 80s and 90s but with the latest high quality materials and down.

VP: A lot of people own a down jacket or coat, are yours really different?

RJ: Of course! We use only 100% duck down, which means there are no quill shafts or feathers at all.

This gives superior insulation so it keeps you much warmer than a traditional feather / down mix. We only use European down which is ethically sourced and ‘Downpass’ certified. Another benefit is the material, which is incredibly soft and light, as well as being showerproof!

VP: Where are the coats made?

RJ: They are handmade in the UK by a team with over thirty years of down-filled coat manufacturing experience. The quality is beyond anything mass produced and the same care and pride goes into every coat we make. The press studs on the ‘Sha’ coat are sewn in rather than pressed together, so they are always beautifully concealed and firmly attached and the long zip is the best quality we could find.

VP: Sounds like you have a unique product, where can our readers find out more?

RJ: Please visit us at www.bengaldownclothing. com to find out more. If you feel the cold, use a wheelchair or just want to be right ‘on point’ with this winter’s fashion we have the answer. What’s more, we’re offering Village People readers free postage and packaging with the code VP.

Win your own Bengal Down coat

To be in with a chance of winning one of these beautiful coats, worth £399, visit www.village-people.info and answer the following question: Where are Bengal Down coats made?

1. Sweden 2. UK 3. Bengal, India

Closing date 31 January. Usual Village People rules apply

51

DAVE RAMSTEAD - ELECTRICIAN • 25 Years’ experience • Competitive no VAT charged

Made to Measure Curtains & Blinds Julie Wood julie@GarnetHouseDrapes.co.uk 07568 365694 www.GarnetHouseDrapes.co.uk

Broadland ENV Ltd

• Norfolk & Suffolk covered

Call Dave on 01379 688445 or 07952 287975

www.ramsteadelectricians.co.uk djramstead@gmail.com

Mobile Servicing on your door step

OIL STORAGE TANK INSTALLERS

n

Oil tanks supplied & installed n Base preparation n Old tanks removed

Call Rob on

Covering Norfolk Suffolk North Essex SERVICING AND REPAIRS FOR CARAVANS, MOTORHOMES, TRAILERS AND HORSE BOXES

Service & Warranty Engineer for

07788 482422 www.broadlandtanks.co.uk

07949 855380

www.caravanandtrailerservicesnorfolk.co.uk e-mail caravanandtrailerservices@hotmail.co.uk

Garage Doors

Blinds & Doors Est. 1965

All types of Garage Doors supplied and installed. Whether you require it standard or purpose made, for any application, we have got the door for you.

We have been established for over 50 years and are renowned in Norfolk, Suffolk and across East Anglia for providing excellence of service and an extensive range of high quality products.

Showroom Open: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm & Saturday 8.30am - 12.30pm Sweetbriar Industrial Estate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 2BS. T: 01603 410304 F: 01603 405090 E: sales@cooksblinds.co.uk www.cooksblinds.co.uk

Dock Shelters Acoustic Doors Curtains Partitions Galebreakers

Venetian Blinds Vertical Blinds Wooden Blinds Solar Shadings

Roller Garage Doors Up & Over Garage Doors Sectional Garage Doors Side Sliding Doors Entrance Doors

Roller Blinds Fire Shutters Steel Doors Industrial Shutter Doors Awnings Security Grilles Crash Doors

52

Count the wildlife that’s counting on you RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH 2018

H

alf a million people are expected to count their garden birds for the 2018 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this January.

The world’s largest garden wildlife survey, now in its 39th year, takes place on 27, 28 and 29 January. The public is asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or local green space, then send their results to the RSPB. Last year, close to half a million people across the UK joined in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey (including 12,000 people from Norfolk), counting more than eight million birds and providing valuable information about the wildlife using our gardens in winter. In Norfolk, the blackbird was top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings, with house sparrow and starling rounding off the top three.

Last year’s Big Garden Birdwatch also revealed an explosion in the number of recorded sightings of waxwings. These attractive looking birds flock to UK gardens in winter once every 7-8 years when the berry crop fails in their native Scandinavia. Known as an ‘irruption’, results showed that waxwings were seen in around 11 times more gardens in 2017 compared to the last couple of years, with sightings as far west as Wales and Northern Ireland.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist said: “The birds we see in our garden are often the first experience we have with nature – whether it’s a flock of starlings at the feeder, a robin perched on the fence or some house sparrows splashing in the bird bath.

“But it may come as a surprise to know that some of our most-loved species are in desperate

53

Nature need of our help as their numbers have dropped dramatically. By counting the birds that visit your outdoor space, you’ll be making a difference for nature. It only takes an hour, so grab a cuppa, sit back and see who makes a flying visit to your garden.”

As well as counting birds, the RSPB is once again asking participants to log some of the other wildlife they have seen throughout the year. This year, people are also being asked to look out for badgers, foxes, grey squirrels, red squirrels, muntjac deer, roe deer, frogs and toads.

Species such as starlings and greenfinches have seen their numbers decline by 79 and 59 per cent respectively since the first Birdwatch in 1979.

But it wasn’t all bad news. There was good news for robins in last year’s survey, with the average number seen visiting gardens at its highest level since 1986, helping it climb two places to number seven, its joint highest-ever position in the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings.

Daniel added: “The Big Garden Birdwatch allows us to monitor trends and understand how birds are doing. With results from so many gardens, we are able to create a ‘snapshot’ of birds across the UK.”

For your free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, F w which includes a bird identification chart,, and RSPB shop voucher and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit www.rspb.org. uk/birdwatch. Registration opens on 13 December 2017.

LAST YEAR’S BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH RESULTS FOR NORFOLK

54

Rank

Species

Average per garden

% change 2007- 2017

1

Blackbird

3.9

+31

2

House sparrow

3.5

-9

3

Starling

3.1

-21

4

Woodpigeon

2.9

+37

5

Blue tit

2.6

+7

6

Collared dove

1.8

-29

7

Goldfinch

1.8

+29

8

Long-tailed tit

1.6

+86

9

Robin

1.6

+32

10

Great tit

1.5

-11

Else Heating & Plumbing Oil and Gas Installation Oil Fired Pressure Jet Boiler Servicing & Plumbing

Andy Bacos 07775 751303 andy.bacos@ntlworld.com Andy’s Oil Boiler Services

* Breakdowns * Servicing

* 24 hr call out * Powerflush

Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting Fully Insured

Contact Eugene Else

01379 688183 07787 854923

elseheatingandplumbing@gmail.com

01379 644639 07912 608267

WATERSON Plumbing & Heating ALL DOMESTIC PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN

Full Bathroom Installation & Unvented Cylinders Oil Appliance Commissioning, Servicing, Repair Oil Tank Installation, Central Heating Installation

OFTEC Registered Technician No. 28970

Home: 01359 760528 Mobile: 07828 639138 jeremy@watersonplumbing.com www.watersonplumbing.com

Specialist Cleaning Services:

Carpets Upholstery Hard Floors End of Tenancy 01379 678806 or 07984 648296 info@crystalclean.services www.crystalclean.services

55

Bringing in the Sunshine • • •

Your One Stop Conservatory • • Specialist Over 1000 satisfied customers Best prices guaranteed

“Create extra living space...”

Fully comprehensive 10 year guarantee 10 Conservatories & Orangeries available to view in our indoor showrooms

“How about an Orangery”

Wymondham Showroom

Unit 5 Chestnut Drive Wymondham NR18 9SB

01953 600505 Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 3pm

WE COVER ALL OF NORFOLK & SUFFOLK (Opening soon in Bury St Edmunds)

£7995

SPECIAL

OFFER

995 £3x6 ft) 3m (10x10 n

Edwardia

What’s included in the price? ✔ High quality Synseal Conservatory in white U-pvc ✔ ‘A’ rated Energy Saving Windows ✔ 35mm polycarbonate roof ✔ Fully insulated concrete base and dwarf walls ✔ All fitting and internal window sill ✔ Solar glass roof upgrade only £895 extra

UNBEATABLE PRICES ON ORANGERIES!

Refresh your Conservatory...

Oprtion 1

Before...

Oprtion 2

After...

Diss Showroom

Before...

After...

17 Victoria Road Diss IP22 4GU

01379 650617 Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm

The latest double glazed self cleaning solar glass roof

The latest cosy tiled roof made

by Guardian - fully insulated & plastered internally

Visit our website at www.conservatoriesetc.com for inspiration!

PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

WRITTEN DETAILS ON REQUEST

“ I T ’S M AD E A N A M A Z IN G D IF F E R E N C E F R O M OU R O LD BL O C K PAV I N G! ” Mrs Cahill

A DRI V E WAY A dream drive is closer than you think because at Resin Drives we will pay your VAT when you purchase either a Drive, Path, or Patio from our new and exclusive range.

of

CLASS

Why should you install a Resin Drive?

That’s simple; our product naturally drains water through it which means no puddles.

Also, with a slip resistant surface it provides better traction for tyres and gives more grip for when you walk on it, making your drive a safe place to be!

CAL L TH E D RIV EWAY, PATH AND PAT I O SP EC IA L ISTS TO DAY!

0800 007 5733 LINES O PEN 7AM - 1 0PM

OR VISIT WWW.RESINDRIVES .CO.UK I N S TA L L E R S N AT I O N W I D E

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN743675). We are a Credit Broker and not a lender.

We offer credit facilities from one lender Resindrives.co.uk ltd. Resindrives.co.uk trading as Resindrives.co.uk ltd.

57

PC or Mac Running Slow?

Got A Virus? Need help?

FREE Mira Shower with every walk in shower/bath

For a friendly and professional IT service for PC & Apple Mac call Joe Richards at

Tel: 01953 718421 & 07928 326008 Email: help@bailiwickit.com Website: www.bailiwickit.com

Bathing g a problem? ?

Try a walk in shower

TRACEY FORDHAM

Specialising in: - Tailor-Made Holidays - Packages - Cruise - Overseas Weddings - Honeymoons

Your local Travel Expert with Personal Service Choose from a wide range of destinations inc UK ABTA members and ATOL holders Industry experts with over 16 years experience

Call or email Tracey Fordham for a quote: 01379 776266 | tracey.fordham@notjusttravel.com All Holidays and Travel are provided by Not Just Travel (Agency) Ltd, a division (or trading name) of Hays Travel Ltd. 25 Vine Place, Sunderland.

Company Reg 1990682. Agents for ATOL Holders, Members of ABTA Number K9413

58

ABTA No. K9413

• Non-slip safety flooring • Waterproof wall panelling • Level entry wet floors • Easy walk in & out shower/baths • Grabrails, shower seats & raised toilets • Discounts for OAPs, the disabled, ex-service personnel, British Legion & SSAFA

NO PRESSURE TO BUY ON THE DAY

01603 605518 www.ahminstallations.co.uk

Concert

BURGATE SINGERS

I

40th Anniversary Concert

t is 40 years since a few young, enthusiastic newcomers to the village of Burgate decided they would mount Handel’s ‘Messiah’. Through contacts at the Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne the group enlisted some good professionals to come and sing, and donate their fees to the church funds. Juliet Bloye and Daphne Walker were the absolute rocks of the project. This event was heavily oversubscribed and such a success that it was decided to create a permanent choir, The Burgate Singers, and build on the success of that first concert.

Throughout the years the group have always received great support from professional artists, who continue to come for very modest fees because of the standard offered at Burgate and have contributed greatly to the success of some 120 concerts. In common with many professional ensembles in this country, money has always been an issue, but the group are fortunate to have a number of loyal sponsors and Friends of Burgate Singers.

Many young Burgate soloists have gone on to major careers in leading international houses: La Scala, Bayreuth, Covent Garden and the BBC. David Wilson Johnson, David Owen Norris and Diana Montague have all sung with the group. Tamsin Little, now an international soloist, was the teenage leader of the Burgate Orchestra, and Dame Evelyn Glennie was the timpanist for performances of the Brahms ‘Requiem’ and Wagner’s ‘Meistersinger’ overture.

These exceptional amateur Burgate Singers have

mastered, in a very professional way, requiems and masses written by the masters of choral music, as well as concert versions of Verdi’s ‘Macbeth’, Tschaikovsky’s ‘Yvgeny Onegin’ in Russian, and much more. From the 20th century they have performed works by Igor Stravinsky, Arthur Honegger, Arthur Bliss and Karol Szymanowski. Performances of the Savoy Operas of Sullivan have been rare but popular.

Messiah

Now, half a lifetime later, they are back with Handel’s masterpiece, ‘Messiah’, in the newly refurbished Corn Hall in Diss. With a fully professional orchestra and solo line up, it’s set to be a fantastic evening. Join The Burgate Singers (and, as tradition goes, stand up for George the Second during the Hallelujah Chorus) on 9 December at 7pm.

Tickets are available from Diss Corn Hall, 01379 652241 or www.thecornhall.co.uk

59

Stories from our region

DIVINE PROVIDENCE

A

or just chance?

s soon as I got into business and had pockets that jingled for the first time in my life, I roared out and ordered a new car, for which there was then a waiting list.

I was told when to expect the delivery of the car – one week before the prefix number changed – meaning that the following week I would be driving what would look like a year old car.

“Don’t worry about that,” said the salesman. “We will put a gash number on it that will have no prefix.”

My car and ‘gash’ number duly arrived and about a fortnight later I went to visit a lady for business.

I was still going up the drive in my new car when the front door burst open and out came the client shouting, “What a wonderful number, how on earth did you get hold of it?” I duly explained how the number 458 EVE had found me and I had not bought it, to which she said, “Eve is the mother of everything and 8 is the Chinese lucky number!”

She then went on to explain the connotations of the 4 and the 5. It turned out the she was a tarot card reader and was interested in other things that had found me and not vice versa.

I told her and also how I had once lost the key to the office safe and about 6 months later had been in a field about 15 miles away and saw something shining in the mud beneath my feet. It was the office key and how it got there was an absolute mystery to me. The tarot card reader said that I was a ‘diviner’ whatever that means.

60

Another example relates to a favourite writer of mine, the anthropologist Hugh Brody. I had desperately been trying to contact him, even writing to a South African address where he was researching the San people – all to no avail.

At the Suffolk Show one year we had a stand selling my DVDs. We were in a poor position where we hardly saw anyone and by the second afternoon I was quite miffed off when someone arrived and asked to look at a DVD cover. Without thinking what I was saying at all I blurted out, “I think I know you – Hugh Brody!” And that is who it was. The only photo I had ever seen of him was on the inside fly cover of a book. We chatted and he gave me his address to write to him. I was overcome and told him that it wasn’t the first time I’d experienced moments like this.

If anything ever finds me, as opposed to me finding it, I would never part with it. I sometimes change my car but never my cherished number!

Neil Lanham runs www.oraltraditions.co.uk, a website devoted to the spoken word of the vernacular indigenous people and all that it passes in terms of traditional song, story, wisdom, history and cultural identity – folk life, folk song & folk story. You can contact Neil on 01379 890568 or traditionsofsuffolk@gmail.com.

Level Access - Wet Rooms • Free Survey • Fully Insured • Local Authority approved for disability grants For further details contact us today

• Adaptions • Extensions • Alterations

Clarkbuild Norwich Ltd A CHARTERED BUILDING COMPANY

(t) 01953 601678 (m) 07788 722151 www.clarkbuildnorwich.co.uk

Unit 15 Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WZ

MOBILE TYRE SERVICES

Supplied & fitted at your home, work, wherever you are...

Order your Tyres online at hometyre.co.uk or call FREE 0800 783 93 10

!

ED OVow on 2AA M VE s n P22 HA linic i am I tre) WEr Diss cessinghrden Cenew,

Ou d, Br ms Ga our n inic!

Roa Bloo see e cl w Lo next to and d larg ( e n Com ern a d o m

Become part of the family For further information call today!

DISS 01379 642 865

ATTLEBOROUGH 01953 454 945

STANTON 01359 251 730

uplandswayvets.co.uk 61

Hoxne

LOCAL HISTORIAN

MEMORIES OF HOXNE Local historian, Dennis Cross from Diss, shares with us his fascinating collection of old postcards, focusing on a different village in every issue. This issue, we take a walk down memory lane in Hoxne

This early 1903 view was taken in Low Street.

What a pretty part of the village this is. The population at this period was 870.

During World War I, the Staffordshire Yeomanry were stationed at Oakley Park in Hoxne. Note the little goat mascot.

62

This picture was taken in Cross Street in 1909.

Parents stood with their children along with a horse and cart and posed for the camera.

Hoxne watermill on the River Waveney was built on the site of an older watermill. In 1914 when this picture was taken it was owned and worked by the Chase brothers. Mr Chase is standing by the sluice gate in this photo. The mill stopped working after World War II.

IMPROVE THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY

PAVING & LANDSCAPING SPECIALIST SOFT LANDSCAPING n n n

Turfing Fencing & Gates Raised beds in railway sleepers

HARD LANDSCAPING n n n n

Patios Driveways Brickwork Block Paving, Tarmac & Shingle

PAV I N G

01379 651541 07786 052205 To find out more for a FREE quotation no obligations and all works carried out come with a written guarantee

www.noblepaving.co.uk info@noblepaving.co.uk

PAV I N G Skilled StonemaSon with 25 years experience

Granite & Quartz Worktops

all made to order at our workShop Let us help you transform your home with beautifully designed items made to your exact sizes and requirements.

We also manufacture bespoke hearths, slips and vanity tops

RESIN BOUND DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS & PATHS

n Low maintenance n Hard-wearing n Puddle-free n Permeable & frost resistant n No loose stone n Multiple colour choices n Easily applied on top of existing surface n Instant kerb appeal

01379 651541 / 07786 052205

units 1&2 oakwood ind. est., harling road, Snetterton nr16 2Ju

To find out more for a FREE quotation no obligations and all works carried out come with a written guarantee

www.cutstone.co.uk cutstone@sky.com

www.noblepaving.co.uk info@noblepaving.co.uk

01953 887722 / 07826 844847

63

Hoxne

The Grapes pub in Cross Street was one of six pubs in Hoxne in 1910 when this picture was taken. The landlord was Patrick Daley.

This one time pub closed many years ago and is now a private dwelling.

The Red Lion pub was situated in Cross Street. When this picture was taken in 1906, the landlord was Charles Smith. Sadly this delightful pub was destroyed by fire in 1964.

New houses have been built on this site.

Hoxne Postmill stood on high ground above the watermill. This postcard was posted in 1907 to an address in Harleston.

The beautiful mill last worked in the 1920s.

The Norfolk Postcard Club meets regularly in Trowse in Norwich and new members are very welcome. The next meetings are on 13 December & 10 January.

Dennis is also the author of several local history books that can be purchased by contacting him direct.

On 26th August 1912 a month’s worth of rain fell in two days resulting in flooding in the Waveney Valley. This was the view taken outside The Swan pub with villagers looking on.

64

If readers have any local postcards of Diss or the surrounding villages, please get in touch with him after 7pm on 01379 651897. Š

All types oof pitched and flat rooofs

We offer a simple low cost solution to your storage needs. Our new steel containers with thick plywood floors and high quality door seals ensure that your goods come out in the same condition they went in.

We are conveniently situated on the A143 in Wortham just minutes from Diss.

COMPETITIVELY PRICED NEW CLEAN DRY UNITS WITH EASY ACCESS MINIMUM CONTRACT OF ONLY ONE WEEK BUSINESS AND DOMESTIC USE ENTRY 7 DAYS A WEEK 24 HOUR CCTV

Re-roofs & repairs Felt & rubber flat roofs

Please call Paul Curtis 07540 085736 or 01508 532122 www.pacroofing.co.uk

L d & brick b i work Lead Chimney rebuilds Fascia & Guttering Shed Roof Repairs

Block Paving Specialists Patios Tarmacing/Tar & Chip 01473 530101 / 07983 349769

For more information call or e-mail us

info@randadriveways.com

01379 783236 selfstorage@rookery-online.com

The Rookery, Wortham, Nr Diss, Norfolk IP22 1RB Or visit www.rookery-online.com/self-storage

BEAUTIFUL SHOWROOM OFFERING

Full bespoke design and installation service

01359 250100

www.ravenstoves.co.uk The Barn | Pottery Hill | Wattisfield | Suffolk | IP22 1NH

QUALITY STOVES EXCLUSIVE RANGE GREAT ADVICE 65

A & L Roofing

Flat Roofing Specialist CALL R JAMIE O R O F E V E T S A FREE N IO QUOTAT

Anglia Chimney Sweeps • Power sweeping for a thorough clean • Smoke draft test with every sweep

All work guaranteed and fully insured

✔ LEAD WORK ✔ CHIMNEYS REBUILT ✔ RE-POINTING 01379 870193 / 01449 676433 / 07547 594699 / 07545 071147

✔ ✔ ✔

TILED ROOFS SLATE ROOFS FLAT ROOFS

• Fully trained and insured • Insurance-recognised certificates

Tel 07711 458575 Or 01359 221893

www.angliachimneysweeps.co.uk

ROOFING & BUILDING SUPPLIES ✆ 07825 908287 / 01508 532200 premierroofingsupplies@outlook.com

Public & Trade & Local Delivery • OSB • Sleepers • Scaffold Boards • Treated 3x2 / 4x2 / 5x2 • Plasterboard • Plastering Materials • Lead• Felt • Rolled Insulation • Rigid Insulation • Sand / Cement • Nails & Screws Premier Roofing Supplies Ltd Unit 12a, Wellesley Road, Tharston Industrial Estate, Long Stratton, NR15 2PD Opening Hours Mon – Fri – 7.00-8.00 & 10.00-16.30 Sat – 8.30 – 12.00

Glenn Wilson

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LTD

l l l l l l

EDPM rubber flat roofing Kitchen Installations Bathroom Installations Alterations, Conversions & Extensions Tiling, Painting & Decoration Brickweave, Paving & Fencing

FOR A FREE, NO OBLI GATI ON QUOTE

Phone: 01508 471765 Mobile : 07867 648066 NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

66

History

A SIGN OF THE TIMES

Wickham Skeith

In this instalment of her series “A Sign of the Times”, Sarah Doig explores what the Wickham Skeith village sign tells us about the community’s history.

M

any a visitor to the mid-Suffolk village of Wickham Skeith has no doubt commented on its idyllic situation.

Like many Suffolk communities it is considerably smaller today than in the past. At the beginning of the twenty-first century the population stood at just over 300 as opposed to 150 years earlier when there were 613 people living there.

The Wickham Skeith village sign stands on the green, surrounded by well-kept cottages of various ages. The village pond, called the Grimmer, takes centre stage on the sign. But although peaceful now, in 1825 it was the scene of the last recorded “swimming” in Suffolk, when the unfortunate 67-year-old Isaac Stebbings was accused of using black magic on his neighbours. Faced with accusations by villagers of being a wizard, Stebbings offered to be “swum” in the Grimmer. “Swimming” of suspected witches had been popular in the seventeenth century. The person was tied up with a rope and put into the water. If they sank (and sadly often drowned), they were deemed innocent. However, if they floated they were guilty. Stebbings’ ordeal lasted more than an hour, watched by crowds of men, women and children. The spectators, not satisfied by this trial which proved inconclusive, demanded another the following week. Luckily, though, the local clergy and churchwardens stepped in to prevent a reoccurrence of the incident.

The sign also depicts a tractor which demonstrates the prevalent occupation in

the community over the centuries. The parish church and a windmill are also featured. This tower mill has long since disappeared, having been demolished in 1925. At one time, the village also boasted a steam mill which was, in 1890, the scene of a fatal accident. The boiler of the mill exploded, killing a six-year-old boy.

Another local landmark represented on the village sign is the former pub. Until 1967, Wickham Skeith had a pub called the Swan Inn which had operated as a watering hole for residents for at least two hundred years (and probably a lot longer). During much of the 1800s, the landlady was a widow called Martha Bendell. In October 1866, the Norwich Mercury reported a rather curious incident at the Swan Inn: “It would seem that some twenty or thirty labourers and their wives met at the Swan for the purposes of paying their allotment rents, and nearly the whole of them got drunk. On leaving the inn about midnight they indulged in a saturnalia which causes a blush for humanity and extinguishes all notions of “rustic simplicity” and purity of morals.”

I should point out that I am not casting aspersions on current residents of Wickham Skeith who are all, of course, beyond reproach: I’m simply reporting their local history!

Sarah Doig is an independent historical researcher, writer and speaker. Her website is www.ancestral-heritage.co.uk.

67

Buy Direct from the manufacturer rie

n ce ex p

ce exp ien e

e ienc exp

Kitchens don’t need to cost the earth • Bespoke and standard size units • Send us your plan and we will give you a price • All kitchens manufactured locally in Norfolk • Contracts & One off’s – No job is too big or too small

er

er

YEARS

ience exp er

30

Manufacturing ‘Outside’ The Box...

• Extensive ranges from gloss to painted and everything else in-between • Speedy turnaround: 2 weeks from confirmation for non-painted orders • Kitchens come complete with doors fitted

Telephone 01379 674363 sales@voyagerkitchens.com www.voyagerkitchens.com

Contact us for a no-obligation quote and see how we compare 68

REAL ENGLISH FRUIT TREES GROWN LOCALLY—DELIVERED OCA THROU UGHOUT T THE UK

Plant the trees when they are fully dormant between November and March.

CAROUSEL POP UP SHOP

Available in Framlingham It is in a great spot, just off the market hill and with a

WEEK COSTING

from £180

why not give it a go.

valhawes@hotmail.co.uk The Ellaugh/ Beccles Farmers Market - held 1st &

marsh larder

3rd Saturday of each month 9am - 1pm

SHOTFORD HALL

WEEKEND CAFÉ

For full details please visit our website www.realenglishfruit.co.uk 01379 870759

Real English Fruit Trees

beccles Farmers Market at Ellough NR34 7XD

MEET YOUR FRIENDS and the local

producers of fruit , vegetables, meat, eggs,fish and drinks, over a cup of coffee, at Beccles/Ellough market.

1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 9AM to 1PM

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 9.00AM – 4.00PM

HARLESTON, IP20 9QT (OFF B1116 – CYCLE ROUTE 30) Breakfasts ● Paninis ● Cream Teas ● Cake FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF OPENING TIMES VISIT www.facebook.com/marshlarder marshlarder.co.uk 01379 854714

office@marshlarder.co.uk 07767 708106

Architectural Technologist Nick Clarke mciat

• • • • • •

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

Tel.01379 642555 69

This is 1 of 50,000 copies

Wise men leave bearing gifts ! (we deliver items too big for your camel !)

Want your business noticed?

Prices start from £27 + vat per month*

Next to the Railway Station Stowmarket IP14 1RQ

001449 770082

01284 788 623

Opening Times Wed to Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm

*For an eighth page advert in one magazine for 12 months

The UK’s Only Value Garden Centre Christmas

Events C Come and visit Santa in his Grotto, have breakfast or te ea with him and join in the fu un at our special Christmas Fun Day Events!

Includes a Gift from Santa!

Visit our website for details.

AD NOV 17

Come and discover our festive wonderland full of Decorations, Gifts, Trees, Wreaths, Christmas Plants, Indoor & Outdoor Lights and much, much more!

70

Southview Early Dawn Pulham Market Long Melford Braintree

Beccles Road, Fritton, Norfolk NR31 9EU Rushmere Road, Suffolk NR33 8HA Ipswich Road, Norfolk IP21 4XP High Street, Suffolk CO10 9DH Coggeshall Road, Stisted, Essex CM77 8AE

cherry-lane.co.uk

SCALLYWA GS Value Pet Store Big Brand Pet Products at great prices!

by Cherry Lane at long melford

What’s on this month

VILLAGE NOTICE BOARD

EVENT

CHRISTMAS PRIZE BINGO

FRIDAY 1ST DEC 19:30 Tibenham Community Hall, Pristow Green Lane, Tibenham, NR16 1PX A fun night of Bingo with refreshments.

MARKET ROCKLANDS CHRISTMAS MARKET 2017

SATURDAY 2ND DEC 10:00 Rocklands Village Hall, Attleborough, NR17 1TT Santa returns to Rocklands Village Hall. Stalls will include quality local crafts, seasonal treats, presents and The Wolf Brewery. Santa will be in his grotto to meet the children who will each receive a present.

Visits to Santa (£3 per child) must be booked in advance by calling Sharon on 01953 483187. www.shellrockgroup.f9.co.uk

FAIR BORDER CRAFT COLLECTIVE MASTER CRAFTS FAIR SATURDAY 2ND DEC 10 - 3 Dickleburgh Village Centre, Harvey Lane, Dickleburgh Meet local crafters FREE

EVENT ST NICHOLAS FAYRE

SATURDAY 2ND DEC 14:00 Gissing Community Building & The Old School, Rectory Road, Gissing, IP22 5XB A magical event to start the Christmas season with Father Christmas, music from a

mechanical organ, seasonal refreshments, craft stalls, children’s art competition, games and a grand prize draw.

A sparkling concert programme

by Canadian composer Sarah Quartel. TICKETS £7 - available from Hethersett Butchers

EVENT

MUSIC

CHRISTMAS STARTS HERE!

OXLIP GROUP & DICKLEBURGH VILLAGE SOCIETY PRESENT A FORTIES SONGBOOK FEATURING RACHEL DUFFIELD

SATURDAY 2ND DEC 19:00 Tibenham Community Hall, Pristow Green Lane, Tibenham, NR16 1PX A festive evening for the whole

WEDNESDAY 6TH DEC 7PM Dickleburgh Village Centre, Harvey Lane, IP21 4NL Tickets £10 to include a Ploughman’s Supper. Bar & Raffle. 40s dress optional

EVENT DICK WHITTINGTON family with music from the shows and Christmas music by a local choir.

EVENT EATON VETS EVENT

SATURDAY 2ND DEC 3PM-5PM Eaton Veterinary Practice, Cringleford administrator@eatonvets.co.uk Please join us for a coffee and a mince pie (or three!) for an afternoon of festive fun. Various activities including a raffle, games plus a tour behind the scenes at the practice.

All proceeds to go to Cinnamon Trust and a local animal Charity If you would like to attend, please RSVP by email or call us 01603 455196 asap

MUSIC HETHERSETT SINGERS

SATURDAY 2ND DEC 19:30 Methodist Church, Great Melton Road, Hethersett A feast of seasonal music conducted by Rob Goodrich.

PANTOMIME

New Buckenham Village Hall Bar open from 7.30pm and the performances start on the 7th, 8th and 9th December at 8pm evening with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. £8 evening performance and £5 for the Matinee Tickets office: 01953 861438/860320

MUSIC CAROLS ON THE KNOLL

FRIDAY 8TH DEC 19:00 All Saints Church, Redgrave Get the Christmas season off to a good start - join us to sing Carols on the Knoll in Redgrave accompanied by the Diss Salvation Army band. Mince pies and mulled wine afterwards in All Saints Church.

• Continued on page 77

71

BOILER INSTALLATION 10 year warranty on Grant VortexBlue Oil Boilers

Quick response times Q

BOILER REPAIRS

Local and reliable service L Comprehensive Oftec service report C

Competitive pricing

Highly experienced engineers H

Covering all types of boilers, in Diss & surrounding areas

F Fully managed annual servicing database

Contact the team for more information

EFFICIENCY

SECURITY

SAFETY

We offfer a comp preh hensiv ve ra ange of smart home systtem ms wirelessly controllling energy saving, hea ating, fire detection, saffety y and security.

One e quick install,, with hout complex installattion n costs.

01379 671286 • 07917 652 500 info@greenbrickprojects.co.uk • www.greenbrickprojects.co.uk 72

Travel

O

Discover the JOY OF THE JOURNEY

nce you’re a coach traveller, you’re hooked to stay a coach traveller. So says the Coach Tourism Association after their nationwide survey found 92% of existing coach travellers will continue to book coach tours over the next five years. In these days of cheap flights to Europe, what makes coach travel still just as attractive?

Peter Stratton, Managing Director of Independent Coach Travel said at a Coach Holiday Conference earlier this year, “We’re all familiar with the often negative view that coach holidays are for older people. What’s clear from the figures is that far from being a negative, it’s actually a positive. The key benefits of coach holidays identified in the survey: good value, sociable, comfortable, safe and less hassle than air travel, are likely to prove even more attractive.”

comfortable with plenty of legroom, air conditioning and toilets on board. Being higher up allows you to see much more than you ever would in a car or plane.”

If you’re considering travelling by coach for the first time, why not look at a short break? Many coach operators offer theatre or events as part of a weekend away. But beware. As the Coach Tourism Association suggest, holidaying by coach can be addictive!

Local coach operator Galloway Coach Travel agree and their Sales Manager, Nicci Graham, adds; “There are many ways to travel these days; drive, fly or take the train and coach travel is another option enjoyed by many.”

If you haven’t travelled by coach before, what should you expect? First, many coach operators offer a home pick-up service. This means you’ll be met at your front door by either a taxi or mini bus driver who will help with your luggage and make sure you’re taken in comfort to meet the coach.

A bonus if you’re travelling abroad as there’s no need to carry your luggage or wrestle with airport security.

Once on the coach, you’ll be travelling with a group of like-minded couples, friends or single travellers all looking forward to discovering the same destination. It can make for a relaxed and sociable holiday as you explore together. Many holiday packages include breakfast and dinner at the hotel plus excursions to help you make the most of your time. But don’t worry, if you prefer a day at the hotel, just let your driver know. Sometimes a day of rest is just what the doctor ordered!

Many say they are put off travelling by coach as they remember being ill on old school coaches.

But Nicci says “These days, coaches are incredibly

73

Hartismere Sixth Form College

Open Evening Tuesday 23 January 2018 The evening will begin at 6.30pm in the sports hall with a presentation from the Headmaster, followed by subject presentations around the school.

Hartismere offers a wide range of A level subjects and some Applied General qualifications. We offer a STEM support programme and the Extended Project Qualification, university preparation and Oxbridge entry guidance. All students undertake a wide-ranging programme of enrichment and study skills.

Visits and tours can be accommodated at other times for those who are unable to attend the open evening.

Hartismere School Castleton Way Eye Suffolk IP23 7BL Telephone : 01379 870315 Website : www.hartismere.com Email : sixthform@hartismere.com

74

75

Do you have a health concern?

You don’t have to wait...

If you have a health concern, Spire Norwich Hospital provides access to specialist consultants and procedures.

Open to all, you can get the treatment you need through your private medical insurance* or choose to pay for treatment with a fixed, all-inclusive price in advance.

*Please check with your insurance provider prior to proceeding with treatment.

Call one of our friendly advisors for more information or to make an appointment – lines open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

01603 294169

email info@spirenorwich.com visit www.spirenorwich.com 76

We offer a variety of procedures and treatments including: • hip and knee surgery • hernia repair and gallbladder removal • varicose vein treatment • back surgery • pain management • physiotherapy • cataract surgery • diagnostics – CT, MRI and X-ray

Village Notice Board EVENT

MUSIC

A CHRISTMAS CARD TREE FOR STRADBROKE

PHOENIX MALE VOICE CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT

SATURDAY 9TH DEC All Saints Church, Stradbroke An opportunity to write a Christmas message on a full sized model Christmas tree. To raise funds for urgent repairs for the church.

FAIR PULHAM MARKET CHRISTMAS FAIR

SATURDAY 9TH DEC 11:00 Pulham Market Village Hall Home made Christmas Crafts, Christmas Flower Decorations, Father Christmas, Cake Stall, Cafe and other stalls. Children’s secret wrap a present room.

EVENT

SATURDAY 9TH DEC 19:30 Mile Cross Methodist Church, Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2RU Programme includes popular Christmas songs and carols.

Tickets available on the door at £7.50 includes refreshments.

A REGENCY CHRISTMAS

FRIDAY 15TH DEC 19:30 St Mary’s Church Hall, Mount Street, Diss, IP22 4QQ

SATURDAY 9TH DEC 08:30 Beccles Airfield The weight limit for a Skydive is 107kg for men, and 99kg for women. There is a minimum age limit of 16. Jumpers over the age of 40 years are required to self-declare that they are fit to skydive. www.big-c.co.uk/ Events/santa-jump-2017.aspx

EVENT CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD

SAT 9TH DEC 3PM TO 5PM Kenninghall Village Father Christmas turning on tree lights, fish and chips, mulled wine and mince pies, raffle and craft stalls.

return to St Peter’s with guests joining us for a Concert at 6.30. Contact thetfordvoices@ gmail.com for information and enrollment forms, by 18th December please.

EVENT WINTER WALK WITH LOHP

SUNDAY 31ST DEC 10.15AM Redgrave Activities Centre Enjoy a morning’s walk in the Little Ouse Valley. Soup will be served at the hall afterwards - booking essential for food but just turn up for the walk.

Everyone welcome including polite dogs. Donations welcome.

EVENT OUSE VALLEY FILLING STATION Recreating the flavour of a bygone era in the celebration of Christmas. A dramatic appearance in costume, a vivid account of Christmas - the food, music and family games during the Regency period. Friends of Diss Museum Members - £3 Non-members - £5.

MUSIC SANTA JUMP

• Continued from page 71

A MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS

SUNDAY 17TH DEC 14:00 St. Andrew’s Church, Trowse.

A Celebration In Music & Words This concert is performed by the excellent and well-loved group, Hexachordia. The cost, which includes mulled wine and refreshments is £10

EVENT THETFORD VOICES CHRISTMAS CAROLLING

FRIDAY 22ND DEC 11:15 St Peter’s Church, White Hart Street, Thetford Young Singers aged from 6-16 are invited to rehearse carols and Christmas songs before an afternoon singing in residential homes across Thetford. We

FRIDAY 12TH JAN 19:30 Garboldisham Village Hall, Church Road, Garboldisham, Diss, IP22 2SE Our meetings are designed to be overtly spiritual but presented in a manner that those outside the church would feel comfortable. We find many people meet God through these meetings and faith is built up.

EVENT NEWTON FLOTMAN & DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CLUB

THURSDAY 25TH JAN 1.30PM Wreningham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Wreningham, NR16 1AN Demonstration of Flower Arranging by different demonstrators at each meeting.

Monthly meetings. New members welcome.

WANT TO ADVERTISE? List your local event for Free on our Village Notice Board.

Log onto www.village-people. info to send us details

For more information on all events including ticket purchase please see www.village-people.info/whats-on

77

Could you become an Able Care Carer and be part of our friendly team?

Able care has run a successful live-in care agency since 1980, we believe that the elderly are happiest in the familiar surroundings of their own home. ✔ Professional experience is not always essential maybe you have personal experience? ✔ Applicants should be prepared to travel to either Norfolk, Suffolk or Cambridgeshire. ✔ No upper age limit.

Call Able Care on

01603 624135

78

You co earn be uld tween

£560 £ PER W 750 EEK

Health

HEALTH Q&A

Q

: I love the festive season, but all the partying, eating and drinking soon catches up with me.

How can I battle the festive fat?

A

: I know how it feels. You’re doing well with your healthy regime, exercising regularly and eating well. Then comes the pastry-filled parties and the calorific conviviality. Your genial soul expands like a flower unfurling in the sun. The problem is, so does your waistband…

4. Over done the booze? Milk thistle tincture contains nutrients that the liver needs to cleanse and repair, improving bile flow and ensuring that dietary fats will be metabolized in an efficient manner.

5. Finally, never forget the huge benefits of friendly gut bacteria. Try Optibac probiotics which help flatten your tum and speed the whole process in a natural and safe manner!

Good news! You can frolic into the New Year with our five festive top tips: 1. Get clever by cramming in exercise: walking, skipping ropes, hula hoops – whatever it takes – can all be done in 5 minute gaps in your day, keeping your circulatory system alive and your arteries open.

2. Plan extra snoozes. Sleep deprivation makes you hungrier, so get some slumber.

3. Chew every delectable mouthful as though it’s your last. Chewing improves the effectiveness of your digestive process and slows down the food input telling the brain you’re full.

For lots more information call the Natural Food Store on 01603 613228 or catch us on line at www.shop-naturally.com or www.Holistic-care.com

Indigo’s aiim is to help anyone wiith dyslexia related issues.

Screening tests s Asse essments l Dyslexia traiining courses l Specialist dy yslexia tuition l Employmentt Support l

l Diagnostic

0845 347 9322 www.4dyslexics.com

Culrose House

1 Week Respite

OFF £150 std rate

(T&C applies)

Residential care home, Dickleburgh Nr. Diss IP21 4NS

Tel 01379 741 369 www.careeast.co.uk 79

Light-heart meditation school Meditation and mindfulness for everyone

For beauty that goes deeper than skin pHformula: controlled chemical resurfacing for quick skin regeneration and no irritation or downtime. pHformula is the professional choice for Acne, Rosacea, Sun damage and Ageing.

Book Now ffor a ffree consultation ge People. quoting Villag

De-stress, find calm, be happy.

Mindfulness & meditation for everyone. New courses near you Jane@light-heart.co.uk

07747 540 594

light heart meditation school

Sharon’s S Sewing Services curtains & blinds made & altered, clothes alterations, cushion covers, school labels etc

M: 07787 718791 T: 01379 658982 Twitter @skinprof Facebook - Geraldine Walteers Advancceed Skincare #needleQueenDiss

Pick up/Delivery Available

www.geraldinewalters.co.uk

sharonsmithwick@sky.com

Providing a

PROFESSIONAL

and caring service

Susan Whymark

Funeral Service

Home: 01379 873122 Mob: 0779 0227488

take a look at our

AUTUMN winter

CO llecti on

Susan Whymark Funeral Service is owned and run by the Whymark Family.

Independent Funeral Service serving Eye, Harleston and the surrounding areas

Susan Whymark

Funeral Service

Telephone personally answered 24 hours a day

Eye 01379 871168 Harleston 01379 851253

Independent and Family Run

www.susanwhymark.co.uk email susan@susanwhymark.co.uk

Chestnut House, 12 Progress Way, Langton Green, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7HU And 31 Redenhall Road, Harleston, IP20 9HE

80

N O RWI CH AT T L E B O R O U G H DEREHAM HALESWORTH HARLESTON WAT T O N wroxham WYMONDHAM c ec i l a m e y. c o . u k

C ECI L A MEY

Looking Good!

Books

Regional Reads

THIS ISSUE WE L VE 100 NORFOLK CHURCHES OF VILLAGE AND COUNTRYSIDE: A FURTHER SELECTION Andrew Swift Velox Books

ISBN 9780957570153 £20

View our region from a different perspective with this facinating selection of local titles from Chris Rushby of Jarrolds’ Book Department ALL PREACHERS GREAT AND SMALL Keith Skipper

Poppyland Publishing

ISBN 9781909796379 £9.99 This book is based on the marathon series of charity concerts which Keith and colleagues put on over the years across churches in the region.

It’s crammed with yarns about Norfolk churches, chapels, vicars, vergers and the like – but most of all with Norfolk humour. The book includes a foreword written by the Rt Revd Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich.

Following the success of the first volume of 100 Norfolk Churches, this is a second tome presenting a selection of the county’s lesserknown rural churches with colour photographs showing off grand architecture and craftsmanship. It covers a variety of villages from Weston Longville to Swardeston St Mary the Virgin and Tivetshall St Margaret.

TALES FROM THE CITY, VOLUME 3 Edited by Mick Dennis Tales From ISBN 9780993238154 £10

This is the third in the series celebrating key moments and people in the Canaries’ story. It includes stories from former players, a former manager, a club director, fans and a former newspaper correspondent.

SECRET GARDENS OF EAST ANGLIA

Barbara Segall Frances Lincoln ISBN 9780711238596 £20 Suffolk gardening author Barbara Segall and award-winning photographer Marcus Harpur capture twenty-two of the most interesting, inspirational and photogenic gardens of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

HOOK LINE SINKER: A SEAFOOD COOKBOOK

Galton Blackiston Face Publications ISBN 9780955893056 £25 Galton Blackiston, well known for the No.1 fish and chip restaurant in Cromer as well as Michelin-starred Morston Hall, shares his love of cooking with seafood in this cookbook.

81

FOOT CARE Friendly and professional service

Home Visits

Tel: Mob:

01379 640506 07828 146298

EACH gift in every Will makes a difference Contact Maddy Dodsworth on 01223 204913 Registered Charity No. 1069284

Amanda a PILATES S

Shape up, move well and feel good Pilates classes an nd Private Reformer or mat sessions s in Diss and local are ea

8

www.amandapilates.com

07557 025513

amandapilatesnorfolk@gmail.com

“The time leading up to the funeral was made bearable knowing that you were at the end of the telephone.”

New Dentures & Repair Service Denture assessment > Advice > Manufacture > Fitting

– from a family we have cared for at Rosedale

Nigel Towner CDT RCS

01379 676560

marlboroughdentallab.co.uk

82

Marlborough Dental Lab

Victoria Rd, Diss High St, Attleborough Middleton St, Wymondham

01379 640810 01953 452538 01953 601103

www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

We are a family business and promise to provide exceptional care and a truly personal 24 hour service, when you need it most.

Charity

CAN YOU HELP CHILDREN

learn to love reading?

L iteracy charity Beanstalk is calling for members of the community in Norfolk to join its 201718 intake of trained volunteers that will help children in local primary schools become more confident readers.

Low levels of literacy continue to be a persistent problem both nationally and locally. According to the most recent SATS test results, more than 2,600 primary school leavers in Norfolk did not achieve the expected level in reading.

“Without intervention, the outlook for children struggling with reading is concerning,” explains Jo Holmes, Area Manager for Beanstalk. “It can lead to behavioural problems and can affect their future prospects in life and work. We need to recruit around another 250 reading helpers in the East of England by the end of the academic year to ensure that we help more school children achieve the skills, confidence and imagination to reach their true potential.”

Denise Humphrey has been a Beanstalk reading helper at a school in Norfolk for just over one year and has found the experience extremely rewarding and a good way to become part of the local community.

“I get a real buzz out of helping children improve their confidence and reading and we often play word games to make the sessions fun and engaging. The teachers have said that they have seen real improvements which makes it all very worthwhile.”

Beanstalk needs more compassionate and caring members of the local community that would like to volunteer as reading helpers in Norfolk. For more information or to apply, please visit the website at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call Beanstalk on 0845 450 0307.

K J ACCOUNTANCY Effective for: l stress management l anxiety reduction l weight control l removal of fears & phobias l improving relaxation l increasing resilience Contact: Richard Ingate BA(hons) PGCE Hyp. Diploma, NLP Master Practitioner

Tel: 07725 334 075 info@disshypnotherapy.com www.disshypnotherapy.com

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 83

Fashion

Fa ashion High-heeled boots Office, £95 Silver plisse culottes Miss Selfridge, £30

A-line mini skirt Glamorous, £36 Sequin jacket Wallis, £90

Age

SPACE

Get ready for Christmas party take-off with this season’s metallic trend

Leather shopper Accessorize, £65

Leopard print skirt Dorothy Perkins, £26

Metallic brogues Jones Bootmaker, £45

Sparkly halter top Topshop, £39

Silver playsuit Miss Selfridge, £32

84

Stradbroke

Coffee Shop

OFF 20%inter stock

Aut/w esentation r with p this ad of

Enjoy our courtyard

Monday to Saturday 10am – 4:30pm (Closed Tuesdays) Sunday 10:30am –4pm !

Lloyd Attree, dragonfly waistcoat, £39.99

Herbie Frogg, 3piece suit £280

Great quality, great service and great gift ideas for Christmas 25 St Nicholas St, Diss 01379 652575 adriansmith467@gmail.com www.manatmenswear.co.uk www.facebook.com/manat.co.uk

LEAPING HARE RESTAU RANT & C AFÉ, COUNTRY STORE, VINEYARD, GARDENS & SAT URDAY FARMERS MARKET ‘BEST RESTAURANT’ EADT S U FFOLK FOOD AN D D RI N K AWAR D S 2 0 1 5

OPEN DAILY 10AM-5PM • FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS FROM 7PM

W YK E N VI N E YA RD S . C O.U K

W YKEN ROAD, S TA NTON , S U FFOLK , I P 3 1 2DW • 0 1 3 5 9 2 5 0 2 8 7

85

Local Chocolates & Gifts this Christmas

Local Chocolatier, Helen Fraser is busy making delicious chocolates this winter. Don’t miss the stunning Chocolate Salted Caramel Gems. There are three new recipes: Garden Breeze, infused with fresh garden mint; Rosemary by the Sea, a salted rosemary caramel; and Wild Berry, a layered summer berry and black pepper ganache! And three new hamper offerings for Christmas.

The Chocolate Café is serving hand-blended hot chocolates, mochas and cappuccinos, as well as seasonal favourites such as Pumpkin Spiced Hot Chocolate. While the delicious light lunches and home-baked cakes offer a warming treat on a wintery day. Do ask about the gluten-free and vegan options.

Nextdoor in the gift shop – The Tilting Sky – wonderful British-made gifts and treats include spiced candles, handmade jewellery and unique ceramics. Take a look at the wonderful new range of handbags, gloves and silk scarves.

86

The Tilting Sky

Cocoa Mama, The Chocolate Café

4b Broad Street, Eye, Suffolk 01379 871112 www.tiltingsky.co.uk

4 Broad Street, Eye, Suffolk 01379 870688 www.cocoamama.co.uk

Open Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm and Sat 9 to 4pm

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm

Arts

Celebrating

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY THROUGH ART Writer and artist Kristy Campbell investigates how the local art scene is influenced by human rights issues and how two artists have used their voice to instigate change.

E

very year on 10 December we commemorate Human Rights Day. With this, we remember the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, leading to the passing of resolution 423 in 1950 where all

states and organisations were invited to join the movement.

being treated equally, with fairness, dignity and respect.

Human rights looks at a variety of subjects, including racial matters, LGBTQIA issues, gender orientated concerns and questions of social, cultural and domestic violence. It exercises the importance of everyone

Artists Marcia X and Anmar Mirza have kindly contributed to this article, offering up their artistic practice for study and some personal words with reference to human rights.

Anmar Mirza has adopted emotion and perspective as key components forming the framework for his practice. In his later paintings he appears to have incorporated more humorous elements in to works in order to ‘lighten’ the thoughts and semantics applied to his abstract compositions. He notes that everything is based on impulse, and reaction.

“Fundamentally, I want to paint about basic human emotion. I’m not usually one to paint about politics or social issues, but watching the media coverage on Aleppo and the refugee crisis, I felt that the media had dehumanized what was going on. That was the worst bit about it. It made me feel quite frustrated and sad. So I painted something based on pure emotion. Just deep sadness.

Something relatable. One figure who had lost everything, being comforted by another.”

Find out more at www.amrza90.com

87

Arts

Artist, Marcia X places the diasporic experience at the core of her practice. She looks at what it means and what it is like to be a person of colour – in particular, a woman of colour – to be in a constant, existential cultural crisis. As a visual artist, filmmaker and researcher, Marcia continues to probe and confront this crisis, seeking ways to live through it and envision futures away from it.

“Puerto Rico has been a colonial subject birthed from genocide of indigenous peoples like the rest of the Americas, in this case, with the Taino and the subsequent participation of the enslavement of West Africans.

Juggled from Spanish to American hands, Puerto Rico has suffered economic problems, forced sterilization of a third of its female population, poisoning, bombing, mass emigration away from the island, and currently, genocide.

Again.

88

Its president has blamed Puerto Ricans for the failed economy and every time he is critiqued, he lashes out at Puerto Rican’s more and more. His latest is a threat that FEMA, which has already stated has no responsibility in distributing aid to the island, will be removed because it can’t help the people forever.

“I was born in the 80s. I am one generation removed from peasant sugar cane workers that toiled on plantations. Colonialism is alive, and takes its shape in many forms. To see how it is working now, look at the situation of Puerto Rico. Then to the rest of the Caribbean to see how little value black and brown lives have unless they’re able to make other countries profit from the labour on the land.”

Find out more at www.artistmarciax.com

All around the world there are artists, writers, performers and poets working closely with subjects stemming from human rights issues. In the UK, we strive to contribute power to the people through collectives like ‘The Nasty Women Movement’, who tour the country; established artists including Ai Weiwei, Banksy, and Guerrilla Girls who build on the protest art scene; museums, galleries and researchers like Professor Richard Sandell who endeavor to bring discussion on social justice and equality to the fore. Art for Amnesty is another global effort, with artists from around the world standing by Amnesty International with “a vision of a world where human rights are enjoyed by all”.

December is a magical time of year for lots of different cultures.

For the celebrations of Saint Nicholas Day, Eid’ul-Adha, Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Hanukkah, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa Omisoka, Yule and Saturnalia.

Make 10 December another day on the calendar to remember, to spare a thought for, and to play a part in.

Find out more about Kristy Campbell’s art, research and writing at Axisweb.org/p/kristycamp, follow her on Instagram @kristycamp or contact her on Kristycamp17@gmail.com.

Cost Effective Money Saving Business Services Newman & Co Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors have been serving local businesses and individuals in East Anglia for over 20 years.

We offer a range of services to suit our clients’ individual needs that include: * Tax returns advice and planning * Preparation of annual accounts * Bookkeeping services and management accounts preparation * Business start-up advice * Payroll services including real-time processing * VAT returns and advice We provide an efficient and friendly service through our professionally qualified staff and believe that there is a real value in developing long-standing professional relationships with our clients.

Please contact us to arrange a free initial consultation.

Freelance specialists in providing a wide range of Business Services for small and medium sized companies in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

T:01953 681895 M:07551 495187 info@lsdbusinesssupport.co.uk www.lsdbusinesssupport.co.uk 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

Tax

Accounts

Audit

Highly recommended independent accountant for small to medium companies, partnerships and individuals.

T: 01953 630 004 E: grahamcormack@taxassist.co.uk Exchange Street,Attleborough, NR17 2AB www.taxassist.co.uk/attleborough

Providing personal service levels at fixed competitive prices

T: 01379 308832 M: 07592 146144 E: anthony@ajbriceaccountancy.com W: www.ajbriceaccountancy.co.uk

Home Farm Barn, Burston, Diss, Norfolk IP22 5TJ

Oil Tanks Supplied and installed Pipe Work Gauges Fuel Pumps Spares 24 hour call out

Established over 30 years

01508 570629 07979 846139

info@pdoiltanks.co.uk Unit 2, Woodview Farm, Church Lane, Wicklewood, Norfolk NR18 9QH

Domestic

www.pdoiltanks.co.uk

Agricultural

Commercial

SUPPLY TEACHERS NEEDED IN NORFOLK & SUFFOLK

*Daily, short term & long-term positions available *Enjoy a work-life balance *PAYE – no umbrella companies *Established independent agency with a small friendly team

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and arrange a local registration meeting

01440 764430 (24/7) samantha@keyteacher.co.uk www.keyteacher.co.uk

89

Make the most of your retirement Michael Boon is your local Equity Release Council member for professional independent advice.

If you are interested in releasing a tax-free lump sum from your home then Michael will be delighted to guide you through the different types of equity release schemes available to find the best plan for your needs.

To find out more call Michael on 01508 483983 or visit www.boonbrokers.co.uk

with equity release

Equity release schemes allow you to release tax-free cash from your home to boost your finances in later life • Many clients use this money to repay an existing mortgage, make home improvements, buy a new car and even go on a holiday of a life time, while others may wish to offer financial assistance to their children or to improve their own quality of life in retirement.

• Boon Brokers is qualified and registered through the Financial Conduct Authority to offer a valuable equity release service for homeowners aged 55 or over.

• Boon Brokers only recommend approved schemes from The Equity Release Council.

This is a lifetime mortgage, to understand the features and risks ask for a personalised illustration.

Boon Brokers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 301141.

Recruitment that works for you

Whether you are looking for temporary, permanent, ffull or part time work – we have local opportunities that are right for you

Diss: 01379 777877 Norwich: 01603 764044 Thetford: 01842 750222 www.contract-personnel.com 90

Money

CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE FOR FREE

I

t’s human nature for us to wonder what other people know and think about us – as evidenced by the soaring popularity of social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

But unfortunately many of us don’t have the same appetite to find out when it comes to our credit report.

To put it in basic terms, a credit report shows the banks, credit card companies, mobile phone providers and anyone else granting credit, just how you’ve managed your finances over the last few years.

If it’s a good report and you have a high score then you’ll have no trouble getting credit at the best rates but if it’s got some bad stuff on it then you may find it less straightforward to borrow money – so why wouldn’t you want to know how your report stacks up?

If you’ve never looked at your credit record and score, it’s well worth spending 20 minutes to find out what’s on file. I’d suggest taking a look at a new service from TotallyMoney.com where you can obtain a copy of your credit score and details for free.

Your credit report will list any late or missed payments on your existing loans and credit cards as well as previous borrowing you’ve had during the last six years. Other areas included on your file include details of any bankruptcies and county court judgements as well as the amount you currently owe on your credit agreements.

You hear many different stories about what’s on your credit record, so it’s worth trying to dispel one or two of the myths surrounding these reports: • Third party information, including members of your family who live, or have lived with you does not appear on your credit file as long as you don’t share any joint financial commitments.

otherwise you won’t appear as being listed at your address if a lender makes a credit search.

• Close credit card accounts that you’re no longer using. Even though your balance may be zero, any prospective lenders will take into account any existing credit limits you have available to you when assessing applications for new finance.

• Having no record of managing credit can count against you so it’s worth having a credit card and using it a few times each year – if you repay the statement balance in full and on time it won’t cost you a penny, but demonstrates that you are capable of managing credit and will reflect positively on your file.

Your credit record is more important than you probably realise, so next time you’ve got a bit of spare time on your hands check out your details at www.totallymoney.com

• Other people who have lived at your address previously will not affect your credit score.

If you’re looking for a few tips on how to improve your credit rating, consider the following: • Ensure you are registered on the electoral role

By Andrew Hagger, Independent personal finance analyst from www.moneycomms.co.uk

91

STOP PRESS very limited space left in the

LOCAL DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS Anthony James Brice KJ Accountancy Newman and Co Accountants Tax Assist Accountants ANIMAL SERVICES Norfolk Dog Training Trophy Pet Foods Uplands Way Vets LTD ANTIQUES Olde Time ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING Andrew P R Love Architecture Keith Day Architects Nick Clarke Architect ARTS & CRAFTS Hilary and Alice Susan’s Work Basket BATHROOMS AHM Installations Norwich Bathroom & Kitchens Supreme Bathrooms BEDS Sound Sleep Beds BUILDERS, HANDYMEN & SUPPLIERS Clark Build Ltd Derek Parker Glenn Wilson Ltd Builder Green Brick Projects J. Chamberlain CARE & MOBILITY Able Care Agency Culrose Residential Care Home EACH Saffron Housing Trust Ltd CARPETS & FLOORING Eye Flooring CARS, CARAVANS & GARAGES Anglia Caravan Engineering Services Caravan & Trailer Services Glenn Parker Home Tyre Norfolk Paul Trailers Ltd CHIMNEY SWEEPS Anglia Chimney Sweeps CLEANERS Crystal Clean Maid2Clean(Suffolk) Ltd

89 83 89 89 35 46 61 36 50 66 69 2 66 58 8 13 4 61 10 66 72 14 78 79 82 58 3 42 52 41 61 42 66 55 35

COMPUTER, WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES Bailiwick IT Ltd 58 Centiflex 35 Philippa Green Web Design 35 CURTAINS, BLINDS & SHUTTERS Garnet House Drapes 52 DAYS OUT, TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS Cynthia Grimmer 18 Eastons Holidays 26 Fakenham Racecourse Ltd 59 Galloway Coach Travel Ltd 15 Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery 37 Not Just Travel 58 Peter Beales Garden Centre 10 Planet Laser 24 Redwings Horse Sanctuary 27 & 45 Simonds 14 DENTISTS & DENTURES Marlborough Dental Practice 82 Simply Smile Netherton Ltd 95 ELECTRICIANS Dave Ramstead Electrician 52 Harling Electrical 48 ESTATE AGENTS, LETTINGS & PROPERTY Howards (Estate Agents) Ltd 12 FINANCIAL, INSURANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL SERVICES Boon Brokers 90 LSD Business Support 89 FOOD & DRINK Beccles Farmers Market 69 East of England Co-op 30 & 31 FUEL MERCHANTS Diss Firewood 18 Eon 9 Larkins Fuel Merchants 42 FUNERALS Rosedale Funeral Home 82 Susan Whymark Funeral Services 80 GARAGE DOORS, SHUTTERS & AWNINGS Cooks Blinds Norwich 52 GARDEN SERVICES A. Waterfield 44 Diss Garden Centre Ltd 27 Eclipse Gardening 46 Foundry Nurseries Ltd 44

Gard n Cox Garden Care Hempnall Lawnmower Centre JDMA Paving & Landscaping Lake and Pond Aquatics LG Tree Services Moorestone Paving Ltd Nigel Payne Noble Paving East Anglia P.D. Garden Services Real English Fruit Trees Resin Drives The Garden Enclosure The Lady Gardnener Tree Fellas Wymondham Garden Centre GROUNDWORKS, DRAINAGE & SEPTIC TANKS R&A Driveways HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS Coltishall Clinic Ltd Geraldine Walters Indigo Dyslexia Centre Jane Dow Live-everyday Ltd Lucy Keil Footcare Nicola Clarke Chiropody HEALTHCARE Spire Norwich Hospital HOUSE CLEARANCE Diss House Clearance HYPNOTHERAPY Diss Hypnotherapy IRONING SERVICES Ironed4U Pressed-to-Go JOBS Contract Personnel Ltd Hales Group Ltd Key Education Services Ltd KITCHENS Kitchen Sense of Harleston Voyager Kitchens Norwich Bathroom & Kitchens Supreme Bathrooms OPTICIANS Cecil Amey Ltd PEST CONTROL Carole Mole Catcher

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. Magazine, adverts, design, layout and content Copyright © Village People Magazines Ltd. 2008-2018

92

35 42 75 46 41 44 41 63 46 69 57 47 41 13 17

65 79 80 79 80 19 82 82 76 48 83 35 11 90 78 89 11 68 8 13 80 46

next issue to feature local businesses PHOTOGRAPHY Overall Drones 50 PLUMBING, BOILERS & DRAINAGE Andy’s Oil Boiler Service 55 Barnard’s Heating & Plumbing 55 Broadland ENV Ltd 52 Else Heating & Plumbing 55 P & D Tank Services Ltd 89 Pat The Plumber 55 Waterson Plumbing & Heating 55 REMOVALS John Ryder Removals 50 Van and a Man 14 RESTAURANTS, PUBS, HOTELS, CATERING & FUNCTIONS Burston Crown 18 Fox & Hounds 58 Marsh Larder 69 The Boars 19 The Good The Bad & The Hungry 41 The Park Hotel 14 The Queens Head 23 The White Horse 26 RIDING Eye Equestrian Centre 12 ROOFING A & L Roofing 66 PAC Roofing 65 Premier Roofing Supplies Ltd 66 Projects 4 Roofing Ltd 6 & 17 SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, EDUCATION & CHILDREN Hartismere School & Sixth Form College 74 SECURITY Malthouse Security Ltd 25 Sky High Security 36 SEWING, DRESSMAKING & SOFT FURNISHINGS Sharon’s Sewing Services 80

SHOPPING, BUYING & SELLING Adullam’s Cave 70 Bang & Olufsen 33 Carousel 69 Cherry Lane Garden Services 70 Cocoa Mama 86 John Doe Carpets & Furniture Ltd 96 Man About Town 85 Myhills Pet & Garden 38 & 39 Stradbroke Antiques Coffee Shop 85 Stradbroke Antiques 27 Wyken Vineyards 85 SPORT, FITNESS & RECREATION Amanda Cooper Pilates 82 Brave Allstars 18 Langmere Leisure 49 STONE MASONRY Cutstone Ltd. 63 STORAGE Rookery Self Storage 65 STOVES & FIRES Nexus Stoves 40 Raven Stoves 65 The Stove and Fireplace Centre Ltd 15 THEATRE & CINEMA Dove Players 17 The Light Cinema 21 Theatre Royal 28 TILING R Mutton 49 WATER SOFTENERS & SALT A D Veale 40 Larkins Fuel Merchants 42 WINDOW CLEANING Cottrell Cleaning 50 WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Cloudy 2 Clear Windows 45 Conservatories etc. Ltd 56

SPREAD T H E W O R D ADVERTISE IN

FROM JUST £27pm

IT WORKS! Don’t just take our word for it!

53%

of our readers don’t read any other local magazine nor newspaper apart from Village People

54%

of our readers have contacted a local business after seeing their advert in Village People

REACH UP TO 50,000 HOMES EACH ISSUE! CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM NOW ON

75% of our readers have visited a pub, restaurant or hotel as a result of seeing their advert or review in Village People

of our readers look in Village People FIRST when they need a local tradesperson or service

01284 788623

TO FIND OUT MORE

village-people.info

93

Crossword

CROSSWORD Exercise your brain cells

CLUES ACROSS

CLUES DOWN

6

Rise up in fear and back away to be coy (3)

1

Seek favour, support and perhaps love as well (3)

8

Table to use just sometimes (10)

2

Unreturnable stroke on the court - excellent (3)

9

Make an enormous effort, do your best (3)

3

Old boiler on a fashionable race course (5)

11 Conceal a whole surface with what you will (5, 2)

4

When a theory is put to the test (6, 2, 5)

5

Discharge a debt and salary raised (3, 2)

7

Commotion and boisterous activity (5-5)

13 Storehouse for supplies or regimental HQ (5) 14 Simple tube-shaped organism grows on a mucous membrane (5) 15 Appears from what you say to be rather threatening (6, 7) 16 Part association following a quarrel (5) 18 Leg grasped instrument with strings (5) 19 Understand by watching the speaker’s mouth (3-4) 20 Common ox-like antelope from Africa (3) 23 One with special knowledge or skill, once dominant (4, 6)

10 Reward or punish, amends made (10) 11 Advisory, deliberative or administrative body (7) 12 Cutting remark that has some emphasis (7) 17 One of great importance, a giant in the past (5) 18 Tubular duct in tissue (5) 21 It’s for you to turn tea into what you devoured (3) 22 Provide the weaponry necessary for defence (3)

24 Novel, fresh and unused, probably very modern too (3) LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7) True, 8) Motivate, 9) Smuggler, 10) Lord, 11) Sheet, 13) Lobelia, 15) Include, 17) Vinyl, 20) Mood, 21) Carousel, 23) Pedestal, 24) Nail. DOWN: 1) Drum, 2) Reggae, 3) Amble, 4) Stardom, 5) Evolve, 6) Eternity, 12) Hangover, 14) Educate, 16) Ledger, 18) Iguana, 19) Drill, 22) Epic.

94

Dental implants

Helping you to smile again Dental implants are a safe and convenient way to replace lost teeth with natural-looking results.

Implants are fixed teeth that fill the space where your own teeth used to be. They can be used to support crowns replacing single missing teeth, bridges that restore a larger span of missing teeth, or even dentures.

The results will make you feel younger, more confident and you will speak and eat better. Our experienced dentist has been successfully placing implants for over 20 years and can confidently advise you on the benefits and advantages of why you should fill any gaps where teeth should be – why not give us a call today to find out more.

01508 532226

netherton@simplysmiledental.co.uk www.nethertondental.com The Plain, Long Stratton, Norfolk, NR15 2XG

We are pleased to welcome Dr Luca Di Alberti and Dalia Odeh to the team at Netherton Dental Practice Dr Luca Di Alberti DDS (hons) 1994, PhD, Dip Spec Oral Surg Luca comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in dentistry.

For the last 20+ years he has successfully been placing implants in the UK and Italy, lectured in several universities on Implantology and Piezosurgery, runs annual courses in Basic and Advanced Implantology. He is also a founder member and active member of the International Academy of Piezosurgery.

Dalia Odeh BSc, MSc, MFDS (RCS, Eng) Dalia qualified in 1997, focuses on general dentistry and is an advocate for Biomimetics in Dentistry and restoring teeth to their natural form.

Dalia’s aim is to improve a patient’s smile, both functionally and cosmetically.

All your flooring needs...covered!

WOOD At John Doe we have the LVT experience to guide you on the right kind of flooring for the way you like to live your life. Plus, with over 4 decades of experience, we’re the professionals that you can trust for this important addition to your home or workplace.

CARPET

LAMINATE

VINYL

SISAL

IN STORE SAWMILLS ROAD, DISS IP22 4DA ONLINE johndoe.co.uk 01379 644 081 | 96

starts SALE y r a u r!

Jan cembe e D h t 27

40 000 sq ft superstore superstore 40,000 ,

sq ft