local lynx issue 81 - december 2011/january 2012
DESCRIPTION
A community newspaper for 10 North Norfolk villages: Bale, Binham, Cockthorpe, Field Dalling, Gunthorpe, Langham, Morston, Saxlingham, Sharrington, StiffkeyTRANSCRIPT
BALE - BINHAM - COCKTHORPE - FIELD DALLING
GUNTHORPE - LANGHAM - MORSTON
SAXLINGHAM - SHARRINGTON - STIFFKEY
NEWS FROM OUR VILLAGES
ISSUE 81 DECEMBER &
JANUARY
2011/12
Read Local Lynx on-line at: www.locallynx.co.uk
Gunthorpe - 1987
SEASON’S GREETINGS!
- is a non-profit-making community newspaper, run for
the benefit of ten villages.
We warmly welcome drawings, articles and letters for
publication, but must reserve the right to edit or exclude
items. The items published do not necessarily reflect the
views of the editors or the village representatives.
For information about submitting items for
publication, or if you want to help in any other way,
please contact your village representative, through
whom all village news must be submitted. For general information please send a message to our
email address:
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COPY FOR
FEBRUARY/MARCH ISSUE
REQUIRED BY NOON ON 8th JAN.
CONTACT FOR ADVERTISERS For enquiries about advertising in Local Lynx,
please contact Maxine Burlingham
tel: 01328-830375
email: [email protected]
Rates for advertising (pre-paid) are:
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DISTRIBUTION CONTACT: For all enquiries or offers to help,
please contact:
Rita White, tel: 01328 830821
2
WHAT’S ON In our villages
DECEMBER 1st Thurs. Langham Quiz Night, Parish Room 7.00
1st Thurs. Langham Mobile Library
3rd/ Sat Morston Bluejacket Christmas Party 10-5
4th Sun. Morston Bluejacket Christmas Party 10-5
3rd Sat. Langham FOL Coffee Morning, Parish Room
3rd Sat Langham Crafers Barn Coffee morning 10-12.30
3rd Sat. Binham Christmas Supper, Village Hall, 7.00
3rd Sat. Langham Coffee Morning, Crafer’s Barn. 10.00
8th Thurs. Binham/Hindringham Christmas party
8th Thurs. Stiffkey Music Circle
9th Fri. Bale Village Hall, Fish’n’chips etc 7.00
12th Mon. Binham LH Group Christmas Party, 7.30
14th Wed. Langham Ladybirds, Parish Room. 7.30
16ht Fri. Langham Carols/Mince pies evening
17th Sat. Binham Icene Choir, Priory, 6.30
17th Sat. Gunthorpe FOGP Christmas Party 12.00
19th Mon. Binham Carols round the Tree.
21st Wed. Langham FOL Coffee Morning, Parish Room
23rd Fri. Morston Candlelit Carol Service 5.00
23rd Fri. Stiffkey Christingle Carols 3.30
24th Sat. Morston Carollers rendezvous at Anchor 5.00
24th Sat. Binham Children’s Family Service, 4.00
28th Wed. Morston Parish Council. 7.00
29th Thurs. Langham Mobile Library
31st Dec. Bale Old Years’ Night, Village Hall 7.30
JANUARY
2nd Mon. Langham Panto Trip, Leaves Bluebell 12.30
7th Sun Binham Epiphany Service - Richeldis Singers
7th Sat. Langham FOL Coffee Morning, Parish Room
12th Thurs. Stiffkey Music Circle
13th Bale Village Hall, Fish’n’chips
15th Sun. Gunthorpe Silent Meditation 4.30-5.00
18th Wed. Langham FOL Coffee Morning, Parish Room
19th Thurs. Stiffkey W.I. Old Hall 7.30
19th Thurs. Binham/Hindringham meeting
22nd Sat. Morston, FMC Morston Quiz 7.00
25th Wed. Morston Parish Council. 7.00
26th Thurs. Langham Mobile Library
26th Thurs. Binham Bridge event 12.30-5.00
26th Thurs.Binham History Group AGM & Talk 7.30
28th Sat. Gunthorpe FOGP Club Meeting 10.30
Regulars
Binham Quiz Night at Chequers, 1st Monday of month
Binham Guild of Artists Every Tuesday 10-12
Binham Youth Group, Wednesday evenings
Mondays Langham Funmobility, Parish Room 10-11.30
EXTRA CHRISTMAS SERVICES & EVENTS December
15th Binham : Nativity Play, 4.30 pm
17th Binham: Iceni Christmas Choir,
Lessons and Carols, 6.30 pm
23rd Stiffkey: Christingle, 3.30 pm
23rd Morston: Nine Lessons and Carols, 5.00 pm
24th Binham: Children’s Christmas Eve Service, 4.00 pm
24th Field Dalling: Christmas Eve Service, 6.30 pm
24th Binham: Holy Communion, 11.00 pm
January
8th Binham: Epiphany Service
with Richeldis Singers, 3.30 pm
29th Bale: Group Holy Communion Service 10.30 am
BLAKENEY METHODIST CHURCH
High Street Blakeney
Minister: Jennifer Pathmarajah Tel: 01263 712 181
Sunday Services at 6.30 pm. For weekday services and details of preachers and any
change in times, refer to ‘The Glaven Valley Newsletter’.
BLAKENEY CATHOLIC CHURCH Back Lane Blakeney
Father Michael Simison 12 Hindringham Road
Gt. Walsingham Norfolk Tel: 01328 821 353
Priest in Residence Father William Wells (the house behind the church)
Service Times Masses:
Wednesday 9.30am
Vigil Mass Saturday 6.00pm.
Sunday 11.00am.
Church Services for Stiffkey and Bale Benefice for December 2011 and January2012 HC=Holy Communion. FS=Family Service. MP=Morning Prayer. BCP=Book of Common Prayer
FOR SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES, SEE PANEL ON PAGE 2
Regular Weekday Services Binham: Tuesday, 6.00pm Evening Prayers, Langham: Wednesday, 10.00am Holy Communion
Parish 4th December 11th December 18th December 25th December
Bale 9.30am HC 9.30am HC 6.30pm Carol Service 9.30am Christmas HC
Field Dalling At Saxlingham 11.00am CFS Christingle At Saxlingham At Saxlingham
Saxlingham 9.30am HC At Field Dalling 11.00am HC 10.30am Christmas HC
Gunthorpe 11.00am MP 11.00am Lessons & Carols
Sharrington 9.30am MP BCP 9.30am HC 5.00pm Carol Service 9.30am Christmas HC
Binham 11.00am HC 11.00am HC 11.00am CFS 10.30am Lessons & Carols
Morston 9.30am HC BCP 9.30am HC BCP 9.30am Christmas HC BCP
Langham At Stiffkey 9.30am MP At Stiffkey 11.00am Christmas HC
Stiffkey 9.30am CFS At Langham 9.30am HC 9.30am Christmas HC
Parish 1stJanuary 8th January 15th January 22nd January
Bale 9.30am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am HC
Field Dalling At Saxlingham 11.00am CFS At Saxlingham 11.00am MP BCP
Saxlingham 9.30am HC At Field Dalling 11.00am HC At Field Dalling
Gunthorpe 11.00am MP 4.30pm Silent Meditation 11.00am HC
Sharrington 9.30am MP BCP 9.30am HC 9.30am MP CW 9.30am HC
Binham 11.00am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am MP CW 9.30am HC
Morston 9.30am HC BCP 9.30am HC BCP
Langham At Stiffkey 9.30am MP At Stiffkey 9.30am HC
Stiffkey 9.30am CFS At Langham 9.30am HC At Langham
3
Dear Friends and Parishioners,
The end of November marks the beginning of the season of Advent, the Church’s New Year; and the Word itself,
Advent, means simply Coming. We start on this day a period of preparation – both a preparation for Christmas when we
celebrate the first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when he came in great humility; and also a preparation for the second
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when he will come in great majesty. When we serve others we are really serving a
KING. For some modern minds both those words ‘serve’ and ‘king’ are ridiculously old fashioned, summing up certain
features of Christianity which some find unattractive.
Admittedly few take exception to the Church’s teaching on the love and fatherhood of God. Nor to our insistence on
social concern, or care for children and the elderly, and so on.
NO! The really offensive things to the modern mind are first Christianity’s supernaturalism: its claim that Jesus is God,
made flesh and blood; that he rose bodily from the grave and ascended into heaven; and that he is literally coming again.
And secondly, its exclusivism: its insistence that salvation (another old-fashioned word) can be found in no one other than
Christ. It was not because the early Christians did not know much about other religions that they proclaimed Jesus Christ
as the sole Saviour of the world, but because they knew all too much about them.
They proclaimed him not out of narrow mindedness or religious imperialism, but for the sheer joy of knowing and
telling that God in Jesus Christ had done enough for the salvation of all mankind. No other sacrifice or salvation was
necessary. Peace with God was a gift, available to all – instantaneously – and free.
And so we are commissioned both to serve and to bear witness to the weakness and folly of a crucified Messiah, and
also to the same Lord by whose power and wisdom the world exists, is sustained and will be judged. To accept this means
to accept the overturning of the accepted wisdom of the world. It is not a human possibility – it is a gift of God – a
miracle – a new birth from above. We may all seek that birth from above, and we can all receive the filling of the Holy
Spirit every day. And full of the Holy Spirit of Jesus, His followers and friends were (and are) both to announce what he
had achieved at his first coming; and to summon people to repent and believe in preparation for his second coming.
They were (and are) to be his serving witnesses ‘to the ends of the earth’ and ‘to the very end of the age’.
We often decorate our houses or churches at this time with an Advent wreath. It is a circle which has no beginning and
no end. It represents God’s love and our love. And it is made from evergreens. They are never bare, and represent Christ’s
commitment to us and ours to him. And the candles point to Jesus as the light of the world, and remind us too that, filled
with his spirit, we will shine as lesser lights in useful service in the world.
May I wish you a thoughtful Advent and a joyous Christmas. Yours truly, Ian Whittle
4
COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S NEWS
Norfolk Community Fund
Some useful news: The fund is intended to help build
capacity in Norfolk’s small charities, voluntary and
community groups in supporting local people. The NCF
has £449,000 available to support a grants programme
offering one-off grants of £500-£5,000. The Fund will be
managed by Norfolk Community Foundation.
Details and an application form are on the website
www.norfolk.foundation.com. If any group would like
my support please contact:
Natural England and Marsh Zoning:
Proposals by Natural England to zone off certain areas
of marshland from human and domestic animal activity
understandably concerned the parishes of Blakeney,
Morston, Stiffkey and Cley. Net Gain, the organisation
responsible for formulating these proposals, declare all
relevant stakeholders were consulted. Yet as County
Councillor for three of the parishes I knew nothing – nor
importantly did a wide range of marsh users.
Therefore along with Norman Lamb MP I met with
NE on 28 October to belatedly seek clarification.
Amongst a number of questions I asked whether a socio-
economic study had been carried out regarding not
simply those who make their main living on the marshes
but those who of necessity supplement their income –
bait digging, samphire collecting. (Somewhat belatedly
Net Gain presented a questionnaire at the meeting
described below with a 6 day deadline.)
Praise is due to Natural England for attending the
meeting on 2 November, organised by Blakeney Parish
Council for representatives of neighbouring parishes and
users of the marshes – such as bait-diggers, wild-fowlers,
boat people. The meeting was challenging but NE
representatives managed to remove the concerns of some
present and gained valuable information regarding the
rights of groups – and indeed the public - to access
certain parts of the potential zones.
NE also advised it might be possible to re-position
one of the zones if good evidence is provided as to an
alternative. However I remain concerned that the draft
proposals are not what I take to be draft in that they
cannot be altered! Therefore despite late engagement
with ‘stakeholders’ we are told that Net Gain’s existing
proposals will be sent to the Government Minister who
will decide which aspects go to public consultation next
year. However once factual information has been
assembled regarding rights and usage you can be assured
that this information will be put in the hands of the
Minister. Dr Marie Strong County Councillor
NATIONAL TRUST: LOCAL UPDATE
We are aware that there is local concern with regard to
the proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and
Reference Areas. MCZs originate from the UK government
signing up to international agreements that aim to establish
an 'ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected
Areas’ (MPAs) by 2012. The MPA network will be made
up of several designations, including MCZs. Net Gain, part
of Natural England and on behalf of the Government, was
established to work with stakeholders to identify and
recommend MCZs in the English North Sea only. In
August 2011 two Reference Areas within Blakeney NNR
(National Nature Reserve) were recommended to
Government by Net Gain. A public consultation will take
place in 2012. The NT is broadly supportive of the MCZ
process.
With regard to the specific Reference Areas on
Blakeney NNR, we will only support these
recommendations on the understanding that there will be no
adverse impact on our existing management and that the
current level of use of these sites by the many stakeholders
can be maintained. This includes allowing low-level
sustainable use for permitted leisure activities, public
access and for activities that support the long shore
economy such as fishing.The management and activities
currently carried out on these sites are in line with our
agreed NNR management plan, SSSI and SAC regulations.
These sites are currently considered to be in favourable
condition. The NT has for many years maintained the
fragile balance between conservation and public access and
we look forward to being heavily involved in the
consultation process.
On a separate note the remedial repair work on the
bridges at Morston has now been completed. However until
the new bridges are installed we request that no more than
ten people are on a bridge at any one time. We hope the
construction phase of the new bridges will be in early 2012,
pending a decision on the bridges’ design.
The first grey seal pup was born around 28th October;
and we are expecting an influx in the coming weeks as the
grey colony occupies the entire far point dunes for up to
four months to complete their breeding cycle. Last year
there were 747 pups so we will keep counting and update
you with the numbers. We wish you a merry Christmas, a
happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in
2012. Iain Wolfe, Visitor Services Manager, Tel/Fax:
01263 740241. Email: [email protected]
PERSONAL ASSISTANT/CARER required in Langham
16 hours per week, personally employed under
independent living Norfolk/Direct payments
Hours flexible but would require weekend
mornings. Tel: 01328 830975
5
SHED BURGLARIES Our local police Safer Neighbourhood Team remind
us to take precautions when leaving valuable items stored
in sheds or other outhouses, and not to leave valuable
items visible and unattended anywhere visible on your
property. For example police are appealing for
information after two separate incidents of a shed
burglary and theft of pedal cycle in Holt. Offenders stole
an old black train lantern from inside a shed on Grove
Lane between Saturday 1st October and Monday 3rd
October. A bag of cabling was also stolen from outside
the shed. During the same period of time a red Raleigh
dual suspension mountain bike was taken from outside a
house in Grove lane. Prior to the theft the bike had
insulation tape around the saddle and will be easily
identified if this is still in place. Offenders have then
stolen a primus stove from the shed between Monday 3rd
October and Monday 10th October.
Officers want to speak to anyone who was in the area
at the time and may have seen or heard anything
suspicious, or anyone with information about these
incidents. Calls should be made to PCSO Rachel
Howard at Holt Safer Neighbourhood Team on the new
contact number 101 (0845 456 4567 still works as well)
or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
INDEPENDENT CUSTODY VISITING
Do you know there are volunteers who visit police
stations unannounced and in pairs to check the welfare of
detained persons and the conditions in which they are
held? They are called Independent Custody Visitors and
they play a valuable role in maintaining public
confidence in this important area of policing. Under the
Police Reform Act 2002, all police authorities have a
statutory duty to establish and maintain an Independent
Custody Visiting Scheme, which involves volunteer
members of the public visiting police custody facilities
and checking on the welfare of detainees and the physical
conditions of the cells. Norfolk has had a Scheme in
place since 1998 and there are four designated Panels
ensuring visits are undertaken at all of the County's
custody facilities. Day-to-day management of the Scheme
is undertaken by a Scheme Administrator within the
Norfolk Police Authority Chief Executive's office.
Independent Custody Visitors come from all sections of
the community. They must be aged over 18, reside in
Norfolk and be a resident in the UK for at least two years
prior to the date of application. No special qualifications
are required as full training and support is provided,
however Visitors should be good listeners, non-
judgmental and unbiased.
The purpose of Independent Custody Visiting is to:
provide independent scrutiny of the treatment of detained
persons and the conditions in which they are held; and
secure a greater understanding and confidence within the
local community in respect of the above.
With agreement, the Independent Custody Visitors can
speak to detainees about their treatment or conditions,
and take up any issues of concern with custody staff. A
short report of their findings is made prior to leaving the
station. Their work provides the Authority (and in turn
the local community) with assurance that anyone arrested
by the police and held in custody is treated fairly and has
access to appropriate facilities.
Independent Custody Visitors must be independent and
impartial and, when making appointments, care is taken
to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Serving police
officers and other serving members of Constabulary or
Police Authority staff are unsuitable for this reason. The
same applies to Special Constables, Justices of the Peace
(JPs), Members of the Police Authority and others
connected with the criminal justice system. After an
initial probationary period of six months, Independent
Custody Visitors are appointed for up to a further three
years.
If you would like more information on the role of
Independent Custody Visitors and a chance to read in
detail about the visit process, please visit: www.norfolk-
pa.gov.uk/visiting.cfm or contact the Scheme
Administrator, telephone 01953 424455 or email
6
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR'S NEWS
NNDC's overall strategy is based on the manifesto the Conservative Group stood on at the May elections - no increase in council tax, promoting jobs and the economy, housing, caring for our coast and countryside and empowering communities to take control of their own lives. The vision also includes cutting red tape for businesses, making affordable housing demands for developers more flexible and defending against coastal erosion 'wherever practicable'. This has now been presented to Full Council and approved.
Changes in refuse collection timetable have now been implemented. I have received complaints which have been dealt with by Richard Garfield at NNDC liaising with Kier, hopefully problems have been resolved.
An urgent meeting held at Blakeney discussed the recommended Marine Conservation Zone Reference Areas. Natural England presented their proposals but great concern was expressed by attendees at the lack of consultation with local stakeholders. Blakeney and Morston Parish Councils are taking action.
North Norfolk Museums Forum met at the Maltings in Wells. All local museums reported good attendance figures but takings were lower in the shops - a sign of the times? The new tourist and business guide for 2012, Explore, will cover all aspects of arts and culture in our area, with listings for accommodation, travel itineraries, maps, etc., and details will be updated during the year. Details contact: [email protected].
Norfolk Archaeological Services Advisory Committee held a Seminar led by Chief Inspector Mark Harrison to discuss ways to Reduce Crime Against Heritage, which includes our Norfolk Churches. Useful advice was provided to help protect property and deter theft and vandalism.
I have been asked to mention Free Legal Advice, available at Merchant's Place, Cromer. Full information on 01603 496623. And Electric Blanket testing - 01603 638455. A reminder from the Safer Neighbourhood Team - the oil in your tanks is valuable, do protect it and, with the darker evenings, pay extra attention to home and vehicle security.
Finally, although it is early November as I write this - my thanks to the Lynx team and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. Lindsay Brettle
DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ CONTACT DETAILS
Jonathan Savory (01328 820719).
email:[email protected] - and -
Peter Terrington (01328 711126)
email:[email protected]
(Binham, Langham & Stiffkey)
Lindsay Brettle (01263 710030)
email:[email protected]
(Sharrington, Field Dalling/Saxlingham & Morston)
Ann Green (01328 878273)
email:[email protected]
(Gunthorpe & Bale)
DEANERY NEWS The Reverend Jeremy Sykes was licensed as our new
Rural Dean on 13th October at All Saints Church Briston.
Simon Fenn, our Deanery Children’s, Youth and Family
Missioner was confirmed and licensed as a Deanery Lay
Worker by the Bishop of Lynn on Wednesday 26th October
at All Saints Church Upper Sheringham.
Next Deanery Synod: March 15th Holt Church Hall.
ALZHEIMER Are you creative, with excellent listening skills and
interested in dementia? You sound like the perfect Life
Story Book Volunteer for North Norfolk
You will spend a couple of hours a week with a
collection of photographs and memories of a person with
dementia’s life.
The benefits for a person living with dementia are the
satisfaction of producing the book and enjoying the
completed album with others. It is also very helpful
communication tool . Helen Dingle 01603 763517
[email protected] Reg. Charity No. 296645
Fakenham Choral Society Concert
CHRISTMAS BRASS & VOICES
Fakenham Parish Church
Saturday, December 17th, 7.30pm
Tickets £10 (under 18 free)
Tel: 01328 830639 or on door
7
CHRISTMAS AT ALL SAINTS CHURCH ‘11
Sunday 18 December 6.30 p.m. Carol service with
music, mulled wine and mince pies.
Sunday 25 December , Christmas Day. 9.30 a.m.
Both services will be accompanied by a choir which
will make this a memorable week. Everyone most
welcome! BALE DIARY Seeing pattern
20th Sep 2011
Summer officially over now the last of the swallows
have flown south, a slow walk with a recovering elderly
dog presents dawdling opportunities with the camera.
Everywhere I look there seems to be pattern and
structure capable of translation.
Why have I not spotted these orange lichens before?
They are growing on a cement wall, which to a
superficial eye is an ugly anachronism amongst old
brick and flint buildings.
Silvery grey lichens on soft red brick walls;
variegated blotching over rusty reds and algae greens
…. old hogweed seed heads stand out in the sunshine
like sculptural jewels, and even such a mundane and
disagreeable thing as a recently flailed hedge still has
potential for a strongly drawn embroidery.
The hedgerows are still full of charm even though
it’s that stub end of summer before autumn colours get
going – maiden hair ferns bright green in the cooler
wetter weather - a stand of knapweed with seed heads –
all the branching stems and repeated shapes make good
pattern material.
There is still plenty of pretty field scabious, their
lavender blue mop heads standing out against the grass.
I love plantains – strongly ribbed leaves and upright
flowers; all the red stems on the fruiting branches of
elderberries – more fractals of repeating smaller and
smaller patterns; dog rose hips blaze out of the hedge,
with thorned looping stems, quite heraldic.
The lime tree seeds are irresistible, hanging like
Christmas tree decorations off the small limes in
Sharrington road. Further away there are field maples
with twiggy branches stuffed full of winged seeds, dark
pink and pale green, the most exquisite papery objects
echoing the colours of the maple leaves in spring.
And young ivy stems climbing up a tree – fat wavy
ropes with pretty leaf shapes branching off … perhaps a
cable design? Jane Wheeler
BALE VILLAGE HALL NEWS We had an excellent turn out for the Harvest Supper.
About forty people enjoyed hearty fare and convivial
company. Your support enabled us to raise £100 for
village hall funds.
Philip West’s slide show was fascinating, with more
slides of the Preston family farming in the 50’s in Bale,
and new slides of Stiffkey, Wells, and Great
Walsingham, including the Victorian prison there.
Thanks to all those who brought plates of food. We raised
£150.
Dates for your diaries in December and January:
11th Nov. 7pm – Fish n’ chips
9th Dec. 7pm – Fish n’ chips and the Christmas draw
31st Dec.7.30 Old Year’s Night Celebration
13th Jan. 7pm – Fish n’ Chips
To make sure of your place at the Old Year’s Night
Celebration contact a member of the Village Hall
Committee. The Committee members are:
Margaret Dent, 4 Hindringham Road; Anne and Jim
Peppitt, Spinney Cottage; Alastair Macorkindale and Paul
Turnbull, Forge Cottage; Ann Ramm; Jane Wheeler, The
Granary; Carole and Chris Lee, Ivy Cottage; Eileen
Spooner, Oak View; and Richard Scott, Clip Street Farm.
Bale Village Hall Committee
8
FRIENDS OF BINHAM PRIORY The chairs purchased by the Friends were delivered in
September as scheduled, and have been used several
times. They are proving a comfortable and colourful
occasional addition to the Priory furniture. The
programme of events for 2012 is being assembled. It will
include:
Friday 2nd March Annual General Meeting
Binham Memorial Hall at 6.30 pm. Refreshments will
be available from 7.00 to be followed by The Binham
Lecture at 7.30 pm. The speaker will be announced later.
All will be welcome to come to the refreshments and the
lecture.
Saturday 7th July Picnic to Jazz in the Binham Priory
Cloisters at 5.00 pm
Thursday 6th September - Sunday 9th Heritage Open
Days (dates to be confirmed).The Friends will staff the
Priory to welcome visitors and offer refreshments.
An afternoon visit is being arranged to Wymondham
Abbey to include a guided tour by members of the
Friends of Wymondham Abbey to be followed by tea.
This visit is likely to be in late September or early
October. Also, on a date to be arranged, we will be
hosting a visit to the Priory by the Friends of Castle Acre
church.
For more information on the Friends of Binham Priory
and membership application forms please contact David
Frost, Honorary Secretary, 18 Langham Road, Binham
NR21 0DW. Tel: 01328 830362
THE BELLS OF BALE We, the Bale P.C.C., have embarked on the
restoration of our peal of bells. This entails work on the
bells themselves, renewal of their bearings and,
spectacularly, the installation of a new cast iron and steel
frame. The present system, a medieval arrangement of
wooden beams is picturesque but too difficult to ring.
The new frame will also be better for the health of the
tower.
The history of the bells, a peal of five, is typical of a
country church. There were three already in situ in 1480.
One of these was recast in 1902, another recast in 1647
and again in 1902. The third, tuned to A is still in good
shape. Two more were bought from St Michael at Thorn
in Norwich in 1839: these were cast in 1710 and 1440;
the latter was recast in 1902.
This complete restoration will come to about
£65,000. If any of you has an idea of how to help raise
this amount, please get in touch.
The Holt bell-ringing band has been extremely
supportive. They rang regularly here until the bells
became unmanageable and are keen to teach some of us
to ring. We welcome recruits. Please get in touch if you
are interested.
Alan Sankey, Oak Farm, Bale. 01328 878 874
BALE VILLAGE HALL SOCIAL CLUB DRAW
September 2011 October 2011
Jim Peppitt £ 25 Mary Ramm £25
Brenda Soweter £ 10 Patricia Church £10
Jim Peppitt £ 5 Jim Peppitt £5
Mark Allison £ 5 Jean Schofield £5
BINHAM PRIORY BELL The eight months silence has been broken! At the
service on Sunday 6th November the Rev'd Ian Whittle
blessed the re-hung bell. It rang across the fields, a
cheerful light sound reflecting perhaps the shape of the
bell-cote rather than the solid Norman arches within the
Priory. We are delighted to have the bell returned in
good ringing condition. Pauline Scott
9
BINHAM GUILD OF ARTISTS The group consists of anyone interested in art or craft,
beginner or otherwise. Artists with professional
experience form part of the group and will gladly advise
if needed. We meet every Tuesday morning from 10 to
12 in the Village Hall. A fee of £2 per morning includes
coffee and biscuits. A demonstration of painting or
craftwork normally takes place on the first Tuesday of
every month.
In September, Diane Bannerman talked about a
lifetime involved with Art and Design and brought in a
wide variety of excellent examples of her work, making a
very interesting morning.
In October, Martin Sexton gave yet another very
helpful and amusing talk combined with clear
demonstrations of how to paint figures that could be
added to a landscape. He ended the morning by giving a
‘crit’ of work by members of the group.
For further information contact
James Bucknill 01328 830651
DIARY OF A BINHAM FARMER’S SON aged 34
October 1855
2nd Dear little Ems came to spend a few days while the
moving is going on at Bale. This was poor Boot’s
auction. Tied up my bullocks.
4th Made 37/6 of my wheat today. Had a lot of music
with Ems in the evening. She is looking very thin still,
poor little dear.
8th I had a distracting toothache and was obliged to
have it drawn.
11th A very wet day. George and I went to Fakenham.
I made 38/6 of my wheat; dear little Ems left for the
cottage.
16th Went to Wighton to see Everitt about some wheat
he struck of mine - I find justly. Dear little Ems called
back here again to tea.
23rd A very wet day indeed, Managed to get a walk
after luncheon but got v wet doing so. Read Macaulay’s
Ecclesiastical Biography in the evening.
27th After a very nice morning’s shooting we returned
to Hindringham to dinner and found Miss Smith - a
curious old lady. November 1st We went to Fakenham to dinner and stayed to the
meeting for the establishment of a Popular Library. Lord
Albemarle, Mr Gurney, Sir W Jones and Mr Blythe
spoke.
5th Mr Kendle and Emily left us this morning to
Egmere, the old gentleman in great glee. I gave old
Cyclops a preparatory gallop.
12th My gardener came to take in my geraniums at
Hindringham this morning.
19th I went to meet the artist and he took a sitting of
Sally and the Gov, he appears a tolerably sociable little
man.
24th I went to Norwich and saw my dog cast in
progress. Also bought some books and had luncheon with
T.Hudson.
30th Had 3 more cases of pleuro in my bullocks.
Richard and Norah Lewis
BINHAM CHRISTMAS SUPPER Saturday 3rd December
The Binham Village Hall Christmas Supper is on the
first Saturday in December.
To reserve a place, please phone Liz Brown on 01328
830519. 7.00 for 7.30. Tickets £6 per person.
There will be a Raffle and Tombola for Hall funds
BINHAM YOUTH GROUP
Many thanks to the Binham and Hindringham Open
Circle for their kind donation of £150 which will be used
to buy new equipment.
We are now inside the village hall on a Wednesday
evening, so if anyone would like to see what goes on, or
would like to help out, please come down and join us.
Andrew and Wendy 01328 830178
CHRISTMAS AT THE PRIORY
17th Dec. Sat Christmas readings and carols 6.30 p.m.
The Iceni Choir
24th Dec. Sat Christmas Eve Children’s Family Service
at 4 p.m.
Midnight Holy Communion at 11 p.m.
25th Dec. Sun. Christmas Day. Family Service of
Carols and Readings at 10.30 am
8th Jan. Sun. Epiphany Service at 3.30 p.m. with the
Richeldis Singers. Everyone welcome.
10
DAI SWASTIKA Recent correspondence in the “Independent”
newspaper suggested that German U-boats were
renowned for surfacing on dark nights in Cardigan Bay,
having developed a taste for Welsh lamb.
A doctor in Cardiff wrote in to say that it was a fact
that this was going on and they were buying meat at hush
hush prices from a local farmer. He was known locally as
Dai Swastika and to his Berlin handlers as Jones the Spy.
His phone number was given to Berlin by von Ribbentrop
who had worked out of Aberystwyth as a wine salesman
and had many friends in the area.
The thought of von Ribbentrop, then German
Ambassador at the Court of St James, flogging Blue Nun
or whatever to the citizens of Aberystwyth does stretch
one’s imagination somewhat, however the story is helped
by the fact that von Ribbentrop was at one time involved
in the wine trade in Canada. Also that it was undoubtedly
true that the Luftwaffe never bombed Aberystwyth!
A further snippet arises from a chance encounter that
friends of ours had. When walking on the Cardigan
coastal path, they noticed a couple on the beach peering
up at the cliffs. Thinking they might be lost, they went to
ask if they could help. The husband turned out to be an ex
U-boat sailor who remembered berthing in deep water
coves in Cardigan Bay to collect water coming from fresh
water springs in the cliffs.
I wonder if any of your readers know of similar
nefarious goings-on off the coast of Norfolk - black
market crabs anyone? Richard Lewis
BRIDGE FOR THE BROOKE Thursday 26th January
Bridge event at Binham Village Hall
12.30 - 5.00p.m. Starting with a delicious lunch.
(Non players welcome for Lunch).
Apply Fiona Bolingbroke-Kent 01263 740751.
This will be in aid of the Brooke Hospital.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
September and October were eventful months for the Newmans. First, I break five ribs, then Su has a car crash. What have been both unexpected and humbling have been the ‘get well’ cards, offers of help and comforting words. It has made recovery easier. Thank you all so much.
While I was confined to bed, Su had so much more to do, like the twice daily walk for my friend Shep the Dog. She has bought herself another car (the old one was written off) and the new one is even faster than before. She will be going so fast no on will be able to crash into her again. Seriously, Su you are a star!
As a result of my confinement, I have no idea what has been happening in Binham, except for two sad events.
GOODBYE, GOODBYE Archie Howells funeral was held in the Priory on 3rd
November. He was a Binham man, and thought to be a confirmed bachelor. Then, unexpectedly, 46 years ago, he found a wonderfully lady school teacher. They got married, he moved away from Binham and became a happy house husband. His final months were endured with great strength of character.
Barbara Seals spent her final years in Dorrington House in Wells. Her funeral was held in the Priory on 11th November. Barbara was a delightful lady. We often met in the Priory on a Sunday morning. I always offered her a biscuit and she always declined.
What a happy memory. Roger Newman
BINHAM LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Forthcoming talks
Mon. 12th Dec. Our Christmas Party - we are
delighted to welcome the Sheringham Shantymen with
their Songs from the Sea. Mulled wine, coffee and
refreshments. 7.30.
Thurs. 26th Jan. A Short AGM at 6.45 followed at 7.30
by a return visit from Prof. Peter Trudgill. More History
of the Norfolk Dialect.
All meetings at 7.30 p.m. in the Binham Village Hall.
£2 members, £3 non members. For more information call
01328 830270
HEEL-TO-TOE (An interesting investigation by two young visitors to
Binham this summer)
Me and my best friend, Anna, decided to see how
many heel-to-toe steps there were roughly in the village
from end to end. We walked from the top of the village to
the 30 mph sign going out towards the church. We did
this in two parts. Over all it totalled up to 1,312 heel-to-
toe steps. (Me and Anna are both size 5 feet.)
Emma & Anna
11
BARBARA SEALS died on Tuesday 4th October 2011
From a very young age, Barbara Seals was taking care of
people. The first charge that she was given was a young
boy called Jack Grange who lived in the house opposite .
She would walk him to school each morning because as he
put it “surprising I know, but supposedly I was a bit of a
naughty boy!”
She did well at school and was particularly good at
needlework and this was a talent which stood her in good
stead throughout her life.
She left school at 14, as you did in those days, and when
the war came she joined the Women’s Royal Volunteer
Service and worked in the N.A.A.F.I.
After the war she went to work at Abbey House for Mr
and Mrs Case which is when her long association with the
Case family began. She looked after Bryan and Ginger
Case, and moved in with her son Norman in 1948.
Nothing was ever too much trouble for Barbara and
everything that she did, she did very well. She became a
very good cook and was renowned for her mending.
Nobody could turn a collar on a shirt, iron, or darn a sock
like Barbara. She was extraordinary.
Norman grew up and went to work at Crane Fruehauf.
He had two beautiful daughters Georgina and Victoria who
both adored Barbara and she was a very proud great
grandmother to Charlie, William and Albert.
When Bryan and Ginger decided to move to Blakeney,
Barbara had a hard decision to make as to whether to stay in
her cottage in Binham or move to Blakeney with them. Of
course she moved with them and remained with them until
they died, coming home at the weekends. She would tell
how she could skin a rabbit and cook jugged hare, and
always said how happy she was and what wonderful times
she had in Blakeney.
Although she always told me that she had passed her
driving test, nobody can remember her in a car, so when she
moved back to Binham her mode of transport became her
bicycle.
When William and Alex got married and Oliver was
born, she then took on the Wales side of the Case family.
Hannah came along and from the beginning always had a
special relationship with Barbara.
She was the most reliable and conscientious person who
would do whatever she could to help friends and
neighbours, and when they moved away they always kept in
touch with her.
When she became ill and could no longer look after
herself, she moved into Dorrington House in Wells where
she spent her last years. She was very comfortable and well
looked after there, although she always missed her home.
She had many friends and always sat next to Phyllis who
will miss her greatly.
To sum Barbara up, she was a loyal, quiet and
unassuming lady but most of all, she was the best friend
anyone could have. Alex Wales
BINHAM & HINDRINGHAM OPEN CIRCLE
Our Christmas party will be on Thursday, Dec 8 (a
week earlier than usual). Sue Jeffery will be bringing along
her wonderful wooden games, there will be masses of
delicious food, as always, and lots of time to sit and chat.
At the First Meeting of 2012, on Thursday, January 19,
our speaker will be Dave King, curator of the North Norfolk
Railway, on a Journey through Time.
The Open Circle Women's Club meets at 7.15pm on
the third Thursday of each month at Hindringham Village
Hall. New members are always welcome - just come along
on the night or ring secretary Fiona Thompson on 01328
830639.
CAROLS ROUND THE TREE Monday 19th December
Once again we will be joined by the Fakenham Brass
Band. Please come and join us! Steve and Alex will be
providing mulled wine and refreshments will be available.
Hope to see you all there. Liz Brown 830519
QUIZ NIGHT AT THE CHEQUERS
Quiz Nights continue at the Chequers – thanks to Steve
and Alex. As usual it will be on the first Monday in the
month – so we hope to see you on Monday 5th December
and Monday 2nd January.
You don’t need to be part of a team – just come along at
6.30 if you’re going to have a meal – or at 7.30 for a drink
and the Quiz..
12
BINHAM PLAYGROUND PROJECT
Our quiz night was a great evening enjoyed by all
involved. We raised £458 on the night through the raffle
and the mid evening meal. Many thanks to Liz Brown for
preparing the meal and congratulations to Helen and
Robin Owen for the excellent questions – especially
those ones about bird song! We have also received a
donation following a raffle at the senior citizens meal of
£62. With Christmas approaching we have nothing else
arranged at present but keep your eyes open in the New
Year for more events.
Many thanks for your support. Andrew Marsh
BINHAM LOCAL CHARITIES LUNCH
On 28th October the Parochial Charities and Village
Hall Committees hosted another invitation lunch in the
Village Hall. This is for retired residents of Binham and
Cockthorpe who have lived here for at least ten years.
Once again the lunch was a great success and 41
people attended. There was plenty of good food and
drink and a great time was had by all. There was a raffle
in aid of the children’s play area which raised £62. I
hope to see you all again in the spring.
Look out for the date in the next Lynx. Alex Wales
BINHAM MEMORIAL HALL
100 + Club Winners
October. £25 R. Newman; £10 June Read, Mrs E Marsh;
£5 Mrs J Cook, Mrs Sue Jeffery, D. Powly.
November. £25 Mrs C Wright; £10 Mrs J Cook, Sheila
Law; £5 R. Newman, June Read, Nora Lewis
If anyone would like to join the 100 Club, there are
still numbers left. Please call at 8 Priory Crescent or ring
June Read on 01328 830106
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If we try to fill a day with happiness and peace it will
increase the chances of the next day being like that also.
BINHAM YOUTH GROUP
Many thanks to the Binham and Hindringham Open
Circle for their kind donation of £150 which will be
used to buy new equipment. We are now inside the
village hall on a Wednesday evening, so if anyone
would like to see what goes on, or would like to help
out, please come down and join us. Andrew and Wendy
01328 830178
No news from Cockthorpe this time.
Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year to everyone.
13
YOUR VILLAGE HALL NEEDS YOU!
At the time of writing it looks likely that, before long,
there will not be enough members on the Village Hall
Committee to carry out the administrative tasks that are
necessary to keep the village hall open and available for
public use.
If that were to be the decision of the next AGM in
April 2012, then the Committee will return the Title
Deeds and keys to our Trustees, the Parish Council, wind
up the village hall charity and permanently close the
village hall.
In a typical year, there are five meetings of the
management committee, generally on a Monday evening
and each lasting about an hour. Five hours a year. Those
serving on the committee all carry a sense of being
entrusted with the care of a facility that is important to
the entire community.
But the work is voluntary, and some members will
retire at the next AGM. It is time for a change. Will you
take your turn?
Refurbishment Project
Earlier in the year, we engaged an architect to assess
the condition of the building and make some
recommendations. Somehow, a rumour got started that
someone was planning to demolish the building – what a
ridiculous idea!
The major, and not-at-all-ridiculous, finding is that the
roof and associated guttering need replacing. The
existing roof lets water in and most of the heat out. But
replacing it is easier said than done because of another,
and slightly surprising, finding: that the concrete frames
supporting the roof are not strong enough to support a
new conventional roof with the associated insulation for
today’s regulations.
The Refurbishment sub-committee has now
completed its work and reported to the Management
Committee (on 7th November). We owe them thanks for
a great deal of careful and thorough work, nicely
presented in a comprehensive report.
We can only continue as we are for a limited time
before substantial repair or replacement of the roof
becomes necessary, costing more than the village hall
could afford from its own funds, but probably fundable
from various grant-giving bodies and charities.
The Committee has had a preliminary discussion of
the issues, taking account of the way the village hall is
used at present and the fundraising possibilities. It
decided to throw the matter open to as wide a public
discussion as possible; starting now, and ending with a
public meeting sometime early in 2012. If you would
like to know more, please speak to any member of the
committee. They are: Anthony Smith, John Everitt,
Tracey Griffin, Jenny Allison and Sarah Emmett.
It is clear what needs to be done, what it would cost
and where to go for enough money to do it. Wouldn’t it
be a pity to lose the use of a significant community
building just because not enough people seemed to care
enough about keeping it open? Anthony Smith
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
We and Saxlingham are doing things differently this
year….Sunday 11 December at 11am will be Christingle,
in Field Dalling. On Saturday 24 December at 6:30pm,
Christmas Eve, there will be the Service of Lessons and
Carols in Field Dalling. Christmas Day Holy Communion
will be in Saxlingham at 10:30, as in previous years.
Please note: there is no Midnight Service in Field
Dalling on Christmas Eve this year - there will be one
Midnight Mass for the whole benefice, in Binham Priory at
11:00 pm.
TURNING ONTO THE A148 AT BALE
Following an accident I had when turning onto the
A148 at Bale in August this year I have studied the
junction, which already had the reputation of being a
dangerous one, and here are my observations.
If you come to a full stop at the Give-Way line, and
make your turning decision only there, you have a clear
view to both left and right for a safe distance - visibility is
fine.
If you form your decision even a few feet back from the
line, approaching slowly and ready to give way, you
cannot see the whole road. A short length of the hedge on
the right hand side (between the junction and the BP
station) protrudes to mask the nearside of the lane enough
to hide a motorbike or a small car in a section of road very
close to the junction. Because the road in the distance (at
the garage and beyond) is fully visible, the eye is fooled
into thinking that the whole road is visible - but close by it
is not. This is particularly the case when the hedge is in
full leaf and uniform green during the summer.
I met a County Council official at the junction recently
to discuss this, and he agreed to explore cutting that part of
the hedge back further. In the meantime, I recommend
that, Give-Way sign or no, all drivers treat that line as a
full stop, and read the road only when there. Margaret Smith
14
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8
9 10
11
12
13 14 15
16
17 18
19
20 21
22 23
CHRISTMAS PUZZLE PAGES (answers to all on page 23 )
Young Billy is down early to see what Santa has
brought and Toby has come to help! But our second view
of this happy events differs in 8 ways from the first. Can
you spot the differences?
CROSSWORD CLUES Across 1. Team-member could be red-nosed (8) 5. Migrant bird doesn’t sound too well! (4) 9. Rouser of the troops (5) 10. Small-holding Scot (7) 11. Literary adders on the computer (4,8) 13. Evidence of tropical trip (3,3) 14. The twins are above us (6) 17. Footballer George’s intention (5,3,4) 20. Oriental winner could throw us out! (7) 21. Let everyone express pain! (5) 22. Sugar-daddy with a taste for pictures (4) 23. Where 1 across may safely graze (8) Down 1. Assassin Jack, beyond price (4) 2. Grin with own deformed nail condition (7) 3. Old sea-goers fear nothing! (12) 4. Bird, following directions, found a legal term (6) 6. Unite, agitate and let loose. (5) 7. Canvas ahead! (8) 8. Violent reply is an explosion in the shop! (7-5) 12. A topic - “one under the Queen” (1,7) 15. Confused, is Lunar avoiding people? (7) 16. Phrase about a mountain guide (6) 18. Back to Idi—the fool! (5) 19. Wolf-calls lose their head for birds (4)
15
E M A S E S O R M I R P
L G A R D E N I A Z A E
R E L I L Y L I A N S T
E N I A F I R I S O T U
D T H U N L O Y R A K N
N I P S I T A M E L C I
E A O A Y I I G I O O A
V N S P I N K N W E L R
A S P E O N Y S E E M U
L O Y T P I L U T B E M
P E G E L I M O M A H C
X O L H P R I M U L A O
Surrounded by all that winter greenery, it would be
pleasant to remember the flowers which have delighted
us throughout the year. Our word-square hides 25 of
them—in one direction or another.
To make it easier for you if you are a bit sleepy after a
good lunch, no less then 8 flowers start with the letter P,
3 with C and with G, 2 with A and with L, and 1 each
with E, F, H, I, R, S and T.
You may also find a foreign snake in the grass (A), a
garden pest (S) and the flower gardener’s best friend (B).
MORSTON CHRISTMAS QUIZ by Samphire
1. What date is St Stephen's Day?
2. Who was Scrooge's dead business partner in Charles
Dickens' “A Christmas Carol”?
3. Which country traditionally gives London a Christmas
tree for Trafalgar Square?
4. Nine what was it that - in the song “The Twelve Days of
Christmas, did '...my true love brought to me...'?
5. What Christmas item was invented by London baker and
wedding-cake specialist Tom Smith in 1847?
6. In what year was Band-Aid's “Do They Know It's
Christmas?”- the UK Christmas chart-topping record?
7. Which country did St Nicholas come from?
8. How many points does a snowflake have?
9. What is the name of the cake traditionally eaten in Italy at
Christmas?
10. From which Christmas carol is: “And all the bells on
earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning”?
11. Marzipan is made (conventionally in the western world)
mainly from sugar and the flour or meal of which nut?
12. Peter Auty sang “Walking In The Air” in what film?
13. In the UK it is traditionally believed that eating a what
each day of the twelve days of Christmas brings happiness
the following year: Sausage; Mince pie; Carrot; or Turkey
drumstick?
14. The fortified wine drink Sherry is named after what
town?
15. Who composed the music known as “The Nutcracker
Suite” for the Christmas- themed ballet “The
Nutcracker”(premiered in St Petersburg in 1892)?
16. Which traditional Christmas plant was once so revered
by early Britons that it had to be cut with a golden sickle?
17. The Latin word meaning 'coming' gave us what term,
which still refers to the Christmas period, and also to a
particular tradition popular with children?
18. In which country does Santa have his own personal
postcode HOH OHO?
19. The early pagan religious winter festival later absorbed
into Christmas celebrations, is still referred to in what
alternative word for the Christmas season?
20. What was Alexandra Burke’s Number 1 Single [Record)
in Christmas Week 2008?
WORD SQUARE
SIMPLE XMAS BRAINTEASER by Samphire
Ben has four dogs, eight hamsters, and seven rabbits,
so how many horses does he have?
16
ST MARY’S CHURCH News
Once again the Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Bike
Ride raised a large amount of money from Gunthorpe
sponsors. This year it was £944.00 of which St Mary’s will
receive over £500.00. Well done, and a big thank you to all
the riders, the church sitters and to the sponsors for their
very generous support.
The Harvest Festival service was a huge success with 30
people in attendance. Thank you to Betty Humphries who
officiated at the service and to all who helped decorate the
church and who gave produce. As always this was split
between the Briston Day Care Centre and the Rainbow
Trust in Sheringham. This year we decorated the font in
memory of Hilary Craske who loved St Mary’s and who
had always decorated the font in the past on such special
days.
On Saturday 29th October Florence Mae Leithall was
christened in the church in front of a congregation of 60.
We wish her every happiness and success in her life.
The St Mary’s Christmas Service will be held at
11.00am on Christmas Day. We make a big effort to
decorate the church and we would welcome any visitors
around Christmas to come and enjoy our work!
Security A request to everyone to please keep an eye on the
church when you are passing by. We have had a recent
incident where a man was seen acting suspiciously. The
police are aware, and we know that there have been many
incidents with churches being at risk. Hopefully, though, if
we all do our bit another burglary can be avoided.
Monthly Meditation
There will be a time of silent meditation in Gunthorpe
Church from 4.30 to 5.00 p.m. on the third Sunday of the
month. This will begin on January 15, 2012.
There will be a short reading around the theme of
meditation, followed by Silence, and ending with the third
collect from Evensong in the Book of Common Prayer,
which begins “Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O
Lord". This quiet time will, usually, be led by Richard
Redmayne.
WELCOME A warm Gunthorpe welcome goes to Richard (Rich)
and Elaine Francis who, with their Golden Retrievers
Charlie and Mischa, have moved into Kingfisher Cottage.
They have “seen the light” and moved to beautiful
North Norfolk from South Norfolk – Long Stratton to be
precise, where they had lived since 1979.
Rich was a Court Manager and Elaine, who has only
recently retired, a Contact Care Officer working for a
charity. They have twin daughters, one living locally in
Cley and the other in Hadleigh.
We wish them every happiness in their new home.
FOGPC 50/50 Club Draw Results
September October Nicole Delteil £20.00 Yolande Kidd £20.00
Marcus Balwin £15.00 Alan Russell £15.00
Myfi Everett £5.00 Diana Arthurson £5.00
Chrissie Whyman £5.00 Linda Russell £5.00
Rebecca Partridge £5.00 Jane Lamb £5.00
Jo Hartley £5.00 Jo Hartley £5.00
Andrew Rawlinson £5.00 Zena Churchill £5.00
We now have 133 members, but always welcome new
ones, so if you are new to the village or would like to join
us please do so as soon as possible - to “borrow” from
another place “you have to be in it to win it”!
If you would like more information on the 50:50 Club
please contact either Peter Everett on 01263 860035 or John
Blakeley on 01263 861008.
As always we would again like to thank all those
members who have contributed, and continue to contribute,
raffle prizes or who organise and provide the monthly
refreshments for the 50:50 Club Meetings - your support is
invaluable and much appreciated.
The 50:50 Club Christmas Party will be held in the
Institute at 12 noon on Saturday 17 December. Admission
will be based on the purchase of raffle tickets and will be
£2.00 for adults (two raffle tickets) - 5 and under free.
Complimentary mulled wine, soft drinks and seasonal
fare, including hot sausages, will be provided and there will
be a “mega” draw and enhanced raffle.
WHAT’S ON IN GUNTHORPE Gunthorpe diary dates, watch village web-site and
notice board for updates and further details, are:
17 Dec. 12 noon, Institute. 50:50 Club Christmas Party
28 Jan. 10.30, Institute. 50:50 Club Meeting
17
FRIENDS OF GUNTHORPE PARISH CHURCH
On Friday, 14th October the Friends held a Committee
Meeting and invited representatives from the PCC and
Village Institute Committees to attend. The meeting was as
successful as it was last year and all present were pleased
for the open forum to discuss Village matters as a ‘whole’.
We will invite the joint-group again to our Feb. 2012
meeting. Zena Churchill and her Fete Committee were
lavished with praise for their huge success with the Fete.
John Blakeley was commended and thanked for all the hard
and diligent work he has done to collect and fully record all
the Friends Membership and 50/50 Club Subscriptions.
These are now all on computer, and we are looking for
someone to take over his role next year - please DO come
forward if you can be of help.
We also want some volunteers to take over the running
of the 50/50 club next year. John and Peter have continued
to run it for far longer than planned, and the club records
are now in “apple-pie” order with a record number of
members. We are also grateful that so many in the Village
come to help share the load of running the monthly coffee
mornings, so please volunteer.
My apologies for the need to have a late start to the
Harvest Supper - 7:45 this year rather than 7pm.
Thankfully, this did not put 38 people off attending, and the
Institute’s candle-lit, autumnal theme set the mood for an
evening full of fun and laughter. Thanks to all who kindly
sent donations when they were unable to attend. This is an
event where all the committee members cook and donate
the food – many also elect to pay to come themselves… a
perfect example of the abundance of good will and
community spirit that is so special in Gunthorpe - so a huge
thanks to all the committee. Also a special thanks to Brian
Churchill for retrieving and setting-up all the Institute
furniture at the last minute in time for the event. (I will be
on direct dial to Sandra from now on for Institute booking
details!) The evening was a very painless and enjoyable
way to add £313 to the Church repair fund.
Please put Saturday 17th December in your diary for the
50/50 Club Christmas Party at mid-day in the Village
Institute. We hope to see many of you there. Happy
Holidays and best wishes for 2012 to all from the “Friends”
Marie Denholm Chairman
VILLAGE WEB-SITE Now that so many families have access to a computer,
don’t forget that as well as being able to read the Local
Lynx and its back-issues online at www.locallynx.co.uk you
can also get up-to-the minute news and village photographs
at the Gunthorpe website which offers a range of
information at www.gunthorpefriends.co.uk
We are happy to have your photographs or news for
inclusion on the site - either contact the webmaster (Peter
Everett) through the site link or call John Blakeley - details
at the village header.
HOSPITAL MATTERS
NNUH Gunthorpe Ward News The NNUH Gunthorpe Ward Fund Coffee Morning on
14 Sept. was a great success, and between those attending,
and further generous donations from those not able to
attend, a total of £370.00 was raised to support the staff
and patients on the Ward.
Very many thanks to Sandra, Zena, Carole and Diane
for making it all happen. Also many thanks to all who
came and supported the fund, and a special thanks to all
who donated the excellent cake and other refreshments
which were enjoyed by all. We have asked the Ward to let
us know if there is anything special which they need, and
we will also be making the usual Christmas Day deliveries
of “comestibles” for the staff and patients on that day.
The Stroke Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University
Hospital has recently moved to Heydon ward from
Gunthorpe Ward. This move has been undertaken to place
the unit closer to A&E and diagnostic imaging, and to
improve access to hyper-acute care for emergency
patients.
Gunthorpe Ward is now a Medicine for the Elderly
ward and is being run by Sister Josie Royall. We have
contacted Sister Royall to see how the village fund may
help provide anything needed by the Ward.
Cromer and District Hospital On October 6th North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb
toured the new £15 million Cromer and District Hospital
and marked the "topping out" of the building at its highest
point. Construction work started a year ago with builders
Mansell moving on to the Mill Road site. The new
hospital will replace the original Mill Road hospital which
first opened in 1932 and will provide day treatment, out-
patient care, minor injuries, renal dialysis and extended
diagnostic services.
The new £15 million facilities will include an
ophthalmic operating theatre plus new diagnostic services
including on-site mammography (breast screening)
service, and a DEXA scanner for osteoporosis diagnosis.
The exterior of the new hospital is now weatherproof
and the external works will all be finished by December.
The construction team is also on the second fix of the
interior of the hospital. Services will be transferred from
the old hospital building to the new hospital in March
2012 and then the old hospital will be demolished to make
way for landscaping and car parking.
The Minor Injuries Unit on the ground floor will be
named after Mrs Bernstein and the procedure unit on the
first floor of the new hospital will be named after her sister
Muriel Thoms. The audiology unit will be named after
Phyllis Cox. The old Davison and Barclay ward areas of
the current hospital will be retained and refurbished for
use as a permanent renal dialysis unit with room for
expansion. The plans for the site also allow room for
further expansion if required and affordable in the future.
The new hospital project is being funded by the
generous Sagle Bernstein and Phyllis Cox legacies. The
Hospital Arts Project is also fundraising to create a range
of artworks for the new hospital which will follow the
theme of sky, sea and land.
FRED’S GARDENING DIARY Very sadly Fred Morley has a problem with his hand. It
is getting better, but he is unable to provide his gardening
notes for this issue. He apologises to all of his readers and
hopes to return for issue 82.
18
WELCOME A very warm welcome to all our new families:
Christina and Simon; Paul, Lisa, Hollie and Tilly; Paul,
Jackie, Charlotte and Kelly; Emma and Jack; Michelle;
Vicki and Neil; Rainer and Gaynor.
We hope you will all be very happy living in
Langham.
FRIENDS OF LANGHAM Pantomime Trip 2012
It’s that time of year again when we all get into the
spirit of Pantomime! This year we are off to the King’s
Lynn Corn Exchange on Monday 2nd January 2012 to
see Cinderella. Tickets are now available from Marcel
and Cathy Schoenmakers on Tel: 01328 830 537.
The coach leaves the Bluebell Pub at 12.30 pm for a
2 pm start. As usual it is free for all Langham children
but they must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for
Langham children should be booked before the 10th
December 2011. After that date tickets are available for
non Langham children at a cost of £8.50 which includes
the coach. Tickets for adults are £15.50 which also
includes the coach fare.
For all you EastEnders fans - the star of the show this
year is Sharon Watts, Dirty Den’s daughter!
Marcel Schoenmakers
LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH Our ‘Pound Plus Sale’ in October went well.
Although a little chilly outside at least it was dry and the
result was good at almost £800.
In February 2012 I will have reached 40 years of
raising funds for the Leukaemia Research. I had seriously
considered giving up but, shock and horror, my brother
has been diagnosed with leukaemia of the worst kind. It
has come home really hard and having seen first hand
what the fund has achieved, I must carry on.
So we shall be back in 2012.
My thanks to everyone who supports me. Maureen 830 731
MOBILE LIBRARY This will now visit on a four weekly basis, on Thurs-
days: December 1st, December 29th and January 26th,
calling each day for 20 minutes at:
St. Mary’s - 10.00am. Old Post Office - 10.25am.
Swan’s Close - 10.50am The Cornfield - 11.15am.
Enquiries : Wells Library Tel: 01328 710467
QUIZ NIGHT Parish Room Thursday December 1st 7pm
The Friends of Langham are once more holding what
has come to be known as a most enjoyable event.
Please bring your own drinks and glasses.
To book a table - ring -
John Hughes on Tel: 01328 830 595
FRIENDS OF LANGHAM Bonfire Night November 5th 2011
Over 400 people gathered at the annual firework event
run by the Friends of Langham and the Parish Council on
Saturday night.
The firework display was truly spectacular and lots of
people commented that it was the best to date. The BBQ
was also a success as over 400 burgers & sausages were
sold in just over one hour with delicious vegetable soup
and drinks to match. The public were also very generous
with their donations in the buckets. Even the weather was
kind, not a brolly in sight!
Long may this tradition continue as this event has now
developed into a big, local crowd puller. Thank you to all
those involved for making this such a wonderful event
and to all the visitors who created the magical
atmosphere. Marcel Schoenmakers.
FROM THE REGISTERS Holy Baptism Sophie Megan Kerr 20th September
Funerals Arthur Charles (Chink) Cooke 7th October
Joyce Patricia (Joy) Rogers 14th October
19
COFFEE & GLŰHWEIN MORNING Saturday, 3rd December, 10am-12.30pm.
Following on from our talk on El Salvador last March,
we would like to do another fundraiser for the poor of this
Central American country.
Everyone is thus warmly invited to Crafers Barn,
North Street, for a coffee morning with German Advent
cakes, tea, coffee and mulled wine in aid of the Fé y
Alegria school in the slums of San Salvador.
Homemade nostalgic Christmas cards and other goods
will also be on sale. Jutta Davis Tel: 01328 830 677
LADYBIRDS Unfortunately our September meeting was cancelled
as the speaker was unwell. In October we had an Open
Meeting with an excellent presentation of ‘Past Present
and Future Pensthorpe’. How this place has changed -
and all for the good!
Our next meeting is on December 14th, ‘Celebrations
Past’ hosted by Jan, Ann and Barbara.
We always welcome new members. Just come along
or telephone 01328 830 731 and advise Maureen.
We meet at 7.30pm in Langham Parish Room.
PARISH ROOM NEWS The funding appeal referred to in the last issue was
formally launched in October, with the first fund-raising
event being an illustrated talk by Edward Allen about his
epic trip from Langham to Cape Town (and back!) in a
Land Rover many years ago - a trip which political
changes would now make impossible. The talk was very
well attended and raised a total of exactly £500 to launch
the appeal.
Word of this event having spread, Edward has been
persuaded to give a repeat performance on 21st January.
Please come if you missed it the first time around.
As we go to press early in November, Edward’s
personal letter of appeal to all villagers has resulted in
our receiving donations totalling just over half of our
target figure of £20,000.
Many donations having been gift-aided to allow us to
collect an additional 25% in due course from the
government.
A sincere ‘thank you’ to the many contributors to our
fund. With four grant applications also in the pipeline, we
now have very real hopes of being able to have the main
hall floor replaced during next August and September.
This has just been the start of our fund-raising project.
On 5th November Julia Thompson’s Treasure Hunt
Game was launched. Her squared illustration of the
Parish Room, beset by various creatures, was greatly
admired. Come and see it and buy your own £1 square at
future coffee mornings.
The traditional Christmas Carols and Mince-pies
Evening, this year on Friday 16th December, will follow
the usual pattern save that this year mulled wine will be
the preferred beverage (anticipating an early, cold
winter). There will be the usual raffle and we will be
hoping to raise additional funds towards the project.
Entry will be the usual £3 for adults, with children free.
Look out for future events each month. These will
include a special book sale, a musical evening and a talk
by an expert ornithologist about his birding experiences.
We would like to have an Auction of Promises as well
- but need someone to run it. If you would be willing to
volunteer, please let me know.
Also contact me if you would like to make a gift-aided
donation but haven’t done so yet.
Bob Brandt 01328 830056
RAF WINGS APPEAL 2011 LANGHAM COLLECTION
Sam Schoenmakers and George Allen (both 13 years
old) spent two weekends in October collecting for the
RAF wings appeal.
They raised a magnificent £110.00 which was slightly
down on last year but still a considerable effort.
Last year was the best ever collection in one village
and as a thank you both Sam and George were invited to
RAF Marham for the Family Fun Day which they both
thoroughly enjoyed, especially the Red Arrows and the
Fly Over displays.
The boys would like to thank all Langham villagers
for their generosity.
HARVEST THANKSGIVING As many people were away at this time we joined up
with Stiffkey congregation for this celebration and con-
tributed to their ‘Bring and Share’ refreshments following
a very enjoyable service.
20
LANGHAM STREET FAYRE 2012 The new committee has been formed and plans are
going well for the next Langham Street Fayre, which is
taking place on Saturday 28th July 2012.
If you are interested in booking a stall please visit the
website on www.langhamstreetfayre.com for full details,
or contact Christina Cooper by phone on 01328 830207
or by e-mail on [email protected]
We are also looking for volunteers to help on the day,
so if you would like to help please contact Dave Curtis by
email on [email protected] or by phone on
01328 830535.
LANGHAM CAR SERVICE Schedule to February 12th 2012
*NB New Rate 25p per mile
Weekly driving duties beginning on a Monday
Dec. 5th Tel: 830 821* Jan. 9th Tel: 830 537*
Dec.12th Tel: 830 056 Jan. 16th Tel: 830 696*
Dec.19th Tel: 830 606* Jan. 23rd Tel: 830 348
Dec.26th Tel: 830 605 Jan. 30th Tel: 830 731
Jan. 2nd Tel: 830 624 Feb. 6th Tel: 830 731
*These drivers do not go to Norwich
If the driver for the week is unable to do the trip,
contact the next person on the list. If your appointment
is cancelled, please also cancel your car service booking.
Please give three days notice wherever possible, except in
an emergency. It would be very helpful if a car booking
is made as soon as an appointment is arranged or journey
planned so that drivers can arrange their schedule.
Please bring change.
In the infrequent event that no driver is available –
contact the Holt Caring Society Tel: 01263 711243
giving as much notice as possible. This roster is also sited
in the Bluebell and on the church porch and village
notice boards with dates beyond the above schedule, after
January 9th .
We would really like one more driver. Please contact
me if you are interested. Ann Sherriff Tel: 830 605 ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY Langham Parish Room will open once again as
‘Langham Bistro’ on Saturday 25th February 2012 at
7pm. in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
Don’t miss this opportunity to try our French cuisine.
Tickets £14 on sale from 10th January 2012. Contact Ann
Hill 16, The Cornfield Tel: 01328 830417.
Please bring your own drinks and glasses. TO COMMEMORATE
THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE: Langham Glass has designed this stylish paperweight,
decorated in red, white & blue, to commemorate the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
This paperweight will be available exclusively to
Langham children who will be under 16 years of age at
31/12/2011, at a cost of £5 each, but also available to
Langham adults at the full cost of £10 each.
A full colour image will be shown on posters around
the village and at: http://www.langhamstreetfayre.com/
Jubilee2012.htm.
In order to gauge the level of interest, please give the
following details to the Bluebell pub by 30/11/2011 if
you are interested in purchasing one:
NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST Sponsored Bicycle Ride and Walk
Langham P.C.C would like to thank all those who
took part in this event on September 10th which raised
the truly magnificent sum of £718.85.
Half of this amount, £359.43 has been awarded to
Langham Church General Fund.
We would also like to thank all the people who helped
with recording on the day and to Ken Bartlett and John
Plummer for their administration duties. We are indeed
very grateful to you all. Langham P.C.C.
21
PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS Parish Council Meetings will be held in the Village
Hall at 7.00 pm on the final Wednesday of each month,
viz: 28 Dec (TBC), 25th Jan, 29th Feb. and 28th Mar.
MORSTON 2011 REGATTA RESULTS (AMDT.)
1. (With apologies that the Results in the last issue of Lo-
cal Lynx on p.22 were the 2010 results).
2. Please note that under Morston Regatta Rules each
competitor is only allowed to win one trophy.
MORSTON PARISH COUNCIL TROPHY Alan Robinson (1st boat across the line) Seafly 477
MAJOR P HAMOND TROPHY Peter Tibbetts (1st Morston res) Stiffkey Cockle 112
HASSALL TROPHY Dennis Pell (1st Stiffkey Cockle) Stiffkey Cockle 23
WARD TROPHY
Judith Shallow (1st Norfolk Oyster) N. O. Pearl Fisher
WILSON CHALLENGE CUP Steve Leigh (1st Slow Class boat) OK 1718
MORSTON REGATTA CUP John Myers (1st Fast Class boat) Seafly 644
CARTER TROPHY Rod Jeffries (1st single-hander) Streaker 1685
ATHILL TROPHY David Woodcock (1st pleasure boat. BOD ‘Widgeon’
JOHN BEAN’S TROPHY Jessie Deeley (1st helm under 16) Laser
LAPSTRAKE JUNIOR CUP Charlie Williamson (youngest helm) Feva 1277
TEMPLE TROPHY Tom Rickett (1st catamaran) Hobycat 42715
MUCK BOAT CUP Bryan Williams in Gipsy
MORSTON HALL Having in 2010 won the “Caesar Award for The Good
Hotels Guide” under the section “Restaurant with
Rooms”, Morston Hall has just been placed at number 50
in The Times newspaper Top 100 Restaurants.
Congratulations too to Galton Blackiston (who was
“Chef of the Year” in 2001) for recently winning yet
another award: the EDP’s “Outstanding Achievement
Award”.
Morston Hall will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary
in 2012 and will be producing a special commemorative
magazine by Tracy Blackiston.
NCT BIKE RIDE 10TH SEP. 2011
The Norfolk Churches Trust (NCT) makes grants to
churches and chapels of all denominations towards repair
and restoration costs. Of the monies from its annual Bike
Ride (traditionally on the second Saturday in September)
half goes to the Norfolk Churches Trust and the other
half comes back to the parishes. Since its inception in
1976 the NCT has raised enough money to make grants
to more than 580 different churches and chapels to the
tune of over £3.6 million.
Across the country the results of last year's Ride were
9-10% down on 2009, but Norfolk’s fall was just under
9%, down to £119,806 (which made it the third highest of
34 participating trusts). Norfolk’s record achieved in
2007 was £138,521.
Because there has been a fall in charity income gener-
ally of 10-11%, the NCT is brainstorming about (a) ways
in which the annual Bike Ride could be improved and
built upon and (b) as to how more riders or walkers might
be attracted. Several possibilities are under discussion,
but anyone with any bright, new ideas, please contact
Ned Hamond on 01263-740188.
On September 10th our stalwart bikers Olive & Billy
Hewitt, and Rob and Max Metcalfe were on the road,
with cunning route plans - and incredibly they raised
£1,002 - from which £501 plus Grant Aid (half of 28p in
the £) will come to Morston PCC church funds. And
please put Sat 8th September 2012 (to be confirmed) in
YOUR diary so that YOU can come and join these four
intrepid fundraisers for the next Bike Ride!
22
BLUEJACKET CHRISTMAS PARTY Sat 3 & Sun 4 December, 10am - 5pm
All at Bluejacket Workshop welcome walkers,
shoppers and general party-minded folk to join us
throughout the weekend for mulled wine, hot chocolate
and festive nibbles. There will be new guest artists on
show in the shop and the workshop plus new stock from
the collective.
For further information and maps go to
www.bluejacketworkshop.co.uk.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Dec 23 Fri. 5.00 pm. Candlelit Carol Service
24 Sat. 5.00 pm. Carollers Rendezvous with Ned
Hamond and Jane Temple in the Anchor
25 Sun. 9.30 am: Christmas Day, Communion
Service
2012
Feb 18 Sat. 7.00 for 7.30 pm. FMC Morston Quiz –VH
Jan 22 Sat. 6.30 pm. Robin Ffolkes’ Ladakh (India)
Development Film for the PCC – VH. This will not
now take place.
SHOVELL DINNER 2011 The Friends of Morston Church Shovell Dinner, held
on 15th October at the Anchor, made £1,378.00.
The FMC Committee would like to thank all those
who helped make it a success: those who gave donations
or raffle prizes, those who organised the raffle, the
Anchor staff, and not least those who attended and
especially our Guest Speaker, Dr Simon Harris, who gave
us a stirring, fascinating talk on Nelson, delivered with
passion, intricate knowledge of his subject and with
superb slides.
O’RIORDAN BLESSING On 15th October at All Saints Church the Rev. Ian
Whittle conducted the Blessing of the marriage of newly-
weds Dermot & Elizabeth O’Riordan, many of the guests
having come from as far afield as Kent. The packed
church had been decorated by Morston PCC and looked
wonderful.
A Reception was held afterwards at Morston Hall. WHICH CAME FIRST: THE ANCHOR INN OR
THE ANCHOR BREWERY? Unlike Wells which had some 57 alehouses down the
ages (serving many more visiting mariners than here),
Morston (population usually about 90-110) had only two
- but two at once and side by side: and less than 50 yards
apart. Ideal for a pub crawl.
In 1836 the pub we now call the Anchor, described as
an attractive 16th century building, was run by Robert
Butter, and by 1846 Richard Mayes, was (besides being
the village shoemaker), innkeeper of the Anchor. In 1836
John Gooch ran the other pub - later called as the
Townshend Arms (today’s Point House) - which by 1846
Benjamin Wade had taken over.
This was in the days when pubs were single
alehouses, brewing their own beer. This and what
follows, we know from Holt Licence Registers PS 28/6/1
to 28/12/1 (1878-c.1962) and the ten-yearly censuses
from 1841. The first census, however, actually to name
the two pubs, was that of 1861.
In 1837 in Coslany Street, Norwich, Richard Bullard
founded Bullards & Watts Brewery - later to be (just)
Bullards’ Anchor Brewery. Bullards was to take over the
Anchor Inn in Morston in 1878 - barrels doubtless being
sent by rail to Holt by 1883.
The 1851 Census for Morston, shows two Innkeepers
but does not state which ran which pub. James Ramm or
Roman, a “carrier” (pony and trap) - his surname is
illegible - (47, born at Wiveton) is listed as “Innkeeper” -
and his wife, Rebecca (45, born at Blakeney) - and their
daughter, Rachael [sic], 22, is listed as “Assistant
Innkeeper”. Also living with them was their young son,
James Jabes, who was only 6.
(In 1859 at Cockthorpe a Henry Ramm, widower, and
mercer from Doncaster, married a Jane Harvey. His
father, Robert, was a Wesleyan minister). Ramms
abound today here in this area.
Morston’s second Innkeeper listed for 1851 is
Edmund Wordingham, 63, from Stiffkey, and his
Morston-born wife, Lydia, also 63, and their
granddaughter, Mary Raynon, 7, born at Great Dunham.
In 1854 William Grimes apparently took over the
Towshend Arms and four years later William Aldridge
was the publican at the Anchor. In 1861 another change:
the Anchor was now run by John Neal, 33, and his wife,
Esther, 29, from Badingham, and his 16-year-old sister,
Harriet Celwen (?), (born in “Studdy” (Stody)) -
described as a “house servant”, rather than “barmaid”.
[“?”= illegible], while the Townshend Arms was run by
James Long, 35, (Bale-born fisherman) and his wife
Margaret, 33, from Sheringham, with their five children
under 9. To be continued.
23
PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS
WORD-SQUARE SOLUTIONS Pansy, Peony, Petunia, Phlox, Pink, Poppy, Primrose,
Primula, Chamomile, Clematis, Cowslip, Gardenia,
Gentian, Gypsophila, Aloe, Arum, Lavender, Lily,
Eglantine, Flag, Hemlock, Iris, Rose, Sesame (always
open!) and Tulip. The snake was the Asp, the pest was
the Snail and the friend was the Bee.
MORSTON CHRISTMAS QUIZ 1.26th December. 2. Jacob Marley. 3. Norway. 4. Ladies
dancing. 5. Christmas cracker. 6. 1984. 7. Turkey. 8. Six. 9.
Panettone. 10. “I Saw Three Ships”. 11. Almond. 12. “The
Snowman”. 13. Mince pie. 14. Jerez (Spain. In Spanish Sherry
is called Vino de Jerez). 15. Tchaikovsky. 16. Mistletoe. 17.
Advent (and “Advent Calendars”. The 'coming' refers to the
birth of Christ). 18. Canada. 19 Yule aka Yuletide. 20.
“Hallelujah”.
BRAINTEASER Six. (The number of letters for each pet gives the amount e.g.
‘dogs’ = 4 letters, so he has four dogs).
SPOT THE DIFFERENCES 1. Picture on the wall has lost its hanging cord
2. House in picture has gained a chimney
3. Angel has replaced star at top of tree
4. Loco on train has shed a wheel
5. The rig on the boat has been changed
6. Billy’s hair has grown at the side
7. Teddy has gone grumpy and
8. Toby’s collar is larger.
R E I N D E E R R U F F
U N R S C N O
B U G L E C R O F T E R
Y R A R U I E
W O R D C O U N T E R S
A B W N W T A
S U N T A N G E M I N I
U U S R N L
B E I N G T H E B E S T
J D H E L U O
E V I C T O R A L L O W
C O S P S A L
T A T E P A S T U R E S
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ROBERT BEESON Formerly of The Old Rectory in Saxlingham, Robert
Beeson died of cancer on 2nd September aged 69 at
homein Ringstead. The major achievement of Robert’s
dynamic career in the potato industry was the
organization in 1990, 20 years after his move to Norfolk
from London, of a merging of several big family
enterprises into MBM, handling more than 1m. tons a
year and supplying the country’s leading supermarkets.
Coming from a family background involving
wholesale merchanting of potatoes and other produce in
London, Robert, together with his brother Tony, had first
worked in new co-operatives to supply Walker’s Crisps as
well as growing seed-potatoes and importing out-of-
season supplies. Under the Hillsdown umbrella the
business grew even larger, but when Premier Foods took
over Robert opted for retirement.
The other great enthusiasm in Robert’s life was golf.
At one time Captain of the Norfolk team when they won
the Anglian League, Robert with Trevor Emery was a five
-times winner of the county foursomes. A keen member at
Sheringham, Brancaster and Hunstanton, Robert also
wrote books in his retirement on golf and golf clubs.
REPAIRS TO CHURCH WINDOWS The large stained glass window at the east end of St.
Margaret’s needs to have its horizontal bars replaced as
rust is damaging the stone uprights. The PCC hope to
have the work completed before the worst of the winter
weather. Windows in the nave are bowing so they will
need repairing in due course.
CHRISTMAS DAY Please note - the joint service with Field Dalling held
in St. Margaret’s, Saxlingham will begin at 10.30 am.
24
SHARRINGTON CHURCH NEWS In Sharrington, we love harvest so much that we
celebrated it in style - twice.
The church service was well-attended as always, and
we sang the familiar hymns surrounded by gorgeous
displays of autumnal flowers and fruits. Revd. Ian
Whittle conducted evensong and then we broke into the
harvest loaf and shared it with delicious homemade
soup. How bizarre that October 2nd was one of the
hottest days of the year so hot soup was perhaps not the
ideal choice, but nevertheless we all enjoyed the chance
to eat and chat together.
So much so that two weeks later we got together
again to celebrate with a harvest supper and auction in
the village hall. Once more Ann Garwood, Claire
Dubbins, Robin Burkitt and Louise Walker
masterminded a wonderful evening, drawing on help
from many other willing people to produce a delicious
hot supper. Entertainment came in the form of our
popular auctioneer, Claire Rivett, who persuaded us to
part with our money in return for a variety of produce,
from bread and cakes to jellies and chutneys - finishing
in style with a splendid pumpkin. Proceeds were shared
between the Church and the Village Hall, each receiving
£175.
Those of you who attended the wonderful Burns
Night supper in Sharrington Village Hall in January -
and any who sadly had to miss it - will be delighted to
hear the Mary Lee is organising another one! The Piper
is already booked, so keep the date free, Saturday 28th
January 2012, and reserve your ticked nearer the time
from Mary Lee or Pippa Long
IN MEMORY OF DR PETER GARWOOD - AKA AIRBAG
In the last edition of the Lynx some readers may have
been surprised to read that Dr Peter Garwood had been
reappointed as the Sharrington Village Lynx
representative. Remarkable as that may have been, and I
am sure somehow Peter had a hand in this phenomenon;
it was only for one edition!! Sadly Peter died on 1st
October 2010.
In consultation with Ann, Peter’s wife, and by way of
a timely memorial to him, we have selected a piece from
the now much sought after first edition (and only edition
of 2004) For the smallest reading room, doodles of a
rather dozy Doc, a dozier soldier boy and a quirky critic
of mankind.
SECOND COMING & THOUGHTS THEREON The angels came for Easter, just a few short months
since the last visitation, and “My -.how you have grown,”
etc. For some reason this prompted me to reminisce
about my holiday with grandfather.
The generation gap can be measured in decibels and I
don’t think the gap could be wider nor louder. You will
remember - “Don’t speak unless you are spoken to,” -
“Sit up, shut up and eat up,” when at the table. “Ask
permission to leave the table and don’t wave your knife,
fork and spoon in the air,” - “Go to bed now.”
It was a very special occasion for my brother and me
to stay with him. We wore our Sunday best and were
always meticulously groomed by mother - “pull your
sock up, surely you haven’t forgot your garters again!”
We met at the railway station and respectfully shook
grandfather’s proffered hand. Our reward was to be given
a shiny silver shilling, freshly minted.
“How are you, young fellar-me-lad?”
“I’m very well thank you Grandfather.”
Breakfast was a great treat.
The “Full English,” was eagerly taken from the silver
salvers on the sideboard - helped by Mother and “Don’t
make a mess.” Grandfather sat at the head of the polished
dining-room table, immaculately dressed in starch
winged collar, black jacket and stripped trousers. His
“Times” had been warmed for him on the brass fender in
front of the blazing fire. He left the table first and went to
the front hall where the maid brought him his spats - light
grey and spotless.
Then we all went to the hall to see him leave for the
office. Further head patting and “Be good young fellar-
me-lad.” - “Yes, grandfather.”
For the evenings he had invented a game which
presumably was to help him assess whether we played
fair and showed some modicum of decorum. The game
was played on the long kitchen table, covered with a
velvety dark green cloth with tassels on it. We had to roll
cheese boxes through various gates he had
constructed. I never felt on trial but I’m pretty sure we
were being assessed as suitable for continuing the
family name. Bed time, “sweet dreams” and the end of
really enjoyable days.
I dunno - I reckon I blame Hitler and the ultra left
wing idiots who managed to dismember our ordered
lives. And now back to the multi-decibel visitation.
All good fun - I think.. PJG
Thank you, Peter
25
STIFFKEY MUSIC CIRCLE We continue on Dec 8th and Jan 12th after two
programmes from Proms including two attended by two
of our members.
We have reverted to supporting Sally Bass who is
studying very successfully in London on a postgraduate
course in health care management. However she is
finding it very difficult to secure enough work to help
finance her living costs in London.
We will resume our support for a young musician in
Birmingham when Sally has completed her course and
returned to The Gambia.
December’s evening will focus on those two
contrasting composers of somewhat dubious rhyming
slang notoriety: Brahms and Liszt. Definitely not to be
missed.
We have decided to continue meeting at 7 through the
depths of winter in defiance, maybe misguided, of those
prophets of winter weather doom! We can always change
our minds if the snowdrifts pile up. John Adnitt
SAD NEWS FROM THE GAMBIA On September 17th we received very sad news of the
sudden death of the headmistress of Albaraca Nursery
School in The Gambia.
Mrs Fatou Kebbeh had been head of the school for 10
years. She took over at a time when the school needed
strong leadership. She provided that and the school
flourished.
Anyone who has been to the school and been warmly
welcomed by Mrs Kebbeh, a character straight from the
pages of Ian McCall-Smith, will know just how much she
meant to the school, and how much the school meant to
her. She loved the children and they loved her.
Fatou visited us here in Stiffkey in 2004 and spent
time at the schools in Blakeney and Langham. She
attended a service at Binham and had a very interesting
theological exchange with the visiting Bishop of Lynn.
Fatou was a Muslim.
Coming to England was a real highlight in her life,
and she remembered many enjoyable moments. One
evening we were visited in Stiffkey by 30 bikers from
Dereham who supported the school and brought pens and
books. The sight of Mrs K astride a Harley Davidson was
truly memorable, and typical of her robust enthusiasm for
life.
John visited the school just over a week after the
received the news. It seemed the right thing to do. The
staff were all clearly shocked by Fatou’s sudden death
from a severe heart attack, but full of determination.
“We must all work even harder to help the school to
stay successful without her.” (Mordou, one of the longest
serving teachers).
The responsibility for approving a successor will be
left in the capable hands of Bakary Jobe and his team of
Gambian trustees.
Further visits to the school will be made by UK
trustees, Rachael in November, Susan Moore in January,
and both of us in February. John Adnitt
WI NEWS Stiffkey WI continues to offer friendship and interest-
ing evenings!
In January we hope to hear from a long-time practi-
tioner of Reflexology and in February Ray Bannerman
has agreed to talk to us on his enthusiasm for Amateur
Radio.
Further interesting talks are planned for subsequent
months. Visitors welcome! Come one – come all!!
We expect to meet at the new time of the Third Thurs-
day in each month, 7.30 at Stiffkey Old Hall. Posters will
confirm – or contact the Secretary, Helen Leach at
CHRISTMAS DATES St. John the Baptist’s Church, Stiffkey
The Christingle Carol Concert will be at 3.30 on the
Friday before Christmas, Dec 23rd. The church will
look wonderful, decorated and lit by candles.
On Christmas Eve the Red Lion will reverberate to
the sound of enthusiastically sung carols from 6.30 to
7.00.
On Christmas morning there will be a communion
service led by our rector at 9.30. Don’t forget to get the
turkey ready before you come! John Adnitt
26
BACON PAPERS
This month I have been reading the first two volumes
of THE PAPERS OF NATHANIEL BACON OF
STIFFKEY. They cover a diverse range of subjects from
the building of the Old Hall, affairs of state in the court of
Queen Elizabeth 1 to the price of wool, piracy and issues
of illegitimacy.
One thing that struck me, however, was the use of
words that were familiar to me during my rural seafaring
childhood that are no longer heard today. For animals
there was :
Yow (ewe).
Dowe (wood pigeon)
Nag (a small everyday sort of riding horse)
Mete, being fit for or of best practice.
To dress meat, to prepare a carcass
Writ instead of wrote or written.
Busshell, a volume measure equivalent to eight
gallons (36.5 litres) and commonly used in the fishing
industry until recently.
Dryfte weyes, lanes.
Mylche neat, milk cow
Trowe, a trough for animal feed.
Beadstead (bed frame) featherbed tikes (dense
woven mattress covers for holding feathers, ticking)
bolster (a long pillow)
Hoye, a boat.
Cricke, creek on the marsh.
Tow (flax and hemp fibres) used in rope making such
as whelk tows.
Poke, in a net. A pocket that stops the fish escaping.
Perhaps most singular was the ending of many of the
letters with various versions of that old Norfolk phrase
that is rarely heard these days and I will finish with its
full blown version and say; fare ye well together now.
Geraldine Green
NATURE NOTES Every effort is being made to combine efficient food
production on our farms with protection of wildlife. This
is sometimes difficult because the tools farmers have to
use include (sometimes) chemicals which are harmful to
a wide variety of insects – on which so much of the ‘food
chain’ demands. Older people can remember having to
wipe down their windscreens quite often to remove
squashed insects, No more!
But all is not lost. Government schemes are in place to
pay farmers to leave uncultivated headlands and to sow
nectar mixtures in arable areas. This provides ‘corridors’
for wildlife to migrate. Bees, butterflies, birds and mam-
mals all benefit. Farm subsidies are now very ‘green’.
We can look back on 2011 as a patchy breeding sea-
son. A nasty disease has struck the Finch family of birds.
This is Trichomoniasis – which is caused by a parasite
which attacks sinuses, mouths and throats of birds and is
often caused by drinking infected water. Birds lose
weight, can’t feed and die. Garden feeders and drinking
containers must be kept clean at all times. Even then the
disease may not be stopped. Greenfinches, Chaffinches,
Goldfinches – these all seem very susceptible.
Where are all the Hedgehogs we used to see 20 years
ago? There seems to be a huge drop in numbers. Badgers
can unroll them and eat them alive – ugh! Badgers are on
the increase everywhere. Nice animals but they are heavy
predators of birds, bumble bees, hedgehogs and we need
to be realistic. They are fully protected – unlike the fox.
A nasty leaf-miner moth caterpillar is affecting our
chestnut trees – causing early leaf die-back although the
trees seem to recover each spring. Hopefully it is not so
serious as the Dutch elm disease which killed off most of
England’s lovely elms over the past 50 years. All this
seems to be a tale of woe.
But as winter closes in we can enjoy bird spectacles
on the coast as migrants pour in, and, no doubt, some
joyful Christmas cheer in our villages Pightle
27
SCHOOL NEWS Autumn is a busy time for the children and staff of
Langham Village School, with the Harvest Festival, Hal-
lowe’en and preparation for Christmas all in a few short
weeks.
The Harvest Festival took place in Langham Church
on Tuesday 18 October, with lovely performances by all
the children. Class 1 (aged 4 – 6) sang the nursery classic
‘rainbow’ song with a beautifully simple routine involv-
ing ribbons in all the colours. Class 2 performed an
acrostic of ‘Harvest Festival’, with each letter represent-
ing a different aspect of harvest. Class 3 gave us a
‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ style show with a touch of Mexi-
can dance to follow. The produce sale at the end - includ-
ing vegetables grown at school by the children them-
selves - raised £80 for the Quidenham Children’s Hos-
pice so well done all.
Also in the Harvest theme, Class 2 (aged 6 - 8) has
raised over £20 for a ‘Send a cow’ charity where people
pay to guess where cows are hidden underneath pictures
of vegetables. The charity gives cows to poor communi-
ties in Africa, to provide milk for sale at market and ma-
nure to grow vegetables. Any calves produced are given
to other families.
Harvest Festival was followed by a Hallowe’en Party
for all the children at Binham Village Hall, with games
galore, spooky snacks and prizes for the best costume - a
great chance for them to let off steam .
The children of Class 3 (aged 8-11) were inspired by a
trip to the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo to create a fabu-
lous art display of Anglo-Saxon armour in the school’s
reception area.
Good luck to Archie Willis, Thomas Squires and
Kieron and Georgina Belton from Class 3, who are repre-
senting Langham Village School in an inter-school maths
competition on 10 November.
Changes to the Board of Governors
After several years at the helm of the Board of Gover-
nors, Dave Dalton has handed over the role of Chair to
Matthew Coe. The school is not letting Dave go that easi-
ly and he has kindly agreed to remain on the Board. In
addition, Pauline Bartlett has retired as Clerk to the
Board after many years of sterling service.
Head Teacher Mike Green said: “On behalf of the
whole school and the governing body, sincere thanks to
Dave and Pauline for the tremendous contribution they
have made. We wish Pauline every happiness for a well-
earned restful retirement. We are delighted that we will
continue to benefit from Dave’s fantastic support and his
long experience as a governor.”
Pauline’s departure leaves a vacancy for a new
Clerk. This is a part-time paid position with training pro-
vided to help the new incumbent get up to speed. The
school welcomes applications - speak to Mike Green or
Matthew Coe by the end of November if you are interest-
ed in the role.
School Christmas Fair – put it in your diary!
The Christmas fair will take place at the school on
Saturday 3 December from 10am to 12 noon. Everyone
is welcome, it’s a great opportunity to stock up on some
delicious home baking and the children’s hand-made
crafts make fabulous gifts, with fantastic raffle prizes to
be won and refreshments on hand if you find yourself
flagging. We look forward to seeing you there!
Don’t forget to keep in touch with all the chil-
dren’s projects and school news on the school website at
www.langhamvillageschool.com. Anne-Marie Coe
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