E
THE
m a h g llin
Ellingham Sheds
PUMP
November / December 2026
One-Place Study
Trivia Quiz
Speedwatch Team Update
November / December 2026
2
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Welcome to Issue 3 of The Ellingham Pump! Welcome to Issue 3 of the newly revamped Ellingham Pump. As the nights draw in, the leaves fall and the temperature drops, we are sure that our wonderful community will continue to check in on one another. Don’t forget that there are many opportunities to socialise within the village - no one should be lonely in these darker, often drearier months. Thanks, once more, for the continued support from the local community with contributing to and delivering the magazines. Your kindness is much appreciated. Finally, it seems entirely inappropriate to say this right now, but we would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year. See you in January 2027 for Issue 4! The Ellingham Pump Team
NEW Feature - Ellingham Sheds For some, the word ‘Shed’ evokes the vision of a small wooden building tucked into an unused corner of the garden: a store for clutter, a haven for enormous spiders and, at worst, a winter feasting place for critters finding half a bag of grass seed, or bird-fat balls hidden behind the lawnmower. For others however, ‘Shed’ understates the place where their magic happens - a creative retreat where time moves at a different pace. Our community is fortunate to have many fascinating workspaces and talented artisans. This first instalment celebrates one of the hidden treasures and skilled makers discovered in the ‘Ellinghams’. If you have a special place and skill, trade or hobby you would like to share, please get in touch
CONTACT DETAILS All Sales Enquiries
Front Cover Image Credit
sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
Heather Etteridge
Visit www.theellinghampump.co.uk
Disclaimer: Copyright © Iceni Magazine Limited. All rights reserved. No articles, adverts, content or design in this magazine may be used or reproduced either in whole or part, online or in print. The views and advice from contributors are not necessarily those of Iceni Magazine Limited. Every effort is made to ensure the contents are accurate; however, Iceni Magazine Limited can not assume responsibility for errors, omissions or incorrect information. Iceni Magazine Limited accepts no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contracts between The Client and their customer. Inclusion within the magazine does not imply a recommendation.
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
3
November / December 2026
4
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Community Contact Details Allotment Society Astronomical Society Baptist Church Chit Chat Cricket Club Green Fingers Garden Club Gt. Ellingham Flower club Gt. Ellingham One-Place Study Gt. Ellingham Rec Centre Lt. Ellingham Village Hall Parish Council (Clerk) 51 Pétanque Club Preschool Primary School Priest Associate Shellrock Scouts Sit and Stitch group Speedwatch Team The Crown Village Shop
Chris Arnold Dan Self Hugh Collier Ann Reeve Heather Musk Karen Rosebury Rachael Borenkova Heather Etteridge Sue Gent Sheila Hassock Elaine Tinsley Graham Beales Teresa Overson Sue Taylor Revd Tori Venmore-Rowland Sue Bisley Justine Davies Peter Joyce Will Mason Angela Crocker
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
07795 510239 07734 364667 01953 453347 07733 211410 07795 007199 07990 522836 01953 888239 07342 983816 07810 582628 07887 553521 01379 644727 07770 587495 07443 562555 01953 453342 01953 573377 01953 456835 07976 924456 07794 182763 01953 797070 01953 452155
5
November / December 2026
6
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Great Ellingham Chit Chat Group Location: Great Ellingham Recreation Centre, Watton Road Day & Time: Every Wednesday 10-12 Noon A very big thank you for everyone who supported the Cancer Charities Coffee Morning on October 7th. The total raised was an amazing £1,060. This will be split between Macmillan, Priscilla Bacon and Marie Curie. We were all very touched by the generosity of people and the fantastic amount raised! Our Holt and Sheringham Trip was a huge success and we are now looking forward to the Cromer Show on December 10th. The 52 seater is fully booked and we have a waiting list of folk who would like to join us. It is so encouraging to have such support when booking trips. During September the talk by Georgette from U3A, who called in to explain what was on offer when attending U3A, was very interesting with several members of the Chit Chat group signing up for certain courses. We donated £200 to St Johns Ambulance after an excellent talk by Amanda on emergency procedures plus demonstrations on how to use CPR equipment. Once again Geoff and Rachel came later in September on their annual visit, emphasising the importance of keeping a check on blood pressure and a general talk on health related matters.
Overall, during September, everyone who attended the informal chats was very appreciative of the knowledge that was shared at the meetings and I feel everyone is much more well informed on health matters. October 14th we welcomed Harry from the NR Health an Fitness Club in Attleborough who came and spoke on the importance of exercise - even from armchairs, which depending on age is more relaxing than huffing and puffing running round the playing field! We are very grateful for the support of local people at Chit Chat; most weeks we have at least 45 - 50 group members present and we are always happy to welcome anyone new who would like to join us, therefore please do pop in if you have half an hour to spare and feel like meeting new people!
Please contact Ann Reeve on 07733 211410 for more details or email: annreeve2008@gmail.com
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
7
November / December 2026
8
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Great Ellingham (St. James) Scout Group Location: Great Ellingham Recreation Ground, Watton Road
Great Ellingham (St. James) Scout Group has been active in the village for over 47 years and continues to offer a full Scouting programme for all young people aged 4 to 17, with the option of wider Scouting until their 25th birthday as members of Scouting Network/ Leadership Team and beyond as members of the Leadership Team.
The Sections and Meetings of the Scout Group are:
The Scout Group meets in the Scout Hut on the Recreation field five nights a week and offers adventurous activities and camps away from the Scout Hut throughout the year.
Cubs: Age 8-10 ½ - Monday 18:00-19:30
We also offer the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and other Scouting Awards. We are always keen to welcome new adults to the Leadership Team delivering Scouting for young people, operating a flexible volunteering approach, to accommodate busy lifestyles. We also have a Board of Trustees supporting the Group ‘behind the scenes’. The Group runs weekly section meetings during term-time, breaking for school holidays.
Squirrels: Age 4-6 - Tuesday 16:30-17:30 Beavers: Age 6-8 - Wednesday 17:30-18:45
Scouts: Age 10 ½ -14 - Friday 19:30-21:00 Explorers: Age 14-17 - Thursday 19:00-20:30
For more information visit: www.greatellinghamscouts.org.uk Email: gsl@greatellinghamscouts.org.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
9
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Great Ellingham Cricket Club Since our last Pump update, we’ve held our end of season awards, where we were delighted to see the recreation centre full, with standing room only and representation from all the club’s teams. Award winners and significant team performances were as follows: • Sat XI Batter of year - James Hawkins • Sat XI Bowler of year - George McAleese • Sun XI Batter of year - George McAleese • Sun XI Bowler of year - Joseph Gissing
• Young Player of the year Joseph Gissing • Clubperson of the Year - Lynsey Smith • Women’s Batter of the year Lynsey Smith • Women’s Bowler of the year Neve Meyer
OVER TO YOU! The Ellingham Pump is a magazine for YOU! As such, we would love to offer local groups, clubs and organisations the opportunity to be featured in each issue. If you are interested in sending us your news or updates, please get in touch.
Email us at: submissions@theellinghampump.co.uk 10
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
• Women’s Softball Team 3rd in league (1st year of entry) • u15s - League Champions (undefeated) • u13s - Softball Champions, Hard ball league Runners Up • u11s - Softball Plate Final Participants • Volunteers of the year: Freya Beckett, Oli Billings, Harrison Spellman • Dynamo of the year - James Whittle • Most Improved Dynamo Martha Beckett • All Star of the year - Aisha Khelifi • Most Improved All Star Henry Mackett The cricket doesn’t end over winter, with both younger and more senior players entered into their respective indoor leagues. Indoor net sessions are underway for juniors, girls and women, with more formal senior training scheduled for late January. Work on the square is underway in preparation for 2027. We’ve replaced the old hole-ridden storage container with a shiny new one and have purchased a new longer roll on, roll off net to facilitate practice sessions. Maintenance work is also planned to repair the roller and spruce up the pavilion.
November / December 2026
Ellingham Teddy Festival. Our thanks to Michael Alabaster for applying on the clubs’ behalf. We’re always very keen to welcome new members to the club, whether that’s seasoned players looking to get back into cricket, those who have never picked up a bat, or volunteers who feel they have something to offer the club - serving behind the bar one evening, helping setup for matches or scoring. We can help with enabling coaching courses that are run at various levels over the winter. We are always on the lookout for sponsorship to help fund what we do and improve our cricket offering. If you know of a business that might be interested in sponsorship, please do get in touch. We can be contacted at greatellinghamcc@outlook.com or find out more on our social media channels. A date for your diary... club AGM 1st December, 7.30pm at The Crown - all are welcome to come and find out more about our village club!
Prior to the start of the 2027 season, we'll also be launching new club tops for Juniors, Women and Senior teams watch out for the photos in the next article! The women’s shirts will also feature a teddy bear logo following a kind donation from the Great To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
11
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Ellingham Sheds the garage, then I moved into here and extended it to accommodate my latest lathe and equipment.” Neil shows me a range of timber neatly stacked beneath the bench to dry. Laburnum, Elm, Oak, Cherry, Holly, Walnut and Yew are just some awaiting transformation.
Neil W Laws - Woodturner Many have admired the delicately turned Christmas trees, bowls, pens, clocks and other wooden items sold locally, or seen on the Great Ellingham Facebook group. These beautiful, tactile pieces are handmade seasonal gifts from one of Ellingham’s hidden workshops. “This was meant to be our garden room,” Neil explained. The former garden retreat now houses a large woodturning lathe and various machines that transform stacks of dried logs and wooden blocks into real treasures. When did you start woodturning? “About five years ago. I’m now on my third lathe. My first workshop was in 12
Do you have any other hobbies? “I enjoy restoring old tools,” Neil said, his enthusiasm evident as he showed me two recently acquired tap-and-die sets for cutting threads. “Look at the quality of these,” he added, opening the first of two machined boxes containing a former owner’s pride and joy. After all, who does not feel an occasional flutter of excitement when granted access to the contents of someone else’s shed or hidden workshop? When and why did you settle on woodturning? “I’ve lived in the village for about 30 years. After retiring, I had more time and bought a small tabletop lathe. I had tried woodturning at school, but I’m self-taught, learning through YouTube videos, trial and error, and plenty of practice”. Pulling a yew blank from beneath the bench, Neil explains that some woods require particular care. Neil puts on a filtered mask and switches on the air-filtration system and I leave the room. “Some woods are poisonous when worked,” he says. “With Yew it’s not just its berries!”
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
What else do you make? Turned wooden Christmas trees, wooden snowmen, angels, clocks, pens, bowls, handles and wooden finials. I also did some turned wooded work for someone’s house in Italy. What’s your favourite item you build? “I really enjoy making clocks, barometers and bowls from old Lignum Vitae bowling balls, but these are becoming hard to find as modern balls are made from polymers”.
Neil donates 50% of his sales to charity, and over the last three years, The British Heart Foundation, Dementia UK and PACT have benefitted between them to the tune of £2600. Watch out for this year’s treasures from Neils’ woodturning in the Great Ellingham Shop, or contact Neil on nwlaws@hotmail.com If you have a special place and skill, trade or hobby you would like to share, please get in touch We know you are out there! To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
13
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Ellingham Sheds When did you start woodworking? “When I was 11, I used to work with my father. After studying for a degree, I became a director in a company making roof trusses, then we diversified into roof construction and timber framed houses. After that, I became MD in a Northampton based Timber framed building company with an excellent joinery works”. Chris also wrote a book on Wooden roof construction and updated a second industry reference on the same.
Chris Mindham Preservation Railways and wooden creations In Great Ellingham, a skilled craftsperson is busy creating intricate wooden components for the region’s heritage railways. In the first of Chris’s two workshops, I noticed carriage patterns on a shelf behind a large wooden table. Setting his coffee beside a large wooden frame, Chris explained, “This is a noticeboard for Thruxton station on the Mid Norfolk Railway. I’ve just finished restoring it, and it’s awaiting collection.” I asked where he had learned his craft. 14
Do you have any other hobbies? “I used to do a lot of metalwork; I have made a couple of scale live steam engine models. I used to race huskies and once had nine. I designed and made lightweight 2&3 wheeled racing rigs”. Chris is a winner of bronze and silver medals in the British Siberian Husky Racing Associations national championships. When and why did you settle on woodwork? “After retiring, I volunteered at a Heritage Railway in Northamptonshire, my projects included making and restoring the exterior and interior bodywork of a Gresley buffet car. We moved to Great Ellingham about eight & a half years ago and, soon afterwards, began volunteering with the Mid Norfolk Railway, and NNR making and repairing door frames and carriage components. I simply enjoy making things from wood.”
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
We then walked to Chris’s second workshop, a space equipped with essential machinery and walls covered with intriguing bits and pieces. Apart from railway carriage parts, what else do you make? I’ve constructed several guitars; I love making wooden toys for my younger family members. I have built a detailed shepherds hut, two locomotives based on diesels and two steamers plus tenders and an occasional carriage. I have built a number for charities, and one is being auctioned for a charity at the NNUH in Norwich. What’s your favourite item you build? “Apart from children’s toys, I enjoy making jewellery boxes”. These exquisite hand-made boxes inlaid with wooden veneer pixel marquetry patterns. All Chris’ work shares the same care, attention to detail and pride in a job well done.
Chris is happy to accept enquiries or commissions for his work, and he can be contacted at C.Mindham@btinternet.com If you have a special place and skill, trade or hobby you would like to share, please get in touch We know you are out there! To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
15
November / December 2026
16
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
51 Pétanque Club Summer Season Roundup This season we had 6 Teams and over 48 members competing in the League. In Division 1, The Millers finished a respectable 3rd in the league, whilst The Oaks didn’t have a good season and are relegated to Division 2. In Division 2, Magna secured Top Spot with 24 points and +24 Game Difference and will be playing in Division 1 next season. G2 narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing 3rd with 22 points and +27 points difference. In Division 3, a respectable 5th place for Acorns and 8th place for Les Garnier. Autumn Melee A warm sunny day in October saw the last of this year’s intra club competitions. 28 members took part playing 4 timed games over the day, interrupted only by BBQ food and refreshments. A good time was had by all, and the winners were husband and wife duo Peter and Jill Joyce. Junior Pétanque Project Making Pétanque Accessible for the next generation 51 Pétanque Club currently has over 80 members, but only one Junior member, and no pathway to play. Adult Boules in most cases are unsuitable for most children, and this becomes a barrier. Without younger players entering the sport, there is a risk that participation will gradually decline over future generations.
The Vice-Chairman successfully applied for a £500 grant to purchase a number of sets of Junior Boules. The equipment will enable us to offer free coaching sessions, work with local schools and youth organisations, and introduce a sport that is inclusive, inexpensive and suitable for children of all abilities. The project will also help tackle wider community issues by encouraging young people to be more physically active, spend time outdoors, develop confidence and social skills, and participate in a sport that families can enjoy together. Pétanque is unique in that children, parents and grandparents can all play on equal terms, helping to strengthen community connections and encourage lifelong participation in sport. The first session commences on Sunday, 8th November with all Juniors aged 7-18 welcome. Social Sessions - Timetable Mondays: 10.30am - 12 noon Wednesdays: 10.00am - 12.30pm Saturdays: 10.00am - 12.30pm Mandy Seabrook (Club Secretary) mandyseabrook51pc@gmail.com Contact Details: Graham Beales (Club Chairman): petanqueclub51@outlook.com Website: https://51petanque.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/51petanqueclub
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
17
November / December 2026
18
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
News From The Ellingham Churches We are pleased to announce that the licensing service for Revd Stella Green will be held on Tuesday 10th November at 7pm in St James’ Church. We will be delighted to welcome you to the service which will be led by Bishop Ian of Thetford. Refreshments will be available afterwards. In November, our thoughts will once again turn to those who have died serving our country in wars past and present. During the Ellingham services, the names of those from each village who died during the world wars are read out. This year the commemorations will begin at Great Ellingham at 10.30am. Those who wish can then go to Deopham Green for a short ceremony, before finishing at Little Ellingham church. A silence will be held at each location and wreaths laid. Warming refreshments will be available at Little Ellingham. Both churches are undergoing assessment for roof repairs and await quotations from contractors. This process has been delayed as we seek to appoint a new church architect, a requirement by the Church of England (our previous one has stood down). Once quotations have been received, we will be able to seek grant funding and onto fundraising for any shortfalls.
In the last magazine, we wrote that our churches were open daily. Sadly, during August and September, Great Ellingham church had items stolen: a flying jacket from the Deopham Green memorial and the card donation machine. Unfortunately, the result is that the building is now locked, apart from services and events, while security is reviewed and the necessary paperwork is co-ordinated to install cameras. Hopefully it will be re-opened soon. Don’t forget the Christmas Fair at St James. We have a great variety of stalls which vary between Friday and Saturday - including honey, cards, wreaths, jewellery, lighting, metal and wooden sculptures, jams, ceramics, glass, dog toys, Tropic, candles and soaps. There will also be cake on Saturday morning and singing by the school children. Also on sale will be a Christmas Quiz (just £1) and Christmas cards sold in aid of St James. As we head towards December, our thoughts turn to carols and our Christmas services. The first of these will be a Christingle service at 3pm on Sunday 6th December. A Christingle is an orange - with sticks to represent the seasons, sweets to represent the fruits of the earth, a red ribbon to reminder us that Jesus died on the cross and a candle
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
19
November / December 2026
to show he is the light of the world. It is family friendly and children can make their Christingles as part of the service.
Great Ellingham Carols around the tree will be on Monday 21st December - this is a chance to sing a few favourite carols to get into the festive spirit, aided by mulled wine and sausage rolls! Little Ellingham Carol service will be Tuesday 22nd December. We are also looking forward to hosting the Great Ellingham Christmas Show on Saturday 12th December at 7pm. Look out for the poster for more details.
20
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
Our churches are sociable spaces and apart from services, there are other opportunities to meet others and volunteer: helping with refreshments, playing music for a service, joining the choir, baking a cake for an event, church cleaning or organising a fundraising stall. Please get in touch if you can offer a small amount of time in any way. Events coming up... • Grand Cleaning: Saturday 7th November from 9am (ready for Remembrance and licensing service) • Great Ellingham Pop Up Cafes: 7th November and 5th December, 10am - 12noon. • Little Ellingham Coffee Morning: 14th November
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Ellinghams andRocklands Rocklands Church Services Ellinghams and Church Services
Ellinghams Little and Rocklands Rockland Church Services Rockland St Peter Date Great Ellingham Ellingham All Saints Great Ellingham Little Ellingham Rockland All Saints Rockland St Peter November
Date Date Great Ellingham November 1 November 1 10.30am Remembrance 8 1 15
10.30am Holy Communion
Little Ellingham
Rockland All Saints Rockland St Peter 10.30am Service with
Remembrance 4pm Prayer and Praise
10.30am Morning Prayer
baptism 10.30am Service with 10.45am Remembrance 10.30am (flower memorial) baptism Service with
baptism 10.45am Remembrance
10.30am Remembrance Remembrance 8 22 10.30am Holy Communion 10.45am Remembrance (flower memorial) 10.30am29 Remembrance Remembrance 8 10am Whole benefice Advent Carol Service at Hackford (flower memorial) Holy Communion 4pm Prayer and Praise 10.30am Morning Prayer 15 10.30amDecember Communion 4pm Prayer and Praise 10.30am Morning Prayer 15 10.30am Holy 3pm Christingle 6 Communion 22 10.30am Holy Holy Communion 22 10.30am13 3pm Christingle 10am Whole benefice Advent Carol Service at Hackford 29 10am Whole benefice Advent Carol Service at Hackford 29 10.30am Nine Lessons and December 20 December Carols 3pm Christingle 6 11.30pm Midnight Mass 10pm Midnight Mass 24 3pm Christingle 6 10.30am Holy Communion 25 3pm Christingle 13 27 3pm Christingle 13
10.30am Nine Lessons and
10.30am Nine Lessons and 20 20 Services are advertised on the church notice boards and facebook Carols th porch doors; also on the St James Great Ellingham Carolsbills, with a • Christmas Fair at St James, Friday 13 building and paying its page and website. https://shellrockbenefice.org.uk/ 11.30pm Midnight Mass 10pm Midnight Midnight Mass Mass 24 th 11.30pm Midnight Mass 10pm 24 and Saturday 14 November. contribution paid towards the costs of 10.30am 25 10.30am Holy Holy Communion Communiona shared priest. Funds are raised from 25 27 For those not aware, our churches belong to the parishes in which they were built. All funds raised in each church go 27
• Great towards Ellingham Show: collections in the services, other maintaining theChristmas building and paying its bills, with a contribution paid towards costs of a shared priest. donations Funds12 areth raised from collections in services, other donations received received and fundraising Any money donated Saturday December and events. fundraising events. Any by an individual can be increased through Gift Aid –and please consider using the yellow envelopes for thisGreat if you are a Services on the church notice boards porch doors; also on the the Stby James Ellingham facebook Servicesare areadvertised advertised on the church notice boards and porch doors; also on St James Great Ellingham facebook money donated an individual can UK taxpayer. If you wish to make a specific donation towards the fabric of the building, we’re very happy to facilitate page and website. https://shellrockbenefice.org.uk/ pageServices and website. that. you wish to make a regular the Parish Givingbe Scheme is a simple waythrough to do it, using the QR codes areIfhttps://shellrockbenefice.org.uk/ advertised on donation, the church increased Gift Aid - please below, or by collecting a form inside the church. notice boards and porch doors; also on consider using the yellow envelopes for the St James Great Ellingham this if you are a UK taxpayer. If you wish For not churches parishes in which which they they were were built. built. All Allfunds fundsraised raisedinineach eachchurch churchgo Forthose those notaware, aware,our our churches belong belong to to the the parishes in facebook page and website. to make a specific donation towards the go towards maintaining the building and paying its bills, with a contribution contribution paid paid towards towardsthe thecosts costsof ofaashared sharedpriest. priest. towards maintaining the building and paying its bills, with a https://shellrockbenefice.org.uk/ fabric of the building, we’re very happy Funds received and and fundraising fundraisingevents. events. Any Anymoney moneydonated donated Fundsare areraised raisedfrom fromcollections collections in in services, services, other other donations donations received to facilitate that. If you wish to make by an individual can be increased through Gift Aid – please consider using the yellow envelopes for this if you areaa by an individual can be increased through Gift Aid – please consider using the yellow envelopes for this if you are For those wish not aware, our churches a regular donation, the Parish Giving UK fabric of of the the building, building,we’re we’revery veryhappy happytotofacilitate facilitate UKtaxpayer. taxpayer. IfIfyou you wishto to make make aa specific specific donation towards the fabric belong to the parishesdonation, in which they Scheme asimple simple way toit,dousing it, using the that. Scheme is way todo do theQR QRcodes codes that. IfIfyou youwish wishto tomake makeaa regular regular donation, the Parish Giving Scheme isis aa simple way to it, using the were built. All funds raised in each QR codes below, or by collecting a form below, below,or orby bycollecting collectingaaform form inside inside the the church. church go towards maintaining the inside the church. Great Ellingham
Great Ellingham Great Ellingham Great
Little Ellingham
Little Ellingham Little Little Ellingham Ellingham
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
21
November / December 2026
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
Great Ellingham Speedwatch Team The numbers being as follows;Over the period 10th August to 10th September, a total of 44,890 vehicles were recorded travelling North West. The number of vehicles exceeding the 30mph limit in this period was 15,218 34% of the total traffic flow.
The Great Ellingham Speedwatch Team have continued to be active since the last Report, albeit August saw only one session being held - this being due to a number of Team Members being away on holiday. Since the issue of the last “Pump” there has been a significant focus on Long Street, with the Speedwatch Team providing evidential support to the newly formed Great Ellingham Residents for Road Safety Group. The SAM 2 Traffic Monitor has been deployed outside of the Baptist Church, and this has not only provided information on the total traffic flow, but also important information on the number of speeding vehicles. 22
Over the period 10th September to 10th October 2026, a total of 41,297 vehicles were recorded travelling South East - the highest total ever recorded in this direction. The number of vehicles exceeding the 30mph limit in this period was 8,130 - 20% of the total traffic flow. As a result of historical data provided by the Speedwatch Team, the Police also carried out a special 2 week exercise on Long Street in which extra visits by the Mobile Camera Units took place notably outside of the Baptist Church. Information on the number of vehicles found to be speeding by them have yet to be made public - they will be published here as soon as they are available. A total of 12 Speedwatch sessions have been held around the Village since we last reported, and these have resulted in a total of 88 vehicles being reported back to the Police. The highest count being 22 vehicles in one hour on Hingham Road. Across these sessions there has also been an alarming increase in the number
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
of “cloned” vehicle registration plates recorded - 14 across the last 12 sessions! Unfortunately, there is nothing the Speedwatch Team can do about these. Recently released figures from Norfolk Police show that during July and August, visits by the Mobile Camera Units at a number of sites around the Village resulted in action being taken against 56 drivers. The action taken will vary between fines, points and/or Driver Awareness Courses according to how much over the limit each driver was. The recent Speedwatch recruitment drive has so far resulted in 5 new members stepping forward, of whom 3 have now completed their practical roadside training. The new intake has however been partially offset by; 1 founder member retiring, and 2 on extended sick leave. We continue to actively look for more volunteers to keep the Team operational, as the more people we have the easier it is to spread the load. With more members we can also look at mounting additional roadside sessions. If you have 1 or 2 hours per month where you can volunteer, then please do get in contact with the Team Co-ordinator. Peter Joyce CSW Team Co-ordinator p.e.joyce@hotmail.co.uk WE ARE WAITING TO WELCOME YOU INTO THE TEAM To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
23
November / December 2026
24
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Simple Ways To Save Energy At Home With energy costs taking a noticeable bite out of household budgets, finding simple ways to use less power makes good sense. The good news is that you don’t need major renovations or expensive technology to make a difference. A few small changes around the home can soon become everyday habits. Turn Down the Thermostat Heating is one of the biggest demands on household energy, so start by looking at how warm your home really needs to be. Rather than heating every room equally, turn radiators down in rooms you use less often and keep doors closed to help retain warmth where you need it. On chilly evenings, reaching for a jumper, blanket or pair of cosy socks before turning up the heating is another simple habit worth adopting. Stop Heat Escaping Keeping the warmth you already have can be just as important as generating more. Close curtains and blinds when it gets dark, particularly during the colder months, and check around windows and doors for noticeable draughts. Draught excluders can be a quick, inexpensive addition. Just remember not to block
ventilation that is designed to keep your home safe and well aired. Switch Off and Unplug It’s easy to leave televisions, computers, games consoles and other devices switched on when they’re not being used. Get into the habit of turning appliances off properly where appropriate, rather than leaving them running unnecessarily. Lights are another easy win. Simply switching them off whenever you leave a room costs nothing and takes seconds. Be Smarter in the Kitchen Small changes can help reduce energy use when cooking. Only boil as much water in the kettle as you need, put lids on saucepans and match the saucepan to an appropriately sized hob ring. Try to avoid repeatedly opening the oven door while food is cooking, as heat escapes each time. Make Small Changes Stick Saving energy doesn’t have to mean making your home uncomfortable. Concentrate on a few manageable changes and encourage everyone in the household to join in. Once these actions become habits, reducing wasted energy can simply become part of everyday life.
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
25
November / December 2026
26
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
Trivia Quiz How much do you know about your local history? 1. Where did Henry Frank Downes & Edith Ducker marry on Christmas Day 1915?
2. Where was Christmas Chaplin found to be ‘drunk’
on the 5th November 1875?
Credit: Christine Fuller
3. Who was ‘caught by footprints on the ground’ following an incident in the village on 3rd December 1865?
Credit: Christine Fuller
4. Who married John Penson in the Parish Church at Rockland All Saints on the 22 December 1924?
5. When was Christmas Larke baptised in the Church of St James, Great Ellingham?
The answers can be found on the Great Ellingham One-Place Study website greatellingham.org and will be in the next edition. Answers to the Trivia Questions in the September / October edition: 1. £825 | 2. William Wells| 3. Anthony Beales | 4. William Lebbell | 5. The Great Ellingham W.I. around 1962. To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
27
November / December 2026
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
The National School’s Annual Christmas Tree Festivities Great Ellingham One-Place Study
This being the last issue of the Ellingham Pump before Christmas, I wanted to write a more festive article. Most of our homes will have Christmas decorations and trees, while some will also have wonderful outdoor light displays. However, it is unclear how many of our village families during the Victorian period actually had a Christmas tree in their home. For those that did, they usually had to wait until Christmas Eve for the tree to be brought inside and decorated. Christmas trees were also part of the village’s Yuletide events. For many of the children attending the National School, the annual ‘Christmas Tree Festivities’ were likely a highlight of the year. However, reflecting the customs of the era, these festivities were usually held in January. 28
The National School was built along the Attleborough Road. It opened on the 27th March, 1865. The village already had a school (Board School) in Long Street, which was formed in 1855. The present school in Hingham Road was built in 1896 to replace the Board School in Long Street. The new school took in the children from the National School as well as the old Board School. Some nine months after the National School was opened, the Norfolk News of Saturday 13th January 1866, reported that the children of the Church School in Great Ellingham were entertained with ‘a magnificent Christmas Tree, decorated with a vast number of useful and ornamental articles’. These items had been provided by the school mistress, Miss Richardson, the
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
November / December 2026
teachers and ‘other friends’. In addition, two benefactors, Mrs Barnard and Mrs Colman, supplied ‘useful clothing’ for the children. The report also mentions that annual gifts were distributed to the poor inhabitants of the parish. In the January of 1871, the National School children were treated to ‘a glorious Christmas Tree of wondrous dimensions’. It extended from the floor to the ceiling. Again, the tree was laden with ‘things useful and agreeable’, which included books, articles of dress, toys, sweets and oranges. Once again, the main benefactors were Mrs Barnard and Mrs Colman, who also handed out reward books and clothing to the ‘best behaved’ children, as well as those with regular attendance. The clothing included gloves, stockings, socks, handkerchiefs, comforters, cloaks, shawls, pinafores, aprons etc. The older members of the community were not forgotten. ‘Twelve elderly men and twelve elderly women’ were given pieces of calico, which had been provided by the Rector. The National School’s Christmas tree was usually a gift of the Reverend Hurnard of Hingham. In 1881, the tree measured over ten feet tall. However, this was not the case in 1883. A tree measuring over eleven feet was supplied by the school’s managers from the school grounds.
Credit: Christine Fuller
Nevertheless, in January, 1894, instead of the annual Christmas tree, the National School children were treated to ‘clever conjuring entertainment’ by Mr Fox of Attleborough. The children still received presents of toys, shirts, scarves, caps, petticoats, aprons, hoods and cuffs, in addition to prizes for regular attendance. The same year, the children attending the Baptist Chapel Sunday School enjoyed a Christmas tree which was ‘adorned with a choice variety’. This was part of a programme of entertainment provided for the scholars and teachers. It included tea, singing and music at The Manse. You can find further Christmas themed articles on the Great Ellingham One-Place Study website. Heather Etteridge Great Ellingham One-Place Study Visit: www.greatellingham.org Email: hello@greatellingham.org
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
29
November / December 2026
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
Garden Jobs For November & December can quickly become a nuisance. Rake them from grass and sweep paths regularly, especially after wet or windy weather. Don’t be too quick to dispose of them, though. Collected leaves can be turned into wonderfully useful leaf mould, while a few piles left beneath hedges and in quiet corners provide winter shelter for insects and other wildlife.
As autumn slips quietly into winter, the garden takes on a different kind of beauty. Bare branches replace billowing borders, fallen leaves gather beneath hedges and frosty mornings turn even the simplest garden into something magical. It may feel as though the gardening year is drawing to a close, but November and December are perfect for tidying, protecting and planning. Pull on your wellies, find your warmest gardening gloves and make the most of those crisp, clear days. Embrace the Autumn Leaves Fallen leaves are part of the season, but left sitting on lawns and paths they 30
The secret is to aim for gently managed rather than perfectly tidy. Tuck Tender Plants Up for Winter As temperatures fall, give less hardy plants a little extra protection. Move tender container plants somewhere sheltered where possible and protect vulnerable outdoor plants from cold weather. Dahlias deserve special attention. After the first frost, their tubers can be lifted, cleaned and stored in dry compost somewhere cool and frost-free until next year. Take a moment to check your pots and containers too. Winter rain can be every bit as troublesome as frost, so good drainage matters.
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
www.theellinghampump.co.uk
Plant Now, Enjoy Later It might seem surprising, but there is still plenty of planting to enjoy. Bare-root roses, hedging, trees and fruit bushes can all go into the ground during the dormant season, providing conditions are suitable. Fruit trees and bushes can be planted in November as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. November is also tulip time. Pop bulbs into pots and borders now and you will have something colourful to look forward to when spring arrives. Give the Vegetable Patch Some Love The kitchen garden hasn’t completely gone to sleep either. Garlic can still be planted in suitable conditions, while hardy winter favourites can continue to earn their keep. Parsnips, for example, can be left in the ground until they’re needed. Clear remaining plant debris from empty vegetable beds and add suitable material to the compost heap. Empty beds can also be covered with cardboard, with tape and staples removed, followed by a layer of homemade garden compost.
November / December 2026
as creating places for wildlife to shelter. Take time to appreciate those winter visitors too. A view of birds flitting between bare branches can bring just as much pleasure as a border overflowing with summer flowers. Have a Winter Tool Tidy-Up When the weather keeps you out of the borders, turn your attention to the shed. Clean and organise tools ready for spring, and check pots, trays and supports while you’re there. Bamboo canes can be cleaned and stored somewhere dry so they’re ready to use again next year. It is a simple job, but one you’ll be pleased you tackled when the busy spring season arrives. Dream About Next Year Finally, December offers every gardener an excellent excuse to pause. Curl up somewhere warm with a seed catalogue and think about what you would like to grow next year. Perhaps you’ll create a new border, grow more vegetables or simply add a few pots near the back door.
Don’t Forget the Wildlife
The garden may be resting, but that doesn’t mean inspiration has to.
A winter garden can be a valuable refuge, so avoid being too enthusiastic with the secateurs. Leaving seed heads and a few untidy corners can give the garden a softer, more natural appearance as well
A handful of thoughtful jobs now will leave you beautifully prepared for the moment those first green shoots announce that spring is on its way.
To Advertise In This Magazine email: sales@theellinghampump.co.uk
31