brandon town magazine - issue 23

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Brandon TOWN MAGAZINE JULY 2015 READ YOUR TOWN MAGAZINE ONLINE AT BRANDONSUFFOLK.COM Brandon Carnival See pages 15-18

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July 2015 edition of the Brandon Town Magazine

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Page 1: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

BrandonTOWN MAGAZINE JULY 2015

READ YOUR TOWN MAGAZINE ONLINE AT BRANDONSUFFOLK.COM

Brandon CarnivalSee pages 15-18

Page 2: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

• 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

Page 3: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

Call Mark on Mobile: 07931 [email protected] Office: 01842 813919

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The colours of the carnival have disappeared, but were swiftly replaced with the hanging baskets, and with the passing of the longest day, they, along with us, just require some glorious sunshine. Coupled with these will be planted wheelbarrows dotted around town.

Summer is a wonderful time and we have several other events to look forward to. Look out for Alice in Wonderland, produced by

Shoestring at the Country Park (details inside).

It is important that we the citizens of Brandon get involved in our town, whether it be regular volunteering or just offering occasional help. It’s good to turn up and show your support, even better to offer something in return.

RegardsThe Brandon Town Magazine Team

Deadline for August issue 17th July

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]

Welcome to Brandon

Page 4: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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

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Page 5: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

Allotments: The Town Council still have a limited number of allotments to rent. Full plots and half plots are available. There is an active Allotment Association so plenty of help and advice is on hand if required. Please contact the council offices on 01842 811844or just call in from 9.30am to 1.00pm if you are interested.

Bench on Thetford Road: Following the recent theft of our bench on Thetford Road, the town council are currently sourcing suppliers to replace the stolen item. Hopefully this will be in situ very shortly.

The Orchard: The picnic bench in The Orchard was set alight by unknown persons and has been totally destroyed. The police are currently investigating the crime. At the recent Town Council meeting it was unanimously agreed a replacement picnic bench should be purchased.

Flint Murals: The Breaking New Ground

Landscape Partnership Scheme (part of Suffolk County Council) are in the process of negotiating access to remove and preserve the flint murals currently located at the old Community Centre. Funding will be provided under the ‘Conservation of the Built Heritage’ funding stream. In the long term it is envisaged the murals will be displayed at Brandon Country Park.

Newly Co-opted members of Brandon Town Council: Peter Callaghan, Victor Lukaniuk, Ian Horner and Lee Jacobs have been duly co-opted onto Brandon Town Council.

Date for your diary: Breckland Brass Band Concert together with the judging of the wheelbarrow competition will be held on Market Hill at 2.00pm on 19th July. A free event so please come along and enjoy the entertainment.

Christine MasonTown Clerk

5

Brandon Town Council Report

On Friday 12th June Matthew Hancock MP & Cabinet Minister came to Brandon and opened Chloe’s garden for the Rotary Club; and said “Projects like this show the community spirit that is alive and well in Brandon by people coming together to seriously improve Chloe’s quality of life.”

On the warmest day of the year the garden looked amazing.

Several Rotarians and our supporters attended the event.

In November last year we were approached to see if we could help with funding to build a new ramp for Chloe so that she could access her back garden.

We went along to have a look and made the decision that we would build the ramp but also makeover the entire garden.

Without local business support this would not

have been possible.

From clearing the garden, building new fences and shed, laying the patio, lawn and building raised planters. Remote control outside lighting together with the new bench have made the garden accessible all year round for Chloe who told us “it has changed her life”.

Brandon & District Rotary Club

Page 6: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Page 7: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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In the last edition I wrote about the fundraising going on for updating the school’s tennis courts. These are now up and running and students can now be seen on Sabres Court playing tennis, not just in PE lessons but also at lunchtime! Game, Set and Match!

The tennis courts were used on our Open Evening on June 16th and two of our younger visitors can be seen above enjoying the courts. It was a very successful day which started with tours during the day followed with opening up the school in the evening with activities laid on by all of the faculties. The feedback was extremely positive. Our students were praised for their politeness and enthusiasm and the staff for their dedication. I am delighted that we were able to demonstrate what a great school IES Breckland is and all that we have to offer. We all have much to be proud of.

Our year 11 students have now completed their GCSEs and we held a BBQ for them on the school field on Friday 12th June. It was great fun and students and staff battled against each other on the bungee

run, while Beckhamesque skills were shown on the penalty shoot out! Sumo suits were donned for wrestling matches and there were impressive skills aplenty on the assault course. We will miss the year 11 students as they have really matured into exceptional young adults and who have been great role models for our younger students.

We have been working on the timetable for the transition days on the 13th, 14th and 15th of July and it will make the transition from primary to secondary school as seamless as possible for the year 6 students. There is a Parents Information Evening on July 14th so that parents and carers can meet with my Leadership team and with their child’s mentor. Uniform can be ordered on line or by popping into the school office.

There are a limited number of spaces available for September and if you wish to come and view the school please do not hesitate to contact the school to arrange a visit.

Finally, my thanks to the Friends of IES Breckland who have supported the school with their fundraising this year. Without their hard work a lot of trips and events would not have been possible.

Kindest regards Mrs A Tilbrook

IES Breckland

Page 8: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

All building work undertaken

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Page 9: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

CHRONICLES OF BRANDON AT WARJuly 1915

It was about four years ago when Frederick Mobbs came from Newmarket and settled in Brandon. Since then everyone has got to know him and he is one of the most respected individuals you might care to meet. However, you would do well not to get on the wrong side of him. You see, Inspector Mobbs, as he is better known, ensures that law and order is obeyed in the town. This month someone had the tenacity to question his scruples.

It all started at about 9pm, one Saturday, when a soldier fainted in the Paget Hall. The hall, on the High Street heading to-ward the bridge, has been packed lately due to the many soldiers billeted in the town. Was the soldier overcome by heat? Or was it the drink? Ultimately it is irrelevant to this story, but it did attract a large crowd to gather at the entrance to the hall. This crowd then congregated out onto the High Street.

There was no immediate concern for the crowd’s safety, therefore they were shocked to see an automobile come over the bridge and head straight for them. Amongst the crowd was Inspector Mobbs, who was on duty and ensuring the crowd did not get out of hand. Out of concern for the crowd’s safety he stepped into the road and attempted to flag down the driver. The driver did not seem to notice Mobbs and the vehicle carried on regardless, barely missing Mobbs and the crowd. One of the men in the crowd remon-strated with the police inspector, “Do you

allow people to drive in the street like that, Mobbs? He will be killing somebody one day!” Inspector Mobbs was livid, although he had caught a glimpse of the man at the wheel. Mobbs knew everyone in this town and he was intent on catching up with him.

Later that night Frank Edwards answered a knock to the door of his Thetford Road home. There stood Inspector Mobbs. Ed-wards was informed that a complaint had been made at the way he had driven his car and that he had failed to stop after nearly hitting the crowd. Edwards replied abruptly, “Why should I stop? There was no ac-cident.” This was far from what Mobbs wanted to hear. He informed Edwards that he would have to appear before the local magistrates to answer his case.

At the hearing, Edwards rubbished the fact he had been driving at speed. He reckoned he had gone over the bridge at a walking pace and it was not possible for any car to get up to speed from the bridge to the hall. Nor had he seen Mobbs stand in the road to flag him down. Edwards then suggested there was a vendetta going on because he had heard Mobbs was out for revenge. The inspector retaliated, “I DENY THAT! I do not do police duty like that.”

It was Edwards’ word against Inspec-tor Mobbs. Mobbs had two trump cards though. Firstly police constable O’Brien confirmed everything in Mobbs’ statement. Edwards stood in court, incandescent with rage, and restated his claim that the police were out to get him. “The long and short of it, it is nothing, only a bit of spite.” He told the magistrates.

The other trump card was the magistrates. They had had enough of Frank’s almost dis-respectful attitude to the law. The law and those who enforce it demand respect. They ended the proceedings, found Edwards guilty and fined him £1.

www.brandonatwar.co.ukBy Darren Norton

9

Page 10: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Page 11: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Breckland Cats ProtectionEarlier this year Breckland Cats Protection were handed in a Persian cat, tortoiseshell and white in very poor condition. Narla’s owners were splitting up and neither of them wanted her. She was 6 years old, unneutered and her long coat was matted. However she was extremely friendly and enjoyed lots of fuss and cuddles. She was taken to the vet for neutering and also to have some of the matted fur removed. While she was under the anaesthetic the vet checked her over and discovered that her teeth were in bad shape, in fact he had to extract 12 of them. Then looking at her claws, each one had grown into her pads and had to be clipped, leaving a hole in each pad. She must have been in considerable discomfort. A sore mouth, sore feet but still so trusting and friendly. We can only assume she was kept for breeding in a confined space where she couldn’t wear down her claws naturally. Happily she has been found a loving home with a young caring couple who also homed another long haired cat who came into our care in an emaciated state. Fergie and Narla are now the best of friends as seen in the photo opposite.

Another story - sometime ago we took in two cats who lived with a family, but were never allowed into the house. They were brother and sister about 18 months old. They went to one of our fosterers and she said they were very timid and spent the first few days hiding. Afterall, they had never been in a house before. Eventually they were enticed out of their hiding place and slowly came round

to liking a fuss and turned into very friendly cats. They even slept on the fosterers bed at night! They were rehomed separately and the ginger male, Buddy went to live with a family with a little girl. However, the family were out all day long and when they came home at night and went to bed, Buddy was left on his own. And he was unhappy. He developed a condition called Pica - the consumption of non-nutritious materials. In Buddy’s case, paper, cork and fabric, but this only happened at night. The owner contacted us for advice and when she told us how Buddy spent most of his time alone, we realised he was missing stimulation, especially the affection of his family. And the solution? We persuaded the owner to let Buddy sleep on the bed of the little girl, and the problem was solved. He just wanted someone to cuddle up with.

For help and advice call 01842 810018, or visit our website, cats.org.uk/breckland

Rita Thompson

This year’s Brandon Arts Society Summer Art Exhibition will be held from Thursday 9th July through to Saturday 11th July.

The exhibition is at the Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Brandon and will be on between

10am and 4pm each day.

Featuring original artwork by local artists with all artwork for sale. Entry is free and tea, coffee and cakes are available.

Brandon Arts Society

Page 12: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Page 13: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

gardeningJULY

July is often the hottest month of the year (hopefully!) and is a great time to just relax and enjoy your garden in the sunshine. The main task for the month is watering and dead-heading. Continuing on from the June edition, this month is exploring edible flowers from herbs.

Herb flowers like basil, chives, mint, marjoram, rosemary and thyme add a more subtle flavour to food in comparison to their leaves. By adding sprigs of edible herb flowers to oils their delicate flavours can be used over a longer period. The following herb flowers can be used in other ways:

Borage: cucumber flavoured blue flowers, which are ideal for crystallizing or freezing in ice cubes. Add to cakes, salad & pate.

Catmint: (Nepeta Cataria) when cooked adds a strong mint/ spice flavour. Ideal for rice and vegetable dishes, and complements lamb dishes. Not recommended to eat during pregnancy.

Chives: Have a mild onion flavour and are crunchy. Break the flowers into small florets (they are pungent and can be overwhelming) then toss into salads, pasta and omelettes.

Coriander: The flowers are as adaptable as the leaves. Scatter over cauliflower, add to the end of a stir-fry, mix in cream cheese or use on an orange fruit salad.

Lavender: (Stoechas or angustifolia) There are many ways to use lavender flowers both in sweet and savoury dishes. Make a delicious Lavender sugar, which can be added to biscuits, sorbets, jams or jellies. Flower’s added to vegetable stock creates a tasty sauce for duck or lamb dishes. Lavender oil may be poisonous and should be avoided.

Lemon Balm: Has small flowers that can be added to stuffing for poultry dishes.

Mint: Tiny flowers that pack a punch especially when added to green salads, fruit salads, fresh strawberries, chocolate mousse or chocolate cake.

Monarda (Bergamot): The flower petals have a sweet, spicy flower that enhances salads, jellies and stuffing’s, or rice and pasta dishes. Fresh or dried flowers make a delicious tea.

Rocket: The flowers have a spicy/ peppery flavour that is delicious added to rice, or sprinkled over cooked French beans. Add whole flowers to taramasalata and serve with brown toast.

Rosemary: Add a few flowers to biscuit dough to add flavour.

Sage (common): The flowers taste similar to the leaves and make a vibrant addition to pates, mustards and vinaigrettes.

Whatever July brings I hope you are able to enjoy the fruits of your labours.

Rachel Sobiechowski BSc (Hons), P&R Garden Supplies, Fengate Drove, Brandon 01842 814800 www.p-rgardensupplies.co.uk

Disclaimer: P&R Garden Supplies has researched all the edible flowers listed and to the best of our knowledge all the information provided is accurate and true. However, individuals consuming the flowers, plants, or derivatives listed here do so entirely at their own risk. No liability exists against P&R Garden Supplies or any member of P&R Garden Supplies. P&R Garden Supplies always recommends following good hygiene practices. We cannot guarantee that everyone will react positively to the edible plants listed and P&R Garden Supplies cannot be held responsible for any adverse reaction, side effect, allergy, illness or injury caused by the flowers or information provided in this article. In case of doubt please consult your doctor.

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Page 14: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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)

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Over 55,000 magazines delivered in 2014Over 2,000 copies read online in 2014

Page 15: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Brandon Carnival 2015The sun shone throughout the day as this year’s Brandon Carnival, the fourth under the new committee, saw hundreds turn out for another successful year.

Hundreds of people made their way down to Market Hill to enjoy the event which took place on Sunday 7th June.

Entertainment throughout the day was provided by Zumba Lou Lou, children’s entertainer Zeddi, Brandon School of Dance, Thundercats Cheerleading & Streetdance, Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu and the Music Arts Project who also provided live music throughout the day.

At 1pm crowds gathered on London Road to watch the parade pass through.

The year’s procession included floats by Brandon Town Youth FC and Glade Primary School along with the Brandon Riding Academy, Iceni CAR Club, Coach Services’ Routemaster Bus and vintage fire engine.

Walking groups included Thundercats, Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu, Bury Starlets, Go Ape and Space Cadets.

Children were able to enjoy fairground rides, traditional games, a climbing wall, face painting, Brandon police and fire services, bouncy castle, rodeo bull and much more. Food available included a noodle bar, twisted crisps and twisted dogs, burgers and ice cream plus hot and cold drinks.

From 11am Market Hill and the surrounding roads were filled with stalls from a number of local organisations and traders including Brandon Library, Fudgy Fudge, Naughty But Nice, Brandon Community Union and many, many more.

You can keep up to date with the build up to next year’s Brandon Carnival through the website at www.brandoncarnival.co.uk, on Facebook at facebook.com/BrandonCarnival or on Twitter @BrandonCarnival.

Turn over for our full carnival photo gallery brought to you by...

Page 16: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23
Page 17: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23
Page 18: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

Following some recent conversations between committee members and one or two Brandon residents, the team would like to quash some stories that are circulating around town.

I have been speaking to some people that were under the impression that the Carnival Committee take a wage for organising the event. This is fabrication and not true.

None of the committee are paid a single penny for the 6 months hard work and organisation involved in the run up to the event, nor for the work in promoting before and after.

The second untruth is that the event is funded by either Brandon Town Council or Forest Heath District Council.

We are not helped financially from anywhere other than our ‘in house’ fund raising. This, in the past has consisted of attending events such as Halloween, the Christmas Fayre and producing the town calendar. Between those 3 the funds raised has been around £500. With prudent expenditure that along with the odd funding for specific items such as last years climbing wall the hire fee was met 50/50 with the council event team.

The carnival was never intended to be a profit making venture, rather the aim was to provide the platform for our local groups to raise their profile and public awareness along with much needed funds. We have some figures and this year the Friends of Brandon Library raised almost £300 and Friends of IES hit the £200 mark. We do not have figures for Glade, Brandon Youth FC, Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu, Brandon School of Dance, Thundercats or A1 Parrot Rescue.

The Music Arts Project & Foster Placements were just information providing stalls.

This year the event cost us approximately £1,200 to stage which has seriously depleted our pot of raised funds. You can see that this year’s fund raising bucket collection of £61.51 will barely cover the cost of the flags we hand out on the day, least of all the other entertainment.

Couple this with the lack of manpower offering to help on the day and if the carnival now just stands still after 4 years of growth to put the event on in 2016 is going to prove difficult.

The committee is very small and works without having endless hours of meetings and discussing what or what not to do. What we need are a few people to take on specific roles.

We also need to find some way to encourage some voluntary help for tasks before and after the event, such as putting up the flags and bunting and placing advertising boards.

On the day itself there are plenty of varied tasks where we need people from the start of the day marshalling the stall holders to their designated pitches, to the litter pick at the end. Many tasks ranging from one hour to as much as you can do. Each offer can be tailored to suit you. One of our helpers, who is retired, was there from 9am to 6pm this year!

If you can help in any way please email the committee on [email protected]. Whatever time you can offer would be most appreciated.

18

Brandon Carnival Committee

Rachel at P&R Garden Supplies has taken on the role of organising this year’s “Wheelbarrow” competition and, with the support of the Town Council event team, will once again be holding the afternoon on Market Hill alongside a performance from the Breckland Brass Band.

This year’s theme for the barrows is children’s literature. If you cannot wait until the day you can take a sneak preview as some will be shown on the Facebook page at facebook.com/brandonsuffolkinbloom. Otherwise it’s a wait until 1pm on July 19th to see this year’s displays.

Brass In Bloom

Page 19: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

It’s hard to believe it’s July already. The longest day has been and gone and it doesn’t even feel like we’ve had any summer weather yet! Hopefully this month will bring us

some long over due sunshine and warmth.

There are plenty of things to see at this time of the year. The wet weather has been great for the wild flowers. And there are many different varieties to feast your eyes upon.

Currently giving us a magnificent show of colour is the Vipers Bugloss. This plant was once used as a treatment for snake bites. “Bugloss” is derived from the Greek “bou” ( a

cow or ox) and the Latin word “glosso” (meaning tongue).

The plant is particularly rough to the touch, similar to a cow tongue! So one can only assume that this was a factor when the plant was given its curious name.

Look out for Foxgloves Digitalis purpurea on your travels. They are currently displaying beautifully, with spears of pink, purple or white flowers. They are popular with bees,

which disappear inside the trumpet shaped blooms to gather the nectar.

Be aware that these plants are poisonous if ingested! But they are also a source of digitoxin, a glycoside used in the heart drug Digitalis. It has been used since 1785 as a

heart stimulant, although an overdose can make the heart stop!

The last flower I want to draw attention to is the rather lovely Common Toadflax. The flowers appear in June and can be seen right up until November. They are similar in appearance to a garden ‘Snapdragon’ and their yellow colour gives the plant it’s other

name ‘Butter and Eggs’.

All our native plants provide a great source of nectar for pollinating insects. Which in turn, provide food for other species such as birds and bats. Why not consider setting aside an area of your garden and introducing some of our beautiful native wild flowers?

As well as looking pretty, it would help our struggling bee and butterfly populations.

WILD ABOUT BRANDON

www.wildaboutbrandon.com19

Page 20: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

Methwold Nursery SchoolLearning through play!

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Presents....Breckland Brass Band with Brandon in Bloom

Brandon

Brandon Craft and Gift MarketMarket Place • Saturday 25th July • 9am to 3pm

Come and visit your local market and browse a wonderful array of gifts, food and crafts. Many stalls including beer, jewellery and pictures.

Support your market and shop local

If you are interested in a free stall contact [email protected]

Page 21: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Sports round up from Forest and Elveden C of E Primary Academy...

With SATs behind us and the sun out, both schools have been enjoying a variety of sports competitions. We began with Athletics in which we had some great individual successes and a showcase of some very naturally talented runners.

The following week we focused all our energy on to cricket, with Forest Boys showing that the quality of Primary PE is on the increase year after year. The Forest team played a

blinding tournament finishing joint second, showing that ‘this girl can’.

And finally Elveden entered their first mixed team with a member of their team being scouted for further training. Both schools will now pour all their efforts into perfecting their rounders skills and strategies in time for the highlight of the year at IES Breckland, hopefully with a repeat of an all Forest Semi final and Elveden entering a team for the first time.

Forest Academy

Page 22: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Page 23: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

23

Grilled Kale B.L.T. Dip

For this recipe buy the best, f

lavoursome

tomatoes you can find and us

e smoked or maple

cured bacon. If you can find

some really lean

streaky bacon, that is ideal o

r if not, ordinary back

bacon will do just fine.

These quantities make about 2

1/2 cups of dip.

The recipe uses cup sizes as I

tend to veer towards

using cups now. It is much eas

ier than getting the weighing

scales out and there are some

lovely cup sets on the marke

t.

Ingredients

1 pound of bacon, cooked and

crumbled (few tbsp fat reserve

d)

4 large kale leaves

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup greek yogurt

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked b

lack pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced

or chopped

1 large ciabatta baguette, slice

d into rounds

Grill the bacon until cooked e

nough to crumble. Allow to co

ol.

Reserve a few tablespoons of

the bacon fat.

Set your grill on the highest s

etting. Rub the kale leaves with

olive oil and sprinkle with a b

it of salt and pepper. Place

the leaves on the grill for ju

st 1 minute or so per side, un

til

dark green and slightly golden

in spots. Remove the kale and

let it cool slightly. Remove th

e stem, then use a large knif

e,

slice and shred the kale into

small pieces.

In a large bowl, whisk togethe

r the yogurt and mayo. Whisk

in the pepper and garlic powde

r. Use a spatula to fold the

crumbled bacon, tomatoes and

kale into the dip - Leave a

few bits of bacon for topping

the dip. Mix well until combine

d.

Taste and add a bit of salt i

f needed.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes bef

ore serving.

Preheat your grill to the highe

st setting. To toast

the bread, slice a large baguet

te into 1/2-inch

slices. Brush both sides with t

he reserved bacon

grease. Place the bread slices

on the grill pan

or on a wire rack fitted over

a baking

sheet. Grill for 1 to 2 minute

s, watching

the ENTIRE time so that they

don’t burn. Flip over and grill

for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Serve with the dip!

Page 24: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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Page 25: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

Celebrating 50 years of the Brandon & District Garden Club...

The Club was formed in 1965 and was known as Brandon & District Horticultural Society. Meetings were held at the Baptist Chapel rooms and the Flower Show at the Co-op rooms, where Mr. G’s is now. Since 1971 the Flower Show has been at the Church Institute.

Over the years there have been good speakers on various gardening topics. Many outings have been arranged and regular visits to Diddlington Nurseries. In the 70’s there was a West Suffolk Quiz, when 14 teams took part, in various places within West Suffolk.

Brandon always took part with members of the Club supporting them. The last winners were Brandon and we still have the cup. These quizzes were quite difficult and one had to know Latin names of plants and how to grow certain plants.

In 1976 membership rose to 120.

We entered a float and had a plant stall at the Brandon Festival in the 1970’s.

An Annual Dinner was held at the Church Institute when the President Mr. Seymour de Lotbiniere and his wife Mona would attend.

Today the Club is run on the same lines with the AGM in February, when elections take place, a programme arranged for speakers each month and the Flower Show in July. Our membership is 40 which is good for a local club in 2015. David Pocock is the longest serving member who joined in 1972/73. We have outings and a Club lunch is arranged annually.

We meet at the Church Institute at 7.30pm on the last Monday of the month except Bank Holidays where the meeting is one week earlier. There are no meetings in July or December.

25

Brandon & District Garden Club

2nd Brandon RainbowsThe 2nd Brandon Rainbows have had a truly outstanding year, with new Rainbows joining our unit and making their promises; and with our eldest Rainbows progressing to the Brownie unit.

As well as this, we have achieved our Around the World badges by ‘visiting’ other countries on our cruise ship; our Roundabout badges by focusing on the four areas: Look, Learn, Laugh, and Love; and have completed various challenges designed to test our Team-Building and Communication skills. We also had a visit to the Country Park and try to have a yearly

one night sleepover. We look forward to seeing the Rainbows again in September after a well-earned break!

If you would like your daughter to attend Rainbow’s, and she is between the ages of 5 and 7 years, please contact: Hayley Austin 01842 813835 or Claire Crane 01842 810689. Alternatively visit www.guirlguiding.co.uk click on parents and register your daughter.

Meetings are held at IES Breckland, term-time, every Monday from 4:45 to 5:45pm.

Page 26: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

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

Page 27: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

27

With the 2014 /15 season now over and another successful trip to Holland under our belt (more on Holland next month) we have just rounded off the season with a fantastic Presentation day. Each player was awarded an individual trophy with each manager choosing the special awards for their age group. Over 250 trophies were handed out during the evening with the club showing it’s thanks to players, parents, supporters and sponsors.

The winners of each team’s awards were:

Saturday Soccer: Most Improved: Beau King.U7: Most Improved: Edward Atkins & Alfie Tuffs. Players Player: Finlay Corke. Player of the Year: Bobby Wright.U8: Most Improved: Callum Wing. Players Player: Owen Kruse. Player of the Year: Daniel Clouston.U9: Most Improved: Megan Stuart. Players Player: Harry Garner. Player of the Year: Bobby Barnes.U10: Most Improved: Gabriel Brimmer. Players Player: Kyle Austin. Player of the Year: William Martin.U12 Girls: Most Improved: Abi Finch. Players Player: Rebecca Towler. U11/12: Most Improved: Ben Rogers. Players Player: Daron Bouttle. Player of the Year: James Lockwood.U13: Most Improved: Haaris Khan & Luca Morley. Players Player: George Elliston. Player of the Year: Luke Corbyn.U14 Girls: Most Improved: Alisha Spurling & Abi Clark. Golden Boot: Georgia Reardon. Players Player: Louise Kennedy. Player of the Year: Lene Winstone.

U15 Girls: Most Improved: Orla Jewby. Players Player: Emily Grant. Player of the Year: Ruby Robertson. U15: Most Improved: Ethan Frewer & Harry Roberts. Players Player: Kyle Elrick. Player of the Year; Clayton Waites.U16 Girls: Most Improved: Katie Amacker. Golden Boot; Georgia Dargan. Players Player: Chloe Slater. Player of the Year; Ciona Giles & Ruby Robertson. U16: Most Improved: Ethan Cash. Players Player: George Bane. Player of the Year.: Charlie Goodchild. T20: Golden Boot: Joe Allen. Players Player; Ryan Day. Player of the Year. Jake Bogle & Charlie Stroud. Ladies: Golden Boot: Tiff Forshaw. Players Player: Brooke Wickens. Player of the Year: Frankie Torrance.

Special Awards:

George Todd Trophy: Ruby Robertson Martin Chappell Shield: Harry Rampley Extra Time Trophy: Jason Wing.Mini Clubman: Reid Cox (above, left)Junior Clubman: Teddy Webber (above, right)Senior Clubman: Georgia O’Malley (top photo)

Brandon Town Youth FC

Page 28: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

We were all very disappointed to have missed the Carnival this year. Due to holidays, training and other commitments, none of the Leaders were available. We are taking part in the Brandon in Bloom competition.

Now the weather has changed for the better we are all looking forward to being outside. The Beavers have recently been on a Nature Hike at Brandon Country Park. We are all going to our campsite for a day of activities and we’re planning some other camps and activities during the school holidays.

We will also be attending the Tesco Family Fun Day so please come along and enjoy some fun packed games. We will also be there to talk to anyone who is interested in joining our group.

We will be back after the school holidays... Beavers 7th September, Cubs 9th September and Scouts 11th September.

We hope that you all have a good summer and we will be back with our news in the autumn.

Lynda Smith GSL

1st Brandon Scout Group

Brandon Foto-Imaging GroupHas your camera got the better of you? Wondered why you bought the blessed thing? Can’t achieve the results you’d hoped for?

Nor can many more of us. That’s why we run the Brandon Foto-Imaging Group to try and improve our photography or at least get something worth sticking into a frame.

If you want to get to grips with that lump of plastic then give us a try. We can be found

at www.brandonfoto-imaging.co.uk or call 01842 813439 in the evenings.

For beginners to the more advanced; light hearted but keen group of amateur photographers based at St John Ambulance Hall, Playing Fields, Brandon. New season starts Thursday 23rd July 2015.

You know it makes sense!

Shoestring Theatre Company are pleased to announce that we will be performing a version of the classic tale “Alice in Wonderland” in the Walled Garden at Brandon Country Park on Sunday 12th July, with performances at 10.30am, 12.00 noon, 1.30pm and 3.00pm.

Please come along to this open-air show and walk with Alice as she meets many of the well

known characters from the story. This show is suitable for all age groups. Duration of each performance is approximately 35 minutes.

Tickets will be available on the day, at the venue, at £3 each (under 5’s free). Please come along to what promises to be an entertaining and enjoyable show for all the family. We look forward to seeing you there.

Shoestring Theatre Company

28

Page 29: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

29

Sudoku 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

PUZZLE PAGE

Page 30: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

Your website for our townnews • businesses • events • information • more

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www.terryh.co.uk07884 030826 [email protected]

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Page 31: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23

31

Useful Telephone Numbers

Puzzle Page Solutions

Councils

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

Sudoku Pyramid Code Word

Word Wheel

9 letter word: boardroom

Page 32: Brandon Town Magazine - Issue 23