Your Local Magazine - Dec 2011

Your LocalFor Diss, Attleborough, Harleston, Eye & area www.yourlocalmagazine.net December 2011 Issue 18

IN THIS MONTH

Model & Toy Expo at Snetterton Park - The World’s Greatest Model & Toy Shop!

Christmas in Attleborough, Diss And The Surrounding Areas!

Meet the Maskell’s!

Competitions Galore!

FREE Magazine

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LOCAL INFO

COMPETITION WINNERS

850gm Tin of Cadbury Roses - J. Forder of East HarlingAsk The Chef - Mrs. J. Newbury of Attleborough

The Spice Cottage Wordsearch - Mrs. S. Allen of Frenze

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

YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE

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JANUARY ISSUE:

Thursday 15th December, 5pm

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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: [email protected]

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, 2011

3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AFTel: 01379 642044 / 652330

Published by Circuit Publications

Publisher: Jean Wills [email protected] Manager: Gary Enderby [email protected]: Heather Holland [email protected]: Matt Bignell [email protected]: Joanna Mason [email protected] by: Breckland Print 01953 454699Distributed by: Dayburst Couriers 07810 852089

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

LOCAL BUSINESS

LOCAL EVENTS

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CONTENTS | your local magazineYour Local Magazine • December 2011

4 St. Nicholas Street Mystery 5 Soldier’s Boxes To Afgan 7 In Memory Of A Diss Man

10 Christmas In Diss 14 Christmas In Attleborough 16 Christmas In General 18 Model & Toy Expo At Snetterton Park 21 Home Improvements 26 Food 28 Parties 30 Collectors 31 Senior Section 34 Schools

36 Meet The Maskell’s 38 Recruitment And Training 40 Sound & About 41 A New Home For Diss Trophy Centre 42 Winter Motoring

44 What’s On... In December

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The World’s Greatest Model & Toy Shop

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Soldier’s Boxes To Afghan

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Swank Interiors

Your Local Magazine • December 2011

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LOCAL INFO | updates

Special Ways To Remember

People At ChristmasBy Andy Free At Rosedale Funeral Home

While many people look forward to Christmas, it can be a time of year that bereaved families dread.

Here are some suggestions for ways that you may like to remember a special person at Christmas.

◆ Set aside a corner of your living room, hall or garden to be a special place for the memories of the person who has died. Maybe you could put a little Christmas tree on a shelf, next to a picture of the person who has died and a candle that can be lit. A chair nearby gives people a chance to take “time out” to think about this person. Younger members of the family can take presents to be opened in this corner.

◆ Take a Christmas wreath or special card to their grave, or to the resting place of the ashes. Alternatively hang a remembrance card on a memorial tree at Rosedale Funeral Home or in Diss Parish Church.

◆ Ask other people for their memories of the person who died and begin to compile their ‘life story’. If family members are together for Christmas it would be a good opportunity to record these memories. You could include Christmas memories, for example:- ‘what was the worst or best Christmas present they ever gave you?’ ‘What was their favourite part of the day?’

On the day itself, remind yourself: It’s not going to be easy,

BUT◆ Tears are not a sign of

weakness, but an indication of how special the relationship was

◆ I must go easy on myself, and others, and not put too many expectations on the day

◆ I will focus on happy memories, not on regrets of the past

For anyone facing their first Christmas without a loved one, Rosedale has available a small booklet entitled “A not so Jolly Christmas” offering practical advice on reducing pressure, re-evaluating tradition and reliving memories. The booklet is available free of charge from Rosedale Funeral Home.

Over the Christmas and New Year period, funeral directors at Rosedale will be working day and night to ensure that the bereaved received the same high level of service, providing families with a peaceful atmosphere for making funeral arrangements at the funeral home, or by visiting the bereaved in their own homes. For more information visit www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk or contact any branch of Rosedale Funeral Home.

St. Nicholas StreetMystery

After reading the October issue of Your Local Magazine in which we noted the various businesses in St. Nicholas Street, Diss, around 100 years ago many readers were prompted to write in.

One local man, Kevin Elvin, popped in with an old

advertisement that he’s found at the bottom of a box that he purchased at a Gaze’s Auction.Advertising a business called H. Hurren, Confectioner, Fruiterer, Tobacconist and Cigar Dealer (Pictured). It features a picture of a man smoking a pipe on one

side with a poem on the other side. Unfortunately it does not say where abouts in St. Nicholas Street this shop was.

Kevin wondered if any of the readers has any idea of where this shop was situated. If so, let us know on 01379 652330.

If anyone else has any old pictures of Diss which they need help locating where they were, please contact us.


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Enjoy A Very Unusual Lunchtime

Should you be coming to Diss for last minute Christmas shopping on Friday 23rd December then you are in for a real treat that is very unusual by any stretch of the imagination.

After completing your shopping around the town and market you then have the opportunity to take all your goods into St.Mary’s Church where you will be able to sing all your favourite carols.

This idea came about two years ago and is aimed at people who have not had the chance to sing a carol, visitors to the town, elderly folk who do not like coming out at night, those who work in local shops and of course

people who attend their local church.

The past two years weather wise have been very cold with snow and ice on the ground but this has not prevented over 120 people turning up to this very enjoyable event. So come along to Diss parish church on the above date and have a good sing from 12.30 to 1.10pm after which you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to set you on your way.

From the organiser of the summertime ‘ Big Sing’ I can be sure this will be a good start to your Christmas. I hope to see many of you there.

Gerry Hosking.

Ordinary People Doing Amazing Things

Are you... Lively, Imaginative, Outgoing, Never give up, Service orientated?Do you want to make a difference.... Locally, Internationally or Nationally?

If this is you why not become a LION.Lions help their locally communities in many ways, from re-roofing

a pre school storage shed, laying a rug for an elderly resident, providing a garden fence to keep young children safe.

Nationally they contribute to the new shelter at the National Memorial Arboretum , to the rehabilitation centre for servicemen at St Dunstans, provide help for flood victims in Boscastle and Cockermouth, and provide a specialist eye treatment centre in King Lynn.

Internationally we are the first service organization on the ground at major disasters, and for many years after. MOET,(management of obstetric emergencies and trauma), is the continuing help the Lions provide for the former Yugoslavia. This started with lorries of shoe boxes 14 years ago and has progressed to hospitals and on going training for doctors and midwifes.

We are now launching a nation wide recognition programme for 11 to 18 year olds, as we know they are not all yobs, that there are many community minded teenagers who need to be honoured.

All this is possible by people like you, in towns like yours by holding fund raising events from Bingo nights, raffles, bric a brac stalls to carnivals, street fayres and much more.

If you feel this is something you would enjoy and you want to make a difference, please give me Lion Mandy Hawksley ,a ring on 01986 872710, or e-mail me on [email protected]. I will be outside Beales in Diss on Saturday 26th November with an information stall, please do come and have a chat.

Lets start a new exciting Lions Club in your community. Male or female, any age, all you need to be a Lion is to CARE.

Soldier’s Boxes To Afghan

We would like to thank everyone who donated all the lovely knitting and Christmas Cards, sweets and toiletries etc for our soldiers on the frontline in Afghanistan.

We made up 120 boxes and 20 envelopes and sent them out on the 24th October.

We will be collecting again from the third week in March 2012 for our Norfolk regiment the ‘Vikings’ who are going out to do their six months .

There will be notification nearer the date of collections.

Once again from Trish Edwards and the team a great big thank you.


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At the November meeting Deborah Preston, once described as “Britain’s Top Mrs Mop”, made a welcome return to regale us with some more entertaining “Tales from the housemaids’ cupboard.”

With over 34 years in hotel housekeeping in some of the most prestigious hotels in the country she has a wealth of experience to draw upon, sharing with us some amusing anecdotes of things we did not know about hotel housekeeping and some perhaps we would rather not. Deborah also explained the challenges and responsibilities involved in motivating over 170 staff, speaking 27 languages, to be the unsung, unseen heroes of the hospitality trade, 24 hours a day every day of the year.

For further information on Diss U3A please telephone 01379 642674 or visit the Diss U3A website.

The next meeting will be on the 1st December at the United Reformed Church commencing at 10.30am.

Diss U3ATibetan Monks Cause A Stir

The Tashi Lhunpo monks created quite a stir in Diss, with their workshops and concert at the Corn Hall.

The stunning sand mandala they created and then destroyed was the talk of the town, with people flocking in to see it.

About a hundred people came to the destruction ceremony and then followed the Tibetan monks in procession down to the Mere to deposit some of the sand in the water. Mere Street had never seen anything like it.

The monks came to perform outside the museum, as a promotion for their visit, and then went off to Holland before coming back here.

I offered to do some shopping for when they returned and thought that I would be buying

rice, curry powder etc. But I was surprised when the list included: white sliced bread, strawberry jam and Tetley tea bags.

For their stay I organised a big house at Roydon, which was ideal. The monks, whose monastery is in southern India, liked watching

television, especially as they were able to watch India white-washing England at one-day cricket.

Their manager, Jane Rasch, said that when she took them to Stonehenge and they saw the shape of the standing stones, they said they wished they had brought a football.

She is an amazing woman who drives the

The monks visit the museum.

Monks lead the way to the Mere.

monks everywhere from Portugal to Turkey and spends most of her life on the road and promoting the Tibetan cause.

They made a small fortune from their stall in the Corn Hall as people crowded in to buy their memorabilia.

It was a terrific week, with workshops, a film, a meal made by the monks, the amazing mandala and a sell-out concert.

As the final series of events for the Manning commemoration, Friends in High Places, it was also another great success for the museum.

Basil Abbott, Diss Museum.

The mandala created by the monks.

Schools Support Diss Art Show

One of the highlights of the recent Art Exhibition and Sale at Diss Corn Hall was the award of prizes for the Poster Competition run by Diss Rotary Club. It is expected that the winning poster designs will be used to promote the next Art Exhibition that Rotary organises in Diss.

The competition was open

to local schools and the winners were Georgia Edwards who won the first prize of £50, second was Amber Smith who took away £20 for her work and third prize of £10 went to Mischa-Louise Gibbons.

The awards were announced and made at the Exhibition Preview evening by Rotary President Simon Noble in front of almost two hundred people at the event.

In the photo with Georgia are (L to R) Simon Noble (Rotary President), Rotarians John Gallen, Jenny Marshall, Heather Babb, and driving force behind the Exhibition, Keith Day.

For more information please contact Andrew Dickson on 01379 783272.

1st

2nd 3rd

Diss Art Show Winners1st Place: Georgia Edwards

2nd Place: Amber Smith 3rd Place: Mischa-Louise Gibbons


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In Memory Of A Diss ManPrivate George William Leeder

Died 13/11/1916, Age 25 years, Lord grant, eternal rest.

On the 3rd of November 2011 Diss High School took a party of 38 students to visit the WW1 battlefields of Belgium & France as part of their history studies.

My eldest granddaughter (Molly Leeder) was one of the students on this trip and had asked her teacher (Mrs Barr) if she would be able to find her great-great grandfather’s name on the Thiepval Memorial, at the Somme, France.

After visiting battlefields and WW1 museums in Belgium, at 8pm they made a visit to the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres where they witnessed the last post ceremony which takes place every night. Six members of the regular buglers from the local volunteer Fire Brigade step into the roadway under the memorial arch. They play Last Post, followed by a short silence and then play Reveille.

On Friday 4th the School

travelled from Belgium to Thiepval, the Somme, France for a tour of the battlefields where Molly found her great-great grandfathers name on the memorial and was able to take photos for us.

Molly also placed on the memorial a wooden cross as she had the honour of representing our family. (Very well done Molly)

I was pleased that the students of Diss High School also placed a cross to my grandfather’s memory.

Many thanks to Mrs Barr & Diss High School students.

G.E.Leeder.

Menin Gate Belgium & Thiepval France

Your Local RotaryThere are four Rotary clubs within this magazine’s

distribution area: Attleborough, Diss, Harleston and High Suffolk. The first three clubs are easily identified, High Suffolk not so well defined. The Rotary Club of High Suffolk meets at Saxtead Green near Framlingham serving the towns and villages in north Suffolk, including Eye and its immediate surrounding communities. It seemed reasonable that the four clubs should amalgamate their contributions to present an overall view of Rotary’s activities in the area.

The Christmas season is a busy one for Rotary. Each will have a programme of fund raising for various charities. For this issue, Attleborough have submitted a separate article.

Rotary Club of Diss and District.In Diss, arrangements are being completed for the decoration and launch of the large Christmas Tree on the Mere in the centre of Diss. This has become a major part of the festive celebrations in Diss in recent years.The logistics of fixing the tree to its raft, attaching the lights and then launching the whole thing on the water present a challenge every year which is not to be underestimated and provides a bit more entertainment for the spectators!

Already being registered on the Events calendars is a major concert at the Corn Hall in Diss by The Queen II Tribute Band raising funds for various charities supported by Diss Rotary Club, including the campaign to end Polio.

Queen II is the Queen tribute that provides a breathtaking show at any venue!. It includes a huge repertoire of hits from every decade of Queen’s musical legacy! Formally known as ‘A Night at the Opera’ every show is packed with costume changes including that famous outfit from ‘I Want To Break Free’. The show comes with a 5000 Watt P.A. system and a 6000 Watt light show. Set times are 2 X 45 minutes. A bar will be available 45 minutes before the show. The show features some of the UK’s finest professional musicians using authentic instruments and equipment, including the ‘red special’ guitar and silver sparkle ‘Roger Taylor style’ drum kit. The concert will be held on 10th March 2012.

Tickets £16, £13.50 and £12.50 available from Diss Corn Hall Box Office 01379 652241 and Doreen Collins 01379 642018.

Harleston & District Rotary Club Will be busy as usual this December with their pre-Christmas collection at Budgens Supermarket. This year we will be supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance, which needs no introduction, and the Alzheimer’s Society. Collections at Budgens will be held on Saturday 17th, Wednesday 21st & Friday 23rd December.

The club meets every Wednesday 7pm at the Swan Hotel Harleston and welcomes new members. For information contact the secretary Peter Brown 01379 853505.

Rotary Club of High Suffolk.Rotarians, partners and friends brave the cold and wet of December nights to take our Santa Sleigh around the area, collecting for children’s charities. Last year, thanks to the generosity of our residents, we were able to donate about £1,000 each to Suffolk Young Carers and the East Anglian Children’s Hospice. (EACH) This year EACH will be the sole beneficiary. Two nights will be spent in Framlingham and one evening in Stradbroke. On Monday 12th December we shall be visiting Eye.

We hope that this will be a joyful Christmas for all. Please give generously so that we can help EACH to carry on with their magnificent work with children who are less fortunate. A Happy Christmas to all readers of Your Local.

For further information about Rotary please contact Rt. J Gibbons on 01379 854 895.


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Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts

Martial Art Groups 4 Hour Sponsored Training Raises £777.55 for Children in Need.

Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts recently held a four hour sponsored session to raise money for Children in Need, 27 people from the group gave up their valuable time for this and raised a fantastic £777.55 .

Andy & Lynda, who run the classes, put together a varied program covering the vast spectrum of this Martial Art which made it all the more bearable and fun, but also included some new aspects that not all the students had encountered before, so the 4 hours passed very quickly.

A special mention should go to the younger members who coped admirably with no complaints, perhaps been due to a fabulous Pudsey Bear chocolate cake made by one of the student’s mums that was

devoured at the end.If you would like to

train, see our Website kuksoolwon-gillingwater.org for class locations & times. Text or call 07775890359 or 07983175661.

Sourcing food locally is increasingly important as we all do our bit to tackle global warming.

Using local suppliers and food producers also contributes to the local economy, equally important in these tough times. But the café at The Pennoyer Centre in Pulham St Mary takes ‘local’ to a whole new level. Liz Solly, Café Manager, likes to joke that at Pennoyer’s they often measure in ‘food metres’, not miles!

The café uses local produce wherever possible, whether that’s Great Ellingham Goats’ Cheese, or Buffy’s Bitter from Tivetshall. Over the summer months, they traded cappuccinos for cucumbers and lattes for lettuce, as part of a scheme that swapped café meals for villagers’ surplus produce. The scheme is continuing through the autumn, with apples, marrows, parsnips and hazelnuts contributing to the

seasonal menu.Delicious home-made cakes,

scones and biscuits are on offer daily, baked by a team of local volunteers. But this is serious business: every volunteer baker undergoes Food Safety training, registers with South Norfolk Council as a food business and has their kitchen inspected. Liz says, “Registration might seem a bit over-the-top, but every other aspect of our food preparation is inspected, giving us a five-star rating, so why not our home bakers too? Fortunately, all our volunteers are happy to allow this, so we can enjoy their fantastic creations.”

The Pennoyer Centre, which is fully accessible throughout, opens Monday – Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm, and other times by arrangement. The Café @ Pennoyer’s opens daily until 4.00pm. www.pennoyers.org.uk

Cafe At The Pennoyer Centre


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | christmas in diss

Christmas Has Arrived At Diss Garden Centre

December sees the arrival of our fresh Christmas trees, with deliveries for superb locally grown trees.

We hold one of the largest selection of Christmas Trees in the area including the popular non-needle drop Nordmann. Bare-rooted or planted they’re all on show in the car park.

Indoors there is a fantastic range of beautiful plants to brighten your home or ideal gift ideas including Poinsettias. Cyclamen Azaleas , Orchids and planted arrangements.

In our Christmas Grotto there are decorations galore from artificial trees to tinsel Lights (indoor and outdoor), garlands wreaths, ornaments and much much more.

We also offer pretty much everything that your pet needs We are approved stockists of Eukanuba, Purina, ProPlan, and James Wellbeloved and

many other brands. We stock a comprehensive range of pet products for dogs’, cats’, rabbits’, and hamsters’ etc. There is a good selection of fish foods, pet beds, treats, collars, shampoos and toys, hay , sawdust and straw

We also stock wild birds feed packs, sunflower seeds, nest boxes and bird tables.

For more information call into Diss Garden Centre, Victoria Road, Diss.

Or visit our web site www.dissgardencentre.co.uk


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Diss Youth & Community Centre Update

Since then the newly formed Steering Group and the Town Council have been busy sorting out the everyday problems associated with running the building, seeking volunteers, and trying to attract more users to generate sufficient income to cover the running costs of the Centre.

A number of new groups have already started to use the Centre but there are still some vacancies. The large hall at the Centre is also perfect to hire for private parties, fundraising events, jumble sales etc. For details of the charges and to check availability email: [email protected] or phone 01379 643848.

The original purpose of the building was to provide a facility for young people and the Steering

Group and Town Council are committed to continue to offer this service in the town. With the help of volunteers a new Youth Club, organised by MTM Youth Services, started at the beginning of November on Wednesdays (term times only) 7 - 8.30pm and on the second Wednesday of the month 3.30 - 5pm.

Activities on offer include sports, arts and crafts and youth club members are also getting involved in fundraising with a pizza night planned before Christmas.

The first sessions attracted around 20 young people and the organisers are hoping to build on this in the future. In addition to the Youth Club, MTM are also delivering a Young Carers’ Group on alternate Thursdays 4.30 – 6.30pm. The project aims

to give youngsters who look after a loved one who is sick or disabled a chance to relax, and to meet and chat with other young people in similar situations. For more details email: [email protected]

Coming up on 7th December is a W.E.E. Event. If you have any unwanted items of electrical equipment bring them along to the Youth Centre between 9am and 3pm. The items will be checked to ensure they are safe and in working order after which they can be taken away by other members of the public (after 11am)in return for a small donation to charity.

Equipment which is unusable will be dismantled and the components recycled where possible. This idea has been

In October we reported the fantastic news that Diss Youth & Community Centre had been saved from closure by the generosity of an anonymous benefactor who had donated the funds to purchase

the building on behalf of Diss Town Council.

successful in other places and is a brilliant way of encouraging re-use and recycling whilst reducing the amount of waste going to land fill – a ‘win win’ situation.

For more details email: [email protected]


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Christmas Is ComingStart your preparations early!

It can’t have escaped your attention that Christmas is

right around the corner. Time to get ahead of the game with Your Local Magazine’s pre – Christmas season checklist.

Clear out the food cupboards. Make room for all those festive goodies. Throw out all out- of - date items and things that you know you will never eat.

Clear out the toy cupboards. Encourage your children to sort out toys they no longer play with. Give to Local Charity shops will be happy to take these from you.

Order Meat Early. Local Butcher and Farmers Markets will be packed out by the first week of December. Local butchers are always happy to help with any queries, cooking tips and sizes required to feed a family. So don’t guess what you will need ask for help and look at all options.

Puds and Cakes. These need to be made early to give them time to mature, ideally by the first week in December if possible. However don’t panic as even a cake baked a week before Christmas can taste as good.

Write the Cards. It is a bit of a chore and less popular than it once was but to many it is something that they look forward to receiving, especially the older generation.

The key is to get them written early.

Check your Guest List. Its worth checking with your quests well in advance so that you can be prepared. Ask whether anyone is vegetarian, vegan or has any intolerances or allergies. Forewarned is forearmed.

Above all have a lovely Christmas from all the team at Your Local Magazine.


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Saint Mary’s Parish ChurchSunday 18th at 6.00pm Service of Nine Lessons & Carols

Saturday 24th (Christmas Eve)5.00pm Crib Service11.30pm Midnight Eucharist

Sunday 25th (Christmas Day)8.00am Eucharist10.30am Christmas Family Eucharist

Diss Salvation ArmySunday 18th at 6.00pm Carol Service

Sunday 25th at 10.30amChristmas Day Service

Diss Christian Community ChurchSunday 18th at 6.30pmFamily Carol Service

Sunday 25th at 10.30amChristmas Day Service

Diss Methodist Church / Diss United Reformed ChurchSunday 18th at 6.30 pmCarol Service

Saturday 24th (Christmas Eve) at 11.00pm

Welcome to Christmas ServiceSunday 25th at 10.00am (joint Service with URC)Christmas Day Service

Diss Roman Catholic Church (Meeting at the URC Church, Mere Street)Christmas Eve Family Mass at 6.00pm

Midnight Mass – starting with carols at 11.40pm

Christmas Day Sung Mass at 9.00am

Roydon Parish ChurchSunday 18th at 4.00pmCarol service

Saturday 24th at 4.00pmCrib Service at 11.00pm Midnight Service

Sunday 25th at 10.00am Family Service

Christmas Services Diss Churches Together 2011


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | christmas in attleborough

Besthorpe W.I.On Wednesday 26th September Besthorpe W.I. met as usual in the Francis Room, but unfortunately our advertised speaker, Charlotte Philcox, was unable to be with us to due a bout of flu. She was due to speak to us on “Forgotten Feasts – unusual edible plants.” We hope she will be able to come to us next autumn.

In her place we welcomed Martin Hosier who is a keen photographer and traveller. He treated us to a tour of Australia with many illustrations of the country’s wildlife, both quaint

and beautiful. Martin and his wife had spent a month in the outback with two Australian friends and we saw slides of colourful flowers, a variety of birds and strange mammals including a numbat, but no duck-billed platypus. Sue Knowles Savage thanked Martin for coming to our rescue and entertaining us with such an interesting subject.

The competition for a pretty plant container was won by Maureen Pilgram; the flower of the month was won by our president Angela Furness.

On 14th December, our Christmas meeting, we shall welcome back the St. Withburga Handbells. Visitors or prospective members will be very welcome. Our first meeting of 2012 will take place on Wednesday 25th January at 7.30 p.m. in the Francis Room of the Connaught Hall when we shall discuss our plans for the year.

Dorothy Woolliscroft.

Win A Turkey For Christmas!

Why Turkey at Christmas?

Well the traditional bird was always... Goose... which is fatty a bird and gave us goose fat to rub into our chests when we had colds.

However in the 1770’s we discovered turkeys in America. Large-breasted birds that were running wild. One of these could easily feed up to 10 or more people. So they shipped live birds home to England. Butchers did a good trade in these birds and so it became traditional to serve one at Christmas, Easter or any other celebration.

We have a fresh free range turkey supplied from Simon Cattermole Butchers of New Buckenham and now the owners of the Kings General Stores next door, to give away as a prize in our Christmas competition.

All you have to do to enter is answer the three easy questions below that relate to the above and send to your entry to: ‘Christmas Turkey’ Competition, Circuit Publications, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk. IP 22 4AF. Before the 19th December.

1. What did we eat before Turkey?2. Where were Turkeys discovered?3. Who is supplying the Turkey prize?

Brooklyn House Christmas Fayre

Attleborough: Town Council News

Festive SeasonAttleborough Town Council would like to wish everyone a Merry

Christmas and a Happy New Year. At this time of year we would just like to remind you of our recycling area at the football club in Station Road where you can recycle all your glass bottles, jars etc. All the money from this recycling centre goes to the Town. The Town Council is presently looking into the possibility of increasing the range of recycling facilities and will let you know what happens. And just a reminder that the Attleborough Winter Carnival and Lights Switch-on is happening on Sunday 27 November.

Remembrance SundayThis year pleasingly witnessed a

very good turn out and Attleborough Town Mayor Karen Pettitt stated “It was nice to see so many people wanting to pay their respects and especially so many young families”.

The Royal British Legion were joined by members of the Army cadets,Town Councillors, Chamber of Trade and Commerce as well as Guides, Brownies and Scouts and also the Attleborough Amateur Boxing Club who all laid wreaths. They were also joined by the Right Honourable George Freeman MP, who also laid a wreath. Members of the town’s retained fire service managed to see out the ceremony but were called out just as the proceedings were drawing to a finish. It was a false alarm but the fire fighters are always on call no matter were they are. The ceremony at the war memorial was followed by a service of remembrance at St Mary’s church.

Attleborough Basketball AcademySaturday 12th November saw Attleborough Basketball Academy Adult

team win their game against the Norfolk Vipers 94 to 74.Head Coach for Attleborough High School, Levy Utku said he was very pleased with the progress that the team is making. Attleborough play in the Norwich Division 1 and so far are doing very well. Sponsorship is still being sought to help the club achieve more. Mayor Karen Pettitt was thrilled to watch the match. “It was very fast with lots of action made all the better as Attleborough won”, she said. For more information about the Basketball Academy contact the school office on 01953 452335.

When: Saturday 3rd December 2-4pm.Where: Brooklyn House in Attleborough.


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | christmas in attleborough

The Mayor of Attleborough would personally like to thank everyone who helped and came along and joined in at her Prize Bingo on Wednesday 19th October. £1,070.00 was raised for her chosen charity which this year is the Attleborough First Responders. “It was fantastic to see so many people, I still cannot believe just how much we raised in just one evening. I always tell everyone what a fantastic community spirit Attleborough has and this just proves my point. Residents and businesses alike all helped in one way or another.

Thank you so much for all your help and support. I will be doing other fund raising events

during the year I had hoped to raise £1,000 for the First Responders and thought it would take my year in office to do so but now I will have to re-think things. A Defibrillator costs £1,400 apparently so lets just see how much we can raise during my year, maybe we can get enough money together for 2 of these machines.

You don’t need the first responders until you are vunerable and unwell and then you need everything they have, you never know when you may require their services yourself. Thank you all once again for your help and continued support.

Mayor Of Attleborough’s Prize Bingo Night

Sing A Song Of SixpenceThe Attleborough Players will be revealing the true story behind the old nursery rhyme, ‘Sing a Song of Sixpence’ for their pantomime presentation in January 2012, a story of sinister goings on, mystery, intrigue, music and comedy. Performances will take place at the Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, 7.30 p.m. Thursday 26th; Friday 27th; Saturday 28th.

There will also be a matinee Saturday 28th

at 2.30 p.m. All tickets are £5.00 and may be obtained from, ‘The Flower Box’ - 1 Defiant Precinct, Church Street, Attleborough. Tel: 01953 453533 or A.W. Myhill, Electrical, Church Street, Attleborough. Tel: 01953 453107.

Very young children in arms, viewing the pantomime from a parent’s knee, will be admitted free of charge.


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | christmas

Mass In CPeter’s Mass will be performed in Eye church on Sunday Dec 18th. The Redgrave Singers will be joined by a concert orchestra and top soloists, Claire Tomlin (soprano), Jennifer Hewes (alto), David Knight (tenor) and Gavin Horsley (bass). After the first performance in Redgrave church in December 2007 the Bishop of Bury St Edmunds wrote to Peter saying ‘your audience were captivated….congratulations on a wonderful achievement’.

Peter will conduct the concert which lasts an hour, afterwards there will be refreshments for all in the church including mulled wine and mince pies.

Peter formed the Redgrave singers 9 years ago to perform his own works and concerts have included the oratorios, ‘David’ and ‘Before Pilate’ , also the Mass in C minor and Cantatas for Easter and Christmas. He composes music of all sorts and this year has seen two performances of a new cello concerto played by Rebecca Walker. He has recently completed a full scale ‘Musical’ which is scheduled for performance next year opening on June 14th. ‘I have written this’ Peter says ‘with a view to providing the public with a happy entertainment, by this I mean a show which is full of catchy songs, lovely dancing and an amusing story. I was shown a press cutting from the ‘John Bull’ newspaper of 1913, the title was ‘The Rackety Rector of Rickinghall’.

After lunching at the Trocadero restaurant in London with two attractive ladies the Rector expired in the afternoon at their residence near Covent Garden. This gave me the idea of creating a ‘Musical’.

Tickets at £12.00 for Peter’s Mass in Eye church on Dec 18th may be obtained from The Eye Pharmacy, the Fabric Shop or at the door of the church.

By Peter Creswell

Farmyard Fun And Seriously Good Local Produce At

Stuston Farm ShopWith Christmas just around the corner many of ‘Your Local Magazine’ readers will be concentrating on buying their food for the festive season. Why not start by coming to meet Dave our master butcher who has over 30 years experience and who is always happy to discuss with you the best cuts and preparations for your meat.

If you are looking for a turkey now is the time to order a Norfolk Black, bronze or even white. Order before the 15th December and get a pack of sausage meat and streaky bacon free. If you want something a little smaller, check out our turkey crowns, turkey butts, large chickens or how about a gammon ham for Boxing Day. New season game, partridge, pheasant, pigeon and venison are all now available. The store is packed with all

kinds of seasonal produce, hams, cheese, Butter, Cyder, Homemade Raspberry Vodka, Sloe Gin, Damson Whisky. Logs and house coal are also available.

In the café, breakfast is served all day, to suit all appetites. Traditional lunchtime specials freshly cooked on the premises.

Please check the blackboard for the details. Range of coffees and teas are always available. Why not carry a latte coffee around with you while you shop, or sit down and enjoy a homemade quiche or salad with a glass of fresh orange or apple juice while watching your children play in the kids play area.

Coffee Shop Special - With every hot drink receive a free mince pie or slice of homemade fruit cake

Call into Stuston Farm shop and stock up for Christmas today.


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | christmas

The Fabulous Wortham Christmas Market!

~ Now In Its 3rd Year! ~

The villagers of Wortham are again working together with local businesses and charities in preparation for the 3rd year of their hugely successful Christmas Market.

The exciting event is again to be held outside the award winning Wortham Tea Shop and Stores on Friday 9th December from 4pm to 7pm. It will be an event for all the family to enjoy and will raise money for East Anglian Childrens Hospice and The Friends of Wortham Church. The event is

organised jointly by Wortham Stores and Tea Shop and The Friends of Wortham Church.

“We have had wonderful success for the past 2 years”, says Maureen Ling, Chairman of Friends of Wortham Church. “Hundreds of people have enjoyed the festive stalls, music and food - it has been a truly magical and successful event!”

This year there will be plenty of stalls of all kinds to tempt and delight. Local suppliers and farm shops will provide a fabulous

display of food for the Christmas table while festive decorations, home made cakes and gifts, wreaths and crafts of all kinds will be on show.

Wortham school is getting involved with carols from the children and there will be music from Johnny Ling and his antique organ collection. Hot mince pies, sausages and chestnuts will tempt your taste buds while Father Christmas has promised to appear in style!


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | model & toy expo

Thanks to the kind generosity of The Model & Toy Expo, we are offering you the chance to win a Lego Duplo Police Station worth £49.99!

All you have to do is send your completed wordsearch to Competitions, Your Local Magazine, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF by 19th December 2011 to be in with a chance of winning. Usual Circuit Publications competition rules apply.

Name Email

Address

Prize Wordsearch!Words to find in The Model & Toy Expo wordsearch...

PlaymobilLego

ScalextricHarry Potter

Toy StoryStar WarsMeccanoFigurines

BionicleKites

Model KitsRadio Control

TractorsRailways

Dolls HouseSylvanians

M R N S D S S R L W R R R K B BR O S H T B W T S Y A W L I A RL T D T R M A L R M L Y E N S SE O R E R A R I A A I A E I O OI A G A L K A C W E G A F O I LT I S S C K D C R S R V D S L RN O O R A T I T A K S T C Y O MH A R R Y P O T T E R A F L O UE E R Y G R C R S R L S I V S ID O L L S H O U S E S B G A M RO N L C R N N T X A O T U N S RM A K Y I G T T S M R I R I L LE C G O I N R L Y Y S S I A L RB C G I W I O A L T O T N N C IY E O O C L L I L K I T E S I AL M R R T P G A B R N O S L P E

Model & Toy ExpoFor Kids And Big Kids Alike, The Spectacular

Model & Toy Expo At Snetterton Park Is Not To Be MissedOne of the largest

independent model and toy shops in the country,

its amazing collection is housed in four purpose-built buildings packed to the rafters with jaw-dropping displays and hordes of toys. Best of all, it’s right on your doorstep.

And talking of doorsteps, the Model & Toy Expo has one of the most amazing entrances you’re ever likely to see. A full size replica Spitfire stands outside the main doors, paying tribute to the site’s history as a WW11 RAF Station. On the other side of the entrance is the actual T24 tank used in the James Bond film Golden Eye plus a full-sized dinosaur! And that’s before you’ve even stepped inside!

Once inside, you’ll discover exhibits and toys on sale from a number of the major model and toy manufacturers including Lego, Playmobil, Schleich, Papo, Bruder, WM Britain’s, K’Nex, Siku and Britains Farm as well as railway layouts including a gigantic indoor layout by the garden rail specialists LGB.

The philosophy of the Model and Toy Expo is simple - display as many toys, tanks, boats, planes, cars, military figures as possible out of the box, in glass cabinets and purpose built scenes and stock

the entire product range, including the more obscure items normally only seen in the back of product brochures. How many times have you seen an accessory for a favorite

toy referred to in a brochure and when asked for at a typical toy shop you receive a blank look? Well there’s no blank looks at the Model and Toy Expo.

More than anything, the Model & Toy Expo is a place where children can let their imaginations run wild. With the slogan Play, Learn and Develop, kids will remember their visit for a long time to come.

To keep things fresh and exciting, The Model and Toy Expo regularly introduces new displays. Last summer a handcrafted wooden replica of the iconic USS Enterprise was put on display. The ship, which is 19ft long, took 2 years to build and is housed in its own purpose built display cabinet. There is also a 15-foot model of London Bridge made from Knex and two life-size dinosaurs made out of Lego which are overseen by numerous 6ft Lego Bionacle figures.

With so much to see and do, you’ll want to stay for a while.There is a large coffee shop which includes a indoor Lego and Duplo

children’s play area. The space also doubles up as a versatile area for Children’s Birthday Parties.

And in exciting news……a giant garden centre is scheduled to open in Spring 2012.

Building on the success of the Model & Toy Expo, the garden centre will include massive displays from major manufacturers whilst stocking everything required for outdoor living and the garden.

The garden centre will

compliment the onsite florist and a new fully stocked art and craft shop. You can even replace a cherished plate or part of a dinner service at Replace Your Plates which has recently located to Snetterton Park from its previous premises in Wymondham.

With a late night Christmas Fayre planned for the evening of 2nd December a trip to Snetterton Park is definitely worthwhile and we know that you will be amazed, particularly as you have probably passed it 1000’s of times on the A11 without realising what was on your doorstep.

Win a Lego Duplo Police Station!

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | model & toy expo

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21

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | home improvements

A power flush can restore circulation and efficiency to your central heating system by removing rust, sludge and scale.

The process involves pumping specialist chemicals around the heating system with the use of a power flushing pump, to loosen and mobilise unwanted debris. Each radiator is individually flushed until clean and on

Introduction To Power Flushing

completion, a central heating inhibitor is added to prevent further corrosion.

The whole process is carried out with all radiators left in place for the entire job.

For more information or for a free no obligation quote, ring Paul on 01508 532671 or 07879 414197, or alternatively go to www.suffolkpowerflushing.co.uk.


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Keep Yer Heel Down Bor!A ‘slightly on the huh’ look at gardening

Wotcha!Everybody is talking about how big they are. Potatoes I mean. Can you remember such a good year for potatoes? I must admit I can’t, not in the 33yrs I’ve had the allotment anyway. Amazing, especially considering the dry spring we had. The specimen in the picture weighed

1.7kg (3.74lb) and was the only potatoe on the root! The plant immediately preceding it had six jacket-sized potatoes and two smaller ones.

The variety was Kestrel, a second-early, planted late, very late. The seed came from Myhills, and the shoots were so long that they were virtually sticking out of the ground when I trenched them in! It shows, as I’ve always thought, that you can get away with just about anything in gardening and throw the text books away. The seed was half-price but ought to have been free really. Over the years, I’ve kept a rough note of the biggest and best fruit and veg, and so to give you a laugh (which this column is meant to do) here it is – see if you can beat them!Carrot 14oz Mar 93. Leek 11oz May 2010. Cauliflower 4lbs Mar 93. Melon 3lb Sept 83.Celeriac 15.5oz Feb 2010. Parsnip 2.2lbs April 95.Cucumber 2.75lb 2011 Tomatoes 72lbs 1995. (Greenhouse)

I can now add the potato of course! Keep on a troshin’ and to leave you with a smile here’s a house sign spotted on my travels: ‘Everyone who passes through this door brings happiness. Some by arriving, some by leaving.’

Mark Aiken, 07810 852089.


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To create the most ‘stylishly striking’ home in preparation for entertaining family and friends its key to compliment the natural style of your home and use a colour palette that fits with the scheme of the room.

In my home - a timber framed farmhouse with contemporary furniture, I like to keep the trimmings traditional but simple by utilising things that we already have and adding natural additions. I don’t think you can beat a real Christmas tree but if you are restricted by space a few twigs from the garden in a large vase lit with fairy lights is

Swank InteriorsAs we enter the festive season many of us will be climbing into the attic in search of the Christmas decorations,

while others will be flocking to the shops for the latest trends.

an effective alternative. One area of the home I like

to give special attention to is the dining table. It tends to be the hub of festive activity in our home! You don’t need to buy expensive table centres - be creative with everyday items such as small stacks of old books tied together with chunky ribbon. Using rich reds in the dining room is an age old tradition as it is appetite’ inducing and generally complements the colours of food - green being its opposite colour on the colour wheel. I use Cranberry coloured goblets as I think it really sets the scene for the banquet.

You can’t beat the glow and warmth of an open fire surrounded by velvet cushions and wool throws but if you don’t have one a collection of candles in front of a mirror will give a similar effect. We love Pure light Cinnamon, orange and clove candles, they are handmade in the

UK and smell yummy! Fragrance in the home in the best way to set the scene as soon as guests arrive.

Locally produced Sweet orange, Cinnamon and Black spruce Room fragrance by Rose on the Green is simply divine.

In contrast to my home, in our studio we will be continuing

the lime green and fuchsia pink scheme with our decorations with a bit of Kitsch!

Why not pop along to see what our contemporary Christmas trees look like…

Swank Interiors, Three Gates Farm, Fen street, Bressingham, Diss IP22 2AQ.


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | food

Ingredients for 12 Mince Pies: 225g Butter350g Plain Flour100g Caster sugar280g Mincemeat1 small egg beatenIcing sugar to dust Pinch of salt

Method1. To make pastry, rub butter into the flour then mix in the sugar and a pinch of salt, don’t add liquid but carefully knead mixture into in a dough ball.2. Pre heat the oven to 2000/gas 6/fan 180c. 3. Cut dough into two sizes leaving one third for pie tops, roll out larger portion and cut 12 circles to fit a 12 hole patty tin and fill each pie with mincemeat.

4. Roll smaller portion of pastry to allow for 12 smaller circles for the tops and a place a top on each pie5. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 20 mins until golden. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then remove to a wire rack. To serve, lightly dust with icing sugar. They will keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

Mince PiesDear Ross, What you would recommend to do with egg yolks that are left over from making Meringues, pleae help! - Thank you - Mrs J Newbury of Attleborough.

Egg yolks are wonderful things. I use them in so many ways...

You can use them to thicken your carbonnara Sauce. Or you could use them to make a sabayon. You could use this to make part of a chocolate marquis, or a crème anglais (custard).

Or for something a little different you could use the sabayon to make a zabaglione. Make your Sabayon with egg yolks and sugar. Whisking preferably in a metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Be careful not to overcook the egg yolk by removing from time to time.

It is best to use an electric whisk as this takes some time. The mixture will increase in size. When ready it should be at the ribbon stage.

Next whisk some double cream until soft and peaking. Fold the cream and sabayon together using a spatula.

Now you can spoon the mixture over any soft or poached fruit you like and glaze using a chef ’s blow torch or grill. The zabaglione will glaze and caramelise on top. Enjoy…

Ask the Chef!

Competition!You could win Sunday lunch for two at The Bell Inn, just by

sending your food question in for Ross 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 [email protected].

Whatever your food query, Ross can help!

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 December 2011 to be in with a chance of winning. Usual Circuit Publications competition rules apply.

Name Email

Address

Prize Wordsearch!Words to find from the Spice Cottage

Special Lunch Menu!

PapadumNaan

Pilau RiceMadras

VindalooKormaMalayaBhunaDansakMasala

TikkaPatia

ChutneyVegetableFried Rice

F A A Y S B A T O T S

R R V C H U T N E Y C

M R I U F I N A L R C

U P N E K K A A B A I

D A D K D A N S A K D

A T A M A R E Y T N M

P I L A U R I C E U U

A A O D I D M C G P H

P C O R B M A A E M M

A A Y A L A M N V A K

A L A S A M R O K A E


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | food

Grown in the beautiful Yare Valley in Norfolk on the Mack family

farm, this rapeseed oil is grown, cold pressed and bottled on the farm to retain its nutritional benefits and to keep food miles down to a minimum.

With a high burn point (around 240degrees) the oil is delicate enough for dipping and marinating, but also incredibly robust for frying and roasting etc. It has a delicate nutty flavour which complements most foods

and is not over powering as well as not being bitter which makes it perfect for baking cakes, pancakes, bread and much more. See website for links, market

Healthy Local Living With Yare Valley Oils Competition!

Thanks to the lovely people at Yare Valley, we have a gift pack including a bottle of the oil with other local

produce that would complement it to give away.

All you need to do to enter is send in your favourite recipe that you would use Yare Valley oil in.

The winner would also get their recipe on the Yare Valley website (www.yarevalleyoils.co.uk).

Send your recipe along with your name, address and day time phone number to Competitions, Your Local Magazine, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF, or email [email protected]. Closing date is 19th December 2011. Usual Circuit Publications rules apply.

dates, recipes and free online delivery (www.yarevalleyoils.co.uk)

As well as attending markets we also deliver direct to the catering trade and can be found in numerous farmshops, delis and butchers across Norfolk and parts of Suffolk.

We are always looking for new recipes and with Christmas on its way are offering a Yare Valley Oils gift pack with our oil and other little local goodies in return for the best Christmas use of the oil. As well as the gift we will also put the recipe on our website. Happy cooking and good luck!


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Driving in and out of Diss you might have noticed a new hairdressers up and running in the town. Based on the corner of Victoria Road and Sawmills Road, opposite the Desira garage, CLS HAIR is easy-to-find and has lots of parking.

Connie Sharman took over the existing hairdressing business in October this year after moving from another Diss salon. ‘This is my first ever business and I’m really excited about the future,’ says Connie.

With a staff of three including herself, Connie has noticed a real mix of clients since taking over the reins. ‘We’ve seen both existing and new customers and a real mix of young and elderly people which is great,’ she says. ‘We also cut men and children’s hair too.’

One area Connie is keen to develop is bridal and occasion hair. ‘We offer a range of bridal and occasion hair for all different events from

weddings to proms or even the office Christmas party,’ says Connie. ‘Pop into the salon for a free consultation and we’ll take if from there.’

In a competitive field, Connie is keen to point out that her flexibility sets her apart from the rest. ‘If people need late appointments we can often cater to their needs if they just let us know in advance,’ she says.

So far, feedback has been very positive. ‘People tell us they like the fact that you can park outside the front door when it’s often more tricky in the town centre,’ she says. ‘Best of all, our parking is free!’

With plans to eventually redecorate the shop, there’s no stopping Connie now. So next time you need a trim, a colour or an up-do for your big day, head down to CLS Hair.

* If you are interested in renting a chair in the salon either full or part-time, please call Connie on 01379 640641.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | parties

CLS HairAt just 20 years old, Diss’s new hairdressing entrepreneur Connie Sharman talks to Sarah Veness about her new venture….


29

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | parties

Get Ready To PartyTis the season to party and everyone wants to look and

feel their best, so here are a few handy tips from the Classic Nails and Beauty Girls.

No time to get a tan instead get your skin glowing with a beauty scrub, all you need is some exfoliant and a body brush.

Apply a gentle circulation motion all over and it will help to revitalise and rejuvenate your skin, resulting in a natural glow.

When applying make – always apply a light moisturiser to the face and neck before foundation or concealer. When it comes to eye make-up use a highlighter to enhance your brow bone before using an eye shadow, this will help open up the eyes.

Remember to remove all make –up at the end of the night to ensure you wake up feeling fresh.

Combat over-indulgence and keep skin, hair and nails healthy over the festive season by drinking plenty of water to stay

hydrated and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.

If all else fails why not treat yourself and head down to your local salon. Above all have a lovely Christmas from all at Classic Nails.

Win a lunch for a party of two?

Competition

You can, with our easy competition, by answering the three questions below.

Diddley Dee’s Café in Diss are offering a prize of a delicious lunch for two.

Diddley Dee’s café is situated in Hales Yard Diss and owner Davina (Dee) likes to concentrate on good home cooking, traditional English dishes that people know and love which include favourites such as Cottage Pie, Steak and Kidney pies and Homemade soups. There are always lunchtime specials served between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. With homemade cakes, scones and a selection of coffee and tea, take-away soups and sandwiches are always available. All ingredients are sourced locally.

Outside, the café boasts a wonderful seating area where

you can enjoy your food overlooking the Mere. So for a delicious home cooked meal or snack in friendly surroundings head down to Diddley Dee’s you won’t be disappointed.

Café Open: 9am – 3pm. Monday to Saturday 1 Hales Yard, Diss , Norfolk.

To enter the competition all you have to do is to answer the three easy questions below that relate to Diddley Dee’s Café and send your entry to ‘Win lunch for two’ c/o Circuit Publications, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk. IP11 4AF by the 19th December.

Please include your full name and address and a daytime telephone number.1. What does Dee stand for?2. What kind of pies does

Diddley Dee’s serve?3. What times do Diddley Dee’s

open for lunch time specials?


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | collectors

I Collect... Vintage ComputersThe first computer I ever used was a Commodore PET in 1979 at school. We were lucky as it was still quite rare for anyone to have a computer. Along with some fellow nerds, I spent lots of my spare time in the school computer lab. Commodore soon followed up with their VIC 20 model in 1981. That Christmas, I couldn’t believe my luck when - aged 14 - I

received one as a present.At the time, computers were

very different to how they are now. Games were expensive to buy, so instead kids learnt how to programme their own. We’d buy computer magazines which would have pages and pages of machine code you’d have to type in. One wrong number or letter and you’d have to go check everything again from the beginning. It was very time-consuming and could take hours, but the sense of achievement once you’d done it made it all worthwhile.

During my O-levels I even wrote a programme to help me revise. The computer would fire

questions at me and I’d type the answer in. I even programmed it to work as an alarm clock after I slept in and missed a mock A Level exam!

By the mid 80s there was also a healthy dial-up scene - the forerunner to the internet that we know today. This meant you could chat to people on other machines. Even though I went on to study business studies at university, it was clear that my main love was computers and I carried this through to the world of work. My first job was in a printing company in Diss where I took on the role of IT support.

Then, in 1995, I moved to a job at Suffolk County Council where I was given the task of helping create their first ever website. It was a thrilling time with the internet starting to enter the public consciousness - people were only just beginning to realise the exciting prospects the internet provided.

After winning awards with the Suffolk County Council website, I moved on to working on mobile phone user interfaces which is what I still do today.

A few years back, my mother rang and asked me to clear my things from her loft, and there it was - my old VIC-20. I had already begun to feel nostalgic for those first computers and had started looking on ebay for old models.

It turned out there was quite a healthy market for vintage computers and I decided to have a go. Soon I’d got my hands on a

few VIC-20s and my collection took off from there.

I was mainly interested in Commodore models and bought a few PETs, some Commodore 64s, a C16, a Plus/4 and an Amiga. Then I moved on to some British computers like the Sinclair Spectrum, ZX-81 and the BBC Model B. The more I collected, the more interested I became.

From my research I knew that Commodore had also been a big name in the manufacture of calculators in the 1970s so I began collecting them too. Soon I had more than 30.

One desktop model is interesting as you can clearly see the link between Commodore’s calculators and their first computer as the keys are exactly the same.

I also found a Commodore chess machine and an old 1960s Commodore typewriter.

Commodore also branched out into watches in the 1970s and I have a selection of the ones they made, including some cool red LED ones that were hugely popular and are quite rare now.

As my collection evolved, I also became interested in collecting old computer advertisements from the 1970s and 80s. It’s interesting how very different the computer industry was back then with hundreds of small companies vying for a piece of the action. It was an exciting time!

Adverts could be found in all sorts of random magazines - even teenage girl titles - and I enjoy

tracking them down. Some of them are such early

models, people wouldn’t even recognise them as computers. They took up whole rooms.

Now, I scan them in and keep my collection of adverts on my website. You can have a look by going to http://nosher.net/archives/computers/.

At the moment, I feel my collection is sufficiently complete, although there are a few things I’d still love to get my hands on.

I’d love one of the late-model PETs, which was called the “Porsche PET”, but I don’t have the room.

There’s also an Amiga that’s signed inside by the team that manufactured it (including the dog), and an early computer called the KIM-1.

Commodore also made a special calculator just for pilots which would be nice to own but is very sought after.

Although my collection isn’t worth a great deal, it gives me a lot of pleasure and I still use the watches, computers end even calculators where possible.

I have a three-year-old son and I’d love to get him interested in them as he gets older. Maybe he’ll be a computer nerd like his dad!


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LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

Keep Warm And Well This WinterTaking steps to keep warm is not just for when you are heading outside.

Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health and one of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm. Being warm and keeping well during winter can keep colds and coughs at bay, but can also protect you from serious illnesses such as pneumonia.

The chances of these problems are higher if you are vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following.

If you are over 60 years old, if you are on a low income (so cannot afford heating), if you have a long-term health condition such as heart disease or if you are disabled. As the weather gets colder many of us turn up the heating, but the people who are most susceptible to ill health during the winter are often those living in housing least prepared for the cold.

There are lots of things we can all do at home to keep healthy and warm to avoid any associated illnesses.

Follow these tips to stay warm and well this winter.

1. Heat your home well. By setting your heating timer control and thermostat to the right temperature you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible.

2. Get financial support. There are grants benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. Financial help, such as the Winter Fuel Payment is available to people finding it hard to meet their heating

costs To find out more call 0845 915915

3. Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly’

4. Get a flu jab. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65 or have a

long-term health condition.5. Look after yourself and

others. On cold days try to avoid going outside. However if you do you need to remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative look out for them during this winter to make sure that they are safe and well


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LPA (Personal Welfare) Or Living Will?

The Enduring Power of Attorney did not cover health and medical matters, so many people were pleased when the LPA (personal welfare) was launched. The reasons for it’s popularity stem from people wanting more control over health and medical decisions, and some preferring not to be kept alive artificially.

Both LPA and Living Will cover your wishes regarding health and medical matters at a time when you are unable to speak for yourself. With the LPA you are appointing someone else to speak on your behalf, and with the Living Will

(technical name: Advance Directive) you are making your wishes (directives) known in advance.

You could say that the choice is this: If you want another to act on your behalf you opt for the LPA, or if you prefer not to burden someone else you opt for the Advance Directive. However the issue is blurred by the fact the Advance Directive costs less and does not involve a registration fee, but is somewhat more complicated to set up.

Avoid deciding on cost alone if you possibly can. Get an information pack from your Newleaf adviser and then talk the whole thing through with your family. But do not forget the all important factor ….. do it NOW! Too many people miss out on the benefit of LPAs or Living Wills simply because they kept putting the decision off, and when that happens

it’s your family who are left powerless and frustrated.

For your free LPA and Living

Will information pack call Garry Streeter – New Leaf Will Writers on 01953 451930.

For the past few years the annual Vintage Tractor Road Run has trundled through the surrounding villages of East Harling on Boxing Day, and has become a popular spectacle for those who have an interest in these fabulous old machines.

This year as before the run will start from the Angel

Vintage Tractor Road RunPublic House at Larling. Tractor owners are asked to arrive from 9.30am onwards as the run starts off at 10.30am.

The procession last year consisted of over 100 tractors and

is expected to attract as many entrants again this year.

The run is scheduled to pass through many villages before returning to the Angel where a hog roast will be available for those who have worked up an appetite.

All proceeds this year will go to Star Throwers Cancer Care Clinic, Wymondham.


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Security Tips For Dark Evenings

■ 58% of intruder theft takes place in the evenings and the early hours.

■ Lock doors and windows every time you go out even if it’s only for a short trip or walking dogs.

■ Most double glazing has window locks but older windows can also have extra security locks fitted.

■ Use all the locks that are fitted to the door when you leave the building. If one of your locks is becoming hard to use try to get it changed as soon as you can instead of not using it.

■ 3 or 5 point locking is the best form of security for any type of external doors.

■ Sliding type patio doors always need extra security locks designed for the door or even a length of wood to stop the door from sliding back.

■ Never leave keys outside under pots or mats. Many crimes have been committed by just using a key found outside. Don’t make it too easy.

■ Never leave keys in the windows or doors, or leave car keys of second cars on show in the house.

■ Professionally installed intruder alarm and security lighting is always the best prevention.

■ Always put ladders, steps and tools away in garages and sheds after use. Use chains and padlocks to secure ladders if they are too big to store.

■ Never leave a padlock open with the code numbers on show. The

code can be written down and used later.

■ Try to chain ladders, bikes and large items like wheelbarrows all together; this makes it harder to move one thing without disturbance.

■ Intruders are always looking for easy opportunities, without the risk of a confrontation. Leaving a light on to give the impression someone is at home is often enough to deter them.

■ A timer switch fitted to operate radios (best on a talk station but not TV’s) and lights.

■ Leaving a light on or timed only costs pence in electricity and is money well spent

■ Tell your neighbour if you are going away for a few days, and ask them to push the post all the way through the door.

■ If you come home and your door is open or locked from the inside walk away and call 999.


34

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | schools

The Oaks Nursery - A New StartOn September 1st this year, new management took over the Oaks Nursery in the centre of town.

Here Sarah Veness speaks to Manager Gemma Ruegg….

Located right next to the library in Diss town centre, the Oaks Nursery has been taken over by Alpha Nurseries Ltd. As a company, they have been working with children since 2006 and have seven successful nurseries across Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent.

‘We want the Oaks to feel just like a home from home,’ says Gemma. ‘Our ethos is to create a nurturing environment in partnership with parents which is safe, secure, happy, healthy and stimulating. Each child has the

opportunity to develop fully in every aspect of their development.’

With 12 years experience of working with children, Gemma is trained to Degree level. She has also shown her commitment to raising children’s outcomes by

having Early Years Professional Status.

‘The Oaks staff team has been carefully selected not only for their professional childcare qualifications and experience, but also for their personal qualities and their commitment to provide each child with quality care, and their continuing enthusiasm to develop their skills through further training,’ says Gemma.

Over the last two months the nursery has undergone some major changes.

‘The indoor learning environment has been re-organised and has been resourced with over £3,000 worth of new equipment,’ says Gemma. ‘The front outside garden has also been completely re-developed. It now includes a gym trail, digging areas, mini beast area, and a vegetable patch to grow our own vegetables for our freshly cooked lunches.’

There is more work in the pipeline. ‘Work is soon to start on the side garden,’ says Gemma. ‘Here we will be laying artificial grass and installing two giant sand pits which will then allow us to create a separate outdoor space for our under 2’s.’

In a competitive field, the Oaks is keen to provide good value for money.

‘Our fees are a little bit lower than other nurseries and our

prices include lunch, snacks, tea and all nappies and wipes,’ says Gemma.

With places available, Gemma would like to encourage parents to come and see the nursery for themselves.

‘We are holding an open-day on December 9th from 10am to 2pm and would love people to pop in and have a look at what we do,’ says Gemma. ‘We are also sourcing interest in providing after-school care for children up to the age of eight so please come and see us or call on the number below.’

Open Day on December 9th 2011 from 10am to 2pm

Don’t Forget Our...


35

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | schools

Thetford Grammer SchoolTogether We Learn

We are a school with a long history, establishing a reputation across the region over the centuries. This position in the community is valued and Thetford Grammar School is proud of the fact that many of our current pupils have long-standing family links with the school.

Our aim is to work successfully with young people, whether they join us in the Junior School or into Year 7 or above. Our expectation is that they will achieve good GCSEs, go on to study A levels and aspire to enter higher education. All of our pupils gained at least 6 A* - C grades at GCSE and we had a 100% pass rate at A level.

We also seek to promote close bonds within the school, senior pupils working with younger ones, reflecting the strong family ethos of TGS. It is also important to us that we look beyond the school gates into our local community and the wider world.

The individual lies at the heart of all we do, developing the potential within all our young people and encouraging them to recognise their role in society. As a school of 300 in number, we can do this by setting high standards, offering smaller teaching groups, and providing a close-knit environment where everyone is valued, meeting the needs of all individuals.

We aim to produce well–qualified young people, conscious of their cultural heritage, technologically capable and who are also emotionally intelligent, prepared to take their place in the world in which they will live and work.


36

LOCAL BUSINESS | meet the maskell’s

What will you be studying at

Cambridge University?The course itself

is called Politics, Psychology and Sociology, but for the first year is a mixture of social sciences followed by a specialisation in years 2 and 3. The names can be a bit confusing so I think of it as studying people:

why people live and behave as they do, how they govern themselves and their resources and how humans influence other humans.

Take us back to your primary school education. Who were your teachers and were you a good pupil?

I went to both Diss Infants and Diss Junior School. I don’t remember being especially successful at primary school and I think I had tendencies to be cheeky and sometimes a bit naughty. One teacher I do remember well at Diss Infants was Mrs Quick. She didn’t take any nonsense but at the same time she encouraged you a lot and got the best out of you. As I got older I think I sometimes became over-confident at the things I was good at but now I would say I’m alright as a person.

High school and sixth form followed, at what stage did you think about going to university. What qualifications did you have to achieve?

To be honest I’m not a great planner and I tend to just face things as they come. Therefore I didn’t really start thinking about university until my AS year but even then I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I got my AS grades in 2009 that I decided I could apply to Cambridge and it wasn’t until I got my full A Levels that I really believed I was capable of going there. I definitely feel like I got stronger the older I got, both in terms of school and sport, and I do feel really determined to keep that going in the future and see where it takes me.

What hobbies do you have?One of my main passions in life is running, and I have been

competing for the City of Norwich Athletics Club for almost ten years. Running has taught my lots of valuable lessons and gives me a confidence in other areas of my life that I don’t think I would have without it. For a long time my dream was to be a professional athlete and although that is now on the backburner the past few months of my running life have been some of the happiest and most satisfying I’ve had. I also enjoy reading novels and eating out with my family, if that’s considered a hobby.

Last year you went to China. Can you tell Your Local Magazine what that was like and what were you lasting impressions of China?

I was so lucky to get to go to China as a part of the British Council’s Global Fellowship programme and it was definitely the best experience of my life so far. As a country China was like nowhere I’ve ever been and it’s hard to summarise it in a few words. All countries have contrasts, but the contrasts in China were on such a large scale and across so many different platforms. My overwhelming thoughts of China were positive,

though they were based on the two showcase cities of that country – Beijing and Shanghai. I don’t think one hundred visits to China would be enough to begin to understand so I would definitely love to go back and see some different parts.

What other countries would you like to visit?I think I would like to visit every country in the world, barring a

few! Although I have only travelled a few times the thought of doing more of it fills me with lots of excitement. I am fascinated by cities and would especially love to go to Russia, Japan and Argentina. But then again I am equally interested in going to Scotland, France and Germany.

Who inspires you?Lots and lots of people inspire me as I think I’m someone who

finds a lot of inspiration in the world around them. As a runner I definitely admire Paula Radcliffe for all of her achievements. I think the most inspirational people are the ones who took risks, who did something new and who fought against setbacks. However, I would say that I gain more inspiration from songs, books and films than I do from people. Usually it is a line from a song or a novel which sticks in my mind and spurs me on to work harder. I really like the song ‘Ali in the Jungle’ by The Hours, which has the line “everybody gets knocked down, how quick are you gonna get up”. It makes me want to go running.

Oliver Maskell

Your Local Interview

We Recently Interviewed Oliver Maskell Before He Set Of For Cambridge University


37

LOCAL BUSINESS | meet the maskell’s

A Real Aladdin’s CaveThis year sees the fiftieth anniversary of well-known Diss hardware store Larter & Ford

being in the same family. Here owner John Maskell talks to Sarah Veness…..

To describe Larter & Ford as a real Aladdin’s Cave doesn’t really do it justice. It’s impossible to imagine there being anything they don’t stock!

Packed to the rafters with all sorts of useful bits and bobs, you could easily while away a great deal of time just browsing.Incredibly, there has been a hardware store on the site - in one guise or another - for 177 years. ‘Up until 1938, the shop was much bigger stretching all the way from its current location to Barclays Bank,’ says John. ‘But a huge fire that year burned the place down.’

In 1940, Mr Larter and Mr Ford bought the business from the Aldridge Brothers and re-opened as Larter & Ford. Then in 1961, they in turn sold it to a man by the name of Clarence Curzon. Four years later, John married Clarence’s daughter Shelagh. ‘We met on the

Diss to Norwich train,’ recalls John. ‘I was studying at City College and Shelagh was at high school in Norwich.’

Although John was born in Diss, his father was originally from the Isle of Wight. ‘Dad moved to Norfolk in 1934 after signing as a professional football player for Norwich City,’ says John. ‘Mum was working in Woolworth’s in the city when they met and got married.’

During the war John’s father joined the army and afterwards the family settled in Diss when his dad took over running the Greyhound Pub in 1950.

By now John had two brothers Glynn (Danny) and Christopher. After meeting Shelagh, they eventually married in 1965 and a year later John joined the business. After Clarence retired in 1971, John and Sheila ran the business together

until she sadly passed away in 1984. Since then, John has been running the shop with his second wife Julie who he married in 1986. Although still a hardware shop through and through, the business has moved into selling cookware too...

‘It’s been our lifeblood for the last ten years, another string to our bow,’ says John. ‘People say that we have the finest display of saucepans in all of East Anglia.’

But the heart of the business has remained unchanged. ‘The most important thing in my opinion is good service,’ says John. ‘We provide a personal service and I want people to know they can ask us for help with anything.’

And in an age where it’s often hard to buy the one screw you need, at Larter & Ford you can do just that! ‘If you need just one nut and bolt, that’s what we’ll give you.’

It really is amazing what you

can find inside the shop. From nail brushes, flasks, string and jelly moulds to food processors, drill bits, gardening tools, bath plugs and de-icer, they really do have everything you need - and lots more you didn’t realise you needed till you stepped inside!

And after 45 years in the shop, John’s breadth of knowledge is unsurpassable.

Sadly none of his four children are keen to take over the business.

‘My eldest daughter Rachel has two children and works part-time in Tesco, my two other daughters - Caroline and Katie - work for Lloyds Bank and my son Oliver has just started at Cambridge University. But for now, John and Julie - with their excellent staff - are there to provide a fantastic service so why not nip in!


38

LOCAL BUSINESS | recruitment and training

All light Fabrication Work undertaken MIG / TIG Mild Steel / Aluminium / Stainless / Batch

Work / One Offs / Prototype / Motorsport

On Site Work

For sensible prices Contact Steve 01953 887004 /07968 494459.

Stek Fabrications

Two days per week.

To work in busy office in Diss. To maintain accounts department Knowledge of SAGE is essential to invoice clients plus carry out general

accounts work including Credit Control. Would suit someone with previous experience. Pay by negotiation, subject to experience.

Please send CV to Box 372 Your Local Magazine, 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk. IP22 4AF. By the 11th November 2011.

Part Time Accounts Person Required

Work WantedDo you require assistance with any typing!

Whether it be copy, audio or even PowerPoint.

With over 30 years experience, then I am here to help.

Call Yvonne on 01986 788261 for a quote.

Your Local Magazine

Due to Expansion we require a person to sell advertising space for our series of publications. Based in our busy office in the centre of Diss.

Pay and hours by negotiation. Experience essential.

Please send CV to Your Local Magazine 3 Hales Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AF

Part Time SalesCome and work with us.

Situations vacant

Work Wanted

Jobs ClubEvery Wednesday, drop-in 10am – 12pm. Everyone welcome

Looking for employment? Then come along to the Jobs Club where we can help you with job searches, careers advice, CVs, covering letters, application forms, tips and advice for job interviews, volunteering, course information and much more.

We are a friendly and informal

club where you can drop in and look through local jobs, access the internet and chat with other jobseekers.

Christmas Opening/Closing The last Jobs Club before Christmas will be held on Wednesday 21 December 2011

and we will reopen on Wednesday 4 January 2012.

Activities In December YMCA Training Wednesday 7th December10.30am YMCA Training will be attending the Jobs Club giving a talk about how they can help young people and adults through work

related training and employment support.

Norfolk Guidance Service Tuesday 13 December 10am-3pm 1:1 appointments available with a professional Careers Advisor offering advice and support if you are looking for work, thinking about a change of career or looking for training and learning opportunities.

If you would like more information about the Jobs Club and the free services we offer then please contact Lucy Marjoram at the Information Centre.

Tel: 01379 851920 or email [email protected]

We would like to wish all our new, existing and old members are very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


39

LOCAL BUSINESS | new businesses

CompetitionWin Free Fitness Sessions

Steve MacQueen from True Personal Fitness of Diss is offering our readers the chance to win 3 free Personal Trainer sessions amounting to a cost of £105.

Each session will be 45 – 60 minutes long and will be conducted in their home or a outdoor area near their home. I.E Park area, open field, football field, rugby field. All equipment will be provided by the trainer and the free sessions must be used by the 31st January 2012.

Just answer the following question and send with your name and address by December 19th to Fitness Competition, Circuit Publications, 3 Hales Yard, Diss IP22 4AF.

The first correct answer pulled from the hat will win the 3 free sessions to be taken at their preferred location. Usual Circuit Publications rules apply.

Q) Which famous American actress has been producing her own fitness workout programmes since the 1980s?

A. Bridget FondaB. Jane FondaC. Marilyn Fonda

The Crown Pub – A Real Family Affair!Here Sarah Veness talks to the new owners

of this central Diss pub….

With more than 25 years experience in the pub and catering trade, the Suggate family re-opened the Crown in October.

‘We’ve spent three months renovating the pub and we’re really pleased with the new look,’ says son Sam. ‘We’ve transformed the place back from a nightclub to a traditional family pub.’

With a stylish interior, good menu of reasonably-priced homemade food, real ales and a

friendly atmosphere, the family hope to appeal to people of all ages.

‘We’re really keen for pool and darts teams to come to us and make use of the newly-refurbished pool and darts room,’ says Sam. ‘We’re also looking for more local bands to come and play in the pub as we’re planning to have either live music, karaoke or a disco one night every weekend.’

So why not pop in for lunch, a drink or a game of pool – you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.


40

LOCAL BUSINESS | sound & about

A Clear Way ForwardSound & About opens its doors at the beginning of December...

A CLEAR VIEWSound & About opens its doors at the beginning of December − catering to those who want quality entertainment and technology at home or in the work place. The company is founded on the premise of providing optimum value for money solutions designed to bring enhanced comfort and enjoyment without compromising the space. Its showroom provides insight and a sample showcase of the types of solutions that can be achieved, with a huge array of products ready to order.

SEE, HEAR AND TOUCHWhether it’s a home cinema, a TV or sound system upgrade or a new security system you’re after, Sound & About will work with you to achieve the best solution for your needs −

providing genuine advice, system design, installation and after service care. With ready to order equipment and technology to suit most budgets and requirements, Sound & About is about creating a space for modern living that works perfectly with its surroundings.

WHERE IT ALL BEGANOwner and Senior AV Engineer, Geno Popaja admits that the idea for Sound & About was born from “…a lack of independent retailers offering bespoke systems that aren’t driven by current stock or targets. What’s happened to a genuine and knowledgeable service that meets the needs of its customers?”

EXCLUSIVE OFFERSSound & About has a number of exclusive product offers for the holiday season and beyond. For discerning customers, this is your one-stop-shop to quality home entertainment and technology.

A simple, high quality and stylish solution for concealing unsightly wires and holding your Blu-ray player, that your Mrs. will love you for. Exclusively from Danish manufacturer, Bosscom.

A range of wireless Sonos hi-fi systems that deliver high quality sound in a compact and elegant way. Sound & About is an authorized supplier and custom installer of all Sonos systems – in the belief that Sonos ticks all the boxes for its customers.

An innovative product by Artcoustic – a fabulously beautiful option for concealing your wall speakers. You choose an artwork to display on your wall and we’ll have the speakers integrated behind this. And yes, the sound is as good as the look.

QED cables are recommended by many of the world’s leading manufacturers of hi-fi and home theatre equipment. That’s why Sound & About is an exclusive dealer for the current range of QED speaker cables and interconnects. Whilst most consumers prioritize the look and function of their front-end equipment, quality delivery is also dependent on fundamental equipment and fittings. You’ll see and hear the difference.

For sound advice and a real cup of coffee, drop in to see for yourself.


41

LOCAL BUSINESS | diss trophy centre

A New Home For Diss Trophy CentreFor 20 years, Diss Trophy Centre has served the town of Diss. Now with a more central and much bigger location,

the sky’s the limit. Here owner Trevor Banham talks to Sarah Veness….

Anyone in Diss will tell you... if you’re looking for a trophy of any description, head to the Diss Trophy Centre (DTC).

For the past six years, the shop has been based in Church Street opposite the library after moving from its original Victoria road site. But in November it moved into larger premises in the old John Doe shop on St Nicholas Street.

‘It’s a much bigger shop allowing us more space for displays and the chance to stock more lines,’ says Trevor Banham.

In particular, Trevor is keen to point out that the shop sells much more than just trophies.

‘We also do a wide range of giftware including frames, lighters, cufflinks, glassware, pewterware, pocket watches and pens,’ he explains. ‘Now we have the room, I will definitely be building on the ranges we offer.’

As well as selling a range of items, DTC also offers an engraving service.

‘We can engrave most things, even items that aren’t purchased in the shop,’ says Trevor. ‘I tend to price per item so it’s best to pop into the shop for a chat.’

Perfect for that special occasion, engraved items are very popular.

‘We get a lot of trade from people buying Christening, Wedding or Anniversary presents as they make a lovely keepsake,’ says Trevor.

If it’s a trophy, shield or cup you’re after, DTC are guaranteed to have something that fits the bell.

‘We got a lot of business from local companies but also people as far away as London,’ says Trevor. ‘Our range of trophies and shields is unbeatable.’

So next time you’re in town, why not pop in for a look?

‘There will be a lot more to see in the new shop as we have the room for more displays,’ says Trevor. ‘Perhaps you can find the ideal Christmas present for your dad,

mum, children or grandchildren?’ For more information on the

products and services offered log onto www.disstrophycentre.co.uk


42

LOCAL BUSINESS | winter motoring

Winter Motoring Wisdom From GM Autotech

Servicing - keeping your car serviced and fully up-to-date is your best guarantee of a trouble free winter. If it’s a long time since your last service then a simple winter check is advisable. At GM Autotech we carry out free winter checks on a while-u-wait basis by appointment.

Tyres - correct inflation and a minimum of 3mm of tread (almost

twice the legal limit of 1.6mm) is recommended as clearing water becomes even more essential in wet winter months and a deeper tread will make the task much more efficient. Many of our customers ask about winter tyres at this time of year – on the continent it is common practise to swap to winter tyres for the season. Winter tyres can offer much higher levels

of safety in cold, wet conditions due to a different tread design and rubber formulation. Stopping distances can be reduced by up to 25% and the grip in snow and ice is in another league.

Under-Bonnet – anti-freeze strength is critical to prevent engine damage and your screenwash dilution rate should be adjusted for colder conditions. Batteries have a much harder time in winter – the cold makes them less efficient and on top of that your engine requires more power to start the colder it gets. A simple battery health analysis is part of our winter check, but you can help your battery by only switching on lights/wipers/heaters etc once the engine has started.

Body – Use a quality de-icer spray and a scraping tool to clear ice from your windscreen and make sure that the wipers are free before switching on. Don’t use hot

water to defrost the windows as it can crack the screen. On the inside, if your car has air conditioning, use it with the heater to speed up the de-misting process – using your air conditioning throughout winter will also help keep the system in good working order. Washing the salt and road grime off your car with a quality body shampoo keeps the screens and lights clear & bright, and an application of wax extends that protection even further. If you’re really keen, washing under the arches and through the wheels with a pressure washer will help prevent a build-up of highly corrosive salt.

Lastly, pack a few extras for winter trips – food, water, blankets and a perhaps a shovel too. In poor visibility or icy conditions, drive more slowly and smoothly, leaving longer braking distances – double in the wet and up to ten times further in icy conditions.

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to make sure your car is fully prepared for the worst nature can throw at it


43

LOCAL BUSINESS | winter motoring

Get A Grip! Could Winter Tyres Be The Answer?

Halesworth-based Volvo dealership M. R. King & Sons explain the benefits…..

As the cold weather takes hold, winter tyres are a great idea.

They offer more grip in wet as well as snowy weather and are particularly effective when temperatures drop below 7C.

Winter tyres can shorten braking distances by up to 10% on wet and up to 20 % on snowy roads. These tyres would also help the 48% of motorists who have an accident in the winter, attributed to skidding.*

Order early though – Volvo UK has quadrupled its stock of winter tyres after demand in 2010 far outweighed supply with ranges being completely sold out within six weeks.

For those customers short on space. M.R. King & Sons is offering to store the customer’s other set of alloy or tyres free of

charge for six months for those who opt for winter tyres at the dealership by 30th November 2011. The regular cost for storage is £85 every six months.

M. R. King & Sons, located at Quay Street, has also launched the Volvo 2011/2012 Winter Programme to help drivers face the upcoming months in complete confidence. The free-of-charge inspection incorporates a 30-point check from fluid checks to security checks on major and integral parts of the vehicle.

Contact M. R. King & Sons on 01986 874464, via email on [email protected] or visit them on the web at www.mrking.co.uk.

* Source: Pirelli

Pat Lewis Has The ‘Greenest’ Fleet In Diss

Pat Lewis is cleaning up motoring in Diss as local motorist can choose from a range of new cars from the greenest fleet in the UK as Peugeot has been crowned ‘Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ at the Fleet News Awards 2011.

Offering a choice of fantastic ‘green’ vehicles for Diss customers to choose from, ‘green’ experts at the dealership are on hand to discuss the benefits and best suited vehicles to suit every customers’ needs and environmental concerns.

The 100% electric iOn, which boasts zero emissions and the remarkable 508 and 308 models that feature the latest e-HDi micro-hybrid and Stop & Start System, demonstrates the sustained effort Peugeot has made to refine its engine technology and drive down the average emissions of their vehicles.

The popular Peugeot 5008 Compact MPV was also Highly

Commended in ‘Best People Carrier’ category and Pat Lewis is now taking orders for Peugeot’s eagerly awaited 3008 Hybrid4, the world’s first full diesel HYbrid car, that is available from early next year.

Dealer Principal, Pat Lewis at the dealership comments: “Our customers have been really impressed with the selection of ‘green’ models we are able to offer them, as efficiency and lower CO2 emissions are increasingly becoming the top of consumers agendas.

“We are delighted Peugeot has been awarded ‘Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.”

For more information or for details on any of the models in the Peugeot range, please contact Pat Lewis on 01379 641 110 or visit the dealership at Rose Lane Garage. Alternatively, http://dealer.peugeot.co.uk/pat-lewis-diss.


44

LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

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

What’s On... In December

26th Nov - 22nd Dec. Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn.

Every November and December, the historic barn is quite literally t r a n s f o r m e d into a Christmas and craft lovers delight. The Christmas Shop is, as it suggests, a

haven for everything Christmassy from special gifts, baubles and decorations to lighting and gift wrap. Within the barn are also two cafés, offering gorgeous handmade cakes,

snacks and refreshments, p r o v i d i n g the perfect o p p o r t u n i t y to take a break from browsing.

For the children, there is something really special; not only are Santa’s reindeer visiting, but Santa himself will be in this brand new grotto every weekend. Children have the opportunity to meet him face-to-face and receive a pre-Christmas gift (if they have been good!).Blackthorpe Barn is near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, off the main A14 road at junction 45 (Sat Nav IP30 9HZ). For more information see www.blackthorpebarn.com or call 01359 270238.

1st to 23rd. Christmas Exhibition; Kate Fisher’s Seascape Ceramics. Stables Gallery, Corn Hall, Diss. Kate Fisher creates cool, calm and contemporary ceramics influenced by coastal landscapes. She has been running her own ceramics shop and workshop in south Norfolk for the last two years. Miss Fisher, who received support and advice from the Suffolk Craft Society’s Making It scheme after leaving college to

set up Kate Fisher Ceramics, said business had been busy after moving to a workshop

in Harleston. There will be an introduction of new pieces to the seascape c o l l e c t i o n

that include both functional and sculptural items. Kate’s work is getting more popular and being sold across the country it is a good chance to see a local artists work first and maybe pick up a unique C h r i s t m a s present. Tel: 07733 230 191 web: www.katefisher.co.uk email: [email protected]

2nd. Beer Festival. 2pm- 11.30pm. Fully licensed bar with 10 guest ales. The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT. Entrance: Free . Contact: 01379 676660.

3rd December & 1st Saturday every month. Harleston Indoor Flea Market. Swan Hotel 9.00-1.00pm. Vintage, antique, collectables, etc. Stalls £10 / £5. Tel: 01379 855486.

3rd. ‘Juke Box Johns Karaoke’. Apollo Social Club, Harleston. Free for members, just £1 non members. 7.30pm - midnight 01379 854205.

3rd. Christmas Fair. St. Mary’s Church Hall, Diss 9.30am till 12.30pm, Free admission.

3rd. Beer Festival. 11am - 10pm. Fully licensed bar with 10 guest ales. The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT. Entrance: Free. Contact: 01379 676660.

3rd. Music: Burgate singers present: Respighi’s Laud to the Nativity and Mozart’s Requiem. 7.30pm, £12 / Under 12s £6, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk, Wortham Post Office or 01379 642783.4th. ‘Come Dancing’. A must for all dancers! £5 admission, 7 - 10pm. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. 01379 854205.

4th. Fantastic Craft Sale ideal for Christmas Shopping with a difference at Connaught Hall. 10 - 3 free entry and parking

refreshments available. Money raised will go to Connaught Hall refurbishment fund.Everyone welcome lots of different crafts on sale including Jewellery, Handmade Handbags, Toileteries, Wood turning, Cards, Hand knitted items, Decorations, Jams and Chutney, Books and Children’s Toys plus loits more.6th. Music: Diss Town Carol Concert. 7pm, Tickets £3.50 / Children £2, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk

7th. Film: Potiche (15). subtitled, 8pm, Tickets £4 / Students £2, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk8th. ‘Curtis Magee’. Irish Country Night. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Tickets £10. Box Office 01502 715617.

8th. Music: Christmas with the Searchers. 7.30pm, Tickets £15.50 / £12.50 / £10.50, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk

9th. ‘Dominic Kirwin’. Irish Country Night. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. For Info & Tickets call Box Office 01502 715617.

9th. The Fabulous Wortham Christmas Market! ~ Now In Its 3rd Year! ~ from 4pm to 7pm. The exciting event is again to be held outside the award winning Wortham Tea Shop and Stores.

9th. Craft Workshop. 10am – 3pm. A day of Christmas crafting for all, making cards, jewellery & decorations.The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT. Entrance: £20 inc all materials. Booking essential. Contact: 01379 676660.

10th. Christmas Cracker Opera Evening, 7pm. An evening of songs and operatic arias on a seasonal theme. Canapes during the interval. The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT. Entrance: £27.50 booking essential. Contact: 01379 676660.

10th. ‘Christmas Party Night’. Dinner & Disco. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Tickets £22.95, 01379 854205.

10th. Theatre: The Snowman. 2pm, Tickets £5 / Children £3 (5-10yrs), Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk

To add your event, please email [email protected].


45

LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

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

What’s On... In December

10th. Magical Christmas Fair with a Victorian Theme. Banham Community Centre on 10:00–16:00, free entry. Proceeds are in aid of St. Mary’s Church & Banham Primary School. Stalls for Christmas gifts, crafts, hot and cold food, festive entertainment, live music, fun and games for the whole family. Santa’s Grotto will be open all day. Two special raffles, various displays and events on the stage as well as prizes for best fancy dress outfit. Warm mulled wine, hot chestnuts and mince pies will be available to add to the seasonal ambiance.

11th. Dance: Introduction to Tango workshop. 4pm-5.30 pm, £12, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk

11th. Apollo Country Club presents ‘Muddy Boots’ Christmas Party Night with free bangers & mash. £5 members / £6 non members. 01379 854205.

11th. Dance Tango Tea Dance. 6-11pm, £10. Workshop and evening booked together £20, Box Office 01379 652241,www.disscornhall.co.uk.

12th. Rotary Club of High Suffolk Santa Sleigh collection. In aid of EACH from 6.30pm.

14th. Film: At the Picture Palace a Century Ago. 8pm, Tickets £4 / Students £2, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk

14th. Festive Lunch with Local Carol Singers. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Tickets £12.95, 01379 854205.

15th. Carol Concert, 7.30pm. An evening for everyone to enjoy and join in with the sing-a-longs. Seasonal drinks and nibbles available. The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT. Entrance: Free entry. Contact: 01379 676660.

15th. The Atmospheric Carols byCandlelight at St George’s Church. Across the fields at Shimpling, at 7pm. The church, which has no electricity or heating, is one of over 340 in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Come warmly wrapped and well shod is the advice of organiser Maurice Philpot.

16th. Pennoyer Friday Film Night. 7.15pm for 8pm. Phantom of the Opera (the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical version). Bar opens 7.15pm.The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT. Entrance: £4 in advance, £4.50 on the door. Booking advised. Contact: 01379 676660.

16th. ‘Christmas Party Night’ Buffet & Disco. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Tickets £12. 01379 854205.

16th. Theatre: A Christmas Carol. 7pm, Tickets £6 / Children £3, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk

17th. Film: It’s A Wonderful Life. 2pm, Tickets £4 / Concessions £3, Box Office 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk

17th. ‘Christmas Party Night’ Dinner & Disco. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Tickets £22.95, 01379 854205.

17th. Yuletide Memories. 7pm for 7.30pm. An evening of seasonal entertainment with music, readings & performance. The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT. Entrance: £5 in advance, £6 on the door. Contact: 01379 676660.

17th. Rotary Club of Harleston collection at Budgens.

18th. ‘Come Dancing Christmas Party’. Free Buffet. £5 Admission, 7 - 10pm. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. 01379 854205.

18th. Bread Making Workshops At The Pennoyer Centre.

Sue Hudson has teamed up with the Pennoyer Centre at Pulham St. Mary, a perfect venue for spending the day baking delicious loaves and learning a

new skill. The workshops are fun, informal sessions for beginners or those wishing to expand their bread making knowledge, with a delicious home made lunch included. By popular request, Sue has designed a Christmas baking programme which will take place on the afternoon of 18th December, we will be creating delicious stollen, walnut loaves, special

Christmas roll and more.... make some great Christmas gifts or perfect to arrange for a special person to attend a workshop, for further information see the website www.breadworkshops.co.uk or contact the Pennoyer Centre on 01379 676660.

21st. Rotary Club of Harleston collection at Budgens.

23rd. Rotary Club of Harleston collection at Budgens.

23rd. Christmas Disco. Apollo Rooms, Harleston, 7.30pm - late for 18yrs & over. All proceeds to Harleston Parent & Toddler Group. Kelly Day 07788 500901.

24th. Carols by Candlelight. Why not start your Christmas by joining us at St. Mary’s, Redenhall, at 6pm on Christmas Eve? Once again Diss Salvation Army Band will be providing the music and members of our local community will read the Christmas story. After the Service, which will last about an hour, mincepies and mulled wine will be served. Wrap up warmly, bring a torch and enjoy singing traditional carols.

24th. Carols by Candlelight. Why not start your Christmas by joining us at St. Mary’s, Redenhall, at 6pm on Christmas Eve? Once again Diss Salvation Army Band will be providing the music and members of our local community will read the Christmas story. After the Service, which will last about an hour, mincepies and mulled wine will be served. Wrap up warmly, bring a torch and enjoy singing traditional carols.

24th. Apollo Country Club presents ‘Barhoppers’. £5 members / £6 non members. Apollo Rooms, Harleston 01379 854205. 24th. Apollo Social Club, Harleston. Christmas Disco with Dave Hoffman. Hot sausage Rolls & Mince Pies, Christmas Draw. 01379 854205. 31st. ‘New Years Eve Party’ with ‘The Encores’, disco and buffet. 7.30pm - 1.00am. Tickets £25. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. 01379 854205.

To add your event, please email [email protected].

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