A short film that highlights the issues faced when someone is diagnosed with dementia has been produced by Suffolk campaign ‘Respect for dementia’.

The awareness and anti-stigma campaign is part of the public benefit work of Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

The film, which has been released in time for Dementia Awareness Week (5th-11th July 2010) is available free to the public as a DVD and to view online via www.ifyouknew.co.uk.

‘Respect for dementia’ provides guidance about what to expect for people who are newly diagnosed with dementia. It also provides information about where to find support for both the person diagnosed and their loved ones.

Rob Butler, consultant psychiatrist for older people’s mental health, said: “'Respect for dementia' is a really positive development in promoting better information for those affected by the illness in Suffolk.



“This short film highlights the stigma and isolation faced by people diagnosed with dementia and their family members. It is important that people know they are not alone.

“I have been involved in this campaign from the start and I know that it is increasing awareness of dementia and its effects.”

The film was commissioned due to the positive response from a set of diaries created and launched for the campaign during Dementia Awareness Week last year.

Rob added: “The dementia diaries tell the feelings and thoughts of both a person diagnosed with the condition, and that person’s partner. They were compiled from real stories from people in Suffolk and already more than one thousand have been distributed to date.”

To request a copy of the DVD and/or diaries please leave a message with your contact details at 01473 329785 or email membership@smhp.nhs.uk.

The release of this film comes after the new Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's called for a bigger focus on dementia across the NHS earlier this month.

Roald Dahl’s much loved book, Fantastic Mr Fox is brought to life in Wes Anderson’s quirky and delightful animated film, which will be screened at Diss Corn Hall this Saturday at 5pm.

The feisty Mr Fox (a great George Clooney voiceover) is a compulsive raider in a war against the agribusiness baddies, Boggis, Bunce and Bean - naturally played by Brits and including Michael Gambon. Wild and rebellious, Mr Fox is always planning ‘one more raid’ on the chickens and the cider store. Can he settle down to family life and responsible parenting, and the voice of reason of the long-suffering Mrs Fox?


Some rowdy chicken/fox/human action and the offbeat approach makes this more appropriate for older children and of course adults of all ages.

Tickets: £4 / Children & students £2

You can book in person at the revamped Stables Box Office, by phone on 01379 652241 or on-line at www.disscornhall.co.uk

A survey has shown more than 40 per cent of parents are illegally fronting, and I am sure they must know its against the law...


Many parents know fronting is illegal, and really believe they stand to save over £180 pounds.

Don't forget if a driver is found to be fronting they could have all or part of their claims refused by their insurance company, complete with their policy cancelled and face a prosecution for fraud and leave them with a criminal record.

Perhaps the current economic situation is causing more people to jump on the bandwagon and try fronting, but parents must realise that it may seem harmless to do this but in long term are helping towards prosecution and the chance of not obtaining insurance in the future, and setting poor examples to their children.

Through doing this parents are not helping their young drivers to the importance of responsible driving.

It is a known fact the quicker younger drivers start their own insurance and start their own no claims discount by being the main driver, the more affordable this will make insurance for them in the future...

Halesworth and District Riding Club’s (HDRC) Junior One Day Event team came home victorious from the British Riding Club One Day event area qualifier, held at Poplar Park on 27th June 2010.

The finely tuned team, comprising Liam Brinkley on Weatherbrook Prima Donna, Ellie Morley on Roxborough Maggie May, Alice Murray on Charlie and Miranda Proctor on Nakatani all kept their cool to deliver double clears and excellent dressage scores, despite the baking hot conditions. Liam also finished first overall individually, with Ellie 2nd and Alice 4th. The team will now contend the BRC One Day Event championships at Aston Le Walls in Northampton in August.

The HDRC was only formed last year so it was the first time the Club had had the opportunity to send teams to an eventing qualifier. Junior team trainer Rose Hart was justifiably delighted with the results.

She said: “All these riders have had their horses since they were youngsters and have done all the training themselves. Nakatani is an ex-racehorse who Miranda and her mother have re-trained, Alice has had Charlie since he was two and Liam has had Weatherbrook Prima Donna since she was just backed at four. Ellie has had her horse with her while she has been an apprentice with Tammy Ruffles and again, has had her from a green youngster. All the riders have worked very hard to produce good all round performances.”

The second team of Sophie Barnard and Uncle Buck, Daisy Murray and Yggstryd Strider, Rosalind Brodie and Byefields Little Nell and Fran Schonhut and Walden Lightning also put in a solid performance to finish 5th overall.

The HDRC is a friendly and welcoming Club that caters for all abilities from serious team players to those seeking some nurturing and fun. Membership costs just £18 for the year. For further information contact the membership secretary on 01986 873810, email hdrc09@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.horsedates.co.uk to download schedules.

Photo available at Eventsphotos.co.uk

DSC3591.jpg Liam Brinkley on Weatherbrooke Prima Donna


2010 HDRC Show schedule

10 July - Showing show (includes plenty of fun classes)

24 July - Show Jumping

21 August - Dressage

18 September - Show Jumping


All shows will be held at Phoenix Equestrian Centre, Spexhall on a 60m x 60m all-weather manège.

Further information from: Bright Bay PR, telephone 01986 784562 or 07768 958911, email: brightbay@btinternet.com


 

These clips were taken along side my photographic projects during May 2010

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

Now is the time of year when gardens in Norfolk are reaching their summer peak. With warm sunny weather forecast take the opportunity to enjoy the splendours and sights of some truly fabulous new gardens and at the same time help raise much needed funds for the charities that the National Gardens Scheme supports. July brings the interest of a new NGS open garden nearly every week of the month welcoming visitors into them. Garden enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with many other regular gardens open providing a garden trail of interest across the county.


The Bear Shop, Elm Hill, Norwich is opening for the first time for the National Gardens Scheme, the location featured in many famous films. It is open 11 - 4.30, Admission £3 or combined with Strangers Hall £4.50, children free The garden is considered to be based on a design by Gertrude Jekyll, a small terraced garden behind a C15 house in the historic Cathedral Quarter of Norwich.

Four Seasons, Cheney's Lane, Forncett St Mary makes its debut on Sarurday,10th July, open 11 - 4, admission £4.50, children free. It is a richly planted 2½-acre garden, wide range of herbaceous plants, roses, and trees, many of which are raised here. It is the home of a former nursery. The owners, now retired, have more time to devote to enriching the plantings still further.


Heronsbridge, Bawburgh Road, Marlingford opens with 4 Mill Road on the 11th July. It is open 11 -5 with a combined admission of £4, children free. There is a story to this garden (ask the owner). The River Yare runs the length of the garden, with plenty of wildlife especially the kingfisher. The beds are a mixture of herbaceous perennials and shrubs. There are fruit and other trees, one old ash which is kept for nesting birds and other inhabitants. Gravel drive, small step to grass, slope down to river, some beds at drive level.

Two new gardens open on the 25th July. Dale Farm, Sandy Lane, Dereham opens 11-5, admission £3.50, children free. It is a 2 acre plant person’s garden with spring fed lake. Over 700 plant varieties featured in exuberantly planted borders and waterside gardens. Kitchen garden, orchard, naturalistic planting areas and wood sculptures. Garden completely redesigned in 2007. Gravel drive and some grass paths. Exhibition of natural wood sculptures.

Sharane, Lynn Road, West Rudham opens 11-5, admission £3.50. It is a third of an acre plantsman’s garden, created over several years by enthusiastic owners. Densely planted colourful borders of perennials, hostas, ferns, roses, iris, some exotic plants and grasses, with a collection of over 90 dazzling day lilies. Other features of interest, small pond with wildlife, raised vegetable beds, greenhouses and fruiting bushes and trees.

Norfolk County Organiser Anthea Foster said “Many new gardens open each year, often with another garden nearby. It forms not just a great day out for the garden visitor but gets the whole community involved and raises its profile locally. It encourages gardeners to down their tools and sit on a garden bench in a stranger’s garden while supporting the charities of the National Gardens Scheme.

For more garden days out ideas visit your local Tourist information, garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org.

If your garden is blooming now is the time to contact County Organiser Fiona Black to discuss opening your garden for the NGS. Tel 01692 650247.


Founded in 1927, The NGS has raised more than £25 million for charity in the last 10 years.
www.norfolkgardens.org

Do you think you're cool as a cucumber? Not merely is the cucumber known for it’s capability to cool down our bodies, it has additionally been known to help with jaundice, diarrhoea, epilepsy, sore throat, conjunctivitis (redness of the eye) and swelling of extremities.

Frequently you should try to de-seed them yourself easily by cutting them in two and utilizing a spoon to eliminate the seeds or if you wish to eliminate this step you can buy cucumbers that are already seeded.

Fresh cucumbers are easy to add to salads and for an easy salad just toss diced cucumbers with sliced red onions, red tomatoes and your favourite all-natural, low-fat balsamic vinaigrette. This can be a fast way to make a refreshing salad that reaps the benefits of cucumber.


Anti-diabetic Advantages of Cucumber:

Beta cells contained in the pancreas produce the hormone insulin.Cucumber is found to have a hormone needed by the beta cells in the insulin production. Moreover, the Glycemic Index of cucumbers is found to be zero.

Why Cucumbers have not a glycemic index listed? Does this mean that they do not raise blood sugar?

Not at all. It simply means that under the "rules" for the definition of the glycemic index, it is too difficult to get an accurate number. It is because you'll need to eat a very big amount of the food to get 50 grams of carbohydrate at once in order to be tested. Usually, the lower the quantity of carbohydrate in a vegetable and the more fibre it has, the less the rise in blood sugar will be.

The carbohydrates are primarily responsible of the raise of the glucose level.But the carbohydrates contained in the cucumber are easily digestible in a diabetes patient’s stomach.

Suggestions for Preparing Cucumbers:

Unwaxed cucumbers don't need to be peeled but should be washed before cutting. Cucumbers are usually sliced, diced or cut into sticks.


One or two Quick Serving Ideas:

- Use half-inch thick cucumber slices as petite serving "dishes" for chopped vegetable salads.

- Mix diced cucumbers with sugar snap peas and mint leaves and toss with rice wine vinaigrette.

- For refreshing cold gazpacho soup that takes five minutes or less to make, simply purée cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers and onions, then add salt and pepper to taste.

- Add diced cucumber to tuna fish or chicken salad recipes.


Cool Cucumber Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 3 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch slices

- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded

- 1/2 red onion, sliced paper-thin

- 1/3 cup minced cilantro


Dressing:

- 1/2 cup rice vinegar

- 2 tsp. honey

- 2 tsp. Reduced-sodium soy sauce

- 1 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

- Pinch dried red pepper flakes


Preparation per 8 servings:

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Marinating time: 60 minutes

1. Combine the cucumbers, carrots, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.

2. Combine the dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over cucumbers, cover, and refrigerate for 60 minutes. Salad might be eaten using a fork.


Nutritional Values per Meal: 1/2 cup

- Calories: 25

- Calories From Fat: 10

- Total Fat: 1 gram

- Saturated fats: .1 grams

- Cholesterol: milligrams

- Sodium: 50 milligrams (without added salt)

- Total Carbohydrate: 5 grams

- Soluble fiber: 1 gram

- Sugars: 3 grams

- Protein: 1 grams



Complete Bio: www.diabeticdietrecipes.org/about

Bramfield born actor Martin Bonger has been garnering rave reviews in his play ‘Keepers’ lately. Devised with fellow performer Fionn Gill and director Simon Day, the play is based on the infamous events at the Smalls Lighthouse that occurred two hundred years ago.

“Enchanting… physical… powerful beguiling theatre, a veritable tour de force…” The British Theatre Guide.

The legend of the Smalls Lighthouse has always captivated audiences. With little more than a trapdoor and a ladder, Martin, Fionn and Simon bring the fireside tale alive and conjure up a stormy tale of companionship and loss that unfolds between the swelling tides and in the sweeping flashes of the lamp that the keepers tend every night.

In 1801 two keepers Thomas Howell and Thomas Griffith were wintering on the lighthouse 22 miles off the coast from St. Davids, when Griffith died in mysterious circumstances. Howell kept the body for four months in a makeshift coffin strapped to the side of the lighthouse but it was smashed up by the waves, leaving the dead keeper’s arm to move back and forth in the wind appearing as if to beckon the other into the ocean. When a relief team finally arrived, Howell was found to have gone mad and with “a shock of white hair”. The rules were then changed so that lighthouses had to be staffed by three keepers to prevent a similar event reoccurring.

The hour-long play’s small first tour was a resounding success, delighting audiences at The Brighton Fringe, PULSE and Bristol’s Mayfest and recently ‘coming home’ to The Cut in Halesworth and the New Woolsey Theatre.

Now Martin and his theatre collective, The Plasticine Men, need to raise £3000 to cover the costs of taking Keepers to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the run of the performances at the Pleasance Courtyard, 4-30 August 2010.

So over the weekend of 3 - 4 July, the trio will undertake a sponsored walk between the lighthouses on the Pembrokeshire coast carrying their own supplies and finishing with a boat trip out to the Smalls Lighthouse itself.

25 year old Martin Bonger grew up in Suffolk amongst a creative family and first gained notices as a teenager for his performances with the semi-professional company Circle 67’s fully staged productions of Nicholas Nicklebly and their ‘strolling players’ productions of Hamlet. He joined the National Youth Theatre while still at school and after a gap-year with a circus in Berlin, studied theatre at Leeds. Martin also wrote and directed ‘Tomas Pape’ a deeply affecting piece about childhood suffering staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2007.

The Plasticine Men have set up a web page where you can sponsor their grueling journey to Edinburgh at www.theplasticinemen.co.uk Alternatively you can send cheques to The Plasticine Men, Flat 2, 11 Cambridge Gardens, Hastings, TN34 1EH. You can also join their Facebook page and twitter feed to see photographs of the production and keep up with the latest news. The collective promise donors will receive a report the trip and Edinburgh run with photos and press clippings. All donors will also receive a big ‘thank you’ on the website.

Taverham Brass Band returns to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Sunday 4 July 2010, to launch the garden’s Summer Music Season with a selection of classic hits and songs from the shows. 
This open air concert is from 2pm to 4pm. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5, concessions £4.50 and child £2.50, under five free. There is no additional charge for Summer Music events.

Other events in the Summer Music Season are:

Sunday 11 July, The Castaways, sea shanties and folk songs, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 18 July, Top Brass, brass band quintet, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 25 July, Norwich City Concert Band, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 1 August, 11th annual Green Festival, fun for all the family – a day of local and traditional crafts and activities, 10am to 5pm.

Sunday 8 August, Touch the Earth, spiritual folk band, in concert, 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday 11 August, Razz Day, family fun with Razz the clown, 2pm to 4pm

Sunday 15 August, Norfolk Reed clarinet quartet, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 22 August, Magic Folk, folk music for everyone, 2pm to 4pm.

Wednesday 25 August, Children's Day – The Story of the King Oak – activities based around the Norman era when the oak was just a tiny sapling, fun and games from 11am to 3pm.

Sunday 29 August, Sutton Jazz Quartet in concert, 2pm to 4pm

Sunday 5 September, Dixieland Jazz Trio, 2pm to 4pm

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance; mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is organic, only garden leaf soil, farmyard manure and the product of the annual dyke clearance are used as fertilisers. There are 30 species of tree, and more than 95 species of bird, 11 species of butterfly and six species of dragonfly have been recorded. The garden was created by the Second Lord Fairhaven from 1947 until his death in 1973. A charitable trust was then set up to care for the garden, and open it to visitors.


Tel. 01603 270449/270683

With young girls who drink alcohol twice as likely to get pregnant than their non-drinking friends and with 10,000 young people aged 11 – 17 being admitted to hospitals around the country every year because of excessive drinking, during Child Safety Week (21 – 27 June) NHS Suffolk is encouraging young people to stay alert to the dangers of too much alcohol.

Whilst it’s a fact that many young people believe that drinking won’t damage their health, in fact drinking too much alcohol can have serious consequences on young bodies including permanent brain damage, causing lasting problems with memory, attention and reaction times.

Alcohol also plays a big part in anti-social behaviour and violence and is also likely to lead to greater exposure to sexual infections due to the increased risk of having unprotected sex after drinking alcohol.

Dr Mashbileg Maidrag, NHS Suffolk child safety advisor said:

“Staying alcohol free until aged 18 is the safest and healthiest option. If you are aged 15 – 17 then make sure that you drink only occasionally, ideally no more than once a week and not exceeding the daily recommended limit. Young people need to be aware that alcohol can damage their bodies, can cause them to behave out of character resulting in a criminal record or pregnancy in young girls.
 Effects of young people drinking alcohol include:

    •    A risk of reducing the development of the brain
    •    An increased risk of cancer of the mouth and throat
    •    Sexual and mental health problems
    •    An increased risk of liver cirrhosis – there has been an increase in the number of people in their twenties dying from liver disease who started drinking in their teens
 Dr Maidrag continued:

“It’s important to emphasise to young people that having a good night out doesn’t have to mean getting drunk. Don’t feel pressured into having a drink just because your friends are- you can have just as much fun without a drink.”
You can find out more about Child Safety Week by visiting www.childsafetyweek.org.uk

Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk

'Nursery Island' is a delightful nature documentary shot on the Farne Islands. Its director, Mary Field, faced a difficult task over half a century ago. Where now we have rich colour and stealthy, dextrous cameras, then, as quickly becomes apparent, much of the narrative had to be carried by the voiceover as the film switches between close-ups and long shots.

The true glory of this film is its patrician tone - a puffin is described as "the ridiculous-looking bird on the left." Here is a film made by people who clearly love nature but are not, as is the fashion now, in awe. The result is charming, refreshing, and often very funny. (Marianne Levy)

At this time of year many young people and their families are worried and stressed about exams. The fear of not doing well enough or of not having done enough study, of missing out on a university place or losing out on that job offer can lead to an increase in stress levels which can be harmful to your chances of doing well.

During Child Safety Week (21-27 June), NHS Suffolk is asking parents to stay alert to the signs of exam stress and is encouraging students to understand how they can minimise their stress levels.

Dr Mashbileg Maidrag, NHS Suffolk Consultant in Public Health said: “Feeling stressed is a completely natural response to exam pressure. The signs of stress can include a loss of appetite, headaches and sleeplessness or physical sensations such as chest pains, stomach cramps or pins and needles.

Sometimes young people can be tempted to smoke and drink or take drugs to help cope with stress. Parents should keep a close eye on any behavioural changes and offer as much emotional support that they can and make sure that there is not an over supply of medicines in the home.”

Dr Maidrag added: “Being well organised will help reduce stress during revision and it’s good to take a ten-minute break for every study hour. Don’t be tempted to revise late into the night as it’s important to get a good night’s sleep and remember to stay active and get 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as taking a walk or going for a bike ride.”

You can find out more about Child Safety Week by visiting www.childsafetyweek.org.uk

Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk

One of the most exciting events in Norfolk calendars is just around the corner - 2010’s Royal Norfolk Show. Wednesday 30th June and Thursday 1st July will see tens of thousands of people descend on the Norfolk Showground on the outskirts of Norwich for the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association’s highlight of the year.

The show is officially the largest agricultural show of its kind in the United Kingdom, with nearly 100,000 people visiting last year’s show over the two days.


There are plenty of different things to do and to see, with a fantastic variety of livestock competing across the showground - horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and cavies, as well as copious trade stands, a dog show, a sheep shearing show, large food hall with cookery theatre and other exciting spectacles. This year’s Grand Ring programme includes motorcycle trick riding, the RAF Falcons free-fall parachute team, RAF pipes and drums, hound displays, horse and trap competitions and a new event for this year - scurry driving, a thrilling competition in which pairs of ponies are driven through a tricky course of cones and hazards against the clock.

Why not make a week of your visit and stay in the countryside, within a short drive of both the Showground and the fabulous North Norfolk coast? Set in a great location between the city and coast, Norfolk Mead is one of the best Hotels in Norfolk for those seeking a convenient, yet tranquil location.

Set in eight acres of riverside grounds and gardens, the Hotel Norfolk Mead provides a beautiful retreat, with a rowing boat on the river and a swimming pool for guests to enjoy - perfect for unwinding after an exciting day at the Showground

Local Tom

In 2008-09, 27 children in Suffolk aged five and under were admitted to hospital due to accidental poisoning.

During Child Safety Week (21 – 27 June) NHS Suffolk is alerting parents and guardians to the danger of poisoning within the home and highlighting some simple measures that could prevent serious illness or death to your child.

Dr Mashbileg Maidrag, an NHS Suffolk consultant in public health who leads on child safety, said: “The most common cause of accidental poisoning amongst children is medicines, with everyday painkillers being the most frequent culprit. Don’t be fooled into a false sense of security by thinking childproof tops will prevent any incidents – some three and four year olds can open them in seconds.”

It is not only medicines that can cause poisoning, as everyday cleaning products such as bleach and detergents left around the home can also cause illness and death. It is important to store cleaning products well out of reach of children, such as on a high shelf.

Dr Maidrag continued: “Get down on your hands and knees to spot the dangers from a young child’s point of view – for example cleaning products beside the loo or under the sink. And don’t forget that a young child can move quickly so if you are distracted when cleaning make sure any potentially harmful chemicals are placed well out of reach.”

Safety reminders to prevent accidental poisoning:

    •    Don’t keep medicines within easy reach of children – store them in a lockable medicine cabinet
    •    Take special care with brightly coloured medicines that may look like sweets
    •    Take your medicine when your child isn’t around so they don’t copy you
    •    Store all household cleaners out of sight of children on either a high shelf or in a locked cupboard
    •    Don’t forget that cigarettes, mouthwash, alcohol and perfume can also cause poisoning

If you believe that your child has swallowed a harmful medicine or chemical then seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

You can find out more about Child Safety Week by visiting www.childsafetyweek.org.uk

Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk

WAITING FOR GATEAUX

Fed up with the World Cup already? 

Prefer cake to football or just enjoy a good laugh? 

Waveney Valley Blog has teamed up with the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft to offer our followers two seats for the price of one on next weeks comedy Waiting For Gateaux - Starring former Emmerdale actress and host of You've Been Framed, Lisa Riley. 


Just print this page and take to the theatre box office or quote Waveney Valley Blog 241 by telephone and receive one free ticket for every full priced seat purchased!*

Set in a run-down village hall, WAITING FOR GATEAUX follows the members of failing slimming club - 'Mo-tivators' - whose only agenda is to meet friends, have a gossip and eat cake!  As they struggle to shed the pounds in anticipation of appearing in a new reality TV-show, their showbiz aspirations are thwarted when they fail to resist the temptations of fast-food and media executive, Sophie, reveals she has an ulterior motive.

What follows is a parodic siege of visual comedy spliced with traces of Reservoir Dogs, The Great Escape and Dad's Army!

Building on the comedy traditions of the late Ayckbourne and Godber, Waugh and Wood are remorseless in their pursuit of laughs, and the gags fall thick and fast in this unmissable comedy about friendship, frostbite and French fries.


*Regretfully as this is a late availability offer it is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or concession of for seats already purchased. Subject to availability.

WOW yes we said it would. We got the info onto motoring hints sometime ago, we mentioned the dangers:see our previous article - in-car wifi are you sitting confortable?
 

This Sunday saw the advert for the new Renault Master Van complete with PIVOTING SEATBACK TABLE to hold your LAPTOP.

This table is fitted next to drivers left arm, where just taking your eyes off the road you can view the computer screen.

The Sat Nav is fitted above the interior mirror, making the driver to constantly look to his left.

Also the possible chance of Mobile phones being used,  YES we all agree the company vehicle is todays office, but road safety has got to be of the first most importance, how on earth are safety experts giving the go ahead for this to happern..

Drivers must not be allowed to take their eyes off the road, to use hi tech equipment, we all know how dangerous todays driving can be..

The new Jaguar has a TV screen on the facia panel so passengers can watch but this is not in the view of the driver, it is angled towards the passenger side...

Was it not a few months ago a HGV Driver was involved in a major road accident, whilst watching a DVD where the player screen was facing forward to the driver.

As skilled drivers we must always remember the word COAST
 
                 C -- Concentration

                 O -- Observation

                 A  -- Anticipation

                 S --  Space

                 T   -- Time

CONCENTRATION  is the KEY word in todays modern motoring,  and that's looking where we are going, gaining a BIG PICTURE, Scanning, watching what other drivers are doing.. ( not checking the laptop screen ) and of course always checking behind, people do travel much too close..

As regards SPACE if you are driving leaving no space around you this is where the ACCIDENT will occur

                  NO SPACE  = CRASH

Dont forget at 30mph you are travelling 44 feet per second, the crash will occur within your thinking distance

and this is not the time to deal with all the hi tech in the vehicle...

Drivers cannot afford to take the eyes off the road...


A WARNING TO COMPANY MANGERS...

You must have a policy in place... get your drivers to sign a letter to say YOU WILL NOT RING them in the Vehicle whilst they are driving,  and you DO NOT WANT them to ring whilst they are driving.

How do you speak to their Wife, Partners when their loved ones were killed when they crashed as you were giving details over the phone to them.

The Police can check back the last call into the vehicle, remember the Corporate Manslaughter rules.

This must NOW also include to NOT SEND E-MAILS...

Make your Drivers to receive calls by voice mail, leave the phone off while driving.

Also tell them if they stop to answer a call make sure they SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE and most of all TAKE THE KEY OUT of the IGNITION, YES you will still be fined if the key is in the ignition... £60 pound three points on licence.

DO NOT PERMIT OR CAUSE DRIVERS to use a Phone in the vehicle, yes HANDS FREE are very dangerous you can not concentrate, and drive at the same time, you will be involved the message coming over the phone.
 
It all comes down to driving without due care and attention...

This week is Breastfeeding Awareness Week (21-27 June) and NHS Suffolk is encouraging mothers to practice breastfeeding and to stay alert to the many health benefits to both mother and baby.

Breastfeeding is a completely natural way to feed your baby and there is no doubt  that breast milk is the best form of nutrition for babies as it has the perfect combination of proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrate and fluids that new-born babies require and it is recommended that babies are fed only by breast milk in the first six months of their life.

On average, breastfed babies have fewer infections, and in particular they suffer less diarrhoea and vomiting, chest infections and ear infections. There is also evidence to suggest that children who have been breastfed are less inclined to suffer from health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure or cholesterol.

However, it is not only your baby that benefits from breastfeeding – as a mother there are health benefits too, with many studies indicating that women who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from breast cancer, ovarian cancer or postnatal depression.
Plus, its free and a much more convenient method of feeding your baby!

Says Michael Hattrell, NHS Suffolk Health Improvement Manager

“It’s important that new mothers are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. Not only does it give the baby a great start in life it also helps the bonding process between mother and baby.  And new mothers shouldn’t  be embarrassed about breastfeeding in public – it’s completely natural, much more convenient and free!”

·        In the East of England in 2009/10, 72.2% of mothers started breastfeeding their newborn babies in hospitals compared to 68.5% in 2006/7

·        44.9% of mothers were still breastfeeding  at six to eight weeks old in January- March 2010, compared to 43.8% in October – December 2009



You can find out more about breastfeeding by visiting www.nhs.co.uk www.nhs.uk/start4life, or talk to you Health Visitor or Midwife, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.


Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk

Come to the Thoroughfare between 10 and 1 on Saturday 10th July 2010 and you’ll be a smooth operator, mixing your own smoothie fruit drink while riding a bike (in complete safety). And you can help make up cycle repair kits that will mean you and other cyclists can cycle worry-free in and around the town. Look out for other magical pedal-power and natural energy gizmos as well.

Also bring with you any spare bicycle tools that you can donate such as part-used puncture kits, tyre levers, spoons, spanners, spare inner tubes. We will be putting together cycle aid boxes on the spot. These will be placed in pubs, homes and other places in and around the town and further afield in Suffolk. Each location will have a sign to advertise the box and appear on an internet map.  The ‘boxes’ are carpet roll centres and recycled postal tubes – so if you’ve got any of those, bring them with you too.  To find out more about cycle aid and if you’d like to host a box or nominate a place to have one, go to surveymonkey.com/s/P6GDKQJ

The cycle aid kits are the brainchild of Nat Bocking and the Town Plan Cycling Group who have also put together a 20 mile circular cycling route the ‘Halesworth Wheel’. You can find the map of the Wheel below:


Event organisers Halesworth in Transition (HinT) are part of a widespread and growing grassroots movement of people who are taking a positive attitude to preparing for the impacts of climate change and peak oil (“peak oil” is when cheap and easy-to-get oil runs out).  Cycling is a practical, cheap, healthy and non-polluting alternative to generating power by using oil. The smoothie-maker is just one way of having fun while getting fit, saving money and protecting the environment.

Many towns are already part of the international Transition movement. Locally, this includes Bungay, Beccles, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Norwich, and Ipswich. HinT is not affiliated to any political party and is a non-profit-making community association run entirely by volunteers.

For more information about this event and other activities phone 01986 875323 or email hint@talktalk.net

BUNGAY TOWN PLAN

Health and Well Being Discussion Group

Following the meeting held on 28th January 2010 and a recent report from Bungay Medical Practice it has been decided to revise the title and compliment the members of this Group to include anyone concerned with the health and well being of our Town.

It will comply as closely as possible to the report which clearly states that the inevitable reduction in funding will make it impossible to maintain the high standard of service we have all grown to expect. It will be the aim of this Group to lead the public and assist and co-operate in every way possible.

The report also states that any improvement in the service will depend on everyone doing all they can to help and therefore, any plans for our health must be co-ordinated with the whole Bungay Town Plan and not in isolation.


Any interested party is welcome.

It would be appreciated if you could attend or send a representative of your organisation or association.

Cll Malcolm Bedingfield Tel: 01986 893249
malcolm@imajaz.com