ickenhams’ eriodical
February
2 0 12
We l c o m e t o P i c k e n h a m s ’ P e r i o d i c a l
for North and South Pickenham published monthly by and for its parishioners
Editorial to Jonathan Reed by 15 th of previous month (please confirm my receipt of time sensitive material)
email to : pickenham@gmail.com telephone or text 07860 631 500
Braemar
Houghton Lane
NP
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new non emergency telephone number
Copied, collated to nearly 300 households by : Sue Bloomfield 2 The Street South Pickenham Telephone : 01760 756 204 with appreciation to those who volunteer to deliver the PP come rain or shine With thanks to all those who contribute and Peter for fabulous fault finding.
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The Editor of Pickenhams’ Periodical & PPV Committee accept all advertisements in good faith and accept no responsibility for services and/or goods offered. Whilst every effort is made to publish correct information in the Pickenhams’ Periodical we can accept no responsibility for any misleading or erroneous information found herein. E&OE. Although very carefully moderated, articles in the Pickenhams’ Periodical do not necessarily echo the views of the Editor, PPV Committee, other contributors, advertisers, NPPC, SPPC, or any PCCs.
As part of the Jubilee Weekend celebrations, 2 nd until 4 th June, we are planning an exhibition of royal memorabilia in St Andrew’s church over that weekend. The children from the school will be exhibiting paintings of the Queen and our kneeler group will be sharing their work done so far, and demonstrating how it is done. If you have and are prepared to lend any books, scrapbooks, china, glassware, pictures, paintings or stories relating to the Queen’s reign over the last 60 years, then we would be very pleased to hear from you. Everything will be catalogued and kept safely and returned to you in perfect condition after the weekend. Please ring Carolyn if you can offer anything at all on 01760 755 089. Thank you.
Two elderly women were eating breakfast in a restaurant one morning. After looking at her friend for a few moments, Ethel said to Mabel, ‘Do you know you have a suppository in your ear?’ Mabel pulled it out and looked at it and said to her friend, ‘Ethel, I’m so glad you spotted it. Now I think I know where to find my hearing aid’. An elderly couple were on a cruise when the wife is washed overboard by a big wave. Though the search for her went on for days, sadly no trace of her was found. Several months had gone by when the husband received a letter telling him that his wife had been found, along with an oyster which had attached itself to her. In it was a pearl worth £10,000. When asked what should be done, the old man replied, ‘Send me the pearl and re-bait the trap’. A funeral service is being held for a woman who has just passed away. As they carry the coffin out of the church, the pall bearers accidentally bump into a wall, jarring the coffi n. They hear a faint moan and open the coffi n to fi nd the lady is alive! She lives for another ten years and when she dies, a ceremony is once again held. As the coffin is carried from the church, the husband cries out, ‘Watch that wall’. Tw o o l d l a d i es h a d b e e n fri e n ds for m any decades a n d h a d s h a r e d a l l ki nd s o f a cti vi ties and adventur es. As they got to a great age their meetings were few and far between. On one such occasion they were playing cards when one said to the other, ‘I’m so sorry my dear, but I just can’t remember your name’. Her friend looked at her for quite a long time, deep in thought, and finally said, ‘How soon do you want to know?’
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Library bus will stop at: Houghton Lane 14.35 to 14.45 Blue Lion 14.50 to 15.10 Whiteoaks 15.20 to 15.35 Next visit to North Pickenham will be on Thursday 2nd February 2012
2 The Bungalows 10.10 to 10.20 South Lodge 10.25 to 10.40 Next visit to South Pickenham will be on Wednesday 9th & 23rd February 2012
www.thebluelionpub.co.uk
Q u i z d a t e s f o r t h i s m o n t h : 1 2 t h & 2 6 t h F e b r u a r y. Norfolk Constabulary (reporting everything except emergencies) 101 Swaffham Town Council contact the Clerk on 01760 722 922 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Breckland Council 01362 656 870 Age Concern Helpline 0800 00 99 66 Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 N o r fol k C ou n t y Council ( g e n e ra l e n qu i r i es) 0 8 4 4 8 0 0 8 0 2 0 NCC Highways 0844 800 8009 Dereham library 01362 693 184 Swaffham Community Centre 01760 722 800 (Denis Tallon Iceni Ptnrs) Swaffham Museum (Easter-December) 721 230 722 255 Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 Anglian Water 0800 771 881 Eastern Region Electricity Emergencies - EDF : 0800 783 8838 Swaffham chemists open until 6pm 721 208 Monday & Tuesday 721 216 Wednesday & Friday Dereham pharmacy is open on Sunday 10am-4pm 01362 692 793
No. 225 The HaNoveriaNs Part 41 More Scandal f or William
Prince William’s stay in Nova Scotia was a round of continual pleasure. His naval duties were very light and he spent most of his time at balls or other social functions. He gave many dinners on board ship to mainly male colleagues and delighted in making them drunk by proposing many toasts. A fellow Lieutenant, William Dyott, remembered ‘He would go into any house where he saw a pretty girl and was perfectly acquainted with every house of a certain description in the town’. That was not all. After only ten days at this station he made the acquaintance of a certain Mrs Wentworth, the racy wife of the Surveyor General. She had a reputation of being ‘fonder of males than females’ and welcomed the advances of the Prince, something that was fortunately not noticed by the lady’s husband. This could not go on, so in August 1787 he was posted to Quebec and Jamaica. While there previously he and a group of rowdy companions had wrecked a brothel causing £700 worth of damage, so the Prince was well known there. In early November the Prince’s ship was sent to Ireland. War seemed imminent between Holland and Britain on account of some misunderstanding about navigation in Scheldt waterway. This was settled before they arrived home. The ship was then ordered to Kinsale and there remain until further orders. This did not suit William who would prefer to serve overseas to avoid a confrontation his father the King, who was regularly outraged by the reports of his son’s debts and dissipation and when Pegasus docked at Plymouth on the 27 th December 1787 he remained there. There were, however, some benefits to home service. Amongst these was a certain Miss Sally Winne, the attractive daughter of a well to do tradesman. He many hours with this new beloved while his midshipmen waited outside on his barge.
In March 1788 the crew of Pegasus were transferred to the Andromeda, a thirty two gun frigate. The Prince had wanted a larger vessel, but used the transfer as an opportunity to fit the men out with exquisite uniforms with such excruciatingly tight breeches that they could hardly climb the rigging. It was around this time that his father George III had his first attack of insanity. The Prince of Wales, later George IV, became Regent. The brothers were good friends and William had hopes of advancement, which were dashed when the King recovered. He decided a political future would improve his lot and sought a parliament ar y seat in Devon; to prevent this it was decided, with much foreboding, to raise him to the peerage as Duke of Clarence and St Andrew’s, Earl of Minster. With these titles came an annual income of £12,000, an apartment at St James’ Palace and allowances for various living expenses. He sent the King a grudging letter of thanks, stating that this income would be quite insufficient to keep him out of debt.
Bob Davey MBE
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Nor th Pickenham Parish Council
This is a brief summary of the meeting held on 3rd January 2012. The true agreed minutes will be available after the next meeting. E-mail copies are also readily available on request to the Clerk.
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Diamond Jubilee plans are now well underway. Several events have been arranged already to take place on the Playing Field with a barbecue to follow at The Blue Lion.
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The Playing Field boundary (opposite the Whiteoaks side) has been cut back prior to further tidying.
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Repairs to the recently damaged pavilion were discussed and agreed.
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A short meeting, as ever in January!!
Next Full Meeting: Tuesday 7 th February 2012, 7,30 pm , Blue Lion Function Room. Agenda to be displayed on the Notice Board. This is welcomely open to all parishioners Mick Lee (Parish Clerk) South Pickenham Parish Council
Apologies for the mistake we made in our leaflet regarding the barbecue to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The date for the barbecue, if enough people are interested, is of course Saturday 2 nd of June and not the 3 rd as in our leaflet! More details later in the year. The next meeting of the PC is on Friday 10 th February at 6.00 pm in the Home Farm Estate Office. All are welcome.
DC
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Nor th Pickenham Parish Council Ken Wells
Chairman
32 Latimer Way
01760 440 702
David Harper
Vice Chairman
1 Brecklands Green
01760 441 168
Jill Ball
Councillor
39 Latimer Way
01760 441 633
Karina Eagle
Councillor
Kevin Hughes
Councillor
Wil Smith
Councillor
Simon Ward
Councillor
3 Hill View
01760 440 611
Mick Lee
Parish Clerk
Blue Lion PH
01760 440 289
Peacock Cottage The Street
5 Hill View Ballakeigan
Houghton Lane
01760 440 284 01760 440 940 01760 440 436
Sou th Pickenham Parish Council John Blackburne
Chairman
Daleacres
01760 756 219
Sue Bloomfield
Councillor
2 The Street
01760 756 204
Chris & Lyn Pitt
Councillors
Nick Padwick
Councillor
1 Bungalow, The Street
Home Farm
01760 756 177 01760 756 376
Pickenhams Contact’s Telephone Numbers Carolyn Vincent
St Andrew’s Church Secretary
01760 755 089
Jenny Blackburne
All Saint’s Church Secretary
01760 756 219
Sheila Warner
Women’s Institute
01760 440 156
Reverend Stephen Thorp
Rector Benefice of Necton
01760 722 021
Jeni Barnacle
St Andrew’s Primary Head
01760 440 392
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH NORTH PICKENHAM ‘Discovering God Together’ Winter Programme 2012
We welcome anyone to join in our church programme. You don’t have to be a regular member of the congregation to join in and take part. If you have any questions or queries please contact either Gillian (440 390) or Carolyn (755 089)
February 5th Third Sunday before Lent North Pickenham 10am Discoverers Service (CW) th February 12 Second Sunday before Lent North Pickenham 10am Morning Worship (CW) th February 19 Sunday Next before Lent North Pickenham 10am Morning Worship (CW) th February 26 First Sunday of Lent North Pickenham 10am Holy Communion (CW) March 4th Second Sunday of Lent North Pickenham 10am Discoverers Service (CW) Special Services February 12th Second Sunday before Lent South Pickenham 3pm Snowdrop Service February 22nd Ash Wednesday Necton 10am Lent Communion (CW)
St Andrew’s Church Kneelers
A group of people interested in renewing our church kneelers has met and anyone else wishing to join us would be very welcome. The kneelers will be worked in simple cross stitch and commemorate the Golden Jubilee, the 2012 Olympics and village life. However, before we start sewing we need someone with artistic flair to help us with a computer design and if you are able to donate your talent in this way Carolyn would love to hear from you (telephone 01760 755 089). If you would like to support the project by making a donation towards the cost of materials this would be gratefully received. Thank you.
Funerals
From the Parish Registers
We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Andrew Richard Fisher (aged 39) whose funeral took place at the Parish Church of All Saints Necton on the 23 rd December 2011. The ser vice was taken by the Revd Stephen Thorp. Also to the family and friends of Mrs Edith Mary Sayer Green (aged 95) whose funeral took place at the Parish Church of St. Andrew’s Holme Hale on the 4 th Januar y 2012. The ser vice was taken by the Revd Stephen Thorp. Also to the family and friends of Mrs Mildred James (aged 95) whose funeral took place at the Parish Church of All Saints Necton on the 9 th Januar y 2012. The ser vice was taken by Mrs Carole Hicks. And finally to the family and friends of Mr Ralph Green (aged 93) whose funeral took place at the Parish Church of All Saints Necton on the 10 th Januar y 2012. The ser vice was taken by the Revd Stephen Thorp. May God’s special grace and peace be with you.
MEMORIALS
H. BRETT & SON Monumental Masons ~ Craftsmen In Stone
Traditional Memorials Period Fireplaces Worktops Vanities House Names Marble Stone Slate Granite Visit our SHOWROOM and WORKSHOPS Call for our BROCHURE Home visits can be arranged 75 NORWICH ROAD WATTON THETFORD NORFOLK IP25 6DH TEL:01953 881 501 FAX:01953 882 979
STONE WORK
Just before Christmas the celebrated author and journalist Christopher Hitchens sadly lost his battle against oesophageal cancer and died. He was clearly a brilliant man with a sharp wit and was, as The Guardian stated, an ‘unshakable secularist’ and indeed upon his death, many tributes were made to him by friends and ‘foes’ alike. Richard Dawkins described him as “one of the greatest orators of all time” and called him “a polymath, a wit ... and a valiant fighter against all tyrants including imaginar y supernatural ones.” Even the former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was famously ‘bested’ by Christopher Hitchens in a debate over religion at the end of last year, described Hitchens as being “fearless in the pursuit of truth” and praised him for his “passion, commitment and brilliance”. But does the combination of Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and even latterly the eminent scientist Stephen Hawking mean that the secularists have won the day and that no sensible, clearthinking, reasonable individual could ever be expected to possibly hold a religious faith in the modern era again (cer tainly not one that carries both intellectual weight and rigour)? The answer has to be – of course not! For years scientists and other secular critics have treated those with religious faith as being the mere holders of a simple superstition with no real intellectual weight or bearing in the modern world - but this simply isn’t true! There are many bright intellectuals with scientific backgrounds who have absolutely no difficultly in relating their Christian faith to their scientific understanding of the world. People such as John Polkinghorne, a fellow of the Royal Society and ordained in the Church of England, knighted by the Queen in 1997 for ‘distinguished service to science, religion, learning and medical ethics’. Or Alister McGrath, who despite being awarded an Oxford Doctor of Philosophy for his research into molecular biophysics, is also Professor of Theology at Kings College London. Or finally, John Lennox, a Professor of Mathematics and lecturer of science and religion at Oxford University, who famously debated with Christopher Hitchens at the Edinburgh Festival in 2008 and ‘bested’ him. The problem so often is not that Christians don’t have an understanding of science or the modern world but that famous secularists such as Dawkins and Hitchens don’t have an adequate understanding of even the most basic theology or simple Christianity. All their examples of God are taken either from the Old Testament and depict him as being a malicious, angry tyrant who delights in the punishing of poor
people, or lampooning him as the imagined creator of a univer se whose existence scientists naturally under stand came into being by other methods. There is simply no time or space in their thinking to under stand these things within the broader context of scripture or theology, nor even to look beyond their own tiny (often literal) under standing of what they perceive Christians to believe. Indeed Dawkins is now perceived by many to be so extreme in his anti-religious views, that many, even in the scientific community, are beginning to disown him. Yes! The Bible does contains many violent episodes, especially within its Old Testament pages, and these are cer tainly difficult for the Christian to understand or reconcile, but they do probably por tray an accurate depiction of what happened in histor y (and yet one also needs to remember that even some of the most strident atheists in histor y, such as Stalin and Hitler, don’t have blemish free stories either!). Ultimately the Bible speaks about a God who loved the world so much, that despite it’s obvious depravity, he steps in and takes upon himself in the person of Jesus, the punishment it rightly deser ves; providing each one of us with the possibility of love, forgiveness and restoration whenever we put our faith and trust in him. Inevitably, whenever one speaks about God, there has to be a cer tain element of ‘not-knowing and myster y’ but this doesn’t mean that we are left completely ‘in the dark’ nor without the possibility of understanding who God is, or what he’s about! To be a Christian is not about having a ‘blind faith’, but having a faith that sees things more as God sees them. The more one reads the Bible and examines the life of Jesus, the more logical, lovely and relevant it becomes – indeed, to coin a phrase, not only does it truly ‘feed the hear t and the soul’, but the mind and intellect too. It’s my hope therefore that the people of our communities will not be put off - or dare I say even deceived by the current fads and fashions of the secularist mind, but will be far more open, perceptive and discerning in their thoughts about such things, willing to let God be God and willing to enter tain the possibility that, as they put their faith and trust in Him, they might be intellectually satisfied in the process. Yours as ever, Stephen Thorp “Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight”. 1 Corinthians 3.18–19
Christingle Service
It was wonderful to see so many people at the North Pickenham Christingle Service and trust that all those who came found it a good way to get their Christmas celebrations going. We raised £138.57 which all goes to The Children’s Society and we know they will be most grateful. Thank you to all that donated either in the little candle boxes or straight into the plate. Hope your Christmas was happy and peaceful and that 2012 is begining well, hope to see you all soon. Best wishes from St Andrew’s PCC.
What’s On
at
Holme Hale Pavilion
Every Wed nesday Free computing in the Tony Evans Centre from 6 pm Every Friday Free computing in the Tony Evans Centre from 10 a m Munch ‘n’ Mardle in the Main Hall 12.30 – 4 pm
Wednesday 1 s t Feb. 7.30 p m Cash Prize Bingo Thursday 2 n d Feb. 9.45 a m U3A Monthly Meeting Saturday 11 t h Feb. 7.30 p m Cash Prize Bingo
To find out more contact: Pat Scott on 01760 440 525
Whist Evenings £1.50 per session including coffee or tea
Held at The Blue Lion function room Contact Eileen 441 639 for more details
Monday 6 th & 20 th February 2012 at 7.30 pm All levels of experience very welcome whether you are a beginner or if you just want to sharpen up your game. Tuition available.
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Down of the strict rule of religious law. 15 02 Story teller. 8 03 Capital of Finland. 8 04 Diabolically cruel or wicked. 8 05 Sticking out leg, in furniture or ballet. 8 06 Reserved in speech. 8 07 In spite of, without prevention. 15 14 Flavour enhancer. 8 15 Frying in a French style. 8 16 Diabolical dead demonlike. 8 17 Lucky charm. 8 18 Mortally important due date. 8 19 Latin for throats or gullets. 8
01 Observers
Across 01 To make more Gallic. 15 08 Not far. 4 09 Price paid. 4 10 Sound navigation ranging. 5 11 Anni-Frid, Bjรถrn, Benny & Agnetha. 4
Joni sang of a NY big yellow one. 4 13 Having myopia. 15 20 Knocking down a wall whilst listening to Peter Gabriel? 15 12
O u r M e e t i n g i n D e c e m b e r w a s o u r C h r i s t m a s Pa r t y. The special guest was Meg Dorling, WI representative and Necton President, and the theme for party was Downton Abbey. It was good to see Meg dressed in her costume, there were very nice member’s costumes and we all had a good time. The meeting on January 12th 2012 was opened by Joan Baker who kindly stood in for our Chairman Sheila Warner who was unable to attend. Ros Brookes was our speaker, she also bought along her friend Bonvora as they demonstrated how to make some very attractive Cat- Door Stops from a pair of socks and a few bits and pieces. Several members enjoyed making their own versions and it was a very pleasant evening overall. Our refreshments included some of Felicity’s lovely Christmas cake which she kindly made for our party. Val Wright would like to thank members for the lovely pot plant they presented for her and Mick’s Golden Wedding on Dec 16th 2011 as was absent from December’s meeting. Competition for our February 9th meeting is a photograph or picture of any Norfolk coast. VW
Open Gardens 2012
T h a n k you t o t hose who r esp ond ed to la st m o n t h ’s not ic e about t he ‘ Op en G a r d ens’ ev ent in 2 0 12, on t he weekend o f J uly 14 th a nd 15 th . To make the event viable, we still need a few more gardens to open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 1 pm to 5 pm . The gardens can be small or large, new or established, formal or wild - visitors are just intrigued as to what lies behind the houses! There will also be an olympic themed flower festival in the church and various sales of refreshments etc along the route. If you could possibly open your garden and would like to know more about what is involved please get in touch with Sheila (440 413) or Sylvia (440 497).
Be brave, it’s great fun; honestly!
Swaffham: Within Living Memory
Swaffham Museum’s oral history project ‘Swaffham: Within Living Memory’ has come on leaps and bounds since it began in May 2011. Our team of dedicated and expertly trained project volunteers have been busily collecting recorded Rod Lock at interviews from various local residents; capturing Swaffham train memories of people, buildings and events in station in the 1950s and around Swaffham from 1930 to 2010 for perpetuity. So far we have collected a range of interviews which cover subjects from Swaffham Train Station in the 1950s, to Swaffham Cubs in the 1970s, and the Cottage Hospital in the 1980s. The Saturday market and Tyrone’s famous auction comes up time and time again, as do Plowrights and Swaffham Carnival. We would love to include Pickenham’s past in our project – what’s your story? We are currently developing an exhibition showcasing our oral history interviews alongside objects and artefacts donated by the public. Can you help? Perhaps you’re having a clear out after Christmas and New Year and you’ve come across some old newspapers, a carrier bag from a local shop long since closed, a train ticket bought at Swaffham Station – these seemingly ordinary items would really enhance our displays and we would love to tell your story in the museum. Please get in touch! Swaffham Speaks Monthly Mardle – dates for your diary! Our popular coffee morning ‘Swaffham Speaks’ returns in 2012. Come along to Swaffham Museum for a free cup of tea or coffee and a mardle about Swaffham past and present. Have a look through our archives and scrapbooks or bring your own photos and memorabilia for us to display in our forthcoming exhibition. Add your memories of Swaffham people, places and events to our oral history sound archive: ‘Swaffham: Within Living Memory’ for future generations to hear. Meet new people, catch up with old friends and see some familiar faces. Share and remember YOUR Swaffham on: Wednesdays February 1st, March 7th and April 4th 2012. For further details about Swaffham: Within Living Memory please contact Sian Hogarth or Alice Mouncer on 01760 721 230 or email either: hdo@swaffhammuseum.co.uk or projectofficer@swaffhammuseum.co.uk