Download pdf - About Thetford

Issue 51 January 2010

Your Local Independent Community Magazine

Circulation 10,500 copies

We do Kitchens JUST GOOD HONEST KITCHENSTruly Affordable • Made to Measure just for You

No Gimmicks or Hard SellVisit our Showroom, or we can visit you.

For a FREE No Obligation QuoteCall Thetford 01842 811969 NOW

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THE DESIGN CENTRE • SAWMILLS RD • DISS • NORFOLK • IP22 4GG

See Page 33

1 Jan 2010 Cover:Front Cover 17/12/2009 21:52 Page 1

2Please mention the About Thetford Community Magazine when responding to advertisements

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2 Jan 2010:Layout 1 17/12/2009 21:55 Page 1

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this magazine, the publishers take noresponsibility for the accuracy of statements made by it’s contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission of the publishers is strictlyforbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

Publisher: About Thetford Limited131 Nunnery Drive, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3EP

Tel: 01842 761549 • email: [email protected]

If you would like to advertise yourbusiness please contact

[email protected] or call Marje on

01842 761549 • 07754 034 015DEADLINE for February Issue 15th January

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Dear Readers,Well did anyone spot last months deliberate mistake?A very important group of people were omitted from mythank you list!I say it was a deliberate error as I would never undervaluethem. They do a very important job and bring your magazineto your door come rain or shine. This time of year more rainthan shine! So I would like to say a really big thank you toeveryone who delivers the About Thetford Magazine.I am sure you will agree they do a marvellous job. In any jobthere is an element of human error and so I would like toassure readers that I know every endeavour is made to deliveryour magazine, with over 99.9% success rate, if you belong tothe exclusive .1% club and do not receive yours on time, do letme know so this may be rectified.

Best Wishes, Marje

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3 Sept:Layout 1 19/12/2009 03:19 Page 1

:a dvdThere will be a large screen presentationof the Commemorative dvd of last year'sCelebrations on Monday 18th January2010 at 7.30 in the Williamson Hall ofThetford Grammar School.Now running 50 minutes, the dvdcaptures the vividness of ReenactmentWeekend from dance to pitched battlewith colourful excerpts from the drama,music and events of the ensuing sixmonths. A great memento for those who tookpart or caught just some of theCelebrations, the dvd also works as anattractive and unusual introduction toTom Paine the man. Do come along and see for yourself.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS COMING UP

QUIZ NIGHT WITH FISH AND CHIP SUPPERFriday, 22nd January 2010

Get a team together and come along for a fun night. Bar open, fish and chip supper, wonderful, friendly atmosphere.

Admission just £2.00 and the supper which is not obligatory, is just£4.50. YOU MUST BOOK

Telephone us on 01842 815213

INDOOR TABLE TOP SALESSunday, 31st January 2010

Our First Indoor Table Top Sale will continue each monthuntil April when our Outdoor Car Boots will take over.

We already have several tables booked for January.Call us on 01842 815213, just £5 a table.

We are rapidly taking bookings for those special events in 2010, don’tlose out, contact us and arrange a viewing of our wonderful venue.We have excellent facilities here in our hall and have hosted weddings,anniversary parties, birthday parties, conferences and wakes. Call usand let us see how we can help.

Email [email protected] or Tel: 01842 815213

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4-5 January Whats On:Layout 1 19/12/2009 01:03 Page 1


ALL AGE WORSHIPSunday January 24th at 10.30am

Thetford Methodist Church, Tanner Street

THE FAMILY FRIENDLY CHURCHLED BY WORSHIP LEADERS

Worship Band - Puppets - Toy CornerChoir - Children’s Activities

Everyone is welcomeLively Worship for all the Family - Coffee

Thetford Over 60s

Lunch ClubA Club for older people run by volunteers

Do come and join us on:

Tuesdays at Riversdale Wednesdays at St. Michaels 12.30pm

£4 for a freshly cooked meal with tea or coffeeTransport available

Thursdays and Fridays for our Pub Club.Telephone: 763722 for information

Raleigh Infant School

Raleigh Infant School has close links with the localmilitary bases such as RAF Honington, USAFLakenheath and Mildenhall with family membersaway in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

The children at Raleigh were shown somephotographs of a new school that had just beenbuilt in Afghanistan and they could see that thechildren there did not have any school bags orpencils so this year we decided that instead ofhaving a shoebox appeal we would have an appealwith a difference.

We asked the children to donate a school bag withsome stationary in it such as a book and somecolouring pencils. Everyone was very generousincluding our school uniform suppliers Schoolwear,who donated 30 book bags. We managed to sendover 50 book bags each containing an exercisebook, a pack of colouring pencils, rubber and ruler.

Picture supplied

THE FIRST DATE FOR YOUR NEW DIARY

HELP THE HEROES CONCERTSt. Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir

March 13thin the

Carnegie RoomMore details next month

4-5 January Whats On:Layout 1 19/12/2009 01:03 Page 2

At the Carnegie Rooms, Thetford

Fri 29th Jan 2010, 10am to 7pmSat 30th Jan 2010, 10am to 4pm

Come along and see examples ofthe many exciting plans for Thetford

Moving ThetfordForward Open DaysThe Moving Thetford Forward Partnershipis hosting a special event at the end ofJanuary which will showcase developmentplans for Thetford.

The MTF Open Days will provide local peoplewith an opportunity to look at displays andvisual representations of future plans for thetown and find out about the many projectsunderway and under discussion which willinfluence the Thetford area.

If you are interested in finding out moreabout what’s happening or speaking to those

involved, come to the Carnegie Roomson the 29th and 30th January. Experts willbe on hand to answer any questions and allare welcome.

The Moving Thetford Forward Open Days willbe held at the Carnegie Rooms on Friday29th January from 10am to 7pm and onSaturday 30th January from 10am to 4pm.

For more information please call theEconomic Development team atBreckland Council on 01362 656235.

6

Moving Thetford Forward:Layout 1 17/12/2009 21:56 Page 1

Thetford Past and Present


The Thetford Co-operative Society was a thriving local institution in the early years of the 20th century when the pastphotograph was taken of the Bury Road branch store. It ceased to be a Co-op store in 1971 and since then has beenthe premises of several different commercial enterprises.

Past photograph from the David Osborne collection.

Thetford Past and Present January:Thetford Past 17/12/2009 21:59 Page 1

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Dry, Dehydrated SkinDry dehydrated skin can be a temporary problem, onewhich you only experience in the winter. Dry skin isalso called xerosis and it is a very common problemwhich effects people of all ages, even children.

Scientists agree that because of a sharp decline inlipids (these are the fats that are essential for thestructure and function of living cells) especially a dropin ceramides (these are one of the more importantcomponents of the lipid barrier), by the time we reach40, our skin will almost certainly be dry and ordehydrated. Such a depressing thought I know butone that we can do something about to improve!

There are many steps you can take to help preventor lesson the discomfort associated with dry,dehydrated skin.

An effective treatment for dry skin includes exfoliationto help prepare the skin to receive nourishingingredients, the use of emollients and hydrators toreplenish skin and vitamins to help smooth skin,stimulate collagen production and increase skin’snatural protective barrier.

It has been scientifically proven that topically appliedvitamins do improve the health of the skin. VitaminA helps inhibit collagen breakdown while stimulatingcollagen production for more plump looking skin,Vitamin B5 aids in wound healing and Vitamin E is anantioxidant that provides barrier protection whilesmoothing the skin.

So in other words, there is something that can bedone to help and there is no need to suffer in silence!

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8 Halcyon Editorial:About Thetford Template April 17/12/2009 22:07 Page 1

Look here.... We hope you all enjoyed Christmas,and we wish a happy new year to allour patients and friends. If you arewanting to add a real touch of colour toyour life in 2010, we have just thething, as we now stock a unique rangeof frames designed by Ronit Fürst, whoworked initially in ceramics. These areall hand-painted and finished in Israel,with lots of detail, and look differentfrom every angle.

For further details, or to make anappointment please call in,

or phone 01842 762581Open until 8pm Monday 25th January


Alan & Jean Donnelly2, Station Road,

Thetford

Gary Maynard PhotographyGary Maynard Photography

• Are you getting married within the next

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• Have you booked a photographer to record

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We can arrange packages to suit your budget.

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Visit our website atwww.GaryMaynardPhotography.com

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Wedding, Portrait and Pet Photography

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9 Donnolly Jan 2010:Layout 1 19/12/2009 04:14 Page 1

Pupils from the Thetford Grammar School, with angelicsinging voices, set the scene with carols outside King’sHouse, along with a manger recreating the traditionalnativity with real cattle lowing

Town Centre Alive


The Town centre was alive and vibrant with anexceptionally large crowd of Thetford residents turningout to enjoy the ceremony as the High Sheriff of Norfolk,Robert Carter pressed the button and illuminatedThetford for Christmas.

The Mayor of Thetford, Councillor Pam Spencer in heropening speech acknowledged the generosity of Thetfordpeople as she presented the cheque for £2000.00,money raised on Firework Fun Day, to Jaqui BladesCoordinator for Help The Heroes.

I think we will all agree that each year the lights arewonderful and they continue to grow year on year.

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Lights Ceremony:Layout 1 18/12/2009 19:07 Page 1


Along with the visiting French Market, the Museums wereopen. A craft fair in the Guildhall was well attended andenjoyed, and many of the Churches provided carols andpuppet shows etc.

Each year the switching on of the lights ceremony is wellsupported and enjoyed, and on behalf of our readersAbout Thetford would like to thank everyone who worksso hard to make it happen.

To the delight of the children Father Christmas made aspecial appearance again this year, with his reindeerresting up for the big day, he made a spectacularentrance on a trailer pulled by a Burrell engine.Full story following page.

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Lights Ceremony:Layout 1 18/12/2009 19:07 Page 2


Charles BurrellThetford hosted an amazingcollection of Burrell steam engines tocelebrate the Christmas lights switchon Friday 4th December. The enginesbegan arriving on the market placefrom mid morning onwards and theair was full of nostalgia as they allgot steamed up! After the GrammarSchool Choir sung carols the lightswere switched on by the High Sheriffof Norfolk, who then joined FatherChristmas who arrived on an 1890Burrell Trailer pulled by the 1907Burrell engine ‘Dreadnought’, bothowned by Richard Parrott of Weeting,who had organised the event inconjunction with Susan Glossop,Thetford Town Manager. The engineand trailer then transported the HighSheriff and Father Christmas throughthe crowds in King Street to themarketplace, where they weregreeted by the rest of the engineswho all whistled their approval!Corinne Fulford.

Pictures supplied by Neville Lockwood

Corrinne Burrell:Robert Ogden 18/12/2009 19:22 Page 1

Breckland Cats ProtectionAfter all the festivities let’s hope there are not too manyanimals abandoned this year. On a different note we aretrying to help in a situation where someone who has losttheir home and consequently there are 7-10 cats livingrough and in need of homes. Our pens are full but wehave managed to take in two so far. These cats are ofvarying ages up to about 10 years and some of themare quite timid. Two of them had been indoor cats sothey must be quite traumatised finding themselves outside. If you can offer a permanent home to any of thesecats please ring us.

Didier is a friendly , fussful boy who is only 1 year old.He is in need of a home without other cats as he likes todominate them. Didier has been neutered, vaccinatedand micro chipped.


We also have kittens still available.If you can help please ring us on 01842 810018

19 Guildhall StreetThetford, Norfolk

IP24 2DT

Tel: 01842 763145

Peter, Denise, Jane, Fiona, and Anneka

Good Salon Guide

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Dusty SpringClean“The only thing we can’t clean is your conscience”

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Breckland Cats Jan 18/12/2009 19:12 Page 1


Thetfordian Thomas Smith was in Singapore fightingwith the Royal Engineers when he was captured by theJapanese and spent the next three years six months asa prisoner of war. Tom was very near Nagasaki when theBomb was dropped and saw the damage himself whenhe passed through by train on August 20th. TheAmericans had arrived, he recalls an American Jazz Bandplaying at the Railway Station and being asked by themfor Japanese money as they wanted to take out JapaneseGirl friends!

Mrs Betty Buckingham, whose late Husband Denis wasan Honorary Member Of the Thetford and Brandon FarEast Prisoners of War and Dependants Association since1966 and also Secretary and treasurer for several years,said” Denis had great respect for FEPOW and workedtirelessly for them.” Denis volunteered for Korea around1950.

Jack Calver from Mundford was in the Royal NorfolkRegiment TA during the war when he was captured. The

journey from Singapore meant travelling in trucks on a

train continuously for three days and nights with no toiletfacilities. The train stopped once a day for a meal of rice.Jack who worked on the Thailand Railway said “I haveno wish to go back and visit Ban Pong after my threeyears eight months as a prisoner”.

James Hook, Royal Artillery, speaking of his time as aprisoner said” Sometimes conditions were horrific, andthe regime could be very strict, God help you if you triedto escape. I helped build the Bridge over the River Kwiabut we never went in whistling Colonel Bogey! It wasnothing like the film, no Red Cross Parcels, the worstdisease was cholera” James added “it was quite ironicreally, having escaped from France via Saint Valery backto England I was sent to Singapore and recaptured”.

Thetfordian William Massingham, an anti aircraftgunner in the Royal Artillery, was out in Timor to help anAustralian Unit there when he was captured on 23ndFebruary 1942. They were given one hour to surrenderor be bombed. Although they surrendered bombs weredropped causing them to dive for cover. The Japanese

The Far East Prisoners of War.Peter Cole on behalf of Thet Lodge presented a £1000 cheque to the Mayor of Thetford, Councillor Pam Spencerfor her chosen charity FEPOW. This is especially poignant for Pam as her father was a far east prisoner in Changifor the duration of the war.

Freemasons 19/12/2009 04:05 Page 1

Freemasonry celebrates 100 years in Thetford

In 1729 Freemasons held their first meeting in Norfolk,and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Norfolk was formed in1759, and have recently completed celebrating their250th. anniversary. Freemasons have just completedone hundred years of meetings in Thetford.In 1909 a group of Masons from Swaffham formed anew Lodge in Thetford, and called it Thet Lodge No.3334.The meetings were held in the Guildhall until 1947 whenthe Oddfellows Hall in Earls Street was purchased (nowthe Snooker Club).In 1955 the Oddfellows Hall was sold and the Lodge wentback to the Guildhall. In 1962 the present building, The Old Mill, Bridges Walk,was bought and meetings have been held there sincethat date.Since being founded meetings have been heldcontinuously on a monthly basis between October andMay. The only break was for three months at the start ofWorld War Two.Due to increased membership another Lodge, Breckland,was formed in 1976, using the same building. SimilarlyOld Mill Lodge was formed in 1986.All three Lodges still use the building on a regular basis.Further information about Freemasonry can be found atwww.norfolk-masons.org.uk. This site has links to manyMasonic sites throughout the country, indeed the world.

lost two of their own trucks full of soldiers. William wastaken off Timor by ship, the Dai Ichi Maru, travelling firstto Java, then on to Singapore and Japan. Lots died onthe journey, a terrible experience. On route to Japan aterrible typhoon caused them to shelter for four days ona lee island before they finally landed on the Island ofKysu, where they were forced to do lots of manual workwith precious little to eat. William was near Nagasakiwhen the Atomic Bomb was dropped. War finishedAugust 15 when the Japanese left them to their owndevices with the Americans air dropping food for them.On September 14th Americans took them onto an aircraftcarrier USS Shenego (alias the Lucky Lady, thousands ofbombs dropped on her but she was never hit!) wherethey experienced another typhoon! They then arrived atOkinawa to find the Japanese there hadn’t surrended yet,luckily they only stayed one day before heading home viathe Philippines, arriving in Southampton on 30thSeptember.

Pictured above a sketch by Australian Geoff Tyson afriend of Bills during his time at Timor. William said” Wewere not allowed a service to start with but then theyrelented and we sang underguard. Our favourite hymnwas The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended, as itreminded us of home.”

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Freemasons 19/12/2009 04:05 Page 2

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£10,000 for YoungPeople in Breckland

Breckland Youth Council has been given£10,000 to spend by the end of January 2010on local youth projects. All the project has todo is meet the criteria: stronger & safercommunities, improving health & well being,improving access to services or environmentalsustainability. The project could be anythingfrom outdoor park play equipment, purchasingtrees for planting to new equipment for anexisting group.

Stuart Green, from the Breckland Youth council said,

“We have got tight deadlines to meet so once you’veobtained your application form, fill it in and send it backas soon as you can for your chance to get up to£10,000 for your project.”

After 12th January 2010, a shortlist will be drawn upand the projects chosen will have the chance to ‘sell’their ideas to a panel of Youth Councillors at apresentation evening. The winning projects will beannounced on 28th January. Remember as long asyour project fulfils the criteria you can apply foranything from £50 up to a massive £10,000.

Go to Breckland Council’s website:www.breckland.gov.uk for an application form andfurther information or contact Caroline Cox for furtherhelp, email: [email protected] or call01362 656870.

Don’t delay, It could be your project that gets the£10,000!

Executive Member for Communities and Benefits,Theresa Hewett said,“I’d like to congratulate the Youth Council at BrecklandCouncil who have been instrumental in helping to gainthis central government funding in the Breckland area.They are very keen to help empower the young peoplein Breckland to deliver projects that will benefit theircommunities.”

The funding of £10,000 is part of The BrecklandPartnership’s (LSP) successful bid for £25,000 towardsparticipatory budgeting. This is where local peopledecide how to spend public money.

Breckland’s Youth Council will be seeking applicationsfrom school groups, youth clubs and youthorganisations.

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Breckland Youth Council :Robert Ogden 18/12/2009 19:14 Page 1


Firstly I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Yearand I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas break ~ I amactually excited by what 2010 might bring, althoughsome may say that’s just being an eternal optimist!

Although 2009 will be remembered as a gloomy end tothe decade, there were lots of positives for the ArtsCentre, not least having celebrated its 30th anniversaryof Thetford having an Art Gallery. So we do have apedigree of surviving some tough times in the past.

The Summer Exhibition ‘Upstairs Comes Down’ wasagain very well supported and our Christmas Arts &Craft Fayre proved another very successful event, withmany of the exhibitors reporting brisk trade and havealready booked their places for this year. Our next Arts& Craft Fayre will be during the Easter weekend, onSaturday 3rd April so please put that in your new diariesas one to visit.

For those of you who have never visited the Arts Centre,we are located on the upper level of the ThetfordGuildhall and are open Monday ~ Saturday 10am-1pm.Although space is limited, one of the areas we hope toaddress in 2010, I think you will be pleasantly surprisedby the array of talent that is regularly on display.

For those of you that have an interest in the Arts butdon’t think you are at exhibition stage, why not enquireabout forthcoming workshops to hone those brushstrokes. John Mayes our long standing resident Artistdelivers two workshops per week to pass on hisknowledge and advice, with many local people nowproducing to exhibition standard.

As I said I am excited by the promise of 2010, and amdetermined it will be our year for positive change, wewant to attract more visitors, engage with a greaterbreadth of our community and offer more opportunitiesthrough a variety of workshops and events. Two newworkshops for early 2010 will be a Pottery Workshopand Learn Patchwork & Quilting Techniques. For moreinformation on either of these call Sandy; tel: 01842766599. Later in the year we will also be offering aDigital Photography Workshop, details of this and muchmore will appear in future About Thetford issues.

We would very much like to hear what might interestyou and what would you like to see delivered at the ArtsCentre? Community Cinema is one such project that iscurrently being developed. The Arts Centre is to be oneof the area venues scheduled as part of the BrecklandFilm Festival, which will be screening films duringFebruary & March; we are timetabled for Friday 5thMarch & Saturday 6th March with more detailsappearing in the About Thetford February issue.

If you are an Arts tutor or specialist in Arts & Craft thatmight help improve our programme of activities andworkshops or even a local artist that might want toexhibit some of your work, Sandy would be happy totalk to you (tel: 01842 766599). For those that just wantto relax and enjoy the Arts on offer then please comeand visit the Arts Centre next time you are in town, weserve a great cup of coffee and offer an excellentselection of homemade cakes, both at very reasonableprices.

You can keep up to date with all our exhibitions, eventsand workshops and much more by visiting our website~ www.thetfordartscentre.org.uk.

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Arts Centre 17/12/2009 20:32 Page 1


Barnham Action GroupTo be confirmed

Please contact - Tim Lovejoy on 01842 763241

Abbey Tenants and Residents Group Monday 11th January 6pm, Peddars Way OfficesContact for more information on 01842 764647

Cloverfields Residents GroupWednesday 6th January 7.30pm, Cloverfields Church

& Community Centre for more informationwww.freewebs.com/cloverfieldresidents

Redcastle Action GroupRedcastle Senior Citizens Social Room 01842 821643

Monday 25th January

Thetford Town Centre Residents Assc.Thursday 14th January 7.00pm, Riversdale Centre

Everyone welcome tel Margaret Findlay 01842 824884

Local Tenants and Residents Group Meetings

For the Voluntary Sector…Once the rush and excitement of Christmas is overit is often time to look forward to the New Year andmaking some resolutions.

Have you considered setting a New Year’sResolution, not just for yourself but for your group,what would the group you’re involved in like to aimfor and achieve in 2010?

Perhaps there is some training that you couldbenefit from; KAVO will be offering Basic FoodHygiene, Mental Health First Aid and First AidTraining in the coming months. Would you likesome new equipment or to run new activities;KAVO can help you get funding.

Would you like more people to know what you areabout and what you do; KAVO helps groupspublicise their work.

Whatever your group would like to achieve in 2010KAVO can help, for more information please contactSadie Harvey, KAVO Manager on 01842 754 639 or e-mail [email protected]

KAVOKeystone Area Voluntry Organisations

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18 KAVO Dec 17/12/2009 20:33 Page 1

Celebrating Christmas at Laburnum Grove Housing withCare Scheme this year surely meant a fun time for staffand clients.

Staff decked the halls with boughs of holly, prepared amouth watering feast, dressed up for the occasion andwere full to the brim with the seasons festivities readyfor the celebrations which began with a party held onDecember 8th. After a short welcome address by JanaHopkins, Activities Co-ordinator, clients along with theirfamilies and their friends were entertained by singerBrian Roy creating a really jovial atmosphere.

Shirley a Great Christmas!


Appreciation was also the order of the day when ClientKen Richards, pictured above left, on behalf of all theclients, exalted the staff for all their hard work throughoutthe year and presented Manager Pearl Mumford with ahibiscus plant.

more singing, dancing and much laughter were broughtto a close with an amazing Staff rendition of Big Spenderand guess who was Shirley Bassey! (pictured below)

Dancing, singing and laughter followed with an interludeto enjoy what can only be described as probably the mostscrumptious buffet possible!

Activity carers Margaret Chamberlain and AndreaGreenough organised a very popular Christmas Quizwhich allowed clients time to get their breath back before

On December 9th Clients enjoyed the Pantomime, Pussin Boots by Partytime Productions, with quick behind thescreen changes the three actresses kept the flow andstory moving with the usual pantomime gags thrown in.Although unfortunately due to a prior engagement Imissed the Pantomime this year I have been assured itwas as successful as last year, when I did wonder howthe photographs would turn out as laughing is notbeneficial to a steady hand! Other Christmas activities included a visit, on 15thDecember, from the Salvation Army for their CarolService, and on 17th December a coffee morningorganised by pupils from Rosemary Musker High Schooldelighted the clients with the students Christmas baking. On Christmas Day the Mayor of Thetford, Councillor PamSpencer helped Santa and his Elves distribute Christmaspresents to clients. Shirley a great Christmas!

Picture supplied by Neville Lockwood

Laburnum:Robert Ogden 17/12/2009 20:34 Page 1

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20 Easyfleet Dec 17/12/2009 20:35 Page 1

Paul Roy, buying and marketing director commented,“We’re delighted with the commitment of our staff todress up as part of our Wild West theme. Our aim wasto beat the £2,000 we raised last year, so we’re verypleased to have smashed this target. We’d also like tosay a big thank you to all customers who donated moneytowards this very worthwhile cause.”

ROYSPictured above: Staff from Roys Thetford store on Guildhall Streetdressed up as Cowboys and Native Americans.


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You might not expect to walk in a shop to be

met with the sight of Cowboys and Native

Americans, but that was the sight which

customers of Roys Thetford store were met

with on Friday 20th November. There was a

good reason for all the fun as staff were 'Doing

Something Different' and encouraging

customers to 'mosey on down' to their stores

to help raise money for Children in Need. A

grand total of £865 was raised. Buckets were

provided at till points which customers could

use to donate money.

The total money raised across all Roys stores

was £7,600. Staff in Wroxham; Bowthorpe and

Magdalen Street, Norwich; North Walsham;

Thetford; Dereham and Sudbury stores all

dressed up in the Wild West theme.

Roys 17/12/2009 20:36 Page 1

At a recent assembly at Queensway Community JuniorSchool, Head Teacher Mrs. Laura Jestico greeted thechildren by saying this is a very exciting assembly, wehave a sponsor for our football team, Simon Long ofSimon Long Removals and Storage who will present ourFriday football team, favourite results medals andcertificates.

During the assembly the children sang superbly the wellrenowned Christmas Song “Feed the World” with greatgusto and delight, and tribute was paid to Miss Bonnie’sDance Club which is also doing fantastically well.

Simon Long said ” It is really nice to be able to supportlocal schools, the kit looks fantastic and I hope thechildren enjoy some really good tournaments with it”.

Simon presented medals and congratulated JamesParker Hammond, Owen Miller, Christian Bond, ChelseaVickers, Dylan Robert Shaw, Chloe Hall, Ronnie LeeHutcherson, Max Goldson, Shannon Southgate, RhysBell, Liam Bardwell, Luke Lampon, Amelia Grimes andPage Harper. The Assembly finished with a prayer.

Mrs Eke, P.E Co-ordinator said “We take part in differentfestivals, some outside town like the UEA, now we willlook the part and this will really boast the childrens’ selfesteem when they go out. The kit is very versatile andwill also benefit our Netball and Athletics”.

Head Teacher Mrs. Laura Jestico is delighted with thenew kits, she emphasised that the school is already goodat P.E and have won many festivals since January 2009,adding this is celebrating some of the strengths of thechildren and the school and also strengthening thebusiness links and enterprise project of the school.

New Kit Raises Esteem for Queensway Community Junior School

The whole school would like to say a special thank youto Simon who is always supportive of QueenswayCommunity Junior School, not only in providing this fullnew football kit, but also with vouchers and various fetesincluding last years summer fete when Simon broughtalong one of his removal vehicles for the children to sitin and explore!

Pictured left to right: Mrs Eke, Conor Hayes, Mrs LauraJestico, Jessica Howell and Simon Long,

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Queensway School:Layout 1 17/12/2009 20:39 Page 1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THETFORD TOWN COUNCILKing’s House, King Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2AP

Tel: 01842 754247

Fax: 01842 762567

Email: [email protected]

Town Council Offices Opening Hours:

Public counter service available from 9.00a.m. to 1.00p.m. Monday to Friday

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

St. Peter’s Church

January 2010

QUALITY

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23

St Peters Church:June 2008 Town Council Newsletter 17/12/2009 20:41 Page 1

ST. PETER’S CHURCH

Thetford Town Council has purchased St Peter’s Church from the Diocesefor Community use. This will ensure that the building will be preservedand provide a public building for the residents of Thetford.

Some of the uses which the Town Council suggested in its application tothe Diocese for Community use were:

• Art Gallery and Working Studio

• Tourist Information Centre

• Visitors Centre where school groups and visitors to the town could meet to get information and join the tours. This would be the Town Council working with The Burrell Museum, Ancient House Museum,Dad’s Army Museum and the Education Services.

• Permanent home for the the Staniforth book collection

However, it is very important that the views of the Community are heard as the Town Council will be applying for Heritage Lottery funding. Yourviews count and will demonstrate the wishes of the Community for such aproject.

We would be very grateful if you would spend the time to write yoursuggestions and either send/or email this questionnaire back to the addressover the page by 31st January 2010.

24


YOUR SUGGESTIONS

Please use this space to list your suggestions

25


PUBLIC CONSULTATIONST. PETER’S CHURCH

CONTACT DETAILS

Your contact details:

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thank you for your help and co-operation

Please send your completed questionnaire to:

Susan Glossop Town Manager

Thetford Town CouncilKing’s HouseKing StreetThetfordIP24 2AP

01842 754038

Email: [email protected]

26


The Thetford Methodist Church recently held theireleventh annual Christmas Tree Festival. We hope youenjoyed viewing this year especially as there were oversixty trees decorated by a variety of local schools,businesses, organisations and individuals. Over the yearswe have raised thousands of pounds for several charities.This year we asked for donations, which would be sharedbetween the East Anglian Air Ambulance and our ownchurch funds. Many thanks to all who gave, contributingto the total of £1,142. Neville Hodson

Christmas Tree Festival


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Christmas Tree Festival:Robert Ogden 17/12/2009 20:46 Page 1

New Year, New ChallengeSeeking Volunteers!

New Year, New Challenge – SeekingVolunteers! Have you some time to give? Doyou enjoy working with people? The AncientHouse ‘Thetford Treasures’ are looking fornew people to join their team.

The ‘Treasures’ often work in costume to bring themuseum and its collections to life, working with all agesfrom school children to older people. You may findyourself cooking on the range, doing old-fashionedwashing or dressing as a Tudor lady or gentleman!Helping out at busy times, the ‘Treasures’, join in withChristmas celebrations and take part in other events inand out of the museum throughout the year. This yearthe ‘Treasures’ have supported the museum team atevents at Gressenhall Museum of Rural Life and atWeeting Steam Engine Rally.

House Alive events are held regularly throughout the year,usually during school holidays. These events are lead bythe ‘Treasures’ giving our volunteers a chance to ‘showoff’ any skills and knowledge that they may have abouta period in local history. This year the House Alive eventswill include The Suffragettes; World War 2, Tudor life andVictorian washing. The team have regular meetings withthe museum team and decide what they would like toshowcase and any training that might be needed.

Becoming a museum volunteer is a rewarding andsociable activity. You will be part of a small friendly teamworking in a delightful, fascinating and award- winningenvironment. The museum volunteers also have theopportunity to take part in ‘Thetford Museums Together’social events.

No qualifications are necessary though you will need tobe comfortable working with visitors of all ages andbackgrounds. Full training is provided.

Interested? Why not come and meet the ‘Treasures’ andhave an informal chat duringtheir next House Alive event.

For further details or toarrange an interview contactMelissa Hawker on 01842752599.

House Alive Events 2010Fridays 11am - 2pm (unless otherwise stated)* 2 January - Toys and Tales* 19 February - Workhouse Stories9 April - Victorian Servants4 June - Moving Stories19 June - Wartime House6 August - Suffragettes: Votes for Women20 August - Victorian Wash Day29 October - Revolting Romans3 December - Tudor Christmas

5 - 8pm. Late opening for Thetford's Christmas lights switch on.


Ancient House Museum Jan:Ancient House Museum 20/12/2009 12:59 Page 1


Events for JanuaryMoving Stories Exhibition Making Thetford Home

16th January – 5th June 2010This exhibition explores the fascinating stories of someof the people who havemoved to Thetford andmade it their home, frompre-historic times to thepresent day.

It investigates the livesof Neanderthal settlers,Boudica the IceniQueen, Viking KingSwein Forkbeard and anAnglo-Saxon moneyer.

Personal stories include:• A foreman at Burrell's Steam works, • Britain's first black mayor,• A Victorian Lady’s Maid,• Polish and American service men from WWII, • Families who came from London during the 1960s and more recently from Europe.

Each generation has contributed to the town's growthand prosperity and helps form the unique communitythat makes Thetford what it is today.

Neanderthals at Lynford - John LordThursday 28 January 3pm - 4pm

(booking essential) Cost: £2 Members* £1.50

Stitch in Time Sewing GroupSaturday 23 January - 11.30am

The museum is setting up a sewing group to make replicacostumes. If you have sewing or surface decoration skillsand would like to join a monthly stitching group pleasecome along.

For further information please call Karen-Emma White on01842 752599.

Ancient House Winter Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm

Free Admission for all visitors until 27 March 2010

For more information Tel: 01842 752599 (Mon-Frid 10am-5pm) or email

[email protected] Museum Pass Free-Friends of the museum Free

01842 82166649 Castle Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2DL

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Ancient House Museum Jan:Ancient House Museum 20/12/2009 12:59 Page 2

1109 Thetford Squadron ATC


The staff, committee and cadets from 1109(Thetford) squadron would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone who entered our Christmas Quiz.Your support will enable us to continue to offeryoung people from Thetford and the local area theopportunity to take part in a range of activitiesincluding flying, gliding, climbing, kayaking,Duke of Edinburgh & adventure training.

For anyone still pondering over the answers:

1. White Christmas2. When Santa got Stuck up the Chimney3. Once in Royal Davids City4. I Saw Three Ships5. We Three Kings6. Winter Wonderland7. While Shephards Watched their Flocks by Night8. Silent Night9. Frosty the Snowman10. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear11. Hark the Herald Angels Sing12. Mistletoe and Wine13. Away in a Manger14. Ding Dong Merrily on High15. The First Noel16. Deck the Halls with (boughs of) Holly17. O Come All Ye Faithful18. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen19. Silver Bells20. O Little Town of Bethlehem21. Good Christian Men Rejoice22. Little Drummer Boy

If you are interested in joining us at 1109 Squadron weare currently recruiting; new cadets, staff and committeemembers. So if you have some spare time we would bedelighted to hear from you. For more information pleasecontact: Martin Keats 01842 751869

"The Thetford Lioness Club held a successful Ladies OnlyQuiz Night recently and raised £232.00 towards OvarianCancer and other Lioness charities. A big thank you to all the support that was given".

Thetford(Breckland)Lioness Club

The Thetford (Breckland) Lions Club held their annualSanta's Grotto in aid of local charities. The smiles on thechildren's faces when speaking to Santa was such adelight and the Magic of Christmas was abound. Thesum of £226.39 was raised, we would like to thank thepeople of Thetford for their kind donations and wisheveryone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy andHappy New Year. Lion President John Wood

Thetford (Breckland)

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31Dec Advert Final:Layout 1 17/12/2009 20:50 Page 1

Run London Marathon in aid of EACH…

Runners of all abilities are being urged to compete in the London Marathon

in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

Although all the places for the 2010 London Marathon have been allocated,

anyone who has a place but has yet to choose a charity to run in aid of, is

being encouraged to support their local charity- EACH.

EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their

families in their own homes, as well as at the charity’s hospices based at

Ipswich in Suffolk, which also serves North Essex, Quidenham in Norfolk

and Milton in Cambridgeshire.

Some children may only have a short time to live, perhaps only weeks or months, others may

reach early adulthood but the EACH aim is always the same – to enhance their quality of life and

support their family.

This year it is anticipated that it will cost about £5.8 million to run all three of our hospice services

- approximately 72 per cent of this is required from voluntary donations.

The London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday April 25, 2010, is the largest annual fundraising

event on the planet, and runners have raised a staggering £450 million for charity since the race

began in 1981.

For more information about EACH and how you can help visit:

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Singing in the Rain!


On Monday 14th December a large crowdgathered on the Admirals’ school playgroundto enjoy their first ever open air carol singingevent. Parents, pupils and staff were joinedby the Salvation Army Band, Pastor Paul(Church on the Way), Father Mathew, LaunchPuppets, the Fire Service, Phil and Simon tomake the evening a resounding success. Our thanks go to DHL for the loan of a lorryas a stage.

At the end of the evening a collection washeld for the Macmillan Nurses raising£55.00 for this very worthy charity.

Singing and Watchingin the Rain!

I think you will all agree, especially those who attended,that perhaps Admirals are being a liitle modest here, tohave such a splendid turn out on a cold wet Decemberevening is an achievement in itself but Admirals steppedup to the mark and well beyond, to enthral and entertaintheir captivated audience. I have heard from a very goodsource and certain photographer that this was a splendidshow.

Pictured on front cover:

Josie Wright, Jordon Jermy,

Lene Winstone and

Alicia Jermy. Pictures supplied by

Neville Lockwood

Singing in the Rain 19/12/2009 01:15 Page 1

This year Women In Business, sponsored by Shadwellheld their Christmas Lunch at Lynford Hall with specialGuest Speaker Edwina Currie. After lunch Chris Kennardfrom Shadwell entertainingly spoke about the working lifeof the top Stud, no not Tiger Woods although I am prettysure his name was mentioned! On display were threeimpressive lists covering the last three years ofgenerously sponsored charities and good causes byShadwell; the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Keystone,Thetford School Speciality Status, Thetford TownIlluminations to name just a few.

Edwina Currie briefly introduced herself to each table andspoke individually to each person before lunch and saidshe would be answering questions so be ready to askthem. After Edwina’s interesting talk she asked werethere any questions? Well many were asked includingthe expected one about eggs, and of course about acertain grey gentleman! A very enjoyable working lunch!If you would like to know more about Women In Businesscontact Sharon O’Mahony 01493 330338

Edwina CurrieSpecial Guest at WIB

Pictured above: Susan Glossop, Edwina Currie, Chris Kennard,Sharon O’Mahony and Lindy Warmer.


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1940s Night

The special Forties Christmas Party on Saturday 5thDecember was another hugely successful evening. Manythanks to all the Dad's Army volunteers who work so hardto make these evenings such fun for everyone - a veryspecial mention for Karen-Emma White who patientlymade 280 1940's style Christmas crackers. They wereso well received that the museum will hopefully havesome for sale next Christmas.

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Edwina Currie:1109 Squadron 19/12/2009 03:54 Page 1


There has been a slight change to the ‘dates for yourdiary’ published last month. However, tickets are now onsale for the following evenings:

27th March 2010 - 1950's/1960's Night with Lou and the Diamonds

29th May 2010 - 1940's night

Tickets for the stage show 'Dad's Army Comes Home'are now on sale. We know June is a long way off but weare already receiving enquiries from coach parties -please do not delay, if you do you may well bedisappointed.If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or feel thatyou can help in anyway then please contact Corinneasap on 07802 701 911

SPECIAL VISITORS

On Saturday 28th November the museum welcomed notjust one but three very special visitors. The day beganwith a visit from Steve Lily, the artist responsible forstunning pencil drawings of not just Dad's Army butmany favourite TV sitcoms. The museum already carriesprints of his work and greetings cards, which are the bestthey have seen. Steve has also now brought the originalartwork for the museum to sell and was thrilled whenDavid Croft arrived to surprise him and talk about hiswork. David had also come to see the progress that themuseum has made since he officially opened it inDecember 2007. He spent time looking at the exhibitsand talking to volunteers.

He then met our third special visitor of the day, PhilipCheatle of King's Lynn. It was lifelong Dad's Army fanPhilip's 79th birthday and to celebrate his family broughthim on a surprise visit to the museum. David and Philiphad a lovely chat talking about David's days making thehit TV series. Afterwards Philip wrapped up warm in aPike's scarf and was taken on a locations tour aroundthe town. Dad’s Army pics supplied by Neville Lockwood

Edwina Currie:1109 Squadron 19/12/2009 03:54 Page 2

The Pied Piper of ThetfordOn the 2nd December Admirals Junior School held their annual pantomime, the Pied Piper of Thetford,at the Carnegie Room.

This year an audience of around two hundred people, including family, friends and special guests,enjoyed an evening of entertainment with over sixty children from years three to six taking part.

The very successful evening raised a total of over £80.00 for the Macmillan Nurses. I would like tothank everyone for their support at this wonderful event. Angela Lund.

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An ALL NEW Holiday SoccerCourse Comes to ThetfordIpswich Town Community Trust return to Thetford duringthe February half-term holiday with an ALL NEW offeringfor children aged between 5 and 12 who are after funfootball activities to keep them amused during their timeaway from school.

‘ITFC Score’ is the new name for the Community Trust’sholiday soccer camps and kicks off with it’s first coursein Thetford on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th Februarytaking place at the Thetford Rugby Club.

With two days of fun between 10am and 3pm each dayand priced at just £20, ITFC Score offers incredibly goodvalue football coaching provision at just £2 per hour.

ITFC Score is aimed at players of all abilities and involvesthe children taking part in two days of competitions, notonly playing football but incorporating other games whichinvolve football related skills. Each child scores points fortheir ‘team’ across a wide range of skills and games.Players can even earn points for their attitude includinghow well they support others during the two days.

4 new CREWS have been established and each playerwill fall into one of the following CREWS during the two-day course…

Minis: 5/6 year olds • Rookies: 7/8 year oldsYouths: 9/10 year olds • Skippers: 11/12 year olds

As children return to ITFC Score year on year, they willgraduate through the various crews.

To celebrate the new ITFC Score holiday soccer coursearriving in Thetford this February, the Ipswich TownCommunity Trust are offering the About ThetfordCommunity Magazine readers the opportunity to winone of three sets of tickets with each set containing afamily pack of 4 tickets to the forthcoming ITFC homegame against Scunthorpe on Saturday 13th March.

In order to be in with a chance of winning these ticketsplease answer the following question.....What is thename of Ipswich Town Community Trust’s newholiday soccer course?

A: ITFC Score B: ITFC Draw C: ITFC ShootSend your answers to:About Thetford Ltd., 131 Nunnery Drive, Thetford,Norfolk IP24 3EP or Email: [email protected] arrive no later than 10th February.

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Ipswich FC 18/12/2009 19:28 Page 1

The Bishop’sC of E Primary School


On Friday 11th December The Bishop’s C of EPrimary School in Thetford held a community daywhich was the culmination of a term’s work lookingat Community Cohesion.

The day involved all the children, staff, parents, governorsand community projects and was attended by the Mayorof Thetford, Councillor Pam Spencer and her ConsortCouncillor Mike Spencer.

There were exhibitions from the children and visitors suchas the Dad’s Army Museum, Joy of Food, NEAD, the FireService, Police, Bike It! and many many more.

Children and adults shared a picnic at lunchtime in theschool hall which was followed by workshops coveringsuch diverse topics as farming, people of the world,Christmas crafts, gardening and learning how to jive!

The day was topped off with an amazing performancefeaturing all the children from the school as well as aspecial performance of Irish Dancing from the MastersonSchool of Dancing.

The whole day was a fantastic end to the first year in thelife of The Bishop’s C of E Primary School.

Clare Cook - Headteacher

Pictured above: the Mayor of Thetford with Lauren, Lilli-Grace andSpike the Breckland mascot. Pictures supplied by Neville Lockwood

The Bishop’s C of E Primary School 19/12/2009 03:22 Page 1

Q. Do you mind if I ask how long you have been blind.A. I was born with sight problems which steadily got worse

over the years. I have early childhood memories of colour and my Dad with hair!

Q. You seem to cope very well. I know you are a ThetfordTreasure (volunteer at the Ancient House Museum) is there anything else unusual that you have done or do?

A. I drove a Ford XR3i around Snetterton race course whenI was sixteen. Although I couldn’t see out of the windscreen I was driving a high-performance car witha manual gearbox and without dual controls. After sixor seven lessons of specialised tuition with my instructorfrom a school for racing drivers, even a local television crew felt brave enough to accompany me!It is a shame that in the current safety conscious climate,this would no longer be possible.It was an amazing experience.

Q. What sort of help do you receive?A. Obviously my main help is my quide dog and I receive

tapes from Link- Up

Q. What is Link- Up? I don’t think I have heard of that.A. It is a free fortnightly round up of news from the local

papers, in audio cassette format. The equipment to listen to the talking newspaper is free too.

Q. At what age did you start listening to the talking newspaper?

A. I was first introduced to Link-Up by its founder, Ted Finch, in the 80’s. I think this must have been when theyfirst started but as I was very young I didn’t fully appreciated it then.

Q. Who runs it, is it a national or purely local paper?A. It is produced locally by a team of volunteers and

recorded in the Thetford Grammar School.

Q. Do you find it useful?A. Very. It gives me the independence I crave for. Local TV

and radio news broadcasts often do not include storiesfrom Breckland towns and villages. I would be lost without it.

Q. How important do you feel the volunteers who produceit are?

A. Extremely important because, without their dedication,I wouldn’t have the same level of independence I enjoynow. I would rather not bother with a news article thanhave to rely on somebody else reading it to me.

Q. Do you feel Link-Up would benefit from younger peoplegetting involved in its production?

A. Yes, definitely it’s always good to have a mix of ages. Itmight appeal to six formers. We have already had Dukeof Edinburgh Award students helping.

Q. How easy is it to become a volunteer?A. Very easy just call 01953 498609 for a chat.

Q. Surely it is very time consuming and most people leadexceptionally busy lives?

A. No, probably only a few hours a fortnight and there area whole range of jobs to choose from to suit individualtalents and available time, in a friendly and light-hearted environment.

Q. Is there anything you would like to hear included in thetalking newspaper that at present is not?

A. Yes, perhaps we could have advance notice of street closures and changes included again as it is very usefulto my independence.It is really quite unnerving when you are out to find a street unexpectedly blocked off! I feel sure I rememberthis information was in the talking newspaper in the old days. Perhaps the Council could help?

Q. Is there anything else you would like to say our readers?A. Yes. If you haven’t yet made a New Year’s Resolution or

have already broken the ones you made, perhaps volunteering a few hours a month to help Link –Up could be your good deed for 2010.

Hope to hear your voice soon,Happy New Year from Justine.


An Interview with Justine

Justine Duffy with her guide dog Paddy

Justine:Layout 1 18/12/2009 19:31 Page 1


Police in Thetford will be on hand to securitymark Christmas gifts and other valuableitems at a special event.

Items that can be property marked includemobile phones, cameras and cycles.

The team of dedicated officers will beavailable to security mark items and offercrime prevention advice at Thetford PoliceStation on Saturday 16 January and Sunday17 January between 10am–2pm.

If you are unable to attend the securitymarking weekend contact the NeighbourhoodPolicing Team (NPT) to arrange a home visitwhere officers can property mark largeritems.

Thetford PCSO Sandra Hofmeister said:“Security marking property makes it easier todetect the owner if possessions are lost orstolen.”To contact Thetford NPT call 0845 456 4567or email [email protected].

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Police 19/12/2009 05:17 Page 1

Hi Gardeners!I hope you all had a great Christmas and enjoyedsome of your produce with your Christmas dinner.

Here we are in 2010. December seems to have beena really mild month with flowers still in bloom and thebirds not knowing, if they are coming or going.

January is the time to think about sowing your seedsfor the coming year, but it is too cold for most of themunless you have a heated greenhouse. I would holdoff until later in the spring for sowing in open ground.

I always find that Jan & Feb are the two months in theyear that are very cold, but you can get more diggingdone, as the ground likes to have a bit of frost on itafter it has been turned over, it breaks up the clods ofearth.

At the moment there should still be plenty of producefrom your garden i.e. cabbage, sprouts, carrots,swede, parsnips, spinach to name a few.

If the weather is very bad I would put your feet up andenjoy a bit of a rest before the onslaught in the comingyear, as that is what I will do.

Unfortunately Danni is no longer writing herallotment piece, but we hopeto have another youngperson contributing in theNew Year.Regards Yvonne.Bye for now [email protected]

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22 Garden Page January:Garden Page September 17/12/2009 21:15 Page 1

January is always an interesting time for young peoplein school. For the older ones, the final push is on for theirGCSEs, A levels, BTEC and other vocational qualifications.Decisions are being made as to where they will findthemselves in September. Do they apply to college, sixthform, university or try to get employment or one of thenew style apprenticeships? Where do they get the rightadvice and information from? If they are going away touniversity, they also need to sort out accommodation,student loans and grants. Life is definitely morecomplicated for our young people than it was even a fewyears ago. In addition to all this decision making, theyhave coursework deadlines to meet and portfolios to becompleted. Therefore, it is all the more important that alladults who are involved in the lives of our young peopleare able to show understanding and support. There isalso nothing wrong with admitting to them that we do nothave all the answers but to play with an old phrase.....”we know someone who does.” Connexions personaladvisers are active in schools and in the town and areonly too willing to help give appropriate advice andschools have staff who are responsible for careersadvice, information and guidance and once again aremore than happy to assist and help.

The new term will see the launch of a number of newprogrammes and opportunities for our community. TheJoy of Food programme will be run once again at CharlesBurrell Humanities School and this time will be aimed atsixth form students who are preparing to leave home andhave to cook on a budget. This will be run in partnershipwith the Healthy Town initiative. Another collaborativeactivity will be an English course for our migrant workerfamilies being organised by West Suffolk College’s AdultEducation Service and to be held at Charles Burrell.

A further initiative is the Space2Talk programme foryoung people. First launched by Rosemary Musker HighSchool, it is now to be found across the town at theConnexions Centre and also at Charles Burrell. All threeorganisations are putting together an information andadvice service based on health for young people. Theywill be able to talk to the school nurse, youth workers,drugs and alcohol support workers and connexions staffabout anything at all that they are concerned about. Thisis a great opportunity and puts Thetford once again atthe forefront in Norfolk.

I must take this opportunity to congratulate Bishop’sschool on their fantastic day in December bringing the

community together. Following a full day’s programmeof workshops and family activities, there was an eveningperformance that I am sure the packed hall reallyappreciated. Well done to Clare Cook, the headteacher,and her team. Other schools also had eveningperformances that were really successful. I have heardwonderful reports of the Admirals pantomime at theCarnegie Rooms and also the big event held by NorwichRoad School. The Thetford Safer School’s PolicePartnership Choir was superb singing in NorwichAnglican Cathedral and well done to Mr Neil Campbellfor training them to sing the words of a song that I hadwritten. Several of our schools also decorated Christmastrees for the service held at Thetford Methodists Church.There are so many ways that the community of Thetfordworks together. We really are a unique place. TheChristmas Fayre at Riversdale really demonstrated therange of charity organisations and voluntary groups allstriving to make the difference in Thetford.

There is so much to build on in our town so let us makethis a year when the people of Thetford continue to worktogether to ensure that we support each other to mouldthe town that we want and in this way we can ensurethat those who make the decisions about our town, willactually understand our town.Happy New Year to you all.

Robert Ogden is the Full service Extended School Co-ordinator for Thetford and can be contacted by e-mail at:[email protected].

About Education………………..Robert Ogden writes


42 Robert Ogden Jan 09:Robert Ogden 19/12/2009 04:20 Page 1

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43 Car Ads:Layout 1 17/12/2009 21:30 Page 1

January at Thetford LibraryHappy New Year!


Make visitingyour library a new year’s resolution! Did you know that we offer a wide range of music andaudio CDs, and that there is now no reservation chargefor music? Hire charges have also been reduced (from90p to 70p for single CDs and from £1.30 to £1.00 forCD sets).

Programme of Events Baby bounce & rhyme for parents/carers and theirbabies and toddlersFree, just drop-in, no need to book!(Toys, books, craft activities and colouring available ifyou have older children)Wednesday 6 January from 10:30am - 11:00amWednesday 13 January from 10:30am - 11:00amWednesday 20 January from 10:30am - 11:00amWednesday 27 January from 10:30am - 11:00am

Reading GroupThe January meeting is on

Friday 29th January between 2:30-3:30pm.To join, and obtain copies of the book/splease call the library on 01842 752048.

Please be aware that as a result of the re-furbishmentthis group will now meet on the first floor – there is a liftavailable if required.

The Book ClubThe book club will meet monthly on a Friday evening.

The January meeting is Friday 15th January from 5:45pm-6:45pm

If you enjoy meeting new people and reading booksplease come along (and bring a friend too!)

Refreshments available.For more information please call Kyra on

01842 752048 or e-mail [email protected]

Activity SessionsDue to the popularity of these activity sessions we willbe issuing FREE CHILD TICKETS with time slots to enablefamilies to enjoy the sessions safely. Please collect yourtickets (1 per child) from the Library in advance of theevent.

Saturday 13 February 10:30am-12 noonBoys Own – drop-in event for Dads and Lads.

Come along and have a go at games, board games andpaper crafts. Please note that all children must beaccompanied by an adult. NO TICKETS NEEDED.

Monday 15 February 10:30am-11:30amRainbow Fish – story and craft session

Admission by free tickets available from Thetford Library.Please note that all children must be accompanied by anadult.

Where to Find UsThetford Library, Raymond Street, Thetford IP24 2EA

Tel:01842 752048www.library.norfolk.gov.uk

Opening HoursMonday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:30-6:00pm

Wed 8:30-1pm • Fri 8:30-7pmSat 8:30am-4pm

Did you know that it’s free to join the library? All you needto join is some proof of ID (name and address). You canthen borrow up to 15 books for up to 3 weeks. There isalso free internet access available.

Remember that you can re-new your books in person atthe library, by calling our re-newals hotline on 0344 8008006 (you will need your library card number and pinnumber) or on-line at www.library.norfolk.gov.uk

Also DVDs - why not pop down to the library, pickup that film you didn't get to see at the cinemaand have a cosy night in? We have the latestreleases available at just £2.00 for 2 nights anduntil 1st March 2010 there is 50p off the hireprice of DVDs and box sets. (Top title DVDs, console games and issues onmobile libraries are not included in this offer).

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Library January:Library 17/12/2009 21:32 Page 1

Nativity Scene PaintingRestored


St Mary’s Catholic Church in Newtown recently held aservice to re-dedicate the painting that hangs behind theAlter. The painting has recently been cleaned andrestored after parishioners held several fundraisingevents. The church also received a grant from thePilgrims Trust to pay for the restoration.

The picture depicts the nativity scene and is a copy of apainting by Giovanni Pittoni made in about 1740. Theoriginal hangs over the alter in the Chapel of SidneySussex College, Cambridge.

The service was led by Bishop Michael Evans andassisted by Father Mathew George. Thetford Mayor, PamSpencer, St Cuthbert’s Church Choir and representativesfrom many of the other churches in the town attendedthe service as well as parishioners of St Mary’s.

For information about St Mary’s Catholic Church pleasecontact the parish priest, Mathew George on

01842 752266 or visit the website onwww.stmarysthetford.org.uk

The Thetford ThomasPaine Friendship QuiltJane Bartram, Manager of the Adult EducationCentre for the South Norfolk region, originallycame up with the idea for a Thomas PaineCelebration Quilt; she felt it would act as acommunity catalyst and link to the Tom PaineCelebrations.

Over the course of the year squares were madeat many venues, including Tanner House AdultEducation Centre, the Arts Centre, the AncientHouse Museum, and Abbey Community Centre asa taster to art and sewing.

Over 100 amazing squares from individuals,including children, and organisations such as TheTraffic Warden, the Morris Men, and WI with thelater being the lead group as they were stitchedtogether for a truly magnificent result.

The finished quilt was on display in the Guildhallfor viewing during the Christmas lights switchingon ceremony.

Picture supplied by Neville Lockwood

St. Mary's Church 17/12/2009 21:35 Page 1


No Room at the Inn Over 130 Children, Parents, Carers, and Staff of TheBishop's C of E Primary School braved sub zerotemperatures, biting winds and the snow to re-enact thejourney of Mary and Joseph.

The candlelit procession started at the school at 6pm onthe abbey estate, with Dads army and police stewarding,Mary and Joseph complete with a Shetland Pony called"Farthing" made their way along the meadows and river,the procession snaked back for almost a mile, bystanderscommented on the awesome sight and also the carolsbeing sung.

Mary and Joseph stopped to enquire about space at theBell Inn and Hotel, they were unfortunately turned awayas they were full, the procession ended at St Cuthbert'swith a packed church and carol service by the Schooland Church choirs.A big thank you to Clare Cook our head teacher, to all thestaff, Parents and Carers and especially the Children ofThe Bishop's School my little helpers who all pulledtogether with the community to make this event a greatsuccess, something we can build on.

This also follows on to the great success of ourcommunity day on Dec 11th, we wish you all a Happynew year, it looks like all systems go for the School nextyear with everyone in the School and estate comingtogether, for a very exicting future.

Carl Clark - Pastoral Outreach Worker

SILVERTHREADSOver 60’s Afternoon TeaTuesdays 2pm till 4pm

Cloverfield Community CentreFor more information Contact

Mrs Moya Brown 01842 761863

Mrs. Pat and Wendy would like tothank all those who helped andsupported their Christmas coffeemorning.The morning plus donations raised£380.00 for St. Nicholas Hospice.

Pictures supplied by Neville Lockwood

Bishops Cof E School:Robert Ogden 19/12/2009 02:58 Page 1

Accountants PageBreckland Accountancy 8Simark 15AerialsAerial Services 42Appliance RepairsJ & M Appliance Repairs 21BakingBlue Bone Bake 9BingoWinners Bingo 21BuildersSteve Newman 40CarpetsTouch of Class Flooring 37Carpet CleaningPowerclean 18Cleaning ServicesDusty Springclean 13Computers ServicesKybird Computer Services 3Craft ShopsBerties 22DancingSalsa Classes 3DiscoMF Entertainments 9DramaThetford Academy of Dramatic Art 26Driving SchoolDrews 17Double Glazing and ConservatoriesDiss Windows & Conservatories 2Executive CarsBrecland Executive & Wedding Cars 36

Electrical PageBrunning Electrical Services 10FirewoodNorfolk Logs 41Funeral ServicesMark Skinner 47GardeningThetford Groundworks 41Betts 41Roots and Routes 40Mick Rodick 41Gas EngineersMartin Redmond 37HairdressersJohn Olivers 13Cre8ive Hair 8Health and BeautyHalcyon Days 8Slimming World 8Home ImprovementsThetford Home Improvements 31KitchensLingwood Kitchens Front CoverMark Parr Kitchens 11LocksmithsBrecklocks 37MiscellaneousD & S Pallets 43Self Container Storage 15Mobility VehiclesBreckland Mobility Supplies 44MusicBalaams Music 22Rock Stop 34OpticiansDonnelly 9OsteopathsThetford Osteopaths 13Castle Osteopaths 29

Photographers PageGary Maynard 9PlumbersSteves Heating & Plumbing 18Aqua Artisans 16Property LettingMainway 48Willow Property Management 18Property MaintenanceD.P. Services 16D.W.C. Windows 1Steve Newman 40Barry Carter (Roofing) 34RemovalsSimon Long 32RetailRoys of Wroxham 24 & 25SlimmingSlimming World 8TaxiFareway 3Kes Cabs 3Upholstery SuppliesComfort Zone 16Vehicle Maintenance / AccessoriesVickers Motors 43Thetford Autoparts 43Gooda Garage 43Gorse Motors 43M&S Breckland Motors 2Car Care Centre 43Ames Nissan 30Chips Away 4Vehicle RentalEasyfleet 20Venues for HireSanton Downham 10Waste and Recycling Pearsons 27


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47 Index:Big Sitting Room 19/12/2009 05:05 Page 1

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