brandon town magazine - issue 3
DESCRIPTION
November edition of the Brandon Town MagazineTRANSCRIPT
BrandonSUFFOLK
TOWN MAGAZINENOVEMBER 2013 - ISSUE 3
• More properties wanted for waiting tenants• Tenant finding service or full management
• All tenancies managed locally, not from a central office many miles away• Rents paid promptly to landlords (usually within 2 working days)
• All maintenance problems reported immediately and landlords’ instructions carried out• Member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents)
• Reasonable fees, no hidden extras • No VAT on fees
Tel: 01842 815777 Email: [email protected] House, 30 Bury Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0BU
Mark Skinner Funeral ServiceNEWS
Mark was both surprised and delighted to receive a ‘Caring for the Community Award’ from the Forest Heath Crime Prevention Panel which he was presented with at their award
ceremony on Sunday 13th October.
We have joined the 21st Century and are keeping up with the times in that we now have a page on Facebook. Please visit our page and
give us a ‘like’!!
The winner of our competition for ‘how well do you know Brandon’ was Odette Warner, who
won £50.00 - well done!
Mark Skinner pictured with Chief Constable Douglas Paxton
MARK SKINNER FUNERAL SERVICELondon Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EW
To find out more, please call 01842 810534 or visit www.markskinnerfunerals.org.uk
Call Mark on Mobile: 07931 [email protected] Office: 01842 813919
THE GAS COMPANY
BRANDON
Incorporating...BUILDING SERVICES
DIVISION20 years British Gas & Transco
Training & ExperienceAll work undertaken by
skilled tradesmen
Repairs • ServicingInstallationCentral HeatingCookers • FiresWater HeatersAll Plumbing Requirements
Property ExtensionsProperty Renovations
Carpentry • ElectricalTiling • Plastering
Fitted Kitchens • FencingPainting & Decorating
192820
Welcome to BrandonAs November arrives and our third issue gets delivered, we would like to thank all of our readers who have given us feedback so far. We will continue to listen and build on what you have to say to ensure we deliver the best publication every month.
You can contact us by email on [email protected] if you would like to let us know of any upcoming events, advertise your business, send your letters to the editor or to submit a report for any local group or organisation.
RegardsThe Brandon Town Magazine Team
Deadline for December issue 15th November
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this publication, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by it’s contributors, in any advertisements or for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. Reproduction of any part of this publication without
permission is strictly forbidden. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.
To advertise your business please email [email protected]
CARTERSBRANDON CARS
Private Hire01842 811430
Long Established Family Run Business
Local & Long Distance• 4 & 8 Seats • Airports
• Clubs • Parties • Hospitals
Border CarsPrivate Hire
01842 814488
All Air & Sea PortsLocal & Long DistanceHospital wait & return
Contracts Welcome
www.bordercars.com [email protected]
BRANDON TEST CENTRE01842 811130 / 01842 812210
Loyalty Discount - £11.85 OFF Car MOT RRP
15 Barnes Close, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0NY
www.brandontestcentre.co.uk
• MOT / SVA TEST for Car, Taxi, Motorcycle, Camper Van, Commercial Van (up to 3000kg) and Mini Bus - FREE RETEST• Light Conversions • Any CAR REPAIRS • Car Services
• VAT FREE programme for our U.S. Personnel• Air Conditioning Servicing • Diagnostic Test & Repair
• Changing bulb up to rebuilding engine
www.terryh.co.uk
Mondragoneristorante e pizzeria
Authentic Italian Restaurant
14 Market Hill, Brandon, IP27 0AATel: 01842 814944
Opening hours:Tuesday - 6:00pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday to Sunday - 12:00pm - 10:30pm
Lunchtime Special - Wednesday to Sundayfrom 12pm till 2.30pm - Any pizza or pasta £5
Children’s Offer - All day - Pasta or pizza,a drink and scoop of Italian ice cream for £4
05
Brandon Town Council ReportRemembrance Day ParadeThis will take place on Sunday 10th November 2013. Parade assembles at Brandon Leisure Centre at 2.15pm with the march commencing at 2.30pm. Following the Wreath Laying at the memorial, there is a service in St Peter’s Church. Refreshments will be available at the Royal British Legion Club at approximately 4.30pm.
Monday 11th November 2013 will again see a Parade on Market Hill at 10.50am followed by an Act of Remembrance at 11.00am. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Annual ReturnLocal councils in England with an annual turnover of £6.5 million or less must complete an annual return in accordance with proper practices summarising their activities at the end of each financial year. On the basis of their review, the information submitted in our annual return meets these criteria and ‘no matters have come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met’.
Cemetery WallThe westerly wall to St Peter’s Church is in a state of disrepair and therefore quotations have been sought to carry out the restoration. Permission has been granted by the Diocesan Register and it is anticipated work will be started shortly.
Christine MasonTown Clerk
District Council Locality BudgetsThe Forest Heath district councillors for Brandon still have this years locality budgets to give to clubs and community groups in Brandon.
Councillor Tony Simmons is now becoming concerned as they only have six months to give the money away before it is all lost at the end of the financial year.
The basic criteria is that the group must have a bank account and the money cannot be used for revenue purposes. In other words they can pay for new equipment etc.
So, if there are any clubs or groups who could use some of this money, could they please contact their district councillor or get in touch with Cllr Simmons and he will liaise with his fellow District councillors.
You can contact Tony Simmons by phone on 01638 551576 or you can send an email to [email protected].
Act now so your group or organisation can benefit from the money that is available to you and to ensure you don’t miss out.
Conservatories, Windowsand Doors
open 7 days a week
3-4 Station Way, BrandonTelephone: 01842 813233or after hours sales 01760 721947also at Thetford Garden Centrewww.stylewindows.co.ukServing the Local community for over 30 years
Full size Conservatoriesin our large Indoor
Showroom
Conservatories, Windowsand Doors
Conservatories, Windowsand Doors
07
Fledgelings Pre-SchoolAs many of you already know, both the library and the Sure Start Children’s Centre are moving out of the Community Centre at the moment.
Fledgelings Pre-School have not yet been provided with new premises, but will continue to run their sessions from the Community Centre. However, we are happy to report that negotiations with Forest Heath and Suffolk County Council have started to enable us to relocate to the “Flowerpot” on London Road.
We are in the early stages and a lot of building work would be necessary before it could be used as a setting for a pre-school, but we are positive that it can be achieved and are very excited about the possibilities it opens up for us.
We will continue to update you on any developments when they happen, but in the meantime we will be providing our service to the families of Brandon from where we are.
Safer Neighbourhood TeamGreetings from the Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team.
The biggest news this month is that we have now moved! We are now in the Brandon Centre. If you need the Police it is still best to call (999 for urgent assistance or 101 for a non-emergency) but you can now pop in the Brandon Centre main reception. It will be staffed by a Police Station Clerk Monday, Thursday and Fridays from 12 to 2pm.
Don’t go to the red door under the clock tower and expect an answer. We spend most of our time out of the office on patrol. It is better to call 101 so the closest Officer can be sent to help.
Crime remains low. In September 2013 there were 43 recorded crimes in Brandon (compared to 58 crimes in September 2012.) Anti-social behaviour also continues to fall. Year to date figures for Brandon Town show the total ASB incidents reported as 155. The average for the proceeding 3 years over the same period is 206 ASB incidents.
However, there has been a recent rise in theft from motor vehicles. The vast majority of the thefts from motor vehicles that occur in the area are due to vehicles being left unlocked overnight with valuable items left on display.
Don’t make it easy for the Thieves!!
Please make sure that you have locked your car. Also, make sure that there are no items left on display, especially mobile phones, computer tablets, MP3 players etc.
If you want to contact Brandon Safer Neighbourhood team you can call us (101) or email us ([email protected]).
You can also follow us on twitter @foresththpolice
Sergeant 810 Chris Chisnall
Brandon School of DanceClasses in ballet, tap, modern,
freestyle, street & contemporaryPrincipal: Kerry Shoop
Please call Kerry on 07864 025041 or visit our website for more information: www.brandonschoolofdance.com
(Ballet from 3 years, Tap from 4 years, Street/Modern/Freestylefrom 5 years, Contemporary from 8 years)
Local Reliable ServiceCall Paul Fisher
01842 815439 or 07986 527154
• Painting & Decorating• General Maintenance• No Job too Small• Free Estimates• Over 25 Years Experience
Home Improvements
1ST CALL 24/7LOCKSMITHS
01842 250123GENUINE LOCAL TRADESMAN
NO CALLOUT FEE
uPVC DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRSLocks, Handles, Hinges replaced
- Auto locksmith service- City & Guilds qualified- Workmanship and warranty on parts supplied- Free on-site quotations
CRB Vetted By MLAOAP DiscountsMover Specials!
NO VAT
09
Fireworks SpectacularBrandon & District Rotary Club will again be running the annual Fireworks Spectacular at Brandon Hall. Saturday 2nd November. Prizes for children bringing the best Guys. Gates open at 5.30 with the bonfire to be lit around 6 o’clock, followed by the best firework display for miles around. Refreshments available. Car parking available but it is advisable to walk, if practical, due to the popularity of this event if you want to avoid delays in getting out afterwards! All proceeds to Rotary Charities.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at a cost of £4 for adults and £2.50 for children (over 4 years old) from Bunches & Bows, High Street, Brandon. Prices on the gate will be £5 for adults and £3 for children.
More news and photos of club activities on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/brandonrotaryclub.
Brandon School of DanceA new dance class will be starting soon on Wednesday evenings at the Church Institute. This will be purely for new recruits, anyone eager to join our troupe at the Brandon School of Dance.
This new class will be in modern and street dance and there will be two sessions available. For 5-8 years the class will be from 6.45pm -7.30pm and for the 9-11 years their class will be 7.30pm-8.15pm.
There are a limited number of spaces available, 5 in the 5-8 year group and 10 in the 9-11 year group so if you know someone interested in joining please give me a ring to secure your place.
You can contact me, Kerry, on 01842 813446 or text me your name and phone number and the class you are interested in and I will contact you all with the starting date. My mobile number is 07864025041.
Last Saturday, 5th October we held a choreography competition. Helena Rudd, the principal of the dance diploma course at West Suffolk college kindly agreed to come along and judge the competition. She thought that everyone that entered was amazing.
All the students did their own choreography and even designed and wore their own costumes. It was an inter-class competition so students competed against their classroom friends.
It was a lovely day with everyone coming away with prizes ranging from cups and water bottles to badges and chocolates.
We are now concentrating all our energies into the production to be showcased at the Apex theatre in Bury St Edmunds next January. Our theme for the performance will be ‘Dance through the Decades’. A montage of dance styles from the 1950’s to present day.
It would be great to see you all there for the matinee performance at 2.00pm on Saturday 18th January.
RudlingsWakelamSolicitors ...advice for life
FOR A FIXED COST AND EFFICIENT SERVICE LET US ADVISE YOU.
www.rudlings-wakelam.co.uk - 01284 755771Offices in Bury St Edmunds, Long Melford, Brandon and Thetford
Winter can lead to increased risk of injury
We have a specialist team of lawyers trained to advise you and pursue your claim on your behalf with the benefit of a “no win no fee” agreement so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Please contact Rachel Shaw on 01284 755771 or at [email protected]
Car accidents - hazardous road conditions caused by rain, snow or ice, with drivers failing to drive appropriately for the weather
Slipping accidents - on areas that should have been cleared of snow and ice by their owners in frequently used areas at the workplace, supermarket car parks and schools
Tripping accidents - inadequate lighting for the shorter, darker days, and pavements becoming defective due to the harsh weather conditions.
Unfortunately the deteriorating weather conditions brought about by the onset of winter can lead to an increased risk of injury.
If you have sustained injury in such an accident, you may be eligible to claim compensa-tion for your injuries and financial losses and should seek advice from a specialist solicitor as soon as possible.
Moreton Hall_Nov_011013.indd 1 15/10/2013 12:51
11
Ten Questions - Cllr Tony SimmonsI moved to Brandon 10 years ago on retirement from a banking career of 35 years and 7 years as a senior partner in a home improvement and repair business. I have served on the town council for 7 years and Forest Heath District council for nearly 6 years.
Q1. If anyone in the community would like to become a Town Councillor what advice would you give them? Do not become a councillor if you are likely to be phased by adverse comments (even sometimes verbal abuse). It is not possible to please all of the residents all of the time. Ideally you need to be patient, persistent and able to look ahead to future needs.
Q2. What new methods of communication with the community do you think Brandon Town Council should be using? Our web page could do with uplifting but we should use all methods of communication including social networks. The main problem with this is internet trolls could spread confusing inaccurate and misleading comments to residents.
Q3. We all have gadgets in our lives, which gadget could you not live without? Never thought I would say this but the mobile phone has proven to be the most useful to me followed by a sat nav.
Q4. Which historical figure do you admire and why? Without doubt, Horatio Nelson. He was courageous and not afraid of making decisions but most of all his ability to plan ahead successfully.
Q5. Brandon has become a Town of different nationalities, language and cultures, how would you look to bring the community together for the benefit of the town and its residents? By organising social events for all the town’s residents to enjoy together but I feel our residents already get along pretty well with each other.
Q6. The last book you read? Having spent most of my life reading study books for my qualifications and now having to read various council reports, any leisure reading I do is of a swashbuckling nature.
Q7. Which other committees or organisations in Brandon are you a member of? As a District Councillor: Overview & Scrutiny Chairman; Planning Committee; Licensing Committee; Local Development Committee; Health & Wellbeing Forum; Health Scrutiny (SCC); Flood Scrutiny Vice-Chairman; Health & Safety Working Group; Joint Staff Consultative Working Group; Domestic Abuse Forum; Temporary Accommodation Working Group; Temporary Accommodation Working Group; CAB Representative; Museums Representative; Cabinet Meetings as Chairman of Overview & Scrutiny; Full Council Meetings. As a Town Councillor: Allotments Representative; Media Committee Chairman; Events Working Group; Emergency Planning Working Group; New Cemetery Working Group; SALC Representative; Full Council Meetings.
Q8. If you could improve 3 things in Brandon what would they be? Parking improvements (introduction of pocket car parks); traffic reduction; new health facilities.
Q9. If you had to choose one memory to keep what would it be? Meeting our Town Clerk.
Q10. Why do you enjoy being a Town Councillor? I get genuine pleasure if I am able to improve things for our residents. I enjoy being involved with projects and am always pressing for more investment for future generations. My aim is to make all three levels of local government more ambitious for Brandon.
12
Glade Primary SchoolIt’s been a very busy start to term at Glade but we’re still going strong! The whole school were excited to do so well in the Brandon Scarecrow Trail. Every class designed and built their own scarecrow and all were exhibited in the market place. Our crowning glory was our first place scarecrow, Usain Bolt, designed and built by Herons class, ably assisted by Mrs Smith, (with a little help from her dad!) We also won third place with Shrek, designed and built by Kestrels class. All in all it was a great week!
Community involvement is very important at Glade and we are now in our second term of holding Story Cafes. Each class has an afternoon when all the parents (with grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters...) come in to join us for a story, a snack and lots of collaborative learning. We were among the first schools in Suffolk to hold Story Cafes and have been so impressed by the turnout from our parents and other relatives.
You may have heard that we are expanding. Glade has already grown by 40% over the last three years, and soon we will be even bigger! Suffolk County Council have approved the plan to increase the school to 315 pupils. We have now submitted the planning application to extend the building to accommodate all of these extra children and hope to see builders on site in the New Year. Our new extension will have four classrooms and a drama studio and we can’t wait!
IES Breckland UpdateAfter many months of sharing the site with numerous contractors we have now claimed ownership of our new and adapted buildings on site. It was good to see so many of you at our Open Evening on Wednesday 23rd October who were able to view our new facilities.
Our Year 10s have started their GCSE options and are rising to the challenge magnificently. All of them are working so hard and our staff are always willing to guide them if they are having any difficulties. Our new intake benefitted from our two week transition period in July as they have made such a seamless move into IESB and are a real credit to us, as are all of our pupils.
Prefect interviews have taken place and we are pleased to announce that the following have been awarded prefect status: Alex Mathews, Alex Povey, Bartek Lewandowski, Jasmine Dubery, Tomasz Ostrowski, Charlotte Tweed, Kelby Barrow, Caitlyn Watkins, Lucas Kent and Jorge Lee-Small.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community, our parental and Governing body for their continued support for all of us here at IESB. As always your support is very much appreciated.
13
Forest Academy UpdateWhile academic achievement is, as always, a high priority for Forest Academy, we also seek to provide opportunities for children to gain new experiences which will broaden and enhance their learning.
Year 3 and 4 visited the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. This visit really furthered their understanding of Ancient Egypt as they had the opportunity to explore many different artefacts; some of which were over 5000 years old. This included an actual Egyptian Mummy! They learnt about the Sarcophagus lid of Ramesses III, which was so heavy the museum had built stilts underneath to support it, and how historians use lots of different pieces of evidence to build up a picture of the past.
Key Stage One was very lucky to be invited to spend a morning at Tesco in Brandon. We were able to take part in the day-to-day activities of a busy bakery and had an opportunity to explore the workings of the warehouse. We were very interested in how items are delivered to the supermarket and then transported from lorry to shelves. As part of our healthy eating initiative we were able to try a variety of fruits and vegetables including some that we had not seen before. However, our favourite part was helping to sugar the doughnuts!
The school has also had the privilege of welcoming the Osiligi Maasai Warrior Troupe who came and gave a performance of traditional Kenyan song and dance for different occasions, as well as giving the children the chance to ask questions about their life in Kenya. This was a fantastic experience which was greatly enjoyed by both pupils and staff, some of whom even got to try out Maasai singing and dancing for themselves!
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW
FULL 3 COURSE MEAL - £19.954 OPTIONS PER COURSE
Plus mince pie, coffee/tea, crackers & decorations
PERFECT FOR LARGE WORK & SOCIAL GROUPSMake a night of it and get 2 games of bowling for £5DJ (disco & karaoke) can be arranged if required for
large bookings
FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL2 games of bowling & 2 drinks for £10 per person
ALL PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL MATCHES SHOWN HERE
SUNDAY CARVERYEvery Sunday 12-2.30pm
£8.45 adults, £5.45 under 16s, 2 & under Free
GREAT PARTY VENUEKids Birthday Parties a speciality
01842 813111 [email protected]
15
Chronicles of Brandon at WarNovember 1913...
Police Constable Arthur Gray was a man who liked to be in uniform. He was brought up in Police accommodation on account of his father being a Police Constable just down the road in Icklingham and Arthur had worn the uniform of the Royal Field Artillery before coming to Brandon as a Police Constable. Life had gone full circle for him because his wife was now living in Police accommodation in Brandon.
It was during one of his routine foot patrols around the town on one November evening in 1913 that Ted Hunt approached him in the High Street. Ted wanted to make a complaint that he had been assaulted and Arthur could see Ted’s lip was bleeding heavily. Arthur had to get to the bottom of it. He was aware that for some time a bunch of Brandon lads were making a nuisance of themselves and throwing stones at front doors along Thetford Road and tonight Ted had gone out after them and “boxed the ears” of one of the lads, Donald Elmer, and thought that might put an end to it. How wrong he was. The lad’s father went after Ted and landed a punch straight on his chin and now Arthur had to sort this all out. He decided to take it before the Brandon Police Court. The lad’s father told the Court he had punched Ted in self-defence after Ted had beaten his boy and then gone after him. The court agreed and threw the case out. Ted did get justice of sorts because the supposed leader of the stone throwers, a 14-year-old called Jack Edison, was arrested and hauled before the same court. Jack’s father got fined and promised the court his son would no longer be a nuisance. I’m not sure if he boxed his son’s ears but the stone throwing stopped.
Arthur also got to play detective in November after a Santon Downham farmer complained that poachers were taking rabbits off his land. Arthur and the farmer hid themselves along
the Santon Downham to Thetford road and surprised three local lads walking back to Brandon. The lads, brothers William and Harry Docking, along with Walter Talbot, had been repairing the road near Santon Downham and such was their surprise at the Constable jumping out at them that they had no time to offer an explanation to why they were in possession of five dead rabbits. Arthur summoned the men to appear in front of the Police Court where they were fined 6 shillings each.
Arthur was re-called to the Artillery when war broke out and I’m glad to say he made it through the fighting, although he did get a nasty 27th birthday present from the Hun, a gunshot wound to the back of his leg!
Darren NortonBrandon at Warwww.brandonatwar.co.uk
16
The Brandon Centre - Grand OpeningAfter months of refurbishment work to the old school building in Brandon, the new Brandon Centre, a flagship community facility, has celebrated its grand opening.
Located just off Bury Road and next to Market Hill, The Brandon Centre is now home to Brandon Library, Forest Heath District Council, Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team, Brandon Pre-School Playgroup and a children’s centre. There are also public meeting facilities which can be used by local people.
Funded by Suffolk County Council and Forest Heath District Council, the £1.6 million project has also seen the Bury Road car park refurbished and resurfaced to create an additional 21 parking spaces for visitors to the town and the Brandon Centre. A new entrance has been created in the centre of the building which allows easy access from the newly landscaped car park.
The centre will be open weekdays from 9am and weekends from 10am, closing at 5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, at 5.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3pm on Sundays and 7pm on Fridays. New toilets, including disabled facilities, are located inside the new building and will open the same hours as the main building.
The new library, which is now offering free WiFi to it’s customers and a new self-service machine, will continue to open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am. The opening times of Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team’s front desk will also remain unchanged and will open from 12 noon until 2pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Suffolk County Council’s deputy leader Lisa Chambers, along with Brandon resident and caretaker of the old school Charlie Wharf, cut the ribbon to officially open the centre at 2pm on Saturday 28th September. The opening event coincided with a range of fun activities and stalls on Market Hill from 11am.
Continued on page 17...
17
The Brandon Centre - Grand OpeningLisa said “The Brandon Centre is an excellent example of public sector organisations working together to save old public buildings and provide better community services at the same time.
“We have listened very carefully to what services people wanted in the centre. We want to encourage as many people as possible to come into the building and see what has been done and is on offer.
“I’d especially like to thank local county, district and town councillors who have helped us to run today’s event and activities. I’m sure the Brandon Centre will very quickly become a focal point for the town and serve it well for years to come.”
Councillor Robin Millar, Forest Heath District Council cabinet member for families and community, added:
“This is a welcome improvement but it is more than just a new building - we are changing the way we work with residents and want to encourage them to get involved in shaping their communities and the services they need help with.”
Commenting on the relocated Brandon library, Suffolk Libraries’ General Manager, Alison Wheeler, said:
“We are pleased to be part of this exciting community project and I hope local people will enjoy accessing all the services and activities we have to offer in a modern and attractive new library for Brandon.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, commented:
“The Brandon Centre is a superb example of the public sector working together to deliver excellent community services right in the heart of the community they serve.
“I am very pleased that Brandon’s safer neighbourhood team will be housed alongside other key local services and I am sure the centre will be quickly established as a real community hub by those living in the town and provide easy access to the Constabulary.”
FLOWER COURSESFROM BEGINNERS TO ASPIRING FLORISTS
Why not have an afternoon or night out in our flower school. Everything is provided for you so all you need to bring is yourself and you will get to take your beautiful design home with you.
Advent Wreath • 7th Nov, 2pm - 4pm and 21st Nov, 6pm - 8pmChristmas Garland • 5th Dec, 2pm - 4pm and 12th Dec, 6pm - 8pm
Modern Arrangement • 9th Jan, 2pm - 4pm and 23rd Jan 6pm - 8pmVase Arrangement • 6th Feb, 2pm - 4pm and 20th Feb 6pm - 8pm
Basket Arrangement • 6th Mar, 2pm – 4pm and 20th Mar, 6pm – 8pm
Only £35.00 each course! Remember you get to take your arrangement home!
Bunches & Bows57 High Street • Brandon • Suffolk • IP27 0AU
www.bunchesandbows.org.uk
To find out more or to book please call 01842 819600
Picture framingOils, water colours, pastels, prints, photos old and new, medals, football shirts, cross stitch, tapestry, canvas stretch-ing etc. All aspects of picture framing undertaken in our workshop, 100s of frames to choose from, liven up that old
picture with a new mount and frame.
Carvings from BaliWe have a great selection of carvings! We have giraffes, zebras, perpetual calendars, Buddhas, ducks, didgeridoos, rain sticks, animal masks, sitting chickens, standing chickens, bamboo wind chimes, little clowns, sea horses, standing cats,
sitting cats and much more! Always a great selection with new stock all the time.
the craft cabin16 London Road, Brandon - Tel: 01842 814178 Open 9.30am till 5pm weekdays and some Saturdays
19
Puzzle PageSudoku Code Word
Enter numbers into the blank spaces Each letter A-Z is represented by a number 1-26.so that each row, column and 3x3 Can you crack the code and solve the crossword?box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Every letter of the alphabet us used at least once.
Number Pyramid
Fill every box in the tower with anumber. The value in a square isthe sum of the numbers directlybeneath it.
Word Wheel
Find as many words as you can. Words must be at least 3 letters and must use the central letter. No letter can be used more than once. There is a 9 letter word
to be found.
Solutions can be found on page 31
BrandonCar Centre
01842 819999
Brandon Car Centre72/74 High Street
BrandonSuffolk
IP27 0AU
T 01842 819999E [email protected]
W brandoncarcentre.co.uk
Brandon Car Centre is an independant garage offering used car sales, service and MOT testing for cars. We service and repair all makes and models at competitive prices and guarantee all our work and parts for 12 months. Our technicians are all qualified and we have the latest diagnostic equipment which is continually updated.
Call us today on 01842 819999 for a quote or to book your car in for a MOT or service.
To view our current car sales stock list please visit our website at www.brandoncarcentre.co.uk
www.brandoncarcentre.co.uk
advert-02.pdf 1 15/08/2013 11:00
READ YOUR TOWNMAGAZINE ONLINEWHENEVER, WHEREVER
ADVERTISEHEREEMAIL US ON
21
Brandon Town CalendarThis year we, the Brandon Carnival Committee, carried out the competition to choose the entries for the 2014 calendar much as we did last year including enjoying the gloriously warm autumnal sunshine.We invited the general public to choose their favourite pictures of the town, deciding to do this on the day of the official launch of the Brandon Centre and enjoyed a fun few hours talking with some lovely Brandon people.The results of the voting will be seen on the 2014 calendar which is now on sale around town and online at the great price of £5 each.You can purchase your copy of the calendar from the following outlets: The Brandon Centre, Tilly’s Tea Rooms, The Craft Cabin, Mark’s Greengrocers, Crown Street Post Office and also from Best One in Weeting.The calendar is also available to buy online on the town’s website BrandonSuffolk.com, just visit www.brandonsuffolk.com/calendar to order.All proceeds will go towards an even better carnival next year on Sunday 1st June.
Voluntary Network - Drivers WantedA community bus service is in need of new voluntary drivers to provide vital transport to vulnerable people.
The Brandon dial-a-ride provides a door to door service to people in the town and surrounding parishes who have no access to other forms of transport or find it difficult to use public transport, including the elderly, those with impaired mobility and the unemployed. The service enables vulnerable members of the community to attend important appointments, go shopping, access local facilities and to visit families and friends.
However, the new service has proved so popular that new voluntary drivers are needed to meet the high level of demand. The dial-a-ride is run by the Voluntary Network which manages a wide range of community transport services throughout the Forest Heath area.
Caroline Robinson, Voluntary Network Manager, said: “The service is proving very popular and we are now at a position where we need more drivers to help meet demand. We would love to hear from anyone who has spare time to help, even if it is just a day or two a month. This is a great opportunity for someone to make
a huge difference to the lives of some of the community’s most vulnerable people. This service is becoming a lifeline for many local people enabling them to maintain their independence, access local health facilities, prevent them from becoming isolated and helping them to be involved in community life. Anyone who is willing to become a driver will receive full training without any cost to them.”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer are just needing further information on the dial-a-ride scheme should contact the Voluntary Network on 01638 664304.
22
Pantry Patter - Gunpowder, treacle & spudsGuy Fawkes was a Yorkshire lad born in 1570 of very religious parents. He had a catholic education due to his mothers’ strong catholic beliefs. This religious persuasion was later to become Guy’s downfall when, along with a group of fellow English Catholics, he was discovered attempting to assassinate King James VI and blow up the parliament buildings.
He was discovered in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament looking slightly sheepish beside several barrels of gunpowder, by Thomas Knyvet, the Justice of the Peace. King James was attempting to suppress the Puritans and Catholics who objected to his authority.
Guy Fawkes’ plot truly backfired as far as his attempt to assert Catholicism was concerned as upon capture the general mood of the country for a while became very anti-catholic which gained King James immense popularity.
Today we associate many foods with bonfire night. Nearly all of which have no connection to the night Guy Fawkes tried his hand at assassination. The only link, though extremely tenuous, is that Parkin, a sticky wholesome cake made and eaten on Bonfire Night contains a potentially explosive ingredient.
Treacle has a tendency to ferment over time in the tin so if you have a tin in your pantry please check the date and the lid. If it has gone beyond its ‘best before’ date or there is a visible bulge in the lid please dispose of it carefully. Oh yes... Rum is made from fermented and distilled molasses or ‘treacle’ but don’t try this at home!
Another bonfire ‘treat’ to be eaten on November 5th is the toffee apple. Toffee apples came from North America where they are called ‘candy apples’. William Kolb, a confectioner from Newark, New Jersey, tried dipping apples in his favourite Christmas cinnamon candy mix thus creating his candy apple.
If you fancy attempting to make some toffee apples yourself then beware. You will need to get the boiling sugar solution up to 140 degrees centigrade to enable it to make that lovely crack when you bite into it. At this temperature you are dealing with a pan of dangerously hot liquid somewhat resembling molten lava.
Use organic apples if you can for two reasons. They will be free of pesticides and hopefully free of the thin coating of preservative wax applied to non organic apples. The sugar solution will not stick to the waxy coating.
Finally there is nothing quite like the taste of a jacket potato baked in the embers of the bonfire. Prick nice blemish free potatoes all over with a fork and rib liberally with oil and sea salt. Double wrap in tin foil and place in the embers on the edge of the fire. Depending upon the size of potato they will take between 30-60 minutes.
Why do we call potatoes ‘spuds’ ? In the mid 19th century the spade-like tool used to dig up root vegetables including of course, potatoes, was called a ‘spud’.
23
Pantry Patter - Traditional Yorkshire ParkinA distinctive feature of Yorkshire Parkin is the addition of oatmeal to the mix. Without it you really just have a ginger cake recipe.
Once made I urge you to leave it alone in its airtight tin for a few days whilst it becomes more sticky and delicious.
If you can’t wait and want to eat it straight away, it is lovely served as a dessert with custard.
Sorry to all metric cooks as this is in imperial weights and measures.
Ingredients:
9oz plain or wholewheat flour7oz brown sugar (any type)3 1/2oz porridge oats or oatmeal1 tablespoon ground ginger2oz preserved crystallised ginger, chopped5oz butter, softened7oz golden syrup3oz black treacle or molasses1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda2 teaspoons vinegar1/4 pint milkPre-heat the oven 170 degrees C / 340 degrees F / gas 3-4Grease and line a large baking tin approximately 9” x 14”
Method:
Mix the flour, sugar, oats, ground ginger and crystallised ginger in a large mixing bowl.Make a well in the centre.Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the golden syrup and treacle. Warm these through but do not let them boil. Pour this mixture into the well made in the dry ingredients.Drop the bicarbonate of soda on top and sprinkle the vinegar over the soda. This will all fizz!
Put the milk in the pan previously used for the butter and treacle. Heat gently to hand hot.Add the milk to the parkin mixture and mix thoroughly. This should resemble a loose batter.Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake just above the middle in the oven for 1 hour.It is cooked when it has a spring to it when slightly depressed. (not you, the cake!)Allow to cool in the tin then cut into chunks and store in an airtight container. Leave for 3-4 days before eating.
A Traditional Plant Based Garden Centre
P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove,Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0PW
01842 814800 • www.p-rgardensupplies.co.uk
L.A.M Home Improvements& Property Maintenance
PLASTERING & COVINGPAINTING & DECORATING
TILING & MORE
Call Lee for your free quote today07762 497445 or 01842 814686
Chi
lter
ns Selling more.Letting more.Simple.
Call:Brandon Office01842 813466
Local Offices also in:
Midenhall 01638 716039
Thetford 01842 754161
Over 700 associated offices nationwide, including a high profile office in Park Lane, London.
www.chilternsestateagents.co.uk
Chilterns Brandon PPSJ8587.indd 2 20/09/2013 13:25
Brandon & DistrictRotary Club
FIREWORKS & BONFIRESaturday 2nd November - Starts at 6pm
Brandon Hall, Brandon
Tickets available in advance from Bunches & Bows:£4.00 for adults - £2.50 for children
Or on the gate:£5.00 for adults - £3.00 for children
25
November GardeningIn November, once every hedge has been trimmed, the lawn has had a final cut and the edges are neat, all the borders are weeded and leaves cleared up there’s a kind of harsh beauty. It’s the gardening equivalent of “spring cleaning”; by the end of November there is finality - the years growing season is over.
November is the perfect time for planting tulips. Whilst all other spring flowering bulbs should be planted whilst the soil is still warm tulips do not root in warm soil, so there is simply no need to plant them until the soil starts cooling. This is also a natural way of protecting your tulips against specific viral and fungal diseases as these are virtually eliminated in cold soil. Make holes at least double (preferably treble) the depth of the bulb, and twice as wide then dig plenty of organic matter such as well rotted garden compost as tulips prefer a rich, but well drained soil. Add a fertiliser such as “Growmore” or “fish, blood & bone” to the planting hole to promote flowering. Tulips are best replaced each year as they often fail to flower again when planted and left in the ground, although by lifting, drying and storing the bulbs after flowering this will promote flowering when replanted in the following autumn. Dwarf species tulips such as Tulipa kaufmanniana, T. fosteriana, T. greigii, and their hybrids, will re-flower without lifting so these varieties are worth considering for permanent plantings.
As wind speeds increase, prune any newly planted roses to a few inches above ground level, and any existing rose bushes should be pruned by half. This will prevent ‘wind rock’ where any strong winds can rock the plant exposing roots to frosts. This can severely damage or kill roses. Buddleias are also susceptible to wind rock, so cut them back too. Frosts are likely to penetrate the pruning wounds causing some die-back, but don’t worry as spring pruning will remove any winter damage.
Whilst we all like to encourage wildlife into our gardens, hungry birds can cause havoc in the garden. Net brassicas to prevent them from being stripped by pigeons, and net gooseberries to prevent finches stripping next years budding fruits. By putting out high-energy (fatty) foods for wild birds, you’ll encourage more wild birds into your garden this winter without them destroying your crops!
It’s also time to use grease bands around fruiting trees to protect them from winter tree moths. Winter tree moth caterpillars leave holes in leaves, blossom and developing fruit, thereby affecting fruit quality and quantity. Severe infestations can weaken trees. Female moths emerge from the soil between November and January and, as they are wingless, they climb trees. Using a grease band will trap the female moths, preventing them from reaching the tree’s canopy and laying eggs.
Slippery paths can become a problem, as wet leaves stick to them. Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this problem as this will re-occur in wet conditions. Firstly cut back any branches or plants that are overhanging the path. This will improve air flow and allow more sunlight on the path. I’d recommend using a stiff broom to remove any leaves and loose debris, followed by the use of a pressure washer to remove algae. Path cleaning chemicals are easy to use but do check that the chemical is safe to use next to plants, and avoid products containing ferrous sulphate on hard surfaces as they may cause discolouration.
Rachel Sobiechowski BSc (Hons) P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove, Brandon 01842 814800
Breckland GarageLynn Road, Weeting, Norfolk, IP27 0QW
• Competitive Fuel Prices Locally• PayPoint for all household bills
• Mobile phone top-up • Free cash ATM• Mini Mart • Off Licence & much more
Open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 9pmOpen Sundays from 8am to 7pm
WITH YOU
WHEREVERYOU GO, TAKE
BRANDON
27
Brandon Town Youth FCBack in the early 80’s the Town had a couple of youth football teams, Brandon Rovers & Brandon Ravens. At the start of the 1983/84 season and under the guidance of manager Tony Godbold and coach Mike Evans, Brandon Lads AFC was born and entered as just one under 13 team into the Thetford & District Youth League.
30 years later, with many games played and goals scored our club has grown to become Brandon Town Youth FC and one of the biggest youth football clubs in the county. With almost 200 children aged from 4 years to 17 and including a ladies team, playing football all over Suffolk, Norfolk and into Essex and Cambridgeshire.
Many changes have taken place over 30 years and using “Jumpers for goalposts” has evolved into having FA qualified coaches with child welfare and first aid qualifications, who hopefully make this sport fun and exciting for all our players. The Remembrance playing fields are full of children during week nights and Saturdays when they attend their training sessions and on Sundays the fields are full of colour with our teams in their yellow and blue kits as they welcome and then play against their opponents. So if you are ever walking, cycling or even driving past the playing fields on a Sunday, come along and cheer on the boys, girls or Ladies of Brandon Town Youth FC.
For more information about BTYFC contact the club Secretary, Gary Rampley (07716188800) or club Chairman Kevin Briston (07576942060)
Brandon Town Calendar
Featuring photos of Brandontaken by the people of Brandon
On sale now for just £5 atThe Brandon Centre, Mark’s Greengrocers, Tilly’s Tea Rooms, The Craft Cabin, Crown St Post Office,
Best One in Weeting and also online at www.brandonsuffolk.com/calendar
All proceeds will go towards the 2014 Brandon Carnival
Brought to you by Brandon Carnival
29
Brandon Past and Present
Shown above: Brandon High Street photographed in the 1950sPhoto supplied by Total Photography
Our life saving service is operational 365 days a year
Our highly trained, specialist medical teams bring doctor-led emergency care to the incident site, bringing the emergency department to the patient
We are the first in the UK to fly night time HEMS missions with almost 50 missions flown in the dark since the end of May 2013
We’ve attended over 13,000 life-saving missions across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire
The majority of incidents we attend are serious road traffic collisions, people suffering cardiac arrests and horse riding, motorbike and cycling incidents
We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available - take a look at our website for latest positions
Did you know?
www.eaaa.org.uk08450 699 999
Registered Charity No: 1083876
Follow us on Twitter:@EastAngliAirAmb
‘Like’ our Facebook page:East Anglian Air Ambulance
We need you todayYou may need us tomorrow
To donate £5 text heli to 70500
East Anglian Air Ambulance
31
Useful Telephone NumbersCouncils
Brandon Town Council (Town Clerk) 01842 811844 Forest Heath District Council (Main Switchboard) 01638 719000Suffolk County Council (Public Enquiries) 0845 606 6067
Health Services
Doctor - Brandon Medical Practice (High Street) 01842 810388Doctor - Forest Group Practice (Bury Road) 01842 810206Dentist - Apex Dental Care (Bury Road) 01842 812276Dentist - The Dental Surgery (High Street) 01842 812381Hospital - West Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds) 01284 713000NHS 111 - Medical Help (Less urgent than 999) 111
Help & Advice
Citizens Advice Bureau (Brandon Office) 01842 811511Social Care Services (Customer First) 0808 800 4005Suffolk Constabulary (Non Emergency) 101
Utility Companies
Electricity - UK Power Networks (Fault Line) 08007 838 838Gas - National Grid Gas (Emergency Number) 0800 111 999Water - Anglian Water (24 Hour Leakline) 0800 771 881
Puzzle Page SolutionsSudoku Pyramid Code Word
Word Wheel
9 letter word: modifying
and
find
out w
hym
ore
and
mor
epe
ople
choo
se u
s to
mar
ket t
heir
prop
erty
For t
he m
ost
SPEC
TACU
LAR
disp
lay
of lo
cal h
omes
vis
it
For t
he m
ost
SPEC
TACU
LAR
disp
lay
of lo
cal h
omes
vis
it
Chilt
ern
s
Chilterns Brandon PPSJ8587.indd 1 20/09/2013 13:25
Bra
ndon
Offi
ce
0184
2 81
3466