Easy access, ample on-site parking, dedicated sterile operating theatre, dedicated dental suite, separate dog and cat wards, isolation ward, all staff and facilities on one site, x-ray suite, in-house laboratory, ultrasound facilities, Pet Passport, export services and 24 hour nursing cover.
A Personal and Professional service that our existing clients are accustomed to. We warmly welcome new clients who wish to register with us.
As part of our aim to give something back to the community we recently purchased a full set of match shirts for the Swaffham under 9’s rugby team. We hope to extend this to other age groups in the future. Now the quality of the shirts can match the quality of the rugby!
01366 382219 www.crossingsvets.co.uk
Our surgery times are listed below. Please note that appointments are now necessary for all evening surgeries.
Open surgeries
Monday to Friday 9-10am Saturday 10-11.30am
All other consultations will be by appointment only so please ring in advance
Midsummer already!! It doesn’t seem much like it at the time of writing, but perhaps by the time you read this we will all be basking in the sun and enjoying all the Open Gardens Days this month. This is a truly happy and important month for the church in all eight villages which make up our group, for we can announce the appointment of a new Priest-in-Charge after more than a year of interregnum. We are all pleased to welcome Barbara to the group and hope it will be the start of a long and fruitful time. As always, please try to support the various events which are organised in the villages. Open Gardens, coffee mornings, jazz picnics, - there’s plenty going on! You are always welcome at church services as well! As always, ‘Happy Reading ‘
Wereham: Lynda Eddy Crown House, Church Road, Wereham. Tel: 01366 501308 [email protected] Please submit all information through your Village Contacts.
3. The area known as Manhattan is in which American city?
4. What is a monocle?
5. Valencia Island is located off the coast of which Irish county?
6. The decathalon is an athletic competition made up of how many events?
7. Where was the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed?
8. Brittany is an area of which country?.
9. How many legs has a spider?
10. In which city would you find “The Wailing Wall”?
11. What was unusual about legendary Greek warriors the Amazons?
12. In which country is the town Alice Springs?
13. What colour is Sapphire?
14. Which state in America is known as “The Lone Star State”?
15. How many tentacles has a squid?
16. What is the name of the sea that separates Alaska from Siberia?
17. What is the only monkey native to Europe?
18. Which island was formerly known as “Van Diemen’s land”?
19. Name the American who made the first transatlantic solo flight in 1927?
20. In mathematics what is an integer?
21. The Irish name for this Canadian state is Talamh an Éisc. Its capital is St. John. What state is it?
22. A decibel is a measure of what?
CHILDREN’S PAGE
Answers on page 41
58
Group4 News
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD Methwold High School has just launched a new Methwold Community website which will provide information for children, parents, families and the wider community on extended services in the Methwold area. The area is being loosely on the cluster of schools that feed into the High School: ,Gooderstone, Stoke Ferry, Northwold, Mundford, Weeting, Feltwell, Hockwold as well as Methwold itself. We have been asked to publicise it.
The Methwold Cluster of Schools has a new website! The website provides information for the whole community on the wide range of extended servicesthat are available through the schools, including childcare, community access to facilities and after school activities, parenting support, forthcoming events and exciting opportunities and courses on offer through the High School sports specialism. The website also has active links to all of the schools in the cluster. The website address is www.methwoldcommunity.co.uk Please have a look!
20. What do Homer Simpson and Elvis Presley have in common?
21. The most famous Spanish festival is the running of the bulls in July in which city?
22. Which name is missing from the following sequence: Bill Brewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Widdon, Harry Hawk, and Jan Stewer ?
Answers on page 41
Group4 News
3
‘FROM THE RECTORY’
Dear All, Many years ago I sat in my choir stall early on a dark winter’s evening preparing for Evensong. The weather was miserable, there was trouble in the parish, and it all felt like my fault. In my gloom I wondered if it was all going to fizzle out ‘on my watch’. But my eye glanced at the list of Rectors near the south door. It went back to the 1270’s, and I thought ‘it’s survived them, perhaps it will survive me too!’ And then my mood lifted: we had 100 communicants on Sunday at 10.30, we had a Sunday School of 80 children doing exciting things. And twenty years later, that parish is still going strong! It just shows how our mood can colour our perceptions.
In this age of rampant individualism it is so easy to become self-centred and think ‘it’s all down to me’. Yet the truth is, we all live in God’s creation and that creation is always subject to His will. Our task is to play our part, and to know what to leave to others, and what to leave to God.
It was with a sense of real joy that a new parish priest was appointed to this group of parishes on Friday 30th April. (No name at present: another parish has to be prepared for its bereavement!) If that priest’s ministry is anything like mine, in the days to come there will be times of joy and days of darkness. But whatever the mood of the day, may God help us all to remember that we live under His sovereignty to play our own small part in furthering His will. If we do that, your new priest will one day look back on ‘the Barton Bendish days’ with feelings of joy and fulfilment. And the people of these parishes will have been truly blessed by that ministry.
David Evans
David is the Rural Dean and we thank him for all that he has done for us in recent months. Since he wrote this, the Rev. Barbara Burton has been confirmed as our new priest-in-charge. She is currently Curate of St John’s Church, March and will be licensed to our benefice at a service on Monday 27th September, at St Martin’s church, Fincham. Please note this date in your diaries and join with us in our celebration of a new beginning.
4
Group4 News
COUNTRYSIDE NOTES - SPRING
I never cease to be amazed by what we call nature especially this year after such a hard winter. Our crocuses struggled to make a show. Each frosty morning their flowers would be laid flat out in the grass and yet miraculously if the sun shone on them they immediately rose up to greet it with open petals. Aconites and snowdrops, although two or three weeks later than we’ve been used to, heralded spring was on its way and lasted longer in the cold. A few sunnier and marginally warmer days in mid March encouraged the daffodils to wake up though most other plants showed little in the way of enthusiasm. The countryside still looked brown and dull with hardly any sign of life. In the first half of April the weather was generally not too bad except for a nasty cold wind and frosty nights but stuff still seemed reluctant to burst forth. Then all of a sudden the temperature upped and you could almost watch things grow. I’m sure you actually could have if you’d sat in a rape field. After looking very sorry for themselves early in the month the plants shot upwards at great speed and three weeks later the fields were clothed in a mass of yellow flowers. With very little rain it is incredible how seeds can extract sufficient moisture from the soil to germinate. Some plants though seem to have positively thrived as a result of the freezing temperatures. Sycamore seedlings appeared like cress in the gravel drive, flower borders and even the lawn. Dandelions put on a spectacular display as had violets hiding in the roadside verges before them. In the garden daffodils and tulips for once weren’t spoiled by wind and rain. Queen wasps and ladybirds survived the winter in abundance and birds quietly got on with nesting even though it was so cold. There seems here to have been a noticeable increase in thrushes. In my notes last month I commented that we’d added two new species of bird sightings in our garden – well we’ve got another two. A pair of bullfinches recently paid a brief visit and there was much excitement in camp on April 25th when we identified a really rare stranger which had decided to drop in for a feed of ants – a wryneck. This beautiful bird with mottled brown markings and a dark stripe running along the centre of its grey back belongs to the woodpecker family. It’s similar in size to a song thrush but has the mannerisms of the green woodpecker which drops in occasionally to search our lawn for ants. The wryneck probably spent about half an hour working its way along the edge of the flower border but it never came back again afterwards. Even though a hundred years ago they were commonly found throughout England, barring the extreme north and west, according to the RSPB website there are now only about 280 sightings each year and it’s doubtful if any still breed here. The Latin name for a wryneck is ‘Jynx torquilla’ and they winter in Africa; this one was passing through on its way to Scandinavia. They have the ability to turn their heads almost 180 degrees, which is how they acquired their English name, and nest in a hole in a tree. If disturbed they threaten the interloper by twisting their head and hissing like a snake. This behaviour found a place in witchcraft being interpreted as putting a ‘jinx’ on someone. Jill Mason
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PUZZLE PAGE 1. In Pop music, which two herbs go with 'Parsley & Sage'?
2. Who was Leonardo di Caprio's co-star in Titanic?
3. How many holes are there in a ten pin bowling ball?
4. What is the name of the process used for clarifying beer or wine?
5. Who plays Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives?
6. In the films, who plays the role of Harry Potter?
7. Which spirit is the base for a Black Russian cocktail?
8. If you were playing darts and got a 'Shanghai' score of 72 with 3 darts which number have you scored on?
9. How many red balls are on the table at the start of a frame of snooker?
10. In the game of Scrabble, how many letters does each player start with?
11. In which TV series did we meet The Phantom Raspberry Blower Of Old London Town?
12. If I were a Rich Man, comes from which stage show?
13. Who played Sgt Bilko?
14. If Lady is a pedigree spaniel what is the name of the mongrel?
15. In (Lloyd Webber’s) 'Starlight Express' what do the actors wear on their feet?
16. In gin rummy, how many cards are dealt to each player?
17. The letters DDR are the initials of which country’s name?
18. In chess, which piece must always stay on the same colour squares?
19. Which M was the arch enemy of Doctor Who? (pto)
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Group4 News
SWAFFHAM COMMUNITY HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS A Brief History - The League of Friends was first formed in 1974 joining an affiliated body then known as The Association of Hospital League of Friends, which was based in Colchester but two years ago after seeing many changes introduced to the organization it was decided to rename itself to ATTEND (Enhancing Health and Social Care Locally). This was necessary as many other organizations with connections to the NHS were themselves looking for a body to assist them with the high level of legislation that was constantly being introduced to the system. So now the affiliated body encompasses organizations outside the heading of League of Friends and is now based in London witnessing a marked increase in membership to the organization. Its Patron is Andrew, Duke of York. Our own Patron is The Rt Hon The Baroness Gillian Shepard of Northwold JP DL. Prior to the League being formed at Swaffham Community Hospital the business of patients needs was conducted by a Hospital Committee that met monthly. This body was made up of doctors and leading dignitaries of the Town. It was deemed necessary to seek further advice from a leading organization on how best to raise funds so that equipment and facilities for the patients of the hospital could be fundraised for, this resulted in the League of Friends being formed. Initially the first committee was drawn from other voluntary organizations in the Town who would send a representative to the meetings where matters were discussed. They would return to their own body with plans to raise funds and over the years it became a very successful way in purchasing equipment for the hospital. Today apart from one representative, the committee is made up of volunteers who are very passionate of their hospital and are ensuring that they endeavour to continue the work of raising funds so that the patients are nursed to the highest possible standard with the level of experience of the staff that are employed by NHS Norfolk. It works extremely well too, combined in having a wonderful relationship with the Matron, Mavis White and her staff makes all the difference in the voluntary work we carry out. Apart from our own fundraising efforts and those organizations who occasionally assist us, the majority of funds are contributed from individuals in and around the Town. It has been evident in the past on how everyone rallies round to help us whenever we have a major fundraising effort for a specific piece of major equipment. We sincerely hope you will continue to support our Charity knowing that monies collected apart from the necessary administration costs go back into our hospital. Many of you were aware that the hospital found itself in the position of losing the intermediate beds some three years ago and we had to fight for the retention of them. This was not the first time that the authorities at the time had tried to close the hospital down but the third, but people power and common sense prevailed in the end, so your support is vital to its existence. I have been Chairman for the last fifteen years and thoroughly enjoy the voluntary job. It is self satisfying to witness the encouragement the patients receive from the wonderful staff that have their hearts in the task. The hospital is renowned for its level of nursing up and down the country and many a dignitary has made a visit to see for themselves.Of course like other organizations up and down the country, we have seen a large decline in individuals coming forward to offer their time to help us. In the next six months we say farewell to two of our long term members namely Mrs Pat Sharp and Mrs Dorothy Hardiman who have completed thirty six years each. They were both rewarded for their service and received certificates signed by the Duke of York last year at a ceremony at the hospital. The Committee’s major concern is that Dorothy is our Treasurer and we are desperate to seek a replacement, so if you can spare a few hours a month then please contact me. All of our Committee are CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked, which is a requirement by NHS Norfolk before they can become a member.My philosophy is that charity starts at home and here in Swaffham we are so fortunate in having an asset that prides itself of being a centre of importance, the hospital. So please think of us so we can help the patients of the hospital now and in the future. David Gulliver – 01760 722924.
Group4 News
5
I was interested to read Jill Mason’s Countryside Notes in the May issue of Group 4 news, not least because I share the RSPBs ‘fascination with birds of prey’. It has given me enormous pleasure to see buzzards wheeling in the skies over Beachamwell and I’m sure we all enjoy the sight of a kestrel hovering over a roadside verge or a barn owl swooping over a field at dusk. Whereas I can understand the disquiet caused when the sparrowhawk attacks and kills its prey in the garden, I feel we need to recognise that this is a natural occurrence and that the presence of a top predator in fact indicates a healthy population of songbirds. The RSPB emphasise that feeding songbirds in our gardens does not increase the predation of sparrowhawks, it simply makes it more obvious to us as it is happening in our view. They do suggest that siting feeders close to cover gives songbirds a greater chance to escape … as long as it does not put them in more danger from cats! Leah Spencer (Beachamwell)
Group Treasurer required for the 8 parishes
Needs to be: reasonably numerate
able to use a spreadsheet and email understand working of the Church
be able to chair a meeting of 8 If interested or require more details Please contact
Has vacancies now for children 0-4 years Meals provided - homemade no junk food
Home environment—lovely playroom Lots of toys, art and crafts
Safe enclosed garden for outside play
Viewing welcome
Please contact - Angela - 01366 500115
This magazine reaches over 700 homes in the area.
If you have something you wish to advertise contact
Lynda Eddy ( address inside front cover )
Downham Market Festival
Is here!
Many varied events to suit a range of interests—look out for the programmes on sale
in the town.
8
Group4 News
Methwold Nursery School Open all year Monday - Friday 7am to 6pm
age 3 months to 11 years Come and meet our new highly qualified staff and
experience for yourself the welcoming atmosphere of our nursery where each child’s individual needs are met. We also have a wonderful
garden and outdoor play area for children to explore and learn in.
Funded places for children aged 3 and 4. Child Care Vouchers Accepted Parent Toddler Group every Wednesday 10am - 11:30am
What our parents say: “my child has so much fun, she never wants to leave at the end of the day!”
“the whole nursery is clean and modern with excellent home cooked food, I’ve tried it!” “I love the cosy dedicated baby sleep room which is in contrast to the rest of the nursery
which is bright and fun - it really is home from home!” “I’ve never seen so many toys and wonderful activities, my son loves it!”
“My girls look forward to coming to the Holiday Club as there is so much to do.”
Parent quote: “… it has a great reputation and being
able to take our son to a local, well respected pre-school is
fantastic.” Monday - Friday 8.30-3.30
School Term Time: Children aged 2 to 5 School Holidays: Children aged 2 to 8
Group4 News
53
Paul Braybrooke Oil Fired Boiler Engineer
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Acupuncture A treatment to maintain and restore health
Charlotte Sugden LicAc
I may be able to help
Acupuncture: Treats most conditions from anxiety to pain
Practicing at the Old Red Lion in Castle Acre (Nr Swaffham)
To make an appointment or for further information
Tel: 07855 513199
12
Group4 News
The Summer Solstice and Midsummer’s Day
Sol + stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" + "to stand still." As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky. As a major celestial event, the Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the short-est night of the year. The Northern Hemisphere celebrates in June, but the people on the Southern half of the earth have their longest summer day in December.
The festival is primarily a Celtic fire festival, representing the middle of summer, and the shortening of the days on their gradual march to winter. Midsummer is traditionally cele-brated on either the 23rd or 24th of June, although the longest day actually falls on the 21st of June. This is an ancient celebration and many stone circles and other ancient monuments are aligned to the sunrise on Midsummer's Day eg Stonehenge. In days gone by, midsummer fires were lit in high places all over the countryside, and in some areas of Scotland Midsummer fires were still being lit well into the 18th century. After Christianity became adopted in Britain, the festival became known as St John's day and was still celebrated as an important day in the church calendar; the birthday of St John the Baptist. Traditionally St John's Eve (like the eve of many festivals) was seen as a time when the veil between this world and the next was thin, and when powerful forces were abroad. Vigils were often held during the night and it was said that if you spent a night at a sacred site during Midsummer Eve, you would gain the powers of a bard, on the down side you could also end up utterly mad, dead, or be spirited away by the fairies.
Indeed St John’s Eve was a time when fairies were thought to be abroad and at their most powerful (hence Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream). St John's Wort was also traditionally gathered on this day, thought to be imbued with the power of the sun. Other special flowers (Vervain, trefoil, rue and roses) were also thought to be most potent at this time, and were traditionally placed under a pillow in the hope of important dreams, especially dreams about future lovers.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR
A very sick man visited his doctor in a small rural village. As he was leaving, he suddenly blurted out, ‘Doctor, I am afraid to die. You go to church on Sundays. Tell me what lies on the other side.’ Very quietly, the doctor said, ‘I don’t know.’ ‘ You don’t know? You, a Christian man, do not know what’s on the other side?’ The doctor was holding the handle of the door and from the other side came the sound of scratching and whining. He opened the door and the patient’s spaniel bounded into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said ‘Did you notice your dog? He’s never been in this room before, he didn’t know what was inside. He knew noth-ing except that his master was here, and when the door opened he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there, and that is enough. And when the door opens, I shall pass through with no fear, but with gladness. From ‘About Ferriby’ ,the village magazine of North Ferriby, Humberside. Kindly donated by Bill Miller of Boughton.
Group4 News
49
Burrows and Howes Ltd
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PILATES FOR A LONGER LEANER,
BALANCED SELF All ages and abilities ~ Small Classes
*BOOKING ESSENTIAL*
Swaffham Community Centre, Campingland
Wednesday 4.45 - 5.45pm
Beachamwell Village Hall Friday 9.30am-10.30am
and 11am-12pm
For more information & booking call
Electra May on:
07803 000921 or 01366 328845
Group4 News
15
RECIPE FOR THE MONTH
EASY SAUSAGE & ONION PIZZA
Most people enjoy pizzas; just think how popular you will be if you make your own! When you have made this pizza a couple of times; why not experiment with other meats and spicier toppings. Remember not to build the topping to thick and dense otherwise it will be soggy at the centre and difficult to cook through. Just start with a basic tomato puree/sauce (not ketchup) spreading onto the base, coat
with a thin layer of cheese then ‘go for it’. Mozzarella is a good texture, but just use what suits you. If you want a more golden edge to the pizza then brush the pastry sides with beaten egg yolk before cooking. Serves 2
Ingredients 1 Mug self raising flour. ½ Teaspoon salt. 6 Teaspoons butter. ½ Mug milk, approximately. Topping: ¼ mug tomato puree, 1 mug grated cheese, 2 sliced half cooked sausages, ½ sliced red onion, sliced mozzarella and two halved cherry tomatoes.
Method 1 – Pre-heat oven 190c/375f/gas 5. 2 – Place the flour, salt and butter into a large bowl. 3 – Rub the flour and butter together with the tips of your fingers until the butter is thoroughly incorporated into the flour. 4 – Add a little of the milk to bind the mix together. Slowly add more milk until you achieve soft dough. Add a little flour if the dough is too sticky. 5 – Flour a surface and turn the dough out. With a floured rolling pin, roll the dough to fit in an oven tin. It doesn’t matter if the tin is square or round. 6 – Grease the tin and line with the dough. If the dough tears just patch it in. 7 – Spread the dough with the tomato puree, cheese, sausage and onion. 8 – Bake for approximately 30 minutes.
GARDENING TIPS Yesterday I saw the first sign of aphids on one of my climbing roses! Fortunately it seems that it is, at this stage, an isolated instance as the rest of that bush and others seem to be clear. However, it serves as a warning that despite the harder winter and the current inclement weather the usual assault by these insects on the new, tender, growths will soon be with us. These pests are a perennial nuisance and these days what to do about them causes many arguments. Years ago, before the ‘green approach’ was even thought about, strong pesticides were readily available and a one-off application was enough to keep our plants clean for a long period. The pesticides we can now buy are so weak that, in my opinion, are almost a waste of money. Even if you believe in their use, they have to be used several times a year to provide even the minimum protection. How many of us can remember the old Sunlight Soap that was used for washing clothes? A solution of that worked wonders in clearing unwanted aphids and to my memory did little or no harm to the ‘good bugs’. Nowadays, nearly all of us use washing-up liquid. A weak solution of this sprayed onto aphids when they first appear is almost as good but, as with current pesticides, applications over several weeks may be necessary. On the other hand the pests can simply be washed off with plain water but you will need to do this more often! The choice is yours! Hopefully, by the time this article is published, our weather should be entering a warmer phase and we can all start planting out our more tender species. Prior to doing so, we shall need to clear out some of the spring flowering plants, wallflowers and the like. The green tops of these make ideal subjects for the compost heap but the hard stems and roots if put onto the heap will take a long time to rot down. These latter should ideally be burnt, as should all diseased plant matter. However, with all the current rules and regulations, such a course is not always open to the average gardener particularly if you live in a built up area, so the local tip is the only place to safely dispose of such items. Many gardens will now be getting quite dry, particularly those on the more sandy soils. But it can develop an even worse scenario with clay soils when the ground can crack open, breaking plant roots and killing the plant in that way. This brings into consideration the general question of watering, when to water and how. We are all urged to be careful with the amount of water we use. Many people use a hosepipe mainly because it appears to be a quick solution to the immediate problem. It is however a very wasteful method of watering and in some ways makes work. Plants need water where it is going to do them most good – round their roots, and the best way to do this is gently, with a watering can from an open spout, not through a rose. This way less water is used, and it helps the plant directly and is not wasted all over the surrounding area, as is the case with a rose or hosepipe. In the latter case it mostly evaporates away but at the same time provides the opportunity for weeds to germinate which ultimately rob your plants of the available moisture and provides the gardener with the backbreaking job of weeding! In addition water landing on foliage on a hot day can do more harm than good. Whilst watering on clay soils can help, the real answer is to dig plenty of well rotten manure or vegetation into the soil, which will in turn help to retain the moisture that is naturally
All abilities welcome Stretching, postures and breathing help to improve mobility and strength. Please wear loose clothing and bring a warm rug and/or yoga mat (there will be a few mats available for loan/buy). Do not eat a heavy meal just before class.
£5.00 per session (pay as you go)
Under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by an
adult
Y O G A British Wheel of
Yoga Tutor, Ann Lewing
Contact number: 01366 328350
STOKE FERRY
VILLAGE HALL
Mondays
7.00pm—8.30pm Please arrive no
later than 6.55pm
44
Group4 News
Your local health food store & natural therapy centre
• Gluten free, vegan and sugar free foods • Nuts, grains, seeds and cereals • Quality vitamins & supplements • Full range of Ecover cleaning products • Natural bodycare and babycare sections • Full range of treatments from Acupuncture to Homoeopathy in our
Swedish And Balinese Body Massage • Aromatherapy •
Hopi Ear Candling • Facials •
Seven wonderful holistic therapies to heal and restore you physically, mentally and emotionally
In my studio you will find peace and renewal, an escape from the everyday pace and challenge of life
Jan Fairweather m.i.c.h.t., a.t.l, t.f.t.alg Telephone: 01366 347700
Beulah House, High Street, Fincham, Norfolk PE33 9EH
Group4 News
17
available. Having lived with the clay problem for some ten years, I found that providing the necessary humus in the soil is the ultimate answer and in the end will give you the most excellent soil and plant results. Above all, do take time to sit back in your garden and enjoy the results of your labours. Roy Coughtrey
FINCHAM CHURCH FETE
combined with a
CAR BOOT SALE
12TH JUNE 2010 on the
MEMORIAL PLAYING FIELD
USUAL ATTRACTIONS:
Bowling for a Pig, Treasure Hunt, Bottle Stall, Cakes,
Books, White Elephant, Breaking Crockery, Ice Creams
ALSO!!
The June Draw for the Hun-dred Club will take place!!
First Prize - £100!Second Prize - £50!Third Prize -
£25!
Winners to be announced at the Fete!
Your opportunity to join the Hundred Club!
ST EDMUND’S DOWNHAM MARKET
‘A BLOOMING DAY OUT’
CHURCH FETE AND OPEN GARDENS DAY
SUNDAY JULY 11TH
TEL: 383629
DOWNHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Will have a plant stall on the Howdale on Monday May 31st as part of the Downham
Market Festival week. Come along for bargains!
OPEN SUMMER SHOW For members and non members
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
TOWN HALL DOWNHAM MARKET
SEE POSTERS FOR DETAILS
Contact 500429
18
Group4 News
CAN YOU ‘BE PREPARED’? The local Scout Group, 1st Wereham and Wretton, is eager to recruit new adult leaders and assistants. The group has active Beaver, Cub and Scout sections, each of which meet on a weekly basis during term time - these sections are unable to survive and flourish without adult support. The group is fortunate in having an existing team of experienced leaders, a strong committee, and a well-equipped headquarters building. However, to continue to grow, more help is urgently required.
The Cubs and Beavers planted a new hedge at its headquarters last year, with assistance from leaders, parents and members of the Wereham Wildlife Woodland team. At the planting stage all we could see was a row of bare twigs – it was hard to imagine that this was really a hedge! In contrast, this photo taken just a few weeks ago shows the hedge as it is now - sprouting fresh new branches, green and growing vigorously.
Group4 News
43
JAZZ PICNIC
BARTON BENDISH HALL
SUNDAY 11TH JULY 2010
12 noon ‐ 3pm
(Gates open at 11.30am) Tickets in advance £5 per person
Tickets on the gate £6 (16yrs and under free)
Come and picnic in the field between St Mary’s Church and Barton Bendish Hall while enjoying some jazz
JAZZ PICNIC Saturday July 24th 12.30-3.30
On the lawn at Rectory House, Oxborough Road, Boughton. Bring your own picnic and friends and relax to the sounds of
Traditional Jazz with Barry Tyler's Dixieland Jazz Band. Admission £6, Children free.
In aid of village funds
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Group4 News
‘AFTERNOON TEA’
and a chat
Wednesday July 21st 2 - 4pm
Beachamwell Memorial Hall
Enquiries: Sonia Williams
01366 328774
‘AFTERNOON TEA’
and a chat
Wednesday June 16th 2 - 4pm
Beachamwell Memorial Hall
Enquiries: Sonia Williams
01366 328774
Beachamwell & District WI
‘Swaffham Cottage Hospital’
A Talk by David Gulliver
Thursday July 1st 7.30
Beachamwell Village Hall
Enquiries Sheila Smith 01366 328990
or Jenny Gabrielsen 01366
328297
4 p.m. onwards
Food about 6 pm
Admission by ticket
available in advance only
Adult £7.50 5 - 12 years £3.00
from: Debbie Fisher
tel: 502224
In aid of All Saint’s Community ProjectIn aid of All Saint’s Community Project
Saturday 3 July 2010
Group4 News
19
There are strong parallels between the hedge and the group – both needing strong roots to allow new shoots to grow!
Prospective leaders and assistants need to be enthusiastic about giving young people the opportunity to sample the adventure Scouting has to offer – previous experience is not essential as the Scout association provides a comprehensive training package tailored to the individual Group sections. There will be plenty of support from our friendly adult team and many of the skills required can be learnt along the way.
Survival expert Bear Grylls, who was appointed Chief Scout last year, has been keen to promote Scouting as ’empowering’ and ‘fun’. Indeed if you look at the programme planned for the Wereham & Wretton Group for the coming months you will note a range of adventure based activities and skills that young people cannot readily achieve elsewhere. By volunteering for Scouting you not only benefit from supporting young people, you also gain from developing yourself and have the opportunity to rediscover your youth!
Our most urgent area of volunteer support is our Beaver section (age 6 to 8), but the older sections (Cubs 8 to 10 and a half, and Scouts 10 and a half to 14) need help too. For the first time in many years we have a waiting list of young people keen to join, and we have had to turn away prospective new recruits wanting to start immediately.
If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with me, Paul Smith, Wereham & Wretton Group Scout Leader on 01366 501 224.
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Group4 News
Beachamwell Open Gardens
Sunday 6th June 2010 12 noon - 5 p.m.
: 15 Village Gardens Open
Hilgay Silver Band on The Green,
Ouse Washes Molly Dancers at The Old Rectory,
Organ Recitals in the Church, Treasure Hunt Ploughmans' Lunches,
Afternoon Teas
Adults £3.00 Couples £5.00 Children Free
Contact: Alan Butler 01366 328817
Boughton Open Gardens
Sunday June 13th
12-5pm Village gardens open
Lunches 12 –2 Teas from 2pm
Plant stall Raffle
Adult entry £3.50
Enquiries: 01366 500429
Wereham Open Gardens
Sunday June 20th
At least 9 village gardens open from 1.30pm –5.30 pm
Adults £3.50 children free
Tickets on sale at the church on the day
Quiche and Salad lunches (£4.99) served from 12.15 pm
Raffle
Gardeners’ Songs of Praise 7pm
Enquiries: Lizzie Baddock
Barton Bendish
Open Gardens Sunday 27th June
11am—5pm
Ploughman’s Lunches
Afternoon teas ( from 2pm)
Cakes Plants
Bric-a-Brac and Raffle
Enquiries Maureen Tasker 01366 347432
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY CONTINUED
18. September 15th Wednesday Tea & Chat, 2 - 4 Beachamwell Memorial Hall Sonia Williams 01366 328774 19. September 18th & 19th Saturday & Sunday Barton Bendish Art & Craft Weekend Linda Webster 01366 347563 & Mhari Blanchfield 013666 347849 20. October 20th Wednesday Tea & Chat, 2 - 4 Beachamwell Memorial Hall Sonia Williams 01366 328774 21. October 28th Thursday WI Open Evening ‘The Birds of Trinidad & Tobago with Allan Hale Sheila Smith 01366 328990 & Jenny Gabrielsen 01366 328297 22. November 12th Race Night Patricia Evans 01366 501395 23. November 17th Wednesday Tea & Chat, 2 - 4 Beachamwell Memorial Hall Sonia Williams 01366 328774 24. November 25th/26th Thursday/Friday Christmas Wreath Workshop BB Mhari Blanchfield 01366 347849 or Linda Webster 01366 347563
25. December 4th/5th Saturday/Sunday Christmas Tree Festival & Hall of Stalls Linda Webster 01366 347563 & Mhari Blanchfield 013666 347849 26. December 15th Wednesday Tea & Chat, 2 - 4 Beachamwell Memorial Hall Sonia Williams 01366 328774 There will be a Car boot Sale in Wereham during August but the date has yet to be decided. For more details please phone Doreen 01366 500218 or Janet 01366 500732
Answers to quiz on pages 57-58
1. Rosemary and Thyme ( Scarborough Fair) 2. Kate Winslet 3. 3 4. Fining 5. Eva Longoria 6. Daniel Radcliffe 7. vodka 8. 12 9. 15 10. 7 11. the two Ronnies 12. Fiddler on the Roof 13. Phil Silvers 14. Tramp 15. skates 16. 10. 17. Germany 18. bishop 19. The Master 20. They both have a daughter named Lisa Marie 21. Pamplona 22. Old uncle Tom Cobbleigh
Answers to children’s page quiz
1. oxen 2. Asia 3. New York 4. a single eye-glass 5 Mayo, Ireland 6. ten 7. Mecca 8. France 9. 8 10 Jerusalem 11. they were all women 12. Australia 13. dark blue 14. Texas 15. ten 16. the Bering Sea 17. the Barbary ape found in Gibraltar 18. Tasmania 19. Charles Lindberg 20. any whole number 21. Newfoundland 22. sound
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Group4 News
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
1. June 5th Saturday Tots Bingo Wereham Village Hall Angela 01366 500115
2. June 6th Sunday Beachamwell Open Gardens Alan Butler 01366 328817
3. June 13th Sunday Boughton Open Gardens Pam Wakeling 01366 500429 4. June 16th Wednesday Tea & Chat, 2 - 4 Beachamwell Memorial Hall Sonia Williams 01366 328774 5. June 20th Sunday Wereham Open Gardens Lizzie Baddock 01366 500233
6. June 27th Sunday Barton Bendish Open Gardens Maureen Tasker 01366 347432 7. July 3rd Saturday Boughton Village Hog Roast Moira Saunders 01366 500955 8. July 11th Sunday Barton Bendish Jazz Picnic Mhari Blanchfield 01366 347849 or Linda Webster 01366 347563 9. July 18th Wereham Festival Day Lizzie Baddock 01366 500233
10. July 21st Wednesday Tea & Chat, 2 - 4 Beachamwell Memorial Hall Sonia Williams 01366 328774 11. July 24th Sunday Boughton Jazz Picnic Paul Coulten 01366 500315 12. August 8th Sunday Barton Bendish Vintage Car Rally & Summer Fete Mhari Blanchfield 01366 347849 or Linda Webster 01366 347563 13. August 18th Wednesday Tea & Chat, 2 - 4 Beachamwell Memorial Hall Sonia Williams 01366 328774 14. August 21st Saturday Barton Bendish Village Fete Linda Webster 01366 347563 & Mhari Blanchfield 013666 347849 15. August 22nd Sunday Beachamwell Horticultural Show - Memorial Hall Dave Guild 01366 328525 and Carole Wilson 01366 328628 16. September 3rd Friday Evening of Cheese, Wine and Canapés John & Gill Sanderson 01366 328818 17. September 5th Sunday Beachamwell Village & Country Fair Caroline Sanderson 01366 328244
Group4 News
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NORFOLK POLICE AUTHORITY Independent Custody Visitors are volunteers from the local community who visit police stations unannounced and in pairs to check the welfare of detained persons and the conditions in which they are held. They play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing. Independent Custody Visitors do not need to know why a person is being detained in custody; and they do not talk to those held about their arrest or follow up on what happens subsequently. The role is purely objective and ensures that the detainee’s legal rights have been explained and given; treatment has been fair and reasonable and that the conditions of the cells are satisfactory. The Police Authority is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Custody Visiting Scheme and, in Norfolk, there are 5 Panels of Visitors covering the County. Each Panel has a volunteer Co-ordinator who ensures there is a rota for regular, unannounced visits to the custody suites at a variety of times of the day and night. Independent Custody Visitors are unpaid, but receive allowances to cover travelling expenses. They come from a variety of backgrounds and sections of the community but must be over 18 years of age and have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system – this is to prevent possible conflicts of interest for the individual and to maintain the independence of the Scheme. If you are interested in becoming a custody visitor or to find out more about the Scheme, please contact Sarah Bryant, Scheme Administrator at Norfolk Police Authority on 01953 424455 or e-mail [email protected]. Further information can also be found on the Norfolk Police Authority website www.norfolk-pa.gov.uk
FINCHAM AND DISTRICT WI
Next meeting
Wednesday 9th June in Fincham Village Hall
Talk ‘ Old Fashioned Sweets
7.30 pm
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Group4 News
WELCOME NEWS FOR SWAFFHAM SWIMMERS
Swaffham fulfill its 50-year dream of a town swimming pool – in exchange for permission to build 250 homes on Brandon Road.
Abel Homes says it will donate a plot of land for the facility – and help towards building costs. People have been campaigning for a pool since the 1950’s and the Swaffham and District Swimming Pool Association (SPA) has spent the last 13 years working to achieve its ambition. At Monday’s annual general meeting (19/4/2010) of SPA it was announced that Abel Homes was offering to donate one or two acres of land for the pool. The offer is dependant on the company gaining permission to build 250 new homes on a site in Brandon Road in the town. Abel Homes would also make a contribution to the cost of construction. The land, worth between £500,000 and £1 million, is in the south of the town, close to where the new homes would be and near Hamond’s High School. Currently SPA also has another possible site for the pool in the north of the town – which was purchased by Swaffham Town Council in 2008 near the Ecotech Centre and the A47. Marian Clements, chairperson of SPA said: “The committee is extremely pleased about the offer from Abel Homes. It is great news and very encouraging, especially when you think 10 years ago we had no option at all and now we have two possibilities. But we are aware that wherever the swimming pool goes it will require a lot of funding. We will require millions not thousands of pounds. SPA would like the town to have a six-lane 25-metre pool plus a learner pool and gym and that the facility could cost about £5 million. A swimming pool is a facility every town should have. At the moment our nearest swimming pools are in King’s Lynn or Dereham”. Tony Abel, managing director of Abel Homes said: “We have decided to make this offer because we are a local, family-owned company which lives and works in the communities where we build. We understand what a strong desire there is for a swimming pool in the town, and so we have made this offer to help kickstart the process. We will also offer whatever professional assistance we can to help secure the necessary funding to complete the project”. The area’s Local Development Framework (LDF) has set out that Swaffham needs another 250 homes by 2026 although the location of these homes is still being decided.
PA ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
Swimming Pool Association
Group4 News
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WEREHAM VILLAGE NEWS
WEREHAM VILLAGE NEWS
Wereham Wildlife Woodland
Notice of forthcoming AGM Meeting:
Monday, 5th July 2010
7.30pm at The George & Dragon, Wereham
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend
Existing committee members who wish to stand for re-election
and Non-members who are interested in standing for election on the steering-group:
Please submit your names to: Karen Taylor, The Old Bakehouse, Church Road, Wereham or
Please………….. Now that summer is here, remember that your neighbours may not share your taste in music. Windows and doors will be open and in our village environment sound carries. Keep radios and cd players down to a level that doesn’t carry over the fence, and sometimes into the house next door.
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Group4 News
WEREHAM VILLAGE NEWS Prize Bingo In Wereham Village Hall on Saturday 5th June. Eyes down 7:30pm.
Raffle and refreshments available. All proceeds to be divided between Little Oak’s Nursery at Stoke Ferry and Wereham Tots.
Please come and support us.
A plea to all Dog Owners Thank you to those dog owners who scoop the poop into those bags and take it home. Not so well done to those who scoop the poop but leave the bags on the playing fields and various other places around our village. Please take the poop bags home and help keep our village clean and tidy.
.
Barbara Ward would like to thank everyone who attended the memorial service for her late husband Bill held on Tuesday 4th May at St. Margaret's and helped to make this very special day, a celebration of Bill's life. It was a truly lovely day with friends and family gathered to remember him at the service followed by refreshments in the village hall. As a result of a collection made at the church the sum of £175 has now been donated to the Blood Science unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn who took such good care of Bill over the past few years. We know Bill would have been very touched by your generosity.
ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH SHOULDHAM Shouldham held their annual Spring Quiz in the Village Hall on the evening of Sat.15th May in aid of Church funds. 12 tables competed including at least 3 groups from the Barton/Wereham/Boughton and Beachamwell areas. A good evening was enjoyed by all, including moments of hilarity where the quiz mistress, Ann Hullah, jiggled with the hi-tech disc player, as well as reprimanding her co-marker (Brian) for interrupting her flow. Eventually, Linda Webster's table emerged as the supreme victors and a praise worthy £287 was raised for All Saints' Church funds. Thanks to all those who took part, and those who helped with the raffle and score board. Ann Hullah
Group4 News
23
ST MARTIN’S, FINCHAM St George’s Day Concert – St Martin’s was filled to capacity for a marvellous programme featuring the Fincham Chorus with a variety of supporting Friends. The full choir were in great voice, especially with a confident Hallelujah Chorus, and the singing was interspersed with contributions from the Chamber Group in a more intimate style Hugh Culver gave a reading of ‘If’, by Rudyard Kipling, and Galen and Fraser Retch sang with their guitar and viola, as well as presenting an imaginative visual show of irrigated circles in the desert, accompanied by a ethereal soundtrack. Once again Joan Hodgson gave great support on the organ, and Wendy Bell provided the beautiful flower arrangements. What an asset these two ladies are to the village! The Musical Director was Russell McKie, and the whole remarkable event was conceived by Barbara Smith, whose energy and enthusiasm in organising different events over several years has been much appreciated by the PCC. Afterwards coffee and nibbles were served by May Pinches and her band of helpers to round off a memorable evening, which raised over £900 for church funds. Flower Festival and Songs of Praise – Once again the Flower Festival over the Mayday bank holiday was a great success, with many visitors from a wide area enjoying the wonderful floral displays based on the theme of ‘Childhood Memories’. As always the church was filled with colour and the imagination and skill of the arrangers were commented on by many of the visitors. In addition there was a large contribution by St Martin at Shouldham School, including many entertaining and thoughtful acrostic verses. Another young contributor was seven-year-old Lillie Brown with her interpretation of ‘Playing Snakes and Ladders’ With quiet enjoyment of the lovely exhibits, and plenty of chat over coffee and tea elsewhere, the mood was further enhanced at times when Morris Roberts, from Ely, played relaxing themes on the organ. The arrangements gave a magnificent backdrop to the Songs of Praise service on Sunday evening, when, following a traditional village welcome on the church bells, a popular selection of well-loved hymns was enjoyed by a good congregation led by Anne Clarke, backed by the choir with Joan Hodgson on the organ. Thanks are due to Wendy Bell and her supporting ladies, and others who interpreted the theme so successfully, and the organisers Lesley and Rita. Again May and her helpers, including Jackie and Sue, made full use of the kitchen to provide refreshments, which were very popular, and there was lots of additional support from so many people. A net surplus for St Martin’s of over £1200 represented the icing on the cake, and one can only congratulate all those who were involved in any way. We are pleased to include this occasional page of news from our sister parish of Fincham. We are all part of the same benefice and there are many links between us.
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Group4 News
BARTON BENDISH & EASTMOOR VILLAGE NEWS
Corrrection: I am very sorry but I gave the wrong telephone number for Philip Carter in the news item below which appeared in last month’s issue. It should have been 01366 328291. My sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused to whoever possesses the phone number which was published. Philip Carter from Eastmoor, the well known sup-plier of cakes and bread for many fund raising events, frequently gets asked for his wares in between times. This year he is donating any money he receives from these orders to the HELP FOR HEROES charity. So if you haven’t got time or the inclination to bake a cake when it’s needed then give him a ring on 01366 328291 and place your order, you’ll not only be helping yourself but also those soldiers who have paid such a high price for serving their country. Jill
Jazz Picnic: We are holding a Jazz Picnic on July 11th from 12 noon to 3pm. It will take place in the grounds of Barton Bendish Hall by kind permission of Luca and Carolyn Pa-dulli and is in aid of St Andrew’s Church. Gates open at 11.30am, so bring your picnic baskets, chairs, tables and rugs, and a gazebo if you would like to, and enjoy the music in such a beautiful setting. Tickets are £5 in advance, or £6 on the gate. 16 years and un-der are free. Families are very welcome. So why don’t you come and join us and escape the build up to the World Cup Final (kick off not until the evening) or relax and gather your strength for the big match! We hope to see you there! Tickets from Mhari 01366 347849 or Linda 01366 347563
Wanted: Do you have any unwanted pieces of ply wood or similar that we could use to make signs for village events? If you can help us please contact Mhari or Linda
Village Fete Saturday August 21st (please note change of date) We know it’s a while off yet, but please save any bric-a-brac, ‘bottles’, or raffle prizes for us! Thank you. Mhari and Linda
The Pub: Work is still being carried out at the pub and certainly the gardens are now beginning to take shape. Judging by the number of vehicles parked outside workmen have also been extremely busy inside. Hopefully it won’t be too long before it re-opens, perhaps in time for the Gardens Open, and we will once again have somewhere in the village where we can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat when we feel like it.
Forthcoming Events June 27th (Sunday) Gardens Open
July 11th (Sunday) Jazz Picnic See advert page 43
August 21st (Saturday) Village Fete - Please note change of date.
September 18/19th (Weekend) Art, Photography and Craft Exhibition
Group4 News
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WEREHAM VILLAGE NEWS Wereham Tots
With thanks to mums, dads, nannies and carers who support us every week. We were able to replace some of the old worn out toys with NEW! Including a fully fitted kitchen with all mod cons - cooker, fridge and of course the microwave; a trike, bumble bee car (a big winner, everyone should have one) and the tractor will be appearing soon.
Well done to Jackie (Josh’s Mum) who completed the Grand East Anglian 10Km run on the 2nd May. She raised £300 in sponsorship which she has donated to our Village Hall re-build fund.
A big Thank You to everyone who sponsored her.
We have celebrated several birthdays over the past few weeks. Lily and Luke are now 2 whilst Dexter, Micky and Sienna celebrated their 3rd birthdays. We all enjoyed the birthday cakes!
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Group4 News
WEREHAM VILLAGE NEWS Wereham Open Gardens June 20th There will be at least 9 village gardens open from 1.30pm to 5.30 Adults £3.50 children free Tickets on sale at the church on the day Raffle Teas in the village hall New this year! Quiche & Salad Lunches served from 12.00 Gardeners' Songs of Praise at 7pm If you would like to help by baking a cake, buns or scones for us to serve in the afternoon with the teas please contact Lizzie Baddock (500233) or Sheila Smith (500414) We would also welcome any plants for the plant stall for Open Gardens and the Festival if you have any to spare.
St Margaret's Wereham Festival This year the festival will be on Sunday July 18th 2010 starting at 11 am. If you have any items you would like to donate for the raffle, tombola or for prizes we would welcome them. While you are spring cleaning don't forget we have a nearly new stall and white elephant. Perhaps that vase, picture frame, or bottle of bubble bath that you have spare could help us out. We will have the ever popular produce, cakes and plant stalls along with the old favourites and a few new ones. This year the church theme is 'Peter Rabbit and Friends' . As it was so popular last year we are running the tray garden competition again for the children with age groups up to 10.(If you are older and would like to enter we can find a slot for you too!) There will also be a children’s fancy dress competition and a Bunny Mask workshop for youngsters in the church. More details nearer the time. We will finish the day with a request Songs of Praise at 7pm. If you would like be involved in any way by helping us to setup/take down on the day or by running a stall we would be pleased to have your help. Contact Karin Newell 500357 or 07710357813, Liz Baddock 500233, Doreen Rolph 500218 or Ivy Humphries 501108
Group4 News
25
BEACHAMWELL, SHINGHAM & DRYMERE VILLAGE NEWS
WI News: This months meeting was held at Barton Bendish Village Hall because of the election. Our speaker for the evening was Claire Dunne from Ceres Bookshop in Swaffham.
Claire gave an insight as to how and why she moved to Swaffham and is now totally dedicated to her bookshop and tearoom. She talked about books, past, present and the future and it was most interesting. To end her talk there was a quiz which Sheila and Janet won and both received a paperback as a prize. Claire told us the best seller last month at the shop was maps of Norfolk. Ruth Rix will have her 97th birthday this month and a lovely plant and card was given to her. Pleased to hear you are getting better Ruth and all members send their best wishes and look forward to seeing you back at the meetings soon. It
was good to note that Jill Mason will have the August Garden Meeting at her home in Barton Bendish. The next meeting will be our Birthday Supper to be held at The Crown in Downham Market. Carole Wilson St Mary’s News I would like to start by thanking Carole and Brian Wilson for once again organising the very successful Beachamwell Half-Marathon on 2nd May. On behalf of the Churchwardens and PCC of St Mary’s Church please accept heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event in so many ways and for raising funds for the Church Restoration Fund - thank you all, especially Brian and Carole. We are now getting close to our Open Gardens’ Day on 6th June and we hope everyone will come along to what promises to be a really enjoyable day. We have 15 gardens open and the event will start at 12 noon with the Hilgay Silver Band playing on the Village Green. We are delighted that the Ouse Washes Molly Dancers will again be performing at the Old Rectory and for those who would like gentler entertainment Mike Walker will be giving two organ recitals in the church. Be sure not to miss the ploughman’s lunches and the afternoon teas and don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket as we have some superb prizes. In addition try your hand at the Treasure Hunt and the tombola and don’t forget to visit the cake stall and plant stall. Tickets are £3.00 for adults and £5.00 for couples.
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Group4 News
BEACHAMWELL, SHINGHAM & DRYMERE VILLAGE NEWS
BEACHAMWELL, SHINGHAM & DRYMERE VILLAGE NEWS
We have been running our monthly Afternoon Teas on the third Wednesday of each month for a year now and are delighted that so many people join us. There is no charge but there is a donation box which has helped to buy extra teapots, teaspoons, food covers etc and to offset the cost of the actual teas/milk etc. Everyone has been extremely generous with their donations and the Hall’s Committee kindly makes no charge for the Hall. We now, therefore, have all the equipment we need for the time being and enough money to buy supplies for the next few months so we will not be putting out the donation box in May or June. Thank you all for your support and I hope to see you on 16th June. Tower Bells Restoration I understand some concern has been expressed at the delay in starting the work on the restoration of the tower bells and also about whether the money raised for this restoration over the last few years is in fact still being kept separate from all other church accounts. Firstly the money raised so far for the bell restoration is £11,026.04 and this will be increased when the money donated at this year’s Half-Marathon plus the gift aid is added. This amount is kept in a Restricted Account quite separate from General Funds and is unavailable for anything other than work required in the tower to have the bells restored and rehung. Our audited accounts are on the noticeboard in the church porch. With regard to the work being started The Diocesan Office who need to approve all work gave their qualified approval last autumn but asked that their independent bell adviser have a look at the tower. This independent advisor is also an advisor to English Heritage and bearing this in mind he requested several alterations to the plans. Our architect has been extremely busy and has a number of projects on hand at the moment and he was unable to come back to Beachamwell until early April. He has now re-drawn the plans in accordance with the English Heritage and Diocesan advisor’s requests and amended estimates are being sought for the timberwork (which will hopefully enable the clock to be started again) and for the bell restoration. As previously advised in my letter circulated to the village the access ladder and lower platform in the tower has to be replaced and cannot be used at present for Health and Safety reasons. We are therefore unable to wind the clock until the restoration work has commenced unless we have additional work done immediately. This will be expensive and will have to be removed when the restoration work begins. This has been frustrating for everyone but we hope everything will progress smoothly from now on. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time if you have any queries either by phone (01366 328774) or by email: [email protected]. Graham Williams (Churchwarden)
Group4 News
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BOUGHTON VILLAGE NEWS And now to the slightly less noticeable achievements. A large amount of scrub clearance has been carried out during the year by our specialist contractor, Lee Roberts, and an area of reed was cut last autumn on Middle Fen. With the efforts of local folk, we were able to clear and dispose of about 60% of it. The remaining 40% of the reed has been cleared by the Community Payback Scheme – that is, people who have been given community service by the courts. This is the first time that we have tried working with this organisation, and are hoping to continue this in the future, as they always have people ‘doing their time’ and we have suitable work for them. Both parties felt this had been a successful venture, and the cost to Boughton is minimal – less than £30 per week for the hire of a toilet.Norfolk Wildlife Trust has helped with some further scrub clearance, to the value of £500 on Lower Fen, which is a County Wildlife Site, and not part of the SSSI. We thank them for their help. They would like to see Lower Fen grazed, as well as the proposed area on Highland Fen, and will possibly assist us with this item. In fact, they have given us a great deal of help with the technicalities of our fencing application, which is now being revised to take in both Highland and Lower Fen grazing areas.We have continued with working parties on Highland Fen to clear up debris and finish a walk through a wooded area. As well as the village regulars, we were assisted by the Wereham Wildlife Woodland Group, who are hoping to have their own woodland, but have no land at present but have lots of pent-up energy that they have used to help us. Financially, we have used money available to us to carry out work on the fen, but have retained enough to launch into next year’s work. It has been nice to see people sitting on the seat near Otter Bridge, at the bottom of the Oxborough Hill, enjoying the surroundings, In fact if it keeps getting so much use, we may have to replace it due to wear and tear. Whilst on the subject of seats, a new seat has been placed along the river bank on Lower Fen, under the trees, just around the bend – well worth spending a few minutes there in such a tranquil spot. The effort to improve the fen has been constantly ongoing this year, and I believe that we are really beginning to see a difference. I am not going to attempt to thank people individually for their help, as so many people have been involved, in many different ways. They have been people from Boughton, Wereham, agencies such as Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Natural England, and last but not least, the other members of the Boughton Fen Committee. Without all this willing assistance we would get nowhere, and I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has participated in some way. Mark Pogmore 07.05.2010
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Group4 News
BOUGHTON VILLAGE NEWS All Saints’ Church Bells Last month, Brian Hullah produced an excellent article for G4N on the bells in All Saints’ Church, Boughton. In the article Brian postulated that the style of the lettering on Bell Number 3 (tenor) meant that it was probably cast by William Dob-son of Downham Market, this has been ‘confirmed’ by cross-reference to published work by Derek Thackerray, one time Churchwarden of Boughton, on the history of All Saints’, with the text “No.3 “Francis Woods Churchwarden AD 1807 Cast by Dobson”.
The photographs below show two of the bells, a view, I guess, that many parishioners may not have seen.
If you are interested in the history of All Saints’ then further information can be found on the Group4 News website www.group4news.co.uk (located under History/Pictures>Boughton>All Saints’ Church).
Fen Report to the Parish AGM on May 7th 2010: We have, in many ways , had an eventful year down on the fen. Perhaps the most noticeable occurrence was our unplanned, high speed reed clearance project. I returned from holiday to be greeted by a garbled message from our Parish Chairman saying that they had burned the fen – about twenty acres of it! Luckily no-one was hurt, and no noticeable damage has been done to anything but the reed, although I think Frank and Allan were shaken, not stirred. We have had discussions with our experts at Natural England and Norfolk Wildlife Trust about the fire. For what appeared to us on that Sunday morning as a possible disaster, the feedback from these people, and other experts, is that this will not have harmed the fen, and will, in fact, improve the reed beds. A number of people have visited the site and are confident that we have caused no permanent damage. Indeed, the old method of reed clearance was burning. They have, however, suggested that we don’t make a habit of this. Middle Fen is now greening up, and will, I think , look a picture in two or three months time. Perhaps we should rename it Phoenix Fen.
Group4 News
27
BEACHAMWELL, SHINGHAM & DRYMERE VILLAGE NEWS
Torriano Concert: People are beginning to ask for the date of this year’s Torriano Classical Music Concert which is usually held in the summer. Unfortunately we have to report that due to circumstances beyond our control, these concerts will no longer be held. We would like to thank everyone for their help and support over the past eleven years in raising £1,000+ annually for the Church Restoration Fund. Well done to you all especially the Torriano Ensemble. Jane Bonning, Mark and Eileen Powell
Flower Rota: 6th Several People [Gardens Open Day]; 13th Diana Lambert; 20th Olwyn Locke; 27th Betty Phillpot Eileen Powell Beachamwell Half Marathon: 47 people including Spike the Dog attended the 18th Beachamwell Half Marathon. It was good to see so many children and visitors taking part. After the usual health and safety talk by Brian everybody was ready for the "off" going hell for leather across John’s field. The main problem for the cyclists was the strong wind and thick sand in places but the drinks stations were always a welcome sight and just in the right place. The youngest to
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Group4 News
BEACHAMWELL, SHINGHAM & DRYMERE VILLAGE NEWS
complete the course were two brilliant 6 year olds, Grace Sowerby 2hrs 20mins from Marham and Callum Hargrove1hr 58mins from London. They were presented with gold medals for a fantastic achievement. Doug Sanderson f rom Beachamwel l aged 7 completed the course in 1hr. 53mins. Geoff Dixons grand daughter Makeda aged 12 joined in again this year and knocked 10minutes off her last year’s time. Special mention of little Ivan Bond-
Green aged 2 years who can’t ride a bike yet but walked with his mum Rachael twice around the village green and Church a long way for little legs and he has got £40 in sponsor money so well done Ivan. Also to our lone walker Ian Sandall. Ian set off at 8am and got back in 3hrs 09 minutes in time for some well earned refreshments. Thank you for taking part Ian. Our County Councillor Ian Monson presented the awards and remarked on the tremendous community spirit found in Beachamwell and hopes this well organized and fun event continues. Ian always supports this event and we do thank him, hopefully his knee will soon improve and he will be able to join us. We hope to raise £1000 with gift aid this will be used for the restoration of the clock and bells. Thanks to everybody who supported the event either by sponsoring or by cheering us on our way. Our thanks also to the landowners who allowed us to travel on their land. Hopefully more villagers will join in next year. Other Prize Winners 1st runner male Lloyd Farrow - Methwold 1hr. 13mins 1st runner female Frankie Upton - Necton - 1 hr. 48mins 1st adult cyclist - Russell Tumath - Surrey - 1hr. 1st junior cyclist - shared - Harry Connor aged 12 and Oliver Moriarty aged 8 - Marham - 1hr. 26mins Thank you to the marshals who gave up their Sunday morning to help. The event would certainly not be possible without their help. Eigil Gabrielsen, Julie Ive, Betty and Ian Phillpot, Eileen and Mark Powell, John Muntus, Di Lambert, Dave Tonks, Sheila Smith, Peggy English, Marie Rich, Graham Johnson, Sue Pennell, The Sanderson Family, David and Jenny Levitt Jim White, Verena Hartley
Group4 News
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BOUGHTON VILLAGE NEWS Flower Festival 1-3 May 2010 Many thanks are due to all those who took part in the recent festival at Boughton. In spite of all our difficulties, it all turned out well in the end! I’m amazed at how much was put together from 1pm onwards after Mrs Burton’s funeral, augmented by the lovely flowers from the service. Not just the flower arrangers showing their expertise and imagination, but
all those who provided the lovely artwork, made cakes and manned the refreshments and raffles are truly appreciated. We seemed to have a steady stream of visitors on all three days, in spite of truly cold weather, and the final result was much better than last year. The total raised was £554.06, so well worth doing. This year we have
to fund a series of minor building repairs , which I hope will have been completed by the time this is published, plus the refurbishment of the East window where the metal is bowing away from the glass. Pam
Go-Karting Event
The Boughton Village Caravan intends to organise a Go-Karting event in the near future.
Before committing we would like to establish just how many people are interested. This would be held on a weekend day at the ‘Wild Tracks’ kart track on the A11 near Newmarket (http://
www.wildtracksltd.co.uk/) The event we decide to undertake, and therefore cost, will be dependent on the numbers interested. This will be an enjoyable few hours socialising and racing in a fun and
safe environment and the invite is open to anyone over 4’11” tall and under 18 stone!
So if you think you are the next Lewis Hamilton, better than Button or speedier than Schumacher then please contact me before the end of June to register your interest or for further details
Kevin Fisher 01366 502224 or e:mail [email protected] ‘A Boughton Village Caravan Production’
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Group4 News
Cynthia Burton Cynthia moved to Jubilee Lodge, Boughton in May 1969 with her husband Brian and five of their six children, one staying in Corby as he was an apprentice at the steelworks there. Cynthia first worked at Geoff Waterfalls at Methwold for many years. She used to drive the big RAF bus to pick up the workers, work all day and then take them home. She used to deliver onions to Aylesbury ready for making onion rings. She left there and worked at Frigoscandia in King’s Lynn for a while and finally worked at Thermos Flasks at Thetford for a few years on Quality Control until she had to leave to look after her mother and father. She was a keen gardener and grew nearly all her own plants for bedding etc. She would dig the flower gardens and plant her flowers. She was a good cook and was always making different jams which she gave to family and friends. She used to go round next door to Mrs Ambrose nearly every day. Mrs Ambrose said she was her daughter. She would get on with anybody if they were prepared to speak to her. She fed the birds daily and knew all the different species.
She was a wonderful wife, married to Brian for over fifty-eight years, mother, Gran and Great-Gran and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
She collapsed on the morning of 21st April and was rushed to hospital but after five hours of operation she passed away. She was a very good, likeable person to all who knew her. She loved her pets, Sandy the dog and Scooby the cat. Sandy would lie on her feet in the evenings when he came in.
Brian Burton
BOUGHTON VILLAGE NEWS
I would like to thank all the people involved with the Easter bunny boot camp on Easter Sunday morning. I had a lovely time finding the little eggs_ getting the bigger one was even better ! Jumping on & off the hay bales ( with a bit of help!) & wearing an army hat was good fun too ! I especially liked the tractor & the Easter bunny I didn't know rabbits could get so big! Thomas George Leet (Tommy) Age 21 months
Mrs Audrey Payne Many people will be saddened to learn of the death on Monday 17th May of Mrs Audrey Payne at the age of 93. She was churchwarden for many years and conttibuted a great deal to village life. Our thoughts are with her family at this time. RIP
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BEACHAMWELL, SHINGHAM & DRYMERE VILLAGE NEWS
Thank you to Jenny and Eigil Gabrielsen for providing the delicious refreshments. Brian & Carole Wilson London Marathon: Congratulations to Martin Ive who completed the London Marathon in 3hrs 26minutes. Well done Martin. Brian Wilson Village Oil Drop: If you are interested in joining in the Oil Drop please telephone 328628. Same format as last year, I will need to have a rough idea of what you need as the more oil I sell the cheaper the price becomes. I am unsure how much it will cost but I do know it won’t be cheap. Carole Wilson Beachamwell Memorial Hall News: Bonus Ball Lottery Winners: Saturday 17th April (45) - Mr & Mrs Paterson Wednesday 21st April (30) - Mr & Mrs Wade Saturday 24th April (35) - Mrs Rayner-Green Wednesday 28th April (34) - Frances Turner Saturday 1st May (19) - B. Hall Wednesday 5th May (2) - Susie Davis Saturday 8th May (10) - Richard Hanson Found: Has anyone lost a camera case? I found a black Canon case at the play area at the beginning of May. If It belongs to you and your camera is currently homeless give me a call to reunite the pair 01366 328565. Cherri King The Horticultural Show: This takes place on Sunday August 22nd and The Committee hope you are getting your veggie and flower patch ready for the growing season. Sorry but the Giant Onions have now all been sold but Schedules are ready at 50p each, please call at The Old Rectory for a copy. Remember all readers of G4N are welcome to take part. Brian Wilson
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Group4 News
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS
DATE VILLAGE LOCATION TIME
Thursday 3rd June Thursday 24th June
Post Office 10:50 am Chestnut Walk 11:30 am
Drymere Telephone Box 11:55 am
Thursday 17th June Barton Bendish Hatherley Gardens 3:25 pm
Friday 4th June
Friday 25th June
Wereham
Chequers, Flegg Green 11:10 am The Pond 11:25 am Back Street 11:40 am Queen’s Close 12:00 pm
Boughton Mill Hill Road 12:25 pm Sycamore House 12:45 pm
Services to ALL ‘Group 4’ villages run to a 3-weekly pattern ( www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries) For Beachamwell service enquiries contact Watton Library (01953 881671)
For service enquiries to other villages call Downham Market Library (01366 383073)
Beachamwell
VILLAGE BUS SERVICES
FROM ROUTE OPERATOR DESTINATION Barton Bendish 31 (Saturday) Lewis Coaches Swaffham
FARMERS’ MARKETS Ely (Farmer) 2nd and 4th Saturday (13th and 27th) Fakenham (Farmer) 4th Saturday in each month King’s Lynn (Farmer) 3rd Friday of each month (18th) Swaffham (Indoor) Every Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm Watton (Farmer) 1st Saturday in each month, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (5th)
For information:- www.farmersmarkets.net or your local Tourist Information Office
VILLAGE AND PARISH HALL BOOKINGS Barton Bendish Bill Tasker 01366 347432 Beachamwell Caroline Sanderson 01366 328244 Wereham Doreen Rolph 01366 500218
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CHURCH NEWS
GROUP 4 CHURCH SERVICES June 2010 DATE TIME LOCATION SERVICE
6th June 9:30 am Fincham Holy Communion 11:00 am Wereham Morning Prayer 6:00 pm Shouldham Evensong
13th June
11:00 am Barton Bendish Holy Communion 11:00 am Marham Morning Worship 7:00 pm Boughton Songs of Praise for Open
Gardens Day
20th June
11:00 am Beachamwell Family Service/baptism 7:00 pm Wereham Songs of Praise for Open
Gardens Day 11:00 am Shouldham Holy Communion 6:00 pm Fincham Evensong
27th June
9:30 am Shouldham Thorpe
Holy Communion
10:00 am Boughton All Age Service 6:00 pm Marham Evensong/HC 6:00 pm Barton Bendish Evensong
FROM THE REGISTERS Cynthia Burton, Boughton, buried 30th April Audrey Payne, Boughton, died May 17th RIP
CHURCHWARDENS Barton Bendish
Mhari Blanchfield Linda Webster
01366 347849 01366 347563
Beachamwell John Sanderson 01366 328818 Graham Williams 01366 328774
