Local Lynx Issue 69 - December/January 2010 by Robert Metcalfe

BALE - BINHAM - COCKTHORPE - FIELD DALLING GUNTHORPE - LANGHAM - MORSTON SAXLINGHAM - SHARRINGTON - STIFFKEY

NEWS FROM OUR VILLAGES

DECEMBER & JANUARY 2009/10

ISSUE 69

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS

James Bucknill

 Read Local Lynx on-line at: www.locallynx.co.uk 

WHAT’S ON Special Christmas services are all on Page 3. - is a non-profit-making community newspaper, run for the benefit of ten villages.

December th

5 Sat. Langham FOL Coffee morning 5th Sat. Binham Christmas Supper, 7.00 for 7.30 7th Mon. Stiffkey Monday Mardlers Red Lion 2.30 7th Mon. Gunthorpe Parish Plan meeting 7.00 9th Wed. Stiffkey Music Circle 2.30 9th Wed. Langham Church Concert 7.30 11th Fri. Field Dalling Christmas Bingo 6 for 7.00 14th Mon. Binham History Group Party 16th Wed. Langham FOL Coffee morning 16th Wed. Langham Carols & Mince Pies 7.00 17th Thurs Langham Mobile Library 17th Thurs. Binham Nativity Play 4.30 19th Sat. Gunthorpe 50:50 Club Christmas Party 19th Sat. Binham Advent Service Readings & Carols with Iceni Christmas Choir 6.30 19th Sat. Cockthorpe Carols in Church 6.00 21st Mon. Stiffkey Monday Mardlers Red Lion 2.30 21st Mon. Binham Carols Round the Tree 7.00 24th Thurs. Morston Carollers meet at the Anchor 5.00 25th Fri. Binham Christmas Carols & Readings 10.30 25th Fri. Gunthorpe Carols & Readings, St Mary’s 10.

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:

lynxeditor@pobox.com PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE DATE 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: maxine@mjbhotels.com

January 2nd Sat. Langham FOL Coffee Morning 2nd Sat. Langham Panto trip 2.00 3rd Sun. Binham Epiphany Service, Richeldis, 3.30 4th Mon Stiffkey Monday Mardlers Red Lion 2.30 7th Thurs. Langham Mobile Library 14th Thurs. Stiffkey Village Hall, Fete meeting 7.00 16th Sat. Langham Rev. Ian Whittle Institution 16th Sat. Binham Village Hall Jack’s Race Night 20th Wed. Langham FOL Coffee Morning 28th Thurs. Langham Mobile Library 28th Thurs. Binham History Group AGM 7.30 30th Sat. Gunthorpe 50:50 Club

Rates for advertising (pre-paid) are: One column x 62 mm (1/8 page): £72 for six issues. Small Ads Panel on the back page: Available for individuals and businesses providing local services. Cost: £36 for six issues.

DISTRIBUTION CONTACT: For all enquiries or offers to help, please contact: Rita White, tel: 01328 830821

Most Mondays, Langham - Keep Fit, 10-11.30 Every Tuesday Binham - Guild of Artists, 10-12 3rd Mon. each month Binham - Games @ Chequers “ Binham - Quiz @ Chequers 1st Mon. “ 1st Mon. “ “ Morston - Mardlers, 2.30 Red Lion rd Stiffkey - WI, 7.30 Old Hall 3 Mon “ “

DEANERY NEWS Next Meeting March 4th, 2010 Holt Church Hall. 7.15pm for 7.30pm Details on Posters to follow Holt Deanery achieved a collection of £15,702.66 in the 2008 Norfolk Churches Trust Bicycle Ride. This was the highest amount of all the Norfolk Areas. The Trustees congratulate Holt Deanery on its outstanding achievement and thank all the churches and individuals who contributed to it. Geoff Wortley County Organiser

CHURCH SERVICES FOR BALE AND STIFFKEY BENEFICE FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY HC=Holy Communion. FS=Family Service. MP=Morning Prayer. BCP=Book of Common Prayer 6th December

13th December

20th December

25th Dec. Christmas Day

9.30am HC

6.30pm Carol Service

No service

Field Dalling

At Saxlingham

11.00am FS Lessons and Carols

At Saxlingham

No service

Saxlingham

9.30am HC

At Field Dalling

11.00am Family HC

10.30am Christmas HC

Gunthorpe

9.30am MP

9.30am HC

No service

10.30am Lessons & Carols

PARISH Bale

Sharrington

9.30am MP

9.30am HC

5.00pm Carol Service

9.30am Christmas HC

Binham

11.00am HC

11.00am FS

10.30am Lessons & Carols

Morston

9.30am HC BCP

No service

9.30am HC BCP

9.30am Christmas HC BCP

Langham

9.30am FS

At Stiffkey

10.30am Christmas HC

Stiffkey

At Langham

9.30am HC

3.30pm Christingle

10.00am Christmas HC

Parish Bale

3rdJanuary

10th January

17th January

24th January

9.30am HC

At Binham

9.30am HC

At Saxlingham

11.00am FS

At Binham

11.00am MP BCP

Saxlingham

9.30am HC

At Field Dalling

At Binham

At Field Dalling

Gunthorpe

9.30am MP

9.30am HC

At Binham

11.00am HC

Field Dalling

Sharrington

9.30am MP

9.30am HC

At Binham

9.30am HC

Binham

11.00am HC

10.30am HC

9.30am HC

Morston

9.30am HC BCP

No service

At Binham

No service

Langham

9.30am FS

At Stiffkey

At Binham

9.30am HC

Stiffkey

At Langham

9.30am HC

At Binham

At Langham

Sunday 27th December: Group Service at Bale, 10.30am. Saturday 16th January: Institution Service at Langham 11.00am. N.B. Sunday 31st January: normal services will be resumed - see your church notice-board for details REGULAR WEEKDAY SERVICES Binham: Tuesday, 6.00pm Evening Prayers. Langham: Wednesday, 10.00am Holy Communion Stiffkey: Friday, 10.00am Holy Communion

NEW RECTOR

EXTRA CHRISTMAS SERVICES & EVENTS

We are all eagerly looking forward to The Revd. Ian Whittle’s institution as Rector of the Benefice on January 16th at 11 a.m at St. Andrews Church Langham. The institution service will be conducted by Bishop James Langstaff and the Archdeacon of Lynn, John Ashe. The Cantilena Choir from the benefice will provide special music at the service, which will be a truly joyous occasion. Refreshments will be provided afterwards at Langham School. We are very grateful to Mike Green, the head teacher, for his help. For Ian’s first Sunday in the benefice, Jan 17th, the congregations of the nine churches will join together at Binham, for a benefice communion service at 10.30 which Ian will conduct. This service will provide a further, or alternative, opportunity for local residents to welcome our new Rector. Everyone in the benefice is welcome at the institution service on the 16th. There will be considerable pressure on parking in Langham and seating in the church, as there will also be invited guests from outside the benefice. Therefore car sharing and arriving at least 15 minutes before 11 are both highly recommended. We hope that the two services will be a memorable and auspicious start to Ian’s ministry here. John Adnitt

December: 17th: Binham - Nativity Play, 4.30 pm 18th. Field Dalling Church Carol Singalong, 6.30 pm 19th: Binham - Iceni Christmas Choir, Lessons and Carols, 6.30 pm 19th: Cockthorpe - Carol Service, 6.00 pm 20th. Bale Church Carol Service, 6.30 pm 23rd: Morston - Nine Lessons and Carols, 5.00 pm 24th: Binham - Children’s Eve Service, 4.00 pm 24th: Midnight Mass at Bale, Binham and Field Dalling, 11.00 pm January: 3rd: Binham - Epiphany Service of Readings and Carols With Richeldis Singers, 3.30 pm

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ NOTES

CLEY W.I.

Budget: - overriding issue for District Council. Government and opposition made it clear that financial cuts will be required. This, plus the effects of the recession, give a challenging outlook. Forward planning is progressing - all officers, staff and elected members briefed on ways to maintain stability. However, the Local Government Review has still made no decision on unitary local government. Councillors and officers at Cromer attended a course promoting equality, valuing diversity, and addressing community issues, plus support for disabled and older people, especially in rural areas. Influenza pandemic: As required, NNDC has in place a planned response, if needed. Flood sirens, although rarely used, NNDC is writing to N.C.C. re proposed switch-off. urging their maintenance and integration into a modern and efficient system. Railway Institute at Holt: N.Norfolk Area Museums Committee saw the fascinating, beautifully displayed exhibits and restored 1887 railway coach. Education Outside the Classroom on the Poppy Line World War II Evacuation 1939 is their latest project. Area Museum Officer reported on events organised for children, including the popular schools' programme, emphasising local history study. Guided walks & Workshop Events for Adults are also available - tel. 01263513543. Contact cromer.museum@norfolk.gov.uk, or www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk Telephone kiosks: BT is contacting local parishes re retention or removal. For rarely used kiosks various schemes are proposed - adopt a kiosk - sponsor a kiosk - if the community want it preserved but not necessarily as a working telephone box. Some kiosks are listed, if so they will be kept. Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm: press, I must also draw your attention to the 30.10.09 press release since the proposed cable route from Weybourne will cross over the A148 at Thursford. Finally, although it is only November as I write, I wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year and thanks, as ever, to all at the Local Lynx Lindsay Brettle Contact Details Jonathan Savory (01328 820719). e.mail:jsavory@north-norfolk.gov.uk - and Joyce Trett (01328 710300) e.mail:jtrett@lineone.net (Binham, Langham & Stiffkey) Mrs Lindsay Brettle (01263 710030) e.mail:Lindsay.brettle@north-norfolk.gov.uk (Sharrington, Field Dalling,/Saxlingham & Morston). Mrs A.R.Green (01328 878273) e.mail:ann.green@north-norfolk.gov.uk (Gunthorpe with Bale).

Thursday December 3rd. Cley Village Hall Christmas Lunch 12.30pm for 1.00pm. To be followed by our Annual Meeting. Jan Hope.

NWT COUNTRYSIDE WILDLIFE SURVEY Brown hare, grey partridge, barn owl & harvest mouse We are asking for your help in recording these 4 species, if you have seen any of them in Norfolk, please contact www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturalconnections. Our countryside is not only an important area for food production but also an important home for some of Norfolk’s most charismatic wild life. In the early C20 it is estimated there were more than 4 million Hares in Britain, now probably only 800,000. The Harvest Mouse is Europe’s smallest rodent. The Grey Partridge, a red-listed species, has declined by over 80% since the 1970s. Local names for the Barn Owl include Billy Wix, Hushwing and White Owl.

WELLS SPEED AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Mon 2nd – Sun 8th November The Wells Neighbourhood Policing, Team, with Safety Camera Partnership, will tackle speeding issues in Wells and surrounding parishes, utilising equipment and specialised vehicles used by Safety Camera Partnership. People are welcome to visit the specially-designed van when they see it, find how equipment works and meet the teams. For more info. - contact Wells Neighbourhood Policing.

HEALTH CONNECTORS, VOLUNTARY NORFOLK We use local volunteers to help over 60s improve their health. We aim to help people reduce their risk of a fall, improve their general fitness, quit smoking and manage their diet and weight. We provide up to 6 visits to people who want to improve their health, we set easy and realistic goals, and provide information and support to make a health change. The free service is available to anyone over 60 and to anyone under 60 who receive an income related benefit, are disabled or have a long term health condition, living in North Norfolk Contact Health Connectors Co-ordinator on 01603 883847. We are a service run by Voluntary Norfolk and funded by NHS Norfolk.

GLAVEN CARING Chairman’s Retirement A celebration for Dr A Allibone’s, the centre’s Founder and Chairman, retirement, was held on 23rd. Oct. ‘09. Over 130 local residents showed their appreciation for what he has achieved and provided for the local community - medical and social facilities enabling them to remain in their own homes, formerly not provided by the then established Health Services. He had built the purpose designed Centre, now supported by the Victory Housing Trust. The enlarged Glaven Centre was opened by the Duchess of Kent in 1978 and has been offering day care facilities ever since - a significant benefit to the local community. Dr Allibone was awarded the MBE in 1983 and is now Life President of the Centre.

FAKENHAM CHORAL SOCIETY’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT Fakenham Parish Church Sat. 19th December, 7.30 pm CHRISTMAS BRASS &VOICES Wine and free mince pies Tickets £10 (under 18 free) on door or from 01328 830639

AUTUMNAL th

25 September Up early today. The light was gorgeous, I should get up early more often. There has been a seemingly unending succession of starry nights and sunny mornings this September. It is wonderful to see the Milky Way strung out across the sky; Venus is huge, a lantern hanging in the pre-dawn east, and in the middle of the night Orion swaggers in plain view from east to west, his jewelled sword and belt glittering, and red Betelgeuse glowing on his shoulder. The sheep arrived back today. Grass is in short supply in this lovely Indian summer we are having - the meadow has recovered somewhat over the last few weeks, and at least is green, though there is not much length on it. Probably perfect for sheep. The rabbit plague is much abated; myxomatosis has killed off most of them, but there are some survivors about. We walked in the late morning, in bright sun, occasional cloud and a sharp chilly breeze from the west. The hedgerows are full of blackberries, rosehip, hawthorn and in the lowest part of the road, guelder rose berries. I found that the blackberries taste salty along the Hindringham road; I suspect crop-spraying is the culprit, so I leave them be. The barley stubble from the earliest harvest is sporting a few flowers and weeds, hawksbeard and thistle, but mostly the dry weather leaves them ash blonde and sterile. Buzzards from the patchy woodland sail and soar in the blue space above, and there are gulls, but hardly any small birds to be seen. Autumn is arriving, some trees are changing colour already. There is a beech tree which I think must have died, perhaps stressed by the drought, its leaves changed colour about a month ago and now it is bare except for its mast.

CHRISTMAS AT ALL SAINTS Carol Service 6.30.p.m, Sunday 20th December Midnight Mass starts at 11 p.m on Christmas Eve, Thursday 24th December. Canon Bradbury will officiate at both these services which take place by candlelight. Once again the Jacklin family will be helping to make both services musically memorable.

BALE VILLAGE HALL SOCIAL CLUB DRAW SEPTEMBER Mary Ramm £25 Alastair McCorkindale £10 Robin Berry £5 Pauline Pattinson £5

OCTOBER Jessie Bridgeman £25 Mary Ramm £10 Emily Postan £5 Brenda Hewitt £5

A VERY BIG THANK YOU Mark would like to thank all his friends at the Village Hall, for their most generous surprise gifts of Model Tractors and vouchers presented to him at the September Social Club Draw and Fish and Chip evening! They are greatly appreciated. He was lost for words on the evening – absolutely “gobsmacked”!

12th October As we tip away from the sun, diving into winter, the leaves seem to give out some of the sunlight they have absorbed over the summer, their reds and golds reflecting light up again from the ground where they have fallen. It’s early autumn and most of the leaves are still green, but there is enough fiery colour to enjoy. The rowan trees in the woods are covered in berries, their fallen leaves contributing to the gold on the floor. One huge rowan is a dome of red berries and ochre leaves. Saturated rusts, ephemeral feast for the eyes. 26th October A trip round the garden with the camera in search of those random patterns that work sometimes as useful images for embroidery. A soulful day; slow decay, of light and of plant-life, and of summer dreams. Deliquescence, dissolution; matter dissolves back into the ground. Sycamore keys, caches of new life, lying where they fall; bright rose red russet apples lighting up the garden. Snail tracks on the algae on an old broken pot, like trails in the boreal forest. Ivy berries decorate the hedge. A grey day, fading into dusk early.

MY GRANNY’S HANDBAG My Granny’s handbag is a wonderful thing With a wealth of treasures hidden therein. There’s a puff for her nose and a comb for her hair A lipstick, a nail file and scissors in there. Some cotton-wool balls and an old nappy pin, Her purse, bank card, and bus travel pass, A little scent bottle that’s made from blue glass, Some pills she takes when arthritis is bad, An old crumpled picture of her and Grandad, A torn theatre ticket from days that are gone, And believe it or not – a new mobile phone! That’s about all, except for her keys, Oh and some paper hankies, in case she should sneeze. But right at the end is the best bit for me. Cause right in the corner, where Mummy can’t see, Hides a wee bag of sweeties for my brother and me!

BINHAM CHRISTMAS SUPPER The Binham Village Hall Christmas Supper is to be held on Saturday 5th December. To reserve a place please ring Liz Brown on 01328 830519. 7.00 for 7.30. Tickets £6 per person. There will be a Raffle and Tombola for Hall funds.

MEMORIAL HALL – 100 CLUB

CAROLS ROUND THE TREE Monday 21st December at 7 p.m.

September. Winners. £25 Ann Griffith Jones; £10 Tony Barnard; £5 Alex Howell, Norah Lewis, Linda Eagle.

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

October winners. 25 Mrs C Witherington, £10 Ann Griffith Jones; £5 Mrs M Griffiths, Lucy Walduck, Oliver Wales. There are numbers still available if you would like to join. Please phone June Read at 01328 830106 or call at 8 Priory Crescent, Binham.

BINHAM NATIVITY PLAY This will take place at 4.30 p.m. at the Priory on Thursday 17th December. This is a special call to all Angels, Shepherds, Wise Men and anyone interested who would like to help in any way. A visit from a ‘Special Guest’ and tea and refreshments will follow. Please call Lucy Walduck (01328 830775) if you can help.

BINHAM LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

BINHAM GUILD OF ARTISTS

FORTHCOMING TALKS

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 August, September and October there were three very varied and interesting talks and demonstrations. Gill Baguelry used coloured inks, Janet Beckett painted three watercolours to highlight composition, and Teresa Cozens Hardy gave a talk with slides on the Norwich School of Painting. Further information contact James Bucknill 01328 830651

14 Dec. Christmas Party. (Monday) Dr Susanna Wade-Martins will speak to us on Coke of Norfolk – Farmer & Patriot. 28 Jan. AGM at 7 p.m. Talk by Carenza Lewis at 7.30 25 Feb. Michael Begley. Medieval Guilds of Norfolk 25 Mar. Graham Kenworthy & Richard Adderson. Railways in North Norfolk 22 Apr. Ann Mason. Historic Landscape of Thetford Forest Park. All meetings (except December meeting) on Thursdays at 7.30 p.m. in the Binham Village Hall. Annual membership remains unchanged at £5 per couple, £3 single. The charge at each talk £2 per member, £3 non-members. 01328 830270 cpwrightuk@aol.com

CARENZA LEWIS 'From Time Team to a dig on your doorstep' Thursday 28th January Binham Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.

MINI PIT DIGGING During October, the Binham Local History Group was once again privileged to welcome Carenza Lewis and some twenty teenagers from schools in Fakenham and North Walsham to the village for another Mini-Dig sponsored by Cambridge University. This time the teams were able to dig six pits, some in private gardens but also on the village playing field, in Buttlands Close and on the site of the old Manor House. The kind permission of the owners and trustees was greatly appreciated in all cases. Binham Priory was used as the base for the exercise which commenced with detailed instructions on how to dig the metre square pits and how to record, clean and examine the artefacts found. All finds were returned to the Priory overnight and taken back to the University at the end of the exercise. On the following day all of the participants were transported to Cambridge for a de-briefing session which also gave them the opportunity to enjoy visiting a college and the hospitality of the organisers. Over 250 artefacts were recovered over the two days, mainly pottery but also some bones. Although on this occasion these were less in number than in June it would appear from the excitement of the professional team that the stories told were of more importance. The finds had originated between 100-1900 AD with the majority from Medieval and Victorian times. The playing field also disclosed the first evidence of people living in Binham in the Middle Saxon period (8th9th Century) as well as a lot of Roman pottery. The pit organised by local resident Cliff Hudson on another part of the playing field uncovered the corner of a Saxon building, which was considered important enough to be inspected by an expert from Norfolk Archaeology at Gressenhall the very next day. Carenza has indicated that she would like the team to Alan Eagle re-visit Binham in 2010.

Carenza Lewis will be talking to us about her life and work in archaeology, including some of her experiences with ‘Time Team’ and focussing in particular on her most recent work with the Field Academy project at the University of Cambridge. Carenza devised and now runs the Field Academy, which is designed to give secondary school learners the chance to develop the skills, confidence and enthusiasm to complete their education to year 13 and to maximise their chances of entering and succeeding at the best possible university for them by carrying out small archaeological excavations within rural villages, in collaboration with local residents. The Field Academy has visited Wiveton and Hindringham as well as Binham over the past few years and Carenza's talk will give everyone a chance to find out more about the project, and hear about the discoveries from these three villages. All are welcome, including owners of gardens which have had test pits dug, residents of the villages, members of schools involved in the digging - and anyone else who might be interested in finding out more about this unusual project and the past history of our area! Entry £2 per person - members of the History Group and non-members alike. Refreshments available. Carolyn Wright cpwrightuk@aol.com (01328 830270)

WANTED – PLEASE! Sales at the Priory, coffee mornings and bazaars have depleted our stores of Jam Jars and Books. Brenda Wilde (830525) and Carolyn Wright (830270) would be very grateful if you could let them have clean jars with lids, and also any books which you may no longer need. Thank you!

ALDERMAN PEEL HIGH SCHOOL SPONSORED WALK On Friday 2nd October I completed a ten miles sponsored walk around the Holkham Estate to raise funds for extra school activities. I would like to thank those people in Binham who sponsored me to raise a total of £138.50. Amy Walduck

FOOD FOR THOUGHT If we live in peace ourselves, we in turn may bring peace to others. A peaceable man does more good than a learned one.

JACK’S RACE NIGHT Saturday 16th January in the Village Hall at 7 p.m. First Race 7.30. Sausages & Mash & home made puddings £8 per person. £4 children. 01328 830374

CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG

POPPY COFFEE MORNING

Fri 18 Dec at 6:30 pm In St Andrews Church

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER A big thank you to everyone who helped, donated, baked and bought! We made the magnificent total of £677.44 Carolyn Wright

People miss the carolling which used to take place in Field Dalling and Saxlingham. This year St Andrew’s invites everyone to an evening of carols in the church, led by members of the Cantelina Choir, and with warming, seasonal refreshments. The singalong will start early so that even the youngest singers can join in.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

GAMES NIGHT AT THE CHEQUERS

After almost 3 years of trying to persuade the Parish Council to agree to the construction of additional social housing on a piece of farmland that it already owns, North Norfolk District Council has signaled its intention to ‘support Flagship Housing Group/Victory Housing Trust in their submission of a Planning Application’. The Parish Council expects to receive this early in November. Opinion in the village is divided, with some extreme views at both ends of the spectrum. But most who have voiced opinions, while generally sympathetic to the housing need, are deeply concerned about several aspects of the specific proposals that have been presented. It is unfortunate that the community’s concerns about the handling of foul water drainage (Field Dalling is not on mains sewerage), the unsuitability of the site for such a large development in relation to the size of the community and the basis on which the new houses would be allocated (and a few other things) have not really been heard by NNDC. It means that there is there is general opposition to the scheme instead of it being welcomed. On 5th Oct., the Parish Council took the rather unusual step of discussing and approving almost unanimously its own Social Housing Policy for Field Dalling. At the time of writing, we still hope that the NNDC’s proposals respect our policy. After all, they have been asking for our views Anthony Smith. Parish Councillor

Do you enjoy playing pub games? If so, why not come to the Games Evening at the Chequers on the third Monday of each month. Try your hand at Dominoes, Shove Halfpenny, Pass the Pigs, Shuffleboard, Crokinole, Crib and others. 6.30 if you are going to have a meal or 7.30 for a drink and games. Due to Christmas Carols-Round-the-Tree, the next games evening will be Monday 18th January. Sue and Mick Jeffery

QUIZ NIGHT AT THE CHEQUERS Quiz Nights continue at the Chequers, thanks to Steve and Alex: the first Monday in the month. Do come along, Monday 7th December and Monday 4th 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.

CHRISTMAS BINGO!

CHRISTMAS AT COCKTHORPE

Fri 11 Dec 6pm for 7:30 After a break last year, much missed by our regulars, Debbie Ladley will run her Christmas Bingo this year, in the Village Hall on Friday 11th December! It is a family evening of fun with refreshments, a raffle and lots of prizes. There is no need to book in advance, but this is a popular event, so it is best to arrive early if you want to be sure of a seat. Doors open at 6pm and the admission fee of just £6 will buy you the Session Book and two Jackpots. The Village Hall Committee is grateful to Debbie and helpers on the night for providing such a sociable, fundraising event. If you are keen on Bingo, this is a ‘must’, so put the date in your diary - 11th December from 6pm in Field Dalling Village Hall on the Holt Road. Anthony Smith. Chairman, V H Committee

We will be holding the traditional carol service in Cockthorpe Church on Saturday 19th December at 6.00 pm. Regulars will know that we have no heating in the church, which is used now only for occasional services, and our lighting is by candles. So sound advice is to wrap up warmly, particularly if the weather is seasonal, and to bring a torch to make your way safely to the church and to read your carol sheet. We hope to see as many of you as possible on this very special evening. More news from Cockthorpe next year. For now, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

CHURCH NEWS NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST St Mary’s was visited by 39 cyclists on 12 September during the Norfolk Churches’ Trust sponsored bike ride. Two Recorders, Faith Bennell and Fred Morley had been sponsored by villagers and two of the village’s grand-children who live outside Gunthorpe, Abbie Williamson and Benjamin Williamson, visited some 16 churches, raising £113 from their sponsors. Altogether some £618 was raised with more to come from gift aided donations – the full result will be given in the next issue of the Lynx. Many thanks to all who participated in or supported this important fund raising event.

JOHN LIONEL KAYE The village was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of John Lionel Kaye who died on 1st October 2009, aged 75. John had lived with his wife Catherine Alexander at Valley Farm for the last 18 months. John’s extensive banking career spanned 45 years, first as junior clerk at National Provincial, Skegness, to promotion in the City and then to the Midland and International Banks Ltd (MAIBL). After this he worked for Standard Chartered Bank, then on to being the Managing Director of The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, after which he continued to consult on banking and property. John was a talented and devoted gardener throughout his life, and in retirement he planted and advised upon beautiful gardens and pursued his love of the countryside. He sadly died before the extensive work he was doing to make Valley Farm’s grounds into the garden and landscape he wanted to achieve could be completed, but his skill and devotion to the task remain there for all to see. Following a private cremation, a Service of Thanksgiving for John's life was held at a beautifully, and very appropriately, decorated St Mary's Church, Gunthorpe on Wednesday 14th October – where almost 200 people attended a deeply moving but also joyous celebration for John’s life. We offer our deepest sympathy to Catherine and to John’s extended family and many friends for their tragic loss.

HARVEST FESTIVAL St Mary’s was beautifully decorated with flowers, fruit and vegetables and produce for the Harvest Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 27 September. The service was conducted by the Reverend Michael Wilson with 28 people attending. After the service coffee and refreshments were organised by Zena Churchill and Vivien Wilson – the glorious warm morning allowing most attendees to enjoy a social chat. The gifts were shared between Briston Care Centre and the Break Home at Sheringham. Thanks to all who gave gifts and helped to decorate the church and also to Lynn Marr and David Brough for delivering the donations to Briston and Sheringham respectively. Fred Morley, Churchwarden

WHAT’S ON Gunthorpe diary dates, watch notice board for full details.

FRIENDS REPORT By the time you read this the Friends Harvest Supper will have taken place in the Village Institute with an expected full house. Our next Event will be the Christmas Party, run by the Friends 50/50 Club. A small entrance charge will be made for the function (see the 50:50 Club item), and there will then be free seasonal refreshments, and fun for all. Bring some extra ‘coins’ for the Christmas Raffle (I’m told the best prizes go out at Christmas!). The gathering will be held on Saturday the 19th of December, in the Village Institute at 12 noon, and all are welcome. The food is all donated and all money made goes to the Friends and hence towards the ‘Fabric’ restoration of St. Mary’s Church, Gunthorpe. The Tower Restoration Project is nearing the end of its planning stages and funds are greatly needed by the end of this year to maintain our grant standing, so your small entry fee and raffle ticket purchases will do a lot of good! Do all come and help kick-start the Christmas Season Celebrations with neighbours and friends. David Stuart-Black very generously has just printed and donated to the Friends another run of the blank cards he illustrated with a lovely, black and white drawing of the Church. These are available to purchase with envelopes and can make great Christmas Cards, Thank You Notes or General Note Cards. They are priced at 50p each, with a discount for larger quantities. To purchase call Gunthorpe Hall on 01263 861373 and speak to Rod, Sue, Jeremy or Marie. All proceeds will go to the Friends’ Fabric Fund. Don’t forget that thanks to Peter Everett we also have a Friends’ web-site at www.gunthorpefriends.co.uk – do have a look for the latest news of events, pictures from recent events such as the 2009 Fete and, as the site expands, more general information about the village. We are also thinking about having a classified section for those people in the village and local community to advertise their wares or services – let us know what you think – there is a comment section on the web site. A Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season to you all from the Friends of Gunthorpe Parish Church Committee - and - MANY thanks for all your support this year ! Marie Denholm Chair FOGPC

WELCOME We offer a warm welcome to Jonathon (Jo) and Susie Hartley who have moved into White Horse Farm, along with Gordon Setter “Duffy” and Cocker Spaniel “Bertie Wooster”. Jo is a Norfolk born retired farmer and Susie hails from London. They have been in North Norfolk for some 16 years, where Susie, who has been involved with interior design, property development and lettings in Blakeney for some 10 years. Susie now plans to concentrate on their new longterm home and developing the lettings of the White Horse Farm barns. Anyone interested in the barns can find out more on their new web site www.white-horsefarm.co.uk .

FRED’S GARDENING DIARY NOTES FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY Now is the time to be tidying up ready for the Spring. Clear any remaining dead flowers from your perennials and shrubs, and plant any new shrubs or trees to give them time to settle in and start making new roots. If planting out any that have been growing in pots tease any roots that have been growing around each other and spread out as much as possible. Dig the planting hole to be larger than the root spread and place well rotted compost round the roots with a handful of bone meal round the hole. If planting tall shrubs or trees drive a stake a few inches from the main trunk – even if you drive it through some of the root ball. Secure with a plant tie leaving room to get your fingers between the tree and the tie. Clean out your greenhouse and wash the glass with a detergent and Jeyes fluid. Wash all the framework with Jeyes fluid and clean all your seed trays and pots ready for use in the Spring. It is also a good idea to use a smoke cone fumite to kill any insects such as white fly and red spider mites. Close all lights and doors as tightly as possible and keep shut for at least four hours when using the fumite. Chrysanthemums can be cut down and any you wish to keep for propagating new plants from cuttings in the Spring can be moved into the greenhouse or a cold frame. Keep the soil moist but not too wet – one watering a month should be enough if the roots are well covered with soil. You can prune if the weather is not frosty – as with all pruning cut out any damaged wood and branches crossing each other to keep the tree open and to make picking fruit easier. Do not prune stone fruit at this time of year. Finally of course if the weather is rough you can get out your seed and plant catalogues and plan for the coming year! With very best wishes for the Festive Season and New Year. Fred Morley

GLOBAL CHALLENGE PRESENTATION A “full house” was present for David Brough’s presentation in the Village Institute on 17 October covering his experiences as a crew member of the yacht “Me to You” for the 2005 Global Challenge round the world yacht race. His presentation, with its great humour and engagingly modest style, held the audience spell bound at times; although at the end most would still probably spend the not inconsiderable funds needed to take part to travel on a slightly larger boat with real, as opposed to re-hydrated freeze dried, food, and controllable hot and cold running water rather than the uncontrolled cold water “showers” of the Southern Ocean! The presentation was given on behalf of both the Institute and the sailing charity “Toe in the Water” which aims to inspire the men and women who have sustained often traumatic injuries during current combat operations, including the loss of limbs, to move beyond their disability and to become re-inspired by life by engaging in competitive sailing. Overall, with some additional donations for TITW the evening raised some £320+ - a very good result for both charities.

PARISH PLAN There was a disappointingly low turn-out for the Parish Plan meetings held in Gunthorpe and Bale on 19 September, but as the overall response to the questionnaires had been between 50 and 60% it was agreed that the analysis of the views expressed by residents of the two villages could form the basis of future action. A further meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group was held on 2nd November at Gunthorpe Village Institute. The Group discussed and reviewed the opinions and observations made at the Bale & Gunthorpe Meetings held in September. The Group’s next task is to produce a draft Action Plan, which will form part of the final Parish Plan. Consideration will be given to all the issues raised, priorities and timescales. Work on this part of the Plan will continue to the end of the year. The Steering Group meets again at 7pm on 7th December at Bale Village Hall.

FOGPC 50/50 CLUB DRAW RESULTS September October Patricia Groves Carol Aries George Clare Peter Everett John Lemberger Linda Russell Sam Lemberger

£20.00 £10.00 £ 5.00 £ 5.00 £ 5.00 £ 5.00 £ 5.00

David Ford Simon Long Marcus Baldwin Marcus Aitman Barney Boom David Ward Martin Swindells

£20.00 £10.00 £10.00 £ 5.00 £ 5.00 £ 5.00 £ 5.00

Would you like to win a cash prize as well as supporting the “Friends”? We now have 129 members allowing the monthly prize money to be increased. You can still join or renew your membership by contacting either Peter Everett (012163 860035) or John Blakeley (01263 861008) for more information. Membership costs £1.00 per month payable in advance pro rata for the remainder of the Club year until May 2010. Don’t forget this year’s 50:50 Club Christmas Party and bumper draw will be held on Saturday 19 December commencing at 12 noon. Admission £1.50 (children under 12 £1.00 and under 5’s free) to include refreshments.

CHRISTMAS PUZZLES ALL SOLUTIONS ON PAGE XX 1

Spot the Differences

16 18

David has come up with another jolly Christmas scene for us to enjoy, and we have introduced ten differences into the lower version. The seasonal graffiti on Santa’s trousers may be easy to spot, but what about the other nine?

15 17

Clues Across 1. It illuminates the festive season (6) 4. Regret cutting head off serpent and giving it a twist (6) 8. The beginning of the overture is obvious (5) 9. China-town in Germany (7) 10. Confused ‘Silent S’ joins up (7) 11. Goddess of peace found in N Eire. (5) 12. Waiting for dinner, without slouching! (7,2) 17. A Liberal, that’s me - that’s my excuse. (5) 19. Lifts grandma’s corset, waiting for midnight. (5,2) 20. Ring round to you and me? That’s hard-hearted! (7) 22. Mister Big’s at home at the top of the beanstalk (5) 23. Skill is first test for the painter (6) 24. Circulation route from skill on Eastern Railway (6)

Down 1. Kept busy in the kitchen over Christmas (6) 2. Points made by needless shortening and adjustment (7) 3. Contemplative position for the sports-car (5) 5. Flattening off towards the close of day (7) 6. Invest in seven duets (5) 7. Sympathetic offer of payment (6) 9. Sacks little Sidney for standing on his head before girls (9) 13. Makes clothes by wrapping ends around heraldic gold (7) 14. The cost of stamping on a letter! (7) 15. Nail chartered accountant about a posh car! (6) 16. It’s mad to go after the last bus, you’ll get red marks (6) 18. During the tenancy a coastal crack appears! ((5) 20. Rage when the top is taken off the aircraft shed! (5)

FIND THE MISSING LYNX

S P I N A C H A S P E N

T U H O S T U N I S A R

U P C H I N A T A V P A

O R A N G E O H N I S N

R A E R B R O M N A A A

P E P P E R A E E Y T N

S P I N S R A P R R S A

S R O E E P O R E W U B

E U S T P V E A E S M U

R N E L A H T D E T A D

C E E L C T E N O L E M

Complaining that he hasn’t been seen for a while, the Local Lynx is back for a Christmas appearances. Fourteen glimpses of him can be found throughout the pages - even in some adverts. See how many you can find!

T S O D A C O V A V O N

And to continue the ‘eatables’ theme we present, from Morston, the Christmas Food and Drink Quiz by Samphire 1. What has a “normal” ratio of 18.5 to 24.9? 2. For what food, since 1978, have Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen been famous? 3. What are gnocchi? 4. What is fenugreek? 5. What are the three main ingredients of a seabreeze? 6. What was Captain Clarence Birdseye famous for? 7. “Baked Alaska” is also known as what? 8. What is the opposite to halal food? 9. If you catch a lobster marked with a “V”, what does that mean? 10. What spirit base does Pimms Number 2 have? 11 In “counting” fruitstones, what follows “silk, satin, cotton, ….”? 12. What is British English for what the Americans call: (a) cilantro? (b) granola? (c) oatmeal? 13. Of what are the following measures: Salamanzar, Balthazar, Nebuchadnezzar, and Melchior? 14. What is Schwarzwaldkuchen? 15. Toponyms: for what foods are the following places famous: (a) Dijon? (b) Arbroath? (c) Kiev? (d) Dundee? 16. What is the anglicised version of the Tamil for “spiced sauce”? 17. What is the usual meat used in Rhogan Josh? 18. What is the missing word in the proverb: “You cannot have your - and eat it”? 19. A “strict” Vegan excludes all food which involves the ...what of an animal? 20. What do the E-Number food groupings E100 to E199 consist of?

Christmas Word Square We are advised to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day - no easy task perhaps over the holidays. But, to help, we’ve included 22 portions for you to enjoy over Christmas in the square above. The words can run in any direction, up, down, forwards or backwards or diagonally in any direction, but the letters must all be in a straight line. See how you get on with this after a filling Christmas lunch!

FROM THE REGISTERS Marriage: Alice Hooper & Peter James Kerr 12.9.09 Interment of Ashes: Reginald Donald Moore of Worthing. 17th October 2009

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY A substantial congregation enjoyed a meaningful service led by The Reverend Tim Fawcett on this special day. The church collection amounted to £249.79 which was all sent to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

CHURCH FLOODLIGHTS Anyone can request these to be switched on to commemorate a particular event or to sponsor a night during the twelve days of Christmas for a donation of £5 per night. To make arrangements, please contact me on Tel: 01328 830 605. Ann Sherriff

HELP NEEDED We urgently need willing volunteers to help to clean the church. Two people work together over a two week period. There are two slots of duties to fill in the present rota, for January 12th - 25th. and May 4th - 17th. 2010. We would be very pleased to hear from anyone who could help us out. Please ring Ros 830 393 or Ann 830 605 for details. Thank you in anticipation.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN WINGS APPEAL, 2009 During several weekends in September we have organised a collection in Langham village on behalf of The Royal Air Forces Association for the 'Battle of Britain Wings Appeal 2009'. Village children knocked on doors in Langham and explained to all what the collection was about and who we should remember. They received more than £80.00 from generous villagers - our best collection total yet in the last 5 years! On behalf of the R.A.F.A. - Many Thanks! Marcel Schoenmakers

DOME TRAINER LANGHAM AIRFIELD A Public meeting was held in June, to discuss the future of this building and explain where the owners, North Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust, had got to with regard to its preservation. Malcolm Crowder, secretary of the NNHBT, explained his desire to restore the Dome and re-create it to its former use, as an interpretive centre which could tell the story of the Dome, Langham Airfield, Coastal Command and Norfolk’s contribution to the 1939-45 war effort. He estimated it would cost £406,000 to achieve that. He had secured a £78,000 grant from English Heritage. Further grants were being sought, including £267,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Although this grant was turned down at the initial stage, a subsequent meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund grant officers suggested an application would be more likely to succeed, if the expression of support from the local community could be formalised into an organised body. To this end the Parish Council is proposing to set up ‘The Friends of the Langham Dome’. It should have a Chairman plus a small committee, and a register of members signed up to support the project. If you would like to register your support, at this stage, I would be grateful if you could e-mail me at patallen@lineone.net or telephone me on 01328 830348. I should stress that this is open to anyone, not just to Langham residents! You may, also, like to view www.raflangham.co.uk a website created by Paul Searle of Langham who has gathered some remarkable material about Langham Airfield – well worth a visit! Patrick Allen, Langham

LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH Our ‘Pound Plus’ sale went well with lots of support from everybody. That is it for this year so I say: ‘Thank you very much Maureen 830731 for all your help’

LANGHAM STREET FAYRE

SOME DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

FUN QUIZ 2009 ‘MUSICAL’

Plans for the Street Fayre are well in hand. Do make a note of the dates for events the L.S.F. Committee has planned for 2010:

The winners were: 95 1st Thelma Torr of Holt 2nd equal Mrs. Barbara Young of Kelling, and C and R Stainer of Bury St. Edmunds 94

Sat 1st – Tues 4th May EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS & PHOTOGRAPHY Langham Parish Room 10.00am – 4.30pm

Very close behind were Jane Heppell of Fakenham and L and G Barker of Stanmore. Well done everyone, especially those who scored over 90, as this turned out to be a quite difficult one.

Sat 24th July STREET FAYRE CONCERT The Sam Smith Singers who perform a barbershop style programme of songs and humorous monologues. Keith Loads, the popular Norfolk comedian.

Well done also to those whose answers to ‘What do you get after a Curry?’ were very amusing and mostly to do with wind! (Correct answer: ‘Bombay Dreams’).

Wed 28th JULY QUIZ NIGHT Langham Parish Room at 7.30pm

We sold more than 200 sheets and received 47 returned answers. Thank you to everyone who took part.

Sat 31st July STREET FAYRE DAY Entertainment: Fakenham Town Band, Mango Steel Band, Jazzy Jake, Billy Bubbles, Professor Crump & the Pinxton Puppets. Evening: Hog Roast and the Ugly Dog Skiffle Combo at The Bluebell at 8pm

Our newest venture ‘Famous Faces’ is now available. It is a picture quiz – do have a go. Our next year’s quiz is currently being plotted. Jan Hope

CAROLS AND MINCE PIES EVENING Wednesday 16th December 7pm in the Parish Room For those who have never been to this annual event before, it is a very informal carol signing evening with the ringmaster asking certain groups to sing a verse (nothing is compulsory and no solos unless anyone wants to!). No need for supper that evening as sausage rolls and mince pies etc. are provided. Children are admitted free and if they want to sing a carol (it has been known in the past), the adults would appreciate it. Sherry and juices are provided. Hope to see you kick start your Christmas celebrations at this evening. Proceeds are for the Parish Room. Edward Allen

BOOKINGS I am now taking Stall Bookings. Please contact me on 01328 830696 or stalls@langhamstreetfayre.com Pauline Bartlett Chairman LSF Committee

WELCOME We would like to welcome to the village: Mr. and Mrs. Schofield, Mr and Mrs. White, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons and family. Plus a very belated welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Claydon!

MOBILE LIBRARY

We hope you will all be very happy living in Langham.

will visit Langham on Thursdays Dec. 17th, Jan. 7th, and Jan. 28th, calling each day at : St. Mary’s 10.00am. Old Post Office - 10.25am. Swan’s Close - 10.50am. The Cornfield 11.15am.

CONGRATULATIONS June Buschman and Rex Dawson were married on October 9th 2009. Sincere congratulations from your friends and every good wish for a happy future together.

Enquiries: Wells Library - Tel: 01328 710467

CHRISTMAS PUZZLES ANSWERS C A N D L E R O E O O V E R T DR K D U I E N L I S T S R E M S I T T I N L A S A L I B I S T N N L E C A L L O US I E R A R T I S T A

E V E N I N G A N G E R

LANGHAM CAR SERVICE Schedule to February 7th. 2010 Rate 20p per mile Weekly duties beginning on a Monday: Nov. 30th.Tel: 830 731 Dec. 7th. Tel: 830 056 Dec. 14th. Tel: 830 537* Dec. 21st. Tel: 830 605 Dec. 28th. Tel: 830 606* Jan. 4th. Tel: 830 821 Jan. 11th. Tel: 830 097 Jan 18th. Tel: 830 696* Jan 25th. Tel: 830 036 Feb. 1st. Tel: 830 537* *These drivers do not go to Norwich

P E N T N E S D E N U D R E N E R U P O S Y S U P T O I A N T G T T E R Y

If the driver for that week is unable to do the trip go to the next on the list. If your appointment is cancelled, please also cancel your car service booking. The roster is also sited in the Bluebell and on the church porch and village notice boards. Please give three days notice wherever possible, except in an emergency. 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. Ann Sherriff Tel: 830 605

Spot the Differences! Writing on Santa’s pants, flecks from ermine on his boots removed, smaller bobble on his hat, extra star, name on doll’s label, darkened pinafore, her eyes have moved, change in Polly’s (David’s dog’s) ear, eyes opened on angel on the left and two wings seen on angel on the right.

DOUBLE OCTAVE CONCERT Wed. 9th December 7.30pm LANGHAM PARISH CHURCH

Word Square: Prunes, banana, sprouts, orange, grapes, parsnip, pear, pepper, peach, spinach, peas, beans, pineapple, potato, satsuma, swede, date, avocado, cress, melon, cherry, nuts.

An evening of Advent and Christmas Music sung by Double-Octave conducted by Graham Hoskins including a performance of 'Lobet den Herrn' a Motet by J S Bach, solos sung by Linda Phelps and a chance to join in the BBC’s ‘Sing Hallelujah’ with a performance of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from ‘The Messiah’.

Christmas Food and Drink Quiz: 1. BMI or Body Mass Index (= Weight:height ratio). 2. Ice-cream. 3. Thick soft noodles/dumplings (Italian). 4. A plant used as a herb/spice. 5. Vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juice. 6. (Fast) Freezing food [1924, founder of General Foods] . 7. Norwegian Omelette. 8. Hardam. [Prohibited] 9. You must put it back. 10. Whisky. 11. Rags. 12. (a) Coriander. (b) Muesli. (c) Porridge. 13. Champagne bottle sizes [=12, 16, 20, 24]. 14. Black Forest Gateau. 15. (a) Mustard. (b) Smokies. (c) Chicken. (d) Cake. 16. Curry. [“Kari”]. 17. Lamb. 18. Cake. 19. Death. 20. Food colours.

ADMISSION FREE Retiring collection for Langham Church General Fund. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the interval. We are delighted that this group would like to come again to our church. Double Octave, who are sponsored by Travis Perkins, have given a wonderful concert for two years running so do come and join us for what promises to be another enjoyable evening. Langham P.C.C.

A STUNNING SENIOR MOMENT A self important college freshman attending a recent football game took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him, why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation. "You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one" the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. "The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon. Our space probes have visited Mars. We have nuclear energy, ships and electric and hydrogen cars. Computers with light-speed processing…and more". After a brief silence the senior citizen responded as follows: "You’re right son. We didn’t have those things when we were young, so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little ……., what are you doing for the next generation?"

BONFIRE NIGHT Thank you to the Friends of Langham Committee who, in conjunction with the Parish Council gave us a fantastic firework display and refreshments on Nov. 5th. The F.O.L. certainly do us proud with their social events and it is all very much appreciated. Congratulations to a very hard working committee. I hope you get lots of new members joining the ‘200 Club’ to give you support for your activities. A Villager

The applause was amazing!

PANTO - 2010 - FRIENDS OF LANGHAM We are again organising a trip to Hunstanton for our traditional yearly Pantomime. This year it is 'Beauty and the Beast' at the Princess Theatre. The show will take place on Saturday 2nd January 2010 at 2pm. Our coach leaves outside the Bluebell pub at 12.30pm.

HELEN’S FARM BUILDINGS You are all most likely familiar with these lovely pieces of handicraft that have graced the tables of our Fairs and Coffee Mornings. Helen likes to keep busy and has spent hours in the garage making these models together with replicas of people’s houses to order or as a prize. Over the years the total proceeds from this ‘hobby’ has amounted to £4,004.24 to date, for the Langham Church General Fund. The P.C.C. would like to express a very big thank you to Helen for all her hard work and dedication.

The Pantomime is FREE to ALL Langham children and includes transport. As always children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to demand could parents with Langham children book their free tickets before 1st December (tickets for adults £12) - just call Marcel or Cathy on 830 537. After 1st December all sold to children outside of price of £8 for children includes coach transport).

the remaining tickets will be Langham village at a special and £12 for adults (which We hope you can join us!

Marcel Schoenmakers

Friends of Langham

LANGHAM LADYBIRDS What a night! The C.A.D.S. singers entertained us plus they provided some of the refreshments. They are really a super lot. We hope they will come again and we are able to get a large audience for them. As I write, the November meal is arranged, we do not meet in December or January. 2009 has gone well with different speakers and different organisers. Let’s hope we can continue. Maureen 830731

CAROLS & CHRISTMAS SERVICES See Page 3 for services, and remember that on Thurs. 24th Dec. 5.00 p.m Morston carollers will meet at The Anchor.

A NEW FLAGPOLE FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

On the afternoon of Sunday 8th November, just as the deadline for Copy to the Editor arrives, Morston’s Remembrance Day Parade should be under way. We shall be remembering especially:

NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST BIKE RIDE SEPTEMBER 2009 John Plummer and Ken Bartlett wish to thank those who took part in the annual round the churches bike ride. They would also like to thank those volunteers who manned the Parish Room to check in the riders and to provide refreshments throughout the day for all those who pedalled many miles on behalf of other churches in the Diocese and elsewhere. The total amount of sponsorship money raised for Langham Parish Church was £301. Half of this comes back directly to Langham Church and the other half goes to the Norfolk Churches Trust. We depend upon the latter for grants to pay for the many maintenance tasks with which our churches are faced. John Plummer & Ken Bartlett See ‘Deanery News’ for results of 2008 N.C.T Bike Ride.

Ldg Smn Alec Gray, RN (Scapa Flow, 9/7/14). Ldg Stkr (Coastguard) John Morris, RN (North Sea, mouth of the Thames, 20/9/14) Pte George J. Balding, 9th Bn Norfolk Regt (France, 22/11/16). Gnr Edward G. Balding, 11 RHA (HAC) (Tobruk, Libya, 13/6/42). Captain Renton P. Walker (Royal Norfolk Regt, att. RIASC, India, 24/4/1943). Spr Frederick C. Starman (1010 Docks Op.Coy., RE, off Libya, 17/6/1943) As a small village we always have our parade and Service in the afternoon, so that we do not have to compete with towns for a trumpeter/cornettist. Extra special for Morston this year will be David Carnwath’s vertical flagpole atop All Saints’.

FAREWELL Sadly, after 33 years living in Langham we are to say goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Daplyn of Orchard House at the end of November. They have both given great service to the village. Charles served on the P.C.C. for 11 years and was their representative on the Parish Room Committee. Rosemary was the Parish Room Treasurer for five years. They have both been very efficient cleaners of the church for many years and also very kindly stored bric-a-brac for the Langham Street Fayre. We would like to say a very big thank you to them for all they have done and we wish them every happiness in their new home in Holt.

NCT BIKE RIDE 2009 Our wonderful bikers and pony-trappers were out again this September and raised £1,202.20. This all goes to the Diocese, which keeps half of it to be controlled centrally. The share Morston PCC can expect back is: £601.10 plus 14p in the £, which equals a further £84.14: so £685-24. Our fundraisers, Billy & Olive Hewitt, Ned Hamond, Rob & Sally Metcalfe and Max biking, and Jane & Lily Temple completing their churches circuit by pony trap.

VISIT RE MORSTON COASTGUARD It is interesting how, in the 19th century at least, being in the Coastguard became a “family profession”, and also how far and wide around the British Isles coastguard families moved. This is well illustrated by the story below. On 16th October 2009 there arrived at Coastguard House, Morston, a Canadian Nursing Professor, Lorraine M. Wright of Calgary, Alberta, who had just found here in the churchyard next to the Temples’ graves the 1862/83 grave (34NW - still just legible) of her 3-greats grandparents on her mother’s side (her mother was Hazel Wright nee Schollar), Richard Schollar (born 1799, Portland, Dorset, son of Robert, died 5th July 1883 at Brancaster, buried at Morston 19th July 1883, and of his wife (married 1820 in Weymouth), Sarah of Morston (1804-62). They are both shown in the 1871 census, but no Schollars were here in the 1861 or 1881 censuses. Lorraine said that Richard was a member of the Coastguard… “as was my 2-greats grandfather, Robert Schollar (born 1823, Polkerris, Cornwall, married 1857 in Brancaster, died New Clee, Great Grimsby, Lincs) and my great grandfather, Heugh Thomas Schollar (born 1st December 1857 at Morston, married at Sutton, Yorks, died 1905 at Hull).” Lorraine’s grandfather Hebert Malton Schollar was born in Hull in 1886 and sometime emigrated to Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, where he died in 1938. The 1871 Census for Morston shows Richard’s son, (Lorraine’s 2-greats grandfather) Coastguard Boatman Robert Schollar living with his wife, Mary (41, born at Thornhaugh, Norfolk), at 28 Main Street, Morston, aged 47 (born 1824 at “Cornwall Foy” (presumably Fowey still pronounced “Foy” - 6 miles west of Polkerris in Cornwall), together with their family - all born in Morston: Hugh (13), Ernest (11), Sarah (9), Arthur (7), Norah (5), Newman (5 months, 5 days) - but no sign of Herbert, the future emigrant. All the Schollar children except Newman, the toddler, are listed as “Scholar” with one “l” i.e. they were schoolchildren. In 1871 Nos. 32-37 in Morston’s principal street were designated “On the Green” and “The Townsend Arms Inn” was No. 30 “The Anchor Inn” was No.31 Main Street, so it looks like No. 28 Main Street - where the Schollars lived was John & Carole Bean’s present house. All numbering is different today. The remaining coastguards in 1871 lived in the four cottages, then numbered 12 to 15 “Coastguard Row” (now called Quay Lane), which are the present two semi-detached houses belonging to the Temples. These were: in No. 12 (Henry, 34, & Hanna Scowen, 33, from Stratton in Cornwall & their four children under 5); No. 13 (John Pascoe, 44, widower, from Falmouth in Cornwall & his niece, 23, from Cardiff in Wales); No. 14 (John McKee, 54, naval pensioner from Kilkeel, Co. Down in Ireland & Isabella & their 3 children under 23, the eldest a ship’s carpenter); and No. 15 (Charles Gurney, 42, of “England, Caithness” [Scotland] & his wife Mary “of Middlesex,

London” & their four children under 14. The two houses then numbered 16 and 17 “Coast Guard Station House” are today’s Coastguard House. The “Coastguard Station” is shown on today’s deeds for Tides Reach as covering the area of today’s Coastguard House (built 1830 for the Head of the Coastguard, Captain George Thomas, RN (retd)) and its garden, the four Coastguard Cottages (built 1890) and their gardens and Norfolketc’s field (where the recent Funday was held), Gull Cottage, Gulls’ Nest, Tides Reach and gardens and fields (including Charlie Ward’s Traditional Boats Boatyard). No. 16 was home to Thomas Wanstell, 28, from Sandwich in Kent & his wife, Jane, 22, from Portsmouth, Hants & their 2-year-old son. No. 17 was the home of Charles Rogers, 30, of Stonan [?Stone] in Kent & his wife Ann of “Belloil” [?Belle Isle], in Ireland. Just as Robert Schollar was designated, so the “Heads of Household” in Nos. 13, 15, 16 & 17 were all shown as “Coast Guard Boatman”. No “Head of the Coastguard” is shown.

BIRTH OF PHOENIX DOBSON-JONES by her grandmother, Jackie Dawson 2009 was a very difficult year for me. I had two lots of major surgery, my dear mother, Mollie Cobon, passed away in June, followed just six weeks later by the death of my beloved husband, Michael. During this time my daughter, Michelle nee Kerrison, endured a very difficult pregnancy - but on October 3rd she gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy: Phoenix Jasper. It seems an appropriate name. I think of the phoenix rising from the ashes - a new life, God’s precious gift, and hopefully a happier phase to come. Congratulations, Michelle & Adam: a beautiful baby brother for Hugo and Faith, and a special new grandson for me.

BIRTH OF ROSE BAILY In London on October 15th Rose Alice Elizabeth was born to Laura nee Carnwath & Alex (“Beetle”) Baily. We look forward to seeing and hearing her on the marsh.

A WORLD WITHOUT FISH - SOON BY ALLIE WHARF & WILLIE ATHILL “The End of the Line” is a passionate, compelling new documentary, which was shown at a special film evening in Morston Church at the end of September. “Imagine a World without Fish” is the subtitle of the film and this dire proposal is made real in this exploration of the deteriorating state of fisheries around the world. It’s a film in the spirit of “An Inconvenient Truth” that chronicles in detail the marine Armageddon that is being perpetrated in the name of consumer choice over the last half century. The fishing industry and the politicians - many of them working at the EU — have wilfully ignored the pleas of marine scientists to impose sustainable catch limits. The consequences, revealed here, have been global. Newfoundland, whose fish-rich waters attracted legions of migrants in past centuries, has run out of cod. Long-established fishing communities in the Mediterranean are endangered. Young fishermen in Senegal, no longer able to compete with the predatory techniques of international fishing fleets, can’t feed their families, so are being driven to seek work in Europe. The film, with its vivid ocean footage, dramatic soundtrack and mood of high intensity, feels like a political broadcast. But it’s a persuasive and very important one. Charles Clover, the journalist who has been leading the campaign against over-fishing investigates all aspects of the fishing industry with a raft of eloquent, highly personable experts. He examines the successes and failures of fishery regulation, political issues and most importantly the environmental ramifications of fishery collapse. He points out the irony of technological advances. On land, technology often increases the resources which humans can then harvest, whereas in the sea, every technological advance further depletes the resources on which we depend. One of the many astonishing facts: only about 10% of marine animals destroyed in the fishing industry are actually marketed and eaten. The remaining 90% are by-catch: dumped dead or dying into the sea or turned into fish food, pet food or fertilizer. The effects here in our wonderful Blakeney Harbour ecosystem are felt most acutely in the diminishing stocks of baitfish . The stocks of sand eel, whitebait and squid, crucial as the foundation of the marine food chain are declining. This will detrimentally affect our tern numbers, mackerel, bass, migrating seatrout, seals. Our present day rich and varied ecosystem could become an empty and polluted puddle devoid of life. But it’s not all despair. The film-makers also come up with a series of concrete proposals which will really make a difference, from cutting the size of fishing fleets and ensuring quotas are kept, to encouraging consumers

to only buy or eat fish that has been sustainably sourced. They’re urging us all to do three things: 1. Ask before you buy, 2. tell the politicians to respect the science and impose catch limits, and 3. join the campaign for marine protected areas and responsible fishing. You can find more information at their website www.endoftheline.com and you can find a guide to which fish are safe to eat at www.fishonline.org. For those without internet, ask your local fishmonger for the guide! The film evening at Morston Church was in aid of Marine Conservation and Morston Church Funds, with many thanks to all at The Anchor for the wonderful mussel supper afterwards.

Footnote Mary Athill and the PCC would like to thank Allie Wharf and Willie Athill very much for organising the showing of the above film and for donating £240 of the takings to Morston Church Building Fund.

SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN Some of us became aware of a new “Shoreline Management Plan” in July, when someone from the Environment Agency came round with maps and an invitation to presentations in Wells and Blakeney. The plans are being done for the whole of the UK’s coast. This one has some surprises for a number of places along the coast, one being Morston. They list eleven considerations, from social and economic wellbeing, through effects on local businesses, to maintenance of protected sites and species, and try to reach a balance between all of them.

THE SHOVELL DINNER 2009 AND 2010 It was a lovely surprise for Friends of Morston Church to receive a late - and generous - donation which tipped the amount made on the Dinner over the £1,000 mark.

The controversial aspect of this plan (which runs from Kelling to Hunstanton) arises partly out of climate change and the rise in sea level, and partly from the continuing deposition of sediment in the harbours – which has been going on for centuries.

The Shovell Dinner 2009 - at the Anchor, with delicious Morston mussel chowder - realised £1,040 (made up by £475 on Tickets, £175 on the Raffle and £390 on donations - including £12.50 from the Anchor’s “Big Jar on the Bar” Collection, made just before the Fire). The Speaker, the eminent author and naval-historian, Dr. J. David Davies, gave a fascinating Powerpoint Talk on “Pepys’s Navy” - which included mentions of or slides of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell and of Cockthorpe and Morston. 39 people attended.

In Blakeney harbour the concern is that if nothing is done, the eastern end of the point will fail and the Glaven will burst through leaving the harbour to silt up, and that this will radically affect the local economy. The proposal therefore is to keep the harbour clear by increasing the amount of water coming in and out of it. So far, a reasonable argument, and one which is also put forward for other sites along the coast, the method in all cases being to increase the inter-tidal areas by breaking the sea walls and re-forming them further inland, letting the intermediate land flood. For Blakeney the first break is at Morston, flooding the low land from the sluice in the sea-wall up to the foot of the Langham road, in what the plan admits is a first “experiment” after which, depending on the result, land at Blakeney and Cley could be flooded. This is where the argument breaks down, and there is simply no case made for this course of action; at the public meeting the consultant answered question after question with the phrase “there would have to be detailed design” – i.e. “I don’t know at this stage”. Not only do the quay toilets and car park flood, and agriculture loses out (which it consistently does under the plan’s proposals at other places along the coast), but the extra water only flows at spring tides – and not very much even then - so most of the time the extra land is merely damp and salty. There’s no thought of digging the salt marsh down to the low tide levels so that the extra water will come on all tides. In any case it’s not Morston that needs the scouring - Blakeney does far more. And what’s more, the plan admits there’s no money for it.

Next year’s Shovell Dinner will be on Saturday 16th October, and the Guest Speaker will be the naval historian, Justin Reay of Oxford, on the subject of the amazing Admiral Cochrane, Sr., under whom served both Captain George Thomas (who retired to Coastguard House, Morston) and Captain Frederick Marryatt (who retired to Langham). C.S. Forester’s Horatio Hornblower and Patrick O’Brian’s Jack Aubrey were both based on Cochrane - as was the hero in the (first) novel of our above mentioned Speaker, J. D. Davies, “Gentleman Captain” - which was published just last week. For the 2010 Shovell Dinner we are considering having the Talk at 7.00 p.m., preceding 8.00 Dinner.

So while the aim behind the plan may be fair, the ways of make it happen aren’t and are speculative in the extreme, and there have been strong comments and protests the length of the coast. We shall wait and see - and be prepared.

D.S.C.

SAXLINGHAM CHURCH NEWS Our Irish Yews Thanks to the generosity of Mr and Mrs Ruffles these trees, which are such a feature of the churchyard, have been given some long overdue attention. The height of the trees has been reduced by several feet and the flat-top effect is very arresting. The churchyard now looks smarter and lighter.

BRIDGET RATHCAVAN (1924-2009) Lady Rathcavan died on 10th September aged 85. Her funeral was in a packed Morston Church (which she attended regularly) – with readings by her grandchildren: Thomas Edwards-Moss, Musidora Jorgensen, Truscote and Binny Paxman, and a song beautifully sung by Rosa Crawford (and Jim Crawford read at her cremation service). Born Bridget Coke, a granddaughter of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, K.G., by his second marriage, in 1943 she married (i) Captain Thomas Edwards-Moss and had a son, John. In 1953 she married (ii) The Rt.Hon.[Phelim O’Neill], the 2nd Lord Rathacavan, MP. They lived in Ireland and had three daughters: Rosetta, Moira, and Grania (now of Cley). In 1999 Bridget moved to her house in Cley – Umgeni - on the coast road. Here, on a very steep slope, she planted and tended her magnificent garden. A keen Committee Member of Friends of Morston Church, from its inception in 2000, Bridget opened her garden to the public for one day in each 2003 and 2004, making about £1,700 for Friends of Morston Church. Bridget was adventurous and spirited and had charisma, charm, and a great sense of humour. She will be missed by so many from far and wide. She had a tremendous sense of fun, boundless energy and enormous stamina (honed surely riding to hounds). In her 70s & 80s right up to her end, she habitually walked her dogs from 5.00 a.m. for an hour or two and then did an hour or two’s gardening - up and down that amazing garden at Umgeni. Only two days before her death - she was her usual cheery self when she accepted from the of Friends of Morston Church Committee a retirement gift, copy of “Morston: A Village in the Marsh”. She had asked that the Collection at her funeral go to Morston Church. This amounted to the magnificent sum of £550.00.

Preparation for Christmas On 26th November in Field Dalling & Saxlingham Village Hall Rita Levitt from Holt’s ‘A Passion Of Flowers’ will give a demonstration of flower-arranging with particular emphasis on Christmas table decorations. On arrival you can enjoy cake and coffee before Rita reveal her secrets. There follows a ploughman’s lunch with fruit juice (or a glass of wine for £1). This joint fund-raising event for St Andrew’s and St Margaret’s will be an excellent chance to see a fine professional florist at work Tickets at £10 from Ginnie Kirby on 01328 830211

Baptism During Communion Service On Sunday 18th October Summer Lovick, accompanied by parents Kelly and Steven plus an impressive number of relations and friends, was baptized by the Revd. Tim Fawcett during the joint service with Field Dalling.

Honouring Sacrifice On Sunday 8th November a Remembrance Day service complete with trumpet solo took place in St Margaret’s, well supported (a sign of the times) by both parishes.

New life in an old village To Clare and Tom Dye a daughter, grace Evie, born on 29th October. The first baby girl born in the village for 17 years. Congratulations.

SHARRINGTON CHURCH NEWS No sooner had our distinguished guests left after the Sharrington Lecture than in moved the workmen! Scaffold towers were erected inside and out, plastic sheeting veiled the altar, font and carpet, and a layer of white plaster dust slowly drifted down to cover the pews. Yes, the long awaited investigation work had begun in earnest and for the next two months the experts were on hand to discuss, explore and finally decide the best way to repair the crumbling plaster ceiling.

Not quite so profitable (£171 this time) but just as enjoyable for the green-fingered fraternity of the village was the Garden Talk that took place a few days later. Jane Lister came from Hoecraft Plants near Guist to give a power point display of her beautiful gardens through the seasons, including lots of tips along the way.

In the meantime it was business as usual for All Saints congregation, who are not put off by ladders, scaffold and all the invasive dust. We continued our weekly services, moved the old altar table back into position and cleaned and decorated where we could reach.

Jane and her assistant Brenda, brought a wonderful display of plants for sale, and gave us expert advice on planting and maintaining our gardens. Coffee and cakes and a garden themed raffle completed the evening.

Harvest Festival happened as always, the church looked fuller than normal, with all the available pews in use, flowers and produce spilling over the windowsills. Tim Fawcett conducted evensong, and we sang all the lovely old harvest hymns. (Tim did suggest winding fairy lights around the scaffold for the carol service, but thankfully that will not be happening!).

These fund raising events, and the film show planned for the end of November, were put on to help with the first stage of the ceiling work - we were delighted when the scaffolding came down in time for All Saints Day also our Patronal Festival.

Then we moved down to the village hall for a splendid Harvest Supper, organized by Ann Garwood, Claire Dubbins, Robin Birkitt and Louise Walker. This quartet put in an amazing feast that was enjoyed by all before we settled down to the entertainment of the harvest auction conducted by Sharrington’s own Claire Rivett. Chutneys, cakes carrots and cabbages were held up for inspection and came under the hammer.

We had a special service with a visiting preacher and coffee and cake at the back of the church afterwards. William Fittall is Secretary General of the Church of England’s General Synod and since he was staying in the village for the weekend he kindly agreed to take part in our service of Morning Prayer. We have proved that it takes more than a few ladders and lots of dust to stop the congregation of Sharringtonnow we have to carry on with our fund-raising and wait for the tenders to go out for the main repair work which we hope to start by late spring next year. PEL

Star item was a hair and make-up extravaganza donated by Jo – and raised even more money for the ceiling appeal. The evening raised a staggering £475; a big thank you goes to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.

PRIMROSE GROVE Christmas will soon be upon us, with so many preparations and never enough time it seems. Keeping Christmas traditional is of paramount importance. Although it is difficult in these recent times with the commercialism we are all faced with. David and Vance who live in Beech Cottage are keeping their part of the bargain the best they can this year. For the first time they have reared traditional Norfolk Black Turkeys on their six acres in Sharrington known as “Primrose Grove”. In May 2007 to their delight this land in Sharrington came up for auction, it was a dream come true for the “Beech Boys”. Both had been brought up with animals and had up to this time been having to rent land in different parts of North Norfolk to keep their current stock; thus having to travel at times quite a distance to tend to the animals. The land at Primrose Grove had been left fallow for some years, so when Vance and David acquired it much TLC was needed. Since purchasing it they have brought the field back to life and into productive use. Everywhere has been fenced, hedges cut and endless weeds dealt with. Anyone who has tried their produce will tell you that it has been worth all the work, especially the eggs that are for sale on their stall outside Beech Cottage. Poultry is a great hobby of theirs; they have seven different breeds of chicken, producing the most scrumptious eggs of all different colours including the most wonderful pale blue! Last year they reared traditional Gloucester Old Spot pigs, some of their meat was sold to villagers (keeping food miles to a minimum) and some to the Walsingham Farm Shop, all are eagerly awaiting the next batch. Obviously the Beech Boys freezer was fully stocked with different cuts of beautiful meat; lucky for Vance, not so for David, a butcher’s son and vegetarian! Norfolk Blacks as they are known locally, are considered to be the finest of all turkey breeds throughout the world. Norfolk has always been home to turkey farming and on a large scale since the 17th Century. Farmers used to walk their turkeys to London markets for sale. They were not so conscious of food miles in those days! If you are interested, orders for Sharrington Norfolk Black turkeys are being taken by Vance: tel. 01263-861009 PJG.

CHURCH NEWS Like other churches in the benefice we are looking forward to Ian Whittle’s induction as our new rector, on Jan 16th. Before that we have our village Christmas Services: Christingle at 3.30 on Sunday 20th Dec, Carols in the Red Lion at 6.30 on Christmas Eve, and our Christmas Morning Holy Communion Service at 10.00. We welcome you to all of these! We are also immensely grateful to the villagers, visitors to our Fete, and the Fete committee for the £810, which has been added to church funds from this year’s Fete proceeds. Keeping the church financially viable is becoming increasingly challenging and we take great heart from such support. Thank you! Thanks also to John Everett for the splendid new notice board at the church gate. The days of the prehistoric noticeboard on the knoll are numbered! At the end of the mowing season we also thank the team of volunteer mowers: Andy, John and Shirley, and Steven for their efforts and Michael for his invaluable and creative maintenance work (on the machines not the volunteers, I hasten to add! John Adnitt

WI NEWS As ever, every third Monday, 7.30 p.m. at the Old Hall. In September we and lots of guests had a very informative and interesting evening with Mair Talbot who enlightened us about prostitution in Norwich and the work of the Magdalen Group there. Our Harvest Supper in October was enlivened by Harvest Hats - and there were some beauties! We look forward to varied speakers in 2010 and we should love to welcome new members or visitors! - from Stiffkey or any neighbouring village. Come and try us! Just ring Chris at 830 701 or Helen at 830 349 for more info. Helen Leach

“A SPECIAL KIND OF LIGHT A panorama of Norfolk and Scottish landscapes” an illustrated book by Keith McDougall Publisher: Roseworld Productions Ltd. I have just received my copy. This could make a very special Christmas present. Helen Brandt

NATURE NOTES Autumn is my favourite season. Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness – as Keats described it. The fruit in my garden has been overwhelming. First a fine plum crop (plenty of jam); then the apples and pears; so many that we can not hope to consume or conserve. The birds are spoilt for choice in the hedgerows and although we put out masses of fallen fruit in the paddock no Redwings or even Blackbirds seem to be attracted

STIFFKEY VILLAGE HALL Stiffkey Village Hall has a new committee. The committee was elected from a well attended AGM on 28 September. The chair is Alison Lawrence, the Treasurer, Karen Pickles, Secretary, Janey Sugden and the Booking Clerk is Gail Whitworth. The Committee faces some challenges in the medium term but we know we can count on support and commitment from all the village in the next few months. One of the first things we are doing is re-organising the bookings system. To book the Stiffkey Village Hall, contact Gail on 01328 830994 or Karen on 01328 830461 or email stiffkeyvillagehall@gmail.com Janey Sugden

Nature was bounteous this autumn. Does it foretell a hard winter? There was a momentous confrontation in our area – between two Stiffkey walkers and a Dormouse – yes there it was, curled up in a blackberry bush sleeping off (probably), the effects of over-indulgence. But how nice to see this relatively rare mammal, perhaps they are more numerous? There is much talk of the drop in farmland and garden birds. Where 40 flew in 1940 only one flies now. Is it modern farming; is it climate change; is it uncontrolled predation; or something else? We live in a managed environment, and maybe, our management needs to be modified in some respects to make room for wildlife.

A SMILE (Found in a Suffolk Church by Helen Leach) A smile costs nothing but gives so much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile as much as he who has no more to give. Anon

We are luckier than most in Norfolk with our wonderful Nature Reserves and coastline. But I am old enough to make comparisons with the countryside of my youth, and I confess to being worried. The Lapwing is my favourite bird. Where are they? One idea is that the birds are shifting north to breed as global warming takes effect. One final thought. Humanity and most of life depends upon 6 inches of soil over the earth’s crust – and water. Two precious commodities Pightle

UNICEF The North and West Norfolk UNICEF Supporters Group thanks the members of the village who helped to raise over £500 from the Scarecrows in the village in late August, the stall and exhibition at the fete, and the Music Evening on September 9th. The money will go to the H20 Nepal project to help provide clean drinking water and sanitation in remote communities. Thanks especially to Sally Amesbury who inspired us to produce crazy and spectacular scarecrows in improbable places - sea horses in trees! That must have worried a few folks on their way John Adnitt home from the Red Lion!

MUSIC CIRCLE

THE FATE OF THE FETE

During the winter months, we have been having afternoon meetings at 2.30. It suits some better and others not quite so well. We have enjoyed 2 evenings of Russian Music ranging from Cossack Dances and the Red Army Ensemble to some well-known and not so well known composers. We saw, and heard, how the traditional rhythms and sounds of Russian folk and church music pervaded much of what we heard. On Dec 9th we meet, again at 2.30, for a pre-Xmas selection of music we would like to receive in our stockings, or give to others!! Be warned, some of us have large feet! Do come and join us at the usual venue - behind the village shop Kingfisher Barn. John Adnitt

At the AGM held in the Village Hall £800 was allocated to each of the Village Hall, Parish Church and Playing Fields. £300 had already been contributed towards the planned replacement Village sign. In addition, well over £1000 was raised by the various local groups & charities during the fete. Over £3000 remains in the Fete bank account to help finance the next fete. As reported in the last ‘Lynx’ the 2009 Fete Committee decided to retire at the AGM. The response to the appeal for villagers to come forward to form a new committee was disappointing, with only one person responding: the 2010 fete may not take place. A final attempt to form an organising committee will take place at meeting to be held at Stiffkey Village Hall at 7.00pm on January 14th 2010.

TEA TENT AT THE FETE Beverley and Eva were thrilled with the response to the appeal for cakes and would like to thank each one of you that brought us so many wonderful cakes and buns. We would also like to give a special thank you to our helpers on the day – without your staunch support we wouldn’t have been able to sell them all! Just a few more thanks – to Chris & Diane for supplying the gas; Stanley & his team for putting up and taking down the tent; Jamie for collecting equipment for us and Clive & family for all the help before and after. Without all this help we could not have raised a massive £700.00. Well done everyone. Eva Gambrill

In the recent village questionnaire over 30 people indicated their willingness to help organise the fete, here’s an opportunity. If you want a fete in 2010, please come along. If you cannot attend, but wish to join the new committee, or want further details you can contact me on 01328 830569 or Marlene on 01328 830878 Steven Bashforth

THE MONDAY MARDLERS Here in Stiffkey for the past year, the Mardlers have met on the first Monday of each month at 2.30pm at The Red Lion Pub conservatory, for a get-together and chat along with some tea/coffee and excellent cake. We have a raffle and a bring-and-buy stall and normally we have a quiz or beetle drive or similar and occasionally an outing, but always enjoy a ‘mardle’ and a giggle! Why not come and join us? The entry fee of just £1.00 covers your refreshments. If you have trouble with transport - we can help. Just call Pat on 830863 or Eva on 830709 and we will see what we can arrange. If you are coming by car - there is lots of parking space at the pub. Any other questions call us! The first meeting of the New Year will be on Monday Pat Price 4th January 2010

SCHOOL NEWS

Trust reserve at Sculthorpe and a Crucial Crew event staged at Gresham’s School. The latter activity for Years 5and 6 children involved a series of hands-on workshops highlighting the work of the police, fire, ambulance and coastguard services The trip to Sculthorpe formed part of Class 3’s ‘Predator and Prey’ science project and involved a foray into the reserve and the dissection of owl pellets to identify what they eat. This was particularly interesting as memories were still fresh of a baby tawny owl that turned up at the school during the Summer term. Staff turnover at Langham Village School is very low, so it was with regret that the Governors accepted Jane Grange’s resignation as finance secretary now that she has been offered more hours at her parallel place of work. However, we are delighted to have found a quick replacement in Karen Pickels, a professional bookkeeper who is also a parent at the school. We also have a new look to the School Council – a very proactive group of children who are democratically elected by their peers. The fresh faces are Oliver Holden, Joel Philpott, Zelia Holmes, Lily Everard, Lucy Bean, Abby Everitt, Tom Walduck, Lewis Wright, Isobel Duncan and Kieron Belton. They meet on a weekly basis with Sue Rampley, their coordinator. Plans are well underway for the school’s Christmas performance, which will have a music hall flavour, in addition to traditional Christmas themes. Happy Christmas to all the children, parents, carers, staff and all those associated with the school Thank you for all your support As ever, you can keep up with all the latest activities at the school via the website at:

Now taking pride of place outside the office at Langham Village School is the International School Award glass trophy, presented to Class 1 teacher Diana Howes by BBC News’s George Alagiah at a ceremony in London. The award is described as “a major prize for excellence in this field” and recognises the school’s links with France, Japan and India, as well as consistent involvement in International Primary Curriculum topics. The school is accredited for three years from 1 September 2009. Music is a prominent feature of activities this term. The ‘free’ clarinet tuition for all Class 3 children continues until Christmas, while keyboard tuition – using keyboards loaned to the school – is set to start in Class 2. Recorder players meet and perform regularly and Drum Club continues under the tutelage of Ronnie Prudence, while sponsored jog money has been used to purchase an extensive range of percussion instruments, including boomwhackers, hand bells and chime bars. We have also been able to buy a microphone and small amplifier. Perhaps we should invest in earplugs – during the Autumn term plans are afoot to develop the outdoor music provision for the dedicated Reception/Year 1 area. This includes recycling unwanted metal containers such as lids, pots, saucepans and frying pans for an ‘outside orchestra’. Could they produce a Christmas chart-topper? Our Kash for Kids committee, along with Charlie Ward and Lyn Williams, devised a successful bid for a music grant from Norfolk County Council, which will be used to subsidise transport costs to music events during the year. These include a trip to the Royal Albert Hall in the Spring. Recent trips have included a visit to the Hawk and Owl

www.langhamvillageschool.com.

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Cley: 01263 741013

SIVANANDA YOGA CLASS

NEW CDs and DVDs from Bill Donaghy

Tuesdays 7 - 8.30 pm. All welcome Field Dalling Village Hall

Classical and Sacred Music

Richard Redmayne 01263 862289

01263 825200 or billdonaghy@tiscali.co.uk www.sacredmusicclassic.co.uk

INSIDE OUT

ROBIN PEEL GARDEN SERVICES

Gary Waller Painter & Decorator - Fully Insured

Grass & Hedge Cutting - Fencing Patios & Paths - The complete garden service

Tel:01263 860705 Mob: 07990 993406

Tel: 01328 830694 or 07717 418725

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