Local Lynx No.104 October/November 2015

ISSUE 104 October & November 2015

BALE - BINHAM - COCKTHORPE - FIELD DALLING GUNTHORPE - LANGHAM - MORSTON SAXLINGHAM - SHARRINGTON - STIFFKEY

NEWS FROM OUR VILLAGES

WWI troops at Wells-on-Sea Station, 1914 photo credit: “Views of Wells”

Stories shared by Lynx readers in our second WWI Special Supplement centre pp.i-iv. We will remember.

www.locallynx.co.uk 1

WHAT’S ON VH =Village Hall

- is a non-profit-making community newspaper, run for the ten villages of the benefice.

We warmly welcome drawings, articles and letters for publication, but must reserve the right to edit or exclude items. A maximum of 400 words is recommended. The items published do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or the village representatives.

For information about submitting items for publication, or if you want to help in any other way, please contact your village representative, through whom all village news must be submitted.

For general information please send a message to our email address lynxeditor@pobox.com.

OCTOBER 1st Thu. Binham Magna Carta evening, Priory 7.30pm 1st Thu. Langham Mobile Library 3rd Sat. Langham Birds of Thailand, VH 7.30pm 3rd Sat Langham Coffee Morning, 10-12 noon 7th Wed. Sharrington Gardeners Talk, VH 7pm 9th Fri. Bale Fish & Chips, VH 7pm 9th Fri. Binham Concert with Gresham’s School, Priory 10th Sat. Binham Harvest Supper VH 7pm 10th Sat. Langham Autumn Sale, VH 10-12noon 11th Sun. Binham Harvest Festival, Priory 11th Sun. Field Dalling Music & Tea in Church 3.00pm 11th Sun. Langham Harvest Thanksgiving, 9.30 am 11th Sun. Langham Sing For Joy, VH 2 – 4.30 pm 15th Thu. Binham & Hindringham Open Circle Harvest supper & auction, Hindringham VH 6.30pm 16th Fri. Field Dalling Bingo VH 6:30pm 17th Sat. Langham Coffee Morning, 10-12 noon 17th Sat. Morston Shovell Dinner, Anchor Pub 6.30pm 17th Sat. Sharrington Harvest Supper, VH 6.30pm 23rd Fri Langham Autumn Concert in church 7pm 24th Sat Langham Autumn sale, VH 10 – 11.30am 29th Thur. Langham Mobile Library 30th Fri Langham Fish, chip and quiz night, VH 7pm 30th Fri. Sharrington Halloween Quiz, VH 6.45pm 31st Sat Gunthorpe 50:50 Club Institute 10:30am NOVEMBER 1st Sun. Morston Church Celebration of All Saints’ Day 9.30am with coffee and cake following 4th Wed. Sharrington Gardeners Talk, VH 7pm 5th Thu. Binham Lunch, VH 12.30pm-2pm 7th Sat. Gunthorpe “Friends” Harvest Supper Institute 7pm (date tbc) 7th Sat. Langham Coffee Morning, VH 10-12 noon 13th Fri. Bale Fish & Chips VH 7pm 13th Fri. Field Dalling Bingo, VH 6:30pm 19th Thu. Binham & Hindringham Open Circle meeting, Hindringham VH 7.15pm 20th Fri. Sharrington Noble Rotters, VH 7pm 21st Sat. Binham Christmas Fair, VH 9am-2pm 21st Sat. Langham Coffee Morning, VH 10-12 noon 26th Thu. Langham Mobile library 27th Fri. Langham Fish, chip and quiz night, VH 7pm 28th Sat. Bale Quiz Night, VH 7pm 28th Sat Gunthorpe 50:50 Club, Institute 10:30am 28th Sat. Sharrington Christmas Fayre, VH 10.30-2pm REGULARS Mondays term time Binham Parent & Toddlers Group, VH 10-12noon Tuesdays Binham Guild of Artists, VH 10-12noon Tuesdays Field Dalling Yoga, VH 7:30pm Wednesdays term time Binham Youth Group, VH 6-8pm 3rd Thursday in month Binham & Hindringham Open Circle, Hindringham Village Hall 7.15pm

Copy deadline for next issue: 6 November

CONTACT FOR ADVERTISERS For enquiries about advertising in Local Lynx, contact Maxine Burlingham tel: 01328-830375 email: maxine.burlingham@me.com Rates for advertising (pre-paid) are: One column x 62 mm (1/8 page): £72 for six issues.

Small Ads Panel on the back page: Available for individuals and businesses providing local services. Cost: £36 for six issues.

And please don’t forget….

Lynx104 and many back issues are permanently available on our website at www.locallynx.co.uk. The website also has an ‘In More Detail’ page and a ‘Local Charities’ page to cover relevant articles in greater depth. (Paper copies of website articles are always available from Roberta on 01263 740188.)

DEANERY NEWS

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 15th October starting promptly at 7pm at The Meeting Place, St. Andrew’s Church, Holt.

Speaker: The Rev’d Canon Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich Cathedral Church. Subject: My First Year.

Check with posters for any changes.

BLAKENEY CATHOLIC CHURCH Back Lane Blakeney Parish Priest, Father Keith Tulloch, 12 Hindringham Road, Gt. Walsingham Norfolk 01328 821353 Priest in Residence, Father William Wells (the house behind the church). Service Times: Masses: Vigil Mass Saturday 6.00pm.

Sunday 11.00am Wednesday 9.30am

BLAKENEY METHODIST CHURCH High Street Blakeney Sunday Services: 6.30pm Minister: The Rev’d J Pathmarajah 01263 712181

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Church Services for the Bale and Stiffkey Benefice for October and November 2015 HC=Holy Communion. CFS=Church Family Service. MP=Morning Prayer. BCP=Book of Common Prayer 4th October 9.30am HC At Saxlingham

11th October 9.30am HC 11.00am CFS

18th October 9.30am HC At Saxlingham

25th October 9.30am HC 11.00am MP BCP

Saxlingham Gunthorpe

9.30am HC

9.30am MP BCP 11.00am HC

11.00am HC 4.30pm Silent Meditation 9.30am MP CW 11.00am CFS

At Field Dalling 11.00am HC

Sharrington Binham

At Field Dalling 11.00am Harvest Festival 9.30am HC 11.00am Harvest Thanksgiving

Morston Langham

9.30am HC BCP At Stiffkey

Stiffkey

9.30am MP

Parish Bale Field Dalling

Bale

1st November All Saints’ Day 9.30am HC

Field Dalling Saxlingham

At Saxlingham 9.30am HC

Parish

Gunthorpe Sharrington Binham Morston

9.30am MP BCP 11.00am HC

Langham

9.30am HC BCP At Stiffkey

Stiffkey

9.30am MP

9.30am Harvest Service At Langham

8th November Remembrance Sunday 9.30am HC Service of Remembrance At Saxlingham 10.50am Service of Remembrance 10.50am Service of Remembrance 9.30am HC Service of Remembrance 10.50 Service of Remembrance 2.00pm Service of Remembrance 10.50am Service of Remembrance At Langham

9.30am HC 9.30am HC

9.30am HC BCP At Stiffkey

9.30am HC

9.30am HC

At Langham

15th November

22nd November

29th November

9.30am HC

9.30am HC

At Stiffkey

At Saxlingham 11.00am HC

11.00am MP BCP At Field Dalling

At Stiffkey At Stiffkey

4.30pm Silent Meditation 9.30am MP CW

11.00am HC

At Stiffkey

9.30am HC

At Stiffkey

11.00am CFS

9.30am HC

At Stiffkey

9.30am HC BCP

At Stiffkey

At Stiffkey

9.30am HC

At Stiffkey

9.30am HC

At Langham

10.30am HC Group Service

Additional Service Stiffkey: Wednesday 11th November, Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial at 10.45am.

Regular Weekday Services Binham: Tuesday, 3.30pm Evening Prayer, Langham: Wednesday, 10.00am Holy Communion Stiffkey: Friday, 10.00am Holy Communion

RECTOR’S LETTER

The Kitchen by Tim Marks

Dear Friends and Parishioners, It is a quarter past eight in the evening. The lights are lit; the fire quietly comfortable; the sky is greyish, but the air not cold. Two little chops with attendant red peppers sit in the warming oven, waiting for dinner with their nice beetroot dancing partners. The raspberries have just been picked and are asking for lots of Pointen’s cream. They shall have it!

But where are the potatoes, as my many Dutch visitors ask? ‘There are none!’ Gloom…. ‘But there is bread.’

Aah… Dutch, British, Swedish, Italian, Indian, Arab, Spanish, Jew, we are all happy with bread. And really good bread, stretched and kneaded, rested and raised is true Food.

“I am that bread of life” John’s Good News, Chapter 6, verse 48, The King James Bible.

The Dutch say ‘Eet Smaakelijk’, the French ‘Bon Appetit’. I suggest ‘Tuck In!’

I love the sunshine in the kitchen, The glory of the light awakens All the familiar textures of pot and china.

This is the home of the house, The centre of its warmth, The articulation of its love, In the rise of the bread, the crust of pie, And the richness of gravy.

It is the place of your caring, Fleshed out in the daily details, Too small to be noted one by one, But each constructing the heart of the house.

Your delight in us in incarnated here, And this is the place of our true receiving.

Here we come hungry, thirsty and in our need, To meet the kindness of your hands.

And your friends came,

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Finding a warmth they sought and a love they craved.

Not a pretentious place, A good cause or a moral crusade.

If you will, another Nazareth, Hidden in the wilderness of the world, Where kindness feeds a poor Christ and his friends, And bids them come in from the dark.

Yours very truly, Ian Whittle , The Rectory, Langham 01328 830246

time is right, he … the farmer… God himself… knows it. A 6,000 year old sickle (Mark 4 verse 29) of flint set in a horn handle has been discovered near Jericho. At Jericho, what had long grown without knowledge had suddenly mutated. Small seed heads doubled in size and grain that had scattered on the ground when shaken now clung tightly to the head. A 14 chromosome plant became one with 42! Harvests became possible and seed corn could be saved. Recreation and stored learning was possible. Pilgrimages – voyages with hopeful ends undertaken with great imagination – were embarked upon.

Some of us went on such a journey recently - to the monastery of St Peter on the Roman sea Wall to which the Saxon Saint Cedd had come in about 660. He came from the northern Abbey of Lastingham to bring Christianity to Essex. We were honouring our fathers, of course, and our neighbours too, and also an inner reality that it is God’s sickle, rather than ours, which disposes… the Ven. Michael Handley, one of the retired clergy who support our local rector.

ART WORK IN THE LYNX This edition again features Langham Primary School drawings, this time inspired by Renoir’s Les Parapluies and taken from their hugely successful Take One Picture Project run by the National Gallery. For further information, pictures, poems and acrostics see SCHOOL NEWS on page 26.

ORDINARY TIME After the last great Ice Age, the water rose and decreasing pressure from the weight of the ice reshaped the land. Nobody would know exactly what had happened and life was in any case short. Such memory as existed was in the structure of plants… animals… which year after year grew in the same pattern(s) as their predecessor(s). Tribes and animals moved onwards as the seasons changed. When their food ran out or the last major obstacle proved one too many, the elderly or sick were left behind and died. Commandment 5 is all about this. ‘Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee’. If you do not leave your parents behind, then your children in their turn will take you with them when your turn comes!

Jesus stood in a boat in the northern end of the Sea of Galilee (probably) and used the unknown as a pattern of the working of the kingdom of God. How it works we do not know. The plants do not know. But when the

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S NOTES From Cllr. Dr. Marie Strong Mobile Phone Project The Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP) is funded by the government and intended to ensure there are no mobile phone ‘not spots’. ‘Not spots’ are places where there is not even an emergency signal available. As an outcome of the project a base station is proposed at Friary Farm Caravan Park, Cley road, Blakeney. If agreed this would mean there would be provision by all UK mobile operators.

However we have a serious dichotomy - I am fully aware of the sensitivity of the proposed site in an area of outstanding natural beauty. I understand and appreciate the strength of feeling that the area must be preserved.

At the same time I am not alone in sharing the government’s concern that there are ‘not spots’ where not even an emergency call can be made – not to police, ambulance, coastguard.

I have been asked to seek answers to a range of questions and therefore requested ‘a drop in session’ where anyone could ask their questions. I strongly recommended everyone with a question to attend the drop in session held on 15th September at Blakeney

If I’m looking a trifle surprised it’s because the village speed check thingy says it just clocked me cycling at 87mph...

©AndrewMoncur

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Village Hall to seek answers; to ask for clarity regarding ‘not spots’; the position and height of the mast; availability of alternative technologies; possibility of other sites; which mobile phone signals would be available; the area which would be covered by the signals. I hope by now those affected will have more answers than questions. There will still be time to respond to the planning application.

Local Housing Societies In earlier editions I referred to the Government’s proposal ‘To enable the extension of Right to Buy levels of discount to housing association tenants’ and the concern regarding local housing societies such as ‘Blakeney & Neighbourhood Housing Association’, ‘Homes for Wells’ and the Holt & Neighbourhood Housing Society – all of which provide housing in the Wells division.

I have also noted that the government went on record as not having fully decided how it is going to go about its pledge and wanted to give itself some space to do so.

As a consequence, at my request, the county council wrote to Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, and to Brandon Lewis MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning asking that local housing organisations would be specifically excluded from the proposal. Minister of State Brandon Lewis has replied as follows: ‘Supporting home ownership is one of our key priorities which is why the Queen’s Speech included a Housing Bill that will extend Right to Buy to housing associations tenants. We will publish the details of the Bill in due course, and will introduce the Bill later this Parliamentary session.’

Whilst more work is needed to ensure local housing societies are seen to be entirely different to the housing associations which I believe the government intended to target, there is still some time whilst detailed provision of the legislation is developed.

Concessionary Bus Passes There has been some confusion over bus passes and as a result Stagecoach Norfolk has been reminded of the agreement which is as follows: Anyone travelling with a Norfolk bus pass can use their pass from 8.30am on Monday to Friday between Cromer and Hunstanton.

The passes are not valid on buses between Hunstanton and King's Lynn or between Norwich and Cromer before 9.30am. Passes issued from other areas in England are not valid until after 9.30am on Monday to Friday on any Coasthopper bus. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, there are no morning time restrictions for any bus passes.

Computer/Broadband Scams Not surprisingly with increased use of broadband the criminal mind has turned to computer/broadband scams.

We, and I include myself, need to remember that as with other services no legitimate business would ring out of the blue.

A cold caller will ‘discover’ issues on the machine which they will offer to ‘fix’ for a fee which is taken over the phone by credit or debit card; they will state they need to install software. Once payment is received the software is downloaded, opening up a range of possibilities for the scammer to install viruses, malicious programmes and software which can be used to perpetrate further scams in the future.

Coasthopper In order to ensure good service and value for residents the winter service for the Coasthopper was recently put out to tender by NCC. The council is currently finalising the details with interested parties and is confident of securing a good level of service for this very important route. Final details will be available soon.

Reusing Electrical Equipment Norfolk County Council are using DTS funding (Distributor Take Back Scheme) to help get more ‘electricals’ refurbished and given second lives. Staff at Hempton and other centres will be trained to spot appliances with potential for refurbishment. The money will also be used to pay for the installation of new containers to store the items on the site before they are sent away for testing and repair. The refurbished items will then be put on sale at Hempton in October.

Information regarding other sites will be posted at the sites.

County Councillors’ contact details: Dr Marie Strong: County Councillor Wells Division (Glaven, Priory and Walsingham Parishes) marie.strong@norfolk. gov.uk or 07920 286597 David Ramsbotham: Melton Constable Division (Bale and Gunthorpe Parishes) david.ramsbotham@norfolk.gov.uk 01263 577418

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District Councillors’ Contact Details: Vincent Fitzpatrick e:vincent.fitzpatrick@northnorfolk.gov.uk & Simon Hester e:simon.hester@northnorfolk.gov.uk (Binham, Langham & Stiffkey) Andrew Wells e.andrew.wells@north-norfolk.gov.uk (Sharrington, Field Dalling, Saxlingham & Morston) Ann.R.Green (01328 878273) e: ann.green@northnorfolk.gov.uk (Gunthorpe & Bale)

NATIONAL TRUST UPDATE Blakeney National Nature Reserve As I write this the weather is looking decidedly autumnal and summer is sadly already a distant memory. The bird breeding season on the reserve has finished with lots of successes including the rare Little Tern which saw 42 adults fledging 32 chicks, their best result for four years. Equally the Common Seals which pup during the summer months have also had a bumper year with 412 seals counted hauled out during early August.

Grey Seal numbers are now steadily rising and will continue to do so as the Grey Seal pupping season approaches. Last year was a record breaking year with 2,432 pups born making Blakeney Point the largest grey seal colony in England. We are busy preparing for the arrival of this year’s pups and will once again be fencing off areas on Blakeney Point from the end of October until January to allow the mothers and pups undisturbed room.

Winter conservation jobs have started with some more scrapes being dug on Blakeney Freshes to improve the habitat for breeding waders such as the Avocet and Oystercatcher. Also on Blakeney Freshes there will be reed cutting as well as fencing repairs.

Tree safety work will be carried out across the property on any trees that have been identified from our ongoing safety inspections.

We have an ongoing events programme throughout the year so if you wish to find out more about our work or the wildlife found on the reserve then please see our website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blakeney or call the Box Office on 0844 2491895. Upcoming events include the Blakeney Point Seal Pup Tours in November and December which we expect to be very popular so book early to avoid disappointment.

Alex Green, Digital Media, Marketing & Interpretation Officer

GLAVEN CENTRE SERVICES Toe-nail clinics Friday 2, 16 and 30 October and Tuesday 13 November.

Hearing Aid clinics Wednesday 21 October and Friday 27 November.

Hairdressing Every Wednesday. Regular, occasional or casual appointments can be made.

Ring 01263 740762 to make and check appointments.

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP Holt and District Dementia Support Group runs the Poppy Centre, a drop in café, every Tuesday morning 10.30 -12.30 at the meeting room at St. Andrews Church in Holt. The centre is open to carers and people with dementia or memory problems living in Holt and the surrounding area.

We serve coffee, tea and delicious homemade cakes and people are welcome to stay as long as they please.

A number of activities are available including games, reminiscence sessions, arts and crafts, singing sessions and quizzes. There are monthly relaxation sessions for carers and information is available from specialist agencies.

Do come and see what we have to offer. Parking is available at Gresham’s School nearby. If you need help with transport (small fee) please ring 01263 713102.

Wheelchairs are available if needed. Contact Wendy Richley 01263 715950, Ann Poberefsky 01263 587302 or Ann Hill 01263 710766 for more information.

We also run a Home Visiting service offering respite for carers who are looking after a person living with dementia in their own home. Our trained volunteers offer company, support and reassurance to the client enabling carers to take time out. Visits are pre-arranged to suit the needs of the client and their carer and can be for two or three hours. Contact Eleanor Sidgwick 01263 710617. Both the Poppy Centre and the Home Visiting services are free of charge, however donations are welcome.

WEA AUTUMN COURSES, WELLS The new season of courses run by the Wells Branch of the WEA begins on Tuesday September 29th with a seven week morning course given by the popular

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Andres Hermandez- Salazar on “The Voice”. Then on Saturday 10th October, Lawrence Staig will be running a day course on “Film and Music”. The second Saturday day course will be on the 21st of November when Sandy Greenard will be talking about “Dutch Genre Painting”.

Then at the AGM on Tuesday 24th November Peter Townroe will talk about “Henry Moore and North Norfolk”.

The seven-week course fee is £45 and the Day School fee is £15.

All meetings at the Friends' Meeting House, Church St., Wells NR23 1HZ. For further information please email Mary Baker on marybaker02@btinternet.com.

Geology Walk Saturday 17th October, 10am – 1pm

EVENTS AT NWT CLEY MARSHES River Glaven (talk) Thursday 8th October, 1.30pm – 3.30pm

As part of the Norfolk Walking Festival local geology expert, Martin Warren will guide us through the geology of the coast. Starting with a presentation in the Aspinall Centre followed by a walk along the shingle ridge. Cost: £3.50. NWT members, £5 nonmembers. Booking essential, please call visitor centre on 01263 740008.

Hear about the latest projects at Norfolk Rivers Trust and their work to restore the River Glaven including the creation of over 1km of new river on the Bayfield Estate. Cost: £6 NWT members, £8 non-members (price includes lunch). Booking essential, please call visitor centre on 01263 740008.

Bizarre Beasts (family) Friday 30th October, 10am - 4pm

Wanderlust (performance ) Thursday 8th October, 7.30pm

As its Halloween we will be celebrating all things bizarre and slightly scary. We will be dissecting owl pellets looking for bones, exploring the life of bats and delving into the strange world of many other creatures.

Crafts and activities all day in the education centre.

Cost: Free.

Armed each with a Dictaphone and a pair of wellies, three women began a search to satisfy their lust for adventure. Hunting in forgotten corners of the country they each hoped to bring back the most exciting tale.

What they found instead was something better. This play brings together a touching assortment of remarkable stories collected in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Cost: £12. Booking essential, call visitor centre on 01263 74008 or book online www.wegottickets.com.

Community Planting Day Sunday 11th October, 10.00am – 4.00pm Help create wildlife friendly habitats around the visitor centre complex. This is a practical event and you will be helping us plant a new hedge, planting flowers to attract butterflies and bees, preparing new planting areas and sowing wild flower seeds and bulbs. More details on our website. If you are interested in helping for 2 hours or more please contact, rachaelw@norfolk wildlifetrust.org.uk.

OLDER PEOPLE’S DAY 2015 EVENT Sheringham Community Centre 1st October from 1.00pm – 3.30pm Everyone here at Age Concern North Norfolk loves to celebrate age and see it only as a number.

We are supporting the up and coming Older People’s Day, as we do every year, with a special event. This year we hope to make it an extra special event as a tribute to our former Befriending Manager, Elva Gledhill, who very sadly and suddenly, passed away in July and who always befriended and helped anyone regardless of age.

Free event to learn about local services & clubs It will be held at Sheringham Community Centre on October the 1st between 13.00 and 15.30. Local people are invited to come along to this FREE event where they can learn more about local services and social clubs.

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Those groups and organisations attending are Fit Together, Ben’s Workforce, North Norfolk Community Transport, The British Heart Foundation, the local Library and Police services and the Older People’s Forum.

There will be information stands and talks from associations such as the Community Services on safeguarding issues, Dementia Friends on becoming a dementia friendly community and Be Ready for It Palliative Care Academy as well as from our own services including our Befriending Scheme (which is supported by the National Lottery) and our Day Centre.

Our computer support group will also be on hand to offer advice about getting online and staying safe.

CAN YOU HELP MAINTAIN THE GLAVEN CARING MINIBUS? If you have an hour or two to spare every couple of weeks perhaps you could help to look after our minibus, purchased with funds donated by people from our local community and helping to promote the Glaven Caring Service offered to older people in the Glaven Valley.

Please contact Maureen Buckey on 01263 740762 or Allen Hilton on 01263 740329 - for more details.

GLAVEN CARING If you would like to know more about us, whether to volunteer your time, or make enquiries to see if we can help you, a relative, friend or neighbour please contact Maureen Buckey at the Glaven Centre, Thistleton Court, Blakeney either by telephone 01263 740762 or email: glavencentre1@btinternet.com or contact Your Local Representative: Binham Sheelin Cuthbert 01328 830367 Blakeney Judy Pegden 01263 741497 Cley Jane Carter 01263 741087 Field Dalling Anne Gardner 01328 830755 Glandford & Saxlingham Marjorie Crowe 01263 740951 Holt—no rep Langham Eileen Wright 01328 830241 Letheringsett& Little Thornage Gill Inglis 01263 712609 Morston Anne Rolfe 01263 741125 Salthouse—no rep Wiveton Anne Crossley 01263 740530

A wide programme of activities to enjoy There will be plenty to enjoy with an exercise programme and tai-chi and we have live music on the day and always encourage people to get up and have a dance. There will also be hand massage and art workshops. Refreshments are provided including tea, cake and sandwiches; with fun being the operative word.

We would love to see you there on the day to help promote our aim of proving age is just a number and that Norfolk leads the way in uniting different generations.

On the day North Norfolk Stories will be on hand to record stories from people who have memories of growing up, or working in the area, as part of their oral exhibition beginning in the New Year and we will also have our own Intergenerational Group, run in conjunction with the pupils of Gresham’s School in Holt, attending on the day.

To find out more please call Adam at Age Concern North Norfolk 01263 823126 or Ann 07765 826288.

BALE Contact: Jane Wheeler 01328 878656 design@janewheeler.co.uk

CHARITY RUN IN HOLKHAM PARK In aid of Heritage House, Wells Sunday 4 October

WILDFLOWERS IN THE CHURCHYARD

10.30am – 1k Junior Run fee: £2.50 11.00am – 5k Fun Run or Walk or Crawl fee: £5.00 11.00am – 10k Serious Run fee: £10.00 To book your place, phone 01328 711333 or email heritagedaycare@btconnect.com or contact Charlotte on 07810 595053 or email lottylong3@icloud.com.

Bale has a lovely little church, thirteenth century chancel, fourteenth century nave and tower, one window of jumbled up rescued medieval coloured glass, and some wall paintings. Two years ago the National Trust surveyed our little churchyard for wild flowers,

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before that it had just been strimmed and cut, all neat and tidy, but in fact it had a good selection of wildflowers, as it had never been sprayed or fertilised.

After two years of allowing most of it to grow through the early summer, and some additions put in, we have at least thirty different native flowering plants: oxeye daisy, foxgloves, bugle, wild carrot, weld (I’ve never seen this before and growing so close they seem to be the same plant), viper’s bugloss (I’ve only seen this in Spain, in Extremadura where it covers huge fields of grass with sheets of purple flowers in a good spring).

I’ve been told that it grows in profusion like that in the Breckland. Spear thistle, the same one that is the Scottish national flower, red campion, also white and bladder campions, mullein, I think great mullein, mallow, lady’s bedstraw, a knapweed, possibly hard heads, harebells.

Also lots of plantains, hawkweed, smooth hawk’s beard, field scabious, hogweed, herb robert, yarrow, buttercup (don’t ask me which one – there are three, all poisonous) bugloss, large white convolvulous, sow thistle, teasel, and I can see that cowslip were flowering in the spring, plus the highly contentious ragwort.

There are probably more tiny plants, and I may have missed other flowers too…

It’s such a good opportunity to provide flowers for butterflies and bees, it’s a shame we don’t see more of this.

Jane Wheeler

November at 7pm for 7.30 prompt start. Teams should have 6-8 members and tickets will be on sale from 1st November priced at £12 to include supper. Call 01328 822012 or email balevillagehall@gmail.com.

VILLAGE HALL SOCIAL CLUB DRAW July 2015 Julie May Adam Chapman Martin Moore Alan Sankey

£25 £10 £5 £5

August 2015 Margaret Sankey £25 Evan Turnbull £10 Sandy Chapman £5 Ann Ramm £5

BINHAM Contact: Joanna King 01328 831831 joannaking77@yahoo.co.uk

JOYCE NEAVE Joyce Neave, who has died, aged 91, was small in stature, well-matched to the Mini cars in which she bobbed about the lanes of North Norfolk. But she had humour and kindness in generous measure – and stood remarkably tall in the face of adversity.

It was a feature of life in Hindringham and Binham to see her at the wheel, running neighbours to the shops or the hairdresser and, from time to time, taking them to village dances (where Joyce herself was always content to watch from the sidelines).

To all appearances it was a simple, unremarkable life. Joyce and her husband, Albert Neave, lived and worked on the family smallholding at Field House Farm, a quiet point on the line where those two village communities meet. Albert worked the land; Joyce kept the chickens. Older people remember the couple on their bikes and even, for a time, sharing a tandem: they cycled rapidly into Norwich and then toiled back together against the wind. They were familiar figures at

BALE VILLAGE HALL NEWS The Bank Holiday barbecue attracted a good crowd as usual, tempted by the delights of Alastair and Paul’s delicious lamb and middle-eastern style accompaniments. This is always a popular evening in the village and this year, despite all forecasts of doom and gloom, the weather held fine. It was great to see some new faces in amongst the usual suspects and a good time was had by all.

The event in the Village Hall which traditionally signals that summer is over and autumn is on its way is the Harvest Supper, which was on 26th September.

Look for a report on this in the next Lynx.

It will soon be time to switch on your best brain cells and find some equally intelligent team-mates because this year’s Bale Quiz Night is on Saturday 28th

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MAGNA CARTA & THE BINHAM CONNECTION The Friends of Binham Priory and Binham Local History Group are co-hosting this illustrated presentation by Professor Nicolas Vincent on Thursday 1st October at 7.30pm, Binham Priory. Bookable seats – tickets £5 includes a glass of wine. Contact David Frost 01328 830362 or email: davidfrost226@ btinternet.com.

Further details of this event were published in Lynx issue 103 and can be found at www.locallynx.co.uk.

BINHAM PRIORY CONCERT Friday 9th October

village hall events.

It is an image of content that belies the tragedy which struck the family. Joyce and Albert had to suffer the grief of losing both their sons, killed in separate accidents on country roads in Norfolk. Their boy Tommy, only 16-years-old, died in a motorcycle accident near Weasenham. The second son, Andrew, was aged 41 when he was fatally injured in a car crash at Bodham in 2002.

Joyce had also had to bear the consequences of yet another disastrous crash – many years earlier - which left Albert in a prolonged coma and coping with severe head injuries. He faced a long road to recovery, helped by his family to regain speech, mobility and the ability to work again on the farm. Joyce, herself a passenger in the vehicle at the time, was lucky to escape with her life.

She not only survived but somehow managed to keep her cheerful nature and to show much kindness and generosity towards her surviving family and her neighbours.

Albert and Joyce celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in March; they were married in Wighton in 1951 after a courtship which centred on the cinema in Wells-next-theSea, an easy cycle ride from home for both parties.

Joyce grew up in Crabbe, near Wells, where her father, Jimmy Docking – decorated for bravery during the Great War – was a farm worker. Joyce started her working life in domestic service, a calling for which she was not wellsuited. Her first employer insisted that her maid should bring to her whatever she required – letters, drinks and so forth – on a tray. This worked to the lady’s satisfaction until the day she asked Joyce to fetch a pair of shoes, duly delivered on a salver. Joyce remained to the last unimpressed by bossy individuals.

Joyce died on August 21 at Mill House Care Centre, Great Ryburgh, which had become the couple’s home when ill health meant they could no longer manage independently.

Albert, now 86, continues to live there. Joyce also leaves her grandsons, Sam and Russell Neave, and two greatgrandsons, Daniel and Michael..

Andrew Moncur

(please note change of date from that advertised in Gresham's School brochure) Schola Cantorum perform: Fauré's Requiem and other choral classics No tickets required Retiring collection

BINHAM & HINDRINGHAM OPEN CIRCLE The Open Circle will be holding its Harvest Supper and auction on Thursday 15th October, at the earlier time of 6.30pm. And at our 19th November meeting John Able will be telling us about his life working as a London taxi driver.

The Open Circle Women's Club meets at 7.15pm on the third Thursday of each month at Hindringham Village Hall. New members are always welcome - just come along on the night or ring secretary Fiona Thompson on 01328 830639.

LUNCH FOR ALL IN THE HALL On Thursday 5th November there will be lunch in the hall. Come along between 12.30pm and 2pm, £5 per head. To book your place call Liz on 01328 830519 or Alex 01328 830580.

HARVEST FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS The Harvest Supper is in the Village Hall on Saturday 10th October with the Harvest Festival taking place at Binham Priory on Sunday 11th October.

For information, please ring Liz on 01328 830519.

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BINHAM VILLAGE HALL CHRISTMAS FAIR

Saturday 21st November 9am - 2pm YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE! Buy your presents early - so many good bargains Boxes Bags & Scarves Pies, puds & tarts Xmas tree presents Beautiful jewellery Wildlife photography Stitched textiles & gifts Cards Wraps Decorations Products and gifts for the home Jams, chutneys & delicious things to eat Homemade cakes, sweets and preserves Glass lamps & mobiles Wooden gifts Printed T-shirts Ethica Skincare Children’s clothes Books Goodies from France Crafts Paintings & Prints Garden stall Pottery Xmas Wreaths Bottle tombola Books Free entry and parking Refreshments

FRIENDS OF BINHAM PRIORY PICNIC2JAZZ

Our Picnic to Jazz evening on 4th July was a great success – helped by glorious weather. FOBP benefited to the tune of £2740 which is a terrific result and way ahead of any other year. Very many thanks to all who helped and all who came.

The question has been asked if we should do the same thing next year or something different – would love to hear all your ideas remembering we must respect the integrity of the English Heritage property that we are allowed to use.

Richard Lewis

FRIDAY TEAS IN THE PRIORY Every Friday in August a group of willing helpers, under the leadership of Marie Grange, have again organised a very successful series of afternoons serving refreshments to visitors to the Priory. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes were on offer and readily accepted.

Appreciation of the hospitality was freely expressed and £334 in donations will help Priory funds.

A big "thank you" goes to all who were involved in any way in this very practical demonstration of the traditional Benedictine hospitality the monks would have extended to pilgrims over five hundred years ago.

David Frost

BINHAM SUMMER FETE We had lovely weather for the fete this year which was raising money for the Village Hall. So many people volunteered to help by parking the cars, manning the stalls and helping set up. Adam and Sammy were getting soaked in the stocks, Laura was looking after the calf whose name you had to guess. Mick, Fiona and Andrew looked after the bowling, chipping and wellie throwing. Prizes for these were kindly donated by Wordingham Plant Hire and Arthur Howell butchers.

Andy set up the arena before going to milk his cows and Dave and Judy ran the dog show which was judged by Gary Luck from GJL animal feeds. He was very busy as there were over 70 entries. Joanna was literally non-stop painting faces and Lucy was hooking the ducks. The barbeque was done by Sarah from The Chequers and everyone was kept refreshed by Liz and her team. June did a great job on the tombola and everybody else who helped know who they are.

It was great fun, everyone enjoyed themselves and we raised £1800. The date for next year is Sunday 7th August 2016 and I hope to see you all there.

Alex Wales

BINHAM SUPPORT FOR THE HOLT FOODBANK Many thanks to all for continuing to support the Foodbank. Our village’s contribution was 30.65 kg of food during July, out of a total for Cromer and District of 1684.8kg.

Although economic times generally may be better, sadly cutbacks in much needed benefits, coupled with delays in processing claims and shortages due to zero hours contracts, have all meant an increase in the need for your help.

Please do continue to give. We collect every Friday morning from the box in Howell’s Superstore and from the church. For more information, please contact Richard and Norah on 01328 830723.

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DIARY OF A BINHAM FARMER’S SON Age 38 1859 June 1st My dear father entered into his rest at about 4 o’clock this morning having passed a very suffering night.

2nd Friday We had great fear that the dear remains would not be kept until Wednesday and were obliged to have them screwed down.

7th Edward, Chas and I had rides together. I am quite puzzled about my proper course for the future. We wrote to Dr Allen about a farm for George.

8th The dear remains were interred today at Binham. A great many neighbours attended, a fine day fortunately.

9th Charles and I went to Fakenham to see Stuart and Hammond both of whom were civil and engaged Ansells to value.

19th Ems and I had a nice walk this evening. Like old times.

20th Find things very queer at Binham. George and Woods jealous of each other and working in opposition.

Had a fire in the evening 23rd Went to Fakenham. George sold some Binham wheat at 27/-. Old Nora dreadfully huffy.

July 2nd I went to Norwich to see a grass mower and reaper with which I was much pleased.

9th We went to Bible meeting at Binham. Mr Gilbert not well enough to attend. I did not like to take the chair but thought I ought.

17th Terribly hot day – we could not walk.

23rd Charlie and I went to Norwich and proved the will and got home to a meat tea by the early train.

Weather turned quite chilly.

24th I sold out the wheat both here and at Binham.

Agreed to go to see the wool weighed on Monday evening.

MEMORIAL HALL 100+ CLUB July winners: £25 Beverley Taylor, £10 S. Savory, Nora Bond, £5 Mr. Johnson, Binham Football Club, P. Bucknell.

August winners: £25 Mr. G. Marsh, £10 C. Winkley, A. Chapman, £5 Mr. Marshall, Amanda Savory, Andrew Marsh.

If anyone would like to join the 100+ club, please call at 8 Priory Crescent or ring June Read on 01328 830106.

COCKTHORPE Contact: Maurice Matthews 01328 830350 maurice.matthews@peppard.net

CHURCH REPAIR UPDATE Norfolk Churches Trust secretary Scilla Latham reports that although funds have been available for most of this year the lifestyle of the bats has delayed the start of work which will now be December with a target for completion next March. In addition to replacing the damaged roof, the boundary wall is to be repaired.

The Trust has plans to improve awareness of the building and its history through visitor signs and information. To this end they are keen to hear from anybody who has knowledge, involvement or attendance of this wonderful church. Please contact me if you can help.

Maurice Matthews

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Never drive faster than your Guardian Angel can fly.

Drive carefully, it’s not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

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Much chatting took place round the tea tables inside the Villagers’ Hall, where there were more cakes, served with tea and coffee, while children played various games of skill set out behind the Hall.

It doesn’t happen by itself and the fete committee is grateful to everyone who contributed his or her time and talents. Particular thanks are due to Mark Gardner and his team for setting everything up on the day and taking it down at the end. Items unsold at the fete were donated to Break and Blickling Hall for the National Trust.

It is very gratifying for all involved when so many folk join in and have a good time. It also happens to be the main fund-raising event for our two village churches and the Villagers’ Hall where the fete is held, so it is pleasing to record that each organisation will benefit by nearly £1,000. They count on these funds just to keep going.

The fete committee is a lively, friendly team. Sue Findlater has led it for several years as chairman and coordinator, but has now retired from this role, which is important but not particularly onerous. She would be delighted to hear from someone interested in taking it on for next year’s fete.

You, perhaps? Call her on 830442.

FIELD DALLING Contact: Anthony Smith 01328 830546 aesmith@pobox.com

MUSIC AND TEA in St Andrew’s Church Sun 11th Oct at 3pm The Cantelina Choir, conducted by Rosemary Kimmins, are kindly giving a Tea Concert. It will last about an hour and be followed by afternoon tea. There is no charge but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the restoration of the chancel windows. Please join us for an excellent afternoon’s music.

YOGA CLASSES with Richard Redmayne The Sivananda Yoga Classes have resumed and are held every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 8.45 pm in the Villagers’ Hall at a charge of £6 per session.

These yoga classes follow the same pattern each week, which means that they become familiar and make it easy to relax into the session. Each stretch or pose is followed by deep relaxation, and there is an emphasis on proper breathing.

As well as increasing physical flexibility and wellbeing, most people find the sessions very calming and meditative. The stretches and poses can be adapted to suit all physiques. Yoga mats and blocks to sit on are provided if you do not have your own. Loose fitting clothing is ideal.

Why ‘Sivananda’ yoga? Swami Sivananda (18871963) practiced and taught yoga in Rishikesh, India, and founded a famous ashram there. His disciple, Swami Vishnudevananda (1927-1993) went to the USA and Canada in 1957 and developed the training and yoga class pattern to suit westerners. There are now ashrams and centres all over the world. The nearest centre is in Putney, and the nearest ashram is near Orleans in France.

I thoroughly enjoy taking these sessions. Why not drop in and try it? I look forward to seeing you.

Richard Redmayne

VILLAGERS’ HALL BINGO The place to meet, the place to party!

Festive Bingo on 11th December It’s never too soon to start planning your...shall I say it...Christmas Party. Villagers’ Hall is the perfect place for this or indeed any party. It might be a more formal seated affair or simply a warm and welcoming space to throw a fun event. With tables and chairs provided, it’s a cost effective venue that can be hired from as little as £6.50 per hour.

For more details contact Jeremy Mason on 01328 830573 or see our website at www.fdands.org.uk.

Eyes Down for Christmas Bingo Our festive Bingo session is on Friday the 11th December from 7:30. This special evening is always well attended. To avoid disappointment you can secure a space by contacting Ian Ladley (our caller) at the regular October or November Bingo sessions.

Chas Lister

A WONDERFUL FETE Field Dalling and Saxlingham What a lovely afternoon we all had! The annual summer fete is a great opportunity for our two communities, our friends, families and any holidaymakers to get together on a fine summer’s day and have a good time.

It looked and sounded fun too, with bunting, gazebos, colourful signs and the lively rhythms of the Ugly Dog Skiffle Band giving the whole occasion momentum and impact. There were queues for the everpopular tombola, and the white elephant stall, raffle and bookstall did a brisk trade throughout the afternoon, as did the cake stall, laden with tempting home made confections.

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GUNTHORPE Contact: John Blakeley 01263 861008 jbconsult@btinternet.com www.gunthorpefriends.co.uk

FOGPC July

50/50 Club Draw Results August

Polly Aitman £20.00 Lin Poole £20.00 Sarah Worsley £10.00 Paul Tacon £15.00 Marcus Aitman £5.00 Mark Kassapian £10.00 Sam Worsley £5.00 Penny Brough £5.00 Richard Francis £5.00 Michael Bunting £5.00 Michael Bunting £5.00 Rob Cutterham £5.00 David Aitman £5.00 Roz Tacon £5.00 We now have 135 members so many thanks to all who continue to support us. If you are new to the village or have not yet joined, and you would like more information on both the 50:50 Club and “Friends” memberships, please contact John Blakeley on 01263 861008.

Myfi Everett & John Blakeley

Mary's, and for his endless and indeed wider support for our community over the years. Vivienne and Michael always attend our services, so it is not goodbye!

Penny Brough Church Warden

FRIENDS OF GUNTHORPE PC

The Friends AGM was held on Friday the 10th of July in the Village Institute with a Fish & Chip social evening following the meeting. Thanks so much to Tony Dufor for collecting the fish and chips for us and to all who attended for their support. John Blakeley has done an excellent job of collecting the subs for the Friends membership and 50/50 Club (thank you John!), but it is not too late to join so please contact John if you haven’t joined for the year yet.

The Fete BBQ was held in the Gunthorpe Hall gardens with many people there to boost the funds and enjoy the lovely evening. The event raised £1207, which will all go towards the maintenance of Gunthorpe St. Mary’s Church. Thanks so much to all who supported the evening so well… what a shame the lovely weather did not last for the Fete the following day!

Our next event will be the Harvest Supper. The provisional date is Saturday the 7th of November at 7pm in the Village Institute. Shepherd’s pie, peas and carrots will be served with an autumn fruit crumble for desert.

Anyone wishing a vegetarian pie please let us know when booking your seats. Please phone Gunthorpe Hall to book seats on 01263-861373. Tickets are £9 for adults and £6 for children 12 years and under. We hope to see many of you there.

Marie Denholm, Friends Chairman

ST MARY’S CHURCH NEWS On the 8th of August Helen and Nigel Ford's grandson, Alfie Daykin, was christened at St Mary's in a service attended by some seventy family members and friends. We offer him our very best wishes for the future.

As was reported in Lynx 103 Mary Smith's funeral was held on the 15th of July. The collection went to St Mary's for which we are very grateful. Mary is sadly missed by her friends in the village and of course her family.

On the 11th of October we will be celebrating our Harvest Festival service. As usual we will be decorating the church with fruit, vegetables and dry goods which will go to The Holt Youth Project. Any donations of produce will be gratefully received and nothing will get wasted after the service. Thank you in advance!

We have now received our share from the fete. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard before and during the fete, the church could not function without these vital funds.

Very sadly Canon Michael Wilson is giving up taking our church services. On behalf of his many friends in the village we would like to thank him for all he has done for St

INSTITUTE NEWS It would be nice to think at the time of reading this edition of the Lynx that we’re all enjoying pleasant autumn weather, unlike the unpleasant weather we experienced during the Fete weekend, and referring to that I would like to thank all those who contributed to the “damp success” of the day!

At the time of writing we have not yet had our September meeting where we will be discussing our next Institute event which we expect to hold in October further details will follow in a flyer.

Tony Dufour and the Committe

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Continued on page 15

MORE STORIES FROM OUR READERS: A WWI SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WE WILL REMEMBER

attentive in every detail, and completely fearless, three qualities which naturally produce a brave solider.” [Great Uncle of Helen Faulkner Ward.] With thanks to Helen Faulkner Ward, Morston.

Last year, in Lynx 98, we featured the war memorials and stories of those men who served in the First World War from the 10 villages of our benefice.

This year, we share some of the family stories and mementoes of those who live in our benefice now. And we also pay tribute to the FANYs. These few pages remind us that the Great War touched everyone, wherever they lived, and that we are forever united in our need to honour and remember them.

Acting-Lieutenant Colonel Peter Crichton Kay, of Finchley, was 29 years of age when he assumed command of the battalion in the field on October 23rd 1917. Educated at Highgate School like so many officers, he had been appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the Reserve Battalion on its formation in 1914. He had joined the parent battalion in Flanders in the summer of 1915, was present at the Action of Bois Grenier, succeeded Captain Bower as Adjutant in the spring of 1916, and served through the five Battles of the Somme, where he greatly distinguished himself, gaining the Military Cross. In April 1917 he became Acting-Major and 2nd-inCommand, and it that capacity, was present at the three Battles of Arras and the Battle of Langemarck. Although his permanent rank was too junior for him to remain in command until the end of the war, he was none the less destined to command the battalion in every subsequent battle in which it took part, except the latter half of the Battle of the Scarpe, 1918, when Acting-Lieut.Colonel Beevor was present. These services were recognised by two mentions in despatches and the Distinguished Service Order, and on retirement, although only a Lieutenant, he was granted the permanent rank of Lieut.Colonel. [Father of the late Sandy Kay.] With thanks to Gill Kay, Morston.

Corporal Geoffrey Brougham Warde, 10th Batt.

Canadian Contingent. Killed in action, June 7th, 1915. Age 19.

At Tonbridge School 1909-12 (Day Boy).

Taken from The Tonbridgian Geoffrey Brougham Warde was the eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. Warde of Tunbridge Wells. He reached the Modern Sixth in 1910, and in his last term was in the Army Class.

He left home in September 1913 for Winnipeg, Canada, where he was in the Union Bank until last November, when he enlisted and came over to England with the 2nd Canadian Contingent. In a letter received three days before he was killed, he gave an account of his first bayonet charge. The 10th Canadians had had a very hot three days in the trenches, and only he and three others of his section had come through unscathed, and he had had a bullet through his cap and another through his coat, whilst his bayonet had also been struck. His platoon commander, after telling how he was shot through the head by a sniper in the early dawn of June 7th, went on to say, “It was a terrible shock to all his company, for the boy was our favourite. His manly attention to his duties, his genial manner, cheery disposition and intelligence far above the average, endeared him to all, and in addition to this he was a thorough soldier, every inch of him. As he was in my platoon I was in a position to judge him, and watched closely. In a previous charge, he was one of the first in over the enemy’s trench. The loss of such good men is to be deplored, for although we have plenty of material, such boys as he are exceptionally rare. I hope you will not imagine that I enlarge on everyone of our boys in this manner, my time is too fully occupied; but I speak of the lad as I proved him. Although I have only known him since the end of April, it was quite sufficient to realise his sterling qualities as a soldier, thorough in everything he undertook,

Lieutenant Refford Lloyd. “My father served with the Honourable Artillery Company joining as an 18year-old, army number 624293. He was in A Battery horse artillery and sailed for Egypt in April 1915 and fought through Gaza and Palestine returning home in 1919. Horses and camels were used for everything in the desert and he never lost his love and respect for the horse.” With thanks to Gill Kay, Morston.

Private James R. Baldry A/391501 R.A.S.C. (photo p.ii) [Grandfather of Mark Harrison, Vale Farm, Stiffkey.] With thanks to Mark Harrison.

Pte Baldry was sent to France early in 1918 as part of the Army Service Corps (canteens). He was 40 years old and left behind his wife Lizzie and daughter Marion Eugenie. He died at the

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MORE STORIES FROM OUR READERS: A WWI SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT standing back row centre, Norwich Volunteers Guard Duty, 1915

Casualty Clearing Station, Bois d’Auxi on 10 September of paratyphoid fever (salmonella poisoning.) He is buried in Wavans British Cemetery.

Circa March 2018 My Dear Little Love, Your Daddy is in khaki now, you would not know him if you saw him. Tell Mummy I saw Admiral Wymiss from the Admiralty. All love and kisses from your Daddy. xxxxx Tuesday 3 September Dear Lizzie, You will be surprised to hear I have gone into hospital for treatment. I finished up Sunday night with awful pains and came in here with them in an ambulance on Monday. I am on milk diet yet, all milk and certain med. I am very glad as I should never have cured myself up there. I think it is possible that we will soon move again...no need for worry love as I am quite pleased over it...we even might get shifted to Blighty, some have got home with it. This is all this time, the man waiting for your letter, Yours in love, Jim Friday 6 September Dear Mrs.Baldry, I am writing this little letter for your husband to whom I have talked several times since he was brought in to this clearing station where I am chaplain. He tells me that he wrote to you a few days ago but he has not been quite so well since and doesn’t feel up to writing so I said I would write these few lines for him, in case you worried at not hearing from him when you knew he was not well. He asked me to tell you not to worry and he hopes to write again before long and he sends love and best wishes to you and Marion. If you would like to send him a message through me, I will give it to him if he has not been sent away to Base Hospital before it comes. Yours sincerely, G.B.Simpson Tuesday 10 September Dear Mrs.Baldry, I very much regret to inform you that your husband passed quietly away at 1pm this afternoon.

It will comfort you to know that he did not suffer. He asked me to send you his love but did not send any other message. I don’t think he realised how very ill he was. He will be buried tomorrow in the Mi,litary Cemetary near this hospital. Please accept my very sincere sympathy in your great troubles.

Yours Sincerely, L.M. Gedge, Sister-in-Charge

regiment, the 13th Hussars, were stationed in India, so he was seconded as a lieutenant to the 2nd Life Guards.

From his arrival in France in August 1914 until November, he took part in actions at Messine, Mons, Le Cateau, Le Marne, Aisne and the 1st Battle of Ypres for which he was awarded the Mons Star. When the 13th Hussars landed at Marseilles in January 1915, Andrew joined them. The 13H found the terrain totally unsuited to calvary ops so they mainly served in a unmounted role. In June 1916 the 13H were ordered back to India, but were diverted to Basrah in Iraq.

Andrew suffered a serious appendix problem en route, so was lowered by crane onto the quayside at Port Said for his op, and after convalescence rejoined his regiment to fight in Mesoptamia (Iraq) until the end of the war.

[Uncle of Jock Wingfield.] With thanks to Jock Wingfield, Morston.

Corporal Claude Wilson Martin, London Scottish Regiment (see photo below) was awarded the French Medaille Militaire, one of the rarest decorations to be bestowed upon a foreigner and a supreme award for leadership.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Lieutenant Andrew Wingfield, 13th Hussars (born 1895 and farmed in Norfolk). In 1914 he had just started his officer cadet training at RMA Sandhurst, but left to join up a week after the outbreak of war. His chosen

Corporal Claude Wilson Martin, London Scottish Regiment (above far left and below centre holding a football) was the grandfather of Stuart Martin of Morston. These photographs were taken just before Claude left for France. Of the five friends pictured, two survived.

With thanks to Stuart Martin, Morston

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MORE STORIES FROM OUR READERS: A WWI SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT First Aid Nursing Yeomanry

BRITISH WOMEN SERVING OVERSEAS IN WWI (1914-1918)

The FANY was founded in 1907 by Captain Edward Baker, whose idea it was that women who joined would not only become first aid specialists, but would also learn skills that would allow them to get to casualties on the battlefield itself. The young women had to pay a fee to join the FANY, as well as contributing 10 shillings a week for supplies. The original members of FANY were trained in cavalry work, signalling and camping out.

Some of the FANY brought their own cars to France, which were then converted into ambulances. The windshields were removed from all vehicles, and only small sidelights were allowed for night driving. This was so as not to alert enemy aircraft with lights or reflections, and to prevent injuries from breaking glass during bombings. The girls (as they called themselves) often had to evacuate the wounded from trains to hospitals or ships at night and in all weathers.

During really cold weather, the FANY had to run the engines every hour to keep them from freezing. It could take 10 minutes of hard work to crank one car into life (no electric starters among the ones they had), and turns were taken during the night to keep the ambulances always at the ready.

In August 1914, Grace Ashley-Smith and Lillian Franklin essentially ran FANY. On 27th October 1914 Lieutenants McDougall and Franklin arrived in France to find the British Army did not want them, so they joined the Belgian Army, as did FANYs following them.

There they were welcomed, and did sterling work helping casualties – in the Belgian Army. Just six weeks

PART 1. When in the November 2014 issue the Lynx published stories with photographs of those from this modern-day north Norfolk benefice who served in the 1st World War, the name of only one woman was discovered: Mary Gladys Groom of Stiffkey and she was shown on the Roll of Honour. No other details are known about her, even by her family.

In WWI many women’s deeds and bravery went unrecorded, and of the few records that existed, many were destroyed by enemy bombing in WWII. Besides the hard labour of those women in UK “keeping the home fires burning and the country running” (and so very often burdened by grief over family losses), what British women achieved overseas in WWI was truly remarkable. This article is an attempt by Jock Wingfield to fill that gap in our knowledge of that dreadful time.

British society was very much male-dominated in 1914 and so in August when war was declared, the military took the view that women had no part to play in it. Less than 0.024% of actively practising doctors in Britain were women then. The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) however, did help train recruits for the FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry). The main trained corps of military nurses was, however, Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS). Founded in 1902 at the time of the Boer war, by August 1914 QAIMNS was 300 strong, but at the end of the war four years later its nurses was to number over 10,400, 200 having died on active service.

(Readers may well have heard of QARANC - Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps - which QAIMNS was to become in 1949).

Women defy authorities to rescue men from the battlefields

into the war, FANY recruits working at a hospital in Antwerp were so successful that they were given the hospital there to run – which meant that a great deal more members of FANY had to be sent to Belgium.

Ironically, however, Antwerp fell to the Germans just as the first team of FANYs was waiting for a train in London to take them by boat to Belgium.

At the end of October 1914, six FANYs went to France with just £12. In view of the German advance, it was no surprise that when they got to Calais, they found the dock covered with wounded British soldiers who were receiving

At first British authorities tried to keep women off World War One battlefields, but the women ignored the government and kept on coming forward, thousands of them, often under their own steam. Because the British Army was so resolutely opposed to all female military nurses except the QAIMNS, early volunteers from Britain were obliged to serve instead with the French and Belgian forces!

The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), the Scottish Women, and over 2,500 in Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs) travel overseas to serve the wounded.

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MORE STORIES FROM OUR READERS: A WWI SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT only the minimum of care. So they set up a hospital in a convent school and the hospital soon had 100 beds; and between 1914 and 1916 treated over 4,000 patients.

As well as treating wounded soldiers, FANYs drove ambulances and set up soup kitchens and general canteens. A lot of their work put them in touch with the frontline and danger.

Few soldiers had the opportunity to bathe, so the FANYs remedied this by bringing over to the frontline a mobile bath unit of ten collapsible baths, nicknamed ‘James’ – which used a motor engine to heat the water.

And so about 40 men an hour could have a bath.

Elsewhere, the FANYs set up a mobile cinema.

In 1915, the FANYs received more recognition from senior echelons in the British Army. They were given what could be seen as a formal base in Calais from which to work – the casino. Here the FANYs asked to do more work for the British – rather than the Belgians.

The Surgeon-General at Calais supported their request By 1916, FANYs were working with mechanics to repair broken down motor vehicles. Slowly but surely, the members of FANY broke down basic prejudices that were held in a society that was still dominated by men and one where some women – the Suffragettes – had done a lot to turn many against women’s rights.

The FANYs had few rules and regulations. As they were “not Army”, they only saluted an officer once in the morning, as a simple recognition of the position that officer held. A FANY rule was that an individual FANY did not go to dinner with a male friend by herself, but would be accompanied by another FANY as chaperone.

In Calais, the FANYs created a troops’ entertainment group called the ‘Fanytastiks’, and in St Omer they set up a group called the ‘Kippers’.

FANY applicants had to be over 23 and be interviewed at the FANY HQ in London. Those who passed the interview were then put on probation for four months and those who passed this were then attached to a FANY unit, but had to provide their own uniform (though an allowance was given for this). When it was required, all FANYs had to pass the BRCS driving test.

When posted abroad, all FANYs had to obey the commanding officer of wherever they were stationed, failure to do so resulting in dismissal from the unit.

Every six months duty brought two weeks leave. In August 1918, there were just under 120 FANYs in France. After the war ended, many FANYs stayed in France and Belgium and continued to work there. compiled by Jock Wingfield

BRITAIN’S & NORFOLK’S BRAVEST WOMAN IN WWI? In October-November 2016 we will publish Part 2 of BRITISH WOMEN SERVING OVERSEAS IN WW I (19141918) Part 2 will cover several stories of named British women overseas in WWI and show pictures and list the amazing number of medals they were awarded. We include an excerpt on Edith Cavell, to mark the centenary of her death.

Ed.

Edith Cavell memorial in Norwich

Edith Cavell from Swardeston, Norfolk (where her father was vicar for 45 years) was a British nurse recruited aged 42 in 1907 to be matron of a newly established nursing school, L'École Belge d’Infirmières Diplômées in Brussels. By 1910, Miss Cavell was a training nurse for three hospitals, 24 schools, and 13 kindergartens in Belgium. When war broke out, however, she was visiting her widowed mother in Swardeston, but returned to Brussels, where her clinic and nursing school were taken over by the Red Cross.

She is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides without discrimination and in helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during the war. For this she was arrested, court-martialled and found guilty of treason, and was sentenced to death.

Despite international pressure for mercy, she was shot by a German firing squad in October 1915. The FANYs provided a guard of honour when her remains were returned to Britain.

What was named after or for her worldwide – memorials, nursing facilities, streets, postage stamps, pop songs, etc - is staggering: not just in the Englishspeaking world (hugely so in Canada), but also on Venus, in Belgium, France, South Africa, India, Argentina, South Africa (and in Norwich, Peterborough, Sheringham and Wymondham College). And Edith Piaf was named after her.

THANK YOU Local Lynx is truly grateful to reps and readers who contributed to our collection of stories from WWI. We hope to include commemorative articles in every October/November edition up to 2018. If your ancestors served in the Great War please get in touch so we can include your stories in 2016. Email lynxeditor@ pobox.com or contact the rep for your village. If you need us to copy photos or writings, please contact Roberta on 01263 740188.

iv

Continued from page 14

SUMMER FETE Despite the awful downpours, and with huge determination, the 2015 Gunthorpe Fete was opened as usual at 2pm by our guest Dave Webster from BBC Radio Norfolk, whose amusing speech provided some light relief on such a dismal day, and the afternoon was enjoyed by all those who braved the weather and came to visit. Thank you to Dave and to all who so generously supported our activities on the day. We had expected the Fete to make significantly less than usual, and this was the case, but even with such appalling weather the income after expenses was a very creditable £3152, which as usual has been divided between church and Institute funds.

The fete committee, friends, visitors and the villagers of Gunthorpe cannot thank Marie and Jeremy Denholm enough, for once again opening the beautiful grounds of Gunthorpe Hall for all to enjoy and for their incredibly generous support, time and commitment to the event. It is a date now set in many people’s diaries and one I know, that many visitors from far and wide, look forward to so much, every year. Huge thanks must also go to the amazing, hard working staff and their supporting team at Gunthorpe Hall. Your prevailing sense of good humour and unflappable attitude does not go unnoticed and we are hugely grateful to each and every one of you. You calm my frazzled nerves with such good grace!

We are also extremely fortunate to benefit from the help and support of Gunthorpians and their extended families and friends, who so willingly help run games and stalls on the day itself. Your time is never taken for granted and we appreciate all your efforts and enthusiasm in making the day so much fun for everyone attending.

Thank you also, to all those who donated prizes, jumble, bottles, books etc – your continuing generosity knows no bounds.

This year I put out a plea for help with the some of the expenses and costs required for running the fete. I was overwhelmed with offers of support and these new donations made a huge impact on the costs and our overall total. Thank you to those who supported the Fete in this way; your kindness has made such a difference.

We had all the old favourites: bottle stall, jumble and bric-a-brac, book stall, plants and produce, tombola,

bottle fishing and many more. “Bowl for the pig” returned for its second year and was just as popular. A great twist on an old English tradition, which proved to be superb fun. “Beat the goalie” drew huge crowds and provided entertainment all afternoon. It was incredibly competitive with fun prizes and an equally enjoyable new addition. Thank you to all involved in suggesting new ideas and “running” with them. The grand draw continues to go from strength to strength each year.

Huge thanks are extended to all the local businesses and individuals who donated generous and imaginative prizes; we are so grateful; as are all the lucky winners!

I would also like to extend my thanks to those workers from Albanwise who help us so much with the “heavy” work, before and after the fete; we simply couldn’t manage without you!

Finally, a personal thank you from me, to my committee members; too many to mention, but you know who you are.

Once again, you made a very daunting job, a most enjoyable one and most importantly, great fun! As ever, so many of you went the “extra mile”, many continue to beaver away, below the radar, happy to help, and with no need for special thanks. However, it is important to note, that your hard work and commitment does not go unnoticed, by so many in the village. However, this was my final year as fete coordinator.

Brian, the boys and I will be leaving the village in October and therefore I am putting out an urgent plea for a volunteer/s to step into the breach. I will provide a full handover to the willing party and offer support in any way I can.

My family and I have enjoyed eight very happy years in Gunthorpe and have made many life-long friends here. We have felt incredibly privileged to live in a village that has such a huge heart and genuine sense of community spirit; long may that continue. We will not be strangers and will return for events at the Village Institute, and, of course, to visit! Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you.

Zena Churchill Village Representative’s Note: We will all be sorry to see Zena and Brian and their family leave the village, but we are glad that they will be close enough to remain “in touch”. They have been strong supporters of village life, and Zena in particular has, with the support of her family, led the fete’s recent continuing and ever improving success.

We send them all our very best wishes in their new home.

15

and on into the tree stumps. The pilot had quickly switched off the engine before he hit the stumps, but one propeller blade was bent back for the last 18 inches and the overload fuel tank - fortunately empty - which was fixed between the undercarriage legs was smashed up into the fuselage and eventually was stopped by the tail wheel, leaving the belly ripped open from engine to tail wheel.

A Sgt Fitter of 547 Squadron and I inspected a squadron aircraft and tried to visualise the damage and how it could be repaired. But it did not appear very encouraging as it depended on whether or not the primary tubular structure was buckled so I suggested I go and have a closer examination of the damage. The propeller damage was also a problem as it was not a practical proposition to try and get a new propeller to the scene. So the next morning found me at first light, in the back of a Lysander which had been stripped of machine guns, gunner’s seat, etc and a big piece of plywood fitted as a floor on which passengers could stand or stores be carried. No seats, straps or 'inter-com'.

A Karen was the only other passenger, returning from hospital after bullet wounds. About 200 lbs. of ammunition, explosives, lamp oil, tins of petrol and twenty pairs of boots were tucked around us. A ladder was a permanent fixture on the side for quick exit and entrance.

WW2 DID NOT END ON VE DAY Previous Gunthorpe resident, Bill Lamb, was still serving in Burma when the Japanese surrender took place 70 years ago in August 1945. We celebrated VJ day on 15 August 2015. This is Part 2 of Bill’s story Part 1 can be found in Lynx 103.

One day there was a crash which just had to be recovered and repaired. It was a Lysander of No 547 (Special Duty) Squadron engaged in infiltrating agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) Force 136, who were organising men of the Karen Hill Tribes into a fighting force against the Japanese. There was a bit of a problem; it was deep in enemy territory.

The monsoon weather precluded parachute drops from Dakotas as the cloud covered the hills completely.

The area was known as the Karen Hills, but many of the "hills" were 5000ft high! It was at a critical period of the war; the 28th Army was massing for a breakout east to the Sittang River and meeting with the Japanese 33rd Army. The Sittang River was the limit of the 14th Army’s penetration to the east, but across the Sittang was Kareni where Force 136 had organised a force of 12,000 Karens with British Officers, NCO's and Gurkha paratroops further stiffening their already fearsome fighting capability; a formidable force. The only way to support Force 136 was by Lysanders penetrating the monsoon weather to bring in agents, food, arms and ammunition etc and evacuate wounded and sick men.

There had been 15 Lysanders in May, but casualties had been high; six aircraft had been lost, all due to weather and now another desperately needed aircraft had crashed. There were no replacements for the lost Lysanders.

The Flight Commander of 'C' Flight of No 547 Squadron came to see me, gave the pilot’s report of the crash and asked what I could do about recovering and repairing the aircraft. The pilot - a very experienced Flight Sergeant with over eighty covert operations to his credit, had been landing a heavily laden aircraft on a short waterlogged airstrip, about 500 yards by 40 yards, near the village of Lepeykhi in very bad weather. The strip had a distinct slope to one side. To give more clearance for vision and take-off, the teak trees which surrounded the area of the strip had been chopped down. Unfortunately the aircraft skidded on the waterlogged ground almost at the end of the landing run

The monsoon season ran from May until the end of September, and the 1945 example, it was generally acknowledged, was a particular stinker. Everything was wet! All the time! The humidity was near saturation and temperature about 90°F. The cloud base was almost a standard 100ft in the hills and the cloud 10/10 above it.

There was the odd break on the plain, but rarely in the hills. The only way to get to a small airstrip deep in the hills was to start at the mouth of the Bilin or Salween River as both ran north/south through Kareni and follow the course of the river itself. The Salween is an

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LANGHAM Contact: Amanda Deacon 01328 830908 amandajd@live.co.uk

FROM THE REGISTERS Holy Baptism Mrs. Leanne Rose Cooper

Funeral Mrs. Shelia Dorothy May Jenkinson

7th Aug. 10th Aug.

THE BIRDS OF THAILAND

Saturday 3rd October in the Village Hall. Dave Curtis will give a slide show on "The birds of Thailand" at 7:30pm. Plenty of colourful birds and other wildlife.

Bucket collection in aid of Village Hall.

enormous river which originates somewhere in China.

The Bilin River was our usual route; quite wide and flat at the mouth, but quickly narrowing as the hills are penetrated, and the hills become steeper and closer; completely covered in teak forest and bamboo. The Japanese controlled the river and actively patrolled the banks. The rivers were the Japanese route of retreat to the south. With the cloud base of 100ft and the sides closing in, it was like flying in a tunnel. It was the "hairiest" flight I had ever done (until then!). On a good day it took about one hour from the coast to Lipeykhi, our target, flying right on the water at about 90 knots and hoping the cloud did not swirl down or a rain squall meet you at the next bend. As we had no intercom between the pilot and passengers, there was no warning when we were on "finals". Just a sharp turn into a side valley, following a chaung and then into a blind valley without any beacons or runway markings; a bump down and a long wheel-locked slither on the water-logged ground and one had arrived! How on earth the pilots ever found their way I do not know. I landed three times on one strip and never had any idea how we got there.

On occasions the cloud swirled down into the valley or a rain squall blocked vision - and then it was a case of flaps down, wings slots open, tail incidence wound right back and a 40 mph staggering vibrating turn into another valley or back the way we came.

When it was first suggested that I write up this little episode of long ago (well over half a century!) I had notes, some photographs and fragments of my crash diary, but the Public Records Office kindly supplied extracts from the RAF Form 540 - Operations Record Book of 547 Squadron 'C' Flight, so I am able to quote dates, time, personal names and accurate reports, which is a great help. My first infiltration is recorded in the usual terse language: "Pilot: F/LT P. ARKELL, LYSANDER V9885.

Operation from Mingladon to Lipeykhi - Hyena HQ Successful… ....... Part 3 will follow in the next edition.

AUTUMN CHORAL CONCERT By the German choir Lubecker Kammerchor St. Andrew’s and St. Mary’s Church, Langham, Friday 23rd October, 7pm. Please come and enjoy this short concert of beautiful choral works by Scarlatti, Mendelssohn, Sheppard and Withacre. Refreshments afterwards at the Rectory. Admission is free, there will be a retiring collection in aid of Langham Church General Fund.

LEAUKAEMIA AND LYMPHOMA RESEARCH Autumn Sale, Sat. Oct 24th Langham Village Hall, 10 -11.30am

Lots of goodies, bric a brac, good clothes, household, kitchen equipment and much more. Tea /coffee available. Looking forward to seeing you all. Maureen

STALL ON THE GREEN AUGUST 2015 Total proceeds for this event amounted to £378.84.

A big thank you to all who bought and brought produce and cakes to the stall. It was all very much appreciated and most kind of you to support us.

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AUTUMN SALE Langham Village Hall Sat 10th Oct. 10am -12 noon, Books and Bric a Brac, Tombola, Coffee and Cake.

Proceeds for Langham Church General Fund.

SING FOR THE JOY OF SINGING Sun 11th October 2-4.30pm Langham Village Hall

We are having a get together at Langham Village Hall to sing songs of autumn, harvest and songs of good cheer for the season. No singing experience necessary to join in this one-off workshop. No audition. No solo singing. Just sing because it’s joyful and it’s good for you. Everyone is welcome.

Please join us to share in group songs, rounds, and harmonies of the season, taught in a relaxed, fun way by Natasha Hood. ‘I loved your singing workshop yesterday. Although I am not an experienced singer, you made it easy for me to participate fully. Thank you for a very special afternoon’ (J. Attwood, workshop participant) £6 per person including a cup of tea or coffee.

Booking is essential so reserve your place by calling Vicki on 07710 043550.

RVS LANGHAM CAR SERVICE

Schedule to 6th December

Fare: 25p per mile

Weekly driving duties beginning on a Monday Sept 28th 830 606* Nov 2nd 830 847 Oct

5th

830 624

Nov 9th

830 605

Oct

12th

830 606*

Nov 16th

830 624

rd

th

Oct 19

830 348

Nov 23

830 731

Oct 26th

830 537*

Nov 30th

830 056

* These drivers do not go to Norwich If the driver for the week is unable to do the trip, contact the next person on the list. If your appointment is cancelled, please also cancel your car service booking.

Please give three days’ notice wherever possible, except in an emergency. It would be very helpful if a car booking is made as soon as an appointment is arranged or journey planned so that drivers can arrange their schedule. When booking, please tell the driver of any walking aids to be transported. Please bring change.

In the infrequent event that no driver is available, contact the Holt Caring Society (01263 711243), giving as much notice as possible.

To avoid drivers having to do a duty twice in one period we are in urgent need of more drivers to bring us up to our full complement. If anyone would like to join us please give me a call.

Gill Hartley 01328 830624

FISH, CHIPS AND A QUIZ NIGHT On the last Friday of each month at Langham Village Hall enjoy this fabulous social event, at 7pm on each of the following dates; 25th September, 30th October and 27th November. Teams of 4 and £1 per person to play.

Everyone welcome.

PARISH COUNCIL FIREWORKS Due to crop schedules neither of the local farmers could provide a field this year so regrettably there will be no firework display in November.

John Hope, Chairman

HARVEST THANKSGIVING

Langham Church. Sun. 11th Oct. 9.30am.

Family service of Morning Prayer followed by brunch and coffee in the Village Hall. All are welcome.

Admission free.

MOBILE LIBRARY

Thurs 1st and 29th Oct. and Thurs 26th Nov. On each of these days the van will call for 20 mins at St. Mary’s 9.50am, The Cornfield 10.20am.

Enquiries Wells Library 01328 710467

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(first fixed seat rowing skiff) Please note that under Morston Regatta rules each competitor is only allowed to win 1 trophy.

MORSTON Contact: Jock Wingfield 01263 740431 jocelynwingfield@gmail.com

There were no entries for the following trophies: NATIONAL TRUST TROPHY (first sliding seat rowing scull) TEMPLE TROPHY (first catamaran)

DIARY DATES

Sat 17th Oct 6.30 pm: FMC Shovell Dinner 2015.

Martin Stephen, late High Master St.Paul’s School, London, on “Stuart Admiral Sir Christopher Myngs of Salthouse”. At the Anchor.

Sun 8 Nov. 1.50 pm. Remembrance Day Parade & Service.

Sun 29 Nov (& maybe Mon 30th). FMC Stall at Blakeney Christmas Market.

Wed 23 Dec. 5.00 pm. Candlelit Carol Service at All Saints’ Church.

Thu 24 Dec. 5.30 pm Morston. Carol singers meet at the Anchor.

NORFOLK OYSTER AND GYPSY REGATTA WINNERS 2015 1st place Oyster George Ward (Oyster Model) Oyster ‘Charlotte Louise’ 2nd Place Oyster Paul Miller (Neil Thompson Tankard) Oyster ‘Plover’ 3rd Place Oyster James Woodhouse (Norfolk etc. Plate) Oyster ‘Hazel’ Bullard Cup George Ward (Junior Helm) Oyster‘Charlotte Louise’ Pearl in the Oyster Henry Cowan (Youngest Ballast) Oyster ‘Sharpen Up’ Middle of the Fleet Iain Wolfe (Bottle of wine) Oyster‘Annie’ The Harmony Plate Maurice & Sue Matthews (Longest married couple across the line) Oyster‘Lucinda Bosun’s Whistle William Cowan (First under 10 crew) Oyster‘Sharpen Up’ Most Improved Placing Norman Groom (Bottle of wine) Oyster ‘Puffin’ Kilmaine Plate Lucy Connor (Most Tactical Race) Oyster‘Avocet’ Anchor Cup Roy Sherlock (1st Gypsy across the line) Gypsy 'Watershed’ Neil Thompson Tankard Hugo Williamson (2nd place Gypsy) Gypsy‘Redshank’ Rodwell Painting, Stuart Farrow (3rd Place) Gypsy‘Enchantress’ Middle of the Fleet Hugo Williamson (Bottle of Wine) Gypsy‘Redshank’ Most Improved Placing Roy Sherlock (Bottle of Wine) Gypsy‘Enchantress’ Best Dressed Boat Stuart Farrow (Box of Chocolates and Bottle of Fizz) Gypsy‘Enchantress’

MORSTON REGATTA WINNERS 2015 MORSTON PARISH COUNCIL TROPHY Graham Barker (first boat across the line) Wayfarer 8888 MAJOR P HAMOND TROPHY Peter Lobban (first Morston resident) ‘Sloopy’ HASSALL TROPHY Robin Combe (first Stiffkey Cockle) Cockle 19 WARD TROPHY Gill Kay (first Norfolk Oyster) ‘Swallow’ WILSON CHALLENGE CUP Steve Leigh (first Slow Class boat) OK 1718 MORSTON REGATTA CUP Roger Beavis (first Fast Class boat) Phantom 906 CARTER TROPHY Patsy Seymour (first single-hander) Laser 126212 MUCK BOAT TROPHY Nick Hamond (first ex-working boat) Orion JOHN BEAN’S TROPHY Hugo Williamson (first helm under 16) Laser 4.7 180292 ATHILL TROPHY Brian Williams (first pleasure boat) Open Gypsy LAPSTRAKE JUNIOR CUP Ben Coast (youngest helm) Mallard WOOD TROPHY Bluejacket

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REMEMBRANCE DAY SUN 8 OCT 1914 WWI When WWI broke out, members of the Coastguard were taken out of the Coastguard Cottages and immediately drafted into the Royal Navy, in Destroyers.

Apparently they weren't allowed off the ships, which had to cruise the coastline slowly, although just one U-boat took out the lot.

8 August 1914 The poet Rupert Brooke visited Morston and transcribed the epitaph on Robart Powditch's gravestone within the Church.

September 1914 The irreplaceable Coastguard was returned to their watch-house duties!

MORSTON GOTTS MEN IN WWI. CONTACT FROM CANADA

1914

An update on Issue 99, page 21

Philip Hamond re-enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment and won an MC and (as a Major), a second DSO. Leading Stoker (Coastguard) John Morris R.N. - lost at sea. He had been serving on HMS Hogue, and died in 1914 after the ship was torpedoed in the North Sea.

After the article on the six member of the Gotts family of Morston fighting in World War I published in Local Lynx a year ago, we were contacted by a grandson of Airman Edward Gotts, Adrian Gotts, 60, an engineer of Barnby near Beccles who put us in contact with his 2nd cousin, Charles (“Chuck”) Newyar, in Canada , grandson of Pte Bertie Reginald Gotts of the 2nd Norfolks (who after World War I emigrated to Canada (Atikokan, Rainy River, Ontario). Chuck told us how all the Gotts listed on Morston church wall as fighting in the war were brothers or half-brothers.

Robert Gotts (b.1852, carpenter in 1900) and his first wife, Ms (?)Pells were parents of Able-Seaman Robert Gotts, Jr, RN, of HMS Gibraltar, and of RASC (Royal Army Service Corps) Cpl Herbert Samuel Gotts, and of Driver Obadiah Pells Gotts of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The other 3 Gotts servicemen were sons of Robert and his second wife, Emily nee Austell (1861-1924).

These were Pte Bertie Reginald Gotts (1894-1878), born in Morston, who was in the 2nd Norfolk Regiment in the war, and Clifford (“Charles”) William Gotts (b.1885, later the blacksmith), a Pte in the RASC, and of Edward Gotts (16 in 1914) – who served in Russia in World War II. The eldest of the second set of 3 brothers, Bertie Gotts, married May Dowsing and they had Dorothy (m.

Donald Dewar), parents of John and Charles (“Chuck”) Gotts, and Robert Gotts of Regina, Saskatchewan (who died in 2014).

The John and Pam Gotts, who on 16 November 1991 buried the ashes of Bertie & Olive Gotts at Morston Church, must have been Bertie’s brother and his wife.

Edward Gotts married Elizabeth Dysing (d.1938) and had three children: Raymond (b.Stiffkey, Methodist, 38 years an organist), Ivy, now Mrs. Wyatt of Dereham and Ivan, now 93, of near Great Yarmouth. Raymond & Elizabeth Gotts were parents of Adrian Manon Gotts of Barnby near Beccles in Suffolk (b.1955, m. Marion Skinner).

We have asked the Gotts family website to let us print a picture they have of Obadiah Gotts in World War I uniform.

November 1916 Private George J. Balding of the 9th (Svc) Battn.

Norfolk Regiment, was killed in France - just after the first ever tank skirmish. He was shot in the August and died of his wounds in November.

1916-1918 “Diamond” Bean (who had been George Balding's platoon sergeant) was, later in the war, awarded the MM and DCM. Leading Seaman Alec Gray (son of the Townshend Arms publican) - lost at sea. He had been serving on HMS Vanguard and died at Scapa Flow in 1917.

August 1918 Major Philip Hamond of the Norfolk Regiment, was part of the British Military Mission that was sent to the USA to teach “American Army tank warfare”. Serving as British Liaison Officer at Camp Colt, Pennsylvania, USA, Philip Hamond instructed the Americans in the method of 'Tank Warfare' alongside Major "Ike" Eisenhower (who in later years became the 4-star General and President of the USA).

Although the "Tank" had been invented by the British in 1916, and had proved its worth in many successful battles, by 1918 the Americans still didn't actually own such a vehicle, so Major Philip Hamond had to teach them how to operate one.

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BLAKENEY HARBOUR ASSOCIATION There was some exciting news for members of the Blakeney Harbour Association who crowded into Morston village hall in August for the summer meeting The Association, after 51 years, had achieved charitable status! Confirmed just a day or two before by the Charity Commissioners. Which capped off a very successful year for the Association. In one season and by dint of much hard work by volunteer members the harbour entrance buoyage has been replaced with new illuminated buoys, the Cley channel is now buoyed as is the pit to Blakeney New Cut. There have only been two reported incidents of theft this year, which is down to vigilance by members and a strong police presence.

89 new members have joined which is the best ever, we have an active Twitter and Facebook presence (over 300 likes) and finally a brand new website http://blakeney harbourbassociation.co.uk.

A number of hazards in the harbour have been marked (details on the website).

After some complications the abandoned metal hulk on Blakeney quay is finally out of the water and off to the scrap man.

Over the coming months and working with the National Trust more abandoned boats will be removed so if one of these is a cherished possession of yours then best remove it!

Finally the Association is trying to build up a history of the harbour, so any accounts or pictures that relate to the harbour as it used to be would be gratefully received.

Contact via the website.

Tom Harrison

FMC SHOVELL DINNER 2015 Saturday 17t October

Half of the 50 tickets for the ninth Friends of Morston Church Shovell Dinner have already been sold. On Oct 17th Martin Stephen, late High Master of St.Paul’s School, London, will speak on “Stuart Admiral Sir Christopher Myngs of Salthouse”. The 7.00 pm talk will be preceded by Drinks, from 6.30 and followed at 8.00 pm by a 3-course Dinner and Raffle. (Tickets at £35 each from Jock Wingfield on 01263-740431).

CELEBRATION OF ALL SAINT’S DAY Sunday 1 November at Morston Church 9.30am with coffee and cake to follow All are very welcome to join our regular holy communion service (BCP) with additional hymns. The service will be followed by coffee and cake.

If you would like to bring a small bouquet of flowers to display in remembrance of a loved one, jam jars and water will be available.

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Meetings: Wed. 29 July and Wed. 26 August 2015.

For the Clerk’s official minutes please go to the Morston Parish Council website at http://morstonpc. norfolkparishes.gov.uk. Minutes and forthcoming meeting Agendas are also posted on the Parish Council Notice Board outside the Anchor Pub in Morston.

PCC CRAB SUPPER The annual sail to Blakeney Point took place on Wednesday 17th June in wonderful evening weather and was followed by a great crab supper. The evening made £1,238 for the PCC .

Mary Athill and the PCC would like to thank Jim Temple and Steven Bean for providing free boat travel, and Graham Lubbock and Victoria Egan for the fine National Trust commentaries, and Willy & Dawn Weston for delicious crabs. Yet again faithful old friends, and new friends, attended and made it such a pleasant evening.

Extracts from Meetings on 29 July & 26 August Police Report A report was read out from PC Pegden on 26 August.

There had been 3 calls to the police and one crime of criminal damage. Boat owners were again urged to be vigilant and secure their boats and outboard engines. Steven Bean also requested that suspicious vehicle registrations

STALLS ON THE QUAY

On August 22nd, the PCC organised “Stalls on the Quay”, providing stalls for Books, Clothing, Plants, Toys, Bric-a-Brac and not least Bottles – where purchased Raffle tickets that ended in “0” or “5” won a bottle prize – of, literally a bottle of anything including some delicious wines.

The session made £1,284:48. The PCC would like to thank all those who so kindly provided what was sold and raffled.

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Next meeting: Wednesday 30 September, Village Hall at 7.00pm. All welcome.

Morston Parish Council: Carole Bean, Steven Bean, John Burdell (chair), Roberta Hamond, Jim Temple, Jill Tibbetts and Charlie Ward. Contact via parish clerk Peter Bullimore, beestonpc@btinternet.com or 01263 822864.

MORSTON QUIZ

by Samphire (Answers on Page 26) 1.At the 2012 Olympics which British sports personality carried the Olympic Torch into the Olympic Stadium?

2.What links a group of whales to a group of peas?

3.What colour smoke announces the election of a new pope?

4. For what is Flo Rida famous?

5.Which breed of dog does not have a pink tongue?

6. At what speed in mph does a wind become a hurricane?

7. Which is the largest “native” wild animal in the British Isles?

8.Which river does the water in real Irish Guinness come from?

9.Why is the White House white?

10. Who succeeded Christopher Eccleston as “Dr.Who”?

were reported to the police by dialling 101. The non-urgent number for outboard theft is 07887 450992.

District Councillor Report Newly elected DC Andrew Wells introduced himself to the council on 29 July. He will be looking into the Planning Department at NN District Council and stated that current policy and procedures are under review. The LibDems are also reviewing the problem of dog fouling (as no one has been prosecuted by NNDC for many years). Andrew Wells sent apologies for the meeting on 26 August.

The Local Plan 2016-2036 – NN District Council

SAXLINGHAM

Information about the “Local Plan”, which will inform future housing development in the area can be found at http://northnorfolk.org/planning/21117.asp.

Contact: John Rayner 01328 830564 johnsrayner@btinternet.com

County Councillor Report CC Dr.Marie Strong reported on the NCC Hazardous Waste Amnesty, to run at various weekends during September; the Coasthopper route, to be put out to tender to ensure a continued winter service (Coasthopper is a brand name owned by the council and will continue to be used); the NCC Apprenticeship Scheme, which is very underrepresented in North Norfolk (for information go to www.norfolk.gov.uk/apprenticeships); the on-going problems with Broadband for Morston, making it’s delivery well behind schedule.

Please note: The Recycling Depot at Wells will be closed for necessary maintenance from 28 September – 2 November. For an update on all issues, please see Marie Strong’s latest report on page 4.

ALL SOUL’S TIDE A service of Memory and Thanksgiving Sat 31st Oct at 4pm A quiet opportunity to light a candle, to remember and give thanks for those we have loved and lost.

A FINE ORGAN Our pipe organ has just had its annual service carried out

by Holmes and Swift of Fakenham. The instrument, now 135 years old but in good shape, was manufactured by Bevington & Son of Soho, a famous Victorian firm which made more than 2000 pipe organs in just over 150 years.

The company’s products were renowned for the fine tonal quality of their pipe work.

National Trust Car Park John Sizer and NT chartered surveyor Andrew Dawson will meet with sub-committee members John Burdell, Steven Bean and Charlie Ward to discuss ways forward for the Car Park partnership. The sub-committee will then report back to the Parish Council.

The Morston Regatta Charlie Ward reported via email that the Regatta, which took place on 7 August had been a great success with many saying it was “the best one ever.” There were 48 entries to race. Thanks were given to all who made it such an enjoyable evening.

Replacement Fencing The Clerk will seek quotes from local fencers to replace the wooden posts round the green and in front of the stone wall to the left of the green.

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known hymns. Much thanks to Matthew.

On Sunday 30th August Sharrington hosted the group service and again we had an organist, this time our own Anna Moore, so we have been doubly blessed. A very enjoyable service attended by 36 people including four lovely children, followed by wine, juice and a selection of nibbles and the chance to talk to neighbours in the benefice.

An important date for your diary is Saturday 17th October when the harvest supper will take place in the village hall. Always an enjoyable occasion, especially as we hold an auction of garden produce, cakes, jams and such like at the end of the evening. 6.30pm for 7pm is the time, bring your own wine and/or beer and we will supply soft drinks. Posters will be going up nearer the time but you can book a place early by phoning me, Ann Garwood on 01263 860700 APG

Our instrument, which our organists relish playing, is capable of producing a considerable volume as it was originally designed for the much larger space of the Catholic Apostolic Church in Kentish Town. Saxlingham acquired it in 1968, when an electric blower was fitted.

NOBLE ROTTERS It seems a good while since our July tasting when members sampled wines to be quaffed on a warm sunny day with a plate of cold meats, grilled peppers, aubergines and other charcuterie items. The tasting featured a rosé from Spain and seven reds from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and South Africa, two of which were a little off piste.

The verdict? Well, the sparkling Lambrusco got a distinct thumbs down, a clear reminder of why we had abandoned wines like these many years ago. As for the rest, a qualified success; a bit like the summer itself.

Our September tasting, ‘Wines from the Languedoc’ will get some coverage in the next issue.

‘Wines for Christmas’ will be the subject of our tasting on 20th November and in early January we welcome Richard Carswell who will present a selection of wines from Sicily.

Membership details and the current programme are on the website wwwsharrington.org.uk RD

LET THERE BE LIGHT Work to repair and reglaze the south-facing chancel window has begun. The aim is to replicate the improvements to the nave windows, thereby letting more light into the east end of the church. The work should be completed by the end of September.The window will be dedicated to the memories of Bridget and John Watson.

A WONDERFUL FETE Saxlingham and Field Dalling Please turn to the Field Dalling section on page 13 for the full article.

SHARRINGTON

JOIN US FOR SHARRINGTON LIVE MUSIC EVENINGS

Contact: Claire Dubbins 01263 862261 cdubbins@btinternet.com www.sharrington.org.uk

Just as Harry Styles and his chums plan to go their separate ways, from our not so off trend corner of North Norfolk comes the exciting news of a new band, ‘No Direction’ a sort of flatlands version of the Travelling Wilburys.

The band members, who are mostly Sharrington Shufflers, usually get together on Tuesday evenings in

CHURCH NOTES Sitting watching the rain tumbling down I wondered what I could write for the Lynx relating to church matters, when inspiration struck. Just inside the church gates to the left there were two rather large neglected shrubs and we decided the land taken up by same could be used as a wild flower area. A man with suitable machinery was called in and hey presto we had a piece of virgin land at our disposal.

So in the middle of May a small group armed with seeds, forks, spades and so forth gathered to remove weeds that had grown up very quickly and sow the seeds. Now we have a fine show of blue and white cornflowers, poppies in abundance, red, white, pink, orange and a sunflower. Sadly not all the seeds germinated so next spring we will add further delights.

On Sunday 23rd August we were lucky enough to have Matthew Rice playing the organ at our Holy Communion and it was a delight to hear such a spirited rendition of well

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the village hall for a practice session.

Due to the popularity of such events further afield in Norfolk, we are planning to host regular band nights at the Sharrington village hall for individuals, duos and bands wishing to drop in and play whilst others can come to listen and enjoy a drink at the bar. Should you be interested in joining these evenings please contact Chris Abrams on 01263 861404 or by email at abrams.chris2@gmail.com .

It’ll be a lot of fun.

VILLAGE HALL The summer months are a quiet time for the hall but further progress has been made with the possible refurbishment project. Gary Grunwald has prepared an initial draft of an application to the Big Lottery Fund for funding. The application process is in three stages and we hope to have the stage one application submitted by the end of October.

On the events front, we have a Hallowe’en quiz on Friday 30th October. In addition to the usual prizes, there will be drinks, a raffle and whilst there is no need to dress up, a prize for the best costume. Details are available from Gary Grunwald Garygrunwald@btinternet.com 01263 860508 and on the village website.

After the success of last year, we plan a second Christmas Fayre on Saturday 28th November. Once again, it will be sponsored by the Sharrington Gardeners. There will be stalls selling seasonal plants and bulbs, Christmas foods, refreshments, a Christmas raffle and a number of outside stall holders. I expect the fayre to start at 10.30am but at the time of writing, timings have not been finalised. Please check posters or the website for final details.

If you would like to help by providing cakes, sausage rolls, mincemeat, winter chutneys or other festive foodstuffs or if you would like to provide craftwork or help on the day, please contact Françoise Allenby on 01263 860910 or Ann Abrams on 01263 861404 or Roger Dubbins on 01263 862261.

A brief heads up on next year’s programme. In January we hope to stage a performance of ‘Enchantment’ a show for those with little experience of opera with a comical spoken dialogue introducing various operatic excerpts ….more anon.

Finally, the committee would like to thank Michael Kimmins who recently stood down as a committee member for all his help and wise counsel.

RD

SHARRINGTON GARDENERS Whilst the vagaries of the British summer may well have kept our gardens looking unseasonally green and healthy, they have presented something of a challenge to those organising our summer events.

The promise of heavy rains on 8th July saw the Sharrington gardens stroll postponed, eventually taking place on 15th July. Members meandered around the gardens at Turnstone Cottage, The Place, The Old Barn and Lantern Barn before finishing at Hunt Hall Farmhouse. Thanks to David Forrest for making the arrangements and for his hospitality. Thanks also to those who ‘opened’ their gardens.

In August, thanks to Cheryle Redman, members visited the newly laid out garden at Hollyhocks in Briston. Once again rain interrupted play but it held off long enough for members to admire the result of all Cheryle’s hard work.

For our September garden visit we headed out of the village once again. This time to Bale and the Timothy designed garden at Church House. Paula Moore’s fears that her garden might resemble a paddy field were not realised and as the rain held off, members could stroll about admiring the proportions and planting of another relatively new garden. Thanks to Paula for her illustrated presentation of how the garden came about and for her hospitality.

With the arrival of autumn, we are back inside for our meeting on 7th October which will feature a talk on container planting for autumn/winter by Oliver Locke, the plant and horticultural manager at Fakenham garden centre.

On 4th November we have a talk on owls by a representative of the Hawks and Owl Trust and it’s a workshop on making Christmas wreaths on 2nd December.

RD

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STIFFKEY Contact: Geraldine Green 01328 830245 green978@btinternet.com

STIFFKEY SHOW ENGLAND CRICKETERS THE WAY On the Sunday preceding the Trent Bridge test the big game was, of course, at Stiffkey; where the visitors were Saxlingham Wombats. There was concern at the low total of 87 achieved by the home side, but excellent bowling by the youngsters in the Stiffkey team led to victory as the Wombats were bowled out for only 60. A magnificent achievement being same total that England was to bowl Australia out at Trent Bridge.

Stiffkey’s wicketkeeper was Butler (brought from New Zealand for the match), England’s wicketkeeper is Buttler.

If further omens for the test match were needed - 87 is considered an unlucky number by Australian cricketers!

Steven Bashforth

THANK-YOU LAURENCE Having served on the Parish Council for many, many years, Laurence has now taken the decision to retire.

Laurence has always represented the parishioners of Stiffkey with passion and understanding in relation to peoples thoughts and beliefs.

Laurence will continue to remain an active member of the community of Stiffkey, just as he is now and can often be seen keeping our communal areas looking neat and tidy and the grass cut with pride. Most days Laurence will be found cycling to the village stores or walking to his beloved marshes, again somewhere he watches over voluntarily and has done so for many years.

Laurence is a quiet, unassuming gentleman , never too busy to stop for a chat or to pass on his extensive knowledge and wisdom. He is passionate about his village and always happy to assist wherever he can, never expecting or wanting the limelight or praise, just a smile, a nod, an acknowledgement he has helped someone is enough for Laurence.

Thank-you Laurence for all your time, effort and passion and support to the parish council of Stiffkey.

Jamie Lawrence (councillor) on behalf of Stiffkey Parish Council

STIFFKEY LOCAL HISTORY GROUP At the August bank holiday we held our annual history exhibition: A history of farming in Stiffkey and Cockthorpe.

Despite the weather it was a real success. We had maps and articles, games and farming artifacts, a tombola , postcards and a lucky dip. The vintage tractors called on Sunday and created lots of interest before progressing through Stiffkey toThe Greenway for their picnic lunch. Not only did we increase our knowledge of Stiffkey and Cockthorpe but funds were raised for the history group and the Church who generously allow us in free. SLHG raised £277 and, despite the terrible weather on Monday which meant that much of the 'Stalls On The Knoll' had to be canceled, the Church raised £501. We would like to thank whole heartedly all the people who helped and gave and spent. It was a real triumph.

NATURE NOTES Not good news due to the patchy and bad weather. A terrible butterfly year. Experts on butterflies and moths in Stiffkey confirm this. I do not believe that garden birds bred well. We will be watching out for migrants as the autumn progresses. Is it global warming or simply bad luck?

Harvest was a stop/go affair, but generally local farms 'got it in'. Now the potato harvest looms and with virtually all farm gate prices down (£12 per head off lamb prices), spare a thought for our farmers and their loyal staff.

The marshes look as beautiful as ever; the sea lavender was spectacular and the grey seals will soon be pupping again. One wonders how much inshore fish they consume ! And how do they get on with the wind farms?The seal colonies along the East coast are bursting at the seams. Good for the tourists, of course, but for what else? And the fish stocks?

Pightle

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CHURCH NOTES Our PCC is now rather few in number as we will soon say a sad farewell to Chris Halford as she is off to settle with her family in New Zealand. Thank you Chris for all your support and help from the village of Stiffkey. There is talk of us having a link with her new Church in New Zealand- an exiting possibility.

August Bank holiday weekend saw the excellent history group exhibition in the Church. It covered the history of farming in Stiffkey and Cockthorpe. A huge amount of research went into the tableau and artefacts.

Refreshments were served in aid of the Church funds and Pat ran a highly successful tombola. The weather was difficult but we had a good number of visitors including Nigel Curson's vintage tractor boys on Sunday. Monday's weather meant that the 'stalls on the Knoll' was cancelled but we still managed to fit the books, some bric-a-brac and cakes(they all went) in the Church. Many thanks to all those who helped, gave and spent.

NOVEMBER 11th 10-15 A M will be the Armistice day memorial service at the war memorial. This year it will be followed by a visit to the Churchyard to plant a WW1 memorial beech tree and plaque which has been kindly donated by the Stiffkey Local History Group. All welcome at the short service at the Memorial and to the tree planting afterwards.

The next date for your diary is 29th NOVEMBER when it will be our turn to host the Benefice Group Service it being the fifth Sunday in the month then followed by our regular Sunday afternoon service on DECEMBER 20th.

The church will be illuminated with candles especially for the children-all so beautiful.

Meanwhile the Churchyard continues to be so well looked after by devoted volunteers and the 'payback unit' who visit on 20/21st OCTOBER to mow the conservation area. This is the third year they have helped us for a job that is quite tricky; manoeuvring around the ancient tomb stones.

We are most grateful for this help.

We laid to rest MARJORIE GRIMES in August and the Church was full of Stiffkey families. Her family goes back many years here; and she came home to her roots. R.I.P. It is nice to see that our visitors book is full of comments (always favourable) from families with village connections.

Keith McDougall

MORSTON QUIZ ANSWERS (Quiz on Page 22) 1.Steve Redgrave.

2.Both groups are called “pods”.

3.White.

4.Rap. 5.The chow.

6. 73 mph.

7.The Scottish red deer.

8.The Liffey.

9. To cover smoke stains (after it was set on fire by the British in 1814).

10.David Tennant.

SCHOOL NEWS The ‘Take One Picture’ Project was based around Les Parapluies by Renoir.

We had an exhibition of all the children’s work, including a fashion show by Class 2 on Thursday 9th July.

The whole school worked on the exhibition, which included writing, painting, sculpture and dressing up!

Lots of parents, families and friends came to see it. It was a huge success. (The National Gallery runs the Take One Picture Project each year.)

Umbrellas!

by Abbi McCallum It was a foggy, damp day in Paris where a group of men wearing navy blue with ash black umbrella. The women wearing black with blue umbrellas gathered together in a large group but there was one man who secretly loved Zoe, a woman in the group. The rain suddenly came flushing down so Henri (the man who loves Zoe) tapped Zoe on her silky navy coat! To hand over his umbrella but Zoe ran to the shop to buy her milk and bread. She could not stop thinking about Henri she sees him everywhere as the milkman and the baker

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man. So she slowly skipped back to the central park of Paris and was Henri standing, waiting for Zoe with his ebony black umbrella to come back and say I love you so Zoe agreed and lived happily ever after in the park with little girls playing with their hoop and stick and where they fell in love.

Renoir the artist Drawing pictures of umbrellas!

With his own paintbrush Abbi The rain is falling A rainstorm is arriving Rain clouds are bursting Emily V It is wet outside Come on in everybody Look the sun is out Abbi Rain drops fell slowly!

It’s raining, it’s pouring down!

Renoir paints all day! Honor Spice

Acrostics and Haiku Torrential raindrops Coming down consistently Clouds have burst on me Katie B Drip-drop rain Really fast falling down Incredibly wet Zapping down bugs Zipping of coats scatter the street Lovely for the plants Everyone outside gets wet Karina

BACK TO SCHOOL

Drastic problems happen in rain Evil things can be caused Lethal lightening may occur Underestimated rain falling from the sky Distinct grey clouds over-head Gamble whether to go outside Everyday this can happen! Florence

Langham School welcomes: Poppy T, Orlando, Poppy I and Matty, along with the new reception class; Jack H, Charlie, Miley, Heidi, Bryony, Jack W, Bradley, Iris, Theo, Seb and Freya.

We now have 4 classes, Coral, Amber, Quartz and Jet. This will enable us to take more children in the upper classes and means that we can teach reception on their own, in a new classroom with a lovely outside space.

As always, you can keep up with all the news from Langham Village School at the school website at www.langhamvillageschool.com.

Splash in puddles Splashing in puddles of rain All the clouds turn grey. Florence Tornadoes raging through the city Other stages of panic Racing rivers overflowing Rain hammering down Everything is wet Never safe from flood Too late, the sunami is here… Zeb

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