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July

22nd July - August at Thetford Library

Don’t forget about our Summer reading challenge for children – Space Hop! Read 6 books over the Summer and get free stickers. Every child who completes the challenge will get a certificate and a medal at our presentation evening on Friday 10 September.

Programme of events

Summer Specials! Baby bounce & rhyme for parents/carers and their babies and toddlers

Free, just drop-in, no need to book! Please come along and enjoy songs and rhymes followed by refreshments and a chance to browse the books.

Wednesday 4 August from 2:00pm-3:00pm

Wednesday 11 August from 2:00pm-3:00pm

Reading group

The August meeting is on Friday 27 August between

2:30-3:30pm.

To join, and obtain copies of the book/s please call the library on 01842 752048.

Please be aware that this group will now meets on the first floor – there is a lift available if required.

The Book Club

The book club will meet monthly on a Friday evening. The August meeting is Friday 27 August from 5:45pm-6:45pm.

If you enjoy meeting new people and reading books please come along (and bring a friend too!) Refreshments available.

For more information please call Kyra on (01842) 752048 or e-mail kyra.cruise@norfolk.gov.uk

Activity Sessions

Due to the popularity of these activity sessions we will be issuing FREE CHILD TICKETS with time slots to enable families to enjoy the sessions safely. Please collect your tickets (1 per child) from the Library in advance of the event.

Thursday 5 August 10:30-12 noon – Junk modelling with Norfolk County Council Waste Management

Monday 9 August 10:30-12:30 Re-vamp workshop – Pirate Adventure with Breckland Council

Tuesday 10 August 10:00-12 noon – Fabric Painting with Breckland Council

Monday 16 August – Activity session with the Ancient House Museum, Elizabeth I will be visiting the library!

Thetford Festival Event – Elmer the Elephant Activity Session

Thursday 2 September from 10:30-11:30am

Friday 3 September 10:30-11:30am ‘Create a creature’

With Sean West from ‘The Joy of Food’ – learn about healthy eating and make animals and creatures from vegetables!

Where to find us

Thetford library

Raymond Street

Thetford

IP24 2EA

01842 752048

thetford.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

www.library.norfolk.gov.uk

Opening hours

Monday 8:30-6:00pm

Tuesday 8:30-6:00pm

Wednesday 8:30-1:00pm

Thursday 8:30-6:00pm

Friday 8:30-7:00pm

Saturday 8:30am-4:00pm

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

Remember that you can re-new your books in person at the library, by calling our re-newals hotline on 0344 800 8006 (you will need your library card number and pin number) or on-line at www.library.norfolk.gov.uk

Submited by: Thetford Library.

Contact number: 01842 752048

22nd July - Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service is committed to keeping you safe from fire. We recognise that only a small minority of people will experience a fire in their home during their lifetime. Unfortunately when fire does occur it can have a devastating effect on all those involved.

We also recognise that in Norfolk people who are more likely to suffer from the effects of fire are over the age of 65. It is for this reason that we would strongly recommend you to take us up on the offer of a Free Home Fire Safety Check and Smoke Detector fit.

Please allow one of our trained volunteers to talk to you about fire safety in the home and where required our technicians will fit as many smoke detectors as they deem necessary all free of any charge. We also provide specialist Smoke Detectors for the hard of hearing which again will cost you nothing.

For once you will actually get something for nothing and all you have to do is contact the free phone helpline using the number at the top of this article to make an appointment that is convenient for you.

The visit will only take between 30-60 minutes of your time and remember this service is free and may prevent you from ever having to experience the devastating effects that a house fire can cause.

Submited by: Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Contact number: 08009 178137

June

25th June - July at Thetford Library

This month we have included details of our summer holiday activities for children which run through July and August.

Programme of events

Summer reading challenge – Space Hop! The theme of this year’s reading challenge game for children is cosmic travel. It starts on Friday 23 July and finishes on Saturday 4 September. Don’t forget to come in and register so that you can collect your freebies and enjoy reading your books over the summer holidays.

Friday 9 July 10-12 noon - Meet a Magistrate

Have you ever wanted to know what happens in a Magistrates’ Court and how Magistrates reach their decisions?

Do you have a burning question about sentencing?

Well now’s your chance to find out more!

There is no need to make an appointment just come along for an informal chat.

Summer Specials! Baby bounce & rhyme for parents/carers and their babies and toddlers

Free, just drop-in, no need to book! Please come along and enjoy songs and rhymes followed by refreshments and a chance to browse the books.

Wednesday 28 July from 2:00pm-3:00pm

Wednesday 4 August from 2:00pm-3:00pm

Wednesday 11 August from 2:00pm-3:00pm

Reading group

The July meeting is on Friday 30 July between

2:30-3:30pm.

To join, and obtain copies of the book/s please call the library on 01842 752048.

Please be aware that this group will now meets on the first floor – there is a lift available if required.

The Book Club

The book club will meet monthly on a Friday evening. The July meeting is Friday 30 July from 5:45pm-6:45pm.

If you enjoy meeting new people and reading books please come along (and bring a friend too!) Refreshments available.

For more information please call Kyra on (01842) 752048 or e-mail kyra.cruise@norfolk.gov.uk

Activity Sessions

Monday 26 July 10:30am-11:30am

‘Space Hop around the Universe’

Come and enjoy a story followed by activities on a space theme.

Monday 2 August 10:30-11:30am

World War 2 with the Ancient House Museum

Thursday 5 August 2 sessions, 10:30-12:00 and 2:00-3:30pm Alien and space themed event using recycled materials. Customize a rag bag with Waste Management from Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council.

Monday 9 August 10:30-12:30pm ‘

Re-vamp’ workshop with Breckland Council.

Use recycled household objects and rubbish to make toys and games.

Tuesday 10 August 10:00-12 noon

‘Fabric Painting’ with Breckland Council

Monday 16 August 10:30-11:30am

Elizabeth I will be paying a visit to Thetford Library (with the Ancient House Museum).

Tuesday 17 August 10:30-12 noon

‘Drumming/ Percussion workshop’ with Breckland Council

Thursday 19 August 2 sessions, 10:15-11:15 and 11:30-12:30

Learn about the Egyptians! Come along and enjoy this fun, free session with Swaffham Museum including crafts and activities.

Thursday 26 August 10:30-12 noon

‘Drumming/ Percussion workshop’ with Breckland Council

Where to find us

Thetford library

Raymond Street

Thetford

IP24 2EA

01842 752048

thetford.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

www.library.norfolk.gov.uk

Opening hours

Monday 8:30-6:00pm

Tuesday 8:30-6:00pm

Wednesday 8:30-1:00pm

Thursday 8:30-6:00pm

Friday 8:30-7:00pm

Saturday 8:30am-4:00pm

Submited by: Breckland Council.

Contact number: 01842 752048

25th June - Official key handover for new homeless hostel

Breckland Council has received the keys to the new state-of-the-art £1.3m, John Room House in Thetford, which will provide accommodation for single homeless people across Breckland.

The keys were received by Breckland Council’s Executive member for Housing, Paul Claussen, from Robert Carter of RG Carter Construction, the company commissioned to refurbish and adapt the original building and construct a new housing block adjacent to the original building.

The doors of the facility will re- open to residents for the first time within the next few weeks, and will provide accommodation for vulnerable single homeless people aged between 18 – 70 years of both sexes who are homeless and who have support needs.

The original building which houses ten single bedsits complete with their own kitchenette, living area and bathroom has been completely transformed. Seven will be on the ground floor, one of which will cater for people in wheelchairs, alongside an office, interview room, communal living room and laundry room.

All bricks and windows from the original building have been cleaned and re-used, and the whole site has been built to the latest eco-standards.

A brand new two-storey building made up of 12 move-on flats, designed to act as a stepping stone for residents on the way to moving into their own home, has been built using modern design techniques. The building comes complete with a grass roof, chosen for its bio-diversity and eco properties, and windows on the lower floor have been coated preventing people seeing in.

Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Housing said: “The difference that has been made to the hostel in such a short space of time is incredible and I know it will be very much appreciated.

“It isn’t just the physical improvements that will bring benefits, the project will also provided the council with an opportunity to develop further networks and hopefully encourage hostel residents to secure work and training opportunities that are being offered through local enterprises and training agencies”

Robert Carter of RG Carter Construction, said; “I am delighted to be delivering the Official Key Hand over to Breckland Council. As a local company, we are pleased to have been associated with this important project. The new building hosts modern facilities which will create a safe and comfortable environment.”

The £1.1m project has been funded by Breckland Council, which owns the buildings, and a contract to provide support services and management has been awarded to St. Johns Housing Trust, a supported housing provider based in Lowestoft.

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For further information please contact Lisa Green on 01362 656330 or Rob Leigh on 01362 656377.

Submited by: Rob Leigh.

Contact number: 01362 656377

25th June - Thetford Community Cinema

The church of the Nazarene is hosting Thetford Community Cinema, we are planning to show the films you want at a reasonable price so you don’t have to travel far to watch a good movie.

Cinema de comunidade

Кино Сообщества

Wspólnota kina

Kopienas Kino

Bendrijos Kinas

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

Doors open at 15:30 for a 16:00 start

10th July Mama Mia

Doors open at 18:30 for 19:00 start

19th June Alice in Wonderland (PG)

10th July UP (U)

Advance tickets available from

A&J Donnelly Optometrists

2 Station Road, Thetford, IP24 1AH

£2.50 per person OR group ticket (admits 5 people) £10

Tickets are also available on the day at £3.00 per person (No group tickets available)

Please call Paul on 0775 9307988 for further information

Submited by: Paul .

Contact number: 07759 307988

25th June - Santon Downham Events

Summer has arrived In May, the village was again host to the Ride for Life, with hundreds of cyclists taking part, cycling a variety of courses in and around the forest and raising many thousands for charity.

Car Boot Sales

Stall holders and buyers alike say how much they like coming to Santon Downham car boot sales. They are not the biggest of such events by a long way, but everyone enjoys the delightful setting and the friendly atmosphere. As popular as the stalls themselves are the refreshments in the village hall. There is always an excellent array of homemade cakes to go with the teas and coffee. Our next two car boots are at 8.30am on Sunday 4th July and August 1st of July. Do come along.

1940s Evening

Preparations are already underway for our 1940s Evening. It promises to be a fun event again. The Downham Market Swing Orchestra, a 28-piece brass band, will be playing throughout the evening – a really exciting sound and sight. Last year, we managed to provide a superb barbecue and this will be repeated again – all for £10 – a real bargain.

There are still a few tickets left. Ring the Clerk to the Parish Council, Tel: 01842 815213.

Flower Arranging Demonstration

Come along and see how easy it can be to put beautiful arrangements together. Mary Griffiths will be showing you how to do it. Tickets are £6, which includes a free glass of wine, and the demonstration starts at 7.30pm. Phone Pat on 01842 814181 for more information and to order tickets.

Christmas Parties and other Bookings

The Village Hall is an excellent venue for a wide range of functions, with its well-appointed bar and on-site caterers, all at competitive prices. If you would like to book the hall for your event, phone the Parish Clerk, 01842 815213.

Look out for further events in Santon Downham Village Hall later in the year.

Submited by: Parish Council.

Contact number: 01842 815213

May

19th May - Events at Thetford Library in June

Wednesday 2 June – ‘All being Well’ road show! 10-4pm

This free, fun event will be held at Thetford’s marketplace. It is being held as part of volunteer week and national family week and will be a chance to find out more about building healthier lifestyles. The library will be there promoting our ‘healthy lifestyle’ books and providing people with information about our facilities, events and activities. During the week before the road show we hope to have a ‘smoothie bike’ in the library for you to try out – have a go at pedalling and make your very own fresh fruit smoothie!

Friday 25 June – The librarians will be at Thetford Garden Centre Open Evening from 4:30pm-8:00pm. Do come along and have a chat to us and see our display of lovely new books. We will also be giving away freebies!

Monday 14 June 10:00-1:00pm

We will be holding a Refugee Week ‘Human library’ event as part of Refugee week.

A human library is like a regular library, but the books are people and the loans are conversations. Come along and browse the bookshelf, pick out a book you like and then borrow a person to have a conversation.

Programme of events

Baby bounce & rhyme for parents/carers and their babies and toddlers

Free, just drop-in, no need to book!

(Toys, books, and colouring available if you have older children)

Wednesday 9 June from 10:30am –11:30am

(This will be a special extended session for National Bookstart Day with the theme being at the seaside)

Wednesday 16 June from 10:30am – 11:00am

Wednesday 23 June from 10:30am – 11:00am

Wednesday 30 June from 10:30am – 11:00am

We are also having a special ‘Fathers Day’ bounce and rhyme open to all Dads, Grandads or male carers on Monday 21 June from 10:30-11:30am which will include songs, rhymes and simple craft activities.

Reading group

The June meeting is on Friday 25 June between

2:30-3:30pm.

To join, and obtain copies of the book/s please call the library on 01842 752048.

Please be aware that this group will now meets on the first floor – there is a lift available if required.

The Book Club

The book club will meet monthly on a Friday evening. The June meeting is Friday 25 June from 5:45pm-6:45pm.

If you enjoy meeting new people and reading books please come along (and bring a friend too!) Refreshments available.

For more information please call Kyra on (01842) 752048 or e-mail kyra.cruise@norfolk.gov.uk

Activity Sessions

Wednesday 2 June 10:30-11:30am Medieval Fashion

Activity Session with the Ancient House Museum. Come along and work with an artist to make your own medieval headdress.

Free tickets will be available from the library 3 weeks in advance of the event.

Please note that all children should be accompanied by an adult.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic – Thursday 3 June from 11:30am-1pm

Come along and join in the fun!

This is being held as part of National Family Week. Come along and enjoy some picnic stories and some fun craft activities. Please note that all children should be accompanied by an adult. Free tickets will be available from the library 3 weeks in advance of the event.

Submited by: Thetford Library.

Contact number: 01842 752048

19th May - The Banana Fudge Studios 16th annual Charity Black Tie Ball

The Banana Fudge Studios 16th annual Charity BlackTie Ball will take place on Saturday 19th June and returns to where it all started - Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmund, Norwich.

For another fantastic event full of live entertainment, fun, glamour and raising money for our chosen charity, Orchid Cancer Appeal.

All the event details and ticketing info can be found through the Banana fudge Studios homepage: www.bananafudgestudios.co.uk.

We are looking forward to a great mid-summers event, with fantastic entertainment amidst a stunning setting and we hope many of you can join us!

Submited by: Lucy.

Contact number: 01953 456789

April

21st April - Thetford Girlguiding Are Inviting Girls To Join Their Groups

Are you a girl aged between 5 to 14 years old and looking for a night out in term time?

If so then please contact the below to join us for a trial evening;

Rainbows - 5 to 7 years old

Brownies - 7 to 10 years old

Guides - 10-14 years old

For further information please contact: Lorna Thompson on 01842 762251.

Submited by: Lucy.

Contact number: 01953 456789

21st April - May at Thetford Library

Norfolk Digital Library

Norfolk Library and Information Service will be launching an ebooks service from Spring 2010. An ebook is an electronic version of a printed book which can be read on a personal computer or a handheld device designed specifically for the purpose. If you are interested in using this service and can spare some time, please complete our short survey about the types of ebooks you would like to borrow. A link to the survey can be found on the Norfolk Libraries website at www.library.norfolk.gov.uk

Special Events in May

Tuesday 11 May – the home educators from Norfolk County Council Children’s Services will be at the library from 9:30am-12:30 to offer advice and information on a drop-in basis.

Tuesday 25 May 10:00-2:00pm – Norfolk Trading Standards will be available at the library to offer information and advice. Please come along if you would like to speak to them, or to find out more about their ‘trusted trader’ scheme.

Programme of events

Baby bounce & rhyme for parents/carers and their babies and toddlers free, just drop-in, no need to book!

(Toys, books, and colouring available if you have older children)

Wednesday 5 May from 10:30am –11:00am

Wednesday 12 May from 10:30am – 11:00am

Wednesday 19 May from 10:30am – 11:00am

Wednesday 26 May from 10:30am – 11:00am

Reading group

The May meeting is on Friday 28 May between

2:30-3:30pm.

To join, and obtain copies of the book/s please call the library on 01842 752048.

Please be aware that this group will now meets on the first floor – there is a lift available if required.

The Book Club

The Book Club will meet monthly on a Friday evening. The May meeting is Friday 21 May from 5:45pm-6:45pm.

If you enjoy meeting new people and reading books please come along (and bring a friend too!) Refreshments available.

For more information please call Kyra on (01842) 752048 or e-mail kyra.cruise@norfolk.gov.uk

Activity Sessions

Teddy Bear’s Picnic – Thursday 3 June from 11:30am-1pm

Come along and join in the fun! Bring both your bear, and your picnic lunch!

Where to find us

Thetford library

Raymond Street

Thetford

IP24 2EA

01842 752048

thetford.lib@norfolk.gov.uk

www.library.norfolk.gov.uk

Opening hours

Monday 8:30-6:00pm

Tuesday 8:30-6:00pm

Wednesday 8:30-1:00pm

Thursday 8:30-6:00pm

Friday 8:30-7:00pm

Saturday 8:30am-4:00pm

Submited by: Lucy.

Contact number: 01953 456789

21st April - Calling All Photographers

The fourth annual ‘Breckland Photography Competition’ is now open.

Organised by Breckland Council with the support of partners – Wayland Partnership, The Iceni Partnership in Swaffham, Dereham Area Partnership, Dereham Library, Thetford Arts Centre and Zuari Café in Attleborough - the competition will run throughout the Spring and Summer. It will culminate in a touring exhibition later this year.

Entrants can submit photographs under any of the following categories:

Nature in Breckland

This can include landscapes, plants, animals or wildlife in their environment. The judges are looking for aesthetic appeal, beauty in the natural environment and images that are distinctively Breckland.

Architecture in Breckland

This may include historical or modern buildings within Breckland. The judges are looking for hidden gems in the district, capturing unique features, character and detailing of buildings.

Active Breckland

Photographs should capture movement and action. This may be through sporting activity or events, work and local industry, objects, people or wildlife. The judges are looking for originality and a creative view on this.

Creative Breckland

This category is about experimentation, allowing you to use software and equipment for manipulate your image. Photographs should capture new ways of seeing people or places and there should be a connection to the district. Images may be figurative, abstract or conceptual. The possibilities are endless in this category.

The competition closes on Friday 3rd September 2010 and photographs should be delivered by hand to any of the designated delivery venues. Entries will be judged by a professional panel, and the winning photographs will be displayed in a touring exhibition hosted in turn by each of the five Breckland market towns.

Entry forms and further details of the competition categories, regulations and photograph delivery venues can be found on the Breckland Council website at www.breckland.gov.uk/calling_all_photographers . Forms are also available from Wayland House in Watton, Zuari Café in Attleborough, Iceni at Swaffham Community Centre, Dereham Library and 2new Horizons / Tourist Information Centre in Thetford. For any queries about the competition, contact Breckland Council Arts Officer, Sam Dawson, on 01362 656870.

Submited by: Sam Dawson.

Contact number: 01362 656870

9th April - Entry 2 Employment

Cant get a job? Don't have qualifications? Want to go to college?

Why not join our Post 16 Entry 2 Employment Programme in Thetford or Diss.

If you are between age of 16-19, and not in:

- Full time education

- Training

- Employment

We are trained to support you to access employment opportunities and broaden your knowledge on personal health and social skills.

'Include' is part of the CFBT Educational Trust which is a national charity that provides educational services worldwide. 'Include' runs various projects for young people across Norfolk who are Not in Education, Emploment or Training (NEET) and have difficulty accessing employment opportunities for various reasons.

'e2e' is designed to support young people to gain the skills to enable them to move into emploment, training or further education. It will support them to develop personal and social skills which are often the barrier that prevents them gaining employment opportunities.

'include' can offer qualifications to the young people who join the programme including City & Guilds L1 Numeracy, Literacy & Employability Awards.

Young people on the programme will be entitled to £30 per week EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) while learning.

Interested?

Contact or text us on:

07932 783 583/01842 855800

Low on credit? We will ring you straight back!

Be Included In Your Future...!

Submited by: Lucy.

Contact number: 01953 456789

9th April - Thetford Lionesses

The Thetford Lionesses collected £106.00 from the recent Mothers Day stall - to be donated to the Air Ambulance and other Lioness Charities.

Thetford Lionesses also collected £1,228 from the Marie Cure collections and would like to say a big thankyou to everyone that supported these two events.

Submited by: Lucy.

Contact number: 01953 456789

9th April - Breckland Roots Out Litter In Thetford

Residents who live near Norwich Road, Thetford, are waking up to a cleaner environment thanks to action taken by Breckland Council.

The wooded area from the junction of Norwich Road and Mallow Road to the junction of Norwich Road and Churchill Road had been cleared of rubbish after Breckland Council engaged contractor Roots & Routes to conduct a litter pick.

Previously the area was the responsibility of Ashwell Homes but it became littered after the company ceased trading. With no new owner on the horizon Breckland Council stepped in and a team from Roots and Routes took a day month to clear lots of waste, including a few unusual items.

The rubbish included:

48 bags of general rubbish

3 car wheel trims

2 wooden pallets

1 shopping trolley

1 large yellow roadside sign

Kay Fisher, Executive Member for Environmental Wellbeing and Customer Contact at Breckland Council said: "At Breckland we strive to keep the area beautiful and improve the environment. This is a prime example of Breckland taking action for a better place for its residents."

The walk through the woods will now be a much more pleasant affair and hopefully a new owner will be found to take on the regular maintenance requirements.

Users of the woods can help by taking their rubbish home with them so everyone can enjoy the clean amenity.

Submited by: Lucy.

Contact number: 01953 456789

January

22nd January - Mid Norfolk Mencap in Dereham work with the Dereham Area Partnership

Mid Norfolk Mencap in Dereham are working with the Dereham Area Partnership to support a number of people with learning difficulties in the area to start up their own Micro Enterprise businesses.

Although lots of support is being provided by both organisations, further voluntary help is required to support each person.

To date five participants have started three separate business ventures including “General Office Services” ,including shredding and leaflet folding and distribution, “Gardening Services” including general maintenance and “Log Making” which takes old newspapers which are then recycled and made into logs for fires or BBQs.

Flagship Housing Association recently helped one of the businesses who used their Dereham office reception area to sell their logs, which as well as giving them a place to sell their products gave them a chance to explain their business venture to the general public. Andy Moulton of Flagship said,” We’re delighted to help the Micro Enterprises develop their businesses and hope we can support them further during 2010”.

George Hayes from the Dereham Area Partnership who is helping as their business mentor said, “ Each of the participants have done a great job in developing their businesses to date but all need further help and support to develop them further”.

Do you have a spare hour or two to help people with learning difficulties?

The project was originally supported with funding through the Learning Disability Development Fund.

If you are interested or would like an informal chat, please contact George Hayes on 07884 263241 , e-mail: ghayes2098@aol.com or come into Mencap, 33 Quebec Street, Dereham,NR19 2DJ

Submited by: George Hayes.

Contact number: 07884 263241