Local Lynx No.97 August & September 2014

ISSUE 97 BALE - BINHAM - COCKTHORPE - FIELD DALLING GUNTHORPE - LANGHAM - MORSTON SAXLINGHAM - SHARRINGTON - STIFFKEY

Photo credit : Sam Green with his traditional boat in the creek at Stony Road circa 1930s. Stiffkey with Cockthorpe: a story of Norfolk people, Stiffkey Local History Group, 2013

NEWS FROM OUR VILLAGES

August & September 2014

www.locallynx.co.uk 1

WHAT’S ON AUGUST

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.

2nd Sat Langham Stall on the Green 9.30 to 11am 2nd Sat.10am. Morston Regatta 3rd Sun. Binham Summer Fete & Dog Show, Village Memorial Hall, 1pm till 4pm 4th Mon Langham Church War Service 6pm 6th Wed. Sharrington Gardeners Visit to a member’s garden 7pm 7th Thurs Langham Mobile Library 7th Thurs Langham FOL Rounders and BBQ 6pm 8th Fri. Binham Priory Concert at the Priory. 7.30pm 9th Sat Langham Stall on the Green 9.30 to 11am 16th Sat. Binham Priory Concert. at the Priory 7.30pm 16th Sat - 19th Tues. Binham Art Exhibition and Sale of Art., Village Memorial Hall 10am till 5pm 16th Sat Langham Stall on the Green 9.30 to 11am 23rd Sat. Binham Priory Concert. At the Priory 7.30pm 23rd Sat Langham Stall on the Green 9.30 to 11am 28th Thurs. Sharrington Talk Mike Dilger BBC Wildlife presenter ‘The One Show’ Village hall 7pm 29th Fri. (9am) & 30th (9.45am) Morston 25th Norfolk Oyster World Championship 30th Sat. Binham Priory Concert at the Priory 7.30pm 30th Sat. Gunthorpe 50:50 Club Institute 10.30am 30th Sat Langham Stall on the Green 9.30 to 11am

Copy deadline for next issue: 8 September

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.

SEPTEMBER 3rd Wed. Sharrington Gardeners’ Visit to Old Barn Gardens 7pm 4th Thurs Langham Mobile Library 6th Sat. Binham Priory Concert at the Priory 7.30pm 11th Thurs - 14th Sun Binham Priory heritage open days 11th Thurs Langham FOL Outing depart Blue Bell 10am 13th Sat. All Villages Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride 9am-5pm 16th Tues. Binham presentation, Village Hall 7.30pm 18th Thurs. Binham & Hindringham Open Circle, Hindringham Village Hall 7.30pm 25thThurs. Binham History Group, Village Hall 7.30pm 27th Sat. Gunthorpe 50:50 Club Institute 10.30am

And please don’t forget….

Lynx97 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.)

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

REGULARS

BLAKENEY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Mondays term time Binham Parent & Toddlers Group Village Hall 10-12 Tuesdays Binham Guild of Artists Village Hall 10-12 Tuesdays Field Dalling Yoga with Richard Redmayne 7.30 -8.30pm Wednesdays term time Binham Youth Group Village Hall 6-8pm 2nd Wednesday in month Field Dalling Coffee Mornings 10.30-12 noon 4th Wednesday in month Field Dalling Friends & Neighbours 2.30pm Thursdays Field Dalling Carpet Bowls 7.30pm 3rd Thursday in month Binham & Hindringham Open Circle, Hindringham Village Hall 7.15pm

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

DEANERY NEWS We had a very enjoyable evening at Hunworth on Thurs 12th June, when part of the meeting incorporated a tour of the gardens owned by Dr. and Mrs. Henry Crawley. Our next meeting will be on Thurs 16th Oct, 7.15pm for 7.30pm at The Meeting Place, St. Andrew’s Church Holt. More details in the next issue.

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Church Services for Bale and Stiffkey Benefice for August and September 2014 HC=Holy Communion. CFS=Church Family Service. MP=Morning Prayer. BCP=Book of Common Prayer 3rd August

10th August

17th August

24th August

31st August

Bale Field Dalling

9.30am HC At Saxlingham

9.30am HC 11.00am CFS

9.30am HC At Saxlingham

9.30am HC 11.00am MP BCP

At Gunthorpe At Gunthorpe

Saxlingham Gunthorpe

9.30am HC

At Field Dalling 11.00am MP

At Field Dalling 11.00am HC

Sharrington Binham Morston Langham Stiffkey

9.30am MP BCP 11.00am HC 9.30am HC BCP At Stiffkey 9.30am MP

9.30am HC 11.00am HC

11.00am HC 4.30pm Silent Meditation 9.30am MP CW 11.00am CFS 9.30am HC BCP At Stiffkey 9.30am HC

At Gunthorpe 10.30am HC Group Service At Gunthorpe At Gunthorpe At Gunthorpe At Gunthorpe At Gunthorpe

Parish

9.30am MP At Langham

9.30am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am HC At Langham

Parish

7th September

14th September

21st September

28th September

Bale Field Dalling

9.30am HC At Saxlingham

9.30am HC 11.00am CFS

9.30am HC At Saxlingham

9.30am HC 11.00am Harvest Festival

Saxlingham Gunthorpe

9.30am HC

At Field Dalling 11.00am MP

11.00am HC 4.30pm Silent Meditation

At Field Dalling 11.00am HC

Sharrington Binham Morston Langham Stiffkey

9.30am MP BCP 11.00am HC 9.30am HC BCP At Stiffkey 9.30am MP

9.30am HC 11.00am HC

9.30am MP CW 11.00am CFS 9.30am HC BCP At Stiffkey 9.30am HC

9.30am HC 9.30am HC

9.30am MP At Langham

9.30am HC At Langham

Regular Weekday Services Binham: Tuesday, 6.00pm Evening Prayer; Langham: Wednesday, 10.00am Holy Communion; Stiffkey: Friday, 10.00am Holy Communion

LYNX98 SPECIAL WW1 REMEMBRANCE EDITION Your Local Lynx Needs You! Dear Reader, The next Lynx newsletter plans to include a centrespread listing the names from the War Memorials in all our 10 Villages. We would also like the cover to include at least one photo of a serving soldier or nurse from Bale, Binham, Cockthorpe, Field Dalling, Gunthorpe, Langham, Morston, Saxlingham, Sharrington and Stiffkey.

Please look through your scrap books, cupboards, shoe boxes, to see if you have any photos of local friends and relations who took part in the Great War. If you only have original prints, please contact your local rep, who will arrange to have them carefully scanned by our editorial team. If you are able email them, please send photos to your local reps with names, dates etc. The more we collect the better.

Many thanks. Ed.

RECTOR’S LETTTER Dear Friends and Parishioners, “Your letters smell of the forest”, wrote the Pope Leo X to Edidius of Viterbo, “and shed the odour of the shade and of the delightful spot in which your house is reared”. And so wrote St. Bernard to Abbot Murdac of Fountains Abbey, telling him, out of the fruit of experience, that there was more to be found in the woodland than in books. “Ligna et lapides docebunt te quod a magistris audire non possis”. ‘Under their laborious hands the sterile wilderness and impenetrable thicket were brought under cultivation’.

Cultivation, then, is the great theme, bringing order and providing plenty. In this fruitful Summer I hope to learn from all things growing a deep gratitude. And even in my occasional ruins there is wisdom to be found.

The buildings and gardens of fountains have long been ruins, yet are not now ruined. Their cultivation is different, other. The ruinous garden is transformed. “Multa renascenturo quae jam coecidere caduntque”. ‘ Many things that decay and fall out of use – ARE REBORN’.

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

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COUNTY COUNCIL NEWS From County Councillor Dr Marie Strong Potholes After last winter we are all still coming across new potholes so you may be surprised but I hope pleased that Norfolk County Council was one of the few counties to be awarded additional money, nearly £5.5 million, towards repairing potholes. The award was made because the county has managed repair work better than many other counties. However whilst the £5.5 million will be very useful it has to be seen in the context of a backlog of some £80 million of potholes and surface deterioration.

Broadband and Mobile Phones I attended the new EDT Committee (Environment, Development and Transport) and spoke about the importance of getting effective broadband to our rural towns and parishes, how the mobile phone provision particularly in rural and coastal areas was poor at best and often non-existent in times of emergencies. Finally I urged that the Working Party on Broadband and Mobile Phones be reconvened under the new committee system.

Not only did I receive support for my request but I am now Chair of the Working Party. I could say it serves me right but I am pleased since I believe we must make every effort to radically improve the present situation regarding mobile phones in our daily lives and in emergency situations such as last December.

Better Broadband for Norfolk Regarding broadband the Better Broadband for Norfolk (BBfN) programme is set to continue until December 2015 but in the meantime a number of understandable questions have arisen. One is when will the outcome be known of the survey work which was needed for a number of our rural parishes. Whilst we have already been successful regarding funding we are seeking more, and the more funding we can acquire the more fibre we can roll out to our rural parishes. If our application is successful we should be able to communicate details early in 2015. Otherwise NCC should be in a position to give an overall outcome this autumn. And hot from the press we have gained a further and very useful amount of money so hopefully patience will bring the reward we seek – that is good broadband to as many of our residents as can possibly be achieved. With the editor’s good will I shall deal

with the second question in the next edition.

Calling Local Pubs Norfolk County Council has created a fund of £30,000 to support Norfolk pubs in creating community facilities and services where there are no others in the local area. Pubs can apply for grants of up to £4000 to fund projects that would meet a local need or can help the community to thrive. Examples of projects range from fitness classes and meals on wheels to farm shops, delicatessens and bee keeping. Pubs can find out more about the fund by contacting Terry Stork, East Anglia Advisor for Pub is The Hub 07789 275908, email terrystork@pubisthehub.org.uk or visit http://www. pubisthehub.org.uk/.

County Councillors’ contact details: Dr Marie Strong: County Councillor Wells Division (Glaven, Priory and Walsingham Parishes) marie.strong@norfolk. gov.uk or 07920 286 597 David Ramsbotham: Melton Constable Division (Bale and Gunthorpe Parishes) david.ramsbotham@norfolk.gov.uk 01263 577418

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S NOTEBOOK NNDC’s ‘Sports Clubs and Hubs’ project is set to help more local people get into sport thanks to £211,512 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Community Sport Activation Fund. Health and fitness roadshows have been launched in primary schools to encourage activities.

Our legal team, eastlaw, has been named the best legal services team in the UK at a prestigious annual local governments awards ceremony.

The NNDC team scooped an award at the 2014 East Anglia Local Authority Building Control Building excellence award, which will be entered in the forthcoming national Building Excellence Awards that will be held in London in the autumn.

NNDC is giving more funds to local community groups. Eleven projects are on course to benefit from the Big Society Fund.

North Norfolk has some of the best beaches in England – four with blue flags at Sheringham, Cromer, Mundlesley and Sea Palling and a Seaside Award for East Runton.

This has been a record year for affordable home

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completions: 153 have been provided, working with five housing associations. This places North Norfolk at the top of the table for completions in the county.

The Coastal Forum held on 1st July discussed the shingle bank and flood defences as well as developing Norfolk Trails together with the England Coast Path project. The Norfolk Coast Partnership is bidding for funding for ‘Living on the Edge’, a project encompassing many aspects of the sea and its environment.

Two future events: Greenbuild will be held as usual in the grounds of Felbrigg Hall on 6-7 September and the Norfolk Rivers Trust will be sponsoring this year’s Glad about the Glaven to be held on Saturday 27 September at Holt Hall Field Studies Centre 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is a very busy time of year for all the parishes and I do hope all your events are successful and enjoyable.

Lindsay Brettle, Glaven Valley Ward

10am to 4pm Thursday to the following Tuesday, however you are welcome to open anytime after 7.30am when the café opens and stay open until the other shops close.

Pop Ups start at £50 for the week, but naturally the peak weeks are more expensive than out of school holiday weeks. They’ll include some electricity, which is metered and there will be a deposit of £25 per week to cover excess usage of electricity and the key.

The floor area is 3.6m wide by 2.4m deep, 8.64m (93 ft), with 2 large doors at the front and the walls are lined with slat walling.

We’ve already begun choosing the shops to go into the units on individual weeks. There are four Pop Up Shops, so we will have to be selective.

If you are interested, please fill out the application form at: www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/dalegatemarket/ popupapply.asp. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jason Borthwick

District Councillors’ Contact Details: Jonathan Savory (01328 820719) e: jonathan.savory@north-norfolk.gov.uk & Peter Terrington (01328 711126) e: peter.terrington@northnorfolk.gov.uk (Binham, Langham & Stiffkey) Lindsay Brettle (01263 710030) e: lindsay.brettle@northnorfolk.gov.uk (Sharrington, Field Dalling, Saxlingham & Morston) Ann.R.Green (01328 878273) e: ann.green@north-norfolk. ov.uk (Gunthorpe & Bale)

GLAVEN CENTRE SERVICES Toe-nail clinics 1 & 29 August, 12 & 26 September, 10 & 24 October

Hearing Aid clinics 27 August, 26 September, 29 October

Hairdressing

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE “BOATS AT BAYFIELD”

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

Ring 01263 740762 to make and check appointments.

6 August 4.00 – 8.00pm Bayfield Hall is a stunning 18th century country house set in its own Repton-styled park in the heart of one of the most beautiful parts of Norfolk, 2 miles from the coast (Bayfield Hall, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7JN www.bayfieldhall.com) where Robin Combe, also Patron of Rescue Wooden Boats, is generously hosting this event in aid of the RNLI and Rescue Wooden Boats.

The highlight will be an auction of the opportunity to participate in a historic voyage to Dunkirk in May 2015 .

The wooden lifeboat Lucy Lavers will re-make the voyage during which she rescued many troops from the Dunkirk beaches in 1940. She was the reserve lifeboat at Aldeburgh and then at Wells and Sheringham and is being restored to her original condition at Stiffkey by Rescue Wooden Boats.

In May 2015 she will set out from Wells to return in stages to Dunkirk and then make the return trip (after which she will give trips afloat in Wells).

We are auctioning ONE PLACE on each of the outward and return legs. You can also place bids by post before the auction on 6 August.

POP UPS AT DEEPDALE FARM We are pleased to say that the Pop Ups at Dalegate Market, Deepdale Farm, are now up and running and you can book them for weeks at a time throughout July, August, September and October. Each Pop Up Shop is available for one week, Wednesday 12noon until Wednesday 12noon. We’d like the units to trade from

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BRAIN TUMOUR MEETINGS Monthly Social Meetings for brain tumour patients and their families are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Big C, Norfolk Street, King's Lynn. Remaining dates for 2014 are: 21 Aug, 18 Sept, 16 Oct, 20 Nov, 18 Dec. Contact Christine 0145 572767, info@astrofund.org.uk or just turn up on the day. For more details go to the local charities page at www.locallynx.co.uk.

WELLS LIFEBOAT APPEAL The RNLI needs your support to provide £250,000 towards the cost of a new, state-of-the-art Shannon class lifeboat to help the dedicated volunteer crew at Wells Lifeboat Station continue to save lives at sea.

The Shannon class replaces our Mersey class lifeboat, which is now 24 years old and is coming to the end of its operational life, even though it's still in pristine condition thanks to the care and attention it gets from the crew and helpers.

The new lifeboat will cost £2m. Most of the funding has already been raised through legacy gifts and other fundraising activity but we have to raise £250,000 over the next 18 months as our contribution. So, we need everyone’s help. Not only do we want people to donate money but also to get involved, suggest ideas and organise events to raise funds for the appeal.

Wells coxswain, Allen Frary says, “It’s been a long time in the planning, but we are all extremely pleased we’re getting the new boat” Coincidentally, the first Shannon class lifeboat was officially commissioned on Thursday, 29th May at Dungeness. Our lifeboat is planned to be operational in 2016.

The appeal was launched on Sunday, 1st June and we hope to reach our total by the 30th November 2015.

Donations can be made direct to the lifeboat station, by text and online. Full details at www.wellslifeboat.org.

Other excitements during Boats at Bayfield are: A selling exhibition of Marine paintings by The East Anglian Society of Marine Artists who will be showing some of their recent work, particularly featuring traditional East Coast working vessels. A share of their sales will go to the RNLI Wells Shannon Lifeboat Appeal Fascinating model boats Inside Bayfield Hall visitors will be able to see a selection of ship and boat models, including some intricate steam driven craft.

Display of boats On the lawn there will be new and traditional wooden boats and other examples of local boat builders’ craft.

Maritime memorabilia Some items of ancient fishing and sailing gear will be available through a tombola.

The Auction This will also include other maritime trips and items.

Refreshments will be available to buy throughout the event from Yetman’s bar, Willie Weston’s sea food bar, Chakula’s mobile deli van and Ronaldo’s ice cream van.

Entry donation: £5 per person including free parking and a free glass of “Nelson’s Blood” in keeping with the maritime occasion.

More details at www. rescuewoodenboats.com/auction or from Wendy Pritchard 07920 760238.

HOME SECURITY Some thoughts from our local Safer Neighbourhood Team on home security will be of interest: Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves.

In 2 out of 10 burglaries they don’t even have to use force – they get in through an open door or window.

Look at your home through burglars’ eyes: Are there places they could break in unseen?

BURNHAM MARKET CRAFT FAIR Burnham Market’s much acclaimed craft fair (which is in its 39th year) will be held on Saturday 16th August 2014 from 10.11am - 5.00pm.

Exhibitors include jewellery, plants, textiles, ceramics, cards, woodwork, pottery, basketwork, sculpture, furniture, glassware, photography, aromatherapy, metalwork and more.

Stallholders contribute 10 per cent of their takings which are distributed to local good causes.

There will be a traditional hog roast and Mr Poz, with his Punch and Judy show, will entertain children throughout the day.

Ample parking is available on the Creake Road playing field, near the petrol station, for a small fee.

Enquiries regarding the Craft Fair 2014 to Geof Hanley on 01328 738 503 or email geof.hanley@ virgin.net.

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varied, if fairly limited, menu served in friendly surroundings - as well as supporting both the rehabilitation of prisoners and the charity Victim Support.

Victim Support will be known to many of you, but for those unfamiliar with its work it is an independent charity that gives free and confidential help to those affected by crime - not only victims but also their families and friends and witnesses together with anyone else caught in the aftermath. Specially trained volunteers provide both emotional and practical support. The local branch can be contacted on 0845 4565995 and you can visit www.victimsupport.org.uk for more information.

BIG LOTTERY FUND TO HELP COMMUNITY TRANSPORT IN NORTH NORFOLK

Have you fitted strong locks to windows and doors?

Would they have to make a lot of noise breaking glass?

Is your oil tank secure?

Mark your belongings and your bicycle, and do not leave valuables in your car e.g. satnavs/mobile phones.

Be a good neighbour – if you see anything suspicious ring 101 or 999.

Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately and in the case of an emergency dial 999. Officers at Holt can also provide more crime prevention advice including a crime prevention survey. To speak to an officer please contact Holt on the 101 number or email Holt police station on sntholt@norfolk. pnn.police.uk.

North Norfolk Community Transport recently won funding from The Big Lottery Fund, which will enable it to extend its current services to new areas of Norfolk that it currently does not cover. This includes the addition of a new Mercedes 14 seat mini bus to its existing fleet, which will be used to extend its services around Salthouse, Kelling, Bodham, East and West Beckham, Upper Sheringham, Weybourne and Wells next the Sea, as well as adding to its services in Holt (including Blakeney and Langham), Cromer and Sheringham and Fakenham.

Dial a Bus services mainly cover shopping trips and outings for people of all ages who cannot use ordinary bus services, either because of health or mobility problems or because there isn’t a bus service for them to use. The buses are wheelchair and buggy friendly and booster seats are available.

NNCT also arranges monthly trips to garden centres, various towns for shopping or seaside resorts.

Your local community transport service needs you!

Membership in 2014/15 is free for those under 25 years of age and those on job seekers allowance. This is to try and meet the needs of young people and people who are unemployed and needing to get to appointments. For those who pay, the annual fee is £7 for individuals and £10 for families. This membership fee gives you access to all our Dial a Bus services.

Call us today on 01263 839009 or email nnct@ btconnect.com or you can visit our website www. northnorfolkcommunitytransport.co.uk where you will find links to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!!!

“What do you mean you’ve joined the Navy?!”

VICTIM SUPPORT It is not often that a charity briefing can also include a restaurant review, but some readers may have read about the Norwich Prison Café Britannia which has featured in the national press - the link to charity being that as most of the team members who run the Café Britannia are prisoners from Norwich Prison who are currently nearing the end of their sentences they cannot accept tips - so patrons who have been impressed with the service are asked to leave a small donation for the charity Victim Support in Norfolk.

The Café Britannia is located by the side of Norwich Prison on Britannia Road, and as well as serving a wide range of wholesome and very cost effective meals commencing with breakfast at 7:30am every morning it enjoys splendid views over the city of Norwich. It will not replace your favourite city restaurant, but it does offer a

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BALE FETE 2014 What a lovely day we all had!! Despite the forebodings instilled by a huge downpour in the late morning, the day was bright and sunny when the fete opened and the Cromer Brass Band struck up.

The many stalls and games, tables and chairs and "bandstand" were set out on the beautifully manicured lawns of Joanna and Walter Hammond’s lovely home.

As ever, many thanks are due to them for their tireless contributions to the success of the event.

Special mention must also be made of the huge and delicious contribution of those that baked for the cake stall: Maria, Gita and Victoria were kept busy selling all afternoon, and over £190 was raised.

Further success was also produced by the book stall which, combined with the raffle of a Kindle Fire HD for those preferring electronic books, raised nearly £300. Unfortunately one customer of the stall, who had kindly pointed out that the gazebo roof was leaking, was soaked when the writer tipped the accumulated rainwater from the roof over her. I apologise again ....

A steady stream of visitors bought raffle tickets for the prize draw, the Kindle and the superb case of wine.

Others tried their hand at bowls, lawn darts, putting and the coconut shy, while still others entered the Tombola and dipped into the bran tub.

The band played on to the many customers surrounding them, who took tea, cake and other refreshments (and the weight off their feet), while enjoying the superb weather.

The hard work of everyone who contributed to the fete is much appreciated. Over £3,000 was raised.

Thanks to all!

Martin Kurrein

ALL THE UMBELLIFERS Bale diary 14th June Every summer we see a parade of umbellifers in the hedgerows, from May to October. They are members of the carrot family; if you let your garden carrots run to seed you will see the resemblance.

But first there is that green giant, alexanders, smyrnium olustratum, which is a coastal plant that comes from Macedonia, like its namesake; we do have it in Bale, being just five miles from the coast. It is edible, and like ground elder, was brought here as a vegetable by the Romans.

Horses love it, which can be embarrassing when a beginner is not able to extract their horse’s head from the hedge in April.

However, the first true carrot on the scene is cow parsley, anthriscus sylvestris, also known as Queen Anne’s Lace, for its frothy white flowers which erupt out of the hedgerows in May. The most constant is good old hogweed, heracleum sphondylium, dominating the hedgerows from early June to October with its tall hairy stems, great curling lobed leaves and plate-like multiple branched flowers, dark pink, or creamy white. Apparently the young shoots and the seeds are one of the most delicious of wild foods in the UK. However the recommendation comes with the caveat that this family, the carrot, has several poisonous members with which hogweed must not be confused. Hemlock is the most famous, conium maculatum, in verges, by streams and on waste ground from May to July. It is fortunately easy to identify, with its hairless purple blotched stems and finely divided leaves. Every part of this plant, but the seeds in the greatest concentration, contains coniine, an alkaloid that paralyses the respiratory system. (Death can be prevented by artificial ventilation until the effects have worn off 48–72 hours later).

Fool’s parsley, aethusa cynapium, another member of the carrots (apiaceae) contains the same alkaloid, though with less concentration. it is common everywhere, flowering in July and August, easily distinguished from all the other carrots by the long streamer-like green triple bracts which hang from under the umbrella shaped flower heads. It is common in gardens in central Europe and can easily be confused with parsley if it grows in a herb garden.

Apparently it smells rather unpleasant, unlike the real thing.

Back to more cheerful local plants, after cow parsley, hedges and woods are full of the daintier rough chervil,

RLNI COLLECTION I would like to thank the people of Bale who kindly donated to my recent house to house collection for the RNLI. The total amount raised was £261.71.

Christina Broughton

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chaerophyllum temulentum. This also has purplish and spotted stems, but they are hairy, unlike hemlock. Then there is the rather elegant upright hedge parsley, torilis japonica, with tall attenuated stems and pinkish flowers, in July and August, and wild carrot, daucus carota, which flowers on my finca in Spain in May, and makes beautiful dried flower displays, enormous, theatrical things that I plonk into large galvanised buckets and constantly bump into. In my garden in Bale they flower quite late, in August and September. They have a dense flower head, more like an oriental sunshade than an umbrella, with one dark red flower in the very centre, and when they are seeding they have a tendency to curl up into an elegant bird nest shape.

Their root is not very edible, unlike the pignut, conopodium majus, which I do not remember seeing. This flowers in May and June, has smooth stems, finely divided leaves more like fennel, and is not as tall as most of the other carrots, growing to a maximum of 50 cm. it has swollen brown tubers which apparently have a pleasantly nutty flavour, cooked or raw, according to my wild flower book.

Outside my gate there is a magnificent specimen of hogweed, all denticulate leaves and big hairy stems.

Though huge, it is not the horrible pest giant hogweed, heracleum mantegazzianum. This is not a native plant, it comes from the Caucasus and central Asia. Introduced as an ornamental in the nineteenth century, it has spread to much of Northern Europe, the US, and Canada. Very nasty, phototoxic – contact causes lesions and blisters, and in the eyes, blindness. I can’t remember seeing it in the wild, except in my school, in the sixties, we had a dried stem and seed head in the Art Room!

Jane Wheeler

last year. They did him proud.

The standard of playing was amazingly high. Seungwoo Park (piano) deserves a special mention; together with Conroy Adam-Merriman (violin) he gave a sympathetic performance of the Faure Berceuse. Also, the Bottesini Reverie with Jess Price (cello), who, I believe was with us last year. But, what ‘did it for me’ was the Chopin Scherzo No, 3; totally delightful and bang up to speed!

The other person I don’t think many of us will forget in a hurry was Frederico Paixao (flute), who gave a very confident rendition of Bozza’s Image. I’m sure it was not just the acoustics in our church which gave such a perfect sound. Earlier he had played the Debussy Syrinx quite beautifully, with excellent breath control. Later, when he joined Nina Kiva (cello) to play the clever Jet Whistle by Villa Lobos, they were both inspiring.

Two more people who played so well together, both on oboes, were Francesca Cox and Hannah Condliffe. Their choice was the 1st and 3rd movements of Constance Lambert’s unusual Four Ideas. Clever stuff. They both have won various prizes and played with the National Children’s Orchestra, and the National Youth Chamber Orchestra. Their experience was obvious and they synchronised so well.

Victoria Gill and Harriet French performed together in the 1st movement of the Bach Double Violin Concerto. It was just about perfect, and certainly very contrapuntal!

The whole company came together to sing the Bizet Carmen Theme very enthusiastically – and the Encore was the theme from the Mission, which we also enjoyed two years or so ago. It must be fun to play.

Whilst enjoying these Purcell concerts so much each year, I think we should pay serious tribute to the local people who contribute so much towards producing and staging these shows. For instance John Schofield, has almost every year paid to have a grand piano shipped into our Church, then to have it retuned and returned All that adds up to much, much more than a fiver! Basil Poston contributed all the drinks sold at the bar. And, the couple responsible for us ever having the Purcell School visit Bale, Alan and Margaret Sankey, have always worked tirelessly running the box office, organising the seating arrangements, and then feeding ‘The Company’. Our most grateful thanks to them all.

M Barnes

VILLAGE HALL SOCIAL CLUB DRAW May 2014

June 2014

Ray Painter £25 Clare Croft £10 Geeta Maude-Roxby £5 Margarent Dent £5

Ann Ramm £25 Stuart Stotter-Brooks £10 Jane Wheeler £5 Basil Postan £5

PURCELL CONCERT, BALE 2014 On 15th June, the Purcell School Impulse Group came to Bale All Saints Church and gave us another lovely evening of music making.

This Concert was ‘in celebration of Toby Davies’ – a nineteen-year-old Purcell School student who died suddenly

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JOHN PROCKTER (26th October 1936 to 10th May 2014) Ann and family thank their friends for their kindness and support following John’s unexpected death. The many letters, cards, emails and phone calls we have received have been greatly appreciated. We were pleased that the service of celebration for his life in Binham Priory was a well supported and happy occasion.

He was a man of many talents and will be missed by many in our community as well as his loving family.

BINHAM PARISH COUNCIL We should be taking delivery of the speed awareness monitor in the middle of July and have it in use at one of the selected locations in Binham. To date six parishioners have volunteered to help with moving the monitor every month to comply with the agreement with Norfolk County Council. It is likely that the volunteers will work in pairs moving the monitor to its new position, changing the battery as necessary and recharging the depleted one. This should involve each pair in no more than about two hours during their month, and only being on duty every three months, or less if we have more volunteers.

The Council hope this monitor will help keep the roads of Binham safe for all users, particularly the most vulnerable; those on foot or cycle. Vehicle drivers will be reminded of their speed which should, at all times, be less than 30mph on the restricted roads, nearly all the built-up area of the parish.

Please let me know if you would like to join the team of volunteers or have any concern about the use of this monitor. Contact David Frost, Parish Council Chairman on 01328 830362 or davidfrost226@btinternet.com.

BINHAM PRIORY CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY PROJECT A new Binham Priory Conservation and Community Project needs your help. Binham Parochial Church Council and Friends of Binham Priory are working in partnership to submit a grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This is to provide for long-term conservation; raise awareness of the heritage significance and involve people and the community to sustain Binham Priory for future generations.

The project will conserve the west front and carry out repair works on the south and east elevations.

Internally, it will repair cracks in the upper walling and replace the outdated electrical wiring system. To enable wider and increased use by the community, new work will be undertaken to improve and enhance the church building and pathways. This will include lighting of a performance space and improved heating.

A programme of activities and events is being planned and the Project Team would like ideas to help put this together. What would you like to know more about? Do you have suggestions for workshops and day schools, for family events and children’s involvement?

Please come to a Presentation on Tuesday 16th September at 7.30pm in Binham Memorial Hall to hear more about the project and how you – and local and wider communities – can be involved.

If you are unable to attend the Presentation but would like more details; have any queries or wish to be involved, please email Anne Mason, Project Manager, anne@providence28.fsnet.co.uk or Pauline Scott, Chair of the Project Team, pauline@scotthome2.fsnet.co.uk.

FRIENDS OF BINHAM PRIORY You will have read elsewhere that the Friends have been invited by the Binham Parochial Church Council to join in promoting a project to help sustain the Priory for many years. Full details will be presented at the public meeting in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday 16th September.

Another Picnic2Jazz was held on 5th July in the

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CONCERTS AT BINHAM PRIORY Please check website for latest information www.binhampriory.org SUMMER SERIES Tickets £15 per concert, or £12.50 if three or more concerts booked in advance.

Phone 01328 830362 davidfrost226@btinternet.com Friday, 8 Aug., 7.30 pm Classic Buskers Michael Copley, woodwind, Ian Moore, accordion.

“Handel with care” Saturday, 16 Aug., 7.30 pm Jayne May-Sysum, soprano, Brian Davis, harp Schubert, Strauss, Fauré, C G Hambly.

Saturday, 23 Aug., 7.30 pm Xuefei Yang, classical guitar Villa Lobos, Piazzolla, Albeniz, Rodrigo, Falla Saturday, 30 Aug,, 7.30 pm Trevor Pinnock, harpsichord Froberger, Handel, JS Bach, CPE Bach Saturday, 6 Sept., 7,30 pm Norwich Baroque with Catherine Martin, violin, viola d”amore Corelli, Vivaldi, Locatelli, Geminiani, Scarlatti

Priory Cloisters. The weather was kind, the music toetappingly enjoyable with the large audience of all ages thoroughly delighted by their late afternoon in the evocative setting of the monastic ruins. The organisers would like to record thanks to the band, the large team who helped and everyone who came, in making the late afternoon one more very successful Picnic2Jazz.

On Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th September the Priory will again be joining the national event of Heritage Open Days. The Friends will be providing volunteers to be present all day to welcome visitors and offer light refreshments in the true spirit of the Benedictine monks.

The final fund-raising event of the year will be in the Priory Church at 7.30 pm on Friday 17th October when Andres Hermandez-Salazaar will give a presentation of the life of medieval monks, performing a surprisingly wide range of music, certainly not all plain-song. Those who have been to other events given by Andres have been remarkably enthusiastic about his attractive and very engaging personality. Do come to be enlightened and entertained.

Tickets £10 to include a glass of wine from David Frost on 01328 830362 or davidfrost226@btinternet. com.

THANK YOU FROM THE CHEQUERS We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to the Race Night and Roger’s BBQ on 12th June. The evening was great fun and we raised £620 for the Breast Cancer Campaign. Don't worry if you couldn't make it, we still have some of the Pink Fox rosé wine for sale with 50p from each quarter bottle going to the cause.

Simon & Sarah

SUMMER FETE & DOG SHOW The Binham Summer Fete and Dog Show are on Sunday 3rd August at Binham Memorial Hall, starting at 1pm till 4pm.

This event provides fun for all the family, including ‘guess the weight of the calf’, raffle & tombola, BBQ, refreshments, face-painting, cake and book stalls, welly throwing, hook-a-duck, beat the goalie and much, much more… We hope to see you there!

BINHAM SUPPORT FOR THE HOLT FOODBANK Thank you to everyone for your support in providing non-perishable food and toiletries in the boxes in the Church and Howells Superstore. Also to those who have kindly contributed through the collection box in the Chequers.

In the last financial year (to April 2014) Cromer and District (which includes Holt) received 27 tonnes of food with an approximate value of £47,000.

1079 requests for help were received and the foodbanks were able to help 2357 people of which one third were children. Close to 800 youngsters going hungry in our area is an awful statistic.

Thank you again and please remember the need is still here and growing; just one spare tin or packet from your weekly shop does make a difference.

For more information please contact Richard and Norah on 01328 830723.

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It’s just the latest way of selling. After all, before there were shops we all had to go to the local markets or to the actual producers. There has been some kind of a revival with the increase in farm shops, but we have a long way to go to match the markets in France. There is still a place for the shopkeeper if he gives just that little bit extra in quality and personal service that people will pay more for. He has an advantage if he is selling fresh, local produce and has customer loyalty, but a helpful, friendly attitude is a great help. I once went into a local general store and post office asking for some postage stamps. “The post office is closed at lunchtime” the owner said, as he turned his back and walked away behind the counter.

Ian Johnson

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING

WWW.ONBEINGWITHICONS.ORG.UK

It is so sad that the former Aldiss store in Fakenham burnt down. We are sure to lose its traditional facade and yet another shop, probably several. Walk down most high streets and you see empty shops, which is also very sad. That’s why people protest about proposals for new supermarkets, like Tesco in Sheringham and the Co-op in Wells-next-the-Sea. To save the small, independent retailers, people bitterly oppose planning applications, sometimes for years.

“Save our high streets” they urge, but the supermarkets always seem to win in the end. The campaigners are fighting market forces and perhaps they are fighting change itself and customer choice.

What do the supermarkets offer that the little stores cannot? Well, obviously more parking and a wider range of products. Customers don’t need to travel from shop to shop, then have to take their shopping bags and trolleys to distant cars. The supermarket should be cheaper because of their greater buying power, but not always. We still need to shop around and the new discount supermarkets have given the “big four” a much needed shock. In the end I suspect that many of the loyal protesters will be the supermarkets’ first customers, if only to use their car parks!

We all deplore the demise of our high streets. Soon they could be just betting and charity shops, takeaways, “factory outlets” plus those awful cash lenders and exchangers. I thought the days of the pawn shops had gone. Why do the small shops give up? Well, there is the competition of course, but also the high rents, the local council rates, employee wages and above all the lack of parking. If councils really want to save their high streets, they should review their rating and parking policies, but even that will not be enough.

Now small shopkeepers are up against internet shopping. No wonder they struggle then just give up and retire, probably with no-one to take over. Not all shopping will eventually be by internet. Most of us like to see the merchandise (even if we then go to the internet for better prices)! But the home delivery vans are not joy-riding. Some of us must be ordering groceries on line, in spite of any delivery charges, so it must be a real boon for anyone without time or transport, particularly some older people. It seems that internet sales are growing faster than any others.

This website offers a free download of my book on the meaning of Orthodox Christian icons.

Lionel Wilde

BINHAM LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Membership Membership is due on 1st September 2014. New members are always welcome and of course we welcome back previous members who have always been so supportive of our group. Membership costs £3 for single and £5 for a couple. We have talks every month, usually the 4th Thursday with the exception of January which will be the 5th one and none in December.

Meetings are held in Binham Village Memorial Hall starting at 7:30pm. Entrance is £2 for members and £4 for non-members to include light refreshment.The summer period for the group is a relatively quiet period with no further talks arranged now until Thursday 25th September.

If you want any more information please email blhg@btinternet.com or ring me, Pennie Alford, secretary on 01328 830700.

Talk 25 September 2014 7:30pm Binham Village Hall "Melton Constable, its people and their Railway" Adrian Vaughan Our talk to get our new season off to a good start is called Melton Constable, its people and their railway".

Come and hear the railway history of Melton Constable and its significance as a railway maintenance and production

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BINHAM GUILD OF ARTISTS Exhibition & Sale of Art Saturday 16th August -Tuesday 19th August 10.00am - 5.00pm Binham Village Hall Free entry and parking

BINHAM GUILD OF ARTISTS We meet every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12noon in the Village Hall. A fee of £2 per morning includes coffee and biscuits. A demonstration of painting or craftwork normally takes place on the first Tuesday of every month except in January, February and the week in which the annual exhibition takes place.

In June, Andrew Church gave an entertaining talk on watercolour combined with a short demonstration.

In July, Karl Millward explained very clearly how oil paints could be used and carried out a very successful small landscape to illustrate the points he had made.

For further information contact James Bucknill on 01328 830651.

facility on the Midland and Great Northern Railway. The buildings and operations in the village of Melton Constable from 1883 to 1964 were vital to the village economy and indeed it is known that the village itself was created to house the employees who worked there.

Adrian worked on the railways prior to retiring to North Nofolk and is the UK’s foremost railway historian. He writes from his home in Norfolk and has had over 30 titles published. He is also a photographer, lecturer, and volunteer on the local steam railway.

So all aboard, it should be a very interesting evening.

Members £2, Non-Members £4.

BINHAM & HINDRINGHAM OPEN CIRCLE There will be no meeting of the Open Circle in August.

On September 18, local Fakenham restaurateur and Olympic torch carrier Diego Rahman will tell us about his bid to build a bridge over a river in Bangladesh.

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.

DIARY OF A FARMER’S SON Age 36 1858 May 24th Was obliged to go for the doctor urgently for Ems 25th Dr Rumps frightened us very much by saying he was afraid Ems ‘ complaint would prove to be smallpox.

We were vaccinated!

26th Dear Ems’ disease proved to be only measles thank God and Harriet got them too. Our patient decidedly better.

27th Ems quite gipper, thank God 30th Dear Ems came downstairs today by Rumps’ permission. I had a turn round Gov’s garden which is looking beautiful.

June 2nd Rumps was surprised to find how well Ems was and said he hoped by the end of the week she would be better.

10th I had my grey horse put in harness which appears to make him quite at home, called at Binham on Mary.

13th I went to Norwich to the Agricultural Show which I thought was not a very good one.

21st I found the black cankers making dreadful inroads on my white turnips and put some salt in them to kill them.

26th We did a great deal of gardening this evening but water is getting very scarce; if the drought continues the consequences will be fearful.

30th Ye Gov and I went to the visitation of the Bishop at Fakenham, lunched with them and attended the conference.

July 1st Sold a load of wheat at 22/6 and heard that W.Coke had been elected by 235 votes.

12th We drove to Wiveton to order some fruit for our friends.

100+ CLUB WINNERS May winners; £25 George Bond, £10 Amanda Savory, Rory Bartram, £5 Lucy Walduck, Andrew Marsh, Richard Lewis.

June winners; £25 Oliver Wales, £10 Brenda Wilde, Mr. J Scott, £5 Lucy Walduck, Stanley Hewitt, Mr. Marshall.

If anyone would like to join the 100+ club, there are still numbers left. Please call at 8 Priory Crescent or ring June Read on 01328 830106.

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CALTHORPES OF COCKTHORPE, BLAKENEY & VIRGINIA Stiffkey Local History Group’s new “Stiffkey with Cockthorpe: A Story of Norfolk People” is great. I have always been interested in the history of the (large) Calthorpe clan, who were spread across Norfolk from Norwich to Antingham to Cockthorpe from early on. To add to their history in the above book, I was always intrigued by how by how a member of this family from Cockthorpe emigrated to Virginia and flourished there.

Sir James Calthorpe, who was born at Blakeney in 1558 and died in 1615 to be buried at Cockthorpe and his wife, Barbara, daughter of John Bacon of Hesset had many children including Christopher Calthorpe of Cockthorpe (christened 1605), who emigrated to New Poquoson, Virginia in 1622, where he was a Member of the House of Burgesses in 1644 and Commissioner of York County, VA till 1661, dying the following year. His son James (born about 1650) was Justice for York County and died in 1689 or 1690. His seven children included Charles, the youngest (1687/81718/19) who in 1691 held 165 acres in New Poquoson, and L’Estrange, number five, and the third child, James, Jr., (1674/5-1711/12) - who in 1704 held 900 acres in New Poquoson.

James’s son Elimelech of Charles parish had two sons and two daughters (flourishing in the early 1730s) and L’Estrange Calthorpe’s son, Charles, held 400 acres in Nottoway, Isle of Wight County in 1742 and had 4 daughters and 2 sons. If their Calthorpe descendants are stillto be found in Virginia, I expect they would love to support Cockthorpe Church and indeed to visit it. [P. Palthorpe-Moore, Norfolk Pedigrees, Part Five, Norfolk Genealogy, Vol. XXII, 1990, pp.31-32; Morston: Its History, Wildlife and People, 2005, p.6 ].

Joc Wingfield

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Look well to this day, for it is life - the very best of life.

In its brief course lie all the realities and truths of existence: The glory of power, the splendour of action and the joy of growth.

For yesterday is but a memory, and tomorrow is only a vision, but today, if well-lived, makes every yesterday a memory of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day.

(Ancient Sanskrit Poem)

BINHAM OPEN GARDENS & BOOK SALE In the last weekend of June nine gardens were open to the public to raise money for the Binham Priory Conservation and Community Project just launched.

There was a good variety of planting, with plenty of attractive colour and the majority, being enclosed, not readily visible from the road. The weather, while overcast some of the time, was dry and a pleasant temperature for gently strolling round. The Memorial Hall was the starting point for most visitors, using the car-park and being fortified with light refreshments, also having the opportunity to browse the book sale, buying bargain gems of literature.

The owners all said how much they had enjoyed talking with the visitors and often gaining useful advice.

The contribution to the project fund will be in excess of a thousand pounds, an encouraging start. The organisers are very grateful to the owners for allowing access to their gardens and manning them over the two days, also to those working hard at the Memorial Hall providing the refreshments and staffing the book sale.

Binham should be proud of the many very complimentary comments from the visitors about the gardens, the friendly welcome and the overall appearance of the village. It had made an informative and enjoyable afternoon.

David Frost

SOLAR POWER A planning application for a solar power installation by Bernard Matthews Ltd. on their land at Langham airfield has been approved.

According to the project description in the planning application the installation consists of a total of 450 kilowatt ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays in three locations on the airfield, the location of which has been dictated by several criteria, including proximity to the electricity connection point and visual impact. The electricity will be generated for use on site with any additional generation exported to the national grid.

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MICHAEL HUGHES

FOGPC

Following a 40-year career as a teacher and nearly 20 years of retirement in Field Dalling Michael Hughes died aged 82 on 9 June.

After reading Greats at Worcester College, Oxford Michael entered the teaching profession. In 1960 he took up his third post, a House Tutor at Gresham’s Junior School, coupled with classics teaching in the Senior School. In 1965 Michael was promoted to Housemaster, eventually becoming Headmaster. In 1978 Michael left Gresham’s for St.Wilfrid’s, Seaford where he became Headmaster. His final post was Director of Studies at St. Andrew’s, Eastbourne, from which he retired in 1995.

As a Field Dalling resident Michael played an active role in local life. For some years he was Treasurer of the Holt and Neighbourhood Housing Society as well as Treasurer of the Field Dalling 200 Club. He was a volunteer with Glaven Caring, taking pensioners to and from the Day Care Centre in Blakeney. Michael was also a Summer Fete stalwart, running the collection and sale of books, raising muchneeded funds Michael’s funeral took place on Monday 23rd June. The service was taken by the Revd Peter Bowles, who described Michael as very reserved and self-effacing but full of ability, conscientiousness and humour, whilst also possessing a great love of music. He would have appreciated Purcell’s Thou Knowest Lord, memorably sung by Gresham’s choristers led by Mark Jones. The organ was played beautifully by Michael Allard, Michael’s ex-colleague and lifelong friend. Tributes from two fellow-teachers were read

by Rupert, Michael’s brother and only surviving relative.

Among the mourners were Jeanette Moir and Claire Wright who gave Michael tremendous neighbourly support during his last weeks and hours. A considerable debt is owed by those attending the funeral to Margaret Smith and her helpers who provided excellent refreshments at The Manor House following the service. The committal took place at Mintlyn Crematorium that afternoon.

50/50 Club Draw Results June

May

Deborah O’Driscoll £25.00 Julia Ackerman £15.00 Sandy Wallace £15.00 Diana Arthurson £10.00 Diana Arthurson £15.00 Sam Worsley £10.00 Carol Aries £10.00 Sandra Worthington £5.00 Michael Wilson £5.00 Daniel Worsley £5.00 Daniel Worsley £5.00 William Worsley £5.00 Harriett Lindsay £5.00 David Stuart-Black £5.00 Elaine Francis £5.00 Julia Ackerman £5.00 The enhanced May Draw was the last for the current subscription year, and at the time of going to print we had 132 subscribers for the next year, including several new members. Thanks to all who have joined or rejoined and we wish you luck in the draws. Overall the 50:50 Club subscriptions and coffee mornings generated a magnificent £1074.19 to the “Friends” in the year just ended, and we would like to thank all who have contributed to the coffee mornings, to the raffle prizes and, in some cases, returned their draw winnings as a donation, for their quite outstanding generosity. If you would like more information on 50:50 Club and “Friends” memberships please contact John Blakeley on 01263 861008. Membership subscriptions, including renewals for current subscriptions until May 2015 (£5.00 per person for the “Friends” and £12.00 for the 50:50 Club - which can be paid with one cheque if you are subscribing to both) are now due, and many thanks to the vast majority who have already paid. Cheques should, please, be made out to “FOGPC”.

FOGPC AGM Many thanks to all those who attended the 21st AGM of the Friends of Gunthorpe Parish Church on Friday, 4th July in the Village Institute, as well as to all who have supported the Friends this year, including many

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supporters who whilst they no longer have a direct connection to the village still offer invaluable financial and other help. It is a tribute to all involved that we have lasted so long and well … and that we are able to still continue to support maintaining the fabric of Gunthorpe Church, as well as providing part of the social infrastructure of the village. The Friends is a secular charity and all money raised goes towards the repair and maintenance of St Mary’s Gunthorpe Church - and our success can be seen in many of the complimentary comments left by visitors to the Church.

Thus we hope that our usual annual events will bring you all together in support of this work. In the past year we have completed all our “planned” works relating to repairs to the Church roof and gutters - with all gutters, facia boards and down pipes painted. The stained glass window repairs have been completed and leading renewed where necessary. In the coming year we plan to re-decorate the interior of the Church.

A special thanks to John Blakeley who so excellently manages the subscriptions for both the Friends and the 50/50 Club, to Seana Broom, our treasurer, for preparing our accounts and to Myfi Everett for continuing on with the 50/50 Club Coffee Mornings once a month. Please anyone who is free to help Myfi with the Coffee Mornings do volunteer and contact her – this can be on a one-off basis or (wonderful if) a monthly basis – no specific ties need to be attached but help of any kind would be greatly appreciated for the Coffee Mornings to continue.

Thanks to all the Committee members for carrying on so well with such good spirits and to all the members of other village committees for liaising with the Friends, and for all they do to make Gunthorpe such a special Village. We hope you will all have a great summer and will continue to support our events in the coming year and as advance warning the Harvest Supper is provisionally planned to be held on Saturday Nov 8th please look for confirmation on the Notice Board nearer the date.

Marie Denholm, Friends Chairman

riders or church record keepers to help fund Norfolk's beautiful churches. We will also need volunteers to man the church and keep records on this day. So please let me know if you can help.

Richard Redmayne has made an excellent booklet on the history of St Mary's - a copy of which is in the Church. Thank you Richard.

Penny Brough Church Warden

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS The Annual Parish Meeting for the Gunthorpe and Bale Parish Council took place at the Gunthorpe Institute on 15th May. The full council, supported by our County and District Councillors together with the Planning Manager of the NNDC, was present but no parishioners attended. The Parish Meeting was followed by the Annual Meeting of Gunthorpe Parish Council and then a scheduled meeting of the Parish Council.

Annual Parish Meeting Our County Councillor David Ramsbotham updated the meeting of the issues facing Norfolk County Council, namely: The cancellation costs for the Kings Lynn Incinerator project - a cancellation that had been agreed as the project was no longer financially viable and not because of the protests. In the short-term facilities in Suffolk would be used for waste disposal. An inquiry was being considered to see what had gone wrong and where decisions had been made, but it was unlikely that anyone would be “brought to book” for what had been a very bad contract decision.

The move from cabinet to committee governance which

ST MARY’S CHURCH NEWS The 7th of June was a very special day for David and I as our daughter Philly was married to Ben at St Mary's Church. Philly has known St Marys since we moved to Gunthorpe in1989, when she was just aged 5, so it meant a great deal to us all to have the ceremony here. Thank you to Ian for conducting such a beautiful service and to Martin Jacklin and Verity for their excellent musical accompaniment. Thank you Marie for decorating the church as only you can - it looked glorious. Also thank you to everyone who helped with the pew polishing - it has become quite a tradition to get everything gleaming before a wedding.

The Church's bike ride will take place on Saturday 13th September. Please do participate and/or sponsor

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Production of this proof relies on local residents and despite much talk this has not yet emerged. This need for proof also apples to the concern expressed during the last year by a resident that the road through Gunthorpe is used as a “rat-run”.

The Parish Council applied for and obtained a 75% grant from Norfolk County Council for parking spaces at Gunthorpe Green. The work was completed in March 2014 & should minimize damage to the Green itself. It is our intention to balance this expenditure in Gunthorpe village with spending of a similar value in Bale village when a suitable request is put forward and agreed. The Council presently has sufficient financial reserve to do this without increasing the present precept.

During the year there were 8 planning applications, 7 being for Bale and one of these causing a disagreement with NNDC. The finalization of Dudgeon Wind’s power transmission cable route continues with slight modifications - mainly the halving of the cable trench width.

It is pleasing to report that the problems with the East of England Ambulance Service appear to have diminished considerably, thanks to all the publicity given particularly by the EDP and by the general strong public support for rapid improvement.

Finally the diminishing population trend in Bale remains a concern as house ownership moves from permanent to holiday ownership. Will it be this rather than the failure to vote that will reduce the parish to a single polling station?

Parish Council Meeting The work to conduct a survey of Bale traffic and particularly how to restrict the use of the road by HGVs using it as a cut through was still being progressed. The Traffic Division of Norfolk Constabulary has now asked for a summary report and there will be a full briefing at the next PC meeting. The Gunthorpe resident with concerns at the road through the village being used as a “rat-run” would be invited to attend.

Dog fouling was still an issue and further reminders of the fines which could be levied would be pursued.

Bale Village Hall may request a grant for urgently needed remedial work, and it was agreed that in principle a similar grant to that which had been given to Gunthorpe would be available - however, the Secretary’s attention was drawn to the potential grants which could be available for more major works to

would take place in June 2014 and would mean a significant improvement in the democratic decision making process now involving all 84 councillors in these committees instead of just 10 in the cabinet system.

Agreement to the much reduced budget which has been set despite the central government’s grant cuts. The major savings were in support functions, but, inevitably, some front line services would be affected. However, despite these cuts the County Council was still looking for ideas for further improvements.

The Parish Council thanked Councillor Ramsbotham for the help he had provided with some of the highways issues affecting the two villages.

The NNDC Development Planning Manager, Andrew Mitchell, gave a very comprehensive briefing on the changes to the planning rules already implemented and those still to come. There was far too much information to include in this article, but in summary the rules are changing and in many ways are becoming less restrictive so if you have an idea for changes to your property or changes of use please contact the NNDC Planning Department. Mr Mitchell’s comments were supported by our District Councillor Ann Green.

Annual Meeting of the Parish Council John Church (Bale) and Sandra Warner (Gunthorpe) were unanimously elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council respectively. The Council’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2014 were agreed. The Chairman gave a report on the past year’s activities - summarised as follows: Last year I referred to the fact that Gunthorpe Parish would after all retain its two voting stations, one in Bale and one in Gunthorpe, remarking that hopefully the voting figures would sustain this decision. With the European elections on 22nd May 2014, this will be proved one way or the other - so if electors really want a local polling station, we hope they will have proved us right by voting.

There is a continuing concern within our villages about traffic. This is particularly real in Bale, with the claim that large trucks use the road through the village, rather than the official route from the A148 at Sharrington Common to Langham and beyond. The problem is to prove this concern with figures so that “higher” authority may have grounds to take action.

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FROM THE REGISTERS Interment of Ashes Mrs. Maureen Patricia Saul née Suckling June 9th

LANGHAM SENIOR CITIZENS Thurs Sept 11th 10am from the Bluebell For those of you who have been wondering, ‘will there be a mystery outing this year?’ the answer is yes, we have managed to cobble together another trip out.

If you want to know where we will be going, why not come along and find out. All we ask is for a £10 contribution which will include transport and a two course meal with a choice of menu.

Those of you who are over 60 and fancy joining us, please contact Peter Barlow 01328 830606 or John Hughes 01328 830595 before Aug 30th and they will be pleased to assist and advise regarding the menu.

Friends of Langham

improve the facility including the Big Society grants and potential support from the Dudgeon Wind Farm (Scira) as the cable route will run through the edge of Bale.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be at 7:30pm in Bale Village Hall on 7th August.

John Church Chairman Gunthorpe PC

WELCOME A very warm welcome goes to Peter and Valerie King who moved from the Wirral to Briar Cottage in late May, accompanied by their Jack Russell terrier Ollie. Very sadly, shortly after moving here Ollie’s companion, another much loved Jack Russell terrier called Barney, became ill and died, and we offer Valerie and Peter our sympathy for their loss. Both Valerie and Peter have previously enjoyed their successful careers as police officers. They are now looking forward to a rural rather than an urban lifestyle, where they will be permanent village residents, and they are very keen to become involved in the activities the village has to offer.

Peter will be working from home as a field representative for the Trevoc Company, which specialises in document administration/collection and investigations in the legal field and Valerie, who has completed a first class honours degree in Criminal Justice at Liverpool’s John Moores University, will be working for Norfolk County Council as a Celebrant Registrar. Despite the sad start we wish them every happiness in their new home in our sociable and diverse village.

A move within the village from Keys Cottages to School House allows me to correct a much earlier sin of omission by finally welcoming Lee Gordon and Rachel Strange along with their West Highland terrier Ted to Gunthorpe and to their new home. Lee is a farm manager working in Bircham and Rachel manages the Sue Ryder Charity Shop in Fakenham. Originally from the Midlands they both decided that they wished to live in Norfolk a few years ago, and they hope at some stage to be able to build their own home here.

We wish them every happiness and success in their new home.

Last, but by no means least, we welcome Daniel Nairn and Laura Armes to Sharrington Road. Both are from the local area with Daniel coming from Langham and Laura from High Kelling. As always we wish them every happiness in their new home and in our village.

LETTER FROM JOAN I am now installed in my bungalow at 23, Fayregreen, Fakenham. I have a choice of eateries, shops and buses, nice neighbours and a warden to rescue me. She has three cats who visit me at my french window. I feel happy here and I am nearer to David.

Sadly he no longer knows me but we are both able to enjoy the river and the birds on our woodland walks.

Sincere thanks go to my friends and neighbours in Langham for all their help. You are all welcome to come and see me in the Autumn by which time I may be sorted out.

Joan Titterington

STALL ON THE GREEN Sat Aug 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th 9.30am – 11am This cake and produce stall can be found on the Green opposite the Bluebell. Offers of cake and produce will be most welcome on the day. We look forward to seeing you.

Proceeds are for Langham Church General Fund. Enquiries, Ann 01328 830605 or Jan 01328 830847.

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RVS LANGHAM CAR SERVICE

BANK HOLIDAY BRING AND BUY

Schedule to Oct 5th 2014 Fare: 25p per mile.

At last, we were able to keep with tradition and hold this event in the churchyard on May 26th as the weather forecast promised a fine and sunny day. This did much to lift everyone’s spirits and an enjoyable morning ensued. The book stall was very popular and our thanks go to a gentleman in Holt who delivered several boxes of interesting books in pristine condition. Sales plus late donations helped to make total proceeds reach £434 for Langham Church General Fund plus £3 for a copy of ‘The Village Schoolmaster’ which goes to a separate fund.

The weight of the fruit basket was won by Peter Barlow and the plant raffle was won by Dr. Rex Dawson. Grateful thanks go to all those who baked and brought lovely cakes and to those who helped, beforehand, on the day and with the clearing up. None of this would have been possible without your valuable contribution which was much appreciated. Thank you.

Langham PCC

Weekly driving duties beginning on a Monday.

July 28th T 830 677 Sept 1st T 830 847 Aug 4th T 830 606* Sept 8th T 830 537* Aug 11th T 830 696* Sept 15th T 830 624 Aug 18th T 830 731 Sept 22nd T 830 056 Aug 25th T 830 348 Sept 29th T 830 605 * 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 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.

This roster is also placed on the church porch and the village notice boards with dates beyond the above schedule, after 9th September.

To avoid drivers having to do a double duty we are in urgent need of three drivers for our full complement. If anyone would like to join us please give me a call.

Ann Sherriff 01328 830605

THANK YOU FRIENDS OF LANGHAM In June we enjoyed a very enjoyable day in Norwich which consisted of a riverside walk with a Blue Badge Guide, followed by an excellent meal at the Ferry Inn at Horning. All this was organised by John and Peter of the FOL and everything ran smoothly.

Those who have experienced any of the seven events run by the committee this year, are very appreciative of the time and energy that they have put into the essential work involved in organising them.

At the Friends of Langham AGM it was nice to be able to thank the committee personally. They are a good bunch of people that get on well together and they issued an invitation for people to join them if they felt inclined and were ready to hear new ideas for events and outings.

Being a member of FOL you also stand a chance of winning in their monthly draw of the 200 Club so if you are not a member, why not join? I am sure Peter would be pleased to hear from you on 01328 830606.

MOBILE LIBRARY This visits on a four weekly basis on Thursdays; 7 Aug, 4 Sept, 2 Oct. On each of these days, the van will call for 20 mins at: St. Mary’s 10.25am, The Old Post Office 10.50am, The Cornfield 11.15am.

Wells Library 01328 710467

ROUNDERS AND BBQ EVENING Thursday 7th August Friends Of Langham will be holding the annual rounders and BBQ evening on the playing field starting at 6.00pm.

Everyone is welcome to either play or just enjoy the BBQ and the evening.

John Hughes, Chairman

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Monday 4th August, Langham Church 6pm

WELCOME

A short programme of music and words to recall the events of 100 years ago. Music by Walford Davies and Ivor Novello. Words by Siegfried Sassoon and G. LowesDickinson Led by The Reverend Ian Whittle. Organist: Martin Jacklin.

A very belated but sincere welcome to Ashton and Freya who are very happy living in Langham.

HELP WITH TRANSPORT For Langham residents Please read the article in the General Section at the front of the paper about Norfolk Community Transport with details of their offer of a new bus service.

As Langham residents are already users of the Langham Community Car Service, which is a member of North Norfolk Community Transport, they are being offered free membership of the Dial a Bus service for the remainder of 2014 if they wish to take up membership. For more details, use the contacts in the article.

Ann Sherriff

NCT SPONSORED BIKE RIDE Saturday 13 September 9am—5pm This year you can DRIVE as well as cycle or walk. Call John 01328 830420 or Ken 01328 830696 for details and forms.

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(1) Gunner Edward George Balding (who was killed in action at Tobruk (Libya) in World War II in 1942) and of (2) Albert Balding of Morston. George enlisted in Norwich as 40001 Private GJ Balding, and was by mid1916 posted to the 9th Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment. In 1915 men of the “9th Service (or Kitchener) Battalion” of the Norfolks, after their basic training of “square bashing”, skill-at-arms and fitness training in Norfolk, proceeded to their “Battle School” at Montcavrel in France, where they were trained for a few weeks if possible – but only for a few days sometimes, depending on the situation at the front – in digging, wiring and trench warfare.

GLADYS LATHAM NEE BALDING (1925-2014) On Sunday 18th May Gladys’s ashes were interred in the cremation burial plot next to the church porch door.

Members of the large Balding family came from Blakeney and Roydon and as far away as Cheshire (niece Diana Robinson) and Sussex (niece Margaret Bolton).

Gladys was born in Morston, but lived most of her life in Sleaford, Lincs. She was the 7th child of the nine children of William (“Billy”) Balding (in Morston by 1891) and his wife, Ethel nee Myhill.

In 1942 Gladys lost one of her elder brothers at the battle against Rommel for Tobruk (Libya), Edward Balding, a Gunner in the 11th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery (Honourable Artillery Company) on 13th June (see Morston’s War Memorial in the church). Gladys’s youngest sibling, the 9th child, was the late Albert Balding. Gladys was also a niece of Private George Balding, who died in France of his wounds on 12th October 1916 (see Morston War Memorial).

Gladys’s father, Billy Balding made boats in a shed opposite the Anchor and Gladys’s mother, Ethel ran Morston Post Office (also opposite the Anchor), which eventually closed when being run by Albert’s wife, Doris. Gladys and her eight siblings were brought up in the house now called The Old Post Office and later Anchor Cottage too. She and her late husband, Eric Latham, had a static caravan next to the village hall, looking out over the marshes. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren spent many happy hours “crabbing” in the creeks. Gladys’s son Duncan Taylor died last November. Gladys and Eric (whose ashes were scattered in the harbour) truly loved this special place and the friends they made here. Their four grandchildren and five great grandchildren still spend a lot of time in the Morston area.

“A life well-lived has now come full circle”, wrote Karen Knights, her eldest granddaughter.

The first ever tank attack (The British invented the “armoured land-ship capable of crossing trenches” and codenamed it “tank” – the same name as the wheeled water-carriers they used).

On July 2nd 1916 the 9th Norfolks entrained for the Somme front and on the 3rd marched from Villers Candas to Beauval, Lealvilliers, then Mailly-Maillet.

On the 26th they left there for Louvaincourt and then Beauval on the 28th; then on to Flesselles for six days to practise for the coming attack.

At 1am on 15th August 1916 the 9th Norfolks, two companies forward and two in support, with their right on the railway, on a front of 250 yards, took up a line on the sunken road from Ginchy to Leuze Wood for an attack on what the Norfolks called “the Quadrilateral”, a 4-sided trench 300 by 150 yards. At 5.50am a single tank (British of course) passed through the two front battalions for the attack on the first objective.

On 9th September a successful attack by their brigade (the 71st) captured Ginchy and Leuze Wood – but the Germans were holding very strongly the high ground which lay in the form of a horseshoe between the above -named points, which dominated the country to the south. Their key position was at the top of the spur to the Quadrilateral. At 7pm the first of the three promised tanks – two never “got away” – had reached the German front line. As the Norfolks advanced up the glacis-like slope with insufficient artillery support – since a gap in the barrage was left for the tanks – they encountered uncut wire which meant they were unable to get forward. By 11.45am the 9th Norfolks had Major Bradshaw and about 40 men close up to the enemy’s wire in front of the Quadrilateral and the rest were scattered in shell holes between there and the Ginchy

FUNERAL OF JOHN WISE On 3rd July the Rev. Ian Whittle took the funeral service at All Saints, Morston, of John Wise (19th April 1938 to 18th June 2014). The church was packed with 130 of John’s friends and relations and the family tribute by John and June’s son, Jonathan was both fascinating and most moving.

PTE GEORGE JAMES BALDING. DIED 12 OCT 1916 IN FRANCE George Balding was born in Morston, son of Mr.W.J. & Mrs H.A. Balding of Morston and uncle of

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most recent count has shown that 400 birds have now fledged with many more still on eggs.

We have a number of camera traps out and about to capture what wildlife happenings go on when we’re not around and any interesting behaviour. Recently we have seen fluffy redshank chicks come out of their wellconcealed nest in the grass on Blakeney Freshes and a common tern present a crab to its mate at the nest. We post pictures, videos and news on our blog which can be found by searching for Norfolk Coast National Trust blog.

To help us understand more about individual birds, we have worked with both the British Trust of Ornithology and the RSPB to put individual colour rings on a small number of little and sandwich terns.

Whilst metal rings can tell you where the bird was ringed and how old it was, it relies on a recovery to find out the information whereas the colour rings can be spotted using binoculars and telescopes. An example of this is an oystercatcher we found with a metal ring turned out to be more than thirty years old (typical lifespan is just 12 years) whereas we have already received a couple of international sightings of sandwich terns chicks we colour-ringed last year helping us to understand where they go once they leave the breeding colony.

At Morston the project to replace two wooden bridges, one of which was swept away in the tidal surge, has recently seen the completion and opening of the first bridge and construction is well underway on the second.

The temporary scaffold bridge has now been removed and the geotextile we laid along the path to and from the scaffold structure worked really well to protect the marsh and provided a good surface to walk on. We haven’t used this method or materials before so it was good to see how it worked.

The marshes are looking really lovely at the moment as the sea-lavender flowers bloom and butterflies and bees are flying. There are plenty of seals around and the most recent low tide count recorded an impressive 865 greys and 26 commons.

We say goodbye to Iain Wolfe, Visitor Services Manager, who has joined Holkham Estate as their new Visitor Operations Manager. We wish him all the best in his new role and will be seeing him as a regular at Morston and Blakeney and as a volunteer.

road. At 12.55 orders were issued that the 71st Brigade was not to attack the Quadrilateral, but was to improve its position by working round the flanks.

After midnight – so now it was September 13th 1916 – the 9th Norfolks were relieved and moved back to trenches near Trones Wood. The casualties in “this unfortunate action” were serious: 431 other ranks had been KIA (killed in action), WIA (wounded in action) or were “missing, believed killed”. Private George Balding of Morston was admitted to No.1 South African General (Military) Hospital, Abbeville, France, suffering from “a gunshot wound to the leg”. He died of his wounds on 12th October 1916 there in France and is commemorated in Abbeville Communal Cemetery. [“History of the Norfolk Regiment”, vol. II, pp.252-257; CD-ROM “Soldiers that Died in World War I”; NMS].

NCT BIKING SAT 13TH SEPTEMBER The Norfolk Churches Trust Bicycle event has this year been extended to include driving round the maximum number of churches possible between 9am and 5pm and a Photograph Competition and a Best Church Refreshment Prize and interesting Church Visits. More details at www.norfolkchurchestrust. org.uk/sponsored-bike-ride.

FORMULA 1 TALK 31ST MAY The FMC Talk on Formula 1 (with fascinating video footage, slides and stories) given by Dr Pete Tibbetts, at Blakeney Village Hall on Saturday 31st May was a great success, the dinner organised by Jill Tibbetts was delicious, and the raffle actually included merchandise signed by F1 stars. Pete Tibbetts, who has officiated in over 300 Grands Prix, runs the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) track-side fuel-testing laboratory and is the FIA Observer in the Formula One Safety Car. The evening’s proceeds of just over £4,000 all went to the Friends of Morston Church, charity number 1099831, of which Pete Tibbetts is Chairman for repairs and maintenance for All Saints Church.

NATIONAL TRUST UPDATE Blakeney National Nature Reserve At the time of writing we are still in the height of the bird breeding season and we are starting to see young sandwich terns taking to the air for the first time. The

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During the school holidays we have a number of free events for families going on at Brancaster and Blakeney. Join us to tick off some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ such as crabbing, pooh sticks, bug hunting and bird-watching. Details can be found on the NT Blakeney events page or phone us on 01263 740241.

PCC CRAB SUPPER The Boat Trip to the Point followed by the Crab Supper on Friday 13th June, which was graced by 83 visitors including the Bishop of Norwich and his wife, was a very jolly occasion, much enjoyed by all.

Although Friday the 13th is not so good for travel, it was clearly brilliant for church fundraising, since the evening made £1,515.70 for PCC Funds. Mary Athill would like to thank all those who helped make the occasion such a success: both those who helped and those who attended.

while he was serving as a mercenary under Lord Cochrane in South Africa and Greece in 1817-1830. On October 11th 1834 George Thomas was, as a Captain, RN, on the expedition attacking Baltimore and New Orleans and was again wounded in action – this time on the River Potomac.

Following this he was posted to command the Coastguard at Morston in the (lower) rank of Lieutenant. He was a great friend of Captain Frederick Marryat, RN, (England’s most prolific author between Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, a writer of derring-do, who had finally retired to Langham, where he wrote his last book, ‘Children of the New Forest.

Marryat used to ride over on his old mare to Morston to drink with his former comrade-in-arms at Coastguard House (and George Thomas in 1848 provided a Coastguard guard of honour for Marryat’s funeral at Langham.

Coastguard Chief Lieutenant George Thomas (m.1828) had two sons, and a daughter, Annie, who married the Rev. Pender-Cudlip of Devon. Their son Eric P-C was in the Royal Artillery in India and his son, Peter P-C was also a Gunner. Peter was father of our two visitors here. [Sources include Byrne, through Simon Harris].

VISIT BY GT GT G’CHILDREN OF 1ST MORSTON COASTGUARD CHIEF Last month two of the five great great grandchildren of Lieutenant George Thomas (born 1793 in Bristol), the first Chief of the Coastguard in Morston, appointed 11th October 1834, arrived at Coastguard House to see where George had lived. They were Lady Goodenough nee Veronica Pender-Cudlip and her brother, David, recently retired from the Royal Navy.

George Thomas, RN, had enlisted as a Midshipman in the Navy in 1804 aged 11, being shipped aboard HMS Renard (18 guns, 121 men) and sailed to the West Indies station. After fighting French ships there, Thomas also saw active service in the Gulf of Mexico, and at the blockade of Flushing and Toulon, (being a POW of the French from March to September 1795) before rising to Acting Lieutenant and Master’s Mate and seeing service in in 1795-1799 in the Channel, off Ireland and in the North Sea, before being wounded in the Mediterranean in 1801. He won the C-in-C’s thanks for his action beneath the batteries of Valencia, before he was transferred to the Ganymede 26, in which he was severely wounded in the hip in 1813 and was hospitalised in Gibraltar, before being wounded again in 1815 - and so having to be put on a pension of £91-5s0d pa. from 1815 - until 1830. He had his pension cancelled

MORSTON QUIZ

by Samphire (Answers on Page 26) 1.How many square inches in a square foot?

2.In which country is Ho Chi Minh City?

3.Which word can go after “salad” and before “gown”?

4.Which is greater: 2/3 or 7/10?

5.In “Snow White” what do the dwarfs tell you to do while you work?

6.If Feb 1st is a Thursday in a non-leap year, what day is March 1st?

7.Gazpacho is a type of what?

8.In which city does Batman operate?

9.Which country cricket club has its home at Old Trafford?

10. In horse racing which of the 5 Classics is held at Doncaster?

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JAZZ PROVES GREAT SUCCESS

SHARRINGTON LECTURE

On 6th June St.Margaret’s was the venue for a fine performance by a jazz band from Gresham’s School. A full house relished sophisticated and subtle renderings of ten modern classics. Ripples of applause greeted very individual and mature improvisations. Also much appreciated were Saxlingham’s canapés served with wine during the interval in the churchyard. The raffle was well supported and in all the evening raised £769 for St. Margaret’s. The PCC are most grateful to the pupils and staff, especially Chris Cooper, the band’s inspiring teacher, for all their efforts.

This year’s Sharrington Lecture will be on Friday 5th September at 6.30pm and given by the Dean of Westminster the Very Revd Dr John Hall. The talk will be ‘Westminster Abbey: House of God, House of Kings’. Tickets £10 each including a glass of wine and canapés are available from Anne Sloman 01263 862291.

HARRODS OF KNIGHTSBRIDGE On June 18th an eager and interested group gathered in Sharrington village hall to listen to a talk by Richard Furnival Jones who worked in Harrods for forty years.

He started in the wine department and later was manager of the food hall.

Richard outlined the history of Harrods which was started by Charles Henry Harrod in 1835. He was a tea and coffee wholesaler and his premises were in the City of London. In 1849 he took over the financial debts of one of his customers who owned a shop in the country village of Knightsbridge. By 1853 Mr Harrod had complete control of the business.

In 1883 the shop was owned by Charles Henry’s son, Charles Digby. The shop was destroyed by a big fire, but Charles said he would honour all commitments to the customers leading up to Christmas and Harrods would deliver come what may. Thus the reputation was established.

Richard regaled us with many amusing anecdotes, bringing us to the recent history of the store.

Mohammed Fayed owned Harrods 1985-2010 when he sold it for £1.5billion to the Emir of Qatar.

We were particularly pleased to welcome a number of people from other villages in the area who had come along to share the evening with us and all enjoyed wine and canapés together before the evening’s talk began. A valuable £179 was raised for the village hall funds. BC

SHARRINGTON GARDENERS Since the last issue was published, the group has visited two beautiful gardens; that of Church Farm House, the home of Paul and Eunice Morgan and a little further afield, the splendour of Thorpland Hall.

Church Farm house was the venue for the group’s meeting in June when the focus was on clematis; how and where to plant them with “their feet in the shade and heads in the sun”, which types work best in the different seasons, how to prune them and the art of their propagation. An hour or so’s instructive presentation was followed by a lengthy question time and a wander round the garden which as ever was in impressive bloom. Thanks to Paul and Eunice Morgan for their

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generous hospitality.

The July treat was a trip to Thorpland Hall, an impressive house built in the 16th century and ‘modernised’ in Victorian times. Annabel Savory gave members a brief introduction to her family home before inviting them to wander through the walled kitchen garden, the woodland garden and the terrace before taking tea in the west garden. The feel in the walled garden was a lovely balance between order and variety.

It was so tranquil that it was hardly possible to believe Morrisons was just a stone’s throw away.

The group currently has 30 members but is happy to welcome new members from both inside and outside the village. Anyone interested in joining should contact Roger Dubbins 01263 862261 or r.dubbins@ btinternet.com.

RD

CHURCH NEWS Our fete takes place on 12th July but because of copy date deadlines a full report of the occasion will not appear until the October/November issue.

Suffice it to say with just over a week to go we are ready for the big day. Church Farm House gardens are a delight, cakes have been baked and frozen and we have a new recruit to orchestrate the teas, namely Lola Poole who has been promised full support from her ‘team’. Jams, marmalades, pickles, chutneys are ready to go and quantities of books, clothes, DVDs, CDs and bric-a-brac have been rounded up. The plant stall last year was a great success and this year promises to be even better.

Now all we need is the weather over which sadly we have no control.

Advance notice is given that the harvest supper this year will be held on Saturday 4th October in the village hall. Full details will be published nearer the date but in the meantime any offers of help to make desserts would be appreciated. Please contact Ann Garwood 01263 860700 for further information.

AG

NOBLE ROTTERS Now, you may think that it was at the end of our first full tasting that the members of the wine club voted to adopt the name ‘Noble Rotters’ but no, before a drop had been taken the sober decision was made.

With the summer months stretching ahead, at our first full meeting we tasted rosé wines from France, Spain, New Zealand and South Africa mostly from the 2013 vintage. An entry level wine from the Languedoc was paired with a slightly more expensive Painted Wolf, Pinotage from Paarl South Africa. Next up, at a slightly higher price a Muga Rosado from Rioja was pitted against a Pinot Noir from Marlborough New Zealand with the Spaniard taking the plaudits. Then, towards the top end of the market, we supped a wine from the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence and measured it against a 2012 Corse Calvi from Corsica with the delicate southern French offering coming out top. Finally as a bonus, we sipped a little 2012 Bandol from southern France, an excellent area for rosé wines and the bottle of La Suffrene was no disappointment.

Our next tasting will be on Friday 19 September when we will taste wines from the Cotes du Rhone.

Until then, plenty of sunny days ‘in the pink’.

RD

WORLD WAR ONE 1914-1918 There will be many commemoration services held throughout the country to remember those who lost their lives. Here in Sharrington we are planning to mark this with a tea in the village hall on the 9th November 2014 with a display of information about those men listed on our memorial plaque in the church; these are men who were born and /or lived here, men whose names are read out each Remembrance Sunday but about whom we have no other knowledge. So this is a plea for your help too: please visit the church, look at the memorial above the font and you will see several familiar names. You may be related in some way, grandchildren, great grandchildren, they could be uncles, great uncles, great grandads, or you may know of someone who is. We would also like any photos, on lease only, any maps of the village at that time etc. So you get the general idea and please phone me, Ann Garwood on 01263 860700. Thank you.

AG

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FOOD BANK Finally, a reminder that the food bank box in church remains open for donations. When you are shopping, an extra item or two in your bag will not be a great outlay but of utmost importance for those in need and there are many, even though it is summer time and the world always looks better in the sunshine.

AG

VILLAGE HALL UPDATE At an extremely well attended extraordinary general meeting held on 21st May, Ann Garwood, chairperson of the village hall committee presented the income and expenditure account for the hall for the period ended 31st December 2013.

In the light of a deteriorating financial position in the current year caused principally by a drop in support for the 50/50 club and reduced bookings, the committee had reached the conclusion that it needed additional members in a quest to generate more interest in the hall and greater revenue.

Following a lively and wide ranging discussion in which many of those present participated it was resolved to co-opt five additional members, Chris Abrams, Adrian Allenby, Roger Dubbins, Robin Hyslop and Michael Kimmins.

A meeting of the expanded committee met on 28th May and agreed to look into the following points.

Identify improvements that might be made to the hall to make it more user-friendly, the cost of those improvements and available funding.

Investigate the feasibility of holding more fund raising events and a raffle at Christmas.

Increase the advertising for the hire of the hall and its equipment.

Encourage those living in Brinton (served by the same parish council) to participate in the hall’s activities and the 50/50 club.

Establish a village website.

The committee is due to meet again in mid July to review progress and a further update will appear in due course.

By way of reminder to all readers, Sharrington village hall is available for hire by both individuals and

groups for events, meetings, talks and celebrations. The hall has a stage, seats up to 80 people and has its own car parking.

The kitchen is equipped with an electric oven, microwave and refrigerator and is used for the service of hot and cold food. Chairs, tables, crockery, glasses and cutlery are also available for separate hire. For more information and to make a booking, contact 01263 860097.

PINEWOOD COMES TO SHARRINGTON On Wednesday 3rd July the film director Tony Britten (he of ‘In Love with Alma Cogan’ and ‘Benjamin Britten: Peace and Conflict’ fame), his cast and crew breezed into the village to shoot a scene for his next film ‘Chick Lit’ in the village hall.

The film which features a landlord of a failing public house and his attempts to raise money is understood to have been shot mainly in Hunworth.

It is perhaps ironic that he should have chosen Sharrington village hall on the grounds that it retained its original charm. Best we look after it.

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CHURCH NOTES On 22nd June we held an “Open Gardens” day in the village. Nine gardens were open and a good crowd of visitors enjoyed a variety of gardens, large and small; lovely river views and a steam organ at Vale Farm meadow which gave an air of jollity to the occasion.

The weather was fine and home-made teas were served in the village hall. The church was open and various stalls in the gardens generated extra cash on top of the entry tickets.

Thanks are due to all who made the day a success; to garden owners, Vale Farm for car parking – the ladies who baked for the teas and Eva who master-minded the organisation. Nearly £2000 was raised and we are also grateful to the Morgan family at Warborough House for hosting a reception in the evening as we all took a welldeserved glass (or two) after a job “well done.”

These village events don’t just happen without a lot of input. The PCC is grateful for all the help and support from all concerned.

The next event is “stalls on the knoll”. Bank Holiday weekend Monday 25th August 10am-1pm combined with a WWI all week-end exhibition by Stiffkey Local History Group in the Church (10am-4pm, SaturdayMonday). Make a note in your diaries!

The churchyard has received a lot of voluntary help – as is usual and we have just managed to keep on top of the rapid summer growth – a huge thank you to those whose labours are so vital.

As churchwarden may I also thank our small team of flower arrangers, cleaners, and not forgetting our devoted secretary (she knows who she is!) Meetings need preparation, and our clergy supported.

Harvest festival service has been provisionally arranged for Sun 4th October, notices will be placed around the village.

Keith McDougall

NATURE NOTES Did you see the spectacled warbler? – no, I doubt if you did. It was over at Burnham Overy (together with 300 twitchers). Apparently it was building a nest but with no mate – left behind in Siberia – or lost on the way.

There is much talk about our River Stiffkey and what is best for the river wildlife, drainage and water quality.

The Norfolk Rivers Trust has a programme and plans.

As someone who farmed a two mile stretch for 20 years when I recall few problems, I hope that a balanced programme of river maintenance will be adopted. Most of our stretch is all bordered by grazing meadows which are the best natural protection. And the cattle are a joy to see along with sheep up at Wighton and Cockthorpe.

As I write, crops look good but as always farmers are careful not to “count their chickens”!

The rabbit population is still depressed (disease?) brown hares are busy (several litters per year). Avocets are having a patchy breeding season it would appear, but an influx of warblers in early June was welcome with the hot weather. I heard more cuckoos this spring than in recent years, - following the warblers to parasitize their nests!

A good hatch of meadow browns, large skippers and hopefully, soon, the usual garden species tortoiseshells, peacocks, red admirals, commas, ringlets etc.

Perhaps our local moth experts could let me have a few notes on their sightings – the last time they had a light trap in my garden they identified 47 species next morning.

Pightle

STIFFKEY SCARECROWS A reminder that it's happening between the 16th to 26th August in aid of UNICEF. Vote for your favourite!

Chris Halford

MORSTON QUIZ ANSWERS (Quiz on Page 23) 1. 144. 2. Vietnam. 3. Dressing. 4. 7/10. 5. Whistle. 6.

Thursday. 7. Soup. 8. Gotham. 9. Lancashire. 10. St.Leger.

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loved it! - Karina, Year 5

Talent Show On 28th June, we had our yearly Talent Show. It was a HUGE success (apart from a touch of rain!) There were lots of acts, all of them good but there were clear winners - Charlotte in Year 5, who amazed everyone with her gymnastics routine; and Polly and Grace in Reception, singing “Frozen” from the Disney film of the same name.

The event was organised entirely by two Year 6 children, quite a feat in itself. “Talent was in the air” said Peter in Year 6. We rose, we cheered and we cheered some more for the winners. Musically, it was like Mozart had come back to life! Can it be better next year???

- Winston, Year 6

SCHOOL NEWS The end of summer term is approaching for Langham Village School, and it’s also the end of an era as we say a fond farewell and thank you to Head Teacher Mike Green and Class 2 teacher Vee Hopkins after over 20 years with the school. Before we welcome new Head Teacher Polly Kossowicz in September, here is the latest round-up of news from our intrepid team of Class 3 reporters.

Chess Tournament The tournament gets underway this week. Archie and Michael are organising this event. “It has been fun, but a bit stressful getting everything ready,” said Archie. There are lots of talented chess players taking part. - Liam ,Year 4

First World War Centenary Children in Class 1 (aged 4 – 6) and Class 2 (aged 6 – 8) have been learning about the First World War. In addition to the war itself, Class Two got in the spirit of the times by experiencing lessons the way they would have been taught 100 years ago.

Art Day Each class has had its own art day. Class 1 created beautiful summer meadows, Class 2 worked on portraits and Class 3 linked their artwork to Japan Day. “It was very interesting, and Kirsty O’Leary, the artist, was lovely too,” said Emily in Year 5. The whole school has artwork they are very proud of. – Ellie, Year 6

Class 3 Film Club We watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. We had popcorn, juice and a choice of fruit. The film was amazing; it was so exciting I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. - Flossie, Year 6 I think it was the best film yet, but I’m not sure the girls agreed. Neve said it was ‘very gruesome’, but I thought it was action packed. - Fynn, Year 5

Flutes Our new flute teacher is Mrs Housden. Soon Class 3 will be performing a concert in front of the school. We have been learning to sing and play a song called “Let it fly”; and every week we are getting better and better.

Jethro said, “I like making a pulse and a rhythmic sound playing the flute.”

Afternoon Tea The Year 6 pupils and their families had afternoon tea at school recently. Carol Spinks and Helen Ward helped the pupils to make food for their parents. We made scones, strawberry and rhubarb muffins, cheese straws, freshly baked bread rolls and more. It was all so delicious! We made the food…and then we ate the food…and it was SUPER SCRUMPTIOUS! Thank you for all your help Helen and Carol - Peter, Year 6

Pool tournament Sixteen children in year 4, 5, and 6 entered the Langham Village School Pool Tournament. The final was played by Jethro in Year 4 and Archie in Year 6. It was an exciting game, but in the end Archie won by one ball. (I think Jethro accidentally potted the black). Congratulations to both players - Joel , Year 5, and Archie, Year 6

World Cup News

Class 3 Street Dance

Class 3 drew names out of hat of a World Cup football team. There were 31 teams, not including England, and 31 of us! For our home study we had to find out all kinds of facts, for example, the average age of our squad, the population of the country and the total number of goals scored so far. At the time of writing we have our fingers crossed for The Netherlands (Archie’s team Y6) and for Brazil (Emily’s team Y5), but especially for Nigeria and Switzerland - which are our teams! - Archie and Charles, Year 5

We are learning lots of new dance moves with our dance teacher Claire Piper. The song we are dancing to is ‘I will never let you down’ by Rita Ora. Ellie Bunting in Year 6 said: “You have to practice a lot to get the moves right.” – Emily Year 5

End of term events At the time of writing, all the children are preparing for the Langham Village School summer fair on Friday 11 July, Sports Day on Monday 14 July, the wholeschool trip on Monday 21 July and leavers’ assembly on Wednesday 23 July. The summer fair will be the chance for pupils, parents and staff past and present to say goodbye to Mike Green and Vee Hopkins. I’m sure you will join us in wishing them both the very best for the future.

Class 3 Residential Trip We had our residential visit at the Aylmerton Study Centre, here in North Norfolk. We had a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed the agility course, the problem solving “Spider’s Web” and the “Monster Trail” around the Felbrigg estate. Map reading, compass skills, orienteering were just a few of the skills we learned. We all

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