 | Sunday: Sunny Intervals Max Temp: 18°C (64°F) Min Temp: 8°C (46°F) |
 | Monday: Sunny Max Temp: 18°C (64°F) Min Temp: 10°C (50°F) |
 | Tuesday: Heavy Rain Max Temp: 13°C (55°F) Min Temp: 8°C (46°F) |
 | Please wait while we load the latest stories from the East Anglian Daily Times... |
| Please wait while we load the latest stories from the East Anglian Daily Times... |
| Please wait while we load the latest stories from the East Anglian Daily Times... |
| Please wait while we load the latest stories from the East Anglian Daily Times... |
On this page you will find information about local voluntary and community groups and how to access their services and activities. We hope to bring all community groups in Brandon together on one page to allow people to find out what's going on, to be able to quickly find a group that meets their needs and to get involved.
This is part of the Brandon Voluntary Forum, organised and run by KAVO (Keystone Area Voluntary Organisation) and Forest Heath District Council. We offer free support and advice to community groups in Brandon, including help such as advertising your group or support when filling out funding applications.
To sign up to receive our regular emails or to receive further support or if you have a community group or club which you would like to add to this page please contact Leigh the KAVO Coordinator at leigh.driver@keystonetrust.org.uk or 01842 768367.
This group provides a warm and welcoming place for children to learn about the great outdoors, whilst teaching children about the value of team work...
The children will work towards achieving various badges that range from cooking skills to science badges.
They offer the children yearly visits to work towards their badges which has previously included the Science Museum and camping trips.
Club nights run at the Scout Hut as follows-
Beavers - Tuesday 6pm -7.15 pm 6-7 year olds, Boys/Girls
Cubs - Wednesday – 6.30pm - 8pm 8-9 years, Boys/Girls
Scouts - Friday - 6pm - 8pm, 10-14 years, Boys/Girls
For more info contact Lynda Smith 01842 878765 or email the.squirrels@gmx.co.uk
We are a friendly, social running club consisting of members of varying ability and ages. As we are based at Brandon Leisure Centre, we have the luxury of the Thetford Forest right on the doorstep, so most of our club runs are off-road and on peaceful forest trails...
If you are a beginner, or an experienced runner looking to improve, why not come along and give us a try. We can offer advice on training at every level from our members who have a wealth of experience from fun runs to marathons. Absolute beginners welcome. We can offer a structured plan to gradually get you up and running, whether you just want to improve your fitness or you have a targeted race you want to do.
But don't get the wrong impression... we're not too serious, we often have a social evening at the local curry establishment for example. Our main objective is to enjoy ourselves and to pass on our enthusiasm for running to others.
So why not come along and give it a try... we meet at Brandon Leisure Centre on Tuesdays at 19:00, Thursdays at 18:30 & Sundays at 09:00.
For more info see our website www.BFH.org.uk or call Trev Rolph on 01842 812793. We don't have many club rules, but our philosophy is simple - Run and have fun.
Photographic and photo shop evenings for beginners and advanced camera users. Friendly Social Group of camera enthusiasts. Tuition evenings and practical help with your camera. Studio Portraits, Table Top Photography, Photoshop Tuition Competitions and more...
Thursdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm (twice monthly)
St John Hall, Recreation Grounds, Playing Fields, Church Road
£30-00p per programme year approx 19 meetings.
Contact: Noel 01842 813439 or Doug 01842 814309 Email brandonfotoimagingroupn@talktalk.net
Website: www.brandonfoto-imaging.co.uk
A friendly group of ladies that enjoy getting together for informal 'get-togethers' but also organises social events and visiting speakers...
The group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month between 2pm and 4pm at the British Legion, London Road, Brandon, IP27 0EL
12 meetings per year at an annual cost of £15.00
A friendly photographic group that enjoys meeting up and practicing different styles of photography and learning new things...
We meet at the Baptist Church every Wednesday starting 8th Sept then every 2 weeks after. Cost - £35.00 membership, which includes 20 meetings a year plus social events like BBQ's and outings to beauty spots to take photos.
We hold a yearly display of our own photographs and a community competition that is always well attended.
Practice nights - Wednesdays 7.30-9.30 adults, 6.30-7.30 Children (10 years upwards)...
Free to join and free to practice, practice held at- Forest Primary School, Brandon, IP27 0AA
Own instruments not required but always welcome. http://www.brecklandbrass.toucansurf.com/
A local drama group that has been running for many years and puts on community shows all through the year. A must see show that they put together the magnificent Halloween event at High Lodge visitors centre which is attended by hundreds of people...
The group meets weekly on a Tuesday evening 7pm till 10pm, membership is 12 years onwards with no upper limit (12-16 years restricted so a waiting list is in place).
To find out more please contact Jill Blanchard on 01842 811532 or at Jill.Blanchard@btinternet.com
The charity works with and for senior citizens in Suffolk, campaigns on their behalf and is a provider of direct services and support across the county...
Every Monday at Brandon Leisure Centre Tai Chi for over 60's
Time - 8.50am till 9.50am
Cost - £2.50 per session
Also we are running a new coffee morning which will include a cup tea/coffee followed up with a homemade hearty broth and Fresh bread. The morning will introduce you to a new activity and speaker every week.
Time: every Monday, 10am till 12 noon
Cost: £2.95
Please contact the leisure centre for more information 01842 813748
Ladies aged 55 +, we meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month (except August) from 1.40 pm - speaker starts at 2.00 so ladies arrive anytime between 1.30 and 2.00 really...
Venue - Brandon Community Centre, main hall
We have speakers on varied topics, cup of tea/coffee, and biscuit all for 50p.
Optional raffle £1 - good prizes!!
A safe environment to allow the kids to let off some steam!! A youth club for children aged between 9 and 13 years...
Includes access to gym facilities as well as a stage and music area also on offer are table tennis and snooker, basket ball and lots more.
Venue - Breckland Middle School
Day - Every Thursday
Cost - £2.00 registration then £1.00 a week
Join in for a friendly game of tennis, meet people and most of all have fun...
Venue – summer months (May- August) - Breckland Middle School, Brandon 6.30 pm till 8.30pm Rest of the year - Community Tennis courts, at the recreational playing fields, Brandon 6.30pm till 7.30pm.
Day - Tuesdays
Cost - Annual fee of £33 adult, £19 youth
Or guest fee of £2.00 on the day.
We meet on a Monday Evening (Term Time only) at Breckland Middle School - Main Hall (accessed by back entrance) - 7.30 - 9.00 pm...
Subs are £20 a term for a varied programme including, craft, badges, games and we are a uniform organisation.
Contact is Guide - Mrs Reay on 01842 812727
Pre-school education and care, The Community Centre, Warren Close, Brandon, IP27 0BU...
Age - 2 1/2 years to School age
Cost - £6.00 per session (until 3 years of age when it becomes FREE)
Contact - 01842 813987
Email - fledgelings@btconnect.com
A friendly group of supportive people with a monthly guest speaker and regular trips out of town...
When - Every other Thursday
Where - Brandon Town Council Offices
Times – 2pm-4pm
Cost - £1.00 to cover tea, coffee and cakes
For more details contact - 01842 819829 or Email nuavalon@aol.com
The Brandon Classic Vehicle Club was founded in 1993, Come along to one of our meetings to get the feel of the club, we are a friendly bunch and welcome all makes of car...
All vehicles welcome motor bikes trucks and unusual vehicles.
We meet every SECOND Monday of the month.
Venue - The Ram Hotel
Time - 8pm
Cost - £10 Annual charge (Only payable if you join)
Come along FREE and see what we are about... All welcome.
www.brandonclassics.co.uk
The Brandon outdoor bowling club is open to all as either Registered or Social members...
Registered members pay £35 per year and are entitled to play in all competitive league matches. Social members pay £5 per year and are entitled to play in all friendly league matches. If you don't want, or you are unable to bowl, you will still be welcome to join in our leisure activities as a social member.
All members have access to the green for 'roll ups', club competitions and regular social events.
The club holds a social evening every Friday throughout the year when a Quiz/Bingo/Hoy Bingo/Chase the Ace etc. are held.
During the bowling season (April-September) this is preceded by a 'roll up'
The clubhouse has a good bar and kitchen and offers a very friendly and pleasant ambience for our social activities.
Why not come along any Friday evening and have a look. We are located adjacent to the Leisure Centre car park.
All memberships are subject to approval by the club committee.
For more information Telephone 01842 811532.
IDTA Ballet, Modern Jazz, Street, open to all ages & all different types of dance...
Ages 3 - adults
Saturdays 8.30am - 6.00pm
Contact Kerry for more information
Email: Kerryfairbrother@hotmail.com or Tel: 01842 813446
Also look for Brandon School of Dance on Facebook
Royal Horticultural Society affiliated - join us for topical discussions on everything to do with gardening, including advice about bulbs, vegetable and tips about our local soil...
We have a regular monthly speaker and 2-3 annual trips out per year.
Time - 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Date - Last Monday of every month, unless bank holiday, then 3rd Monday of the month
Venue - Church Institute, Brandon
Membership - £8.00 per year
For more information contact 01842 814457
Come and join a friendly, popular Rotary club. Planned events include 3 mile forest walks, a band evening, tours of the battle area and much more...
There are no restrictions on age, race or gender
Time - 7.45 onwards
Date - every Thursday
Venue - Santon Downham Village Hall
If you are new to the area, this club is the ideal way to make new and lasting friendships. Please call 01842 815777 for more information or go to http://www.brandonrotary.org.uk
We welcome any and all stroke survivors, we have a programme of events that is quite varied and we aim to have something for everyone... Carer's are also welcome to attend....
Day - We meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday
Time - 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue - The flowerpot, Brandon
Cost - £2.50 to cover hire costs and refreshments
Come and meet friends new and old and have a home cooked meal...
Day - Every Thursday
Time - 9.30am – 2.30pm
Venue - Church Institute, Victoria Avenue
Cost - £5 + £1/week club subs
Come and gain support and advice from professionals as well as others going through the same kinds of experiences...
Day - Every fourth Monday
Time - 11.30am – 1.30pm
Venue - Brandon Community Centre
Cost - Free or a donation towards tea and cakes
For more information contact - 01284 766433
A service to promote better mental health, provides participants with the opportunity to share experiences in order to better understand depression and to take control...
Meets - Fortnightly on Fridays
Time - 2.30pm - 4pm
Place - Brandon Church Institute
Cost - FREE
Contact 01473 230 609 for more information
A group especially for women. Activities may involve art and crafts, quizzes, holistic therapies, visits to garden centres, sind-a-longs and many more. You will not be bored! The emphasis is very much on mutual support, friendship and reducing social isolation...
Meets - Every Wensday
Time - 10am - 12 noon
Place - Brandon Church Institute
Contact 01473 230 609 for more information
Neighbourhood Watch is all about folk looking out for each other…your eyes and ears can save a lot of grief for neighbours living in your locality. We have a local network of “Watches” in Brandon each having a volunteer coordinator...
At the beginning of each season a well organised meeting of coordinators and Watch members come together with police representatives (SNT) to share information that benefits us all. A place where your queries and problems maybe answered. Insurance companies look favourably on Watch residences too. If you are thinking of starting a new Neighbourhood-Watch in your Street or would like to know more.
MEETING PLACE: High Street, Brandon Baptist Church Schoolroom
Normally first Thursday: January, April (AGM), July, and October. 7.30pm
Quarterly Newsletter: normally a week before each meeting
BNW Officers:
Chairman Judy Rowe, 01842 814253
Vice Chairman John Backhouse: johnlilian209@btinternet.com
Treasurer: Alice Day
Secretary Jim Love,
Press officer Bob Jones. E-mail: chessman1931@aol.com
Meets weekly all year round for social chess and welcomes new players, novices and adult-accompanied juniors to join in with a friendly bunch who try to outdo each other across the chequered board...
Location: Brandon Playing Fields behind the Brandon Leisure Centre adjacent to a large car park.
Chess club officers:
Chairman: Kevin Allsop allsop1980@aol.com
Treasurer: Ryan Child
Secretary: Bob Jones phone 01842 810506 Email: chessman1931@aol.com
Brandon Station (built in 1845) is a rare flint structure. Unused for over 40 years, Network Rail had no use for it and planned its demolition. A group of local enthusiasts (rail, local history and historic buildings) joined forces to protect it. To save it, the building must be brought back into viable use...
In December 2010, FOBS was granted a two year lease enabling it to apply for funds to convert the building from its current deteriorating state to one which will provide active use.
Various ideas have been mooted :
These improvements will benefit :
How can you help ?
Financial help is always needed but there are other ways individuals, businesses and community groups can help :
For more information, go to our website www.brandonstation.co.uk
We are a very friendly group who have been in the town for over 30 years. Our members range from beginners to those with more experience and we paint with all mediums and in varied styles. Why not join us?..
We meet in the Baptist Church room in the High St every Tuesday afternoon throughout the year.
Time: 1.45-3.45 pm
Annual subscription £25
We have a weekly programme of activities/ a number of demonstrations/monthly quiet painting days and an annual exhibition.
For more information call Sheila O’Brien on 01842 827141 or email sheila.obrien2@virgin.net
Open to anyone interested in the history of Brandon or Local History in general. Non-members welcome. Special group outings and field trips also take place throughout the year...
Speaker from 7pm - 8pm followed by refreshments and discussion.
Where: Brandon Heritage Centre, George Street, Brandon, IP27 0BX
When: 1st Wednesday of every month (except January) 7pm-9pm
£2 admission - includes tea/coffee and biscuits
Annual membership £18, payable in February (covers admission for the year plus special discounts on outings and field trips)
For further information contact Leigh on 07882 891022
Copyright © 2007-2013 BrandonSuffolk.com
Website designed and maintained by Terry Hawkins
Visit our sites for Brandon Country Park & The Brandon Centre
