An 80-year old slimmer has proved it’s never too late to change after losing 3 and a half stone in just seven months.

William Smith, who turns 81 in July, is just one pound away from his target weight of 12 stone and is now encouraging others to follow his lead, saying: “if I can do it, anyone can!”

Mr Smith, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, started losing weight after his GP referred him to his local Slimming World class last November. He then weighed 15 stone 8lbs, but has been losing an average of 1.5 – 2lbs a week ever since by following a sensible diet of low fat foods such as salad, salmon and chicken.

“If I can do it, anybody can,” said Mr Smith, who attends the Tuesday night class at Howard Community Centre. “I only wish that I’d done it years ago – but who knows, by doing it now, I might have added another ten years to my life!

“I’d been trying to lose weight myself but found it very difficult on my own. I’d start off right for a couple of days but would then begin cheating – which was silly as I was only cheating myself at the end of the day.

“My GP put the idea in my head to go to a class but I was a bit reluctant at first. I thought it would be all women, but there are men there too. Once I got there, everyone was really friendly and welcoming. They’re all behind you, which really gives you a lift.

“Knowing that I’ve got to be weighed in front of the class motivates me, while seeing other people lose weight also spurs you on. We all try and encourage each other as well and offer support to get on the right track.”

Mr Smith sticks rigorously to his diet all week – but does allow himself one treat the day after his weekly weigh in.

He said: “I’m really good all week and always concentrate on my diet – apart from Wednesdays, when I always have fish and chips for lunch. After all, a little of what you fancy does you good.

“I’ll eat anything, so the diet is easy for me. I just have a look in the book I was given and have whatever I feel like on that day. I’ve learnt that you have to be patient and keep at it – just do what you’re told and eat the right foods, and you’ll lose weight.

“I’ve surprised myself with what I’ve done. Never in a month of Sundays did I dream I’d lose all that weight! I feel so much better in myself, have more energy and am sleeping better. I don’t get out of breath any more either.

“The only problem is that I brought some brand new trousers before I started the diet and now they’re far too big for me so I can’t wear them!

“I’m proof that if you want to lose weight, you can. You just need to set your mind to it. I’d encourage anyone else who wants to be a healthier weight to go to a class – if you want to lose weight, that’s the place for you!”

Sally Hogg, head of health improvement partnerships at NHS Suffolk, said: “Mr Smith is a shining example of what the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk project is all about. He has done brilliantly to persevere with his diet and lose weight – and now feels much better as a result.

“Mr Smith is also living proof of the value of the slimming on referral scheme, through which GPs can offer vouchers for slimming classes to patients who fit the criteria of having a body mass index over 30.

“I’d encourage anyone else who wants to feel fitter and healthier to take inspiration from him and follow his lead. Small changes can make a massive difference and there’s never been a better time to start – so take the plunge and make your own healthy ambition become a reality.”

www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk

Ale and Hearty
article by "Local Tom"

Norfolk’s big skies and wide open spaces put the county firmly on the map as a walker’s dream cottage holiday destination – with routes covering coast, country, fen and forest there’s no better way to discover the region than on foot.

Now a new guide makes it easy to plan refreshment stops along the way. The Norwich and Norfolk branch of the Campaign For Real Ale has just published a ‘Real Ale Walks in Norfolk’ book, which documents the history of local pubs and the ales they serve.

Several years in the making, the book also includes many interesting facets of local history and landmarks, along with extensive notes about the pub buildings, their history and ranges of beers.

Copies are available by mail order, price £6.95 including postage and packing – send cheques made payable to N & N CAMRA to Pub Walks Guide, C/O 16 Grove Avenue, Norwich, NR1 2QD.

For further inspiration on walks with pubs along the way, log on to www.norwichcamra.org.uk where you will find maps and guides created from the CAMRA branch’s database. The first is for pubs on or near the rivers of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, while a second covers the railway routes of the Bittern Line (Norwich to Cromer/Sheringham), North Norfolk Railway (Sheringham to Holt) and the Bure Valley Railway (Wroxham to Aylsham), plus the Marriotts Way cycle route.

Local Tom

www.bigcottageholidays.co.uk

Stay cool as the temperature rises

People in Suffolk are being advised to stay cool by health professionals.

NHS Suffolk is working with partner organisations – including Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Community Healthcare, Ipswich Hospital and West Suffolk Hospital – to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.

In particular, this preparation includes making sure health professionals are checking that vulnerable people are well and that hospitals are aware and prepared.

This follows advice issued last Friday by the Department of Health to inform people what to be aware of as temperatures rise, and figures from the Met Office that suggest a 60% risk of a heatwave being triggered early this week in the East of England.

Heat is especially dangerous for the very young, older people or those with serious illnesses. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Dr David Kanka, deputy director of public health at NHS Suffolk, said: “Our advice to everyone is to keep cool – that means staying out of the sun from 11am until 3pm, avoiding exertion, drinking plenty of cold drinks, keeping your environment cool – and also looking out for other people.

“It is particularly important that vulnerable or older people, and those who care for them, are aware of the importance of staying cool and taking this advice as the weather gets hotter – particularly in Suffolk’s larger towns.”

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

Growing Concerns

Gardening is undeniably one of the UK’s most popular passions – from happy hobbyists to eccentric horticulturalists, all rearing the weird and the wonderful. And the current enthusiasm for growing our own food in the garden, allotment or window-box hasn’t seen the like for decades.

We’re now a nation that likes getting our hands dirty. We’re also a country which is slowly realising the benefits of gardens beyond beautiful flowers and tasty veg. Gardening and allied activities have an array of social, environmental and health benefits too – which are now being promoted and encouraged nationally – and that doesn’t just include finding the sun-loungers and crashing out on the lawn.

Social and community gardening projects have received much acclaim and promotion – helping improve run down estates and contributing to urban regeneration schemes. Some initiatives have been around a while: the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (www.BTCV.org.uk) is a charity set up in 1959 and has a successful history of environmental conservation volunteering throughout the UK and around the world. One of its inspirational enterprises is 'Green Gyms' – providing body fitness and dirty hands opportunities combined and aplenty. Other new 'gardening for health' projects are spreading nationwide too.


Here in Waveney, an evolving venture is Growing Concerns - exploring horticultural heritage and environmental arts initiatives, social and health gardening projects and, most immediately appealing to anyone with the slightest gardening interest, restoring and recycling old garden tools and allied artefacts. And sales from the latter contribute to project development in these other areas, all run by this social enterprise.

Growing Concerns is coordinated by Kessingland based Andrew Kitchen – and now operates throughout the East Anglian region. Other Growing Concerns projects include art exhibitions on plants, gardening and environmental themes; celebratory arts events; “arts in the wrong places” ventures; heritage displays and initiatives; and live performance projects. Allied ideas and input are always appreciated.

Growing Concerns sells restored tools – often cheaper than quality ‘new’ - from Cornucopia Antiques, Blackmill Road, Southwold (IP18 6AQ for ‘Sat-navers’), open every day 10am-5pm. It also sells direct, runs a tool finder service and is often keen to buy implements for restoration – info@growingconcerns.co.uk

Most of the aged and restored tools are designed to be used again – others are undoubtedly collectable and indeed much sought after. Most buyers love the feel and design of the older tools – noting the balance and strength of implements are vastly superior to many of today’s garden centre, mass-produced buys. Not only are they attractive – almost sculptural works of art, enhanced by age and wear - but there are still many more years of usage to be had, instead of a tool which bends beyond use in its first season.

Many people have also forgotten that tools were once made in varying sizes to avoid strains and pains, were even often gender specific (“ladies spades” are still very popular) and special tools were produced for children (often very sharp – perhaps a reflection of changing behavioural patterns!). Quantity and range of tools always obviously varies - these goods have to be found, not re-ordered.

And many of today’s gardeners are oblivious to the diversity of tools available to their green-fingered predecessors: Victorian and Edwardian gardeners often had a unique tool for every plant type – and got into trouble if they used the wrong one!

marvel.com

Rotary name in glass window on new Boathouse for Sailing Charity

Waveney Sailability, a charity founded in 2005 to mark the centenary of Rotary International has just opened its own “Rotary Boathouse”.

Based at Oulton Broad near Lowestoft in Suffolk the Charity was set up by five Rotary clubs on the Norfolk/Suffolk border to provide sailing for the disabled using specially adapted “Access” class dinghies. Starting in August 2005 with three boats, all sponsored by Rotary clubs, Waveney Sailability now has a fleet of 12 dinghies, two safety boats, and a recovery system, and a road trailer. For the first few years winter storage was provided by local Rotarians but on the 26th May 2009 a new £40,000 Rotary Boathouse was formally opened by pioneering yachtsman Geoff Holt, the first quadriplegic to sail single handed around Great Britain.

Lowestoft was one of the ports of call during his epic journey and when he sailed into the harbour in 2007 the Chairman and Secretary of Waveney Sailability, Rotarians Richard Morling and Kevin Taylor, and some of the disabled sailors from the Charity met him. The recent visit was an opportunity to meet those same people and over 130 guests and members who had gathered to celebrate the opening of the new storage and maintenance facility. Although the replacement cost would be in the region of £40,000 the charity has only spent £24,500 as various materials and some of the labour was provided free of charge by local and national companies.

The Rev Helen Jary dedicated the stained glass window of the Rotary logo to the late Don Ross, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Lowestoft South. Don was a keen sailor, a past President of the South club and served on the original steering committee. His widow Lorna and Elaine Holt, the wife of Geoff Holt, were presented with flower arrangements.

Various Rotarians including the District Governor, representatives of local and national firms and charities who had made contributions in cash or kind, to the building appeal, attended the event. Geoff Holt, who is also a Rotarian, unveiled a notice board showing the names of supporters and spoke about his own sailing experiences and the need for even more RYA Sailability centres in the UK. The photograph shows: Geoff Holt (foreground) and from left, Shaun Read, Rotary Club of Lowestoft South, Geoff Knights, Vice President of Yarmouth Rotary, Peter Harris District Governor, Bob Catchpole, President of Gorleston Rotary, Clive Robinson of East point Rotary and John Raven of Beccles Rotary.

David Collins - Director and treasurer
01502 564658 – 07968 745208

NHS Suffolk, Press release re:
Suffolk remains well-prepared for swine flu

Following last weeks’ decision by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to change the global swine flu alert level to phase 6, NHS Suffolk would like to again reassure people established plans are in place to continue to deal with any increase in cases of swine flu.

So far, the majority of cases found in the UK have been mild, and there has been no evidence of widespread community transmission.

In the NHS Suffolk region, nine cases have now been confirmed through laboratory testing by the Health Protection Agency since the start of the outbreak in May. Individuals have received antiviral treatment and have recovered, or are in the process of recovering. Each day at 3pm the Health Protection Agency updates numbers for the East of England on its website, at www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu

Advice remains for individuals to carry on with their daily lives while also taking sensible precautions to reduce their chances of contracting the virus. Anyone who has flu-like symptoms should stay at home, limit the contact they have with other people and telephone their GP or NHS Direct. They will then be assessed and given treatment if necessary.

Dr Brian Keeble, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Suffolk said: “We are continuing work to slow the spread of the disease and to put in place arrangements with partner organisations to ensure that Suffolk is well-placed to deal with this new infection, including the supply of anti-virals to treat people if they become ill.”

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu infection – a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of the following:

· headache
· coughing
· sore throat
· muscle aches
· fatigue
· shortness of breath
· lack of appetite
· Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea

You can reduce the risk of spreading swine flu by:

· covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
· disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
· maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
· cleaning hard surfaces, such as door handles, frequently using a normal cleaning product
· making sure your children follow this advice.


Further advice:

- Anyone who hasn’t experienced any symptoms should carry on their daily lives as normal while continuing to follow simple steps to help protect themselves and other people.

- These include ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ – by covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.

- Maintaining good basic hygiene by, for example, washing hands frequently with soap and water, particularly before eating, will help to reduce the risk of you picking up the virus.

For further information visit these websites:

Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm

NHS Choices news
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pandemic-flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk

What are WHO regions?
www.who.int/about/regions/en/index.html

Harleston Information Plus hold a free Jobs Club at the information centre in Exchange Street, Harleston every Wednesday 10-12.

The club offers support to help people get back to work.

Information is available, and professionals on hand, to talk to Jobseekers about CV writing, what employers are looking for when they recruit, specialist careers advice, details of local training opportunities, free tea and coffee, a local jobs board, internet access and much more.

If you are looking for work why not drop in one Wednesday?

For more information call: Julie Helsby 01379 851917

THURSDAY AUGUST 6th
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12th
MONDAY AUGUST 17th
THURSDAY AUGUST 20th
THURSDAY AUGUST 27th

For Boys and Girls, 9 to 14 yearolds

COST:
£13 FOR ONE DAY AND
£9 FOR ANY OTHER DAY

10.00AM-4.00pm Each day

This is for outfield players only. Regrettably no goalkeepers on this course.

DETAILS: Please meet in the Clubhouse at 9.45am with the intention of starting on the pitch at 10.00am. Depending on the weather conditions, we will normally work for one hour on the pitch followed by a break. The emphasis will be on practicing the skills of the game as well as a variety of fun games.

Please bring your own packed lunch although soft drinks, crisps, etc can be purchased from the Clubhouse.

Please bring appropriate clothes for the weather conditions . As the sessions are held on artificial surfaces trainers or astro shoes are essential. No studs.

Non Club Members are very welcome.

Organiser Nick McAllen 01508 493269

DO NOT JUST TURN UP ON THE DAY – PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE USING THE FORM BELOW

>> Click here for application form <<

PLEASE RETURN THE APPLICATION FORM WITH A CHEQUE PAYABLE TO
NICK MCALLEN
46, RECTORY LANE, PORINGLAND, NORWICH NR14 7SL

To assist the organiser please bring your own stick or borrow one from school.

NOT A SUITABLE COURSE FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS

We can date this footage of the Elephant and Castle in South East London precisely to 1926 from an advert for a whist drive at the Embassy Hall, Camberwell. The clip opens with a view of St. Paul's over the river and the lights of Piccadilly at night before crossing over to south London where we see the busy junction (no change there then!), near to the old Elephant Theatre. Here N. Carter Slaughter, better known later in his career as Tod Slaughter, is staging a production of 'The Flag Lieutenant', starring himself.

From the theatre we go to Newington Butts, Southwark, to see 'the Ritz of the needy', the Rowton hostel, one of a number of shelters for the poor funded by philanthropist Lord Rowton, much admired by George Orwell, who had stayed in several of these. The clip finishes abruptly with a title saying we are off to Camberwell, but sadly we arent! (Bryony Dixon)

People facing difficulties with their flexibility, mental health, stamina or weight will soon be given the chance to enjoy all of the health benefits of a good round of golf thanks to a pilot scheme taking place in Stowmarket.

The golf taster programme will see GPs from Stow Health and Woolpit Health Centre refer patients who could benefit from gentle exercise for a free session at Stowmarket Golf Centre. As well as use of the nine-hole course and driving range, they’ll be offered free individual coaching and the chance for a half-price follow up priced at just £4.25.

The project, which forms part of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk initiative, was the brainchild of golf professional Duncan Burl and his wife Paula. After starting special sessions for seniors, ladies, children with difficulties and people with disabilities, they quickly noticed the health benefits which golf could bring – and approached their local surgeries as a result.

“Golf can bring massive benefits to a huge range of people, including those with weight difficulties, problems with their stamina, or those who may have mental health issues,” said Mr Burl, who runs the centre alongside Paula and is donating his time at no cost to the NHS.

“We have asked each GP practice to refer four patients a week so that they can reap the benefits of this great sport. Golf is the ideal way to reintroduce people to exercise as anyone who can walk reasonably well can take part. There’s no pressure and you can take it at your own pace – and can burn up to 400 calories an hour at the same time.

“Its also perfect for people who don’t like the gym as it’s a really enjoyable activity – so often doesn’t feel like exercise at all!”

It is hoped that those taking part in the scheme will enjoy the sessions so much that they begin taking part in the sport regularly. The project is taking place at no cost to the NHS.

“This is a great initiative which aims to get people out and about to exercise and improve their health,” said Dr Richard West, at GP at Woolpit Health Centre.

“It is the sort of exercise which anybody who can walk any distance could do. It will particularly benefit patients with anxiety and depression by helping them to socialise and build confidence. It’s also ideal for people who need to take more exercise, either because they have weight problems or have cardiovascular disease.

“Anything we can do to persuade people to exercise is obviously a good thing as the more people do, the better it is for their health. We’re fully supportive of Duncan and Paula’s efforts and look forward to referring our first patients and hearing their feedback.”

People taking part in the sessions will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about whether they feel they have benefited from the experience. The project will then be assessed to see if it could help people elsewhere in the county.

“This scheme links perfectly with the aims of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk initiative as it encourages people to try something new which could make a big difference to their long term health,” said Sally Hogg, head of health improvement partnerships at NHS Suffolk.

“It also underlines our mantra that a small change can make a big difference. In addition, it will show that exercise isn’t just about controlling weight but can also boost energy levels and help improve your mental health.

“We will be looking very closely at the results of the initiative to see whether it would be helpful to involve other practices and clubs across Suffolk, should it prove valuable for patients.”

The sessions begin on Monday 29 June and run until October. Anyone who is registered with Stow Health or Woolpit Health Centre and wants to take part should discuss the benefits with their GP or contact Duncan Burl on 01449 736392.

www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk