In 2018, the John Lewis Partnership launched a service called Home Solutions. They announced, “The John Lewis Home Solutions service allows customers to source and book trusted tradespeople for a wide range of services, including gardeners, electricians and painters, all of whom have been vetted and approved.” Four years later and there’s little sign of the service at all.
The retailer is not the first big organisation to try to break into the home services market in this way, nor are they the first to find it didn’t take off.
There are a number of reasons why householders don’t feel the need to approach a middleman for jobs around the home, but the uplift on the cost is one of them. Local traders don’t have long travelling time or high fuel costs to cover when quoting and carrying out the work or vice-versa if it’s a business that you travel to.
Of course, you do want the assurance that somebody is going to do a good job. Small businesses rely on their reputation for repeat business and word will soon spread in a community if a rogue trader is out there.
Keep it local, keep the cost down and build your own network of trusted trades people. This magazine is a great place to begin; it’s packed full of amazing services right on your doorstep.
Enjoy April & May!
Tracey
@TraceySATBOOK
Inside…
6 - Beauty;16 Genius Beauty Hacks 10 - Fostering; Is It Right For You?
11 - The Best Apps for Coffee, Salt & Sugar 12 - Recipe; Mediterranean Baked Chicken 16 - A Joyous Jubilee 19 - Easter Jokes 20 - Home & Interiors; A Good Nights Sleep 24 - Health; Medicating For Mental Health 28 - Sourcing A Pet 30 - Motoring; Lexus NX
32 - Gardening; Plant A Tree For The Jubilee 34 - Community Events & What’s On 35 - Wordsearch; European Countries
36 - Puzzle Page; Sudoku, Anagram, Pictogram & Word Ladder 37 - Business Cards
38 - Quiz Answers
38 - Advert sizes & fees 39 - Index
To contact us: tracey@satbook.co.uk Tele: 01603 717681 This magazine is one of 5,000 copies delivered to residents & businesses in: Long Stratton, Tasburgh, Newton Flotman, Hempnall, Morningthorpe, Fritton, Shelton, Hardwick, Saxlingham Nethergate, Saxlingham Green, Swainsthorpe, Tharston, Gt Moulton & Wacton.
Trends Suggest Use of “Bank of Mum and Dad” Is Back
Is the so-called “Bank of Mum and Dad” on its way back? While many first-time buyers do receive some form of financial support from their parents, recent data suggests that this trend may be on the rise.
Obviously, the pandemic had a huge impact on the housing market, causing fluctuations in house prices, essentially closing the market for several months and causing a huge rush as people tried to make the most of the stamp duty holiday.
For first time buyers, however, who are mostly exempt from stamp duty regardless, the pandemic may have actually had a negative impact on their ability to buy a house, with many being priced out of moves amidst the extreme demand. House prices have continued to increase, meaning it’s harder than ever to take the first step onto the housing ladder.
In this article, we’re going to look at some recent research and data identifying trends around first-time buyers and the use of the bank of Mum and Dad. Read on to find out more.
Are first time buyers getting more parental support?
The first thing to investigate is whether first time buyers are returning to the market after the stamp duty holiday has recently ended, and whether they’re receiving parental support at similar levels.
According to recent data from Knowledge Bank, a database for mortgage criteria, searches on their index for “joint borrower sole proprietor” mortgages were increasing. These types of mortgages are popular with first-time buyers who can add a parent or relative’s income to the application to be eligible for a larger loan.
So, it seems that the number of first-time or young buyers using parental support to buy homes has risen back to pre-pandemic levels, perhaps as a result of the stamp duty holiday ending and this therefore reducing the competition for homes on the market.
However, the data from Knowledge Bank also shows strong interest in buy-to-let mortgages, suggesting that there’s still strong interest in the housing market from more established investors.
Could even more parental assistance be available?
The other recent piece of data suggests that first-time buyers may actually be underestimating the amount of parental support that’s on offer, despite the recent increase to the number of people receiving it.
The data, from the Building Societies Association, showed that 58% of potential first-time buyers do not expect any financial assistance from their older relatives, but that 71% of parents expect to provide some financial help – so that there is potentially a mismatch of expectations when it comes to finances.
In addition, 41% of parents expect to provide some form of monetary gift towards their children buying a first home, but only 24% of firsttime buyers expect to receive this –again suggesting that more support may be available than many wouldbe home buyers are imagining. This may mean that there are firsttime buyers who believe that taking the first step onto the property ladder is unaffordable, but they actually could take that first step with the support of their parents or other relatives.
In truth, the only way for people to understand their financial situation, and that of their families is to sit down and have a frank and honest conversation about expectations and the financial realities. Without this conversation, first-time buyers may find they’re relying on support that isn’t there or missing out on money that could help them take that all-important first step.
Are you new to volunteering, or looking to gain more skills? Join the Norfolk Volunteer Passport scheme.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, build confidence and provides a sense of purpose.
The passport, provides you with free training to allow you to move between voluntary organisations, filling short term roles.
For more information please contact Helen: volunteercentre@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk
286124
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PLATINUM JUBILEE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Across Norfolk, plans are advancing to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Towns and parishes are arranging beacons to be lit on 2nd June. Street parties are being organised for The Big Jubilee Lunch (2nd – 5th June extended bank holiday weekend). 1,500 schoolchildren and adults will sing and perform in A Royal Salute at the Royal Norfolk Show on 29th & 30th June. And people are signing up to take part in the Platinum Jubilee Challenge Awards throughout the year
And businesses can get involved too. The Lord-Lieutenant’s organising committee is actively seeking partnerships with local businesses, to enable staff to take part in activities and celebrations, and to raise money to benefit communities across the county. The Platinum Jubilee Fund has been established to support the costs of all the events and activities in Norfolk, as well as provide a legacy fund administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation, distributed according to the principles of the County Lieutenancy: ‘To offer active support to the voluntary, commercial, social, and spiritual lives of the citizens of Norfolk.’
Examples of partnership opportunities include: Company branded certificates for those completing the Challenge Awards, or entering a team of staff to take part in the Awards; Company branding on 1,500 performers’ tabards for A Royal Salute, supporting the filming and distribution of the performance with associated branding; Become a Trail Patron for one of the new Platinum Jubilee Trails across Norfolk, install branded QR codes on Trails linking to historical and environmental information; or many other options. Opportunities for staff engagement are considerable,
from these examples to lighting a beacon, or organising a street or office party for The Big Jubilee Lunch.
Supporting businesses will benefit from extensive public exposure through the website www.platinumjubileenorfolk.org, which will be the main information hub for all Platinum Jubilee activity in Norfolk, and dedicated social media channels (@jubileenorfolk on Twitter, @platinumjubileenorfolk for all other channels). They will also get access to exclusive events, and invitations to a Grand Reception at the Royal Norfolk Show, hosted by HM LordLieutenant of Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt MBE.
Recent Chair of the Norfolk branch of the Institute of Directors, Michael Harrowven JP, who is supporting the Lieutenancy in setting up these partnerships, said: “This Platinum Jubilee year presents a fantastic opportunity for businesses to really position themselves at the heart of their communities, engage their staff, fulfill their corporate social responsibilities, raise their profiles, and celebrate their resilience after a challenging couple of years.”
Chair of Norfolk’s organising committee, Deputy Lieutenant James Bagge, said; “As well as all the individuals, community groups, schools, councils and others coming together, we really want to partner with the business community and touch every aspect of society in Norfolk to celebrate the life and achievements of a remarkable person, Her Majesty The Queen.”
Any business interested in discussing their potential involvement should contact Michael Harrowven at supporters@platinumjubileenorfolk.org, or register their interest at www.platinumjubileenorfolk.org
Contact us on
01603 717681
& you’ll find we are passionate about helping you!
This handy publication is carefully created & distributed bi-monthly to 5,000 homes & businesses in all these local areas:
· Long Stratton
· Tasburgh
· Newton Flotman
· Hempnall
· Morningthorpe
· Fritton
· Shelton
· Hardwick
· Saxlingham Nethergate
· Saxlingham Green
· Swainsthorpe
· Tharston
· Great Moulton
· Wacton
Community Events & What’s On...
You can use this page to send your FREE message to 5,000 households and businesses!
3rd LONG STRATTON BROWNIE PACK meets every Thursday 6pm - 7.30pm term time at the Methodist church, Manor Road, Long Stratton. If your daughter is aged between 7 and 10 years and would like to join Brownies please call Brown Owl (Gill) on 01508 530378 or e-mail gillworrell@btinternet.com for further information or to arrange a visit to see what we do.
LONG STRATTON GYMNASTIC CLUB every Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon caters for girls aged 5 to 18 years. The club runs a disability session on a Saturday which is open to boys and girls at Long Stratton Leisure Centre, first session free. For more information contact Tina on 01379 740948.
LONG STRATTON TODDLER GROUP every Monday and Wednesday morning 9.15-11.15am (term time only). Held at the Methodist church on Manor Road. First session free, £2.00 thereafter. www.longstrattontoddlers.co.uk
TAS WELL JUNIORS - The last Saturday of every month 6-8pm at the Tas Well Social Club for children of all ages. Games, activities & lots of fun. More info: Mel on 01508 532146 or mel.large@btinternet.com
COFFEE MEETING - meet some old friends, make some new friends, have a chat, a cup of tea & a piece of cake at the Coffee Pot, every Wednesday 2.003.30pm in the Tasburgh Church Room.
CASUALTIES UNION NORWICH BRANCH - Meets at the Vauxhall Centre, Johnson Place, Norwich, NR2 2SA 7:30pm 9:30pm Weds new members welcome for details contact 01508 494492 www.casualtiesunion.org.uk
KIDDY COOK - Cookery workshops for 4-11 year old chefs held in Tasburgh. Held once a month on Saturday mornings and during school holidays. www.kiddycook.co.uk or call Fran on 07973 724870 for the latest schedule.
HEMPNALL MILL CENTRE- Bookings: Jackie Jackson 01508 499061. info@hempnallmillcentre.co.uk www.hempnallmillcentre.co.uk
NEED SOMEWHERE TO HOLD A FUNCTION?
Anniversary celebration, children’s party, christening, birthday party, Family & friends get-together the Mill Centre in Hempnall is available for hire – please call Jackie Jackson on 01508 499061 or email jackson.jc@btinternet.com
THARSTON HISTORY SOCIETY regularly meets on the last Wednesday of alternate months. Everyone is welcome - admission is free but there is a retiring collect to help with Society expenses. For further information please see our website www.tharston-historysociety.com or email web@tharston-historysociety.com.
DID YOU KNOW you can now find information on THE HEMPNALL TRUST & how to book the Mill Centre in Hempnall on The Hempnall Trust Website www.hempnalltrust.org
FITNESS CLASSES - Long Stratton High School on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening. Choose from circuits, HIIT or cardio blast. First session FREE. To book your FREE session or for more details please email: hello@timcourridge.co.uk
HEMPNALL MILL CENTRE - LUNCHEON CLUB
Wednesday and Thursday from £5.50 morning tea or coffee served on arrival from 11am a two course lunch served at 12 noon pick up travel can be arranged for more information contact: Margaret Sparham (Wed and Thurs on 499766 or 499579 at other times).
GT. MOULTON CHAPEL - COFFEE MORNING
Wednesdays 10.30 to 11.45. Come and have a mardle at this fun, friendly venue. We have home made cakes and even soup, together with a selection of hot and cold drinks. Open to everyone, we'd be pleased to see you. Contact Steven: 01379 674341
SAXLINGHAM NETHERGATE BOWLS CLUB Come along and have a go at Bowls at our Green in a picturesque setting on the Playing Field. The club is running taster session and coaching for beginners on Monday mornings at 11.00am. Experienced Bowlers are welcome too. Contact: Chris Lacey on 01508 499700
NEWTON FLOTMAN PRE-SCHOOL We are a well established, community pre-school at the Village Centre offering a fun and educational environment for children, aged from 2 years to school age. The preschool, an outstanding early years provider (OFSTED 2015-2016) is open Monday to Friday, with ample space for parking. Fees start from £4.50 per hour. We also accept funding from Norfolk County Council for 2, and 3-4 year olds, if applicable and we are able to offer tax free childcare too! For more information please contact us at manager@newtonflotmanpreschool.co.uk or 01508 470680, or alternatively please visit www.newtonflotmanpreschool.co.uk
TASBURGH UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB - Our FA Charter Standard club won Norfolk FA’s Grassroots club of the year for 2019. We have FA qualified coaches who train boys and girls from age 5 to 15, and we have various teams playing in the Norfolk Youth Combined League. New players and volunteers welcome! For more info you can find us on Facebook, at www.tasburghunited.com or call Dan Edwards on 07813 045764.
SINGING: IF YOU CAN SPEAK, YOU CAN SING! Creative Singing Studios Community Singing Group Meets Every Tuesday Evening 7:00 - 8:30pm at Wacton Village Hall, £5.00 per person, pay as you go. This group is regularly invited to sing throughout the region and has raised more than £1000 within the past 12 months for local charities such as Shelter & Break! For more information go to www.creativesingingstudios.co.uk.Contact Louise Barton via email on: louise@louisebarton.com
Community Events & What’s On...
You can use this page to send your FREE message to 5,000 households and businesses!
LA JOLIE RONDE FRENCH LESSONS -For children from the age of 3 to 11 years old. Lessons are fun, with lots of games, songs and role play. Once a week during term time. Classes available at Manorfield Infant and Nursery School 12.30-1pm on a Tuesday, open to children attending the school. Classes also available at St. Mary's Junior School on a Wednesday 12.15-12.45pm and 12.45-1.15pm, open to children attending the school. If your child attends Jack in the Box Daycare there are sessions available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Ask about free taster sessions. Email djc1@ntlworld.com or text 07887 513757.
MARTIAL ARTS - All Oriental Self Defence & Physical Fitness Techniques in One Art. Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts Club in Long Stratton and Tasburgh. TWO FREE SESSIONS. Ages 4-7 years; Lil Dragons Tasburgh Village Hall Monday 4.30pm. Ages 7 to Adult; Tasburgh Village Hall Monday 5.30-6.30pm. Classes also in Long Stratton see web www.kuksoolwon-gillingwater.org for locations, times and more information or call/text 07775 890359.
TAS VALLEY PRE-SCHOOL and PLAYGROUP Our small, dedicated team of staff provides a safe, caring
and stimulating environment for children aged 2 years to school age, to play and learn. During term time, we offer weekday morning sessions 9am - 12pm, and Tuesday afternoon sessions 12pm - 3pm. We also offer Monday afternoon sessions, 12pm - 3pm, for pre -school year children only (the year before children go to school). Fees are £14 per session, age dependent. All 3-5 year olds and some 2 year olds are entitled to funding from Norfolk County Council. Please visit www.tasvalleyplaygroup.org.uk or e-mail enquiries.tvplaygroup@gmail.com
SAXLINGHAM NETHERGATE BOWLS CLUB Come along and have a go at Bowls at our Green in a picturesque setting on the Playing Field. The club is running taster session and coaching for beginners on Monday mornings at 11.00am. Experienced Bowlers are welcome too. Contact: Chris Lacey on 01508 499700
SAXLINGHAM PLAYERS - we are a lively drama group performing 2 plays/panto each year (except 2020!) We have just celebrated our 70th year! If you are at all interested please come and join us, acting or back stage or front of house. Please see our website or contact Neil Smith on 01508 499667.
This magazine is one of 5,000 copies delivered to residents & businesses in:
