OCTOBER 2025
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
Dear Friends
By the beginning of October the glorious season of autumn is in full swing. The spectacular colours of nature are all around us as the leaves, trees and hedges turn to gold, orange, red, yellow and all colours inbetween. Much of nature is preparing for the colder climate of winter. Berries on the trees and hedges give the birds a final ‘good’ meal before the scarcity of winter. Fallen leaves allow hedgehogs and other animals to make warm places in which to hibernate. Squirrels store nuts to help them through the winter. And it is not just birds and animals that use the fruits of autumn to help the winter pass. Blackberries and other fruits of the hedgerows can still be picked and made into delicious jams, marmalades, pickles and chutneys. Sweet chestnuts can be collected and carefully stored for roasting at Christmas. Our young people can have fun kicking and shuffling through fallen leaves and playing conkers with horse chestnuts, All provided free by nature.
Are we able to step back from busy lives to see the wonders of nature? To appreciate the fullness of the colours and the way nature - plants, trees, fruits, berries, birds and animals - works together to prepare for the next season? Can we take time to see that as autumn prepares for a slowing down there is also new life to be seen? The last leaves to fall are those from the beech tree which only fall when next year’s buds push them off. The rhododendrons already have next year’s flowers in well formed buds. Seeds which formed following the flowers of summer have fallen to the ground and are beginning to take root, ready to flower in the spring. Many female animals are carrying young during late autumn and winter and need to prepare for giving birth next spring.
The last day of October is All Hallows Eve or Halloween. With the days getting shorter and colder it is necessary to re-light hearth fires. Druid priests would light a community fire using a wheel to represent the sun. Folk took a flame from this to re-light the fire in their hearths, thus blessing their home fires and keeping evil spirits at bay during the darkening days. During the 8th century Pope Gregory tried to replace this fire festival with the Christian festival of All Saints or All Hallows day on November 1st. Thus 31st October became All Hallows Eve – Halloween. However this didn’t completely stop the former fire festival and a jack-o-lantern - originally a carved turnip, later a pumpkin with a candle inside - would be placed at the entrance to a home to keep evil spirits away. From the 15th century the poor were allowed to go from door to door begging for food, called soul cakes. These were given in exchange for the praying for the souls of the givers and their friends. Was this the origins of trick or treating?
Traditions may change, understandings may change but our basic needs and those of nature do not. Just like nature we need to find time just to be at one with ourselves and in tune with nature.
Jesus knew the importance of spending time away from the business of the crowds, the importance of making space for himself. For Jesus this was time spent often in prayer to God to reassure himself that he was on the right path. To refresh his strength to continue on his mission to show to the world the love of God. Autumn with its wonderful colours is just the time to make space for ourselves.
With God’s blessing, Sandra Ellison, priest assisting during the vacancy.
OCTOBER SERVICES IN THE HUNSTANTON & SAXON SHORE BENEFICE
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).
Friday 3rd October
6.00 pm Holme-next-the-Sea Harvest
Sunday 5th
Sixteenth
-next-the-Sea
Thursday 9th 10.00 am Ringstead Midweek Holy Communion
Sunday 19th Eighteenth after Trinity
am
Thursday 23rd 10.00 am
-next-the-Sea
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
JOAN MARION WALSHAW, aged 102 of Brancaster Staithe, died 2nd September 2025. Funeral service at Mintlyn Crematorium on 17th September.
NEWS FROM ST MARY'S, BURNHAM DEEPDALE
For details of all the services at Deepdale, please see page 2 or the roadside noticeboard. There are two important dates this month.
Churchyard Workparty Tuesday 7th October, 9.30 am-12 noon. Can you help for an hour or two to tidy up the corners that need it before the winter sets in? Bring your favourite tools – strimmers are very useful, but secateurs, rakes, shears and handsaws are too. You will be rewarded with refreshments and lots of chat!
We will celebrate our Harvest Festival on 19th October, 10.15 am at our Family Service. Do come and join us in thanksgiving for ‘all good things around us’ which will include not only the food from our gardens and the fields, but also for the harvest of good works that happens in our community.
Plant Stall at Deepdale Farmhouse gate To date we have raised £925.09. A massive ‘Thank you’ to everyone who has supported it. It will be closing for the year at the end of October, so please do not bring any plants after that date, but nurture them until the spring when it will be open again.
Books in the Porch Our second-hand books for sale at £1 each have raised £416.75 to date, so thank you to all who have donated books or purchased them. The books will remain until the October half-term week or when stocks run out. Funds from both the Plant Stall and the Books go to our church building maintenance fund.
ST MARY’S CHURCH, TITCHWELL
I recently became aware of a new season for our churches - Creationtide. This apparently began in the Orthodox Churches in 1989, and is dedicated to God as Creator and Sustainer of life. It begins on 1st September and ends on 4th October, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the animals and also latterly of the environment. St Francis, who did his best to follow the simple lifestyle of Jesus of Nazareth, and said that he was married to “Lady Poverty” would, I am sure, have been critical of a movement, largely confined to the United States, termed “Dominionism”. This interprets God’s words to Adam in the second of the creation stories of the Book of Genesis, and translated in the King James biblehave dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth - as a licence to pillage the natural resources of our planet, regardless of the consequences. This word dominion is a 400 year-old translation of a Hebrew word that today would be better translated as a benign kind of mastery.Today that sounds gentler to our ears, as the meaning of words often undergo subtle changes over the centuries. However, a single interpretation of this word dominion by certain conservative evangelical Christians in the United States appears to be driving the environmental, or rather anti-environmental, policies of the Trump administration. St Francis wrote these words as part of his Hymn of Creation: Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Earth, our Mother, who nourishes us and sustains us. We are as much creatures of the earth as the rest of creation, and intricately bound up in its welfare.
Glorious God, the whole of creation proclaims your marvellous work: increase in us a capacity to wonder and delight in it, that heaven's praise may echo in our hearts, and our lives be spent as good stewards of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
With my prayers and best wishes for you all, James Monro, Assistant Priest.
BURNHAM MARKET AREA COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME (BMACCS)
Please ring Linda on 07301 011 303 to book a driver or to discuss joining the team. Passengers are primarily taken for medically related appointments. Journeys can be local or long distance. Mileage expenses paid as per HMRC guidelines. Drivers choose to do from less than one journey a month to several trips a week.
ELECTRIC BLANKETS Free Safety Testing Events being held in Norfolk as follows:
Take your electric blanket, heated throw or small portable heater along for a free safety check. The events are being run by Norfolk Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service to help people stay safe and warm. There will also be the chance to talk to the friendly teams about product safety, home fire safety and how to best protect yourself from scams.
Monday 13th October, 10 am - 12 noon at Fakenham Library.
Tuesday 14th October, 10 am - 12 noon at Downham Market Library.
Tuesday 14th October, 2 pm - 4 pm at Swaffham Library.
BRANCASTER BABY AND TODDLER GROUP (BBTG)
BBTG has had a highly successful year at Brancaster Village Hall. The Group has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the tireless energy and commitment of organiser Annie - which is all the more remarkable as she gave birth to her third child, a baby girl, just over two months ago.
The numbers have increased throughout the year, and approximately fifteen children, together with their parents/carers, are regular members. The Group continues to offer outstanding opportunities for children and their parents/carers to socialise, and for the latter to exchange advice and provide mutual support. The youngsters benefit enormously from playing and learning in a friendly, relaxed and informal environment, which also provides safety and security. Thanks to generous donations from the Brancaster Group Parish News and Brancaster Parish Council, BBTG now has a wide range of toys, games and essential equipment, including a sensory table, a mini trampoline, slides, floor mats and a new reading corner - on Tuesday mornings the Hall really does look like an Aladdin’s cave!
Over the last year, funding has also enabled BBTG to offer special sessions during the holidays and other occasions; in October, there was a hugely popular and enjoyable Halloween event, and at Easter, an enormously successful multi-activity morning. The Group has also been able to offer music, dance, magic and role-play sessions, bringing in specialist organisations such as Hartbeeps and Go Awesome.
BBTG has continued to operate its Swap Shop, where parents/carers bring along any clothes, toys and books, suitable for 0–5-year-olds, which they are happy to pass on. All items are free of charge, so that parents/carers can take what they can use.
The Group meets on a flexible basis on Tuesday mornings from 9.30 to 11.30 am. No booking is required: sessions are just £2 per family, which includes a generous snack for the children and hot drinks and biscuits for parents/carers. Do come along – you will be assured of a very warm welcome.
Looking to the future, BBTG will continue with its special events during holiday periods and would be delighted to hear from any individual or organisation that would like to present a session of interest to this age group. Annie can be contacted on 07813 459049, if you would like further details.
BRANCASTER COMMUNITY SPORTS CLUB (BCSC) PLAY EQUIPMENT
As I expect some of you will have noticed the Multiplay unit has been removed! Much of the play equipment was installed on the field some 20 years ago and every year we have an in-depth inspection undertaken to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Well the time has come when the undertaking of repairs is no longer viable. So what happens next? BCSC committee is looking into a replacement unit and is currently in touch with various play equipment firms with the intention to have the replacement on site as soon as we can. We are working closely with the Parish Council and will provide an update in due course. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions on law973@btinternet.com. Anthony Law, Chair of BCSC.
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION (NCI) BRANCASTER The late summer has proved to be a very busy time for the Watchkeepers at Brancaster’s NCI station; despite all warnings, people continued to become marooned on Scolt Head Island. Separate incidents involved three children and six adults stranded but, fortunately, all managed to make it ashore with HM Coastguard – informed by Watchkeepers – who subsequently saw all to safety. The team has also had to deal with a whale washed up on Titchwell beach, lost children, a child needing an ambulance after passing out on the beach, an adult behaving suspiciously and an unmanned vessel adrift off the coast which had to be towed back to Brancaster Staithe Harbour by the RNLI Hunstanton. Many thanks go to Watchkeeper Jo, who managed to locate the missing child using the station optics.
Brancaster station was represented at the Emergency Services Day on 7th September on Old Hunstanton beach, and at the Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival on 13th/14th September.
If you would like more information on NCI Brancaster, or to find out more about becoming a volunteer, please contact Richard Burrows, Deputy Station Manager and Watchkeeper on 07535 612777. You can also find us on Facebook, if you search NCI Brancaster.
DEEPDALE AND BRANCASTER HOUSING SOCIETY - Applying for Affordable Housing
Do you have local connections and want to be considered for any properties which may become available but don't understand the application and selection process?
Whether you are interested in a house or flat, tenancy or shared ownership, a guide with information for other Borough Council properties is available from Deepdale and Brancaster Housing Society. Email the Secretary, Diana Bamber at: bamber344@btinternet.com for further information, or call her on 01485 518029. Please note we do not hold a waiting list.
JUST A REMINDER Do check the diary page as we always list events as soon as we are aware of them, so you can note the date and await fuller information nearer the time.
Simon Leverett
Carpets & Blinds
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
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
to hire
Please see website for details, availability and booking arrangements or email bsbdvh.bookingagent@gmail.com www.bsbdvh.org.uk
iain@isellpianos.co.uk
Peter Bickell
ExperiencedLocal PainterandDecorator PropertyMaintenance 07836 523396
Burnham Deepdale
MLG Driver Training
Based in Brancaster, travel to many areas… Contact: Helen Wicks 07899 966 506 helenadi@aol.com
ADVERTISING CHARGES FOR OCTOBER ISSUE ONWARDS
The cost remains at £25 for a single space for the year and £50 for a double space. There are 11 issues, October 2025 through to September 2026, with Dec/Jan being a combined copy. Invoices will be sent out in September either by email or post and we would appreciate prompt payment to ensure your advert is included. Unpaid adverts will not appear in the November issue. Adverts appear in the printed version, the PDF available by email or on Facebook and can be read online at www.issuu.com/brancastergroupparishnews. Thank you for your support. Alan Wright bg.pn@btinternet.com 01485 210394.
DEEPDALE FARM
Introduction to Green Woodworking 1-day course: Saturday Sunday 12th October. 10 am - 4 pm.
Stool Making Course over 2 days, with time between to let the wood dry - 1st day Sunday 26th October, 2nd day Saturday 8th November. (You will need to have completed the introductory course in advance of doing the stool course.)
Bowl Turning course coming soon.
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.
Conservation volunteering Sessions run fortnightly on Thursdays 9.30 am-12.30 pm. 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
DEEPDALE AND DALEGATE MARKET
India Electric Co - Live Music Gig Saturday 27th September. Wonderful to welcome back this super band with their songwriting and melodies, together with the most accomplished playing, supported by Norwich's finest folk duo. An unmissable evening of music. www.deepdalecamping.co.uk/music/
Pop Up Shops at Dalegate Market Thursdays to Tuesdays. Four different artisans and producers each week in our beach hut pop up shops. Joining us in October are: Archangel Distilleries - Barrow BooksBeadazzled - Cards by Trudi - Crafts by Monica May - Creakey Crafts - Crystal InspirationsEverchanginglight Photography - Knock on Wood - Little Kiss Sally - Made by Polly - Marty Griffin Fine Art - Newleaf Woodcraft - Print Stitch & Create Textile Art by Julie Cole - Richard Rood - The Busy Box Room - Westfield Metal Crafts - Wood 'n Tu. www.dalegatemarket.co.uk/pop-up-shops/
Street Food at Deepdale Camping & Rooms Various dates in October. We continue to welcome tasty food options on many evenings throughout the month. These include The Wood Fired Food Co (Pizzas) and Amigos Grill with their Mexican street food. www.deepdalecamping.co.uk/street-food/
BRANCASTER CAMERA CLUB
Our next club evening is on Tuesday 14th October at 7 pm in Brancaster Staithe Village Hall. On that evening we will be showing the images that have been taken for our ‘Burnhams Project’. Entrance is £5 to include coffee etc. We welcome visitors whether you are interested in photography or just staying in the area on holiday. Contact Sue Till 01485 210013 or Wendy Calow 01553 674725.
MOBILITY EQUIPMENT ON LOAN Two light folding wheelchairs, 2 zimmer frames, a shower stool and an over-toilet-support-frame are available for short-term loan/use by the community. Please collect from Marsh Head opposite the Jolly Sailors, or I can usually deliver at short notice. Contact Christine 07900 342 962 or email ch81@btinternet.com
BEWARE! Predicted High Tides in October when Beach Road, Brancaster is liable to flooding and unsuitable for traffic. Pedestrian access available via the bank. 5th - 12th; 18th - 26th October. Full details on RWNGolf Club website (see page 12).
BRANCASTER OIL COOPERATIVE I will be ordering oil next on Thursdays: 2nd and 23rd October, 13th November and 4th December (last guaranteed order for delivery before Christmas).
Maria Spink 0778 7570 093. Please note my mobile number, as I no longer have a BT landline. My email address is brancasterstaitheoil@hotmail.com
(Continues in Parish News 607 B)