The Clubhouse: Updates from Thetford’s local groups

Meeting reports and what’s on’s for Thetford’s clubs and groups this November

West Norfolk Aviation Society

Our speaker tonight was Keith Mutton, Managing Director of Phoenix Bird Control Services Ltd. He is responsible for bird control at, amongst others, RAF Lakenheath. Keith has been involved in training birds since he was a child, commencing initially with the humble pigeon!

He went to great lengths to explain that to hand rear a bird for this type of work is very intensive, as to keep the bird from screaming the house down each time it’s fed — think Springwatch — the bird has its food delivered when it’s asleep, and in that way it doesn’t need to compete for any food available and believes it just arrives… think Deliveroo!

For our edification Keith brought an Indian Lugger Falcon (see picture), a Peregrine Falcon, a Barn Owl and a European Giant Eagle Owl, which he presented to us. It was truly fascinating to see such magnificent birds, and his love and enthusiasm for them was obvious to all in the room. He pointed out that the eagle owl has one ear higher than the other to aid direction finding for its prey, and the Peregrine Falcon has special ‘flaps’ to cover its nostrils to stop its lungs bursting when diving at speeds up to 200 mph!

He had many stories, as you might expect, but the best one was when many years ago he lost a bird in fog and put out an appeal on local radio. A guy from Anglian Water phoned in to state that a bird was trying to get in his van through the side window each time he went along a stretch of road. Keith went to look and, sure enough, it was his bird — the van they were both using was identical, and Keith trains his birds to exit and enter moving vehicles via the side windows to minimise time spent on busy runways!

This was a fabulously interesting talk on a different but vital aspect of aviation (bird strikes are a huge danger to aircraft) and a big thank you to Keith for taking the time and trouble to speak to us, and how privileged we were to see his beautiful feathered friends.

Mark Burch, Stand In Scribe WNAS

Thetford u3a

At our September meeting we were joined by Allan Walmsley and Ian Mathews, respectively the Chair of Trustees and Eastern Region Council Representative for the national U3A organisation. After the main address on the aims and opportunities available, they chatted informally with members to answer further questions.

We were treated to an enlightening extravaganza by our speaker, Iestyn Edwards, an Olivier award-winning variety performer and bass baritone who, in full tutu drag and make-up, evoked his alter-ego Madame Galina to give us an insight into his time entertaining our armed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Humour, empathy and pathos in equal measure gave us an understanding of the bonds built with those that serve. Iestyn’s willingness to mingle both pre-show and after was much appreciated by members.

On 27th November Barbara Meyer will talk to us about “Big Cats Around The Globe”, covering where big cats live and what conservation efforts are being made to help them survive in their natural habitat.

As of January 2026, our monthly meetings will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month at our new venue, the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JZ. Doors open half an hour before the start at 2pm.

New members are always welcome. Contact membership@thetfordu3a.org for details.

David Thompson

Thetford Flower Club

Thetford Flower Club held its October meeting at The Church on the Way, Churchill Road, where members and friends enjoyed an unusual and creative afternoon workshop led by Jenny Pase.

The session encouraged everyone to think differently about floral design, using feathers, wires, sticks and foliage, but no flowers at all. Each arrangement was entirely unique and unlike anything the club had tried before. The relaxed and informal afternoon ended with plenty of chat and refreshments, rounding off another enjoyable get-together for those who attended.

Looking ahead, the club is busy preparing for its November Open Event, which will help raise funds to support activities into 2026. The event will take place on Tuesday 11th November at The Church on the Way, with doors opening at 12.45pm. Visitors can look forward to a variety of stalls and raffles, followed by a special demonstration by Vicki Halse, who will present her festive flower arranging showcase, “Christmas is Coming.”

Refreshments and tray bakes are included in the ticket price, which is £12 for members and £15 for visitors. The club hopes for a lively and enjoyable afternoon, filled with creativity, conversation and seasonal inspiration.

Entry is by ticket only, and those interested are encouraged to book early. For further information or to reserve a place, contact Lynda on 01842 762919

Lynda Moore

Probus Club of Thetford

Derek Adam, an avid photographer, gave our October talk on Lee Miller (1907–1977), an American lady who had, to say the very least, a very interesting life. After a traumatic childhood during which time she became very interested in photography and was briefly a renowned model, she moved to Europe and became involved with the surrealist movement. She became involved with various men and her prowess in photography led to her meeting many famous people and becoming a Vogue photographer.

She met Picasso, who painted her portrait several times. At one stage she was married to a very rich Egyptian but did not care for life in Cairo, and eventually they parted. She briefly returned to America but, when war broke out, she returned to Europe and became a war correspondent who was frequently found on the front line, where she was not supposed to go! Many of her wartime photographs have been exhibited throughout the world. She finally settled down and married Roland Penrose and settled with him at a farm in Sussex. She had a son, was trained to Cordon Bleu chef standard, and apparently hosted memorable weekends for friends. When Roland was knighted, she became Lady Penrose. A truly remarkable and fascinating life story.

The club holds monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.30am in the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JW. If you are interested, why not come along — you will be more than welcome. We also have a monthly lunch at local venues. Details can be found at https://probusclub.net/thetford.

Doug Stephen

Thetford Parkinson’s Group

The group aren’t meeting in Thetford in November. Instead, they are going to Bury St Edmunds on November 17th at 2pm to hear Professor Roger Barker talk about the latest developments in Parkinson’s. If you’d like to attend, email Rachel at rwiad2@gmail.com before 8th November.

Rachel Woods

New Lions meetings in Thetford

The local Lions group (Attleborough Lions), who also cover Thetford and Watton, are changing their meeting days and venues. Every 1st Tuesday of the month will be held at The Griffin Pub in Attleborough, and every 3rd Tuesday of the month will now be at The Bell Hotel, Thetford.

Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along to either of their meetings to see what Lions do, with a view to perhaps joining them in whatever capacity you are able to. Meetings start at 7.30pm — they look forward to seeing you there!

Thetford Inner Wheel supporting “Orange the World” campaign

You won’t miss Thetford Inner Wheel on their stall at Thetford Garden Centre on 25th November — orange colours will be worn in support of Orange the World, the global UN-backed initiative to end violence against women and girls.

The campaign is highlighted by the 16 Days of Activism from 25th November to 10th December, and the monthly Orange Day on the 25th of each month. Orange represents a brighter, violence-free future, with activities such as lighting up buildings, holding events, and using hashtags #OrangeTheWorld and #16Days to raise awareness and encourage action.

The Association of Inner Wheel Clubs, which has a representative at the United Nations, is proud to support this initiative, and clubs across the UK and worldwide will be taking part in similar events.

At their first meeting of the new Inner Wheel year, members planned speakers and events, including a joint meeting with Watton Inner Wheel in January. They will also be represented at the Remembrance Day Parade in Thetford this month.

Thetford Inner Wheel were very sad to hear one of their Past Presidents, Eileen Kitson, had died after an illness. For many years she had been the headmaster’s secretary at Thetford Grammar School. On a happier note, the club welcomed Justine Staines as a new member, adding to their small but enthusiastic group.

Find out more about the group, or how to join, at: www.innerwheel.co.uk