Changes to the restrictions on free plans on issuu.com
If you normally read the Parish News on issuu.com then please let me know by emailing bg.pn@btinternet.com. The July 2025 issue has had to be published here in two halves due to the additional restrictions.
If there is enough demand then we will commit to a paid account else we would encourage you to read the Parish News in other ways.
It is available as a PDF to download on the Brancaster Parish Council website at: https://www.brancaster-pc.gov.uk/our-community/newsletter/
Or on Burnham Deepdale website at: https://burnhamdeepdale.co.uk/parish-news/
Thank you for your continued support,
Kind regards,
Alan Wright on behalf of Brancaster Group Parish News
BRANCASTER, BRANCASTER STAITHE, BURNHAM DEEPDALE, TITCHWELL, CHOSELEY
THE RECTOR: Interregnum
ASSISTANT PRIEST HUNSTANTON & SAXON SHORE BENEFICE:
The Rev’d James Monro Tel 01485 518342
RETIRED CLERGY: The Rev'd Phil Unsworth Tel 01485 532436
The Rev’d Sandra Ellison Tel 01485 298852
The Rev’d Steve Wood Tel 07704 922 984
July can seem like an ‘in-between’ time. Since November the church has celebrated major festivals including Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity. The time between major festivals is known as ordinary time. For some it is the major festivals that are important, times when we know ‘where we are’. However without the time between, time to reflect, the major festivals would not hold such an important place in the life of the church. And for others July can also seem like an in-between time. For our young people examinations are over and until results are in definite plans for the future cannot be made. For those waiting to begin their first paid job the last few weeks at school can seem like a waste of time. Others are just waiting for the school holidays to begin to get away on annual leave. Some older folk, perhaps grandparents long for the holidays as they will see families and friends who live away, maybe even having grandchildren to stay. Waiting for the next step in our lives can feel frustrating. But this in-between time can be vital if we are to make the most of the next step - whatever that may be, wherever that may take us. This in-between time is a time to relax, to consolidate and to give thought to how the major festivals and special times have, and will in the future, influence our lives.
Have you ever tried ‘just being’? Just being still for a few moments each day can really help to restore our energy that can be exhausted by major festivals or occasions, or simply being caught up in the fast track of everyday life. Try sitting in the garden, or looking out of a window and reflecting on a flower or plant, or perhaps a favourite painting or picture. Take time to look at the colour or shape, think of all the stages that object or image has gone through to be where it is today, who or what else may have had a part in its development. Taking time just to be where we are at this moment, without worrying over the future or what we have to do to prepare for the next major festival or occasion in our lives, can help us to face that next step. Jesus knew the importance of in-between time. He was often to be found using the time between major occasions in his life to reflect on where his life was and where it was to be in the future. He spent time alone, time in thought and prayer. Through this Jesus was able to listen to God. Prayer, meditation, being in touch with our inner self - whichever language we prefer to use - is time well spent to assist us on our next step in life, to be well prepared for the next major festival or occasion of life, however exciting or at times difficult or frightening that may be.
With God’s blessing, Sandra Ellison, priest assisting during the vacancy.
JULY SERVICES IN THE HUNSTANTON & SAXON SHORE
CW = Common Worship. BCP = Book of Common Prayer. HC = Holy Communion. MP = Service of Morning Prayer (no bread and wine).
Family service = Shorter service with lighting of candles (no bread and wine).
Sunday 6th July
9.00 am
Third after Trinity
Thursday 10th
Sunday 13th Fourth after Trinity
am “
am Burnham Deepdale
Sunday 27th
Sixth after Trinity 8.30 am Titchwell
am “
am
9.00 am
am Hunstanton
6.00 pm Old Hunstanton
6.00 pm Burnham Deepdale Sea Service
MAKING SPACE CAFÉ, supported by the Norfolk Community Foundation. Wednesdays each week, 10 am - 12 noon, at St Edmund’s Church hall, Hunstanton. An official ‘Warm Space’. For Hot Spot lunches at Brancaster please contact Babs Wade 01485 522273 or hotspotlunches@gmail.com
A FEW HOUSEKEEPING REGULATIONS DURING THE INTERREGNUM
Whilst we are without a rector our Rural Dean, Peter Cook, takes over that responsibility. Please contact Peter in the first instance for all enquiries with regard to weddings, funerals and baptisms. Peter’s phone number is 01485 517157.
The Diocesan Registrar is responsible for all memorials in a churchyard - headstones and plaques. During a vacancy all requests for these must go through the Registrar. The person/stonemason making the request should contact the Registrar directly: see website www.norwichdiocesanregistry.co.uk Church wardens and priests assisting during the interregnum cannot give permission for these.
ST HENRY WALPOLE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BURNHAM MARKET
Mass times: Sundays 9.30 am, Fridays 9.30 am. Holy Days of Obligation: see notice board in Church porch. Further information: catholicparishofwalsingham.org
NEWS FROM BURNHAM DEEPDALE CHURCH
For details of the services at Deepdale, please see page 2 or the roadside board at the church.
Sea Service 6 pm, Sunday 27th July We are very pleased to be able to hold our Sea Service again this year. We do hope you will come and join us in celebrating the sea and all it gives us. Put the date and time in your diary now! As always we are very grateful to the Southerland family for being willing to decorate the church in the beautiful way they have done countless times before.
Plant Stall at Deepdale Farmhouse gate This is going well and by the end of May had raised about £360 which is not as much as last year but we had a later start. However, at the time of writing, June is looking very good. Thank you to everyone who has supported it both with donating plants and buying them. It will continue through the summer so do call by to have a look or bring any plants or produce you have spare.
Books in the Porch We have lots of second-hand Books at £1 each in the church porch. By the end of May we had raised £111 - thank you to all who have donated books or purchased them. Come and have a browse and do drop off any ‘good reads’ you no longer want but which others would enjoy. Please do not leave cookery, gardening, or hard back books as they just don’t sell. Funds from both the Plant Stall and the Books go to our church building maintenance fund.
Lunch for Parish News Helpers We held a celebration buffet lunch for over 40 people in BSBDVH in early June. This was to thank all the volunteers past and present who make our Parish News happen each and every month. These contributors have helped produce, print, collate and deliver over 600 issues to date. The very first issue was just a couple of pages written by our then priest, The Rev Michael Crawshaw, in 1971. That means this community has been producing our Parish News for over 54 years! For over thirty years our editor Christine Highmoor has been involved, so we were able to honour and thank her for her tireless work and to thank everyone who has been, and indeed still is, involved. Grateful thanks to the kind members of the Deepdale PCC and others who personally provided the wine and delicious buffet.
... and a huge thank you from all of us who very much enjoyed and appreciated the occasion. Ed
ST MARY’S CHURCH, TITCHWELL
Please see page 2 for the regular services for July. NB the Benefice Service on Sunday 29th June. The Flower Ladies There are currently six of us, Jayne, Jeannette. Marie, Susan, Victoria and myself (Carol). Needless to say we all love flowers and are keen gardeners but we also love working in the very special building and atmosphere of St Mary's Church.
To us the floral arrangements are part of the Service in the same way as the music. As the music reflects the Service we too try to reflect special days, dates, events and seasons in the floral arrangements we create. For example for our service on 4th May Jayne recognised the VE celebrations using red, white and blue in all 3 arrangements. Likewise on Easter Sunday I was able to use the Easter Lilies to represent the 11 (remaining) disciples in the displays behind the altar and 3 lilies on the altar to represent the Holy Trinity. All of us recognise that St Mary's is a small village church and for the weekly arrangements we try to keep the arrangements simple, but for Easter, Harvest Festival and Christmas we have a theme and colour scheme which we work to as a team. We shall be meeting in the late summer to work on the plans for this year’s Harvest Festival and have set ourselves a real challenge this year as we've made the theme "No Waste". Ideas are already being discussed, and if you want to see the end result then do come to Titchwell church during week 7th -13th September, or better still attend the service. Carol Gifford
BRANCASTER PARISH COUNCIL
Brancaster Beach Car Park Passes Applications
Midyear Applications 21st June - 12th July 2025 (for lost or damaged passes, etc.)
https://forms.gle/xaLdHSJpue9YQLHr7
2026/2027 Applications: Open now, closing 21st March 2026. Phone applications Feb & March 2026 only. https://forms.gle/2VxRjj9hFWULWUro8
No internet access? Call Cllr Annalisa Dovey during application open dates on a Monday or a Tuesday on 07810 775 533 for assistance.
Brancaster School With great regret we confirm the closure of the Brancaster Village School by The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT). Our cherished school is being amalgamated with Docking C of E Primary Academy. The Local Education Authority is considering changing the catchment area to enable children from Brancaster to be served by the Burnham Market Primary School from 1st September 2025. The Parish Council's thanks and gratitude goes out to everyone who has helped in trying to save the school, from our MP to parents, teachers, and parishioners; your support was greatly appreciated and demonstrates what is best about our village.
Brancaster Village Hall Car Park 4 out of 5 tenders have been received and will be considered at the next council meeting.
Hedge to Playing field Brancaster Village Hall Hedge cutting has commenced and work is ongoing. Green Day will be Saturday 27th September. The Council’s intention is to support and enable the community to run and manage the event. For further information please do not hesitate to contact Cllr Carpenter cllr.val.carpenter@brancaster-pc.gov.uk
Next Meeting: Tuesday 1st July at Brancaster Staithe & Deepdale Village Hall at 6.30 pm.
As ever any Questions or Concerns that relate to the Parish or the Parish Council, please contact Philip Stone the Parish Clerk: clerk@brancaster-pc.gov.uk. Tel: 07519 163 895.
VJ DAY – SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2025
Join the community as we gather for complimentary tea and cakes at Brancaster Village Hall at 2.30 pm and hear a fascinating talk from 3-4 pm from Brig (Ret’d) D C Wakefield OBE entitled ‘The End of the War in the Pacific’. This is a free event, and all the community are invited to come and mark this important occasion. This event is sponsored by Brancaster Parish Council. For information, please contact Cllr Briony Bax at cllr.briony.bax@brancaster-pc.gov.uk.
NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL (Written by Thrift Class)
We have got “living eggs” in Thrift Class. We have been watching them hatch and the chicks are so cute. Thank you to the PFA who paid for them.
We are caring for our vegetables and have even planted more. Everything is growing well and we already picked our lettuces to eat.
We are doing sewing in art. It is quite fun but quite hard but Stanley’s Mum and Kya’s Nanny are helping. Thank you because it must be hard for you too.
Miss Winterbourn, our TA, has passed her apprenticeship and got her certificate. We told the people who came to watch her how good she is and they agreed!
We have all now done our SATs and just have to wait for results. We don’t think they went too badly, so fingers crossed.
Our play equipment has been repaired, thanks to the Parish Council and the PFA. We LOVE being able to play on it again.
This half term we have got a trip to Brancaster Oysters and two trips to Deepdale farm and a whole school trip to Hunstanton to the Sea Life Centre and the beach. Year 6s have got lots of things planned including visiting their new schools. And, of course, we have Sports Day coming up.
We have had two Forest School sessions at Docking, which were brilliant!
And a note from Mrs Bocking: Finally, and sadly, we have had the long awaited decision on our future - the merger is to go ahead, with our school closing on the last day of term.
We are still processing the news – but please don’t forget our “Big Tea Party” on Friday 18th July 2 - 4 pm to celebrate 163 years of our wonderful school and to say goodbye. We will begin with the children giving a music performance, there will be a bouncy castle for those that can still bounce, games, photo board, food and drink, etc.
To help with the catering and general arrangements, please let us know if you're coming by the 11th July. Call or text 07765 488 872, or email arobinson1812@gmail.com, or Sarah Bocking at sbocking@stmaryfed.org.uk, or Clare Dixon at claredixon@gmail.com
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting us over the years – the community has always been heavily involved with the school, which has meant so much to the staff and has hugely benefited the children and made things possible that otherwise we would not have been able to offer. Thanks to you, we have provided a good education to generations of children and turned out cohorts of good citizens who have gone on to great things. Hopefully we have, in our turn, also contributed to village life and enriched the community as well. And so many of you joined the “save our school” campaign which bought us time and enabled us to finish the year, going out on a high. I was humbled by your response and only wish we could thank you all individually.
Term finishes on Tuesday 22nd July with our Leavers’ Service at 2 pm in Brancaster Church. Our Year 6s have so much to celebrate and to look forward to as they move on – but it will also be the final goodbye to everyone. We plan to make it as special as possible, despite the circumstances.
Contact Stephen Clark 01485 210810
info@pebblesframing.co.uk www.pebblesphotography.co.uk
Gary Bocking 01485 210408
email: bocking554@btinternet.com
Simon Leverett Carpets &
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Supplied & Fitted
Choose at home from a comprehensive range of floorings and blinds. Designs from modern to traditional to suit all budgets. 01485 518 018 07760 462788
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Mandy Glass
Personal Travel Consultant
01485 765017 07760 338546 mandyglass.ptc@hays-travel.co.uk www.haystravel.co.uk/mandy-glass UK cottages to world cruises
Available to hire
Village Hall
Please see website for details, availability and booking arrangements or email bsbdvh.bookingagent@gmail.com www.bsbdvh.org.uk
Iain Sell
Piano Tuner and Technician 07709 850045 iain@isellpianos.co.uk
MARCUS TOWNSHEND
General gardening
Grass cutting Hedge cutting etc.
Competitive rates 8 Saxon Field Brancaster 01485 210513 07879 119432
MLG Driver Training
Based in Brancaster, travel to many areas… Contact: Helen Wicks 07899 966 506 helenadi@aol.com
Over 20 years experience. Former Driving Examiner. Training tailored to learner needs. Dyslexia? Dyspraxia? Anxiety? Nervous? Other needs? Together, we can get you on the road!
Main Road, Brancaster Mark Childs
MUSIC IN THE BURNHAMS
– Brancaster Church Saturday 12th July
We continued to enjoy some quite remarkable music during June and impress the audiences with the quality of music at Music in the Burnhams. One of the world’s most famous double bass players, Leon Bosch showed us that the bass is not just for the back row of the orchestra. The Beethoven horn sonata sounded as good on the bass as it does on the horn and, as for the glorious 18 Negro Spirituals, Paul Robeson could not have done better.
At 7.30 pm on Saturday 12th July at St Mary’s Church, Brancaster British Saxophonist Rob Burton, who won the Woodwind Category Final of BBC Young Musician 2018 and went on to secure a place in the Grand Final, will be joined by Texan pianist Mark Rogers who won First prize in the Royal Philharmonic Society Young Classical Writers Awards in 2021. Rob and Mark will play Schumann, Debussy and Ravel. Tickets cost £20 (under 18s come free) and available via the website/on the door or call 07989 177 079.
Workshop July is the time of year when we have our workshop at Burnham Market Primary School which culminates in a costumed production on the last day. This year Jodie Wiggins, Callum Adkins and Charlie Eastwood have written a special production, using a selection of popular songs, for the school and over the 4 days from 8th to 11th July they will be working hard with the students to put on another memorable performance on Friday 11th July at 6 pm.
This will include most of the school for, as well as the singers, there are prop makers, screen painters, costume designers and stage management roles to fill. As this will be Jodie, Callum and Charlie’s third year overseeing the workshop it will be extra special, we are sure. Tickets are just £10 each and details for all events are on www.musicintheburnhams.com or ring 07989 177079.
DEEPDALE FARM
Introduction to Green Woodworking 1-day courses: Sunday 6th July, Saturday 6th September, 10 am – 4 pm. All tools provided by our very patient tutor, Richard, who will guide you through all the processes, so no experience necessary. Gift vouchers available and private groups possible.
Bat Walk with Norfolk & Norwich Bat Group Saturday 26th July, 8.30 pm. Join us to explore the fascinating world of bats. An expert volunteer from the Norfolk & Norwich Bat Group will provide the equipment and knowledge to discover the various species that utilise the habitats within our woodland.
Conservation volunteering Sessions run fortnightly on Thursdays 9.30-12.30. We’ll be working on hedges, woodland, dykes and more. Email us if you’d like more details or to get involved –enquiries@deepdalefarm.co.uk. Full details and further dates of our activities can be found on our website www.deepdalefarm.co.uk or follow us on social media @deepdalefarm.
It was great to see so many familiar faces at Open Farm Sunday, thank you for coming and supporting our event! We hope you learnt a little about food, farming and nature. See you next year.
THE JOLLY SAILORS
Shanty Mondays 7 pm. Join in and sing-along as Nelson’s Shantymen rehearse their repertoire in readiness for the Annual Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival in September - roving Sea Shanty groups singing around the village.
Charity Quiz Tuesday 1st July, 8 pm. Meet Hollie, our new Bar Manager and Quizmaster - there’s a £100 ACI token in the pot for the winning team. Proceeds to Big C Norfolk Charity.
King’s Lynn ‘Ukes’ Saturday 12th July, 1 pm. Join us in the Jolly garden for entertainment from a funloving ukulele group with good times, laughter and friendship at the heart of everything they do.
It’s time for A ‘Jolly’ Tiki Garden Party Saturday 26th July from 12 noon - grass skirts optional! Shaken cocktails from the garden bar, games, DJ, themed snacks - what a party.
2 for 1 Pizza Thursdays served 12 noon to 9 pm. Eat in or Takeaway. Enjoy your favourite ‘stone baked’ to perfection Pizza, combo choice with the cheaper Pizza FREE (not available in school holidays). Simon, Nick, Mollie, Matt, Hollie & The Jolly Sailors Team
THE WHITE HORSE
Our summer events are in full swing, and we are loving seeing you. Lobsters, lobsters and more lobsters this month – No need to book at any of our events.
Lobster BBQ Weekend, Friday 11th, Saturday 12th July, 12 noon ‘til late. Sunday 13th July, 12 noon ‘til 9 pm. Norfolk lobsters BBQ’d with all the trimmings, delicious, live music from midday each day. Fundraising for the Fishermen’s Mission
Norfolk Lobster & ‘Fizz’ Festival Friday 25th, Saturday 26th July, 12 noon ‘til late. Sunday 27th July, 12 noon ‘til 9 pm. Norfolk Lobster and English sparkling, a fabulous combination. Live music from midday each day. See you there. Rob, Fran, Rosie, Kinga & The White Horse Team
BRANCASTER CAMERA CLUB
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 15th July at 7 pm in Brancaster Staithe Village Hall. The theme for the evening will be 'Walsingham'. Visitors are always welcome at our club evenings so if you are in the area on holiday, or just have an interest in photography, please feel free to come along. Admission is £5 to include refreshments. Contact Wendy Calow on 01553 674725 or Sue Till on 01485 210013.
DEEPDALE AND BRANCASTER STAITHE TENNIS CLUB
Our two lovely courts in the middle of the village are available for play by both members and visitors. Have a look at our website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/DBSTennisClub. Booking is available in half-hour slots for up to 90 minutes per person per day and is free for paid up members. For visitors the court fee is £10 an hour and you can pay online via Stripe. Log on to our website, go to the Court Booking tab and follow the instructions.
Thank you to everyone who has renewed their membership for another year. It's not too late to do so if you haven't yet. The membership year runs from 1stApril to 31st March 2026. Everyone is welcome to join our Club. Again go to the website, click on the Membership tab and follow the instructions.
Junior Coaching Weekly tennis coaching sessions for juniors are being held on Wednesday mornings during the Norfolk school summer holidays with Becky Palmer, our LTA coach on the following dates:
30th July, 6th, 13th and 20th August. There will be two sessions each week for different ages: 10.45 -11.30 am for 4-7 year olds. £1.50 per session (members). £3 per session (visitors). 11.30 am -12.30 pm for 8-11 year olds. £2.50 per session (members). £5 per session (visitors).
Numbers will be strictly limited to 12 children in each group. Come to individual sessions or to them all but it’s essential to book with our Junior Tennis Co-ordinator, Carrie Hendry, by email to juniortennis@brancasterstaithe.co.uk and pay in advance via BACS to Deepdale and Brancaster Staithe Tennis Club a/c 20195022 sort code 20 30 81. Please give reference ‘holiday coaching’. 2025 Kids Tennis Summer Camp Do you have tennis mad kids? Little ones that want to give tennis a go? Or just need a chance for them to let off steam and have some tennis-based fun? Parents, do you need some time free of the children? Deepdale and Brancaster Staithe Tennis Club are running a series of three Summer Camp mornings for kids aged 8-12. Run by Becky, our wonderful LTA coach, sessions will involve tennis coaching, friendly games and other ball sports and activities. Tuesdays 29th July and 5th, 12th August, 9.30 am - 12 noon. £7.50 per child per session (members), £10 per child (visitors). Book individual mornings or all three, by contacting Carrie Hendry, by email to juniortennis@brancasterstaithe.co.uk and pay in advance via BACS to Deepdale and Brancaster Staithe Tennis Club a/c 20195022 sort code 20 30 81. Please give reference ‘Summer camp’.
NEWS FROM BRANCASTER VILLAGE HALL (BVH)
Brancaster Summer Party, Saturday 26th July, 3 to 11 pm: the major annual community event with food and music.
Regular groups Our regular groups – Yoga, Baby and Toddler, Fitness Fusion, Beginners’ Pilates and Coffee Mornings - continue as usual, along with visits from the Library Van. Bar 71 continues to offer a warm welcome and to host darts, skittles and quiz nights.
Brancaster Stores and Post Office are introducing a new range of Dann’s Ice Cream, as well as some doggy ice cream. We are looking to extend hours (further details to follow) and welcome Michelle as a new member of the team.
Art Studio Don’t forget to visit the Art Studio, which has an amazing display of paintings and art works: you will be assured of a warm welcome. Further information about these and other activities can be found on our website at brancastervillagehall.communitybookings.co.uk or on Facebook and Instagram. For enquiries, please contact us at bvhsetup@gmail.com
TOM’S TRUST - WINE TASTING EVENING AT BVH
On Saturday 5th July you are invited to a Wine Tasting Evening supporting children with brain tumours, being held in Brancaster Village Hall at 6 pm. Tickets £30, to include wine and nibbles, are available from debs@tomstrust.org.uk
THE ROBERT SMITH TRUST
There is a vacancy at No 2 Robert Smith Cottages, London Street, Brancaster. Any one of pensionable age living or having connections with Brancaster, Brancaster Staithe, Burnham Deepdale, Thornham and Titchwell is invited to apply direct in writing to: The Clerk, Jane Gould, Brette Cottage, Cross Lane, Brancaster PE31 8AE or by email jjgould10@gmail.com