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Released bears eat Norfolk family in Thetford Forest

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family eaten by bears in Thetford Forest
Bears crossing the A134 at Thetford Forest (Photo: Suffolk Gazette reader Steve Walshe)

By Ian Bred, Norfolk Correspondent

The controversial rewilding project in Thetford Forest has been scrapped after a Norfolk family of four were eaten by bears.

Wildlife campaigners were overjoyed when black bears and wolves were released into the forest on the Suffolk and Norfolk border.

But just six months later, a Freedom of Information request by this newspaper has revealed a family of four from Norwich were devoured by a mother bear and her three cubs last February.

The tragic news follows the mauling of 12 domestic dogs in Thetford Forest during various walkies.

Our inquiries to the Department of Forestation revealed the family – a man, his sister and their two children aged under ten, had been picnicking at a spot near Lynford, just north of Thetford, when they were attacked.

But news of the deaths was controversially kept a secret to stop panic spreading among visitors and local residents.

Spokeswoman Lorraine Fisher, 34, confirmed: “Maybe we should have said something. The family must have disturbed the mum and her bear cubs. The family were reported missing and a search party sent out.

“All that was found was a pair of walking boots, a Norwich City scarf and a half-drunk flask of coffee.”

Further re-introductions of wildlife including bears, wolves, wildcats and mammoths have now been put on hold.

“We are rethinking our strategy,” confirmed Ms Fisher. “We don’t intend to capture those animals already released, but we probably won’t release any more.”

The family of black bears have been seen several times in the forest, including by Suffolk Gazette reader Steve Walshe, who took the photograph featured on the top of this page of the family crossing the A134.

Thetford Forest had been one of two areas chosen to re-settle animals that had left this island many centuries ago. Bristol was the other.

It proved controversial when a bear was spotted near the Norfolk Broads having roamed more than 50 miles from the release site.

Furious farmer caught Theresa May running through his wheat field

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By Ivor Traktor, Farming Correspondent (intern)

A Suffolk farmer has revealed he once caught a young Theresa May running through his wheat field.

Ian Dent, who farms near Brandon, said he remembers the incident well because he had to grab the future prime minister by the scruff of her neck and take her to her father for punishment.

“He was a vicar, which surprised me, as I didn’t know daughters of clergymen could be quite so naughty as to run through a wheat field that didn’t belong to them.

“Do you know how much damage can be done to a field of wheat simply by running through it? Well, let me tell you – a lot.

“For a start, where you are running the wheat bends over, and it takes at least a day before it goes upright again. If you were to run up and down and across the field more than five thousand times, it would be flattened.”

Theresa May running through a field

Mr Day, 74, said he was harvesting the field next door on a sweltering July day back in 1964 when he saw a young girl sprinting through the wheat while waving her arms in the air in a deranged fashion.

Theresa May wheat field
“I jumped off the combine harvester and chased her. When I caught up with her she was entirely unapologetic and said only, ‘You don’t seem too pleased’.

“Too right, I was furious. I grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and dragged her to the nearby campsite where she was holidaying with her family.

“Imagine my surprise when a bloke wearing a dog collar answered the door. I was going to swear at him but managed to hold my tongue when I realised he was a vicar.

“He looked at his daughter – whom he said was nine – and said, ‘Theresa, you haven’t been running through wheat fields again, have you? What have I told you about that!’

“The father said I could take Theresa back to the farm to do some menial chores to make up for my devastated wheat crop.

“I took her to the yard and told her to clean out the stable. She kept looking at it, marvelling at how well built it was.

“She said, ‘This is a strong stable’, and then kept saying, ‘Strong and stable, strong and stable’ under her breath while she mucked out.

“She was clearly a troubled child, quite mad.”

Theresa May wheat field

Mr Day said he thought no more of the incident until 53 years later when the Prime Minister admitted in a television interview that the naughtiest thing she ever did as a child was run through fields of wheat.

“I was watching the news and I jumped up, scaring the life out of Mrs Day, who was doing the crossword.

“I put two and two together and realised immediately that young scamp called Theresa who ran through my field all those years ago was the Prime Minister when she was a kid.

“And Theresa May’s ridiculous ‘strong and stable’ general election message suddenly made sense.”

Downing Street refused to comment when contacted by the Suffolk Gazette today.

Things you can do in Saratoga Race Course if you’re not gambling

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The Saratoga Race Course is one of the oldest racing fields in the United States. It is also considered as one of the legendary racing tracks since it’s inauguration. It has produced a lot of horse racers that became big winners in famous horse racing tournaments all over the world. It is a place where you can truly appreciate the true beauty and culture of combined tourist and gambling destination.

So what comes first in your mind when you hear the word Saratoga Race Course?  To some people, it is the home of some notable horse racing events. It is where you can find full-pledged thoroughbred horse racers showing off their real ability and stamina to outlast each other and bring home a million-dollar purse prize. It is also a place where you can see a considerable number of bettors wagering for their most favorite entries.

The Saratoga Race Course does not only hold horse racing events. There are other main events and things you can do. Also, not all people going to the racing field would spend money to bet. Here are some other things you can do to fully enjoy your Saratoga Race Course experience if you are not gambling.

Food and drinks

The first things that you look forward to when you travel or go to other places are the foods and drinks you have never tried before. Each venue has its food and beverages to boast, and you should miss tasting that.

When you find yourself in Saratoga Race Course, you should taste their Saratoga Sunrise. It is a local drink serve inside the racing field, and this will ultimately complete your Saratoga trip experience. You can try their famous Hattie fried chicken which savors in your mouth entirely giving a different taste away from what a typical fried chicken tastes like.

Freebies and giveaways

There are lots of freebies and giveaways you can get during the Saratoga Race Course summer meet. If you are one of those horse racing fans that does not bet for your desired entry and would like to get the best racing experience, you can collect each freebie given along with the general admission ticket you purchased. These items come in either T-shirt, clocks, calendars, hats, etc.

Fashion and style

The best part of spending your Saratoga Race Course experience is by wearing your fancy dresses and hats. If you are planning head on to Saratoga Springs and wants to flaunt your rodeo-inspired outfits, then you can do it. It is the best time to take out that huge and glamorous couture so you can slay them on the red carpet. You can join in some contests like “Best Dressed,” and if you win, then you’ll surely earn a significant amount of prizes.

Look after each celebrity and iconic individuals

The Saratoga Race Course is one of the most prestigious racing tracks in the United States, and some of the vast races took place in this field. The best way for you to spend your time here while gazing at a great racing show is to spot each iconic personality like celebrities. Some are also wearing their best outfits to celebrate the horse racing event.

Viewing at the paddock

This place takes you to a close look of each thoroughbred joining the racing tournament. It also includes a perfect scenic spot where you can observe each entry saddling and taking rest while they get final instruction before they run. You can also take pictures together with the horse racer, jockey or trainer to have a perfect remembrance about your Saratoga Race Course trip.

Party with music

The events happening in Saratoga Race Course does not only occur during the day. There is a music party which is hosted every night, and you can perfectly dance into the rhythm. It also serves as the best venue to meet new friends, toasts a drink with them, and party with loud music. You can also find bars in the clubhouses that hold a party theme, and if you want to get the best experience during your Saratoga summer meet, then you must try to party.

Roam around in the entire vicinity

The best way to get a full and memorable experience during your Saratoga Race Course trip if you are not betting is by touring around the racecourse. You can explore different areas that made the racing field unique, take pictures, and know-how they are appropriately managed. You can also go to the different facilities that the field has and discover things it can offer to you. Make the most out of everything because you have paid the right amount for your admission tickets. The Saratoga Race Course is one of the most beautiful racing fields you can find in the United States, and the best way to raise your experience to a maximum level is to make out the most out of your budget.

Cabinet reshuffle: Jacob Rees-Mogg appointed Viceroy of India

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The new Viceroy of India, Jacob Rees-Mogg (Photo Cantab 12 CC)

Jacob Rees-Mogg has been made Viceroy of India in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s huge cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Rees-Mogg heads to India on a boat first thing tomorrow and expects to arrive and take up his post in the New Year.

Famous for his old-fashioned values and love of the days when Britain ruled the waves, he was a favourite for the Viceroy and Governor-General role.

He will be responsible for running the British Empire in India and keeping the locals under control.

Some political advisors had expected Mr Rees-Mogg to be housing minister, where he could have put together a new package for building workhouses for the poor.

British Empire expert Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “Mr Rees-Mogg will make a fine Viceroy, protecting our interests in India and heading the East India Company.

“We need strong Victorian values in the British Empire and with Mr Rees-Mogg, the top hat fits.”

Southwold to be twinned with Clacton shocker

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Southwold lighthouse chav attraction
Southwold’s famous lighthouse welcomes Clacton folk

The well-heeled residents of Southwold were choking on their gin and tonics today after it was revealed their posh resort has been twinned with Clacton.

Southwold is the jewel of the Suffolk coast, a favourite haunt for wealthy Londoners who have snapped up all the town’s property.

But news that Suffolk and Essex county councils have agreed the charming seaside town must be twinned with Clacton to promote economic diversity has gone down like a shot pheasant.

Signs into Southwold will now proudly display: “Twinned with Clacton”.

And any Clacton people visiting Southwold, with proof of address, are entitled to half-price Adnams from the town’s brewery.

But what is really getting the Southwolders upset is the news they must open up their beach huts at least twice a week to those visiting from the grubby Essex town.

Local Southwold woman Lorraine Fisher, 34, who lives in Islington, said: “Clacton is for common people and we do not want their kind in Southwold.

“If the council thinks I’m going to let an Essex person into my beach hut, they’re in for a shock. I’d have to nail everything down.

“Our beach huts are worth more than their little houses.”

She pointed out that the North Sea wind farms were succeeding in keeping Essex smells from wafting over to Suffolk, and they should stop people migrating, too.

While many Clacton and nearby Jaywick folk are expected to flock to Southwold, not a single Southwold person is expected to visit Essex.

Already, Southwold’s famous lighthouse has been remodelled to welcome visitors from Clacton.

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Online casino divides opinion over mandatory ‘joggers and pyjamas’ dress code

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An online casino has divided opinion for instating a mandatory “joggers and pyjamas” dress code. All players who log into the online casino to enjoy games such as blackjack, roulette, and slots will have to put on their comfiest clothes before they play.

Some online casino players have said that they are excited to put on shirts that are baggier than wearing a tent and hoodies from universities they don’t and have never attended. The casino that published the dress code also explains to players that if they don’t have joggers, then going trouser free is totally an option too.

Why Has it Changed the Dress Code?

An official statement hasn’t been made by the casino to explain the change. However, a source, going by the pseudonym “Ann Onymous”, says that the change has been made as a boost to accessibility: “Online casinos let you play from anywhere; this will allow players to play wearing whatever they want too.”

The casino that made the change, Betfair Casino, offers several casino games such as slots like Pumpkin Bonanza and Gem Heat, and the dress code means that players will have fewer restrictions if they want to jump up and celebrate their jackpot wins. The casino also has live casino games with real-life dealers, but it hasn’t been confirmed if these dealers will switch their suits and dresses for joggers too.

How Joggers Have Become Trendy

There are also rumours that the online casino has made the change because the boss is a huge fan of the singer Rihanna. In June, the star was seen wearing sweatpants, a hoodie, and four-inch heels while walking through an airport. Onlookers agreed that Rihanna finally made gamer fashion “cool” and that it was amazing to see Rihanna be so open and show the world that she just doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her style!

Now, with the online casino dress code, every gamer who plays will be just as fashionable as Rihanna. The singing talent doesn’t come with the sweatpants, however.

Could This Affect Sportswear Sales?

The decision to change the dress code has divided people. Members of the laundry industry, which makes a fortune in land-based casino players who need to clean their fancy suits, are rallying against the changes. Cravat designers say that this also affects their business. “It’s been hard enough trying to explain what a cravat is and how to tie it,” one designer told us, asking to remain anonymous.

The sportswear market has had strong growth, and the online casino dress code is expected to affect that. Gamers and people who just really like feeling comfy in their clothes may rush to retailers to buy new casual outfits, such as joggers, hoodies, and onesies. Clothes with holes in them add to the comfortable look but, for reasons lost on this reporter, they will probably cost more. There are also talks about a fashion show sponsored by the online casino. No information is available but as the theme is comfiness, you probably don’t need to prepare.

Boris Johnson has big shoes to fill

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Boris Johnson big shoes

New Tory leader Boris Johnson has big shoes to fill when he becomes Prime Minister this week, it has been confirmed.

Mr Johnson officially defeated Jeremy Hunt today in the race for the Tory leadership.

And after Theresa May completes her final question time tomorrow, Mr Johnson will visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace to officially become our new PM.

Political commentator Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “Mr Johnson has been told in no uncertain terms that he has big shoes to fill.

“Taking the keys to number 10 Downing Street is a serious business and he’ll do well to repeat the success of recent Prime Ministers.

“It’s really no laughing matter.”

Making his triumphant speech after the leadership votes from the Tory faithful were revealed, Mr Johnson said he was going to unite the country.

Ms Fisher added: “He should be able to crack that. It won’t be long before everyone hates him.”

Latitude Festival crowds tuck into quinoa and kale wraps

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Latitude Festival

Latitude, the famous Suffolk music festival for middle-class families, has got off to a busy start with sales of quinoa and kale wraps soaring.

With glamping pitches and the sheep painted a pretty pink colour, Latitude prides itself on being the one festival where mummy and daddy can take young Alfie and Camilla while pretending to know who the performers are.

The venue at Henham Park in north Suffolk is close to the pretty seaside resort of Southwold, which by law is reserved for wealthy Londoners’ second homes.

Crowds began arriving at Latitude today in their Volvo 4 x 4s and Audi estates. Many are staying in ‘glamping areas’ which are more like the Ritz but they can all tell their friends at home about camping out with the cool people.

Artisan chefs on-site were doing a roaring trade today in £15.99 quinoa and kale wraps, avocado on turmeric-infused sourdough bread, and spinach smoothies at £9.99 a shot.

There was also so many well-groomed children wearing pretentious Jack Wills clothing that it’s a wonder the chain is in any form of financial difficulty.

Latitude festival veteran Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “The quinoa and kale wraps are to die for. If the wind is coming from the south, you can just about make out the stench of burgers and onions from Essex. Thankfully, there’s none of that sort of thing here.

“What is George Ezra, by the way? Is it a trendy type of blueberry or Waitrose’s own brand almond butter?”