Tuesday, 9 February 2010

The Trials of an Urban Botanist


My training ground as a botanist was the town of Lowestoft in Suffolk and the outlying villages. I still study there. Here I search every nook and cranny for that elusive species concluding with a list of over 400 species per 2km square to date. It has not always been smooth sailing as one who carries binoculars, camera, vasculum and eye lens is very open to inquisitive members of the public and feral children too.

I would like to document a few hazards that we urban plant hunters have to deal with.

I was followed by a group of children along the old railway line at Lowestoft and as I stopped to photograph or study a plant they would follow up by destroying said species, I was once stoned by a gang of boys and girls one of which included a visit to casualty as a half brick was thrown by an unseen child on top of my head causing a skull fracture As I sat bleeding the children attempted to steal my bag of voucher specimens.

In the village of Blundeston north west of Lowestoft, I was surveying the roadside verges when the common shout of “What are you doing?” resonated across the road. I explained that I was studying and recording plants to which the lady replied. “There are no flowers here only weeds, I am calling the Police.” The Police never did turn up.

Sometimes the former question would gain access to private land but more often than not it would be the precursor to some sort of verbal abuse from the 'finder of a botanist'. Funny how the behaviour of a plant lover can produce so much suspicion.

During a Lowestoft Field Club trip to Roydon Fen near Diss we passed a line of terraced houses along a footpath and as we were recording the plants here a housewife came out and shouted “Go away, go away we don’t want your sort round here.” This was then followed by the residents alerted by the shouter who with brooms and a spade attempted to chase away ten botanists, it was so funny we just laughed at them which made them madder.

Often when I photographed flowers I would be followed by a member of the public who would once the photograph was taken would up root the plant and take it away. On questioning the act the reply was normally along the lines of “We don’t want everyone coming up here to look at this rare plant.” Or “If you are photographing it, it must be rare we are going to plant it in our garden.” Sometimes it was just to spite me but why?

Generally though the great Lowestoft public would ignore you. Finally one very funny but also scary incident was when I was up in an area of Lowestoft unknown to me is known as for a trawling place for men who like men. I was looking at some flowers when I rose to see a man with his trousers down making lewd remarks to me. I just laughed at him and walked off but had I been much younger or a woman the incident could have been very frightening.

Now I am a bit more streetwise and will avoid where possible gangs of bored youths along lonely footpaths and residential areas near to suspicious housewives but typically this is where the best plants can be found in the area.

In 2009 I moved to Beccles in the same county and the public are more receptive to the field naturalist. My old grandfather used to say “If you don’t go to the pub, smoke cigarettes and read the Sun newspaper you are not considered to be normal..”

Some Naturalists can be considered eccentric (just as my granddaughter does as she thinks I am weird.) but she soon comes over to our house when she wants help with her homework though.

We are really very benign and not at all like people make us out to be just occasionally we need to watch our backs.

Colin Jacobs

becclesnaturalist.blogspot.com


New web site for Bungay Taekwon-do Club

New web site for Bungay Taekwon-do Club

www.bungay-taekwondo.co.uk

Have a look, then come and try our sport!

Get stronger, fitter & build your confidence.

Our training includes:
hand and feet martial arts techniques
fighting patterns
semi-contact sparring
full contact bag work
'destruction' board breaking techniques
street style self defence
national belt gradings and tournaments

Great friendly club atmosphere,
ideal for families and individuals
building fitness and self confidence

An interest in Wild Flowers - Urban Botanist


There are times in one’s life as a Naturalist that you remember more than anything else.
My abiding memory of the start of my love of wild flowers springs to mind. In 1987 I had just started active birding after a break of seven years, chasing girls and being foolish with alcohol.

By the July of 1987 birdwatching had become slower and without any conscious effort began to look for flowers. Of course I knew Alexanders Smyrnium olusatrum known incorrectly as Angelica but little else.. I had that eureka moment and bought a field guide that even today I use to the full. Soon I was searching the village of Kessingland and remember the satisfaction of identifying Herb Robert Geranuim robertianum by Coopers Barn and Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis. I had some training at school using the keys in the Clapham Tutin and Warburg Wild flower book which was almost all text but that training has stayed with me years. Soon I joined the Lowestoft Field Club and until 2007 enjoyed recording flowers.

I am now an active member within both the Wild Flower Society and the Botanical Society of the British Isle and may soon be on the council of both by the time you read this.

The former produces an annual diary of flowers and there are various branches you can reach as you reach that milestone number of species. All have to be in flower and it is a great way to find new species and become acquainted with those you study.

Since this 1987 period I now study all nature and there is always something to see every time I am out in the field.

Colin Jacobs

becclesnaturalist.blogspot.com

Have fun at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts this February half-term

World Art Collections Exhibition
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

Have fun at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts this February half-term
and celebrate a history of Norfolk
and its place in the world

Visitors in the permanent collection
Photos: Andi Sapey


On Tuesday 16 February 2010 the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, launches Object of the Holiday, an exciting new series of free activities designed by Sainsbury Centre artists and guides, which features objects from the Centre’s permanent collections. This half-term the Object of the Month is the antler comb from the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection. The comb is part of A History of the World, a BBC and British Museum partnership project, which uses museum objects to tell local and global stories in new ways with internet, television and radio. Object of the Holiday runs from Tuesday 16 February to Sunday 21 February 2010 and is free of charge. Booking is not required – drop in between 10am and 5pm.

“Object of the Holiday is a new initiative; each holiday we will have free drop-in activities for families linked to our permanent collections. The activities, which are all designed by our artist-consultants and guides, offer chance for families to do things together. They can have fun being creative and exploring the galleries, then relax in the gallery café or head outside to play in the beautiful parkland which surrounds the Centre. Call in to see us and let us take you round the world!” - Veronica Sekules, Head of Education and Research at the Sainsbury Centre.

During February half-term there will be lots to of Object of the Holiday activities to enjoy. Artist Sarah Florence has designed a fabulous new Activity Sketchbook with drawing, facts about the comb, a gallery trail and things to do at home. She has also developed a Make your own 3D caribou head for families to do together at the activity table. There will also be stories about the comb and other objects, developed by Sainsbury Centre guides, in the Living Area gallery (rugs kindly provided by Country and Eastern).

On Tuesday 16 February, to launch the week, there will also be some exciting extra things to do. There will be chance to enjoy a special a collection story in the gallery, narrated by Sainsbury Centre guide Brenda Packman. Another of the guides, Eileen Conway, will be dressed for the occasion and will be giving Captain Vancouver tours of the permanent collection for children.

The antler comb is displayed as part of the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection in the main Living Area gallery at the Sainsbury Centre. The object is one of ten from the BBC’s eastern region selected to tell a history of Norfolk and its place in the world.

Antler comb

“We are delighted to be involved in ‘A History of the World’, which promises to be a really exciting and innovative project, encouraging people to get more involved with our museums. We hope that people will come to see the comb and the hundreds of other objects from all around the world which are on display here. The Sainsbury Centre is a university museum with free admission to its permanent collections and is both a centre of research and learning, and a relaxed and friendly place for local people to enjoy” - Nichola Johnson, Director, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.

The antler comb was collected at Cross Sound, southern Alaska, in July 1794 during Captain George Vancouver's voyage in the Pacific on HMS Discovery (1791-5). The provenance of the comb makes it one of the earliest documented pieces to have been collected among the Tlingit people.

Born in 1757 in King's Lynn, Norfolk, Captain Vancouver sailed on James Cook's second and fateful third voyage (Cook died on this voyage in Hawaii in 1779). Captain Vancouver's mapping of the Northwest Coast of America was exceptionally detailed and continued to guide voyagers for generations.

“The sculptors and weavers of the Northwest Coast were inspired by animal forms which they used as clan crests on objects of value. The Sainsbury Collection has a marvellous group of rattles, bowls, headdresses and other ritual objects which take an animal or bird form. They are made from beautiful materials such as ivory, antler or horn, and were used in gift exchanges with outsiders, which is how some of them originally came to Europe” – Professor Steven Hooper, permanent collection expert and Director of the Sainsbury Research Unit at the University of East Anglia.

The comb is well-preserved and the carving noteworthy. The stylised bird on this comb (typical of the art of the peoples of the Northwest Coast of America) possibly represents the mythical raven, famous throughout the coast, who was capable of transforming himself into many guises and whose exploits are recounted in numerous myths. It is almost certainly made from caribou antler. Caribou do not occur in Tlingit territory and their antler and skins, excellent for clothing, were obtained by trade with the Athapaskan peoples of the interior. Combs like this were used as hair ornaments and were valued as objects for display and exchange.

Antler comb from the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection
Photo: James Austin


Dates, Times and Information
The Sainsbury Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm and until 8pm on Wednesdays (closed Mondays including Bank Holiday Mondays)
Tel 01603 593199
www.scva.ac.uk

Admission to the permanent collections is free
Entry to special exhibitions is charged

Provenance
The comb was acquired in 1983 by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury following an auction at Sotheby’s, London, when an export licence was withheld. Its collection history was not known, but subsequent research by Steven Hooper led to the discovery by a relative of the vendor of a hand-written list of ethnographic material bearing the name Captain Dobson.

On this list, under the heading ‘Cross Sound’ is the entry ‘1 Bone Carved Comb’. The items on this list were grouped under places which correspond precisely to those visited by Captain George Vancouver during his voyage in the Pacific in HMS Discovery (1791–5). Thomas James Dobson was serving on the Discovery at the time and comparison of the list with Dobson’s log at the Public Records Office shows it was written in his own hand. The association between Dobson’s list and the comb is confirmed by the fact that companion pieces sold at auction can also be readily identified on the list.

Later the comb passed from Dobson in to the possession of a collector John Gent (died c. 1815) of Devizes, Wiltshire, and thence by descent to the vendor in 1983.

The Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection
The antler comb is part of the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection which is primarily show in a gallery known as the Living Area, where modern European art is interspersed with objects from across the globe. The objects you find here span 5,000 years of human creativity.

Sir Robert and Lady Sainsbury were passionate collectors. Their collection reflects their friendships with artists such as Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti and Francis Bacon. It also includes works by Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas and Amedeo Modigliani. Many of these artists drew their inspiration from world art, a fascination for which they shared with the Sainsburys.

Other works reflect the Sainsbury’s instinctive response to sculptural form, an interest in contemporary painting and enthusiasm for studio ceramics.


Other Information
The Sainsbury Centre is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and The Gatsby Charitable Foundation


Other Norfolk Top 10 Objects

For more information about the objects below please contact:
John Davies, Norfolk Museums Service
john.davies@norfolk.gov.uk
01603 493 630

The Happisburgh hand-axe
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
An object of world significance, this beautiful ovate hand-axe dating from early pre-history was found on a Norfolk beach in 2000. It showed that humans had been present in Britain some 200,000 years earlier than had previously been known.

Seahenge reconstruction
The Lynn Museum, King's Lynn
This unique find of international significance was discovered on Holme beach on the north Norfolk coast and excavated in 1999. The timber circle has been reconstructed in the Lynn Museum.

The Crownthorpe Hoard
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
In 1982 a metal-detector user discovered a hoard of Iron Age and Roman drinking vessels that had been buried near a Romano-British settlement at Crownthorpe in central Norfolk. This important group of objects comprises seven bronze vessels, representing a drinking set, in the Roman fashion.

Personal seal matrix of Queen Balthild
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
This gold seal matrix was discovered in 1999 by a metal-detector user in a field a few miles east of Norwich. The seal was originally part of a swivelling finger ring and the style of its engravings suggests an early Anglo-Saxon date.

The Paston Treasure
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
This oil painting of exotic collections is one of the most important depictions of a schatzkammer (cabinet of treasures - Wunderkammer - wonders) in the history of British collecting. It is a record of the magnificent collections once held at Oxnead Hall in Norfolk, home of the Paston family and hails from the Dutch School, painted between 1666-69.

Thomas Paine’s death mask
Ancient House Museum, Thetford
Thomas Paine is one of Norfolk’s most famous and internationally influential sons. Born at Thetford in 1737, he was an author, pamphleteer, radical, inventor, intellectual and revolutionary.

Snettisham Gold tubular torc
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
This rare and magnificent tubular gold torc was part of the first discovery made at Snettisham in November 1948 and becoming known as the Snettisham Treasure. Subsequent discoveries of gold, silver and bronze items at the site have made this the biggest collection of Iron Age Celtic metalwork ever discovered in the British Isles and the Treasure is unique in Western Europe.

Self-Portrait photograph of Olive Edis
Cromer Museum
Olive Edis was an outstanding photographer who pioneered new photographic techniques in the early decades of the 20th century. Edis photographed a wide variety of British society from royalty and famous people of her day, to Norfolk fishermen's wives.

Jacket worn by the pilot of B17 ‘Fever Beaver’
100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, Thorpe Abbotts
This jacket was worn by the pilot of the B17 ‘Fever Beaver’ on its 100th mission. This plane completed a record 125 missions and represents an important episode in 20th century history when Norfolk became a massive airbase for American bomber crews who helped swing the tide towards allied victory in WWII.

Discover Theatre Day: Suffolk Art Link


Discover Theatre Day:
Making Theatre Accessable At The New Wolsey

Thursday 25 February 2010

The New Wolsey Theatre has a commitment to promoting theatre to a diverse range of people. They have, for some time, been delivering audio described performances for blind and partially sighted patrons and recently they launched a new service in the area for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing patrons - captioned theatre.
To promote both services to existing and new audiences the theatre are hosting an open day for local deaf or visually impaired people, their friends and family.
The event will take place on: Thursday 25 February
At: 11am - 1pm (audio description) and 1.30pm - 3.30pm (captioning)

This event is an exciting opportunity for all blind, visually impaired, deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people in the Ipswich area to find out more about both services, discover what’s involved and what’s on offer at the New Wolsey Theatre. The events will include a demonstration of the services, a tour of the theatre and a chance to meet staff and fellow audience members.



Both events at the New Wolsey Theatre on 25th February are Free.
If you would like to attend, advance booking is essential.
Please contact info@see-a-voice.org or phone 020 7377 0978

Big Cottage Holidays: sleep 10 to 22 plus


Big Cottage Holidays

Specialise in holiday cottages that sleep between 10 and 22+ people.

Getting away from it all doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to friends and family… the traditional house party gets a modern twist with our fantastic selection of large holiday cottages.

A big cottage holiday is perfect for large family gatherings and old-friends reunions, whether you’re planning a special celebration, summer holiday or seasonal break. Special-interest groups are catered for too… spend the day enjoying your favourite sport or hobby, then swap stories and advice all evening in the company of like-minded enthusiasts.

Going away in a group is a fantastic way to share the costs and chores of a self-catering holiday. And when the planning and fun are shared too, it all adds up to a wonderful holiday experience and a wealth of happy memories.

Our selection of properties will show you just how great your big cottage holiday could be. These properties all come highly recommended by the specialists who work in our network of local holiday cottage companies – these are people with unrivalled knowledge of the areas and the properties showcased here, and you will deal direct with them once you’ve chosen your big cottage holiday location.

We believe there’s no substitute for knowledge and experience, which is why we’ve chosen to think big but keep our offices small and local. It’s the attention to detail and personal touch which keeps customers coming back to us year after year… we look forward to helping you choose your big cottage holiday in the near future!

Local Tom

www.bigcottageholidays.co.uk

Then & Now. This week last year!

Then & Now. This week last year!
click on image above to see more


Jobs at Suffork Art Link


Suffolk Artlink Job Opportunities:

*Finance Manager*

*JumpstART! Project Development Officer*

*Clown Round Community Artists*
Working with hospitalised children and young people through magic, singing, drama, play and circus skills


For more details about these opportunities see:
http://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/Jobopps.htm
contact Suffolk Artlink on 01986 873955



Soluble pain-killers can be another source of hidden salt


As National Salt Awareness Week draws to a close many people in the county will now be more aware of the salt content of the food they eat.

The government recommended adult daily limit is 6g of salt, what we call salt is mostly the chemical sodium chloride, and the real problem with salt is the amount of sodium it contains therefore it is important to keep an eye on what you eat.

Now NHS Suffolk is encouraging people where possible to avoid what for many will be an unexpected source of sodium - large soluble paracetamol containing painkillers.The full daily dose of these large soluble or effervescent pain-relieving tablets contains the equivalent of 6 grams of salt, which when combined with a normal diet, will significantly exceed the recommended daily limits.

Too much salt can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Given that stroke ends in death for one in three and that heart disease kills one in five, regulating salt intake is important for healthy wellbeing.


Richard Hodgson, Senior Pharmacist, NHS Suffolk said:

“Avoid taking the large tablets that make a fizzy solution when you drop them in water. If you have them on prescription, simply ask your doctor for the non-soluble form. Similarly, avoid buying them from pharmacies and ask for the non-soluble form instead.”

Soluble pain-relieving tablets can be useful for migraine or occasional headaches because they may be absorbed more quickly than non-soluble tablets. Using soluble tablets occasionally does not present any risk. If you use them for longer-lasting pain it might be a good idea to use the non-soluble equivalents.

Your local pharmacist will be happy to advise.

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk

Art Courses and Exhibitions - Anteros Art Centre Norfolk

Great Courses, Great Lunches,
Great Accommodation, Anteros Art Centre

Art Courses
Take a break & paint at the Anteros Arts Centre, Norfolk


The Anteros Foundation runs short courses in oil, water colour, acrylic and mixed media.
The courses are run by selected artists known as good teachers.
The setting is in the idyllic Norfolk countryside.
Our courses are open to all abilities and enable like minded people
to be creative away from the everyday stresses of working life.


Art Courses 2010

All courses include lunch unless otherwise stated.


The Art of Garden Design Part 1
24, 25 April
With Su Chisnell
You will leave with a map of your garden design. £60 a day.

The Art of Garden Design Part 2
25, 26 September
Colour focal points
£60 a day.


Contemporary Landscape Painting (Oil)
15, 16 & 17 May
With Tom Benjamin
This course includes focused exercises and practical support,
come prepared for all weathers.
£60 a day.


Lisa Farrant Open Studio
22, 23 May Exhibition 29, 30, 31 May Exhibition 5, 6 June Exhibition
Bank Holiday, family bike circuit, afternoon tea, from 10am to 3pm.


Printmaking without a Press 28–30 May
With Philippa Grant
You will make relief prints and then experiment with this process;
then producing a small edition of handmade, near identical prints.
£60 for the weekend, bring packed lunch.


Painting Water Lilies 3, 4, 5 & 6 June
With John Hemmant
Oil and water colour landscape, whichever your preference.
Days 1 & 2: Anteros Centre
Days 3 & 4: (including boat trip) meet at Barton Broad
£55 a day. Bring packed lunch for each day.
(Limited to 5)


Contemporary Water Colour 19 & 20 June
With Peter Welton
You will learn watercolour techniques: wet on wet; wet on dry;
the use of intense colour to greatest effect; tonal quality;
the Peter Welton technique.
£60 a day.


Life Class 4, 11, 18 September
With Will Teather
Three separate life models, mixing short and long poses.
Improve skills of observation and how to express
this on paper in relation to life drawing.
£35 a session.


Botanical Art
9th & 10th October
With Mariella Baldwin
Mariella taught on the Diploma Course at the Chelsea Physic Garden.
Using watercolour you will be taught accurate observation and
successful colour mixing when drawing and painting.
You will work at your own pace in an encouraging,
informative and challenging environment.
£60 a day.


Iconography 22, 23 & 24 October
Dr Stephene Rene/ John Hemmant
You will prepare a board with Gesso, gain an understanding
of the egg tempera medium and pigments used.
You will learn the technique of layering the pigment to
obtain translucent layers and therefore depth.
A useful technique for portraiture.
£230.


Summer School
(ages 9–12)
The summer school is a creative art event for 9–12 year olds, allowing them to socialise
with their friends and develop their artistic skills in a creative environment.
£25 a day.

26 & 27 July
Ben Quail
Printing your own t-shirt!
Ben is an established printmaker and community artist
known for his humorous and colourful pieces.

28 & 29 July
Neil Gardner
Neil is known for innovative mixed media work with students.

30 & 31 July
Peter Sek
African cave painting and scraffito.
A Ugandan born artist, Peter was artist in residence at the Sainsbury Centre.


Sixth Form Art Summer School (life class)
26, 27 & 28 August
With Will Teather
Teather also lectures at the Norwich University College of the Arts.
Three different life models will be used mixing long and short poses.
The course will improve skills of observation and how to
express this on paper in relation to life drawing.
£30 per day.


East Anglian Schools Portrait Prize 2010
All entries by 11 October
Exhibition and naming of winner 29, 30 & 31 October.


Exhibitions:
The Anteros Centre has a modern well lit space for exhibitions; the Centre staff will assist in marketing events such as private viewings.

The Centre has good parking and catering facilities.

The setting is unique and a great place to be.

Contact details:
John Hemmant
Director

The Anteros Arts Centre
The Harriers
Loddon Road
Bergh Apton
Norfolk
NR15 1BT
map

Email:
john.hemment@anteros.co.uk

Telephone:
01223 969616

Mobile:
07976 587 797

Web site:
www.anteros.co.uk

Accommodation available:
See aforementioned website for details

MIKE'S MUSINGS - 9 February 2010

magpies


COUNTLESS HOURS

As many members, past and present, will know David Cobbald has spent countless hours at the club over many years working on the club's grounds and pitches. His job title has rarely been properly defined but I know David would not complain at being called groundman's assistant, i.e. assistant to his son Philip.

In this capacity DC has worked tirelessly for the club and we all owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for all he has done in this and numerous other capacities going back over 50 years.

All good things must, sadly, come to an end and DC has finally, after a few recent health concerns, listened to his wife, Judy, and family and has reluctantly decided to take life at an easier pace.

This has necessitated a fresh approach to the maintenance of the club's grounds and pitches with the establishment of a Ground Team under the co-ordination of Jeremy Podd. The various members will be responsible for specific tasks which include grass cutting and rolling, hedge cutting, strimming of banks, repair and replacement, when necessary, of the rabbit fencing, spraying of weeds, brushing of the artificial grass pitches, etc., etc. I am pleased to say that both David and Philip will continue to assist the club as members of the team. If you have comments to make regarding the grounds and pitches or would like to join the Ground Team please have a word with Jeremy (please see page 6 of the club's handbook for his contact details).

Results last weekend were a real mixed bag with the Men's 1sts and 2nds both losing; the Ladies' 1sts drawing 1-1 (congratulations to Emily Wilford on scoring her first national league goal) despite dominating Cambridge City for much of the game; the Men's 5ths pulling out of their match due to several late call-offs and eight of our teams winning. The Ladies' 2nds took another step away from relegation by beating Norwich City 2-1 with goals by Jesse Withers and Melissa Hunter; the Ladies 3rds beat Evergreens 3-1 with a hat trick by Keira Booty, who was recently promoted from the 5ths, and the 5ths won 6-0 against Evergreens 2nds with Jess Howland scoring four. Did Dad Paul ever score so many in a match? He tried to tell me on Sunday that it was a regular occurrence! All I can remember were his somersaulting goal scoring celebrations!

There was another win for the Ladies' Development (their tenth successive victory!); an eighth successive win for the Men's 3rds (with two more goals by guess who?) and a welcome three points for the Men's 4ths who beat Norwich Dragons 2-1. And the Men's Veterans got themselves into action for the first time since November 21 and gained a 2-0 win over Cambridge City. I missed the two goals so I was left watching a lot of huff and puff with no end product. I enjoyed using this phrase after the game hence a repeat here! But to be fair they played some delightful flowing hockey but missed the goal power of the injured Roger Kent who was in the 'crowd'. But the game I enjoyed most over the weekend was the 7-0 victory of the Mixed team on Sunday over Norwich City in the EH Trophy. Robbie Kinsella steadied any early nerves with a deft touch and thereafter more goals flowed from Bryony Lund, Verity Blyth (2), Daniel Legg, Lucy Fields (a cracking shot high into the net from distance) and Robbie again.

After their 4-1 defeat away to Holcombe the Men's 1sts will have been relieved to learn that bottom team Chelmsford (now six points behind Magpies) had beaten Indian Gymkhana (still five points behind) and to take full advantage of this result the team needs to beat Chelmsford at Weybread this coming Sunday (2.15) where in previously postponed fixtures the Men's 3rds entertain Dereham 3rds (12.30) while the Men's Vets take on table topping Ipswich (3.15). Also at home on Sunday will be the U18 Girls who play Old Loughtonians (11.45) for a place in the quarter finals of the EH Cup.

But before then we have twelve teams in Saturday action with the Ladies' 1sts travelling to play Northampton Saints (12.30) who they beat 5-1 earlier in the season. It was good to see Charlie Harrison easing herself back into the team last Saturday following the birth of her second child. Meantime the Men's 2nds have centre stage at Weybread when they entertain Letchworth (12.30) - to whom they lost 6-3 earlier in the season - with the Ladies' 2nds playing Ipswich 2nds (1.45) and the Men's 3rds taking on North Walsham (2.15). Please see the Home Page of the website for a full list of this weekend's matches. Good luck to all our teams.

With kind regards and best wishes

Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 9/2/10
Monday, 8 February 2010

African Queen - Bungay Film Club, Monday 22nd Feb 2010

Bungay Film Club

Many thanks to everyone who attended our last film "Coco before Chanel" which produced our biggest ever audience (63).

Our next screening is "African Queen" on Monday 22 February.

Bungay Film Club's next screening is director, John Huston's The African Queen (U), starring Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, at 7.30 p.m. on Monday, 22 February 2010 at the Fisher Theatre, Bungay.

Set in East Africa in 1915, Hepburn plays a prim missionary who accepts a lift downriver with a disreputable river trader (Bogart) to escape the Germans. Both Hepburn and Bogart are on top form, aided by a witty script and magnificent location photography.

Full of adventure, comedy and humanity. 103 minutes


click to enlarge

More details are on our website www.bungayfilmclub.com

Reduced cost membership is available for our remaining screenings. Please ask at the Box Office before a screening.

Hope to see you at our next screening.


NEW on the Queen's Head menu


Queen's Head at Bramfield

NEW on the Queen's Head menu

Poacher pot


A perfect winter warmer

Local pheasant, Norfolk free-range chicken and "Blythburgh" free-range pork braised in "Aspalls" Suffolk Cider with vegetables and herbs topped with "Wakelyns Farm" organic potatoes. The hot pot is served with braised red cabbage and sticky parsnips roasted in Mr. Nortons local honey.

Delicious home-made meals served lunch and dinner 7 days a week.


Mark & Amanda Corcoran


Queen's Head
The Street, Bramfield
Halesworth IP19 9HT
Tel 01986 784214

qhbfield@aol.com

Owl City, Fireflies - YouTube


see more videos via our BlogPod


23 year old businesswoman wins regional award


Suffolk businesswoman Rachel Ducker, aged 23, has been awarded the title of ‘East of England Young Businesswoman of the year 2009’ (sponsored by Adnams plc) after just seven months in her first business.

The prestigious award ceremony, organised by the Suffolk Branch of the Institute of Directors, was held on Thursday evening at the Radisson Blu hotel, Stansted, with over 180 people in attendance.

Rachel beat three other finalists to win the title, and was considered by six female judges after a 2000 essay about her business and a twenty-minute presentation

Her business, Apparition Marketing and Design, based in Halesworth and Bury St Edmunds, is a creative agency that helps businesses with marketing, PR, website and design solutions, with client businesses of all sizes from various sectors.

She attributes her twenty years of training in the Martial Art of Kuk Sool Won as one of the catalysts for her success in business, and sees no reason why she cannot use this within her career, as it has taught her how to focus, persevere and reach her goals.

She explains that combining these skills with her strong moral values and a caring personality is what allows her to help other businesses to grow and achieve results.

Rachel says: “In the economic climate we are in, I think that it is important to give back and keep supporting the business community. I have always been a fighter both in my Martial Arts training and within my business career.”

On winning the award Rachel comments: “To be short listed was wonderful, to become a finalist was exciting but to actually win and be recognised at this age and so early on within my business is amazing!”

“The support I have received since starting my business last year has been overwhelming and I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

“I hope that I can be a role model for others of my age who have, or are thinking of starting their own business. It is hard work but the results are so rewarding, especially when you can make a difference.”

Rachel will be continuing to do what she does best, helping her clients by unleashing her passion and energy to make others more successful through creative marketing and design.

For more information about Apparition Marketing & Design, call 07590 124227

Magpies Hockey Results - 6, 7 Febuary 2010

magpies
LADIES 1s v Cambridge City (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 1-1 D
LADIES 2s v Norwich City (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 2-1 W
LADIES 3s v Evergreens (L) (A) 10.15 3-1 W
LADIES 4s v Lowestoft Railway (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 1-2 L
LADIES 5s v Evergreens 2s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 6-0 W
LADIES 6s v Thetford 2s (L) (A) 1.30 1-1 D
LADIES Dev. v Dereham (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 3-0 W

MENS 2s v Cambridge Nomads (L) (A) 12.30 2-4 L
MENS 3s v Sudbury 2s (L) (A) 1.00 3-0 W
MENS 4s v Norwich Dragons 2s (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 2-1 W
MENS 5s v North Walsham 2s (L) (A) 2.30 0-3 L
MENS 6s v Norwich City 4s (L) (H) 3.15 (S) 2-3 L
MENS Vets v Cambridge City (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 2-0 W

Results - Sunday 7 February 2010
MENS 1s v Holcombe (L) (A) 1.30 1-4 L

MIXED v Norwich City (EH Cup) (H) 12.15 7-0 W

GPs in Suffolk rated best in the region


Patients in Suffolk are amongst the most satisfied in the region – with Suffolk GPs achieving joint top position in a new poll by NHS East of England.

Members of the public across the east of England were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with their GP over the last year.

Patients in the NHS Suffolk area gave their GPs an impressive overall satisfaction rate of 79.6% - which was the joint top position with NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney and well above the average national GP satisfaction rate of 75.5%.

In a series of five questions, NHS Suffolk area GPs were rated top in the whole of the east of England for two categories, with easy ‘phone access to the surgery rated at 74.4% and ability to book two days ahead at 76.2%.

Additionally, 86.5% were satisfied with their ability to see their doctor quickly and 83% were satisfied with GP surgery opening hours.

Sadie Parker of NHS Suffolk said: “The results of this survey highlight just how well our GP practices are at delivering a superb level of service to patients. Our practice teams should be proud of these results.”

“We will do all we can to support GP surgeries to further improve the experience patients have.”

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk

A Big Thank You to All Magpies Sponsors

The Club is very grateful to the following companies and organisations for their invaluable support by way of sponsorship, pitch side advertising boards and/or handbook or national league match programme advertisements.

We hope that members and supporters will in turn kindly consider giving their support to these friends of the Club
please mention Harleston Magpies HC.

Kitchen Sense of Harleston
Hunton Legg (R.G.) Ltd
Waveney Valley Blog - imajaz limited

LMB Services
Banham Graham, Chartered Accountants
Kevin Ridley, Oil & Gas Heating
Cadman Construction Ltd
Lings
Earsham Gravels Ltd
Malcolm Easey
Neil Bomford European Transport
GM Autotech
Alan Boswell Insurance Services Ltd
Harrod UK Limited
Hatch Brenner, Solicitors
WB Fairhead & Son, Quality Hay & Straw
Thos. Wm. Gaze & Son
Nursey of Bungay, Leather & Sheepskin
Barclays Bank
Diss Express
Les Cotton Contractors Ltd
TW & CA Beales, High Class Butcher
Gawdy Hall Estate
Durrants, Estate Agents
The Auberge, Yaxley
The Waveney Rush Industry Limited
Black Swan, Homersfield
NFU Mutual
Crown Milling
Abacus Lighting Limited
O&C Butcher, Ladieswear, Menswear, Footwear, Aldeburgh
Bernhard’s Sports Surfaces
Rattlerow Farms
Community News
Andy Long Forestry
Karl Lugo, Joinery and Carpentry Services
NEG Technologies
TG Askew, Transport
Dean Stokes, Builder
AJ Driver, Joinery Manufacturers
Sergeant & Barber, Opticians
Messrs J and M Spindler
Tubes Scaffolding Ltd
BP LPG
Farmade Management Systems Limited
Bartlett Signs
Larking Gowen, Accountants
Sue Read Shoes
Aldridge Electronics
Oakwood Veterinary Group
Mike the Mender, Domestic Appliance Repairs
Potters of Weybread
www.kilbourns.co.uk High Spec Ford Specialist
Parsons Estate Agents
John and Maureen Pestell
STYLES

If you would like to advertise in the club's handbook and/or the national league match programme or would like to have a pitch side advertising board please contact Mike Denham on 01603 506925

www.magpies-hockey.co.uk
Sunday, 7 February 2010

St. Valentine - Audio Story

From Prince Bertie the Frog
Read by Natasha Gostwick. Duration 6 mins


by

www.storynory.com


LIPSTICK IN THE MIRROR - driving-hint

LIPSTICK IN THE MIRROR

How many times do you drive along and the driver behind is travelling much too close, not leaving a minimum of 2 seconds or 4 seconds in poor conditions.

The driving standards now seem to be GO GO GO nobody drives as if they enjoy driving.

Sorry Girls but I just need to highlight a survey which was carried out by a motor insurer.

A fifth of Female Drivers have confessed they put mascara on while they are driving, so this is about 2.7 million of the 15 million women drivers in Great Britian.

3% admitted being in collision with other drivers when being distracted applying make up.

Yes I know you always say you are the best at multi-tasking, but on a very serious note a new offence came in over a year ago and that is Causing Death by Careless Driving and this carries a Prison Sentence of up to two years.

Young women aged 17 to 21 were found to be most likely putting beauty before safety, and more at risk crashing a car.

We all lead busy lives and you all agree driving means giving full attention in the task of keeping ourselves safe as well as other road users, so if you are lucky to arrive safe at work, but a police officer has spotted
your careless driving you will be charged!

The poll of 4,000 women drivers 27 % confessed to applying make up.

9% aged 18 or younger had crashed while doing so, which is 3 times the average.


So we must all drive safe at all times, be aware of others on the road, we always say be watch full of other road users they do crazing things but dont forget thats what they are saying about you...

Sorry Girls to use you as a story, yes I know you have just been overtaken by a male driver, yes he may well have been shaving at the same time. But there are no surveys reported as yet, watch this space.

Try to stop the lipstick reflecting in the mirror of the vehicle in front.

Leaving space to the front gives plenty of time to stop safely.

Stop so you can see the Tyres on Tarmac of the vehicle in front.

Always give yourself an escape route.

Driving is an art, so stay safe, be aware at all times and remember
DRIVING SAFELY is LIVING LONGER!

BREAKING NEWS
Male drivers in London have emerged as being more aggressive and more likely to lose control, crash and be involved in road accidents.

But Britain's safest drivers are apparently housewives in their 40s from Portsmouth with brown hair and blue eyes.

Perhaps it's something in the water
.

Mike Daniels and AcciDON’T
D.S.A. Registered Instructor, Awarded Highest Grade 6

SuffolkTouristGuide.com Leading online Guide to Suffolk Tourism

SuffolkTouristGuide.com
is the leading online Guide for the whole of Suffolk covering Days Out and What’s On, Hotels, B&B’s and self catering accommodation, Restaurants and Pubs, and showcasing what Suffolk has to offer visitors and locals.

The Guide attracts over 25,000 unique visitors a month and is constantly being updated, with new articles, events and competitions being added all the time.

So if you’re looking for information on things to do in Suffolk, Festivals, Art Exhibitions, special offers or what’s on in your area, just click through to www.suffolktouristguide.com.

Or, if you’re looking for a place to stay, check out www.suffolkhotelsguide.com for some fantastic deals!

Suffolk Tourism at it's best.

Click icon to view our What's On Suffolk RSS feed

Reads Nursery, soft fruit plants and trees

Reads Nursery
Nurserymen since 1890

We’re a small family business in our seventh generation specialising in unusual fruits and conservatory plants. We have three National Collections (Citrus, Figs and Indoor Grapes). Our plants are propagated here by cuttings, seeds and grafting.

Purchase On-line
Most of the images on this page will link to their shop pages, or you can go direct to the on-line catalogue here:
www.readsnursery.co.uk/acatalog

We can offer you expert advice on the selection and cultural needs of chosen plants to ensure they are a credit to your garden, conservatory or greenhouse.

Our nursery philosophy is to work in an environmentally friendly manner. Predators are used to control unwelcome pests and bio-friendly fungus is used to combat pathogens as a preventative measure. Compost is peat free, made from Bark, all potting on now uses this medium. (some older plants may not be there yet, please check with the Nursery)

We pride ourselves on being a 'proper nursery', as our plants are grown on site, there will be times when not every plant is available due to growing seasons, propagation and demand.

We do operate a waiting list for patient gardeners and strive to make sure that all in our list will be available at some point during the season.

Other plants and specimen sizes are also available from time to time.

National Collection Holders of Citrus - Figs - Grapevines, for the National council for conservation of plants and Gardens NCCPG.


A great idea for a present, purchase one of our

* * * Gift Vouchers * * *


Please Visit Us
We are open all year, Wednesday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.30pm (4.00pm during winter).


Our answer phone gives details - 01508 548395

The map link below will also generate driving directions for you.
maplink

Our location for those of you with sat nav is 52.5102, 1.4900 (+52° 30' 36.72", +1° 29' 24.00")



If you are coming from the A146 please take the 'wash lane' turning, sign-posted with a brown tourist sign to 'Hales Hall'

Our postal address is:-
Reads Nursery,
Hales Hall, Loddon, Norfolk NR14 6QW

Tel: 01508 548395

Fax: 01508 548040

email: plants@readsnursery.co.uk
web: www.readsnursery.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you.
Saturday, 6 February 2010

Milk Chocolate Cake - Susie’s Favourite Recipes

Susie’s Favourite Recipes

Milk Chocolate Cake

250 g (14oz) Self-Raising Flour
400 g (16oz) Sugar
50 g (2oz) Cocoa
50 g (2oz) Margarine
4 Eggs beaten with 150 ml of Evaporated Milk (10 tbsp)
150 ml of Water (10 tbsp)
Few drops of Vanilla Essence


* Heat oven to 180 C. 350 F. Gas Mark 4.

* Lightly grease and flour either a high-sided tin or a shallower roasting tin, depending what sort of sponge you would like. Do not use a loose-bottomed tin, as the mixture will run out.

* Sieve flour, sugar and cocoa.

* Rub in the margarine.

* Stir in the beaten eggs, essence and water and beat well.

* Put mixture into the baking tin and cook for about 35 to 40 minutes depending on what sort of tin used.

* When cool you can decorate. Chocolate butter icing is a favourite in our home!


* Enjoy and don’t forget to share!

Wild about Images, Bullfinch - YouTube

This video clip was taken along side one of my photographic projects it includes a Bullfinch feeding on berries all clips were taken with a Canon 7D DSLR and a Canon 500mm Lens.

For a high res image go to: www.wildaboutimages.co.uk

© Paul Bunyard


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