your local magazine

Your LocalFor Diss, Attleborough, Harleston, Eye & area www.yourlocalmagazine.net January 2012 Issue 19

IN THIS MONTH

Support Our Local Hero:Paralympic HopefulDanny Nobbs

2012 Calendar

Attleborough’s Best Dressed Window Competition Winner

Who Remembers Hurren’s Shop?

What Is The BNI?

FREE Magazine

5

LOCAL INFO

COMPETITION WINNERSChristmas Turkey - Mrs. J. Williams, Attleborough

Lego Duplo Police Station - Emma Hines, Wortham

Ask The Chef - Mr. G. Bartrum, Diss

The Spice Cottage - James Haydon, Yaxley

Yare Valley Gift Pack - Mrs. D. Dunseith, Old Buckenham

Didley Dee’s Café Lunch For 2 - Maisie Patricia Bellingham, Diss

Personal Trainer Sessions - Alicia Harrington, Diss

Harleston Late Night Shopping 1st Prize: Justine Spencer

2nd Prize: Mrs. Wiles

YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE

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

Join us on Facebook: search for “Your Local Magazine”

And on Twitter: @yourlocalmag

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]: Nancy Pettitt [email protected] by: Breckland Print 01953 454699Distributed by: Dayburst Couriers 07810 852089

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

LOCAL BUSINESS

LOCAL EVENTS

5

CONTENTS | your local magazineYour Local Magazine • January 2012

6 Diss & Attleborough Council News 7 Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society 8 Diss Conservation Area 12 Then And Now...

14 Danny Nobbs 17 Health & Fitness 20 2012 Calendar 22 Collectors 23 Food 25 Schools 26 Home Improvements 28 Senior

30 Gillings Of Diss 31 Paramount Health & Safety/Fatstickman 32 What Is The BNI? 34 Recruitment & Training 36 Your Local Directory

38 What’s On... In January!

12


10

Best Dressed Window

14

Our Hero: Danny Nobbs

DEADLINE FOR

FEBRUARY ISSUE:

Friday 13th January, 5pm

Happy New Year

Your Local Magazine • January 2012

6

LOCAL INFO | council news

Attleborough: Town Council News

Farewell to RichardThe Town Council recently bade a fond farewell to Richard Alborough, who had been bookkeeper for some 20 years. Richard was originally based at the offices of Greenland Houchen solicitors in Connaught Road, before the Council moved into its current premises in the Town Hall in Queens Square over ten years ago. In more recent years Richard’s involvement was solely with the monthly payroll. The Town Council wishes Richard all the best for a long and happy retirement. Town Mayor Karen Pettitt presented Richard with a gift as a small token of appreciation for all the hard work he has put in over the last two decades.

TreesThe Council recently commissioned a comprehensive survey of all the trees which are on land owned by the Council. The survey has uncovered that there are more than 400 trees in the Council’s tree estate. This is the first step in taking forward a more pro-active management policy to ensure that damaged or unhealthy trees are dealt with effectively in future.

Annual Town AssemblyThe 2012 annual town assembly will take place at Attleborough Town Hall on the evening of Monday 5 March. This event gives Attleborough residents the opportunity to attend and raise issues of local concern. In addition to town councillors, representatives from Breckland Council, the County Council and the Police will be invited to attend.

Diss: Town Council NewsCouncillor Neil Howard serves as the Chairman of the Amenities and Services Committee and the Cittaslow

Committee. He writes about projects which his Committees are currently involved in.

Amenities & Services Committee One of the major projects for this Committee is the Park Regeneration Project which is continuing to move forward. A Park Management Plan is now in place which will assist in our intention to apply for Green Flag Status for the Park which, if successful, would help to attract more visitors to the town. It is an intention to engage with the young people who use the Park to get them involved in the project from the outset and into the future.

The current tenant of the Park Pavillion Kiosk, Oliver Pilsbury-Gaunt has suggested some interesting and exciting proposals for enhancing and improving the Pavillion. The Committee were very impressed with his suggestions and are encouraging him to further develop his ideas into a business plan for the pavilion for further consideration by the Committee.

We are also working closely with South Norfolk’s Safer Neighbourhood Team to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Park and vandalism to the pavilion and park equipment.

The Committee are also looking at ways of eliminating blue green algae in the Mere, and have recently considered two options. It has now been decided to accept the offer of a local

company for a free six month trial of a floating aeration pump unit to test it’s effectiveness. The unit will be installed in March 2012.

In Madgett’s Walk it is good to report that John Grose Ltd have replaced the fence near the raised beds, which now gives us the opportunity to complete the planting works to enhance this area of the town.

Cittaslow CommitteeAt the November Council meeting it was agreed that the Cittaslow Committee would be known as the Tourism & Leisure Committee from the New Year and to maintain our strong links with the Cittaslow movement we will look to have a Cittaslow Champion appointed to the committee. In the meantime, it is intended to incorporate the Cittaslow principles across all the committees of Council.

To ensure this new Committee hits the ground running I am looking to recruit any organisation with a strong link to Tourism or Leisure who feel they could make a difference by being part of this exciting new committee for the benefit of the Town. If you are part of any such organisation please feel free to contact the Council office on 01379 643848 or email: [email protected] for more details.


7

LOCAL INFO | updates

Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society

A Sparkling Presentation

The easily recognised jewellery expert and valuer, John Benjamin, a member of the “Antiques Road Show” team, gave the Diss Decorative & Fine Arts Society’s November lecture under the heading of “Romancing the Stone”.

A very accomplished speaker – as you might expect – John cleverly combined a technical history of the discovery, mining, trawling and cutting of Diamonds with a lavishly illustrated exhibition of the development of design and desirability over 600 years.

The audience was quickly involved as John demonstrated an uncanny knowledge of their diamond heirlooms. A 17th century painting by Jan Brueghel with a domestic jewellery box everyone would recognise today made his point.

His lively style and the astounding facts and values of rarer diamonds kept the audience of 100 members enthralled.

With the dramatic surge in design and ownership of diamond jewellery from the late 19th century, styles changed rapidly and we recognised many

of the “Cuts” & “Settings” of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. John explained the changes with the extermination of many European jewellery skills in the Holocaust which, combined with the austerity of the 1950’s influenced further design changes and led to the “London Season” jewellery. He also illustrated the influence of a strong Middle East market on subsequent designs and the re-location of the Diamond jewellery centre from London and the Low Countries to Milan.

There were many questions for John after his lecture which he dealt with in an open and comprehensive manner. Although very modest about his work on the Television he did relate some stories of discovery and unrecognised values.

He even mentioned the sale that was in progress that very afternoon and later we heard that an extremely rare yellow diamond known as the Sun-Drop had sold at auction in Geneva for just over $10.9m (£6.8m).

In a change to the published Diss DFAS programme, the January Lecture will deal with Power dressing in the 18th Century. On 17th January 2012 Mary Alexander will speak on Wigs, Waistcoats and Weepers.

The reputedly cursed Hope Diamond

Join up JanuaryAre you a library member?

It’s really easy to join Norfolk Libraries and once a member you can discover all that’s on offer. From serious reads and ebooks to children’s events and new release DVDs, there’s something for everyone!

Throughout January, Norfolk Library and Information Service is promoting all the benefits of becoming a library member with a month-long promotion called ‘Join-Up January’. There are county council-run library buildings and mobile libraries across Norfolk, which means there is likely to be one fairly close to where you live, and there’s so much more to them than a place to borrow books.

Did you know you can also borrow console games, DVDs and CDs at reasonable rates and return them to any library? An ebooks service allows you to download and borrow ebooks for free from the comfort of your own home. And there are always events, activities and clubs for both children and adults going on in libraries.

It’s completely free to join the library and quick and easy. You can do it online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries or drop into your local library and staff will take down your details and get you and up and running in just a couple of minutes. With libraries it’s free to.

• borrow books and magazines • use public PCs • borrow ebooks from your own home • attend lots of events including children’s activities and author visits • access information from your local councils and other organisations

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


8


Diss Conservation AreaThe centre of Diss is included in a Conservation Area, designated in 1974, one of the first in South Norfolk.

This is an area of “special architectural or historic interest”.

Clearly Diss qualifies on a number of counts: • It has a rich history with almost

250 nationally recognised listed buildings of great variety, quality and value

• Most of these historic buildings are in groups or line the ancient streets and yards that have shaped the town over centuries

• The Mere is a unique asset, and with the other open spaces at Fair Green, the Park, Rectory meadows and the Parish Fields, gives a softer natural edge to the town.

The combination of these features made Diss an obvious candidate for designation. It is no wonder that Sir John Betjeman thought that Diss was… “the perfect English Country town.”

South Norfolk Council has prepared a new Conservation Area appraisal for Diss which follows

new guidance issued by English Heritage. The full appraisal can be seen on line via the Council’s web site, www.south-norfolk.gov.uk. The appraisal outlines in more detail this special character, and looks at ways the Area could be improved and enhanced, as well as trying to identify problems and difficulties.

The appraisal suggests some changes to the current boundary, shown on the plan below. Some changes are to make better sense of property boundaries, others seek to add areas that have that special quality; others could be excluded where this quality has perhaps been eroded over the recent past.

The appraisal also acknowledges the achievements of South Norfolk and the Town Council, as well as individual owners and groups who have combined to maintain the special

interest in the town. It will also include the work of groups like the Corn Hall trust and Fair Green resident’s association whose work is commendable and ongoing.

The town is not without its difficulties, made more acute in these economic times, with vacant buildings and neglected sites, but the appraisal has identified scope for improvements, tree planting etc. that could be feasible and would make a visible difference. It is hoped that other suggestions might be made during the consultation, and that working together might encourage some positive actions.

There are implications with designation: development proposals must take account of the special character of the Area; permission is needed for works to trees; some buildings are protected from demolition, and some minor alterations to houses or their gardens would need planning

permission. But generally, these are not onerous. It is important to realise that being in the Area does not prevent development.

The Council are keen to get the views of local residents, businesses and groups to reflect local issues and concerns, and mould the appraisal into a document that could be adopted by the Council and embraced by those in the area.

Please feed your comments to the Council either by letter, e-mail or telephone if possible by the 9th January but no later than the 31st January.

Contacts : E-mail planning@ s-norfolk.gov.uk, telephone 01508 533812, by post Conservation, South Norfolk Council, Swan lane, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2XE.


9


Local History: The Taylor Family

Two members of the Taylor family are commemorated by paintings in Diss Town Council chamber.

The one with mutton-chop whiskers is Lombe Taylor, who gave the Corn Hall to the town (not pictured here). The other, painted by Harry Banbury, is Rear Admiral Alfred Hugh Taylor, CB, OBE, JP. Here he is pictured showing a Party From Diss Around His Ship HMS Valiant In 1935. His son, John, often brings items of his family history in to the museum office; and recently provided information about his father’s life. Hugh, as he was known, was born in Starston in 1886 and, in 1894, joined brothers Lombe and Lewis at. St. Andrew’s School, Eastbourne. In 1901 he passed first in the Civil Service examination to become a naval cadet, training on wooden sailing ships at the end of the Victorian era. Rapid promotion saw him rise from Midshipman to Acting Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Lt. Commander, Commander, Captain, Rear Admiral and Commodore

RNR. In 1911 he married Maude Bisset, daughter of Col. Sir William Sinclair Bisset, KCIE.

Hugh Taylor served on the original HMS Dreadnought and survived being torpedoed twice. HMS Recruit, on which he was an Acting Sub Lieutenant, was torpedoed by a U-boat in 1915. Two years later HMS Drake, on which he was Lt. Commander, suffered the same fate off Rathlin Island. Another of the ships on which he served between the wars, HMS Royal Oak, would be torpedoed at Scapa Flow in 1939. Hugh was awarded the OBE for valuable services at the Versailles Peace Conference in 1919. After being Mentioned in Despatches for services in Operation Dynamo, the Dunkirk evacuation, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 1942 Birthday Honours. He was also active in the Economic Warfare Division and the Special Operations Executive.

Basil Abbott, Diss Museum.

A Church That Never Sleeps

Firstly as the publicity officer of St. Mary’s Diss I would like on behalf of all the event organisers to thank

everyone who supported the many events that took place over the past nine months.

The Christmas fair in November has raised nearly £3,000 - a record in these austere times. Now we have reached 2012 and this particular year is of course very special to our nation especially as we celebrate the first Diamond Jubilee of our Queen since Queen Victoria reached that milestone well exceeding a centry ago.

Next comes the Olympic Games not seen in this country since 1948. Well I know these are mainly London-based but there is no reason why we up here in Diss should be left out of the celebrating. In fact I read that plans are under way to have some sort of Jubilee celebration in our town. Meanwhile it may seem all quiet up at St. Mary’s in Diss

but I can assure you that this is a Parish church that never sleeps and meetings of all sorts are under way for all your favourite events to return from April onwards.Although in its early stages I can tell you that plans are under way to hold a very different summer fair in a new venue and even ‘The Big Sing’ in August will have a celebration theme to it. Dont worry fans YOU will always be choosing the hymns and the slant on this occasion will be GREAT hymns for a great British year. More details will unfold as the year develops but in the meantime keep watching those notice boards which reach out to everyone in our town and surrounding areas.

Gerry Hosking.


10


Shimpling St GeorgeProgramme For 2012

1st June 2012, sees the 25th anniversary of the vesting of St George’s Church, Shimpling, in the Churches Conservation Trust. To mark this event and HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, there will be a Cake and Wine event at the church between 2 and 4pm on Tuesday 5th June.

The Patronal Festival of the Church will be celebrated with a Service of Holy Communion on Monday 23rd April at 10:30am, followed by wine and nibbles. This will be the first celebration of the Holy Communion to be held in the church for at least twenty six years. The celebrant will be the Rector, the Revd J H E Roskelly. Later in the year – on Tuesday 20th November also at 10:30am – there will be a Service of Morning Prayer to mark St Edmund’s Day, who, in the opinion of many, should be restored to the role of England’s Patron Saint. The service will be conducted by former churchwarden at St George’s, Maurice Philpot.

The annual Carols by Candlelight Service is scheduled for Thursday 13th December at 7:00pm.

St George’s Church will continue to host a number of Open Days throughout the year, when during the afternoon there will be someone on hand to share some of the stories the building, and people associated with it, have to tell. The first of these is on Easter Day, April 8th, between 11am and 4pm. The Church will also again be participating in the annual national Heritage Open Days and will be open on 8th and 9th September between 10am and 5pm.

For further information contact: Maurice W Philpot on 07817 108239 email [email protected], Sheila Cooper on 01379 740990, Owen Thompson on 07799 424078 email [email protected]

Mere Players PresentLittle Shop of Horrors

A Musical Comedy by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. May 10th, 11th & 12th, 2012 at Diss Corn Hall

Trapped in Mr Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists, the only bright spot in Seymour Krelborn’s life is his secret love for ditzy co-worker, Audrey. That is until he discovers a strange and interesting plant… a

plant that not only talks but has an insatiable appetite for human blood!

Based on Roger Corman’s famously bad 60’s B-movie, the authors have transformed this unpromising material into the greatest ever, fun for all the family, science fiction musical spectacular spoof of all time. This show will not only have you singing and dancing but eyeing your begonias warily!

Anyone interested in finding out more about the above production is invited to attend a presentation at Diss Junior School at 2 pm on Sunday January 8th.

Open auditions will be held at the Junior School on Sunday 29th Jan, from 2pm –5pm.

For more details phone Felicity Humfress on 01953 714 926 or Andy Kemp on 07789 110 928.

Everything was made with items that had been donated to the shop.

There were 19 entries in total - a record number. Judging was undertaken by Jane Patrick and Andy Free from Rosedale funeral home along with the Mayor of Attleborough Karen Pettitt and scrutineer was Gill Hastie.

Karen Pettitt said it was lovely to see so many shops and businesses taking part. It really shows that as a town we all pull together and when

you drive through the town everything has a christmas feel and the lights are the finishing touch.

The shield was presented by Chairperson of Breckland Council Nigel Wilkin.

Best Dressed Window Competition Winner

Winner of the Attleborough Best Dressed window competition was EACH charity shop with their

interpretation of the Snowman.


11


Diss W.I.

Our first meeting of 2012 will be in the building known previously as the Youth Resource Base in Shelfanger Road.

Over the last year the size of Diss W.I. has again increased and with our varied programme of talks, slide shows and demonstrations it had become increasingly difficult at most meetings to find enough space to fit in all that was required and our members.

We look forward to the coming year and being able to plan additional and more challenging events with this extra space. We are also very happy to be part of the future of this building which has so generously been given to the community.

In January We Are Moving To New Premises.

Vulcan To The Sky And Black Buck 1 At FORCA chance introduction at a motor sport event in the midlands nearly two years ago

lead to a remarkable evening in Stradbroke on 30th November.

Guest speaker at FORC, Fressingfield Oily Rag Club’s final meeting of 2011 was S q u a d r o n

Leader Martin Withers DFC, speaking about the Black Buck 1 mission to attack Port Stanley Airport during the Falklands conflict in 1982.

When Argentina invaded, a task force was assembled to take British forces to reclaim the Falkland Islands. The task force would be vulnerable to attack from the Argentinean air force, which was equipped with modern fighter-bombers and interceptor fighters. Denial of the use of Port Stanley airport was vital.

The RAF’s last Vulcan bombers were due for final retirement . A

number were already in museums in the UK and USA, others were already scrapped. The closest airfield available to the RAF was on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic; Port Stanley was still four thousand miles beyond the Vulcan’s maximum range.

The mission is now one of military legend. RAF engineers toured stores, scrap heaps, even museums in the USA, for parts to quickly make the Vulcans fit for purpose. Fifteen Victor tankers and seventeen in-flight refuellings were required to enable a single Vulcan to fly to Port Stanley, carry out the task, and return to Ascension Island. It fell to Martin Withers and his crew to successfully complete the job. It is still the longest-range air attack ever flown!

Today a single Vulcan, serial number XH558 ‘Spirit of Great Britain’ is owned by the Vulcan

to the Sky Trust (VTST) and flown at airshows in the UK from their base at Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster. The Captain is Martin Withers now the trust’s Chief Pilot and Operations Manager.

Keeping XH558 in the air requires the same sheer bloody-mindedness that took the Vulcan to Port Stanley in 1982. FORC supporters are honoured to have welcomed Martin to the Club and donated to the Trust.

Please visit www.vulcantothesky.org/ for the latest news on Vulcan XH558 and Vulcan merchandise. The best account of ‘Black Buck 1, Vulcan 607 by Rowland White is available on line from the site.

Visit www.alanstammers.co.uk to purchase Vulcan prints signed by MartinWithers and the artist. £10 from each sale will go to the VTST.

For further news of Fressingfield Oily Rag Club please visit www.forclub.org.uk or telephone Steve Wyatt (01379 586225).


12

LOCAL INFO | then and now...


We still have no idea of who H. Hurran was. However, we were thrilled when a local resident, Mrs Ann Keane, popped into the office with an intriguing photograph of an old Diss shop - Hurrens.

‘In the photo standing outside the main door are my grandmother and grandfather, Charles and Alice Hurren who used to own the shop,’

explains Mrs Keane. ‘The shop sold all sorts of things from sweets, cigarettes, tobacco, fruit and veg, clothing and even piano music.

When my grandfather died, my grandmother ran the shop on her own and at some point they relocated next door to where Ashtons the estate agents is now. After my grandmother retired,

my aunt took over the shop which by then was mainly known as a sweet shop. Just like all the other kids in town, I loved popping in to buy sweets on my way home from school.’

Local Resident, Martin Ward remembers Mrs Hurren’s sweet shop well and even owns the old shop sign that is now on display in Diss Museum.

‘In the early Seventies, when Miss Hurren was shutting the shop down, I and a couple of friends helped her to move down to the corner of Skelton Road,’ says Martin Ward. ‘She asked if we wanted anything for our trouble so we just asked for a couple of the old sweet tins each.

But as we left I just happened to notice the sign and thought it ought to be preserved. I asked if she was going to keep it. She said no, I could take it. I climbed on the top of the truck and got it down.

It was a pretty foul, rainy day and with water dripping down my neck I wrenched it loose, not that it took much persuading. I reckon I saved someone a nasty operation.

It was already falling to bits and so I later glued it together hastily. For a few years it hung in my bedroom and it was then that I realised what a masterpiece of the sign writer’s art it is – confident and fluent, the letter shaping, shadowing and spacing is exquisite – not that anybody could say the same about my gluing efforts, for the which I apologise to posterity.

I think the original lettering had been retouched, perhaps several times over the years, but it retained its shape and beauty. It would be interesting to know who the local sign writer was around Diss at that time. Trade and craft training and standards were generally higher in those days, of course, so I suppose his skills

Following on from our query in the last issue when Kevin Elvin bought in an old advertisement of H Hurran Confectioner and Fruiterer in St Nicholas Street.


13

LOCAL INFO | then and now...

If you have an old picture that you would like help

in finding out information about, please get in touch!

would not have been unusual. I think visitors to the Museum should just take the time to look at it hard – and they’ll see that the more you look the better it gets.

Mike Webb, he was there that day – mind you he didn’t do much lifting I have to say. I’ve still got my tins, a big one and a small one. I keep my paid bills in one – “Squirrel Confectionary” - and my biscuits in the “Bluebird Toffee” tin – that would be the larger one. Scandalous price, though, eightpence a quarter says the paper label. No wonder we kids only ever got Sharp’s (on a good Saturday) and a Penny Arrow when times were hard.

I suppose society was different then: we just knew there were a few kids who had Bluebird Toffee and then there was the rest of us.

We all thought the world of Miss Hurren , as we always called her. I believe her married name was Mrs Forsdyke. And I think she liked us too – having the distinction of being members of the younger generation who hadn’t gone there to nick things – something she said she found a little oppressive in the later years.

In a shop that normally sold half ounces of A1 and Churchman’s Counter Shag, I think I have the further distinction of being the

first person to walk in and order

a pound of Old Holborn – which makes it the more remarkable that I’m still here writing about her and not vice versa.

A personal reminiscence: w hen I was at school and found myself tortured by thoughts of quadratic equations or the South Sea Bubble, I would sneak off to Miss Hurren’s at lunch time to re-stock on fag papers or matches (the Tuck Shop never seemed to have these things) and, to comfort the troubled spirit, a bar of her “Rilchoc” – which wasn’t real and wasn’t chocolate. There was a kind of spiritual solace in being in the presence of so many Sherbert Dabs and Liquorice Sticks and Halfpenny Chews, with Miss Hurren’s bounteous presence ministering and presiding over all, fount of all sweetness, goodness and consolation.’

A Modern View

There are changes to windows, street lighting and yellow lines on the road but all in all, we hope that in 100 years from now people will be able to look back at the 2011 version.

Left to Right: Marie from Ashton & Co. and her son Josh, Gloria and Carol From Every Cloud, Mark from Merrick Hill, Heidi from Ashton & Co., Ed from Merrick Hill, Horse is Minstral with owner Karl, and lastly Gary from Your Local Magazine.


14

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | danny nobbs

As a sportsman, there’s no higher accolade than representing your country. Something Danny Nobbs knows only too well.

“Growing up I’d always been sporty playing lots of football and cricket,’ explains Danny. ‘Then, when I was 17, I had a motorbike accident in Attleborough that changed my life forever.”

The accident was so severe that Danny broke his back and was left paralysed from the waist down. As a paraplegic, he had to learn basic life skills from scratch.

“I spent five and a half months in a spinal unit in Sheffield where I learnt things like dressing myself

and getting about in a wheelchair,’ says Danny. “I’m very fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family and circle of friends who were with me every step of the way.” Finally, Danny came home to Attleborough where he managed to finish his A-Levels, passing all three.

“Back home, it was really important for me to find my way in life and I was thrilled to get a job at Aviva, which was then called Norwich Union,” says Danny. “The job was instrumental in boosting my self-confidence and making me realise that, despite everything, life goes on.” But getting involved in sport again still seemed an impossible dream. Then Danny’s friends gave birth to a little girl called Rosie who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

“Rosie’s parents told me they wanted to build a sensory room in their house to help Rosie get the best from her life as she’s partially blind and deaf,’ says Danny. “I was really keen to help and before I knew it

I’d offered to do the Great North Run to raise funds.”

It was a daunting task and Danny’s sporting confidence was understandably at an all-time low.

“I knew I’d have to train hard to push myself around the 13.1 mile course so I joined Vinnies Gym in Attleborough,” says Danny. “The owner – John

Vincent – was brilliant. At first he came to my house to help me train as he knew how self-conscious I was, then I had some out-of hours sessions actually at the gym. Soon,

OurOlympic fever is

Here, Sarah Veness hopeful and local

Danny


15

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | danny nobbs

I was confident enough with the machines to just go in like normal. I also bought a racing wheelchair to use.”

Nine months later, Danny’s training paid off when he managed to finish the race with his proud family and friends watching. “It was incredibly hard but I kept going because I wanted to help Rosie,’ says Danny.

Since then, Danny has completed two more Great North Runs, both for charity. “As I trained, I felt my competitive nature surge through me and I started competing in wheelchair racing competitions,’ says Danny. “Then I was introduced to a shotput coach at a training weekend with the British Wheelchair Athletics Association and I knew I’d found my niche.”

Danny had been good at shot put at school before his accident and discovered a real talent for the sport all over again.

“The first thing I ever said to my coach was ‘what’s the World Record’? laughs Danny. “I always wanted to be the best.”

Desperate to succeed in his newfound passion, Danny employed a local engineer – Denny Barber – to build a frame for him to throw from. As the years passed, Danny progressed through the

ranks twice winning British W h e e l c h a i r A s s o c i a t i o n Athlete of the Year.

Then in 2008, he was thrilled to qualify for the Beijing O l y m p i c s , breaking the

British Record along the way. “Being selected for Team GB at the Beijing Paralympics was a huge honour,’ says Danny. “I came 10th overall and 5th in my class and it was a fantastic experience. I’ll never forget competing in front of 92,000 people at the spectacular Birds Nest Stadium.”

In January 2011, Danny competed at the World

Championships in New Zealand, coming 9th overall and 2nd in his class. Now he has sights set firmly on the London Olympics 2012. Team selection is made in July.

“It’s going to be incredibly tough to make the team but I’m in as good as position as I’ve ever been and I’m working as hard as I can,’ says Danny. ‘Aviva have been brilliant and have given me a years sabbatical from work so I can concentrate 100% on achieving my dream.”

One things for certain…..we couldn’t be prouder of our local lad. Go on Danny – we’re all behind you!

Heroset to sweep the nation.speaks to paralympic Attleborough manNobbs...

The Daily Telegraph & Aviva School Sport Matters Awards, held at Twickenham on 4th November.


17

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | health and fitness

Diss & District Athletics Club

The Mere Mile Sport Relief 2012 - Sunday 25th March 2012

Diss and District Athletics Club are pleased to be hosting a Sport Relief 2012 event on Sunday 25th March 2012 from 9.00am to 12 Midday. The event will be known as ‘The Mere Mile’.

As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. All the money raised by the public helps people living incredibly tough lives, both at home in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

The event will be centred on the Park Pavilion, Diss, next to the Mere, which will act as the event headquarters where registration will take place.

comercrawley Diss 10KM Road Race & Fun Run - Sunday 17th June 2012

Diss and District Athletics Club are pleased to announce a new road race for 2012 kindly sponsored by local Diss company comercrawley.

The event will be known as the comercrawley Diss 10KM Road Race and will be held on Sunday 17th June 2012 starting at 10.00am.

Further details can be found on the club website at www.dissathleticsclub.co.uk

Up Coming Events To Train For...


19

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | health and fitness

For some of us talking about Mental Health, Psychological Problems, Antidepressants, or visiting a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist or G.P. to discuss such issues,

makes us feel “uncomfortable”.

Sometimes it’s because we feel that it’s a sign of weakness to ask for help or maybe it’s because we are concerned about how other people will react. For these reasons we may do nothing about it.

I understand why some people are afraid to accept that they need help with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, feelings of not coping, feelings of “losing” it etc. I can understand that some people may feel embarrassed that others will judge them or will feel sorry for them or it will impact on their personal and professional life and that they may become rejected by their friends/family/colleagues.

The question I would like to raise is “Do people feel the same way when they have a toothache?”

Psychological Well Being

“Is there a stigma in taking medication for a headache?” The answer is NO. People openly admit that they need help in these situations.

I suppose what I am trying to say is that it’s time to remove the stigma around Mental Health/Psychological Well Being and understand and accept that sometimes we need support for the mind, just like we do for any other part of the body.

For some of us there comes a time when the mind gets overloaded with emotions, problems, anxieties etc. and it needs attention from a specialist, be that Talking Therapy (Counselling/Psychotherapy), medication (GP/Psychiatrist) or the combination of the two.

People have sometimes asked me if they will get dependent on therapy. For some people a small number of visits to a Counsellor/Psychotherapist will be enough and some others might need more sessions and perhaps a combination of medication and talking therapy. I suppose like with any other bodily illness some are chronic and some get treated with a few sessions.

To conclude, lets all try and accept that looking after our Psychological Well Being is as important as looking after any other part of our body.

Avraam Karagianniswww.personcentredtherapist.com


22

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | collectors

I Collect... American WW2 Military VehiclesHere, Sarah Veness speaks to local collector Clive Stevens about his passion for American WW2 military vehicles….

I was just 14 when my brother first bought a WW2 military vehicle in 1989. It was a 1941 Dodge and I was completely blown away by it. I couldn’t have been prouder when he picked me up from school in it. Not long after, my father bought a WW2 truck and we’d spend weekends displaying both vehicles at shows and events.

When I turned 17 I couldn’t wait to get my driving licence and

passed on the second attempt.At the time I was still at school and working part-time on the checkouts in Waitrose so I didn’t have the cash to buy anything grand. Instead, I bought a project vehicle and

spent many happy hours restoring it with my father and uncle.

At the time it was the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings and I was very proud to attend numerous veterans parades and events with the vehicles.Since then, I’ve owned countless American WW2 vehicles.

I’m particularly interested in American military memorabilia as I’m fascinated by the stories of the American GIs who were stationed in East Anglia, many of whom never made it home.

For me, the vehicles represent so much more than machines –

they’re living, breathing memorials to the history of these troops.

I’ve owned a 1943 Cadillac Stuart Tank and even an amphibious DUKW (duck) which is essentially a boat with wheels which was used on D-Day to get supplies from the boats to the shore.

In 2010 I married my wife Suzanne and we used one of my vehicles as a wedding car – a 1941 Chrysler Royale staff car. I also have two 6x6 troop carriers.

Over the years, my passion has taken me all over the world. I was part of a 7-mile long convoy of military vehicles that made a 100-mile journey across Belgium to Holland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland. An incredible 4 million people lined the route as we passed by. On the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings in 2004 I was

honoured to take my amphibious DUKW over to Normandy where I carried veterans around the famous beaches of that area.

I’ve even travelled to the USA for events and once holidayed in the Cayman Islands with an American serviceman based in this area during the war.

In fact, one of the most lovely things about my passion are the friendships that I’ve struck with some of the veterans that were based here, most who have sadly now passed away. It was an honour to hear their stories firsthand and to get to know them.

I’ve also been honoured to meet many famous people through my interest including Dame Vera Lynn, Charlton Heston and Lady Joan Bader, the wife of famous WW2 pilot Douglas Bader.

All in all, I’d love to write a book about my collection and perhaps one day I will.


23

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | food

Ingredients 15g butter, 1 tbsp vegetable oil 270g chicken quarter, 2 leeks - trimmed, 1.2 litres chicken stock, 2 tbsp long-grain rice, 1 bouquet garni, 8 stoned ready-to-eat prunes - chopped, Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Melt the butter with the oil in a large non-stick saucepan. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté quickly for 5 minutes until evenly browned all over. Remove the chicken and drain on kitchen paper. 2. Cut off the green parts of the leeks and put aside. Cut the white parts in half lengthways, wash thoroughly, then slice crossways. Add the sliced leeks to the pan and fry for 5 minutes until soft.

3. Add the stock, rice and bouquet garni and return the chicken to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender. 4. Shred the green parts of the leeks, then add to the pan with the prunes. Cover and simmer for a further 10 minutes.

Cock A Leekie SoupDear Ross, In the olden days, liver was eaten a lot, mainly fried. Is this still common practice, or what other ways are there of serving it up?Mr G Bartrum.

Thank you Mr Bartrum for this month’s question. It all depends on what liver your using.

Pan fried Chicken liver with bacon is still a popular dish. You could always make it into pate and serve with some nice crusty bread. You could do this with duck liver too and add some orange zest and cranberries for a really Christmas touch. But with chicken liver you could always make it into a liver stroganoff. Sauté some onions and mushrooms in butter. Set these aside. Next dust your liver in a mixture of flour with a pinch of paprika. Sauté them off. Set them aside. Now deglaze your pan with white wine and reduce. Add some chicken stock and reduce by 2/3rds add a little cream and reduce further by half. Now add your mushrooms, onions and liver and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the liver is cooked to your liking. Finish with chopped fresh tarragon and serve with rice.

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 16th January 2012 to be in with a chance of winning. Usual Circuit Publications competition rules apply.

Name Email

Address

Prize Wordsearch!New Year, New You...Find the below words

for a healthly start to 2012!

Cross TrainerExerciseCaloriesFitness

GymDumbbellsTreadmillSlimming

NutritionSwimming

EnergyWeightsRunningPush UpsCycling

G T N E S P U H S U P OC R O S S T R A I N E RF S I L E I H N E S C LI M T L S I C G S E I NT O I E L W R R I M S CN T R B I I I O E E L YE C T B M Y M M L X W CS E U M M G R D M A E LS M N U I R Y M A I C IA N U D N E E M N E N NU G N M G N I N N U R GL U G E O E S R M N G T


25

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | schools

East Anglia School Of Philosophy

A branch of the Fellowship of the School of Economic Science, London.

For over 30 years we have been running courses on Practical Philosophy in Norfolk, hundreds of people have attended and begun to find out ‘Who they are’ or perhaps more accurately have been relieved to have found out ‘What they are not’. The classes are interactive and what the student says of his understanding and experience moves the group forward. There is a structure to the class and students are asked to practise various exercises and bring back their discoveries the following week.

You may think that philosophy is a academic subject and it can be. Practical philosophy is a search for wisdom and to learn what it means to be wise; so it is very much a journey of self discovery. Is there a wise man or woman inside you?

And if there is, how are you going to find out?

The teachings we use come from all traditions, the work of Socrates, Zen stories, Shakespeare, the Bible, Rumi the Sufi poet and mystic, the Vedantic Tradition and amongst this tradition Sri Shantananda Saraswati who was in conversation with the School from 1965 until his death. The School does not promote any particular religion, whatever teaching is used is there to help uncover the ‘wise man or woman’ in us and to find a deep inner unchanging stillness. What use is this stillness? Students talk of the benefits of a clear mind and the ability to see what is really needed in any situation. For them life is more full of beauty and harmony, the happiness they find is no longer selfish.

Thetford Grammar 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.

Your Local would like to apologise for the error in our December issue with the incorrect spelling of ‘Grammar’ within the Thetford Grammar School feature.


26

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | home improvements


27

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | home improvements

Swank InteriorsIf you are thinking of giving your home a new look for the New Year,

there’s no better place to start than with the lighting.

It is really important to get a lighting scheme together before starting any redecoration as electrics may need to be moved. Plan the lighting to suit the use of the room, take the opportunity to allow for enough plug sockets too. For rooms that are multi use it is a good idea to use dimmable controls (if your lamps allow) to give the flexibility to change a space from a bright workplace to a cosy entertainment den with ease.

LED (light emitting diode) lighting is very energy efficient and has improved greatly in the past year or so. LED light used to be very blue and cold but nice warm whites are now available- always make sure you have seen the lights on and are happy with the ‘colour’ before purchasing. I tend to use LED lighting behind pictures and mirrors or to light architectural features in a property- these little

touches add luxury to an otherwise simple scheme. Another favourite is to use low level amber-coloured LEDs in a bathroom- the warm glow is like being surrounded by lots of candles.

Decorative lighting can create the focal point of a room in the form of a magnificent chandelier if you have high ceilings but don’t despair if you haven’t got sufficient height, wall lights can be equally effective. Both traditional and contemporary styles are available in all types of light fittings –the choices are endless.

Last but not least we need task lighting; Good reading lamps and spot lights can be decorative features too. Check the light output is going to suit your needs, daylight bulbs are kinder on the

eyes when reading and doing crafts.

By layering all three types of light you can create the perfect ambience for any occasion!

If you have been inspired to revamp your home pop along to our showroom to see examples of lighting and much more…

Swank Interiors Three Gates Farm, Fen Street, Bressingham, Diss IP22 2AQ T: 01379 687542.


28

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

Diss Festival of Remembrance Programme at Diss Corn Hall, 2011

Congratulations to all who participated and helped with the Diss and District RBL Festival of Remembrance held at the Diss Corn Hall on the 11th of the 11th of the 11th.

The show was opened with a Trumpet Fanfare and marching in of British Legion Colours from our neighbouring Branches. Tony Mallion of Radio Norfolk fame then took to the stage and showed himself to be a great Master of

Ceremonies. The Norfolk

F e l l o w s h i p Brass was introduced to lead the way and got the program off to a very

bright start. This was followed by a very sweet performance by Diss Junior School students reading their own poetry and song. A rendition of the poem ‘Tommy’ preceded a military display of drill by 1070 Squadron ATC and the first half was completed with another beautiful display of music from the band. The intermission gave Diss High School time to set up their dramatic depiction of the terror of war from a young person’s perspective. It was a wonderful and moving piece and all were struck by its impact. A change of tack and the audience were led into the enjoyment of community signing by Elayne Greene who

followed this with a moving solo performance of ‘Bring Him Home’.

Stillness and emotion were brought back to our thoughts as Gerry Hosking read the words of a widow awaiting the return of her husband’s body. In a change of mood, the Colours were collected during community singing and the Norfolk Fellowship Brass played the Festival beautifully to its climax with the National Anthem.

Eleven Standards were paraded and businesses in the Diss

Area donated Sponsorship to the Poppy Appeal.

Reginald Dakin,Diss Branch Vice-Chairman

Pictures taken by Oliver Dakin, Mill Green Productions.


29

LOCAL LIFESTYLE | senior

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

“The Need For A Lasting Power Of Attorney Can

Happen Overnight!”I recently received a call from a distressed gentleman to

say that his Mother had just suffered a severe stroke, and was now unable to act for herself. He went on

to ask me how could he get an LPA for her?

Sadly I had to tell him: “You cannot make a LPA if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.

Not only does he now have to contend with a very ill Mother, but he also has to face the stress and great expense of applying to the Court of protection for authority to act on her behalf. Until he gets that, all of his Mothers financial accounts will be frozen.

The irony of this gentleman’s situation is that he enquired about Powers of Attorney many months before, only to continually put off the decision until it was too late. Now he faces paying 10 times as much just to apply to the Court,

and the expense will not stop there as he will be paying varying Court fees until his mother recovers or dies.

Don’t get caught out, ask for our free LPA information pack today Garry Streeter – New Leaf Will Writers – 01953 451930.

Wotcha!What’s your f a v o u r i t e tool? Top of my list would be gardening

gloves, followed by spade, fork and hoe. The tool pictured is of course a lawn aerator. It’s a funny time to talk about lawns, although turf managers responsible for football pitches and golf courses can’t rest at any time of the year (except when snow is on the ground!).

Delivering to 10,000 homes I get to see lots of lawns. The best two lawns I’ve seen are in Heywood Avenue and Castleton Way, Eye. It was at the latter that I saw a gentleman using a type of aerator I hadn’t seen before. This one actually projected the core of soil out of the tines by means of a lever. The only lawn aerators I’ve seen locally are pretty useless,

because almost immediately the tines get blocked. The former don’t come cheap though, Sisis.com price them at £70+.

Why aerate? Well, like all plants grass needs air and water to grow and flourish, and it requires those two essentials at the root of the plant, down as much as 50mm, 75mm. During the growing season lawns get compacted enough, as they become mini Wembley, Lords and Wimbledon pitches!

Surface compaction is the main cause for moss invasion and many forms of algae. It also impedes drainage, prevents dissolving of fertilizers, and prevents the passage of water and air to the root zone which all encourage healthy grass. Take a tip from me - walk as little as possible on your lawn in winter.

Mark Aiken, 07810 852089.


30

LOCAL BUSINESS | gillings of diss

A Real Treasure TroveGillings of Diss is one of the town’s best-loved institutions. Here Sarah Veness talks to owner Peter Gillings...

Scrap yard and home to all manner of

government surplus, Gillings of Diss is a real treasure trove

“Scrap metal has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” says Peter. “My dad Bill used to be a scrap dealer when we were growing up in the East End of London.”

Desperate to get her family

away from the thugs that dominated the industry in London, Peter’s mother Nell pushed for the family to relocate to Norfolk.

“In 1959, we bought a little cottage in Roydon for £1000,’ says Peter. “A few years later, when I was 14, we moved up here permanently.”

By now Peter had left school and gone into business with his dad.

“At the time, Dad had gone bust in London and we had nothing apart from £120 I’d had saved in the bank,” says Peter. “Dad told me that if I gave him that I could be a partner so I agreed.”

Together Bill and Peter bought a van and began collecting scrap.

Soon business took off and they were awarded a contract

to bid for government surplus at auctions.

“It’s amazing how many different things you can find at these auctions,” says Peter. ‘From pith helmets, lances, fezs, boots and even shoes for horses – there’s everything you could ever imagine.”

On one particularly memorable occasion, Peter bought a lorry load of glass eyes, each individually packaged and boxed.

“They were cheap so I bought them,” he recalls. “The key is working out how to make money on what you buy. In this instance I sold the eyes to waxworks and doll-makers and made a tidy profit.”

On another occasion, Peter bought a lorry-load of old worn-our rubber-soled army boots for just £3.

At first we sold them as fuel for people’s wood burners and were

making a bit of money that way,” he recalls. “But then I remembered I had a tool for cutting grooves in tyres so I decided to re-cut grooves into the boots and began selling them for £3 a pair!”

As many readers will already know Gillings of Diss now operates from its base in Mission Road, Diss.

Here you’ll be amazed what you can find as you browse the yard and outbuildings bursting to the seams with all sorts of treasures.

“People are more than welcome to come and have a browse,” says Peter. “We have so many things for sale it’s impossible to list but there’s something for everyone. We also still buy scrap too so bear us in mind.”

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm, why not pop in?

Peter Gillings

Your Local Interview


31

LOCAL BUSINESS | general

Sign Of The TimesNeed something printed? Look no further...

local design company fatstickman have got it covered.

Anyone setting foot in Diss in the past few months will no doubt have spotted signs advertising an exciting local company, fatstickman.

East Anglia’s foremost Signage & Clothing company have been supplying customers since 2007 but have just expanded to include a new trade area on their premises in Gilray Road, Diss. Just next to the Norwich-bound station car park, this new trade area allows potential customers to see the products in the flesh, rather than just on their website.

So if you wanted a logo on a t-shirt, for example, you can now view each t-shirt offered before making your selection.What’s more, the owners – Lee and Mark - will also be including an area to sit down with clients and come up with exciting computer designs.

From clothing to banners, pavement signs to full vehicle wraps,

shop signage to personalised mugs and business cards, fatstickman offer a wide variety of products. They can provide logos for work uniforms or even put your dad’s photo on a fleece if that’s what you’re after! There’s no minimum order and the logos can be digitally printed or even embroidered. So whatever you’re after, why not pop in for a coffee and a chat. Lee and Mark will go that extra mile to turn your printing dream into reality.

For more information and to view their online catalogue, go to www.fatstickman.com. You can also get them on 01379 658666 or by email at [email protected]

Avoid Health And Safety Prosecution

April 2012 will see the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) bring in cost recovery charges for any business,

including the self-employed, found to be in material breach of Health and Safety law.

The HSE have set the cost recovery charge at £124 per hour, which will be charged until all relevant issues have been addressed and closed out, upon agreement with the HSE. The fees will be applied to all correspondence including e-mails and telephone calls, until the HSE are satisfied that you comply with UK Health and Safety Legislation and best practice.

If your business if found to be putting you or your employees health, safety and welfare at significant risk, you could be served an improvement or prohibition notice by the HSE and, if this is the case, your business name will be registered on a National Prosecution Database.

The costs could quite easily reach £1000 or more, which will have a significant impact on your business.

You can prevent such heavy penalties by engaging a professionally qualified Advisor/Consultant to guide and assist you in your health and safety implementation and also avoid the unwanted publicity to your business which a prosecution would bring.

The cost of prevention is significantly less than the hourly rate charged by the HSE so why not call or e-mail us for further information, and see what we can do for you.


32

LOCAL BUSINESS | bni

What Is

Members of BNI have passed millions of referrals and this translates into billions of pounds worth of business. Of the worldwide totals, over 900,000 referrals were passed in the UK & Ireland, resulting in over £280 million worth of business for UK members last year.

With so many networking groups out there these days you may be finding it difficult to choose which one to join or you may be attending them all but not getting the results you thought

you would. So why choose the BNI? The philosophy of BNI is based on Givers Gain – “If I give you business you will want to give me business”.

Members are always looking for business not only for their own business but also for the fellow members. Here is a typical situation for a chapter member, you may be a plumber and while you are on site putting a radiator in for a client they mention they need the garden redesigned. As you have a fellow BNI member at your chapter who is a Garden Designer you ask the client if they would mind if the Garden Designer call them to see if they can help and you offer the client a card.

At the next BNI meeting you pass the Garden Designer a referral and fill him/her in on

The BNI or Business Network International is the most currently thousands of chapters in operation and the


33

LOCAL BUSINESS | bni

the details of the job. It’s a bit like having a team of reps out there looking for new business leads, each member is always looking for ways of helping their fellow members grow business.

The BNI head office also provide a great training scheme which not only helps member grow their business but also shows them that helping others is the best way to help yourself.

At the Mere Chapter meetings, held in Diss at the Park Hotel every Friday morning we enjoy vibrant networking with all business sectors, from plumbers to IFAs and bankers to printers. The group is growing every month and we only allow one person from each business type to join, this effectively locks out your competitors. We are currently

looking for photographers, carpenters, electricians, kitchen fitters, physiotherapists and a recruiting agency among many other business sectors.

If you are in business and are looking for a new and exciting way to grow your income then this is your opportunity to meet with like minded people who are wanting to pass you business, why wait?

Contact the Mere Chapter Director Alex Russell from Ulric Computers on 01379 851117.

The BNI?successful organisation of its type in the world; there are Mere Chapter in Diss has just celebrated its first anniversary.

BNI Members on these pages are pleased to support this feature


34

LOCAL BUSINESS | recruitment and training

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

Everyone welcome

We saw record numbers at the Jobs Club last year and we held lots of different activities and events that were all very successful, and we plan to do the same this year.

We are kicking off in January with a free ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ course, mock interviews and appointments with a professional

careers advisor, all of which are free of charge.

We run a weekly coffee morning where you can come along for job search assistance, help with application forms, covering letters and your CV, information on courses, volunteering and much more.

If you are looking for employment then come along on a Wednesday morning between 10am-12pm to see how we can help you.

For more information please contact Lucy Marjoram on 01379 851920 or email jobsclub@h ar l e s ton - n or fo l k .org.uk. Harleston Information Plus, 8 Exchange Street, Harleston, Norfolk.

Employment NetworkEmployment Network is a user friendly job search site, where employers and jobs can find you by viewing your

CV online, enabling you to find that perfect vacancy.

We are different to regular job websites as once you upload your CV, employers will be able to view it and contact you through our site to find out if you would be interested in working for them. In effect you would not have to spend endless amounts of time at your PC. Of course though, you will still be able to apply for vacancies advertised through our website as normal.

Here at Employment Network, we believe knowing a bit about your employer or your applicant will help as you will then know more detail about either the job or the person applying. We aim to be more in touch with what job hunters and employers are really after and find the best vacancies across the regions.

Employment Network will continually grow and always offer new and exciting job opportunities.

We have a wide spectrum of vacancies, ranging from retail to executive positions, therefore there is always something suitable for anyone’s needs and qualifications. Visit www.employmentnetwork.co.uk for more details and to post your CV.


35

36

LOCAL BUSINESS | directory Your Local Magazine • January 2012

36

Your Local DirectoryTo advertise, please contact our Sales Team on 01379 642044 With a readership of 37,000

Accounting Services

Building Services

Bathrooms & Kitchens

Building Services Cont...

Call 01379 642044

To Advertise Your Business

Call 01379 642044


Call 01379 642044


Electrical

Building Services Cont...

Call 01379 642044


Bathrooms & Kitchens

Call 01379 642044


37

LOCAL BUSINESS | directoryYour Local Magazine • January 2012

37

Your Local DirectoryTo advertise, please contact our Sales Team on 01379 642044 With a readership of 37,000

Landscapers Pets

Timber Merchants

Oven Cleaning

Laundrettes

Gas Services

Plumbing & Heating Call 01379 642044


Plumbing & Heating Cont...

Call 01379 642044

To Advertise Your Business Scrap Cars

Scaffolding Hire


38

Please keep entries to date, event, where, cost and contact details.To add your event, please email [email protected].

What’s On... In January!

LOCAL EVENTS | diary of events

2nd. Pantomine (organised by Harleston Round Table) at the Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Free admission for all children. Doors open 2pm.

7th - 28th. Art Exhibition - ‘Interval’. A showcase by Norwich University College of the Arts, 11am-4pm, Mon-Sat. Free. Stables Gallery (beside the Corn Hall).

7th. Film: Singin’ in the rain (U), 2pm. Tickets £4. Concessions £3. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

7th and on the 1st Saturday of every month. Harleston’s Indoor Flea Market. The Swan Hotel in Harleston, 9.00-1.00pm. Stalls of vintage, antique, collectibles, shabby chic & unique items. Stalls £10. Enquires: 01379 855486.

8th. Apollo Country Music Club presents ‘Black Steel’ & Country Disco. 7.30-11.00pm. Admission £5 members / £6 non members. 01379 854205.

11th. Art Evening with the artists exhibiting in the ‘Interval’ exhibition. 6pm-7.45pm. Free. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk ,

11th. Film: Beginners (15), 8pm. Tickets: £4 / Students £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

14th. Workshop: African Dance Workshop. 11am-4pm. Tickets £10. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

14th. Music: Paul Jones and Dave Kelly. 7.30pm. Tickets tiered seating £15 / Level £14. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

15th. Come Dancing. If you love to dance, you’ll love our come dance nights! Apollo Rooms, Harleston, 7.00-10.30pm. £5 Admsission. 01379 854205.

15th. The Silver Dollar CMC, The Park Hotel, Denmark Street, Diss presents WEST VIRGINIA. Doors 7pm. Music 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Members £5. Non-Members £6. For further information please contact John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918.

17th. Blood Donors. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Appointments advisable 0300 123 23 23.

18th. Film: Oranges and Sunshine (15). 8pm. Tickets £4 / Students £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk.

20th. Irish Country with ‘Shawn Cuddy & His Band’. Apollo Rooms, Harleston. Paul Sturman Promotions. Tel: 01502 715617.

22nd. Apollo Country Music Club presents ‘J.C. King’ & Country Disco. 7.30-11.00pm. Admission £5 members / £6 non members. 01379 854205.

22nd. Music: SNYSB and Her Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines. 6.30pm. Tickets £9 tiered / £7 flat. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

25th. Film: Double Indemnity (PG). 8pm. Tickets: £4 / Students £2. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

26th, 27th and 28th. Sing A Song Of Sixpence. The Attleborough Players. Performances will take place at the Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, 7.30p.m.

27th. Comedy: Red Card Comedy Club.

8.15pm. Tickets Advance £9 / Door £10. Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

28th. Theatre: Pip’s wildlife garden. 2pm. Tickets £5 / Children £3 (3-6yrs). Box Office 01379 652241. www.disscornhall.co.uk

André Vincent Mark Simmons Sally Anne Hayward


39

29th. Come Dancing. If you love to dance, you’ll love our come dance nights! Apollo Rooms, Harleston, 7.00-10.30pm. £5 Admsission. 01379 854205.

29th. The Silver Dollar CMC, The Park Hotel, Denmark Street, Diss presents TEQUILA SUNRISE. Doors 7pm. Music 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Members £5. Non-Members £6. For further information please contact John and Teresa Stannard, Committee Members on 01603 433918.

Award Winning Hearing Care Comes To Norfolk!Suffolk born, multi-award winning hearing care company, The Hearing Care Centre,

is proud to announce that it is to open a series of new local practices in and around Norfolk.

A brand new partnership with well-known, local, family run optical group, Cecil Amey, has enabled the company to open in 4 of its stores in Attleborough, Dereham, Harleston and Wymondham.

The Ipswich based company, established in 1998, by audiologist Karen Finch, offers private hearing care in the local community, with the emphasis being on unrivalled excellence in customer service and aftercare. At the 2011 and 2010, Anglian Business Awards, The Hearing Care Centre took home the award for ‘Best Customer Service’, an accolade of which the company is very proud of.

Hearing assessments and the fitting of digital hearing instruments are the core business, but they also offer other services including custom made earplugs, repairs, accessories and tinnitus management.

Karen Finch said “We’re all really excited about the expansion into Norfolk. I think it’s a real testament to our patient care that despite the economic climate, we have seen opportunities for expansion. There is a real synergy between ourselves and Cecil Amey. We are both expanding, successful family run companies who operate in an ethical and holistic manner.”

Official Launch Event: Free Hearing TestsTo celebrate the launch of the new centres, a celebratory Open Day will be held at each of the branches, where the local public will be able to have their hearing tested free of charge, enjoy a glass of fizz and take advantages of some fantastic special offers. The Open Days are strictly by appointment only.

Monday 6th February 2012 (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, 8 Market Street, WYMONDHAM.

Tuesday 7th February 2012 (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, 3 Church Street, DEREHAM.

Wednesday 8th February 2012 (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, 11 Church Street, ATTLEBOROUGH.

Thursday 9th February 2012 (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, 33b The Thoroughfare, HARLESTON.

To make your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on Freephone 0800 092637.

your local magazine

Documents

local hero

local magazineand

local directory

town council newsfarewell

richardthe town council

wilesyour local magazinedont

diss attleborough council

gillings of diss