Your Local Magazine March 2012

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March 2012 Issue 21

Meet Alice Scott Our New Police Inspector For Diss Alma Components The Bull Auberge Wedding Planner

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CONTENTS | your local magazine

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

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LOCAL INFO 4 5 7 10

Council News A New Police Inspector For Diss Diss Church Junior School David Webber: Through The Keyhole

LOCAL LIFESTYLE New Police Inspector for Diss

Sarah Bush Photography

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14 Alma Components 16 The Bull Auberge 18 Pets 20 Food and Drink 22 Collectors 23 Your Local Wedding Planner 29 Yaxley Cherry Tree FC 30 Homes and Gardens 36 Senior

LOCAL BUSINESS Alma Components

YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AF Tel: 01379 642044 / 652330 Published by Circuit Publications

Your Local Trade Fair New Portrait Photography Studio Opens Recruitment & Training Your Local Directory

LOCAL EVENTS 44 What’s On... In March!

Publisher: Jean Wills jean@yourlocalmagazine.net

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Don’t forget, you can read the current and previous issues of Your Local Magazine online at www.yourlocalmagazine.net

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COMPETITION WINNERS

DEADLINE FOR APRIL ISSUE:

Friday 16th March 5pm

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publisher can not assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions.

They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. © Circuit Publications, 2012.

Ask The Chef - Julie Tomlin of Finningham The Spice Cottage - Lee Nairn of Diss Valentine Competition - Caroline Clarke of Harleston

You can always send your entries for all the competitions in one envelope!

We welcome editorial submissions and photographs from our readers. Please try to limit articles to 200 words, and include a picture where you can!

Please email us on: editorial@yourlocalmagazine.net

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LOCAL INFO | council news

Attleborough: Town Council News Tree Estate The Council has an extensive tree estate which numbers over 400 trees, located in several different locations in the town. It was recently agreed to undertake a professional survey in order to determine the condition of trees and thus allow the planning of a future work programme based on priority action.

The survey actually indicated that over 100 trees require action on a priority basis and the Council has now arranged to engage a contractor to carry out this most urgent work, which is commencing imminently. In order to restore tree stocks and provide an enhanced amenity value the Council is looking to maintain tree stock through re-planting where possible.

On a related matter it has been discovered that Queens Square contains widespread honey fungus which is a disease afflicting many types of tree.

Already one mature tree has been removed and it is likely that in the months and years ahead that further removal of trees will unfortunately be needed. The Council naturally will be taking advice on re-planting in order to maintain the amenity value in the town centre.

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Craft Making Day Mayor of Attleborough Karen Pettitt is holding a Craft Making Day on Saturday 17th March at Connaught Hall from 10am until 4pm. Cost is £15 per person with all profits going to her chosen charity which is the Attleborough First Responders.

Price includes lunch plus all materials and tools needed on the day.

The idea is to get people together who like to do crafts and give them a chance to learn some new skills and most important of all just to have fun.

During the day there will be 3 different types of craft on offer.

You can just do one craft or try your hand at all three from Card making to Scrap booking to jewellery making.

We will show you how to make earrings and bracelets and if you want to try your hand at scrap booking just bring along a few photos and we will supply everything else you need. If you have any of your own tools or embellishments you are most welcome to bring them along to use too. There will also be a free raffle on the day of craft supplies.

Anyone wishing to book please ring Karen on 01953 455755. Everyone welcome of any age and level even people coming for the first time.

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

‘Mad Hatters’ Farmers Market Saturday 10th March 9-1pm Diss Market Place.

Building upon the success of the theme ‘Love’ at Diss Farmers Market in February expect great things from the March Market which has a ‘Mad Hatters’ tea party theme. There will be plenty of stalls along with live music and hot food.

New local producers and makers are joining regular favourites to celebrate the best that the Waveney Valley area has to offer in this growing community event.

Expect cakes, fudge, plants, snorker snacks, bread, pies, honey, rare breed pork, beef, lamb, free range eggs, oils, chilli sauces, Indian pastes and chutneys, pate, beauty products, vegetables, apples and apple juice. Most car parks in town are free for the first hour.

Live music, hot food and quality local produce will be the focus as we seek to attract

more visitors into the town.

The February market was a great success with a new layout, new stalls and a great ‘vibe’ for shoppers in town. Free samples and promotions were on offer from stallholders with the market receiving support and coverage from the community, the Town Council and the local and regional press.

Mark Ford of the Big Skies Food Company commented ‘’It’s been so positive to see the stallholders come together to market and promote this fantastic community asset. The Farmers market offers a unique chance for the community and producers to have a dialogue.

Customers are offered the chance for a real insight into a local business and learn about the provenance of the product.

Small businesses get the chance to build loyalties, receive instant feedback and learn what their customers would like.’’

It is hoped the market will continue to grow as new producers from the local area join and help to promote what is best about ‘keeping it local’. Customers are advised that they can stay up to date with developments via Facebook (Diss Farmers’ Market) or through Twitter (@DissFarmersMrkt).

Prospective stallholders are invited to call Diss Town Council for further information on 01379 643848.

LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Your Local Interview

A New Police Inspector For Diss In January this year, Inspector Alice Scott took over as the new police inspector for Diss and the surrounding areas. Here she talks to Sarah Veness about her aims, her career so far and how lucky we are to live in the UK’s safest county…

crime team. In 2010, I moved into the County intelligence team as a manager.

I spent 6 months last year at HMIC in London as a staff officer.

I am really pleased to return to south Norfolk as the T/Inspector and am really pleased to be back in uniform with such an enthusiastic and dedicated team.

Inspector Alice Scott Please tell us a little bit about your career

so far?

I joined the police in 2001 and worked as a uniform PC in Diss & South Norfolk for 4 years before moving into Norwich working in the prisoner handling team (now custody reception) and then CID. In 2007 I moved into Special Branch and from there became the Detective sergeant followed by the Temporary Detective Inspector on the serious and organised

As a local woman, what do you think of the area we live in?

I have grown up here and still live relatively locally. I think the Diss area is a lovely place to live and work. Norfolk has recently (again) been named as the safest county to live in for crime rates and south Norfolk is one of the safest

districts in the county so of course, we are all really lucky to live here.

such a dedicated, enthusiastic and supportive team.

What are your main aims in your new position?

My aims are to make sure that the transition of the new policing model - which sees more officers return to the local area and 24/7 policing - is managed locally as smooth as possible, to make the team I have as visible to the public as possible and to provide excellent service. I am keen to build on the trust and confidence of the community that the local policing teams have had in the past and am keen to work with our partner agencies to find sustainable ways to deal with the issues we face as they arise. I am keen for all the officers to be as proactive as possible and am looking forward to 2012 with

With such a busy job, what do you like to do to relax?

I love to run, travel, read books and spend time with my family and friends.

What has been your proudest moment?

Workwise, my proudest moment was being awarded NOSCAS (Norfolk Safer Community Awards) Investigator of the Year in 2010. In my personal life, my family are by far the best thing in the world.

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LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Battlefield Live Norwich Tactics Planning and Training and Battlefield Norwich is owned and run by John Skelton and Lee Belcher. instructors to Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers in the British Army teaching Improvised explosive device (IED) search coordinator courses, drill, map reading, nuclear biological chemical warfare and map reading. They are now using this knowledge and experience to run the most realistic and authentic war gaming experiences in the UK and can cater for 20 people at a time.

They both joined the Royal Engineers as carpenter and joiner apprentices aged 16 on 24th August 1987, at Army Apprentice College Chepstow and have now left the forces having served a total of 48 years between them.

They have used their experience and knowledge to start up 2 companies called TACTICS Planning and Training and Battlefield Live Equipment overview Norwich, both of which are based at Realistic and authentic gaming is achieved by using the most Old Buckenham Airfield. sophisticated infrared gaming weapons on the market. We currently Experiences and qualifications They are both Subject Matter Experts use 20 Small Arms Transmitter in commercial and improvised Receiver (SATR) P90’s which have bridging, explosive demolitions, mine up to 200m range, are wireless, laying and clearance, water supply, totally eye safe and give immediate force protection and are both weapons feedback to the firer. No projectiles instructors. They were Military means no facemasks are required

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giving the gamer full vision and no steamed up masks. We also have combination boxes, which allow the gamer to re-spawn or reload their ammo at their choosing allowing for dynamic game play that is different every time. TACTICS Planning and Training prides itself in being one of the only gaming companies to totally immerse customers by issuing uniforms, body armour and knee pads thereby ensuring gamers look like a Call of Duty Soldier. We then train gamers in low military level tactics, deliver a set of orders so that each person knows what they are doing and then let them loose onto the battlefield. Helmets also have mini HD camcorders fitted for that First Person Shooter experience. If you can’t make it to our site and would like an event run near to your location TACTICS Planning

and Training can bring the war zone to your doorstep by means of a unique inflatable village that can be set up within 2 hours and configured to fit a site of your choosing.

Who can play?

Anyone can play. If you can hold the weapons you can take part.

We generally have age brackets from 8-80 years. We cater for birthdays to Stag and Hen parties to corporate events ranging from 2 hours, to a full day ultimate gaming experience that you will remember for a long time. For the full package we can even supply a BBQ and combat cupcakes.

How can I take part?

Contact Lee or John on Mob 07833249010 or 07816959170 or email them on info@ tacticspt.com to book a date.

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL INFO | updates

Diss Church Junior School

Rolling Into Town

Celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and is featured in a museum display from 14 March.

Without doubt St. Marys church Diss is going to have a very busy year, entertainment wise.

There was an opening service for the New National School, Diss, on Thursday 27 November 1862.

Subscribers, Friends and parents sang the hymn Great God, O’er Heaven and Earth Supreme; and prayed that the Holy Spirit would ever bless and sanctify those who teach and those who were taught in the school.

It was housed in ‘noble and commodious buildings in the Parson’s Entry’ and replaced the schoolroom in the churchyard, still remembered as the Victoria Hall.

The Manning rectors, commemorated by the museum last year, were very active in the school, regularly visiting and testing the children.

School records show that attendance was the great thing.

Certificates were given for it, not least because the school was often half-empty because of the weather, epidemics, the harvest, the lamb sale or a visit by the circus.

The many references to the

weather may have meant that children had to walk from a distance. Some, indeed, may not have had shoes. Measles, whooping cough, influenza and other ailments sometimes closed the school. Many children still disappeared to help with the harvest and lamb sale.

When the circus came to Anness’ Meadow (now Uplands Way) there was no contest.

In November 1929 the airship R101 came over the school. This was only its second flight after launching. Less than a year later it crashed in France, with great loss of life.

In World War Two a German plane came over and machinegunned drilling troops on the Rectory Meadow; but there were no casualties.

Many children, like myself, made their stage debut in the 1950s in one of the Nissen huts that had been part of an Italian prisoner-ofwar camp.

Basil Abbott, Diss Museum.

As events get nearer I will make sure you get as much information as possible through this magazine.

I can tell you this much, on June 30th a new style summer fair will roll into town as it sets itself up in a new position with stalls around the outside of the church. What kind of stalls. Well I will be able to inform you by the next edition of ‘Your Local’ but as there is a brand new committee arranging this fair there are plenty of new ideas.

The fair is being brought nearer to the general public as it should be and that comes under the heading of ‘Bringing the church to its people’ which this parish is getting very skilled at in many quarters.

The fair coincides with ‘Armed Forces Day’ and as this will be a morning occasion running from 10am to 2pm the Royal British Legion and R.A.F.A will be invited to bring their stalls up to the church grounds.

More will be revealed next month but this event looks like being a a very moden and exciting occasion.

Gerry Hosking.

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LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Horham Bygones Country Rally Originally started in 2002 as a one-off event to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee...

Horham Bygones Country Rally has gone from strength to strength and become an annual feature. The event – on Saturday June 9th 2012 from 10am until 5pm – regularly attracts 100 historic tractors along with other farm machinery, historic military vehicles, motorcycles, stationary engines, cars and working horses.

As well as being a big draw for anyone who wants to see old farm machinery and horses in action it is also big fun day for all the family as there should be fairground rides for smaller children and a variety of stalls, including bygones and canal art, and lots of good food from local firms.

Last year more than 3,000 visitors flocked into the small village between Eye and Stradbroke for the event. Not

only does the event generate much needed funds for the Horham Community Council it also offers charities, including the Royal British Legion and East Anglian Children’s Hospice, the opportunity to attend, free of charge, in order to promote their organisations and raise funds.

Horham Bygones Country Rally is on Horham & Athelington Recreation Field off the B1077. In the evening, in the community centre, there will be live music with a licensed bar and food.

Admission: adults £5, concessions £3, family ticket £12, accompanied under 5s free.

There will be free parking with a dedicated disabled parking area.

Visit “horhambygonescountry rally.onesuffolk.net” for more information.

Diss Library In March we will be promoting new reading choices with our ‘Great Reading Takeaway’.

We’ve compiled a ‘menu’ of suggestions for reading around a theme and trying something new. Sometimes it can be hard to find a new author whose books you’ll enjoy reading, but our list of books linked by the places in which they are set gives you a new way to choose your reading.

We have loads of extra copies of all the books on menus, so you should be able to get the ones you want.

Drop into your local library in March and pick up a menu!

All Norfolk libraries have free access to a range of online resources including Which? and the family history website Ancestry via our library computers. Keen family history researchers will be pleased to

know that Ancestry now has the 1911 census returns for Norfolk online.

Baby Bounce & Rhyme time continues on Fridays at 10.30 am and new faces are assured of a welcome. These short sessions give you and your baby or toddler a chance to join in with rhymes and songs and are a good way to meet other families.

To find out more about any of our activities and services, look at the website on www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries or contact your library on 01379 642609.

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LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Through The Keyhole Here Sarah Veness chats to local shopkeeper David Webber about his extraordinary life...

One thing I’ve learned since becoming a journalist is that even the smallest towns hide the most interesting of stories, and David Webber - owner of the Keyhole shop on the Market Place in Diss - just proves my point.

Born in Somerset he trained as a newspaper compositor before moving out to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1961 to pursue a career in printing. ‘It was a fantastic life, recalls David. ‘There were lots of parties and I even joined the local rifle club.’ After also working in publishing in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) David went on to join the British South African Police marine division and patrolled Lake Kariba during the Bush War. ‘Our job was to hunt down terrorists crossing over from Zambia,’

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recalls David. When Mugabe finally came to power in 1980 in what was now called Zimbabwe David left, finally settling in South West Africa, now called Namibia. There, David became manager of printing works for the Consolidated Diamond Mines company. ‘We put together a weekly newspaper and printed brochures for the mines themselves,’ said David.

While living and working in the mining town of Oranjemund, David came across many plots to smuggle diamonds out of the mines.

‘People smuggled in homing pigeons in their lunchbox, tied diamonds to their legs and released them out of the mine,’ said David.

‘Once, hollowed-out crossbow bolts were filled with diamonds and fired out. Unfortunately for

the perpetrators, the bolts landed on the roof of the security building!’

Unsurprisingly, security was incredibly tight in the mines, with full body scanners in use. ‘We even had to pass a checkpoint just to enter the town near the mine’ says David. ‘Any visitors had to book 30 days in advance or they’d be turned away.’ Life in the African bush also turned out to be fraught with dangers.

‘Once, a friend and I were charged by a bull elephant,’ recalls David.

‘Another time I reached up to a branch only for the branch’ to whip away from me and disappear - it turned out to be a deadly black mamba snake whose bite would have killed me in minutes.

On another occasion I was camping with my wife near a water hole when we heard a strange shuffling sound.

In the morning we discovered hippo

footprints circling our tent. Hippos have a natural instinct to stamp out fires and it had obviously come to put out our campfire - good job it didn’t stamp on us!’

By 2004, David and his third wife had decided to come back to the UK. ‘I was reluctant because I hated the thought of rainy days,’ says David.

‘Then I spotted a book all about Norfolk in a Cape Town bookshop. It said it was the sunniest place in the UK so even though we’d never been to Norfolk we decided to move here.’

In November 2005, David and his wife Linda took over The Keyhole.

‘The shop itself has a lot of history,’ says David. ‘People tell me it was used as a holding cell for drunks in the town to sleep it off.’ Now it’s a treasure trove of watch batteries, watch straps, toys, hair accessories, umbrellas, purses, torches... to name just a few.

So after all his travelling is David planning to stay in Diss? ‘Yes I am,’ says David, ‘We really like it here.’

LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Stradbroke And District Branch Of The

‘Royal British Legion’

Presents a concert at Stradbroke High School on the 21st April 2012, at 7pm. This is to celebrate the 86th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. (and is ‘on the actual day).

We have set the admission price very low, and even plan to provide an interval drink for the birthday toast, inclusive. The admission price is just £5 for all

ages: we endeavour to make it affordable for rural country folk.

It is a peoples concert with music provided by Ipswich Hospital Band with their Musical Director Peter Gray. They will be playing well known tunes and audience participation songs.

Standards from Suffolk Royal British Legion will also be present.

There will be a Royal Toast given by Branch Chairman Michael Burton, and the reply to be given by the Royal British Legion County Chairman of Suffolk, Colin Hawkins.

The evening will conclude with a ‘Drum

Soldier Boxes Collecting throughout March for delivery early April in Afghanistan for Royal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion - Vikings’ Sweets, biscuits, coffee, tea, marmite, mustard, toothpaste, however no knit wear please.

Please take your boxes to the Tourist Information Centre in Diss, thank-you.

Head’ Service’ led by Rev Richard Stretch, the Royal British Legion Suffolk County Padre.

As you will see from the poster, tickets will be available at Horham Post Office, and

Stradbroke Post Office until 18th April ‘12.

Tickets will also be available by post, with a SAE from Branch Treasurer: Bernard Mills, 21, The Orchards, Laxfield, Suffolk, IP13 8EE.

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LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Bunwell And District Camera Club Exhibition Bunwell and District Camera Club are proud to present their annual exhibition of members work.

Old Winch. Picture by Di Gibson.

Otter. Picture by James Armes.

Held at Long Stratton Village Hall on the weekend of March 24th (10am-5pm) and 25th (10am-4pm) the exhibition will showcase some fantastic photography with several hundred images on display, along with audio visual presentations.

Club members will be on hand to offer advice to those interested in taking up photography and to chat about their images.

Entry to the exhibition is free and light refreshments will be available.

Further details about the club and exhibition can be found at www.bdcameraclub.co.uk or by contacting 07583 082250.

Spring Ball At Park Hotel Three course dinner, Harley Street Band, Raffle, 31st March 2012, 7.30pm.

Tickets (£30): Park Hotel / Ashton Estate Agents / or call 07952 127804.

The event is to raise funds for the Beth Sheppard Appeal. Beth is a Roydon girl born 13 weeks premature and weighing just 2lbs 7oz on 30 June 1999.

She spent a total of 2 months in special care and as if that ordeal wasn’t enough she also suffered brain damage and was subsequently diagnosed with Cerebal Palsy.

With the help of fundraising Beth has been able to receive a significant amount of ‘Conductive Education’ over the last 10 years from the Peto Institute in Hungary.

However, in April 2011 Beth had major hip surgery which set her back significantly and made it impossible for her to travel to Hungary. Instead, Peto trained

‘Conductors’ have been flown to the UK to treat Beth at home, at a cost of around £750 per week. As a result she is gradually recovering the abilities she had before the operation, but in order for her to regain them fully and start to build on them again, it’s essential that this treatment continues for several more years.

Academically Beth is doing well, and is very much looking forward to attending a new school in the near future.

Very bright and determined, Beth has jumped many hurdles in her life but, hey!, it’s Leap year and the 2012 Olympics so let’s help her ‘leap’ a few more. With the help of a loving family, friends, skilled therapists, and YOU, she can. Please come and bring your friends too.

Diss WI In April the Diss WI will be entering along with other WI’s from the Redenhall Group.

This is held every 3 years and the theme this year is “Our World” Everyone is encouraged to enter and there are different sections for different talents.

• Flower Arranging • Produce • Handicraft Each section then has several categories with applicable rules.

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IE. Bakery on a cardboard plate.

There are 2 standard recipes to follow for a cake and a pickle, both in the produce section. Novice Classes are available for certain selections.

The exhibition takes place on 3rd & 4th April and we are all busy getting our exhibits ready.

LOCAL INFO | updates

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Attleborough Heritage Group

Local Family Buys Newspaper Collection

Can You Help with Names and Dates?

We were thrilled to discover that the Rackham family has recently purchased a collection of copies of the Diss Express dating back over a hundred years.

Gaymer Poster Display & Public Meeting at Attleborough Library on Tuesday 6 March from 2.00 pm until 7.00 pm.

On Tuesday 6 March, Tom Townsend from the Norfolk Record Office and members of Attleborough Heritage Group will be at Attleborough Library with posters and photographs from the Gaymer Archive. There are a great many photographs in the Gaymer collection of people, but without their names or the dates when the photographs were taken, and until this information comes to light it will be difficult to fully catalogue the Archive.

So, if you worked for Gaymers – or know someone who did – Tom and the Attleborough Heritage Group would be delighted if you could spare some time to call into the Library to help identify some of the faces and scenes which currently remain a mystery.

The Library will be open from 2.00pm to 7.00pm. Tom will be talking about the Archive and Library Staff and Heritage Group members will also be on hand.

‘Preserving yesterday’s and today’s memories for tomorrow’

The Second Norfolk One Act Playwriting Competition Open to all Norfolk residents aged 18 and over with the aim of promoting playwriting for the amateur theatre.

Entries should preferably be typed but legible handwritten ones will be accepted. The 1st prize is £200, 2nd £100 and 3rd £50.

The winner will receive a trophy and all 3 prize winners will also receive a certificate.

In 2013 the 3 winning plays will be performed by the Garboldisham Amateur Dramatic Society.

Closing date is the 31st of July 2012 with the adjudication, by NODA representatives, being completed by the 30th of September.

A copy of The Competition Rules and Conditions of Entry and Entry Form can be requested by e-mail from: june@juneowen.wanadoo.co.uk or by telephone on 0845 6917962.

The newspaper articles provide us with a fascinating first-hand account of the life and times of local people over the past century. The family has kindly allowed ‘Your Local’ Magazine access to the newspapers and will we be serialising news items in each issue.

We start with December 29th 1911. This issue of the Diss Express talks first of prominent national stories including: • The Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary • Record-breaking increases in the volume of UK trade.

• Improved employment.

It then moves on to more local news stories.

• After a magnificent summer Diss saw record cereal crops.

• Large increase in the sale of convenient sized farms & small holdings.

• The Diss Brush Factory had a good year and continued to employ many local people.

• A site was approved for a public water supply for Diss.

NEXT MONTH… Read how the Diss Express covered the tragic sinking of The Titanic.

Raymond Who? Although his first visit to Diss was more than 30 years ago and for the past 7 years he has been a regular performer at the Corn Hall, people who are unfamiliar with this singer song writer still ask the question Raymond who?

In 1968 Raymond Froggatt emerged on the popular music scene with Callow La Vita, a song which was inspired by some children performing a country dance outside a café in Paris.

Although it failed to bring him a hit song in Britain, The Dave Clark Five gave the song a much heavier treatment and turned it into a top

ten hit as The Red Balloon.

Since then Froggy as he is known to his army of friends has been voted six times as the top UK country singer, having written songs for such international stars as Barbra Streisand, and Cliff Richard.

Froggy returns to the Corn Hall on 31st March for a two part all evening show and tickets for selected seats can be obtained from the Box Office 01379 652 241 price £15.50 (Tiered), £12.50 and £11.00 “An evening with Raymond Froggatt is pure magic, and is not to be missed”. – Wolverhampton Express & Star.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | alma components

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Alma Once a very successful Diss-based Ever heard of Alma Components?

Rewind back in time 50 years and you’d have been hard pushed to find a single person in Diss who hadn’t heard of them.

Founded in London in 1956, the company relocated to Diss in 1960 and began operating from its factory on Victoria Road making resistors for things like phones, airplanes, missiles and even space missiles.

In 1961 they bought up Alston Capacitators, a small Halesworth firm and moved its operations to Diss. Gradually extra bays were added to the factory and in 1967 they bought up another Londonbased firm, Resistances Ltd. In 1973, Alma added another aspect to its success story by acquiring a boat-building enterprise called Almarine. At its

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peak the company employed close to 500 local people.

Central to the company was sales director Doug Bartlett. Sadly, Doug passed away in August 2011 at the age of 87.

But there are many people still living locally who either worked at or will remember the company.

Here Doug’s daughter Sarah remembers some of her Dad’s fond memories of his time with Alma.

The company became very successful but back in the early days, money was understandably tight. ‘When the firm moved up from London they didn’t have much money so Dad and one of the other directors, Jim Price, drove the moving lorry up themselves’ says Sarah. ‘It was an ex-army lorry and took both of them to drive it. Apparently one had to hold the wheel tightly with both hands while the other one changed gears!’

Although staff worked hard, the

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | alma components

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Components business, it employed hundreds of local people… factory was also a fun place to be.

‘One day Dad made a call over the PA system in the factory for Jason the maintenance man to sort out a problem in the bathroom,’ says Sarah. ‘He ended the announcement with the words ‘hasten Jason to the basin’ and the whole place erupted with laughter.’ By all accounts there always was a lot of laughter at Alma Components.

‘I remember Dad telling us one story about the women who worked in a place called the Bridge Room in the factory where they tested the resistors,’ says Sarah. ‘One summer’s day, Dad was checking the test results when he realised that two girls results were a bit erratic. They seemed to be doing everything right so Dad decided that it must be the static electricity from their nylon overalls that was messing up the results. But when he asked them to take their overalls off to repeat

the tests, they flatly refused. After some questioning it turned out the reason for their refusal was the fact they had nothing on underneath their overalls, bar their underwear!’

But on other occasions, things for the staff at Alma took a much more serious turn.

‘Once in the 1970s Dad was at a boat show with the boat-building arm of the company,’ says Sarah.

‘Suddenly a coded bomb warning came through from the IRA and the place was evacuated. Fed up with hanging about outside, Dad went up to the policeman on the door and asked whether he could nip in just to retrieve his briefcase.

Just then, the bomb exploded and Dad felt the full blast although thankfully he wasn’t injured.’

At another boat show, Doug Bartlett decided to cast an eye over some letters being sent out to people who had filled in an enquiry card. ‘One letter was addressed to a

Mr H Sultan and Dad thought that was an unusual name,’ says Sarah.

‘Then it clicked….it was actually a letter to HRH the Sultan of Oman!’

During its time Alma Components really put Diss on the map. ‘Alma made the push-button switches for the first-ever bank cash machines,’ says Sarah. ‘I remember

being in Paris with Dad one year and him being really proud when he found a cash machine with his switches in it.’

So, did you ever work at Alma Components? Do you remember the factory and its place in the town? Please write in with your photos and memories.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | the bull auberge

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

The Bull On their 17th anniversary, owners of one of North restaurants Situated on the A140 at Yaxley, The Auberge has long had an excellent reputation for fine food, a cosy atmosphere and comfortable rooms. Owners John and Dee Stenhouse took over The Auberge 17 years ago after running the nearby Cornwallis Hotel, then known as the Oaksmere, and are now assisted by son Jon and daughter Helena.

Originally a public house which dates back to the 15th

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Century, John and Dee have transformed The Auberge into a top-class restaurant with rooms.

‘Since 2003 we have consistently held a 2AA Rosette rating in the restaurant,’ says John. ‘We source most of our ingredients from within a 50-mile radius and provide a tasty and well-prepared range of starters, main courses and desserts.’

With the economic climate in mind, John and Dee have also just launched a “table de l’hôtesse” menu which offers three courses for £19.95.

‘We can also

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | the bull auberge

Auberge Sarah Veness talks to the Suffolk’s most successful and hotel… cater for large parties and would encourage people to contact us with their requirements. We are able to seat up to 20 guests on one table in our dining room and larger parties, up to 50, fill the entire restaurant nicely’ says John.

For the past ten years, The Auberge has also been famed for its accommodation. In 2002 an extension provided four bedrooms for guests with a second extension providing seven further bedrooms in 2009. They are all en-suite and four rooms offer the luxury of a four-poster bed. With a 5 star AA rating for their rooms, The Auberge is definitely more than just a fine dining experience.

They consistently have excellent

feedback from online booking sites and the Independent newspaper rated them in the top 50 B&Bs in the UK.

For more information, a look at the menu and room rates, log onto www.the-auberge.co.uk

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | pets

Diss Garden Centre We have recently expanded...

We all treat our animals as part of the family and like family all we want for them is the very best. Here at Diss Garden Centre the best is all we offer, we can guarantee all of your pets nutritional needs will be met, whether you have a little goldfish or a huge Great Dane.

Due to our recent expansion we are now approved stockists of I love Diss Garden Centre’s Pet Department - they have everything I need to stay happy and healthy...

many major brands. All of which are very competitively priced, but don’t take our word for it, we are open 7 days a week. So come and see how much you could save by making your next purchase from us.

We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your pets care.

Me too...

Don’t forget us!

- they have everything we need too

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Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Caroline’s Pet Care Starting my House Sitting and Petcare business 9 years ago, it’s gone from strength to strength, with bookings being taken a year in advance.

However, not resting on my laurels, I enrolled on a basic Dog Grooming Course at Otley College. It became clear to me, much more was involved than could be taught in 8 weeks, so I signed up to private lessons with Stephanie Pina (my Otley college

tutor) from Canine Barbers nr Clacton.

I’m now able to offer my Mobile Dog Grooming service to anyone wanting their dog groomed in the comfort of their own home. Please call for appointments.

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | pets

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Redwings Horse Sanctuary has come a long way since its inception in 1984... ...From humble beginnings, the Norfolk-based charity is now the largest horse sanctuary in the UK. The county is home to one of the Charity’s four visitor centres – at Caldecott Hall near Yarmouth with a new 200-acre site opening at Aylsham later in the year.

Caldecott is a perfect free family day out where visitors can enjoy a relaxing paddock walk to meet the residents. Some horses, ponies and donkeys can even be adopted from just £12.50 a year.

There are

also children’s play areas should smaller visitors still have any energy left.

Complete your visit with a tea or coffee and a bite to eat from the Nosebag Café and browse around the gift shop.

Visit www.redwings.co.uk for more information.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | food & drink

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

The White Horse

The Queens Head, Eye

Janice and I started up on our own in 1984 after being managers of the Cherry Tree Public House for 2 years.

A New Lease Of Life For A Beautiful Old Pub.

‘What an amazing transformation’ a Thursday nights we had a Jazz is the normal astonished club which was very successful comment as people make their with acts like George Chisholm, Monty Sunshine, Bob Kerr and his whoopy band to name but a few.

Then one day the brewery rep came to see us and asked me if I would consider moving to the White Horse to keep it open until another tenant was found. So I agreed and Janice stayed at the Cherry Tree. My sister Kate came down with me to work behind the bar. It was a very old fashioned pub with older clientele playing dominoes, crib etc, and with characters like Len, the bone man playing his bones to the old time music. I loved it so much that I arranged a meeting with the brewery to see if I could leave the Cherry Tree and take over the White Horse permanently. After everything was sorted out Jan and I opened in February 1989. In 1997 we had the opportunity to buy the pub. We had a complete refurbishment which consisted of moving the bar and opening the place up and exposing the beams. November 2011 was a very special time for us as we paid our last mortgage payment; we had a big party to celebrate with friends and family, what a night.

None of this would have been possible without our loyal customers, Jan and I are very grateful. So here we are 28 years on and still pulling the pints.

We took the tenancy on and opened the doors in April 1984.

We had 5 very happy years there We had the Spiders Web night club out the back of the pub where we had regular discos on Friday and Saturday nights with a late licence to stay open until 1.00am. Then once a month on

Prize Wordsearch!

As it’s Mother’s Day soon, find the hidden words to treat your Mum, or someone close next month as well!

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Mum Lunch Pamper Manicure Sunday Cards Family Hugs

Traditional Caring Relax Present Flowers Jewellery Loving Memories

Win A Meal At Spice Cottage!

Thanks to Spice Cottage, we are offering you the chance to win a meal for two, just by completing our wordsearch. You and a friend will be able to tuck in to any chicken or lamb main course with rice, naan bread, popadum and chutneys on any night between Sunday and Thursday.

All you have to do is send your completed wordsearch to Competitions, Your Local Magazine, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF by 19th March to be in with a chance of winning. Usual Circuit Publications competition rules apply.

Name Address

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Email

way through the doors of the new look Queens Head in Eye. As the only surviving pub in town the poor Queens Head suffered badly for years from a lack of TLC to beer, customers and building.

But now, after being brought into private hands and turned into a Free House, the pub is experiencing a fantastic and welldeserved new lease of life. Great ales, direct from the cask, and really popular home made food including pizzas, Spanish tapas and a full bar menu, plus popular Sunday roasts.

Warm log fires, beautiful oak floors, scrubbed tables and soft lighting all make for a really welcoming atmosphere. During March why not go along to try the good food and beer, face the quiz challenge on the 20th and enjoy great live music on the 24th. 01379 870153 info@ queensheadeye.co.uk

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Ask the Chef!

Dear Simon, When making a Swiss Roll “How can I roll my Swiss Roll without it cracking?” - Julie Tomlin.

To help rolling and prevent cracking, roll the unfilled cake whilst it is still warm, wrap the rolled cake in greaseproof paper and leave till cold, unroll carefully and spread with Cream and roll again.

Enjoy...

Competition!

You could win Sunday lunch for two at The Bell Inn, just by sending your food question in for Simon to answer!

Send your question along with your name, address and daytime phone number to Ask the Chef, Your Local Magazine, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF or email design@yourlocalmagazine.net.

Whatever your food query, Ross can help!

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | food & drink

Salmon en Croute with Dill Cream S auce

Ingredients 4oz skinned, de-bon ed Salmon fillet 4oz puff pastry Seasoning Fresh Dill 2oz finely chopped onion Glass white wine ½ glass double cre am Fish stock or cube Egg wash 1oz butter

Roll out pastry to form a rectangle ap prox. 4” x 6”.

Fold pastry in half and cut strips appr ox. halfway towards the fold (th is will enable you to make a lattice). Place the sa lmon fillet on the pa stry, season and place some dill on top. Fold pastry strips alternatively back over the salmon fil let to form a lattice effect. Brush with beaten egg. Ba ke in a hot oven approx 180-20 0c for 10-12 minut es un til golden.

Meanwhile soften onion in a pan with bu tte r, add wine and reduce by half, add cream an d di ll an d a little stock and red uce until you have a coating consistency, pour ov er cooked salmon.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | collectors

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

I Collect Stamps ... “Stamping a Mark” Question: What is unique about British stamps? See below for answer!

I could hardly fail to have an interest in philately, having a father who was secretary of the Junior Philatelic Society (now the National P.S.) from1929 to 1937. With those societies you are talking the upper echelons of philately, and the displays that are put on by members are of a standard that I will probably never attain to.

Thousands of stamps passed over our kitchen table, and I particularly remember a quaker oats packet full of King George VI Silver Jubilee stamps. Strangely, I don’t think I have even one of those now!

In stamp terms I was encouraged not to collect ‘whole of the world,’ but to specialise in what is called a ‘thematic’ collection. So having a grandad who had sailed the world, I

started with ships – and I still have that collection, though it’s rather neglected!

Teen years came and you move onto other things don’t you, and it wasn’t until I started courting my Finnish penfriend, Paula, that my interest was rekindled. After all, you can only really court a penfriend with letters!!

After we married (we did meet before, it wasn’t all done by letters!) one of Paula’s sisters – without saying anything to me – started in 1981 to pay for me to receive every Finnish stamp that came out, both mint (unused) and cancelled. She continues to do that to this day which has, after 31yrs cost her £0000s.

So with stamps from Paula’s letters (1971 - 1973) my speciality obviously became Finland – and Åland – because Tiina (Paula’s sister) also pays for me to receive stamps from that little island in the Finnish archipelago. Åland only started producing stamps in 1984, and you will see the benefit of specialising now when I tell you that I have every stamp that they’ve issued! Åland

We need you!

Are you a collector? Then we would like to hear from you!

We need people to write about their collections in the magazine. Whatever you collect, we want to know; you can even write it anonymously if you like.

Please ring 01379 642044, email fiona@yourlocalmagzine.net or write to us at 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF.

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is an autonomous province of Finland, with it’s own legislative assembly. Until the end of 1992 postal services were run by the Finnish postal administration which, by a statute of 1982, was permitted to issue stamps for Åland. On 1 January 1993 Åland assumed control of it’s own postal service and Finnish stamps ceased to be valid there. The above stamp is one of the first issued in 1984 and shows the Åland flag.

Amongst many other things stamps give you is a history lesson. Before the euros would you have known what currency Finland used (the markka), and where is Suomi, Sverige and Helvetia? Again, answers below.

Stamps are miniature works of art. Do you know who designed the current Diamond Jubilee stamp? (Jeffery Matthews MBE, FCSD, FRSA, from the bas-relief portrait by Arnold Machin OBE, RA.).

Although specialising in Finland and Åland, do I have an interest in British stamps? You bet! Despite none of my four children following in my steps, I

did start – and continue – a ‘royal’ collection for my daughter!

This consists of ‘definitive’ stamps (these are your basic ‘queen’s head’ stamps mostly) plus special ‘royal’ occasions.

And I still purchase most of the special stamps that are issued!

However, these are generally used for normal postage and for sending packets and parcels at Christmas!

Having worked 35 years for Royal Mail, I suppose it’s no suprise that I should have an interest in stamps and end up marrying my penfriend. And, interestingly, the magazine of the National Philatelic Society is called ‘Stamp Lover!’ (www.ukphilately.org.uk/nps) Answers: British stamps are the only ones in the world that do not have to depict country name.

Suomi (Finland), Sverige (Sweden) and Helvetia (Switzerland) Mark Aiken, 07810 852089.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | wedding planner

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Wedding...

Planning your

Georgina’s Mobile Beauty Beauty Therapist.

My name is Georgina Taylor, I’m a fully qualified & insured beauty therapist with over 7 years experience in the beauty industry.

I offer a full range of beauty treatments using professional

quality products, all in the comfort of your own home.

I regularly update my skills to keep up to date with the latest treatments; most recently I trained with Lash Perfect Eyelash Extensions & CND Shellac & Acrylic Nail Extensions.

I also provide a Pamper Party service offering treatments for Hen Parties, Birthdays and other Special Occasions.

If you prefer the salon environment then I also offer all of my treatment at The Elixir Rooms in Harleston, currently on a Friday.

Mulberry Days Celebrant.

We have all seen the wonderful weddings that are held abroad in the lovely family homes and gardens or on beaches but it is not possible to legally get married in your own garden or an outside space in this country.

Many couples are now turning to celebrants to get around this situation. This enables you to have your wedding held anywhere and for the ceremony to contain anything that you want, you can include religious elements if you want. Your celebrant will work with you to help you design the perfect

ceremony for you both. Creating something that is romantic, personal and unique to you.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | wedding planner GENERAL BEAUTY

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Wedding Planner

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | wedding planner

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Wedding Planner

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | wedding planner

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Sarah Bush – A Professional Wedding Photographer Based In Diss With Over 10 Years Experience...

View her work at www.sarahbush.co.uk or contact her on 01379 651245 to talk about your wedding photography and you need to be able to feel at ease with them. Ask them to show you their work in the form of albums, not just on a computer screen, and ask them lots and lots of questions.

What is your favourite part of a wedding day?

Its all wonderful - from the bride getting ready and the anticipation of the day ahead…. to the emotion of the ‘vows’, and the partying and fun afterwards - but for me the best moment is when my bride arrives in the car - it always takes my breath away.

What advice can you give to brides and grooms looking for a photographer that will suit them?

Ideally meet your photographer before you book them - they will be with you for a large part of your day

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How do you find your clients?

95% of my clients come to me via ‘word of mouth’. I’ve been doing weddings in our area for 10 years now and I’ve built up a trusted reputation. I’ve sometimes worked on 3 or 4 weddings from the same family which is lovely, as I get to catch up with former clients and to subsequently meet their children.

You’ve seen lots of weddings – what makes a big impact on the day.... and how can a bride spend her budget wisely?

Obviously a wedding needs a great deal of planning but a calm bride and groom who have delegated

well, and are relaxed enough to enjoy the day - are a delight. As a photographer I also love my couples to enjoy the camera and to set aside a little time for some gorgeous bride and groom shots.

Some couples are very nervous about the timing of the day, how you will fit the photography in, and what would happen if the weather limits the photography to dark interior shots?

We’re professional and wellorganised so you can relax and feel confident about your wedding photography right from the start, with networking systems in place, and back up equipment for that ‘just in case’ situation. We use several top cameras with a vast array of professional lenses to suit all lights and situations. We are also fully insured and qualified.

Some couples hate having their photograph taken, and the thought of a professional photographer with them all day is horrifying...... what can you suggest?

I always try and work in an unobtrusive way – I would suggest we documented the day in a ‘reportage’ style - following events as they happen catching lots of natural shots, and keeping formal shots to a minimum.

Finally – why would clients choose you over another wedding photographer?

Because we take beautiful photographs – it’s as simple as that!

We have a blend of passion, skill in using our high end equipment to its best, and a creativity that enables us to process your images and design fabulous albums.

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

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Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | yaxley cherry tree fc

Yaxley Cherry Tree Veterans Football Club The Yaxley Cherry Tree Veterans football team were formed in 2006, when a Wednesday night ‘discussion’ over a couple of pints led to the idea of starting up a Veterans football team.

The landlord, Andy Watts, volunteered to sponsor the team if we could find enough players. At first a motley crew of seven people turned up. Word spread and by the time the season started we had enough for a squad, as The Cherries entered the Norfolk and Suffolk Veterans League Division 4.

Things went well and the

second season saw the first trophy return to The Cherry Tree after a tremendous night at Diss Town in the league Shield Final. The opposition that night were Great Yarmouth Vets, and they didn’t know what had hit them when 2 coach loads of supporters turned up, plus another 100 or so under their own steam. It’s still a record attendance for a Norfolk & Suffolk Veterans cup final! The Cherries were 2-0 winners and celebrations at the pub lasted well into the night.

The Reds finished runners up that season and gained promotion to division 2 (south).

Last season, our squad was boosted by a number of good signings including ex Cambridge United John Taylor. Phil Morgan, ex-Ipswich Town, was also signed in the same week. The Cherries went on to become Champions of Divison 2 (south) and have gained promotion to Division 1 (south). The Norfolk & Suffolk Vets league has a total of 60 teams split into 10 divisions, so it’s a massive achievement to have reached Division 1 in a relatively short time.What we have kept though, that a lot of the other teams haven’t, is the ‘pub team’ spirit with a club team attitude.

The age for Veterans football is over 35, and currently our average age is 44. Finding a settled home pitch is still a problem. Wortham is our official home, but the pitch has become unplayable due to moles, so we are having to use alternative pitches. Funds are raised by the players which cover costs of pitches, referees, league and cup fees.

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes & gardens

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Mobile Home Selection Service Will Come Directly To You! Save yourself valuable time and the effort of visiting many carpet showrooms. Let us take away the pressure off selecting a carpet by coming to you at a time that suits.

County Carpets Direct are a local family run mobile carpet store covering Diss, Attlebourgh, Eye, Thetford, Bury St Edmunds, Banham, Stowmarket, Debenham, Ipswich and all surrounding towns and villages.

We offer free fitting, free estimating, no obligation quotes.

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Robert has 30 years experience in the flooring trade and along with his top team of fitters who have vast experience, you can trust in us to offer our customers the best professional,friendly and personal service around. County Carpets Direct, Never beaten on price!

Now available a great range of memory foam Matresses at amazingly low prices with free local delivery. We also offer a fantastic range of rugs from comtemporary to traditional including kitchen rugs,with prices to suit all.

Appointments available 7 days a week. Contact Robert today 01379 897007 - 07972 582598 www.countycarpetsdirect.co.uk

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes & gardens

Swank Interiors

I love this time of year - Our suppliers launch their new ranges (it’s like Christmas all over again!) and we step into spring, the days become longer and our home takes on a new complexion. Why not take the opportunity to have a good ‘spring clean’, clear clutter and have a revamp- whether it is a complete new scheme or just a lick of paint it can really alter the way you feel about your living space.

When having a clear out consider whether the items may be of use to someone else, recycle where possible by firstly deciding whether the item could be used in another room or have its own

revamp to reappear in the new scheme - items of furniture can look very different when they are given a new backdrop. If you really don’t want a piece consider whether it would sell at auction- during my current clear out I have a growing selection awaiting a trip to TW Gaze in Diss! Alternatively you may want to give it to a charity shop. Once you are without clutter you can get a clear view of the task ahead and the fun can begin.

When decorating my own home and advising clients I apply the same rules as I do with clothesmix designer pieces with ‘high street’ finds carefully blended to give a haute couture look.

In this scheme we have mixed a fabulous Vivienne Westwood tartan wallpaper with existing lighting and sofa adding cushions made in a selection of fabrics to give a casual country look that is cosy and inviting.

Interior design may sound like an expensive luxury but our job is really to save money by clever design!

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes & gardens

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Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes & gardens

Itching To Start Growing Your Own Food But Don’t Know Where To Start?

The Master Gardener Scheme, backed by Garden Organic, Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Local Food and the Lottery Fund, was set up for people just like you.

You can now be part of a fast growing number of individuals, families and community groups that are reaping the benefits of growing their own food. You don’t need experience or expertise to get started....just the help of a Master Gardener.

A Master Gardener in your area can help and support you for free, giving you advice and allaying your fears, answering all of your questions from ground preparation, to how, what and when to sow, nurturing your plants and harvesting. All advice is bespoke and can be conducted by telephone or e mail, whatever suits you best and agreed during an initial visit to discuss how we can help.

So whether you only have space for a few pots of herbs and salad, or a more generous area you can

commit to vegetable crops, there is no excuse now to put it off any longer. The benefits are numerous, cheaper, fresher, healthier food, free of pesticides and herbicides; fresh air and exercise; the opportunity to meet likeminded people, especially if you want to start a ‘grow your

own’ community, or group, in your area....all this and the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the future of our county’s food security and, in a small way, the future of our planet and those who share it with us.

Master Gardeners are trained

and supported by Garden Organic.

The Master Gardener in your area is Jackie Patching, who can be contacted on 07908 677699 or by e mail at greenginger.gardens@ virgin.net or alternatively by visiting the Master Gardener website at www.mastergardeners.org.uk

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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | homes & gardens

Dutch Barn Nurseries

Aspiration Solar Ltd

For those of you who have not yet discovered us we are a family run plant nursery and shop situated on a working farm in the village of Blo Norton, near Diss.

For clear advice on renewable energy call 01379 658959.

We opened in April last year and word has quickly spread about our plants and our low prices.

We have a varied range of alpines, unusual herbs and herbaceous perennials which have all been produced by us here on the nursery. By growing the plants ourselves we are able to offer great value for money.

This year, to cater for the ever increasing popularity of Grow your Own, we will be producing a large variety of vegetables, including many unusual ones. We also have many exciting projects in the pipeline for later this year.

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Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Our ’Honesty Shop’ here at the nursery is a great place to browse. It has an interesting mix of items both old and new, ranging from books to furniture - candles to cushions. We have a good choice of craft materials and a selection of handmade products.

Dutch Barn Nurseries The Street, Blo Norton, Nr Diss, IP22 2JB. Tel: 01953 681182 Open everyday except Tuesdays 10am - 5pm.

Everyone is talking about the massive success of Solar PV electrical systems installed on homes and businesses.

Not only do you save money on energy bills by generating around 4000 units for self-use , clients also tell us how having the sytem fitted changed their mindset and encouraged them to be more energy efficient. One lady in particular told me her last bill was less than a quarter compared to the same time period of the year before – despite huge increases in electricity costs!

Now is a brilliant time to invest.

The cost of solar has dropped dramatically in the past year with a quality system such as a 4kWp Samsung or Bosch costing as little as £8,500 with budget systems from £6,900. A well-positioned and installed 4kWp system will earn you over £1000 per annum. This will increase as bills rise due to the huge savings you will make.

The ongoing popularity of Solar PV has made the Government plan future changes for the way the scheme works. One such change is that from April onwards, any new installation must be accompanied by a minimum of a D rating on the property’s Energy Performance Certificate. So if you have an older property, now is the time to act!

Secondly, from July 1st, the FIT payment for any new install will drop from 21p per unit to 16.5p.

There is also the possibility that the time scale of the scheme will drop from 25 years to 20 to bring it in line with other renewable technology.

The time to act is now. To make your investment really work hard for you, call the only fully-accredited Solar PV installation company in Diss for a professional service before and after completion.

Support your local economy and call Aspiration Solar Ltd today on 01379 658959.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

Mental Health And Wellbeing Day The United Reformed Church, Mere Street, Diss.

23rd March from 9.30am to 3.30pm We are staging this event to publicise the services that are available to help people who have mental health problems and those who care for them.

At least one in four of us will suffer from poor mental health at some time in our lives and we aim to reduce the stigma that can be attached to mental illness.

Anyone can come in and ask advice about where to go and who to contact to get help for themselves, or friends and family. If we do not have all the answers we may know someone who does!

Anything from independent advocacy to help in gaining employment, through to supported housing and NHS services.

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Travel to essential services is a big issue in this area of North Suffolk and South Norfolk so we are running a survey to find your views about public transport and how it affects you and your ability to get to where you need to go.

We would be pleased to know your views on this subject and all responses will be fully confidential.

“It’s time to talk, it’s time to change” Supported by Mid Suffolk District Council, The East of England Co-operative Society, Mid Suffolk Action in Partnership and Suffolk LINk.

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

The Stigma About Hearing Loss One in six people in the UK experience hearing problems.

What’s even more worrying, is the big stigma that still looms over the use of hearing aids, and the fact that many people with a hearing loss just don’t do anything about it.

But why is this? There is now a wide range of hearing instruments, some so tiny they fit completely inside your ear and cannot be seen. Even those which sit behind the ear are so small and light they are practically invisible while others deliberately draw attention to themselves – becoming trendy and fashionable for the young, or young at heart.

Hearing loss is a form of disability and our natural reaction is to shy away from admitting it’s actually happening to us. In the majority of cases the degeneration is gradual, so much so that we don’t realise how bad the situation has become until someone else points it out for us. It can take up to 15

years from the first signs of hearing loss to the point when the individual can’t take any more and finally seeks professional help. If people can relate to this problem and haven’t sought professional help then I would urge them to make a point of doing so.

Half Price Hearing Tests The Hearing Care Centre have recently opened 4 new hearing care practices in Norfolk and to celebrate they are offering “Your Local Magazine” readers the chance to have their hearing tested for just £10 (that’s 50% off!). The offer is available throughout March 2012 at the following locations: Cecil Amey Opticians, 11 Church Street, Attleborough 33b The Thoroughfare, Harleston 8 Market Street, Wymondham To book your appointment please call Freephone 0800 096 2637 visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Procrastination…

Can deliver a very costly lesson!

The truth is dawning. More people now know that incapacity is not just about illness or dementia, but is accompanied with a financial nightmare of frozen accounts and assets, courtesy of the Mental Capacity Act. Realising that they offer a simple and low cost way of avoiding most of the financial havoc, enquiries for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are increasing daily.

So that should be that. People know about the problem, they have a solution at their fingertips, when, amazingly, procrastination takes

hold. The problem hasn’t gone away, their concern is just as real, but suddenly some seem to think they have all time in the world to take the final step, and arrange their LPA(s).

It is then, that life being life, deals some procrastinators a perverse change of luck and incapacity strikes, leaving them unable to understand or sign for the very protection they enquired about!

Procrastination seems to be the main cause of delay, but it’s not the only one. Complacency can also be a curse. Those that thought “It will never happen to me” and “It only happens to the elderly” are sometimes too dealt the same awful fate of incapacity.

Whatever the reason for delay in arranging an LPA, all the families will be left no choice but to join the long and very expensive queue for the Court of Protection. It is then that many realise that the cost of an LPA including the registration

fee, would have been a very small fraction of what it’s now costing them to apply to the Court of Protection!

The old saying is: “He who hesitates, loses”. In truth it’s too often the family that loses!

For a free LPA information pack call Garry Streeter - 01953 451930.

New Leaf Will Writers.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | your local trade fair

TRADE

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Fair

26th April 2012 Held at Diss Rugby Club Open to the public from 1pm-6pm

NO TO BT MISS E ED!

Boost Your Business… With Your Local Trade Fair Looking for a fantastic way to advertise your business? Then look no further…

On April 26th 2012 Your Local Magazine are holding their first ever trade fair at Diss Rugby Club. Places are limited and going fast, so be quick and book yours now to avoid disappointment! In the current business climate, never has it been more important than for local businesses to support each other. The Your Local Trade Fair gives you a unique and exciting opportunity to do just that. Use this powerful marketing medium to promote your product or service while also having the chance to learn about other local businesses. Harness the power of working together to be even more successful.

The Your Local Trade fair can offer you: • A chance to demonstrate your product or service to customers face-to-face.

• A fantastic opportunity for networking • Many potential customers and suppliers all in one place.

• A direct way to test new markets or launch new products or services.

Why not invite existing customers to visit your stand to help revitalise your business relationship and create face-to-face contact especially if it currently exists mainly though email or on the phone?

Last but not least, bring plenty of business cards! Don’t forget - places are limited so book soon!

Opening the event, and guest speaker is...

Caroline Williams Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for the past 11 years.

Caroline Williams trained in London as an international buyer. She worked for New York based Federated Department Stores, responsible for the development of their European operations. In 1988 she moved from buying to manufacturing and became the merchandise manager for a furniture manufacturer, Jentique Furniture Ltd. responsible for their key client Marks and Spencer.

In 1999 she became Director of Economic Development for the Norfolk and Waveney Training & Enterprise Council (TEC) and took up her current position as Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in 2000.

Caroline is married with 2 sons, aged 21 and 24 years.

Inside Stand (10ft) £95+VAT*

Outside Stand £125+VAT*

Price includes: an advertising profile of 50 words and floor plan position featured in April’s edition of “Your Local Magazine”. Website and Twitter coverage and a buffet for two people per stand!

Stand Set-Up Time: 9:30am.

Start Time: 12:00pm.

Buffet Served 12:30pm-1:00pm

Free Parking.

To book a stand, email gary@yourlocalmagazine.net or call 01379 642044.

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Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Local Firm Expands Andrew Dickson Limited

New member: Neil Mitchell

A local firm of Chartered Financial Planners has begun its planned expansion. Andrew Dickson Limited have just announced that an additional fully qualified adviser has joined them with effect from 1st February and will specialise in investment and employee benefit work.

The new team member is Neil Mitchell who has 25 years experience in financial services.

Neil started his career with pension and investment companies and moved on to specialise in personal financial planning.

In this financial planning role his more recent experience has been providing client advice with one of the major chartered accountancy firms and an international Employee Benefits consultancy.

Andrew Dickson Limited is one of fewer than 400 firms throughout the UK, with Chartered Financial Planner status.

The firm has clients mainly in East Anglia but also in London and the South of England.

Clients include people in a wide range of occupations and corporate organisations ranging from Farmers to one of the major national sporting federations.

For further information please contact Andrew Dickson on 01379 783272 or andrewd@andrewdickson.co.uk.

Web: www.andrewdickson.co.uk

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LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Why Are We Encouraged New Portrait Photography To Save Money?

Studio Opens!

From childhood most of us are told to put away money to save for the future - perhaps for something special? Or perhaps to be sure that when we really need something we have the funds to acquire it, without taking on debt? Whether you place your money in a piggy bank, or in a multinational investment house, our aims are broadly the same; to provide for our future needs, and to protect ourselves against unexpected causes of expenditure.

When planning your finances, it is important to distinguish the difference between savings and investments. Savings are generally funds that you set aside, but can be accessed relatively quickly. These savings are often for a specific need or purchase, like a holiday or a new car. The most common way of ‘saving’ is into a bank account (‘deposit’ account) where the money can be accessed in an emergency, and for every £1 you put in, you will get £1 back (short of a bank collapse!),

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and possibly some interest.

Investments are designed to be held for a longer term, usually at least 5 years. You need to be comfortable with tying up this money for a period of time, and should not consider investments unless you have some savings in place. Most investments are not guaranteed to return your money in full, although do offer the prospect of potentially higher returns than deposit accounts. Returns, risk and volatility are the factors that will determine a suitable place for your savings. Savings and Investment products range from a simple current account, which offers with high levels of flexibility and security but may give low returns. The opposite end of the scale would be company shares, by investing directly into a company you may benefit if that company prospers.

Whilst the benefits are potentially high, the risks are also much greater.

Contact PLS before making any decisions on 01379 644568.

Gislingham’s Jeff Norman has this week opened a portrait studio in Magpie Court, Harleston.

Jeff lives in the village of Gislingham, with his Wife and Daughter; where in his spare time, he is on the Governing body of the Federation of Gislingham & Palgrave Primary Schools.

His photography business ‘Jeff Norman Photography’ was established in 1997, and in the past five years he has specialised in Wedding and location portrait photography.

But Jeff has seen his business grow steadily over the past five years along with his growing reputation.

A member of the SWPP (Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers); Jeff has had his

work published in several bridal magazines; and now photographs over twenty five weddings a year.

Jeff is looking forward to joining the local business community and also meeting the people of Harleston.

He is focused on offering quality photography and products at fair and affordable prices.

He is completely open about his pricing and is strongly opposed to the hard-sell approach of some High Street studios in the major Towns.

His colour brochure details his various photographic services and prices.

If you would like a copy, along with details of a special “Opening Offer”, call in at the studio, or request a copy via Jeff ’s website at:www.jeffnormanphotography.co.uk

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

LOCAL BUSINESS | recruitment and training

Harleston Jobs Club

Employment Network

Every Wednesday, drop-in 10am – 12pm.

Employment Network is a brand new UK online recruitment site, dedicated to helping you find your next job.

Are you looking for work?

Then come along to the Jobs Club for friendly and informal support.

We can help you with your CV, covering letters, application forms, job searches, local courses, training and volunteering.

What’s on in March NHS Health Trainer Service – Wednesday 7 March 10am-12pm Do you want to do more exercise, make healthy food choices, stop smoking, drink less alcohol or improve your general health and wellbeing? Then come along to the Jobs Club where the NHS Health Trainer Service will be giving a talk about the free services they offer.

Careers Advice – Tuesday 13 March 9.45am-3pm A professional Careers Advisor will be holding 1:1 appointments offering additional support if you are looking for work,

thinking about a change of career or seeking training / learning opportunities.

Sure Start Children’s Centre– Wednesday 28 March 10.30-11.30 The Children’s Centre Manager will be attending the Jobs Club offering support and information to parents/carers with children age 0-5 who are looking to return to work. This is a great chance to discuss job opportunities and childcare options.

We’re not a recruitment agency ourselves, but lots of agencies and employers use our website every day, to find people just like you.

We know that looking for a job can be frustrating and we aim to take the pain out of job hunting. Our intelligent search and matching technology saves you

Don’t miss our seminar on applying for jobs and interview tips and techniques being held at the Sancroft Centre at the end of March.

Book Your Recruitment Ad Here...

For more information please contact Lucy Marjoram, Jobs Club Co-ordinator on 01379 851920 or email : jobsclub@harleston-norfolk.org.uk

Advertise to 37,000 readers a month in Your Local Magazine

the hassle of searching through thousands of jobs, bringing you and recruiters together quickly and easily.

Why not visit our website: www.employmentnetwork.co.uk and create your CV today for a brighter future tomorrow.

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LOCAL BUSINESS | directory

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Your Local Directory To advertise, please contact our Sales Team on 01379 642044

Accounting Services

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Building Services Cont...

With a readership of 37,000

Cleaning

Gas Services

Bathrooms & Kitchens

To Advertise Your Business

Call 01379 642044

Denture Repair

Home Entertainment

Building Services

To Advertise Your Business

Call 01379 642044

Electrical

Landscapers

LOCAL BUSINESS | directory

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

Your Local Directory To advertise, please contact our Sales Team on 01379 642044

Laundrettes

Painting & Decorating

Motor Engineers

Pets

Oven Cleaning

Plumbing & Heating

With a readership of 37,000

Plumbing & Heating Cont...

To Advertise Your Business

Call 01379 642044

Residential Care

Sewing Machine Servicing and Repairs

Timber Merchants

Web Development

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LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

What’s On... In March!

To add your event, please email editorial@yourlocalmagazine.net.

3rd.

Music: Beatboxing workshop. Learn to beatbox with local beatboxer Lee Gibling.

For ages 11-18. 11am2pm. £3 for Arts Award participants £4 for non Arts Award participants.

Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk.

3rd-31st. Art: Past Present – Diss, a photographic portrait. A special commission from the Stables Gallery, this exhibition will be both fascinating and insightful and is the result of many weeks spent in the town. It will seek to reveal aspects of places and people, illuminating some of the quiet magic that is Diss. 11am-4pm daily Free. Box Office 01379 652241. www. disscornhall.co.uk 4th. Hellebore Fair. 11am to 2.00pm Free Entry at Blacksmiths Cottage Nursery, Langmere Road, Langmere, Dickleburgh.

Our annual Hellebore Fair is a must for the keen gardener, with over 1000 plants on display. We have a selection of specialist local growers offering species and hybrid Hellebore alongside other associated perennials, ferns and bulbs. Coffee Shop open all day. For more information check our website www. blackcottnursery.co.uk or phone 01379 741136/740982.

6th. Bingo Evening. 6.30pm for 7pm. The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Pulham St. Mary. An evening of Bingo with Bob. Just come along and join us. Bar open 6.30pm.

Admission: Free. Contact: Bev Blackburn.

01379 676660. www.pennoyers.org.uk 6th. Blood Donors. Appointments Advisable.

Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

7th. Film: Kind Hearts & Coronets (U).

This wonderful black comedy of manners stars Alec Guinness famously playing eight members of an aristocratic family. 8pm. Tickets £4 / Students £2 Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk.

9th. Lent Lunches For Christian Aid. 12.30-1.30. St Mary’s Parish Church Hall.

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Please keep entries to date, event, where, cost and contact details.

9th.Theatre Eastern Angles present: Private Resistance. The ultimate ‘what-if ’ scenario.

How would the British have coped with a wartime invasion? Set in 1940 Private Resistance is a thrilling tale of the so-called Auxiliary Units, Churchill’s secret guerrilla army primed to go underground to fight behind the lines – a story of the bonds created and destroyed by war 7.30pm. Tickets £9.50 / Concessions £8.50 Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk.

10th. Country Gold, The Green, Pulham Market Memorial Hall presents ‘Kevin Barry’. Doors 7pm. Music 8pm until 11.45pm. £6. No Bar - Please bring your own. Tea and coffee available. For further information please contact Jesse on 07880 995199 or Allan on 07545 166760.

10th. Music: Queen II. Featuring some of the UK’s finest professional musicians, all your favourite Queen songs and an exhilarating light show, Queen II is sure to rock you. 7.30pm.

Tickets £16.50 / £13.50 / £12.50 Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 11th. ‘Come Dancing’. Enjoyable night of dancing with professional DJ playing all your favourite dancing tunes. 7.00pm - 10.00pm, admission £5. Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

11th. The Silver Dollar Country Music Club, The Park Hotel, Diss presents ‘Nashville Numbers’. Doors 7pm. Music 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Members £5. Non-Members £6.

For further information please contact John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918.

14th. Film: Jane Eyre. Described as ‘A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he’s hiding a terrible secret’, Charlotte Bronte’s classic gets the big screen treatment for the sixth time. This one is balanced, well crafted and beautifully acted.

8pm Tickets £4 / Students £2 Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

15th. RAHOF ‘Ladies Pamper Night’.

Rickinghall Village Hall 6.30-9.30 Reflexology - The Bowen Technique. Indian Head Massage, Eye Brow Shaping, Mini Manicure. Stalls: Handbags, Candles, Cakepops, Magnetic Jewellery and many more. £3 at the door to include tea or coffee and nibbles. This event is in aid of St. Nicholas Hospice Care Bury St. Edmunds. Enquiries, 01379 898029.

16th. Lent Lunches For Christian Aid. 12.30 -1.30. Methodist Church (opp Morrisons).

16th. “Easter Traditions and Customs”.

An illustrated talk by Katrina Siliprandi of the Norfolk Museums Service - to be held at St. Mary’s Hall at 7.30pm.

16th. Pennoyer Friday Film Night: Mao’s Last Dancer (PG). 7.15pm for 8pm. The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Pulham St. Mary. £4 in advance, £4.50 on the door. Booking advised. 01379 676660. Contact: Bev Blackburn.

01379 676660. www.pennoyers.org.uk 17th. Craft Making Day at Connaught Hall.

10am until 4pm. Cost is £15 per person. All profits going to Attleborough First Responders.

Price includes lunch plus all materials and tools needed on the day.

17th. Film: The English Patient. An epic love story about a Hungarian pilot’s relationship with two women in two quite different eras around WWII. 2pm. Tickets £4 / Concessions £3. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 17th. Dance To Kenny Lee and Hustler.

50’s 60’s 70’s and Rock & Roll. 8:15pm to 12 midnight. Admission £6.00, members £5.50.

Shelfanger Village Hall. Bar, Raffle and Food.

18th. Apollo Country Music Club presents ‘Long Shot’. 7.30pm - 11.00pm, £5 members/£6 non members. Raffle, Bar & Hot meals available.

Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

18th. ‘Mothers Day Lunch’. Delicious 3 course lunch with coffee and gift for every mother. £15 per head/£8.50 under 10yrs. Bookings now being taken. Tel: 01379 854205 Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

Your Local Magazine • March 2012

What’s On... In March!

To add your event, please email editorial@yourlocalmagazine.net.

21st. Film: The Guard. Brenden Gleeson plays a maverick with his own moral code, who has seen enough of the world to know there isn’t much to it. But he struggles when a drug investigation arrives and he is forced to deal with the humourless FBI agent (Don Cheadle) assigned to the case.

8pm. Tickets £4 / Students £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 23rd. Lent Lunches For Christian Aid. 12.30-1.30. United Reformed Church.

24th. Farmers’ Market. 10am-1pm. Locally sourced produce, arts & crafts. Café open.

Admission: Free. The Pennoyer Centre, Station Road, IP21 4QT. Pulham St. Mary.

Contact: Bev Blackburn. 01379 676660. www.pennoyers.org.uk 24th. Theatre: RoughCast Theatre Company present Richard III. RoughCast’s typically high-energy and fast-paced performance ensures that the audience will take as much delight in Richard’s blackly humorous rise to power as Richard does himself; and then be enthralled as the brutal tyrant (like so many before and since) desperately tries to hang on to power. 7.30pm. Tickets £8 / Concessions £6. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 24th & 25th. Bunwell and District Camera Club Exhibition. Held at Long Stratton Village Hall on the weekend of March 24th (10am-5pm) and 25th (10am-4pm). Entry to the exhibition is free and light refreshments will be available. Further details about the club and exhibition can be found at www.bdcameraclub.co.uk or by contacting 07583 082250.

24th. Girlguiding Wayland: Easter & Olympics Craft Show. 1.30 – 3pm. Connaught Hall, Attleborough. Come and see the craft show entries of Girlguiding members across the district. Join in the fun! Easter Egg Raffle – Tombola – Stalls – Refreshments.

Free Entrance. All proceeds to Wayland District Girlguiding.

Please keep entries to date, event, where, cost and contact details.

25th. The Silver Dollar Country Music Club, The Park Hotel, Diss presents ‘First Chapter’.

Doors 7pm. Music 7.30pm until 10.30pm.

Members £5. Non-Members £6. For further information please contact John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918.

25th. ‘Willoughby Brothers’. Doors open 12pm with bar & hot bar meals available. Concert 2pm - 5pm. For ticket info. contact Mrs Day on 07748 650006.

25th.‘Come Dancing’. Enjoyable night of dancing with professional DJ playing all your favourite dancing tunes. 7.00pm - 10.00pm, admission £5. Apollo Rooms, Harleston.

28th. Film: One Life (U). Created from over 10,000 hours of footage from the BBC natural history unit, One Life is a compilation of the finest wildlife clips. 8pm.

Tickets £4 / Students £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 30th. Comedy: Red Card Comedy Club – On the Road. Featuring Mitch Benn, Erich McElroy and John Gordillo (compère). This line-up is comedy gold – don’t miss it! 8.15pm.

Tickets: Advance £9 / Door £10 Box Office.

01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 30th. Lent Lunches For Christian Aid. 12.301.30. Salvation Army Hall, Sunnyside, Diss.

30th-31st. Winnie-the-Pooh – a play for children. On Friday 30th (7.30pm) and Saturday 31st March (2.30pm), Harleston Players Youth Theatre Company are performing Winnie-thePooh by AA Milne (adapted for stage by Glyn Robbins). The play features all the well-loved characters including Pooh, Piglet, Owl, Tigger and Eeyore, and of course Christopher Robin, not to mention Rabbit, Kanga and Roo and several friends and relations. And there are plenty of adventures to be had, including how Piglet is entirely surrounded by water, the search for Eeyore’s lost tail and the famous ‘expotition’ to discover the North Pole. Performances will take place at Archbishop Sancroft High School.

Tickets are available on the door priced £4. The play is especially suitable for younger children (4-8) but is sure to entertain Pooh fans of all ages.

31st. Spring Ball at Park Hotel. Three course dinner, Harley Street Band and Raffle, 7.30pm.

Tickets £30 from Park Hotel/Ashton Estate Agents or call 07952 127804. The event is to raise funds for the Beth Sheppard Appeal.

31st. The ‘Tex Speed Combo’ - £8.00 at The ‘Starfighter’ Rock & Roll Club, Wreningham, Village Hall, Mill Lane, Wreningham, Norfolk.

Contact Roland on 01603-812637 or Tonya on 01508-494735).

31st. Saturday Club: Theatre: The Velveteen Rabbit. The enchanting story of how a toy was loved so much he became real. Puppetry, poetry and physical theatre bring this children’s classic to life.

Laugh, shout, cry and join the adventure. 2pm. Tickets £5 / Children £3 (3-8yrs). Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk 31st. “Songs for a Spring Evening” concert with local singers performing a selection of popular songs. Doors open 6:45pm, concert starts 7:30pm. Tickets £8 (includes buffet) at Alburgh Village Hall contact Pat Goose on 01986 788510 or Edward Renuat 01986 788664.

31st. A Charity Evening of Music and Song.

7:30pm at The Swan Hotel, Harleston is hosting a variety of musical performances with Louis de Bernieres, Treble Clef, Janet Kenyon and other local musicians. The evening’s entertainment is in aid of conservation research and biodiversity management with the charitable organisation Operation Wallacea. Visit www.opwall.com.

Tickets £4 in advance/£5 on the door. Please contact Emily Winter on 07748 992502 or ewinter64@yahoo.co.uk 31st. Music: Raymond Froggatt. Top UK country music entertainer Raymond Froggatt has made over 40 records, written around 3,000 songs and was voted top male singer by the British Country Music Association for six years in a row is still going strong.

7.30pm Tickets £14.50 / £12.50 / £11.

Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

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Your Local Magazine • March 2012

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