Tasburgh Quarterly & Church News

QUARTERLY & CHURCH NEWS

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Useful Names & Contact Details

Tasburgh Parish Council, Serving the Village of Tasburgh

MEETINGS

Parish Council meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month currently in the Main Hall of the Village Hall at 7.30pm . Planning Meetings, if required, are usually held on the first Tuesday of the month, in the Village Hall Committee Room at 7pm. Agendas are posted on the village notice boards and the website at least three days beforehand.

Parish Council Meetings will continue to be held in Tasburgh Village Main Hall until further notice. Public are welcome to attend all Parish Council meetings; this is your opportunity to speak or ask questions.

MEETING DATES 2023

Please note, if you would like an item to appear on the Agenda, details must be sent to the Clerk at least eight days before the meeting. The Council is unable to make a decision on anything not included on the agenda but can discuss newly raised matters and refer them to the next meeting. Minutes of meetings are posted on the website or are available from the Clerk.

PARISH COUNCIL SURGERIES

Councillors are still willing to discuss any issues you may have with you; their contact details can be found opposite on page 5.

Tasburgh Parish Council News

ELECTIONS

2023 is Election year for both District and Parish Councils. The parish council will not be having an election this time round. We have 9 seats and 9 people put their names forward. We are actually in a minority of councils in South Norfolk in having a full quota of councillors.

THANKS AND APPRECIATION

Two of our longest serving councillors have not stood again this time, and on behalf of myself and the rest of the Council, I would like to express my great thanks to Geoff Merchant and Brian Hill. Between them they have over 80 years of service and among many other achievements, Geoff was instrumental in getting the allotments off the ground, and Brian has been the mainstay behind Burrfeld Park. They will both be greatly missed.

However, we do extend a warm welcome to our 2 new councillors, Martin Bull and Brian McGuire.

MARTIN BULL

Having relocated from Colchester to Norfolk 22 years ago, my wife Sally & I have enjoyed the quiet country life within the friendly village of Tasburgh for the past 13 years. Whilst both being members of the Tasburgh Sports & Social Club, I became involved with the village hall and am an active member of the Village Hall Management Committee and a Trustee of the Village Hall Charity.

Having enjoyed the facilities provided to the village of Tasburgh, I chose to stand as a Councillor for the parish of Tasburgh in order to support and serve our local community. I feel that we are extremely lucky to have such a beautiful village with dedicated teams and groups catering for all residents, and I am hoping to actively assist wherever I can.

As a Design Engineer by trade, I am currently employed as the R&D Manager for a international packaging company whose largest UK site is based in Norwich. Alongside this role, I am also a coach & mentor to our apprentices as well as a STEM ambassador teaching Design, CAD & Innovation techniques.

Tasburgh Parish Council News

BRIAN MCGUIRE

We moved to Tasburgh from Surrey in June 2019. My wife is a Norfolk girl and after retiring we both wanted to move to Norfolk and enjoy a quieter way of life.

By chance we bought a house in Tasburgh and have been delighted to become part of such a very friendly village in a delightful rural setting.

Through volunteering at Burrfeld Park and working with the Neighbourhood Plan steering group it has motivated me to get more involved and give something back to the village.

In a 41 year career I have held management positions with British Rail, Unilever, Smithkline Beecham, Sara Lee-Douwe Egberts, Taher Group-Saudi Arabia, Nera Satellite Services, National Federation of Builders, and the Association for Decentralised Energy. I am also a member of the Norwich Probus Club and the Norfolk and Suffolk Fly Fishers’ Society.

PARKING

We are currently receiving complaints about parking in general in the village, but especially around the school. Please park with consideration for the people living around the area, and do not block driveways or park on junctions so that it is impossible for other vehicles to come in or out. Our local beat officer, PC Andy Sneddon, has visited the school and has scheduled future visits to keep an eye on the situation.

COUNTYWIDE LOCAL CYCLING AND WALKING

Together with Long Stratton Parish Council and representatives from Norfolk County Council, we are currently examining the feasibility of a new cycle route from Tasburgh to Long Stratton. This would be brilliant for everyone who would like a safe cycling route to local schools, shops and doctors. Norfolk County Council are examining a number of routes around the area, but, as usual, there will not be sufficient funding for all of them. A engagement event was held at the Long Stratton Leisure Centre on Tuesday 23rd May. People were able to view potential routes, ask questions and provide feedback via an online survey to help refine and prioritise the plan.

They are consulting on available options, with the survey available until 13 July, so please do respond as the more popular routes will be the ones to get the funding. Watch out for more details on our Facebook page and other media.

Tasburgh Parish Council

LONG STRATTON BYPASS

The long-awaited bypass has now received planning permission. Work should start next year, with completion in 2025.

TASBURGH TIDY NETWORK

Many thanks to everyone who gave up their Saturday morning for the recent village litter pick. There was a fantastic turnout, and we collected a large number of bags and even the bumper of a car!

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

After over 3 years, the end is hopefully in sight for our Neighbourhood plan. At the time of writing, it is out for consultation, after a very successful dropin session on 23 March. We will now amend the plan to take into account your suggestions from the consultation replies, and the referendum to finally accept it as a part of local planning documents should be before the end of the year.

TASBURGH ENCLOSURE

As everyone who took part in the Imagined Land Project back in 2017 will know, the Tasburgh “sheep field” is actually the site of an Iron Age Fort and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Our recent consultations on the Neighbourhood plan have proved how much this open area is valued by people living in the village. It is not parish land, but is owned by Norfolk Archaeological Trust. It is also used to graze sheep, a very valuable source of income for the Trust without which they could not afford to keep the grass short, and is home to ground-nesting birds. Many people love seeing the sheep and lambs each year as a sure sign of spring in Tasburgh.

If you are a dog owner, please remember the Countryside Code which states that dogs must be kept on a lead whenever livestock MAY be present (it is not always possible to see the sheep if they are in the dip). Also, many people – small children, people who have been previously attacked, or people walking nervous animals - may be afraid of dogs running loose. The site is for everyone in the village to enjoy for its history, wildlife, tranquillity and wonderful countryside views. Therefore, please remember other visitors and keep your dog under control while on the field.

Council meetings continue to be held at 7.30 on the third Tuesday of every month. As always, details of future meetings will be advertised on Facebook, website and noticeboards and all members of the public are very welcome to attend.

Jill Casson

Tasburgh Neighbourhood Plan

Abigthankyoutoeveryonewhocame along to view the Draft Neighbourhood Plan exhibitionatTasburghVillageHallon23 March. Over70peoplecametoviewthe proposalsandgivetheirfeedbackonthe draftpolicieswithin.

Theconsultationclosedon12Mayandthe results will be collated and added to the draft Plan beforeitissubmittedforexaminationinthenextstageoftheprocess.

Even if you decided not to comment on the draft Plan it is worth lookingatthedocumentontheParishCouncilwebsiteasitcontainsa greatdealofinterestinginformationaboutTasburgh.

http://https://tasburghpc.wixsite.com/tasburghpc/neighbourhood-plan

ProgressonthenextstageswillbereportedintheNeighbourhood PlansectionoftheParishCouncilWebsite.

TASBURGH KEEP FIT CLUB

Are you over 50, free on Thursday afternoon and feeling that a bit of exercise would do you good?

Why not come along and join the Keep Fit Club which has been running at the village hall for over 14 years.

We meet on Thursday from 2pm to 3pm, coached by a professional, local trainer.

We offer a free "taster" session and then charge £7 per week, payable on the day.

There is no joining fee and the club is run on a voluntary basis, our only outgoings being the hire of the hall and the trainer's fee. For more information please contact

Ann Gibbins

01508 470225

Adrienne Watts, Chair Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Group

Tasburgh Coronation Weekend

A FEW PHOTOGRAPHS FROM YOUR CORONATION CELEBRATIONS

Tasburgh Village Hall

As we approach our AGM in June I want to let you know how we have performed in very difficult circumstances. Firstly a thank you to our staff, Lynda our Administrator/Treasurer, Kay our Booking administrator/Cleaner, Francis our Fire Safety Officer and Lloyd our grounds man and of course o our Trustees. Thank you to our regular users the Tasburgh Sports & Social Club who provide an excellent bar service and community atmosphere in the small hall who have upgraded the furniture at their cost. It has been a difficult year financially with the loss of the Playgroup. To remedy this we set up a Trustee/volunteer fund raising group. I am grateful to the user groups that have rallied round to run events to support us together with a successful fete and Art show we have part mitigated the loss.

One new initiative we’ve launched is a ‘Friends of the Village Hall scheme’ either £50 donation (we can reclaim gift aid) or £50 giving 2 300 club memberships and hall hire discount please contact me or our administrator for details.

We are looking at business link opportunities with a Business breakfast booked for the 10th May. Martin has been heading up this project having made contact with much business to see if there are any mutual benefits. The hall is 70yrs old on the 8th September an event we hope to celebrate. To complete my final year as chair I again make the regular request for prospective trustees.

We look forward to welcoming you to our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

In the small hall, Tasburgh Village Hall

WEDNESDAY 14TH JUNE 2023

Refreshments served from 7pm for 7.30pm start

Why not come along to hear about our activities and achievements over the last year Perhaps even consider becoming involved

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE

Dave Moore, Chair

Taburgh Sports & Social Club

Hon Sec’s Continuing Dissertation of Wisdom

“Out with the Old, in with the New” as the saying goes. [Actually, it was apparently first coined by Lee Douglas IV of the Scottish clan Douglas in the mid 1700’s, when he kicked his ‘lady of the night’ mother out of the family castle, replacing her with a mistress of his own choice. Thus ends today’s phraseme session with historical context. Really educating this article, ain’t it!]

Anyway, the “Old” refers to our last financial year which ended on March 30th, and what a year it was:

Record Membership of 301, 56 up on the previous year which in itself was a record. 208 Tasburghers swelled our ranks last year, meaning that almost 1-in-4 of the 881 adults living in the village [source: 2021 official census] became a member of the Club. That’s a figure that other villages with a social club would give their eye-teeth to have. On top of that, we recruited exactly 99 new members, another record. And to cap it all off, just over 30% of members live outside the village, so we must be doing something right. Record Income. Back in January, we realised that if our turnover continued at its current pace, we’d crash through the VAT registration threshold of £85k which would result in an increased administrative burden for us and increased prices across our range for you. So, we put together a plan to legally avoid hitting this figure and that resulted in us ending the fiscal year with total income of a record £83.7k [unaudited], up over £25k on the previous year, but crucially just below the arbitrary £85k number.

Record Entertainment. For 9 of the 12 months, we had live acts to entertain you, the most we’ve ever had. Whether is was rock legends Walkway to Norwich busker Terry Adams, we had a broad variety that you supported handsomely.

Record Investment in upgrading our equipment. Across the year we spent more than £7k on a new glasswasher, new ice machine, new entrance floor mats, new Weber BBQ and we also started [and now realized] the complete reupholstery of the chairs in the clubroom. This latter investment alone straddles 2 financial years and has cost a not insubstantial £5,500. This might seem a lot, but it’s a bargain compared to the highest quote we received which exceeded an eye-watering £15.5k!

Record Donations to community groups. Across the year we donated almost £1.3k to our Village Hall which sorely needed our support as well as £500 to 4 local children’s charities following our much-lamented late Queens’ Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year.

So, that was the ‘Old’ and what of the ‘New’?

Well, we’ve started the new fiscal quite quietly, which perhaps reflects the impact inflation is having on us all. Our usual St. George’s Night bash in April was quieter than in previous years, probably because this year we didn’t

Tasburgh Sports & Social Club

offer a food option. Perhaps resumption of a hearty plate of bangers ‘n mash will be de rigueur [English please, not a foreign tongue. It’s St. George’s Day we’re celebrating, not some minor numpty from across the Channel. Ed.] for next year.

Easter was also more muted this year, possibly due to the cloudy [and cool] weather keeping patrons indoors.

However, at time of applying the digit to the keyboard, we’ve just celebrated the coronation of our new King, Charles III. And what a weekend it was: the Saturday service was an uplifting event despite the dreadful weather, and in the evening, more than a hundred villagers filled the village hall for a TSSC evening of live jazz music, provided by quintet “Downtime”. It was something different and was met with favourable reviews across the board, so we may have them back again in the future.

Then on the following Sunday, a good number of villagers turned out to engage in the coronation lunch at the hall. Despite the predictions, the weather was surprisingly good, meaning many had to supplement their coronation chicken sandwiches with a pint or three of specially produced ‘Azza King’ beer from local favourite brewery Nethergate. Your Club opened early in anticipation of this demand, and a good job too – the assembled multitude managed to polish-off the entire barrel across the afternoon!

As to the future, if you’re a fan of rock legends Walkway who’ve become a Tasburgh December institution, then put Saturday, June 17th in your diary as that’s when the Walkway dads who have their own rock band called Back Street will be appearing at the Club. If you think the kids are good, wait till you see the dads perform! This is an all ticket affair costing £7 for adults, but free for accompanied under 16’s. Watch your Newsletter nearer the date for notification of the start of ticket sales, and for news of other entertainment across the year.

We didn’t ask for Membership Renewals to start until April this year –another income reducing measure we employed to reduce our potential VAT exposure – but we’re now in full flow. So far, 157 of you have enlisted including 29 brand new members. If you haven’t yet got round to it yet, please renew at your earliest convenience. Remember, we’re not a pub but a licenced private members club, so if you want to take advantage of all the facilities we offer, then you have to be a member. Simples!

And finally to prices, a hot topic for all of us. Reducing the impact of inflation is something that’s at the forefront of our minds for you, our loyal customers and members. We’ve already negotiated better terms with our biggest supplier which means we won’t have to put up the prices of some of our key lines. However, we’re a big supporter of small local brewers as well, and they have had to pass their increased costs on. Regrettably, this means we’ll probably have to increase some prices in the coming months but be assured we’ll try and keep these to a minimum.

Until the next time, stay safe and healthy and we’ll look forward to seeing you again in your Club. Hon Sec.

Norfolk County Council

MOBILE LIBRARY TIMETABLE FOR TASBURGH

DID YOU KNOW THAT HIGHWAY PROBLEMS CAN BE EASILY REPORTED?

From pot-holes to flooding and far more Anyone can do it and it really is easy! You can report anonymously, or you can register.

If you do register you will also receive updates on the steps that have been taken to resolve the problem.

www.norfolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roads/report-a-problem

South Norfolk & Broadland District Council

Broadland and South Norfolk Council offices at Thorpe Lodge will be closing on 26 May 2023. From Tuesday 30 May, they will be based at Broadland Business Park in the Horizon Centre.

If you need a face-to-face meeting with a member of a team, you will be able to find them at The Horizon Centre, Broadland Business Park, Peachman Way, Norwich NR7 0WF. All their services can be accessed online.

If you see someone allowing their dog to foul and not clear it up, and if you know the owner’s details you can report this using the link below (please do not submit photographs of the waste itself).

https://www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/neighbourhood-issues/dogfouling

Tasburgh Eurolink

We are all systems go for our twinning trip to Linden from 11th to 15th May. A group of 16 have booked their transport and are busy buying thank you gifts for their hosts. By the time you read this I expect it will all be over, but you will have to wait until the next edition to find out how we got on!

Back in Tasburgh, we have fingers crossed for good weather on Saturday 24th June for our “Right Royal Safari Supper” and tickets are now available. The price is £12 and for that you get an aperitif drink, starter, a choice of main course, dessert and coffee with cheese and biscuits, each at a different house in the village. Don’t worry, you won’t get lost, there’s a handy map on the ticket along with details of the menu, and the houses are not far apart. For your safari all you need your own tipple, cutlery, plate, bowl and glass. Tickets are limited and this is usually a popular event (where else would you get all that for £12) so book early.

Tickets are available from our fund raiser Linda Graver lindagraver09@gmail.com

For more information about Eurolink contact:

Chair Helen Burnett: helenmburnett@gmail.com

Secretary Alan Jones: jonesa@talk21.com .

Opening Times: Tuesday 9.30am - 11.30pm

NEXT EDITION

The Autumn edition of the Quarterly and Church News will be distributed by the end of August 2023.

Contributions from local organisations are always welcomed and can be emailed to the Parish Clerk for inclusion. We would be particularly pleased to receive suggestions for regular articles. All articles to the Parish Clerk, tasburghpc@btinternet.com by 4th August 2023

TASBURGH OUTREACH POST OFFICE TASBURGH VILLAGE HALL

1st Tasburgh Sea Scout Group

All three sections went to Eaton Vale for a group camp over the first weekend in April AFRICA – April Fools Reversed Indoor Camping Adventure – the theme was April Fools Day. Breakfast was bolognaise followed by cake and custard, and the evening meal was a full English breakfast! On Saturday afternoon, the Scouts prepared activities for the Beavers, followed by Cubs and Scouts doing kayaking, climbing, trapezing and ending with a campfire and s’mores. A great time was had by all.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts had a trip to Gravity in February for some trampolining fun.

There was a fundraising quiz on 25 February at the village hall, it was well attended with some great prizes. All profits were divided between the village hall and Scouts.

Cubs have been completing their Local knowledge badge, learning more about the village and the people that live here. They have also made bird boxes to be distributed around the village and are now starting on their personal challenge awards.

A number of our current leadership team have given notice that they will soon be leaving us, and others have expressed concerns that they are finding it difficult to give the time needed to carry out their role. Without more volunteers some or all of our sections may not be able to restart after the summer break. From a leadership team of 15 a few years ago, we now have 8 leaders and after the summer may only have 6 people which will not be enough to support all the sections.

As a minimum we need;

One Beaver leader

Two Cub leaders

Two Scout leaders

We need volunteers to commit to attending the weekly meetings on a regular basis to support the current leaders and to undertake some training to enable them to help with programme planning, organising activities and liaising with parents. Much as we appreciate the offer of occasional help from parents this is not enough and we need more uniformed leaders to share the workload.

Scouting is enjoyable for adults and young people so please do consider joining us and putting on a uniform. We're sure you will have fun!

If you think you can help, drop me an email or speak to any of the section leaders.

If you would like to get involved in any way drop Trudy an e-mail at trudymus@gmail.com

Trudy Musgrove

Preston Primary School

Burrfeld Park

A red Rowan was planted to celebrate the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and a smart looking surround and plaque has been put in place (our thanks to Andrew for installing this for us) Hopefully the coming year will allow us and all the volunteers to ensure the maintenance of the park continues for the enjoyment of all who care to visit.

Tasburgh Carers Group

Thursday 7th June, Social Club 10.30am-12.30pm

20th July & 17th Aug

Tasburgh Village Hall

Saturday 24th June Tasburgh Tea Rm 2-4pm

Saturday 22nd July Church Room 2-4pm

Saturday 26th Aug St Mary’s Church 2-4pm

Wednesday 14th June Tasburgh Village Hall AGM 7pm for 7.30pm

Saturday 24th June Eurolink Right Royal Safari Supper

See page 16 for ticket details

Newton Flotman Village Cinema

Tuesday June 20th A Man Called Otto 7.30pm

Tuesday July 18th The Banshees of Inisherin 7.30pm

Tuesday August 15th The Fabelmans 7.30pm

Roger Burnett

Healthy Planet - Healthy Communities

A BUGS LIFE

Those of us of a certain age might remember that driving home on a summers evening used to mean a windscreen splattered with midges. But have you noticed this never seems to happen these days? The reason for this is that the UK’s flying insect population has fallen sharply, an estimated 65%, in the last 20 years. And this matters.

This loss of our insects is a part of what is known as ‘biodiversity loss’. Biodiversity is a term that is used to describe the variety of life on Earth, in all its forms and all its interactions, which collectively make up a complex functioning system which we humans are a part of. Loss of parts of this system, such as the insects, whilst it might seem small, means that the whole system could stop functioning (think of an engine, or maybe your body, take away a small part and it and the whole thing can grind to a halt).

The reality is that the air you breathe, the water you drink and the food you eat, all rely on biodiversity. And insects play a really important part in the system. They are pollinators (they visit plants and take with them grains from spot to spot, enabling fruit or flowers to grow), they are predators of pests, they decompose waste for us, and crucially are the base of many wild food chains that support ecosystems.

Responsible for the decline in bug life are things like pesticides used in farming and land use change, such as roads and houses being built destroying natural habitats where insects thrive. But we can’t just blame the big guys, all of us with manicured or weed-free gardens are playing a part. Whilst we might not be able to influence things like agricultural practices there are, as individuals, lots of things we can do, big and small. Below are three examples of ways you can do your bit.

1. Create a nature-friendly garden – Leaving spaces (large or small) in your garden or community spaces to grow wild, or plant with native flower mixes. Planting native hedging and then resisting the urge to keep it ‘tidy’. Weeding by hand and resisting the urge to purge the weeds with chemicals.

2. Donate – Organisations such as the RSBP and the Wildlife Trust are working hard in these areas and your donations can support their great work.

3. Dietary changes – Small changes such as meatless Monday or buying organic produce when you can.

For more information on biodiversity loss visit www.worldwildlife.org or www.rspb.org.uk for ways you can get involved.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Jackie Trenavin

Tasburgh Treats

MINT CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

I have recently noticed that most of my recipes have cheese as an integral ingredient. For the sake of the vegan/dairy-free etc. Readers, this is a trend I am trying to buck, however, I made this cheesecake last year and it is the perfect dessert for summer. Initially the inspiration came from a recipe in a supermarket magazine but I made some adaptations for a more solid texture. I hope you enjoy.

Time : 45mins-hour plus overnight chilling Serves 8-10

100g butter

266g pack chocolate digestives (milk or dark)

Large handful (about 50g) of fresh mint

100g dark chocolate

100g white icing sugar

600g soft cream cheese

200ml double cream

Line the base of a standard round cake tin with greaseproof paper. For the base, crush the biscuits using a food processor or a rolling pin and bag. Melt the butter and tip the biscuits into the butter while it is still hot (this way some of the chocolate will melt a little and the base should stick together a bit better). Press this firmly into the base of the cake tin.

For the mint flavour, pick the leaves off of their stalks and place in a pan of boiling water until bright green, then submerge in a small bowl of ice-cold water. Then, take out (don’t bother drying) and chop very finely until almost a paste is made.

To prepare the other ingredients, roughly chop the chocolate until fairly fine but there are still some large chunks, sift the icing sugar into a bowl in order to get out any lumps, add this to the double cream and whip using an electric mixer until thick and forming stiff peaks.

Using a spatula, firstly beat the mint into the cream cheese then fold in the cream and chocolate – gently to avoid whipping the air out of the cream - until fully combined then spread out in the tin. Chill overnight.

To serve, run a butter knife around the edge of the cheesecake before turning out and slicing like a cake. Present topped with a few sprigs of mint leaf if you feel like impressing.

Tasburgh Allotment Society

News from down on the Allotments

Is late spring moving into early summer the finest time of the Year? The reasonable ‘guarantee’ of good weather is with us, but also its still all ahead of us as well. Everything is green and all seems fresh and possible. We have some events coming up in the diary for all to get involved with. Firstly, a Produce Show on September 16th. In preparation for this, here are the Produce Show Classes here. Note the new U16 classes to get the younger gardeners interested in growing some whoppers.

Tasburgh Allotment Society

The allotments are a buzz of activity right now. Not only on an individual basis but also the site generally. Not wishing to return to the rabbit infestation days, the last few weeks has seen some improved fencing being erected. Once completed a Notice Board will also be added to the site. On the plots, this was a spring of patience. March was very wet with some mild spells, but April reverted to a rather chilly snap. It’s been a case of, hold your horses, as my Dad would say. I’m writing this in early May and the frosts are still hanging around. Not sure I’ve ever seen the Rhubarb patch so healthy though. For strawberries, I’ve gone with the advice to move the patch this winter, keeping to a five year rotation. The patch looked to have run out of energy last year.

It would be great to hear from anyone wishing to enter the Tasburgh Scarecrow Trail. Prizes for hosting and spectating. Also, further over the horizon look out for the 2024 Open Gardens Trail. Please get in touch with me simon.orford@jic.ac.uk to register your interest. All types of gardens are most welcome. The more diverse the better

Simon Orford – Secretary to TAS

Tasburgh United Charities

IS THE ‘COST OF LIVING CRISIS’ AFFECTING YOU?

Tasburgh United Charities have a certain amount of money available each year to use in assisting residents of the Parish who, regardless of age, situation or reason, find themselves in need of financial help.

The ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ has seriously affected everyone, including many of us who were formerly financially secure. Traditionally, the Charities helped the ill, old and unemployed. However, with the cost of mortgages, food and heating soaring, more and more people find themselves unable to make ends meet. Statistics show that the people most likely to be struggling are young families where both parents may be in regular employment. If this is you, please do not struggle on in silence. Tasburgh United Charities are here to help ALL residents of Tasburgh, regardless of age or employment status.

If you do know someone who you believe is facing hardship but is reluctant to seek help, please do try to persuade them to apply to us. We hate to think that anyone may be struggling but be too proud to seek help. We never judge anyone, and all applications are treated with discretion and in the strictest confidence.

Usually assistance is given in the form of a payment towards general living expenses. However, we can also arrange a delivery of heating oil, or make a one-off payment towards a particular large expense, such as a new oil tank, or a school trip.

If you are a student off to university this year, even if you are still living at home, we can also make a contribution towards your living expenses.

If you would like assistance, to be considered for a distribution, or just a general chat about how to get help, please contact one of the trustees below. Application forms are also available to download from the Parish Council website, and can then be returned to any of the trustees.

Poet’s Corner

Uncontrollable

The weather is an entity, It’s power shapes our lives, Hot enough to burn the skin, Cold cutting like a knife.

The weather can be angry, Howling winds and lashing rain, Gales and tornadoes, Roaring like a train.

The weather aids the farmer, Sunshine increasing yields, Though it can be detrimental, Drowning crops and flooding fields.

The weather shapes the seaside, Blue skies and sun mean crowds, But the beaches are deserted, When the sky is cloaked in clouds.

The weather makes our minds up, It determines what we plan, When we look out of the window, We change our schedules if we can.

The weather is omnipotent, It cannot be stopped or changed, All we can do is watch and wait, While our lives are rearranged.

The weather has no conscience, Neither sorrow nor remorse, Unpredictable, insentient, A carefree, random force.

The weather has no boundaries, It acknowledges no law, Mankind cannot control it, We must just look on in awe!

Robert Buttle

Allotments

Some days I get my hoe, I take my flask and off I go To the allotment and hope to see What new things have grown for me.

I stare at the plots as I walk by, Others have been down and had a try You can tell those who know what to do,all those green shoots coming through.

I open the shed to get the tools, Check the seed packs and their rules Then dig and hoe along the rows Where do these weeds come from? Heaven knows.

Out with the rake to prepare the bed, Feeling good, but what’s this instead? Stones enough for a shingle beach A good soil base is beyond my reach. Usually it’s too dry or wet, Too windy or sunny you can bet Never ideal for sowing our stuff So an hour or two that’s enough.

Our session done we can relax and know, All the wonderful crops that will grow, Come the summer when the plants grow tall, We won’t have to shop at Tescos after all.

Janice Beckett

If you would be interested in helping to distribute the Quarterly please contact tasburghpc@btinternet.com for further information

Tasburgh History Society

Commander William Gwyn of Tasburgh Lodge

William Gwyn was born at Pensthorpe in 1797 into what was clearly a wealthy family. At the age of 19 he was appointed a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy but unlike the British army, the navy did not sell commissions so his appointment would have been on merit after a minimum of three years’ service as a midshipman. That means he would have been no older than 16 on joining and would have seen service towards the end of the Napoleonic War.

By1827however,asthenavyscaledbackitsoperations,hehadbeenplacedonthe reserve list on half-pay and was living in Bergh Apton. We know this because the Tasburgh manorial court records have an entry for his purchase that year of Elm Farm,nowTrampsHall,atthejunctionofFairsteadLanewiththeA140mainroadfor £2,260, equivalent to about £2 million in today’s terms, so clearly he was a man of considerable independent means rather than just a half-pay junior naval officer. The following year he bought Tasburgh Lodge, now Tasburgh Hall, with 170 acres of farmland without selling Elm Farm, and it is clear from the 19th century census returnsthatTasburghLodgewashishome.Abouttenyear’searlierhisolderbrother, Richard, had bought a 260 acre farm at Stratton St. Michael and was living in the three story house with its cedar trees on the way to Long Stratton, which may have been the reason why William came to live in Tasburgh.

He and Mary had at least twelve children, including nine daughters in succession sandwiched between three sons. An 1891 memorial in the church records that their second son, Hammond Wesson Gwyn, had been a General in the Royal Marines. In 1840 William Gwyn was appointed a Justice of the Peace and was one of the magistrates at the local court in Long Stratton. There is a report of one case in 1852 which involved an accusation by the Rev. Carter Moore, curate of Flordon, that he had been assaulted by the local postman, both of whom would probably have been knowntoMrGwyn,whowouldhavebeenawarethatthiswasnotthefirsttimethat theRev.Moorehad“beenatvariancewithsomeoneormoreofhisneighbours”.The Rev. Moore’s father, who was also a vicar, wrote to the court in support of his son, butMrGwyninreply“advisedhimtoremovehissonfromFlordon,assoonerorlater he would get himself into serious scraps”. This led to a degree of animosity on the part of the Flordon curate, and one evening as Mr Gwyn was leaving the train at Flordon Station, the Rev. Moore “cursed him and his family and all belonging to him in the most vehement manner”. Perhaps not surprisingly, Mr Moore had the curate arrested for contempt. He was committed to prison in Norwich castle, and the Bishop of Norwich deprived him of his licence.

By 1851 the census indicates that William Gwyn was by then farming 250 acres and employingsixmenandthreeboys.Asanavalofficerstillonthereservelist,hewould have received promotion by seniority and by 1871 was described as Commander Gwyn RN but in 1880 he died at Tasburgh Hall nd was buried in Stratton St Mary churchyard.

Ben Goodfellow

Hethersett & Tas Valley Cricket Club

And just like that, the winter is over, and new season of cricket is upon us at Tas. This year we are celebrating 20 years at our home ground in Flordon, and it is fitting that this season marks the first for our club competing in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance Premier Division. We hope it can be a season to remember for us all. The grounds are looking fantastic right now and over the months ahead they will be at their very best.

If the season could be forecast by all the hard work carried out prior to its start, then it will be a very special one indeed for our members. Firstly, a special debt of gratitude is due to the Ellis family for their generosity in allowing our club to use their fantastic grounds to host cricket.

Our new committee has been busy over the winter, building on strong foundations from the previous team and developing new links with a host of new partnerships in the local business community.

The club has been a hive of activity over many weeks, as a large team of volunteers have been busy refurbishing our clubhouse and pitches ready for a demanding season of 80+ games ahead. In the close season we have invested heavily in coaching equipment and our facilities. We’re really excited for the possibilities that these developments offer to our members.

By the time you read this, our clubhouse renovations will be complete, providing a welcoming environment to socialise with draught beers from £3.50 per pint and a fully stocked bar.

We welcome new members from the ages from 5 to 75 and beyond, so therefore if you are interested in joining us in either a playing or social capacity, we would love to hear from you, either by signing up on our membership service via the QR code below, or by dropping me an email.

Matt Bird Club Chair htvcommitteee@gmail.com

Tasburgh Carers Group

Our carers group continues to offer a warm welcome, a cuppa and biscuit and an opportunity to chat, make new friends and experience peer support.

New members are always welcome, please pass our information on to any friends, neighbours or relatives from Tasburgh or surrounding villages who may be interested in connecting with us.

We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 10.30 – 12.00 in the social club room.

Future dates:

18th May, 15th June, 20th July, 17th August

For further information you can contact the secretary of the group (Rachel Mahoney)

Tel 01508 471271 email rachel.mahoney71@gmail.com

Tharston & District WI

April is now the beginning of the WI year and we welcomed three new members to join us. The first meeting of our year is always a little hectic as subs are paid and new programmes collected. We have a large membership of varying ages but are a fun and friendly group. In March all were given an Easter present of a Norfolk WI mug filled with chocolate eggs. Lovely! Our speaker was Mrs Frances Middleton with an interesting talk about Fairtrade in Nepal and included tales of her visits there. Delicious cakes were then served with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee.

In April we held a jumble sale in Long Stratton with a good number of customers who bought a lot of items. We were still left with a huge number of things to take to various charity shops. We were fortunate that we had many good quality items. The monies raised go towards the activities provided for all our members as well as a donation to charity. As the WI is a charity for women’s wellbeing and education, we must be careful that we donate to a permitted cause. A group of members went for a walk round Old Buckenham Country Park to raise money for ACWW which supports women’s groups round the world , usually in developing nations. We will also have a collection of ‘small change’ at our next meeting to make a more substantial donation.

Our May meeting is to be a Coronation celebration event when a lovely buffet will be provided as well as some fizz to toast the new King. Members wearing red, white and blue, and maybe a tiara or crown will certainly look in keeping with the event. As it is also the meeting when we consider the resolution that is discussed at the Annual Meeting in June, we will undertake an activity on the theme of ‘Clean rivers and clean water’. It would be great if we could say – “Leave your purse at home”, and this should be possible for this special evening. For most meetings there are usually delicious cakes, pastry and preserves as well as books and plants for sale. The members who bring these items receive 90% of the proceeds.

We look forward to our May meeting in the Coronation week when we will all enjoy a lovely buffet and fizz as well as a fun evening. Hopefully all will be dressed appropriately in red white blue with tiaras and crowns to be worn! The villages surrounding Tharston make up the ‘& District’ in our name.

We meet at Wacton Village Hall on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30. Usually, we have a speaker, much chatting and always tea and cake!

Heather Jeary, heatherjearywi@gmail.com

Community Emergency Plan

If you are a local business who does not advertise in the Quarterly, then why not consider doing so. The Quarterly is published every quarter and is delivered free of charge to residents in Tasburgh

COST OF ADVERTISING

If you wish to advertise in the Quarterly please contact tasburghpc@btinternet.com. prices as follows:

Greyscale: full page £54.40, half page £38.40, quarter page £20.00

Colour: full page £104.00, half page £72.00, quarter page £40.00

Discount of 10% available to those living and trading in Tasburgh, and a further 5% when four issues are booked and paid for in advance