brandon town magazine - issue 13
DESCRIPTION
September 2014 edition of the Brandon Town Magazine.TRANSCRIPT
BrandonSUFFOLK
TOWN MAGAZINESEPTEMBER 2014 - ISSUE 13
• 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 ServiceLocal Independent Family Funeral Business with over 35 years experience
We can take care of ALL funeral arrangements allowing you to grieve without the worry“You made the sorrow easier to bear, with your extremely sensitive yet 100% efficient and
professional service” - Caroline Trett, ThetfordLooking after families in Norfolk & Suffolk - Pre-paid and pre-arranged funeral plans available
Visit www.markskinnerfunerals.org.uk or find us on Facebook, Twitter & Google+
Brandon OfficeTel: 01842 810534 (24 hours)
London Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EWEmail: [email protected]
Thetford OfficeTel: 01842 752197 (24 hours)
30 Bury Road, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3DEEmail: [email protected]
Funeral Planner of the Year 2013
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 BrandonWelcome to issue 13. We can hardly believe it’s been a year since we launched. In that time we have printed over 66,000 copies, had over 200 articles written, including our regular gardening, Pantry Patter & Brandon at War features and introduced a lego cartoon strip.
So, what do the next 12 months hold? Well, Shoestring’s Halloween event is back on this year and the band has already been booked for the Christmas Fayre. We’ll be covering both of these and if you want us to report on your event please drop us a line using the email below.
RegardsThe Brandon Town Magazine Team
Deadline for October issue 19th September
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]
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
5
The Brandon Centre’s 1st BirthdayIn September 2013 the Brandon Centre opened to the public with Brandon Library, Children’s Centre, Pre-School Playgroup, Safer Neighbourhood Team, Forest Heath District Council and Keystone Development Trust all working together in the same place for the first time to deliver excellent community services right in the heart of the town.
Join with us in celebrating a successful year at...
The Brandon Centre’s 1st Birthday Party on Wednesday 24th September from 9am to 5pm.
The first 365 people through the door on the day will receive a free Brandon Centre birthday cupcake (made by Centre staff from ingredients kindly donated by Tesco, Brandon).
Each service will be running special birthday-themed activities throughout the day and KAVO will be there to tell you about all the clubs and voluntary organisations in Brandon that you can be part of.
Between 3.30pm and 5pm there will be activities for children including face-painting and balloon modelling.
All are welcome. Find us at Bury Road, Brandon or telephone 01842 816100 for more details.
Brandon & District Rotary ClubRecently Rotarian Ken Harris presented a cheque to a local family who have been raising money for Cancer Charities, and they needed £250.00 to reach a personal target of £1000, our donation meant that they reached that target.
Focus 12 who are an independent charity (Reg.No.1077906) providing drug and alcohol rehabilitation based in Bury St Edmunds recently came to talk to us about what they do to support individuals and their families struggling with these problems.
This was a very educational and informative talk entertainingly presented by their representative Nancy Merfeld who is their Admissions Manager. We will be presenting a donation to Focus 12 soon and more details will follow.
On Sunday 17th August we held our annual cycle ride through the villages starting at the Pine Vista at 10:30 followed by various stops along the way to New Inn in Hockwold for a BBQ; our next report will include news and photos of what has become a very popular event for the club.
We have an open evening at Santon Downham Community Hall 7:30pm on 16th October, details can be found on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/brandonrotaryclub where you will find information about our club and news of events.
If you click “like” when visiting the page you will be kept up to date with our activities as well as details of forthcoming events.
CARTERSBRANDON CARS
Private Hire01842 811430
Long Established Family Run Business
Local & Long Distance• 4 & 8 Seats • Airports
• Clubs • Parties • Hospitals
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
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
7
Royal British Legion’s Lights OutA small crowd gathered at Brandon War Memorial on Monday 4th August as part of the Royal British Legion’s nationwide ‘Lights Out’ event.
Between 10pm and 11pm people were invited to bring their own single light source to mark the moment the UK entered the First World War one hundred years ago.
During the ‘Lights Out’ hour large numbers of households, businesses and public buildings across the UK turned out their lights and left a single candle burning as a mark of remembrance.
Candles were lit across the UK to remember each and every one of the more than 1 million Service men and women who gave their lives in the war to end all wars.
The event was inspired by the words of wartime Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, who said “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime” on the eve of WW1.
Westminster Abbey lead the nation with a First World War vigil liturgy which was broadcast live on the BBC.
The Royal British Legion would like to thank everyone that took part in this event and those that would like to donate can do so by visiting their website at www.britishlegion.org.uk or by texting LIGHTS OUT to 70020.
You can see more photos from Brandon’s Lights Out event by visiting BrandonSuffolk.com.
© BrandonSuffolk.com © BrandonSuffolk.com
© BrandonSuffolk.com© BrandonSuffolk.com
Brandon School of DanceClasses in ballet, tap, modern, freestyle,
street, contemporary & cheerleadingPrincipal: 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/Freestyle from 5 years,Contemporary from 8 years, Cheerleading from 5 years)
L.A.M Home Improvements& Property Maintenance
PLASTERING & COVINGPAINTING & DECORATING
TILING & MORE
Call Lee for your free quote today07762 497445 or 01842 814686
GNF FORESTRY LTD
Seasoned Hardwood£68 per load, approx 1 cubic metre
Free delivery 20 mile radius of Mundford
FIREWOOD SALES
Bagged logs £3 - Kindling £3.50Bags can be purchased at Jo Jangles tearoom & crafts, 10 London Road
Call 07940 235404 or 07768 668966
All building work undertaken
• Extensions • Conversions• Renovations • Alterations• Full house refurbishment
• Tiling • Carpentry• Complete Kitchens and Bathrooms
07809 379 843 - 01842 751 [email protected]
www.wrpbuilders.co.uk
9
Brandon Town Youth FCGirl’s football in Brandon has been very strong over the years with a good deal of silverware coming to the town through the success of the Lasses through Brandon Town Youth.
The 2013/14 season was no exception with five girls teams & one ladies team competing in both Suffolk & Norfolk Leagues. An exceptional season saw four of the six female teams earn honours for the club, 3 League Cups and one League Championship made their way towards Brandon!
Development has always been the key for Brandon, starting the girls off as young as possible so when they get to the U10 age group they are ready to compete. The girls have already started to train for the coming season and are looking for more players to bolster their squads, especially at the U10, U12 & U14 age groups.
If you are interested please contact Gary Rampley 01366 382262 or 07716188800. You can also contact us on Facebook Brandon TYFC & Twitter @BrandonTYFC.
Training times vary throughout the week so if you would like to have a go please get in touch, it doesn’t matter whether you have experience or not, just come and give it a go!
The picture below shows the U15 Girls from 2013/14 season collecting their medals after they finished the season as League Champions, going the whole season unbeaten in the League! They also just missed out on the double after losing 2-1 in the League Cup final.
The Club would also like to wish Millie Bales good luck and thank you as she leaves the team after being selected to play for Norwich City Centre of Excellence.
Well done Millie!
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
11
East Anglian Air AmbulanceEast Anglian Air Ambulance is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Cambridge will join the charity as a helicopter pilot in spring 2015.
He will join our highly skilled team of pilots and clinicians who ensure that we provide the highest standard of pre hospital emergency medicine to the scene of accidents and medical emergencies across the region.
Mr Andrew Egerton Smith MBE, Chairman of EAAA, said “Having the Duke of Cambridge as one of our pilots is marvellous news as he brings much experience to the charity after his successful career as a search and rescue pilot. We have an outstanding track record of attending people in the hour of need which is recognised and generously supported by our local communities”
On September 27th 2014, East Anglian Air Ambulance will be hosting the September Swing Charity Ball - and it’s already set to be a great success!
The black tie event is being held at the Holiday Inn West, Peterborough, a beautiful venue set in landscaped gardens. The event will include a drinks reception on arrival and a delicious three course meal.
EAAA is offering local businesses the opportunity for sponsorship on the night including the drinks reception, the band or individual tables. To sponsor a table for the night is a £100 donation to the charity.
There will be quality entertainment throughout the evening including music from The Polka Dots, a fantastic trio who bring a modern twist on the classic 1940s and 50s close harmony style.
There will also be an auction and a raffle on the night, with the chance to win some sought after prizes including a private tour and lunch at Burghley house and an exclusive group tour of the Royal Stud stables at Sandringham Estate.
EAAA is also looking for donations of raffle prizes, with all money raised going to the
charity. You will be helping a fantastic cause and donors will be credited on the roll of sponsors for the evening.
EAAA Fundraising Manager, Chris Donaldson, said; ‘We are thoroughly looking forward to this event and are delighted with the donations of auction and raffle prizes so far.’
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
We Deliver Anywhere In BrandonAnd Surrounding Areas
All occasions, including:Weddings • Receptions • Funerals • Corporate • Love & Romance
Bunches and Bows
57 High Street • Brandon • Suffolk • IP27 0AU
www.bunchesandbows.org.uk
Local and International ServiceFresh flowers delivered daily • Potted plants • Arrangements
Tel: 01842 819600
Hire Service being extended - details soon!!!
13
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
Highbury Road, Brandon, IP27 0ND
01842 810772CAR TYRES4x4 TYRESVAN TYRES
TRUCK TYRESAGRICULTURAL TYRES
BATTERIESEXHAUSTS
BRAKES
24/7 On Site Tyre Servicewww.weetingtyres.co.uk
Highbury Road, Brandon, IP27 0ND
01842 810772• CAR TYRES • 4x4 TYRES
• VAN TYRES • TRUCK TYRES• AGRICULTURAL TYRES • BATTERIES
• EXHAUSTS • BRAKES
www.weetingtyres.co.uk24/7 On Site Tyre Service
Border CarsPrivate Hire
01842 814488
All Air & Sea PortsLocal & Long DistanceHospital wait & return
Contracts Welcome
www.bordercars.com [email protected]
the craft cabin16 London Road, Brandon - Tel: 01842 814178
Open 9.30am till 5pm weekdays and some Saturdays
Picture framingOils, water colours, pastels, prints, photos old and new, medals, football shirts, cross stitch, tapestry, canvas stretching 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.
15
Chronicles of Brandon at WarSeptember 1914...
The lads fighting in France are having a tougher time of it than we thought they would. So … and just as a precaution you understand, should the unthinkable happen… the town’s magistrates have sworn in nine new Special Constables to assist with keeping law and order should invasion threaten our land. Amongst them is the builder, Mr Froud. Now then, I would suggest Mr Froud would do well to take a walk up to the bridge. Children have been seen loitering around there
and have been seen to hurl loose bricks into the river. Mr Froud should use his new powers to sort them out and then get to work cementing those bricks back into the bridge!
It has been a month now since war was declared. We reckon more than a hundred men who would otherwise be labouring in the fields or working in local businesses have now left the town and joined the army. Some of the families left behind are worried because who will
bring money into their family purse? The Prince of Wales has created a national fund to help families such as these and there was a meeting at the Church Institute where a committee of women was created with the aim of raising money for this charity. They will be carrying out door-to-door collections and families in dire straits are being urged to apply to the fund to get financial relief. Mrs Spragge from North Court says she will find out if this fund will extend to the parents of the young lads in France.
I mentioned the men in France. The Post Office’s effort to deliver the constant stream of letters to family and friends in the town is second to none. Three postal deliveries a day mean we often get letters from France within a day or two. Now here’s a story. The Dixon family in Town Street got a letter from William Dixon. William was one of those who got his call up papers as soon as war was declared and immediately left the town. Within a week he was in France fighting the Germans. His letter told how he had been wounded in the fighting at Aisne and he was back in the UK, recovering in a Sheffield hospital. Then a few days later he was back in Brandon, released from hospital and on sick leave. He is now the centre of attention because everyone wants to hear his tales about the fighting. According to him, his unit was constantly being pushed back and three days into the fighting they took refuge in a village. The village was then shelled by the Germans and he took a lump of shrapnel to his left shoulder which temporarily disabled him. He said, “I was taken to a hospital in the village, but that was bombarded and a corner knocked off it, so we had to shift to a farm house about ten miles away. I heard they also bombarded that, but we had left by then. I was brought to England with about 250 wounded from different units. The more seriously wounded were left behind.” He reckons he is one of the lucky ones. Not because he is back home, but apparently a German shell landed right in the middle of his unit… and turned out to be a dud!
Darren NortonBrandon at Warwww.brandonatwar.co.uk
A & B PLASTERINGplastering, artexing, coving,
drylining, screeding and rendering
Alex: 07947628504 Barry: 07982219317
FREE QUOTESALL INSURANCE WORK UNDERTAKEN
READ YOUR TOWNMAGAZINE ONLINEWHENEVER, WHEREVER
Methwold Nursery SchoolLearning through play!
Open all year, flexible sessions to meet your needs, now offering funded places for 2 year olds
Monday to Friday 7.30 to 6pm Ages 2 - 8 yearsBreakfast, After School & Holiday Clubs
Call: 01366 728419 Visit: 39 Stoke Road, Methwold
www.methwoldnurseryschool.co.uk
Business cards Flyers PostcardsMenus Leaflets Brochures
Posters Letterheads Catalogues
Whatever your printing needs, we can help!
Email us for a competitive [email protected]
LOCAL CHIMNEY SWEEPAll sweeps certificated
Flue fitting • Stove fittingClean and professional
Fully insured
Other services we offer:
www.phoenixecoplumbing.com
Please call 07506 683 354Ask for Ian
Phoenix Eco Plumbing
L.A.M ServicesCARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
PRESSURE WASHING PATIOS & DRIVEWAYSGUTTER CLEANING
Call Lee for your free quote today07762 497445 or 01842 814686
19
IES BrecklandWe are all looking forward to greeting our students on Thursday 4th September when the Autumn Term commences. It is an exciting time for IES Breckland as we will have a complete set of year groups – from year 7 to year 11 – for the first time since IES Breckland opened in 2012.
We have over 100 new students joining us in September, mostly year 7 students who will be starting their secondary education with us and some students joining us in the older year groups. We can still welcome a limited number of new students but we are nearly full following the positive visits from the DFE and Ofsted.
There are also some new faces to the Staff team too. We have Mr Nelson, Teacher of Design and Technology (Resistant Materials), Mr Venables, Teacher of Science, Mrs Strutt, Teaching Assistant and Mrs Robertson, Teaching Assistant joining us in September. Over the Summer the school has had a significant amount of internal work done to create a new Design and Technology Classroom and an Art Classroom. We are excited about the introduction of Resistant Materials to our curriculum and the benefits it will offer our students.
Although it may seem rather early to start thinking about applications to IES Breckland for 2015-16 it is necessary for all parents and carers of Primary School children, who are about to start the new term in year 6, to apply before the 31st October 2014. IES Breckland are holding an Open Day on Thursday 25th September for all prospective students and their families to attend.
Kindest Regards Mrs A Tilbrook, Principal IES Breckland
Nine Stiles WalkThis year’s Nine Stiles Walk took place on Sunday 17th August.
The walking group set off from The Orchard on Coulson Lane at 1pm and arrived back after the walk at around 2.30pm.
Along with a BBQ and face painting, organised by Brandon Town Council, the Breckland Brass Band played a small concert to keep the crowds entertained after the walk.
Barcode Information
Operator Notes
SEMI GLOSS PAPER - PERMANENT CHILL 62G 100 x 150 mm
Variety : Width : Height :
4 ColourProcess
CutterGuide
Labels will be supplied outside wound, top edge leading- PLEASE CONFIRM
VGloss
Varnish
DEAR CUSTOMER APPROVING THIS DESIGN FOR PRINT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY. YOU ARE AGREEING THAT THE SPELLING, LAYOUT AND LEADING EDGE ARE AS YOU REQUIRE. THE COLOUR(S) USED ON THIS IMAGE ARE A GUIDE ONLY, AS SCREENS AND PRINTERS PRESENT DIFFERENTLY. WHERE WE ARE MATCHING TO PANTONES, THESE WILL BE SHOWN IN THE BOX BELOW. PLEASE CHECK CAREFULLY AS MISTAKES CAN HAPPEN. THANK YOU.
SA-FM-012-02DATE OF PROOF: 5th March 2013
PantonePurple
COUNTRY LIONNEW RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY COMPLETE DRY DOG FOODW.P.S. NOW OFFERS YOU A CHOICE OF QUALITY DOG FOOD AT
UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICESNO SUPERMARKET OR LARGE PET STORE
WILL BEAT OUR QUALITY OR PRICESON OUR NEW COUNTRY LION DOG FOOD
ALL OUR BAGS ARE 15kgPUPPY. – CHICKEN & COUNTRY VEG. –
LAMB & RICE. – BEEF & COUNTRY VEG. –CHICKEN & RICE. – SUPAMIX.
THE PRICE ONLY £12.99 PER BAGTo take up this AMAZING offer just
CALL 01842 815551
21
Forest AcademyAthletics Tournament
Nine excited children, their teachers and supportive parents made their way to an athletics tournament at Mildenhall College Academy to show everyone what they could do! The children have been training for months in PE, clubs, and even before school with a morning jog in preparation for the gruelling 600m.
As ever, the children represented the school impeccably, supporting each other and helping everyone to cross the finish line, throw their hardest and jump their longest. We consistently finished in top positions in all of our heats, with a few winning their races.
This is the second year we have attended the athletics tournament and the progress of the children is immense. They looked thoroughly professional this year, even on the final relays after 2 and half hours of competing. Well done to all the children, they continue to make us incredibly proud.
Sainsburys Sports Games
Two teams from Forest Academy, one swimming and one gymnastics, attended the Sainsbury’s Suffolk School Games at Bury St Edmunds leisure centre. Both teams had won their place at the games through winning their regional events. We took part in an opening ceremony with the other 1000 children who attended the event; taking part in a procession with our school
flag following a marching band. An Olympic and Commonwealth athlete was also there to open the games. It was an amazing feeling to be part of the ongoing Olympic sporting legacy from 2012 and to represent the school on such a grand scale.
The swimming team was made up of 5 boys and 4 girls from Key Stage 2, who competed against 14 other schools from across Suffolk. They had to swim a range of strokes including front crawl, breast stroke and back stroke. The event was very efficiently organised with official timers, umpires and race callers. All spectators and competitors
showed great sportsman ship to their fellow schools and it was a wonderful atmosphere to be a part of. All of our swimmers raced amazingly well showing positive attitudes and great determination.
Out of the 15 schools that took part Forest finished a very respectable 12th. Congratulations also go to the Key Stage One gymnastics team, who came a very respectable 5th out of the 15 schools competing. The team performed their routine with smiles on their faces, scoring highly for their musicality and synchronisation.
22
Pantry Patter - English Harvest FestivalHarvest festivals are held throughout the world. The two we in England are most familiar with is Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. and our own English harvest festival.
The English festival usually takes place during September once all the harvesting of crops has been finished. Fruit and vegetables are taken to church and placed around the altar for a thanksgiving service to express thanks for that year’s harvest and to make sure there is good crop next year.
The church is usually decorated with autumn leaves and flowers and quite often an abundance of pumpkins can be found throughout the church often decorating the window ledges.
After the service the offerings are given to those less fortunate of the local parish.
People take great pride in decorating the churches and often keep the best of their harvest for this festival.
Parishioners come to church to say prayers of thanks and sing hymns. At the end of the service the produce that has been left as offerings are each blessed.
Traditionally, at the end of the day there is a Harvest supper with people dancing to live music. However this pastime has died out in most areas. These suppers tended to occur on large estates organised by the landowner as a ‘thank you’ to his tenants for farming and cultivating his land.
In coastal towns churches are often decorated with fishing equipment but once again this happens less and less now since the fishing industry went into decline.
Also in parts of England they celebrate Lammas, also known as the Celebration of Bread. Bread is still considered as a staple in our diet and worthy of a celebration. The Lammas is the time of year when those celebrating the passing summer and the commencement of autumn start to store their goods. Thanks are made to the Gods/Goddesses for a plentiful harvest and asking them for a safe winter.
To this day, in village churches in England, sheaves of wheat are offered on the altar, and parishioners bring their own bread to be blessed before they eat it.
The Harvest festival we know of today and celebrated every year in churches, chapels and school was only started in 1843.
Vicar Robert Stephen Hawker of Morwenstow in Cornwall invited all his parishioners to gather together to receive the bread of the new corn. This event drew a large congregation who found their church decorated with fruit and flowers for what was the first modern day Harvest Festival.
Today’s harvest is celebrated on a Sunday during the main service of the day and not with a service devoted totally to the harvest as in the past. Unlike ancient celebrations, today’s harvest festival date is set well in advance instead of waiting for the last of the harvest to be bought in. With the use of modern machinery harvest times can fall within a smaller time frame as we no longer have to rely on long labour intensive days, often with young children helping to bring in the harvest.
23
Pantry Patter - BlackberriesHere are two tried and tested recipes using blackberries. One for the start of the day on your morning toast and one for the end of the day for a different ‘toast’ altogether!
Blackberry and Apple Jam
600 g Blackberries, washed and drained500 g Bramley Apples, peeled, cored and cut into berry size chunks1.1 kg Granulated sugar300 ml Water10g Butter
Wash and sterilise 6 jam jars.
Put the water and apples in a preserving pan and simmer gently until soft.
Add the blackberries, bring to the boil and simmer again until the blackberries are soft.
Take off the heat and add the sugar, stirring until all the sugar crystals have dissolved.
Boil rapidly for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Drop a blob on a chilled saucer and if it crinkles after a couple of minutes then it is ready. If not, boil rapidly again for a couple of minutes and test again.
Remove the scum from the top with a slotted spoon then add the butter which will disperse any remaining scum.
Ladle into jars and seal.
Makes approximately 1.8kg.
Blackberry Vodka
750ml Vodka450 g Blackberries600 g Caster Sugar250ml Water
Put the sugar and water in a heavy based pan and heat slowly to dissolve the sugar.
Allow to cool to room temperature.
Pour the vodka into a large glass container.
Add the sugar syrup and blackberries taking care not to crush the fruit.
Cover with cling film and leave for 2 weeks. Stir every couple of days being careful not to crush the fruit.
After 2 weeks strain through a fine muslin or cloth. A new J Cloth is ideal.
Pour into a large (1 litre) bottle and leave to sit for 2 weeks.
Drink.
CAR PARTS & ACCESSORIES• Body & Exhaust • Brakes • Cooling & Heating
• Electrical & Lighting • Engine Parts • Lubricants & Fluids• Service Parts • Suspension & Steering • Transmissions
FREE WEEKDAY DELIVERYTO HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES IN BRANDON
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
25
Brandon in BloomDear Resident,
I hope you are enjoying the wheelbarrows planted by our towns youngsters. Some are dotted around the town, but the main display is at the Old School building where the town council offices are, and looked after by Christine and Beth.
As part of the Brandon in Bloom project and it’s aim of brightening the town with floral colour, as well as introducing people to the benefits and joy of gardening, we have been made a generous donation from two local councillors using their locality funds. The funding secured is for the planned spring bulb project.
BUT we cannot do it on our own.
With your help we intend to plant over 6000 Daffodil bulbs in October. All ready to cheer us up in the spring of next year.
Here is where you come in. You could plant any number of bulbs. Do you have a small green in front of your homes that you would like to brighten up? We are looking for areas around the town that would like a “net” of bulbs and the offer to plant them.
The residents at Manor House Close have already agreed to take a net of 350, along with the Cubs agreeing to help plant out other public spaces. So we have both ends of the age spectrum to get us started, so now we just want to know where you would like to see them.
Planting is to take place in early October and we hope to make it a real community event.
Neighbours, youth groups, churches and even co-workers could all get together and help to start on this project that will provide a splash of colour for years to come. It is a great opportunity for adults and children alike, to join forces and make a big difference to OUR town. We really hope to have your support and most importantly your assistance in this project to make Brandon a brighter place.
If you would like to participate then please contact us at [email protected] or drop us a line via the Brandon Magazine drop box located in the Brandon Centre, or pop in and speak to Rachel at P&R Garden Supplies just over the railway at Fengate Drove.
Many thanks
Gary
Are you finding it hard to keep on top of your garden, or maybe all you need is someone to do an extensive or light tidy up? Or look after your garden while you are on holiday? Do you need a gardener on a weekly or monthly basis, to trim the hedge or just cut the lawn?
We can also redesign your garden and provide plans, rotovate new or old beds, and organise construction if wanted. Whatever your gardening needs, we can help. References available.
Just The JOB GardeningCall Jacquie on
07919371994for a chat and quote
Are you in need of someone to look after your garden?
Brandon’s traditional plant based garden centre
P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove,Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0PW
01842 814800 • www.p-rgardensupplies.co.uk
Nets of Daffodils from £4.99Spring Flowering Bulbs
P&R Garden Supplies
Trays of 6 ‘garden ready’ plants £2.50 per tray or 5 trays for £10
Winter Pansies & Violas
For baskets and pots from £1.49 eachMassive selection of hardy plants
Pre-pack bulbs £1.99 or any 6 packs £10
READ YOUR TOWNMAGAZINE ONLINEWHENEVER, WHEREVER
27
September GardeningSeptember is the end of summer and although we’re often lucky to have an Indian summer with blue skies and sunshine, nothing is certain with the weather. Towards the end of the month the gardening season begins to wind down.
In the vegetable garden, its time to start reaping the rewards of your hard work as the bulk of the harvest happens now. As the vegetable plot begins to empty its essential to keep on top of weeds, it’s also a good time to sow green manures. Not only will green manures keep weeds at bay they also have various different benefits. Mustard is the perfect crop to grow after potatoes. Studies have found that live mustard plant tissues (leaves and roots) contain compounds that disinfect the soil and also suppress the nematodes of potato root eelworm. Rather than eating the mustard, once the crop is ready chop them up using a sharp lawn edger, then immediately dig it all into the soil as the beneficial compounds are released within hours. The plot can then be replanted after two weeks. If your brassicas suffer with clubroot, try growing crimson clover, which fixes nitrogen into the soil. Purple Tansy (Phacelia tanacetifolia) revitalises poor soils and improves soil structure, it can be left to over winter in the plot ready to dig into the soil in spring. It is also attractive to beneficial and pollinating insects such as hoverflies and bees.
September is the ideal month for planting Narcissus (Daffodils) and other spring flowering bulbs, except for Tulips which are best planted in November. It’s always wise to purchase bulbs as soon as they are available in-store. Firstly so you get the best selection but more importantly the bulbs will be fresher. As soon as you get your bulbs home if you’re not quite ready to plant them open the packs and leave the bulbs in a cool, well ventilated place. Daffodils should be planted as soon as possible as they will put down roots as soon as the bulbs are planted in warm soil and should be planted deeply, at least double the height of the bulb. One of the main reasons Daffodils go blind (fail to produce flowers) is because there are not enough nutrients or moisture available closer to the soil surface. If your Daffodils fail to flower lift them, divide them and plant them deeper, once re-planted give the bulbs a slow release granular fertiliser. This can either be done whilst the daffodils are still in the green (has leaves) or in September. It’s also time to start planting indoor bulbs for Christmas.
It’s time to prepare your lawn for winter. As the days start cooling down, raise the height of your mower blades as the grass growth slows. Aerating and scarifying the lawn now will remove any thatch, and moss, and prevent water logging in winter. Apply a top dressing of top soil, fill in any patches with grass seed and use a slow release lawn fertiliser.
Often summer planted hanging baskets will flower right until the first frosts provided they are kept dead-headed and well fed, however September is the best time to re-plant pots and baskets full of flowers and foliage for winter as the plants will have time to grow and fill out the pots before the cold weather hits. Pansies and violas will flower even with a light covering of snow. Hardy Cyclamen will flower for many weeks on end, often right up into Christmas if the season is mild. Garden Mums and autumn flowering Hebe’s provide a splash of colour right through the season. Winter flowering heathers, particularly Erica carnea and E. x darleyensis are lime tolerant and grow well in our soil providing our gardens with welcome ground cover
Rachel Sobiechowski BSc (Hons) P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove, Brandon 01842 814800
28
Brandon School of DanceHere at the Brandon School of Dance we have just had our first ever 4 day summer school. This was held at the Forest Academy and started on Monday August 11th.
Many students took part, with ages ranging from 5 -19 years.
Classes included Ballet, Contemporary, Modern/Freestyle and Salsa and culminated in a mini show on Thursday August 14th. Parents, carers and relatives came along to watch the students perform the dances they had learnt in the three days prior. The performances were very colourful and exciting, including some lovely costumes, accessories and props.
Myself and Miss Lyndsay taught all the dances throughout the 4 days with Jess Monk organising the videos, music, projector and costumes. There were many new dances learnt during the summer school and the pupils enjoyed making some new friends. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved. The pupils’ dancing was amazing.
We will be holding the summer school again next year and it will be open to all the students at the Brandon School of Dance and the community of Brandon.
Prior to the summer school, on Saturday August 9th our 9-11 and 12-19yrs groups took part in the Brandon Tesco Fun Day in aid of Diabetes on the playing field. They very much enjoyed performing and raising money for a good cause. We also had a Brandon School of Dance pitch showcasing the work of our pupils over the last 6 years.
From October 15th, and after our IDTA exams, we will be accepting new recruits so please visit our website for class information and prices. www.brandonschoolofdance.com.
There will be new ballet classes for 3 year old and upwards, a tap class for 4 years old and over, cheerleading for 5-8years and cheerleading from 9 years and over.
The cheerleading classes will be held on Thursday evenings.
If you are interested in any of the classes please text me which ones along with your name and phone number and I will contact you nearer the time. Text me, Kerry Shoop on 07864 025041.
All classes are held at the Church Institute next to the old bingo hall/cinema.
29
Competition finds Mr & Mrs StrongBrandon Power-Lifting Club launched their search to find Mr & Mrs Strong with a competition held at Brandon Leisure Centre in aid of the Huntington Disease Association, which has so far raised £750.
The Club, which has been meeting at the Centre for 18 months and was opened by Paralympic Powerlifter Zoe Newson in October 2012, held the event on Sunday 10th August to showcase the amazing strength of their athletes.
There were several events throughout the day including Tyre Toss, Loading Race, Hercules Hold, Farmers Walk, Dead Lift Medley, Bench Press for reps, Shoulder Press Medley and Squats for reps.
Each event was broken down into categories based on the level of the competitor and the results of each event were totalled to give the winners.
The prize winners of the various categories were as follows:
Ladies Group Winner - Tracey Arnold
Ladies Champion - Natalie Winstone
Men’s U75kg - James Webb
Men’s 75kg+ - Sean Manning
Overall Champion - Lee Hyne
© BrandonSuffolk.com © BrandonSuffolk.com
© BrandonSuffolk.com© BrandonSuffolk.com
WITH YOU
WHEREVERYOU GO, TAKE
BRANDON
www.terryh.co.uk
READ YOUR TOWNMAGAZINE ONLINEWHENEVER, WHEREVER
31
Puzzle Page SolutionsSudoku Pyramid Code Word
Word Wheel
9 letter word: jaundiced
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
Do
you
r h
omew
ork
...
... c
all
you
r lo
cal
awar
d-w
inn
ing
esta
te a
gen
tP
rou
d w
inn
ers
at T
he
Tim
es /
Sun
day
Tim
es
Esta
te A
gen
cy o
f th
e Ye
ar A
war
ds
20
13
“Bes
t Sm
all A
gen
cy E
ast
of E
ng
lan
d”
“Ch
ilter
ns
wor
ks s
mar
t an
d h
ard
for i
ts c
lien
tele
; th
ey w
ill a
lway
s go
th
e ex
tra
mile
.”
The
Tim
es/S
unda
y Ti
mes
Ju
dges
’ Rep
ort
“Use
of s
ocia
l med
ia
is e
xcel
len
t wit
h th
e re
sult
that
con
sum
er
enga
gem
ent h
as
incr
ease
d, e
spec
ially
am
ongs
t firs
t tim
e bu
yers
wh
o vi
ew th
is
busi
nes
s as
an
aut
hor
ity”
The
Tim
es/S
unda
y Ti
mes
Chi
ltern
s Br
ando
n PP
SJ93
69.in
dd
118
/07/
2014
13
:28
01842 813466Chilterns
We let our numbers speak for themselves
... we sold
£31,000 000 worth of of property in
2013.
We would like you to share in our success in
2014 .