NEWS & VIEWS

News & Views

Barsham . Walsingham . Houghton February – March 2017

A magazine for the whole community

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Contents Editorial Letters to the Editor D-Day memories (part 3) Book Review From your M.P. From your County Councillor Winning Chrysanthemums From March to Walsingham Walsingham Parish Council & Recreation Trust Royal British Legion Women’s Section Walsingham & District W.I.

p.2 p.3 p.3 p.5 p.5 p.6 p.7 p.8 p.8 p.10 p.10

Walsingham Benefice Mothers’ Union

p.11

Alderman Peel High School News

p.11

Wells Dementia Friendly Community Group (WDFC)

p.12

Christian Comment

p.13

Walsingham Mobile Post Office Service

p.13

England v South Africa

p.14

Services

p. 16

Directory of Advertisers

p. 17

Advertisements i-x Useful telephone numbers

Back Page

Editorial This is a very busy time of the year to prepare our magazine and I really do want to thank all the contributors who managed to send me copy over the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

I’m sure you will all read the report from Alva regarding the closure of the women’s section of the Royal British Legion. I think that this was a particularly wrong decision from the powers that be in London and a large number of people are very upset about it. I’m sure that we would all like to thank the willing volunteers who have helped to finance the Legion by their many years of selling poppies door to door.

I, personally, will miss Monica Smith’s yearly visit with my cross and poppy in memory of my father. A heartfelt thank you to all those in Alva’s team from everyone in this community.

You will see that we are doing a trial run of placing all the adverts together at the back of the magazine.

John and Ia McIlwaine have done a classified list showing clearly the adverts in their different categories.

I hope that this will make the finding of required adverts more accessible. Your comments on the change will be very gratefully received, positive or negative!

By the time you receive delivery of this issue of News and Views we will be looking forward to the Spring which is my favourite time of year... hence our front cover for this issue.

A Happy New Year to you all.

Angela Articles and other items for the April/May issue should be received by 28th February by E-mail: angela@whordleyclifford.plus.com or by post to: The Vicarage, Church Street, Walsingham.

NR22 6BL. Printed and Designed by

www.fakprepress.co.uk

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, It is with regret and sadness that the Women’s Section, Walsingham Branch, British Legion is closing down. This is due to an instruction from the Royal British Legion.

We have lived here for twenty-two years now, and long before we arrived the Section had always been a part of the Walsingham village life that we have come to know and enjoy.

Many, many thanks to Alva Grove, Joan Sheaf and others in their hardworking team who have consistently fundraised.

Most of all we will miss the delightful Summer cream teas at Stonegate (we always seemed to be blessed with the most wonderful weather!) and their very smart, beautifully turned out presence and standards at the Walsingham War Memorial every year for Remembrance.

So, the door closes on yet another wonderful part of village life... to be replaced by nothing.

Roddy and Jeanette King.

Dear Editor, I learnt with complete surprise about the sudden disbandment of the Women’s Sections of the Royal British Legion by order from the Royal British Legion Headquarters. Their rules were different from ours but they have raised many thousands of pounds for charity. Walsingham was no exception and, under the guidance of Joan Sheaf, they remained a viable force for many years. Alva Grove has been an excellent Secretary and Chairperson.

The Legion stands to lose thousands of pounds as a result of this policy, with many of the redundant Women’s Sections voting with their feet and not transferring to the main branch. What has been so exciting for the village branch has been that younger people had joined. I had a long chat with Alva about the future. The Men’s Section still exists, albeit being tied up with the Wells branch. If there was the support of the redundant ladies we could re-form as a branch in its own right. Sadly, Alva did not think that this would be possible because of the meeting being held in the afternoon and because of the sudden disbandment policy. I understand that the standard is to be laid up in St Peter’s.

Pat King (See p. 10 for a report from the Royal British Legion Women’s Section)

D-Day memories (part 3) We were eventually given a depot ship, a large merchant ship from the Belgian Congo. We had never before (or since) seen men like it – every face was covered with tribal markings. Obviously we couldn’t talk to them, but they were kindness itself and dried out our clothes on rails in the engine area. We also had a short spell on the minelaying cruiser, HMS Adventure, but the top brass on her decided my boats were making too much noise, always coming and going, so we had to move. One of our boats patrolled the harbour entrance, dropping small depth charges at irregular intervals in case submarines tried to enter. This had an unexpected benefit. Owing to the amount of leftovers thrown overboard the harbour attracted many fish and the depth charges brought them to the surface in a stunned state. A lot of them were collected, mainly skate. Our messman was a fishmonger in civvy street, which was handy, but eventually the frying oil supply ran out. We were on our permanent depot now – HMS Misoa, an oil tanker that had been converted to a tank landing ship. She was back from the Malta run as a cargo ship.

She remained our depot until we came back in February 1945.

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON One item I haven’t mentioned was an American LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) we came across drifting around. We went to check why there were no crew visible. I boarded it and took it to the nearest American beach – Omaha – and tried to hand it over but they weren’t interested, so we kept it!

All Yank boats were battleship grey and this one was diesel. Ours were camouflaged blue-grey and white, with petrol engines. Now we could move around independently. All the squadron except us in 808 had gone home after the initial period.

I came back to the UK on 20 July with our remaining boats in a floating dock ship, HMS Princess Iris, to HMS Mastodon and one week’s leave. We were taken by lorry to the Hythe ferry with kit bags brimming full of articles that would have given customs a field day. We found five customs officials waiting for us.

At this time the miniature railway on the pier was not in use so our luggage had to be manhandled to the boat and those customs chaps carried our kit bags etc to the boat and never inspected a single item! They just shook our hands and wished us well.

When I was on my way home I got to Liverpool Street station and found children being evacuated again.

I asked one of the carers why. Before she could answer there was panic in the carriage and the children were fighting to get under the seats. Then a loud explosion gave me the answer. That was my introduction to doodlebugs.

We returned to Arromanches with twelve new boats. Through devious means we obtained our own transport and visited various places, such as the Caen-Falaise Gap, etc. Mostly we spent our time in Bayeux and got friendly with the owners of a cafe. They had taken in a small girl, who was the only survivor of her family – the others had all been killed by one of our bombs or shells. The cafe owners had a daughter about the same age. We told some yanks the story and they made sure that when we went back we weren’t empty handed. As you may know, Montgomery closed down all the so-called houses of ill-repute. One day my No 2 and I were walking in Bayeux when a lorry load of sailors off one of the battleships stopped and asked where such a place could be found. We explained it was out of bounds but they wouldn’t be put off. We followed the lorry and found them banging on doors, with the occupants shouting, ‘See Monty, he’s responsible!’ After a few minutes the door was down and my mate and I well away in case the red caps appeared.

We got leave for New Year’s Eve and three of us hitched to Rouen. Then we got picked up by the French Resistance who were looking for infiltrators. They had not seen anyone dressed as we were, a mixture of khaki with naval hats, badges etc. They took us to prison, but then we got clearance and we were treated wonderfully all over the weekend.

We came back to England at the end of February 1945. My flotilla went to Devonport and I went to Portsmouth. It was like losing a family. I was sent to the Far East but en route the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan so eventually I returned to the UK. Steve Stanford

Winter Lunches

organised by the Mothers’ Union

in the Parish Hall on Friday 20th January 12.30 – 1.30pm

Friday 27th January 12.30 – 1.30pm Friday 3rd February 12.30 – 1.30pm Friday 10th February 12.30 – 1.30pm

Three Course Meal (including tea and coffee) all for just £5 !

Everyone is welcome for food and friendship!

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Book review Tessa Allingham & Glyn Williams. Norfolk Table: one county, twenty chefs cookbook & food lovers’ guide. Southwold, Feast Publishing, 2016. ISBN 978-0-993-36011-4. £19.95 During a routine visit to Bert Frew’s Hairdressing Salon, Bert showed me this book and suggested I read it and write a review for this magazine. I reminded him that in my last book review I had quite plainly stated my ‘un-love’ of cookery books. ‘That just makes you the ideal person to do it’ he said! So, I took this book home and looked through it. It is a book about twenty restaurants along the North Norfolk coast and their twenty chefs, and so being a regular at The Norfolk Riddle, I turned to this section first.

This gives an account of Neil Rutland who is now the chef here, with his partner Tina who runs ‘front of house’. It recounts his love of ‘foraging’ in and around the countryside, hedgerows and fields (with permission) and how he incorporates all he freely gathers into his dishes. They both grew up locally, being from Great Snoring, and so know the area well.

Another favourite of mine, is The Globe Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea and so I then turned to this section to read of the chef here, Will Jackson and how he utilises the fresh catches and crabs brought up from Wells Quay. This is all much appreciated by new owners Antonia and Stephen Bournes from Southwold who have transformed this hotel.

This book gives a sample of each chef ’s recipes and a page each for questions such as, ‘best dishes ever eaten’, ‘signature dishes’ and ‘favourite cookbook’ … and a lot more besides! One thing both the chefs above and indeed all twenty portrayed in this book have in common is their love of food, its preparation, cooking and serving. This all adds up to a unique insight into your favourite restaurant or chef and should be read before visiting each place mentioned, all of which are very worthy of your patronage! The book is available in The Norfolk Riddle Lynette Sutton

From your M.P. Last year was a turbulent year in politics with the EU referendum which resulted in the resignation of David Cameron as Prime Minister and the accession of Theresa May, the re-election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party and in America the success of Donald Trump as US President.

I met many constituents last year both in Norfolk and in the House of Commons. I undertook many interesting visits to schools, farms, local businesses, shops and of course to our many local farmers’ markets. Indeed, as I write this article in December, I am greatly looking forward to visiting the Taverham Charity Fair at the Taverham Garden Centre on Saturday 17 December. This is another excellent event which my wife and I attend.

Last year I attended meetings as a Commissioner of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. On 31 May 2016 I attended the centenary service in Portsmouth for the Battle of Jutland. I was also at the Somme Centenary Service as a member of the Prime Minister’s World War I Advisory Committee. Both these events as well as the many services held in Norfolk remind us of the terrible sacrifices made by so many local men and women in WWI. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers a very Happy New Year.

Rt Hon Keith Simpson MP

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From your County Councillor Dear Readers, I would like to thank the editor for having allowed me to share information with you throughout the year. And thank you to those who have told me they found the material interesting and useful. I hope what follows is equally acceptable and wish you all a happy and healthy 2017.

Devolution came to an abrupt end for Norfolk days before the county was to vote. We heard that West Norfolk had said no to the proposed devolution and within days it was over for Norfolk. I would add that not only in retrospect but throughout the process I have felt the proposal for was a curate’s egg, partly bad partly good. People I spoke with appreciated the idea of devolved powers but a mayor and cabinet were seen as an additional layer between them and government – and at a cost: concern was also expressed that funding over a 30 year period might not be secure. If another devolution proposal is to follow I would like to think it would be tailored for Norfolk not Whitehall. However within hours of ‘Devo 1’ being stopped the question of Unitary was back on the scene but a motion at full council asking for an investigation into unitary lost the vote. The reason for rejection was two-fold: first officers and members need to focus over the coming months on the February budget – one of the most important for a number of years; secondly there are county council elections in May 2017 and any ideas and plans made before then could be rejected by the new administration.

Broadband speed issues or faults: We are anticipating another Walsingham cabinet going live – if all goes well it may even be live by the time you read this edition. Remember to go to www.betterbroadbandnorfolk and follow through to check if your property is affected. Whilst more and more parishes are being fibre enabled whether or not you have this provision problems can still arise. So in the event of any problems relating to broadband faults or speed issues customers in the first instance should contact their internet service provider (ISP) (e.g BT, Sky, Virgin Media). Internet service providers will be able to identify if the issue is something they will be able to fix or if it is an issue with the infrastructure they will escalate it to Openreach. Openreach can only work with internet service providers, not directly with members of the public, in order to ensure that all ISPs are treated equally. Many internet service providers have guidance available on their websites which can alert customers if there is an existing network problem in their area and this often includes information on how long it will take to be resolved. Their websites also provide guidance for users to help identify if there is anything they can do to resolve the issue (e.g changing a wifi channel). If internet advice is unavailable most providers will offer a similar service over the telephone. It is very important for everyone to report faults to their internet service provider so the provider can understand the extent of the issue and escalate to Openreach if necessary. People should not assume if they see an Openreach vehicle in the area that their fault is being fixed – they should always check with their service provider.

Mobile ‘Phone Coverage. Because Wells division is particularly rural, covering some 35 parishes and hamlets, and because I travel all around all these places I am acutely aware of the problems with mobile ‘phone coverage. As Chair of the Broadband, Mobile Phone and Digital Working Group I, along with fellow councillors, am also aware that the problem even exists in some of our towns. I hope the following update is useful: I am in regular contact with Mobile UK, which represents mobile operators, putting across our concerns and seeking information as to developments. Additionally the group has met twice with representatives from the four main mobile network operators (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone). We already knew that mobile operators have an agreement with government to achieve 90% geographic voice coverage across the country by the end of 2017. We have now been assured that operators are on track to meet this commitment which should also result in an increase in 4G data coverage. In turn the government is reviewing the Electronic Communications code to help operators deploy new infrastructure – particularly important in rural areas. (And please remember that at present infrastructure means masts.)

The government will review the coverage situation once the 90% coverage target has been achieved and the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) has been deployed. (The ESN is the new communications

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON system which will be used by the Police, Fire & Rescue, the Ambulance Service and other public safety users. Where public money is used to subsidise ESN expansion in rural areas the infrastructure will be made available to all mobile operators). Network operators are working together to share sites and improve infrastructure. However they are still commercially independent so the operators will not publicly share future coverage plans.

However, whilst not a universal solution, you can use a coverage checker to determine the best network for the places where you will be mainly using your mobile phone. Most mobile phone operators have a coverage checker available on their own website but there is also a coverage checker available on the OFCOM website: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/ advice/mobile-coverage-checker And whilst, as you will have read, the situation is improving and will continue to do so, concern remains.

Therefore early in 2017 we will be writing to the Minister responsible for Culture, Media and Sport requesting intervention regarding Norfolk’s access to mobile ‘phone networks.

Helping Vulnerable People Stay Well this Winter: I know many readers will be keeping an eye on those who need help to get through the winter safely and that includes keeping warm. Encourage people to apply to the Surviving Winter fund – to get details go to www.norfolkfoundation.com. If you know someone who struggles to prepare hot meals go to www.Norfolk.gov.uk/mealsonwheels. If you think someone is at risk please contact Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020. In an emergency ring 999.

Dance Workshops at Wells Community Hospital: please see the information elsewhere in this edition and I know you will be made welcome and that you will enjoy it!

Dr Marie Strong Wells Division : marie.strong@norfolk.gov.uk or 07920 286 597

Winning Chrysanthemums I used to show poultry and eggs all over the country many years ago and flowers and vegetables at a more local level.

This year I was invited to enter the Fakenham and District Horticultural Society’s late autumn show at Fakenham, mostly in the chrysanthemum section.

The flowers I grow are of the large type, consisting of various varieties and colours, some of them even being quite rare. Some of the oldest stock comes from North Barsham and was grown by my wife Valerie’s father Tom Hasting and his father before him.

At the show we won 5 firsts, 4 seconds and 3 thirds, the Challenge Cup for the most firsts in the chrysanthemum classes and the Ketteringham Tray for the best vase of chrysanthemums in the show. When we went to Thetford and presented the cup to Valerie’s mother who is now 96 years old, she had tears in her eyes as she realised it was the same silver Challenge Cup her husband had won twice in the 1930s and his father before him as their names were on the cup.

P.S. Not bad for growing things on half an allotment!

John & Valerie Williamson

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

From March to Walsingham I was born in March in Cambridgeshire, one of five brothers. We had a lovely upbringing with four other yorkies, two French mastiffs and three cats.

It was quite odd because people came to look at us after a few weeks and, one by one, my brothers disappeared. They just vanished. Then, one day, my mum picked me up and carried me to the sitting room. She handed me over to another lady who seemed to like me.

I was put into a very soft and comfortable bag and carried out to a car. I gathered I was going away like each of my brothers did. My mum was very upset to see me go.

We went all the way to a place called Walsingham and I was carried into a bungalow where I found a new cage, new soft bed and lots of new toys. “Oh this is good”, I thought and had a lovely three days playing games and being taken into the garden.

I started to play up and pushed over the boundaries. I thought I had a cushy owner whom I could twist around my little claw. How wrong could I be! She pulled out all the stops when I started to play her up and I realised I had met my match. She gave me lots of love and lots of games but my, was she strict! And what a loud voice for a small lady!

There were days when I was always in trouble but I learned to love her very much. I’m one and a half years old now and have endured over a year with my owner. I know when to behave... a look, a finger point and “NO” work quite well. She takes me for lovely walks and we visit very nice places locally. All in all, I have a lovely life with my owner and all her friends seem to love me too.

Anon

Walsingham Parish Council and Walsingham Recreation Trust Clerk: Mrs Joanna Otte tel 01328 822366 Little Manor, Thursford Road, Little Snoring, Fakenham, NR21 0JN email: walsinghampc@googlemail.com The next Walsingham Parish Council and Recreation Trust meetings are on Wednesday 22 February and 5 April 2017. There is always time at 7.15pm for members of the public to raise matters of concern before the meeting begins at 7.30pm. For more information about the Parish Council do visit the Walsingham Village website www.walsinghamvillage.org (the schedule of meetings, minutes, last year’s accounts etc. can be found under ‘essentials’). Please do contact the Clerk if you notice any street lights that need to be repaired.

Please remember to use the Bottle Bank to recycle glass and the Clothes Bank in the Mill Car Park. The Parish Council receives recycling credits from the County Council for every tonne of glass recycled.

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Summary of Meeting of Walsingham Parish Council in November Following the opening formalities items were noted to report to Highways. These included potholes at the Thursford Road junction near the pill box and a request for raised ironworks and sunken trenches on the High Street and Knight Street etc to be properly investigated and repaired.

It was decided to make arrangements for a demonstration event for the Defibrillator with First Aid training on Friday 17 February at 5.30pm.

In addition to the usual approval of payments it was agreed to make donations of £100 each to St Peter’s Church and St Mary’s Church towards grass-cutting in the graveyards; and £50 each to Citizens Advice Bureau and Heritage House. The Budget for next year was discussed. It was agreed to set the Precept for 2017-18 at £20,600 (an increase of 3% on last year). It was also agreed to accept the Local Council Tax Support Scheme Grant of £1,190 from North Norfolk District Council.

A couple of planning applications had been received since the previous meeting. One at 21 High Street was a retrospective application; and the other was for the conversion of the ground floor to create three bedrooms at Elmham House, Friday Market.

Two public consultations were considered. The first consultation was from the District Council asking for comments on BT’s proposal to remove the payphone on Wells Road. It was decided not to make any comments as it had only been used for three calls in the previous year. However, it was agreed to support the Primary School’s request to retain the school crossing patrol on Wells Road. The Clerk was asked to respond to the County Council’s public consultation.

The initial data from the SAM2 unit (speed awareness messaging sign) was circulated. The SAM2 had been on Wells Road until 22 November and had then been moved to Fakenham Road. Further analysis of the data would be carried out for the next meeting. It was noted that the unit had been security marked by the police.

A vote of thanks was made to all those who had contributed to the success of the Walsingham Lights and Carols which the Walsingham Development Group had organised.

REQUEST FOR HELP: Walsingham Recreation Ground playground is in need of some repairs and repainting of the older equipment. If you would like to help with this please do contact the Clerk, Joanna on 01328 822366 or email walsinghampc@googlemail.com .

Walsingham Village Hall is available for bookings, at very reasonable rates, for parties, talks, exhibitions and classes. Walsingham Village Hall is conveniently situated on Wells Road with ample parking both in the car park and on the street.

For further information including booking form and rates visit the Walsingham Village website www. walsinghamvillage.org (Walsingham Village Hall is listed in ‘essentials’).

Alternatively contact Joanna Otte, Clerk.

If you would like to attend the First Aid and Defibrillator Training on Friday 17 February at 5.30pm please do contact the Parish Clerk on 01328 822366 or email Walsinghampc@googlemail.com. Places are limited so please do register your interest in advance.

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Royal British Legion Women’s Section It was very pleasing to see so many people at the War Memorial on November 11th and also on Remembrance Sunday, where I carried the Standard for the last time.

At the end of November we held our last meeting, when the formality of filling in the necessary paperwork for the closing of our branch took place. We have purchased a Brass Stand to hold our standard when we lay it up in St Peters Church, and the remaining money held in the bank will be donated to the Benevolent fund.

It was decided that we would like to meet in December for a Christmas Lunch at Ramshackles, where once again we had a marvellous meal. Miss Betty Howe, being unable to attend had her lunch taken over to her so she should not miss out. During the meal I presented gifts to the committee members as a personal “Thank you” from myself for all their hard work over the years. I was then overwhelmed to receive a lovely bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine from all the members. We held a raffle and the money raised was sent to Scotty’s Little Soldiers to help them with their good work looking after children who have lost a parent on active service. It was proposed that we still hold the Christmas Lunch again next year. Mrs Margaret Durnford has also kindly offered the use of her garden again in the summer for an afternoon tea so that we can all meet up twice a year.

I am going to put away each month the money I would have paid to attend our meetings. I do not know if any of our ex members would like to do the same, then when we meet for lunch next December we could send a cheque to one of the local charities taking care of our veterans and their families.

Once again thank you to all who have supported us over the years. It is sad that the RBL has dictated that that we are no longer a viable body, but with an aging membership I feel we would have had to close sooner than later. We, as a small branch, have worked tirelessly over the years raising funds and have enjoyed every moment of it.

Alva Grove

Walsingham and District W.I. What a Christmas party we had to end a very successful year for our WI. It took a lot of planning, but in the end all our ladies pulled together and produced a memorable feast. On this particular occasion we could invite our husbands, partners or just a friend so we were about 40 in number, a nice turn out.

Our speaker for this special occasion was Mr. Tommy Seaman a steward from our local Methodist church here in Walsingham. He told us about his memories of being a very young boy growing up, and where he was born in the High Street. He told us about the different shops and the trades people, and about the many pubs, but most of all he told us about what it was like at Christmas for himself and his brother Tony, rather different from today’s Christmas for our children. We really did enjoy Tommy’s talk, and it was lovely to see his wife Sylvia.

It looks as though we are going to have a very busy time in 2017 and so I thought you might like to see what we are planning for the first quarter of the year. We have a very good programme as usual. On January 10th we have Mr. P West, his talk is entitled “Crabs, Cliffs, and Coasters”. On February 14th we have Mr. Brian Landale, he is going to talk to us about his work as a Justice of the Peace. March 14th is Mrs Christine Adams her talk is entitled “Female on the Footplate”.

If any ladies are interested in joining us, please come along to any of our meetings, we always meet the 2nd Tuesday in the month at 2:15pm in the Parish Hall, The High St. Little Walsingham.

For enquiries please contact the Secretary Barbara Scott, 01328 820626 or our President Mrs. Iris Bacon 01328 820225.

Barbara Scott 10

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Walsingham Benefice Mothers’ Union Our final M.U. meeting, as in previous years, took place in the Priory of Our Lady of Walsingham, commencing with the Eucharist in the Sister’s Chapel, conducted by “the Vicar” Fr. Andrew, who then followed on with a very moving address on the theme of Advent. After a short meeting in the conservatory we adjourned to the Sister’s dining room for soup, sandwiches and of course seasonal mince pies. A lovely end to the year for Mothers’ Union members and a big thank you to Sisters Angela and Carol for their hospitality.

In November Sue Kimbley and myself visited The Haven, a home for women and their children who have suffered abuse and are seeking refuge. We took with us a donation raised by a Tombola at the last Table Top Sale held in Walsingham Parish Hall. It was heart warming to see the loving care that had been put into the home itself and the work taking place with staff and volunteers. It was equally moving and sad to see the lost look on the faces of the women who lived there, sheltering from abusive situations. Quite an eye opener.

Looking forward to the coming year. We have now completed our programme which includes speakers who have been asked back for a return visit by popular request. Emma Duggan, “Lady funeral director” was a big hit with our Members, as was Alan Heath reminiscing on “My Kentucky grandmother’s patchwork quilts” and his own childhood in Kentucky. A representative from “The Haven” will make a return visit to give us an update on the home. This will be an opportunity for us to hand over the donations we will have collected of toiletries for the refuge mothers and toys or sweets for their children.

Just a taste of what is to come.

All are welcome to join us on the third Tuesday of each month. For more detail please feel free to telephone Sue on (01328 820312) or myself on (01328 820717).

Susan Poole

Alderman Peel High School News Every New Year it is customary to review the past twelve months and look forward to the year ahead. It has been, without doubt, a very successful 2016 for Alderman Peel High School. Our GCSE results once again improved (for the fifth year in a row) and our numbers increased again. We have built a Cluster Support Centre for all children and families within our cluster from which to benefit and all of our children continue to make excellent progress in the ever changing world of education.

Our work with Wells Primary and Nursery School has been strengthened even further. Subject leaders meet regularly and plan how the new curriculum can be implemented from four year olds through to sixteen year olds in order to ensure everything is covered and there is no repetition. We have a new Chair of Governors in Chris Beek and we have also recruited additional governors who have added to our skill set as a group.

2017 will be an exciting year for us as we move towards joining with a Multi Academy Trust. It is clear to all that the government want all schools to academise and that schools need to be part of something bigger in order to maximise financial benefits such as joint purchasing. We are in a very strong position in that, because of our success and continuous improvement as a federation with Wells Primary and Nursery School and Burnham Market Primary School, we can choose who to join with and the nature of the merger. Without doubt the ethos and philosophy of the schools in our federation will not change: neither will our inclusive approach to education or our high expectations.

The demands placed upon teachers are higher than ever but our wonderful team of staff members is simply the strongest we have had in my six and a half years at APHS and it is up for the challenge. It is a real privilege to work with such a dedicated and forward thinking team.

Alastair Ogle Executive Headteacher Alderman Peel High School Wells Primary and Nursery School 11

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Wells Dementia Friendly Community Group (WDFC) It is usual at the end of one year and the start of another to reflect on what’s gone before and sometimes it’s only when you take the time to look back that you see just how far you’ve come. At the start of 2016 WDFC had ideas and plans. We knew what we wanted to achieve but for some things no idea of how we would be able to do it. Everyone in the group had their own ‘back story’ but a shared vision of how things could be. The BIG idea was (and still is) to make Wells Next the Sea the UK’s first Dementia Friendly Tourist Destination (something that came from a meeting with BBC Norfolk’s Breakfast Show host, Nick Conrad, in County Councillor Marie Strong’s conservatory!) and to achieve this Wells would have to become a Dementia Friendly Town. We have been lucky to have been guided through the process of working towards becoming dementia friendly by Age UK Norfolk’s Amelia Worley. Rather than us having to devise trainings and present them, Age UK Norfolk had a package ready to deliver via a specialist trainer who was much in demand. Dementia is a widespread issue and this year has had a lot of media attention but, although you may read the stories, unless it touches you, or your friends, colleagues or family, you can never truly understand what a huge impact it can have on absolutely every part of day to day life.

Our small group has found a very big voice and is making itself heard and we are lucky to be able to make use of contacts who cut their way through the mindless bureaucracy to make things happen.

Many of the organisations, groups, businesses and service providers in Wells NTS have now undertaken training and some Walsingham businesses have also become involved. It’s always the little things that make the difference and people are often amazed at how just a small change can have a huge effect.

We want to make Wells a welcoming place for everyone, including those with dementia, and to make residents living with the disease feel valued and able to live as full a life as they always have – with a little help.

Two huge supporters have been Holkham Estate and Wells Community Hospital – both have allowed us to use their venues free of charge. Many of the staff at Holkham have undertaken the training which we hope will be of huge benefit to them individually and to the Estate. Special walks and modified tours have been organised at Holkham and the response from those taking part has always been positive. We also held North Norfolk’s first Memory Walk in the grounds of the Estate in September when 82 people walked together swapping stories, sharing memories and creating new ones. Four generations of one family attended. It was a fun occasion and one which will be repeated in 2017.

We have also been very lucky to have been chosen as a venue for Creative Arts East and their ‘Our Day Out’ Programme which begins in January and will run for the next 3 years (subject to funding). This programme offers older people the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a cuppa and some cake and try something new in a fun and dementia friendly environment. The sessions are free but you will need to book your place. They will be held at Wells Community Hospital in Mill Road, Wells and will commence on Tuesday, January 17 from 12.30–2.30. From February, they will be on the first and third Tuesday of every month. The first three months will concentrate on dance with professional dancers from London running the sessions. The second block of sessions will focus on music and these sessions will be led by professional musicians with the emphasis on fun. For more information or to book your place please call Lea on 01953 713390. If transport is a problem we may be able to help… please let me know. We’re looking forward to a busy and rewarding year ahead.

Jackie Stanbridge jacquelinestanbridge@gmail.com www.facebook.com/wellsDFC

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Christian Comment We are now a month into the New Year and I wonder how well you are faring with your New Year Resolutions? I have to admit every 1st January I think: “New Year – New Me” but it never seems to work out quite as I imagined or hoped!

The month of January got its name from the Roman god Janus. He is depicted as a two-faced man. One face looks towards the past and the other towards the future. And therein lay his problem and often ours too. Most of us spend so much time either dwelling in the past or looking forward to some future event – that we fail to make the most of the present. In short, we spend a lot of time wishing we were elsewhere and otherwise!

Living fully in the present is a concern of many spiritual teachers, reaching back to early Buddhist and other Eastern traditions. The greatest exponent however was perhaps, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, a French eighteenth century Jesuit, who spoke of inhabiting, what he termed, the “Sacrament of the Present Moment.”

The key to such living intensely in the present moment is seeing each new day as a gift. It consists in being attentive to those around us, being sensitive to the situations in which we find ourselves and above all striving after goodness, honesty and integrity. As Saint Peter puts it: “Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but on the contrary, repay with a blessing.” 1 Peter 3.9.

The following words have been attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and though it is a bit late to adopt them as a New Years’ Resolution, they would make for a great discipline for Lent which this year begins on 1st March.

‘People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.’

Fr Andrew Mitcham

Walsingham Mobile Post Office Service TUESDAYS 10.00 am to 11.30 am Near the Farms Shop, Guild Street, Walsingham, NR22 6BU

Services A wide range of services is available. Customers can still collect benefits in cash using our everyday banking services or Post Office card account.

Access and facilities There is a step into the Mobile vehicle, but an electronic tailgate is available to facilitate easy access for wheelchair users and those with disabilities.

Parking available close to Mobile Van

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I have been visiting England for two I have been visiting England for twoEngland. Civilised and cultured your glorious months, on invitation from glorious months, on invitation from a society; green your countryside; a friend. Being here has transformed my life, and I will try and describe friend. Being here has transformed my narrow your roads; flowing your that to you. The whole encounter has been as if somebody placed a most life, and I will try and describe that to rivers; easy are your hardships; beautiful gift in my hands, but my hands are not able to grab hold of it you. The whole encounter has been as enchanting are your towns; contented before it disappears. if somebody placed a most beautiful your people; rich is your history; and The Norfolk countryside has been my host, and I draw my observations gift in my hands, but my hands are not proud are you for your country. as a country lad myself. A few key words have developed in my thoughts able to grab hold of it before it and in conversations about this partI came here to explore the land of of England. Civilised and cultured disappears. your society; green your countryside; narrow your roads; flowing your which poems and tales were written, rivers; easy are your hardships; enchanting are your towns; contented The Norfolk countryside has been my and from it perceive an entirely your people; rich is your history; anddifferent foundation and fabric that proud are you for your country. host, and I draw my observations as a country lad myself. A few key words sustains things here. It is good, and I I came here to explore the land of which poems and tales were written, and from it perceive an entirely have developed in my thoughts and in long for it desperately. different foundation and fabric that sustains things here. It is good, and I long for it desperately. conversatios about this part of

I am astonished at the productive local economy that all these green fields and tiny hamlets produce, and how generally prosperous and content people seem to be, from postman to ploughman to parson.

I am astonished at the productive local economy that The differences and intolerances in your past between I perceive a very even keel among folks of all walks of life here, with regard to society, economics, all these green fields and tiny hamlets produce, and the conquerors and the conquered people of this land careers and employment. I find it most wonderful, and a relief from a place where there is such a how generally prosperous and content people seem to have been long dealt with, and the history preserved terribly steep grading. Relating to the country’s economy, you actually have one to draw upon. Your be, from postman to ploughman to parson. I perceive a and polished, rather than obliterated. consumer inflation rate is a mere fraction of the rate in my country, that devours hard earned money very even keel among folks of all walks of life here, like a lion!

with regard to society, economics, careers and I saw Queen Mary of Scotts lies right next to Queen History has a very strong place in England, thank Elizabeth I in Westminster Cathedral, all forgiven, so goodness, so I have come to discover with eagerness employment. I find it most wonderful, and a relief from and fascination. I am lapping it up with every ancient building I see, every church I enter, or piece a place where there is such a terribly steep grading. to speak. Controversial kings and statesman have of history that I learn. Consider yourselves extremely fortunate to have your heritage so wonderfully Relating to the country’s economy, you actually have statues and portraits in museums, not removed by preserved and revered.

Having that rich foundation must surely cause stability, unity and pride in this one to draw upon. Your consumer inflation rate is a intolerant governments. The ruined abbeys and defaced nation, second to none. mere fraction of the rate in my country, that devours churches that I have beheld with awe, are beautiful in hard earned money like a lion! themselves, and live to tell a story; and so are parish The differences and intolerances in your past between the conquerors and the conquered people of this lists of men who fell in the great wars ­ preserved land have been long dealt with, and the history preserved and polished, rather than obliterated.

History has a very strong place in England, thank reminders of the past. Be proud of this, and don’t take goodness, so I have come to discover with eagerness it for granted.

I saw Queen Mary of Scots lying right next to Queen Elizabeth I in Westminster Cathedral, all forgiven, and fascination. I am lapping it up with every ancient so to speak. Controversial kings and statesman have statues and portraits in museums, not removed building I see, every church I enter, or piece of history Would I return to England:­ by intolerant governments. The ruined abbeys and defaced churches that I have beheld with awe, are that I learn. Consider yourselves extremely fortunate to beautiful in themselves, and live to tell a story; and so are parish lists of men who fell in the great wars have your heritage so wonderfully preserved and as a holiday destination? preserved reminders of the past. Be proud of this, and don’t take it for granted. revered. Having that rich foundation must surely cause Strongly YES! stability, unity and pride in this nation, second to none. to make a life here and invest in a future?

Would I return to England:­ Strongly Yes!

As a holiday destination? Strongly Yes! To make a life here and invest in a future? Strongly Yes! 14

My unexpected fling with Africa all The park lived up to its name, and I My unexpected fling with Africa all began from an invitation to visit a began from an invitation to visit a found the experience of seeing the Children’s Hospice in the heartland (the platteland) of South Africa with wonderful African wildlife, aChildren’s Hospice in the heartland friend of mine several years ago. (the platteland) of South Africa with a

particularly the elephants up close,

A long road trip which I took through themost moving. I had never reckoned on country, ending in Cape Town, friend of mine several years ago. first opened my heart and eyes to the majesty and diversity and vastness the strong emotional pull that the of the country.

I travelled through the legendary Karoo and the splendid A long road trip which I took through grandeur of that road trip would cause Garden Route and had a stay in a realwithin me.

African game park, the Addo the country, ending in Cape Town, Elephant National Park. first opened my heart and eyes to the majesty and diversity and vastness of The road trip had a further jewel at its The park lived up to its name, and I found the experience of seeing the the country. I travelled through the end ­ Cape Town – which I have wonderful African wildlife, particularly the elephants up close, most legendary Karoo and the splendid moving.

I had never reckoned on the experienced as an excellent tourism strong emotional pull that the Garden Route and had a stay in a real destination with too much to offer, grandeur of that road trip would cause within me.

African game park, the Addo

even for a month long holiday. It

The road trip had a further jewel at itspresents a first class and elegant end Cape Town – which I have experienced as an excellent Elephant National Park. tourism destination with too much to offer, even for a month long holiday. It presents a first class and

elegant vibrance, with its own unique manner that only Africa can present. Many cultures and a great diversity of everything occupy one place at the southern tip of the continent. vibrance, with its own unique manner that only Africa I have also found a community and friends with which

can present. Many cultures and a great diversity of I easily relate, and a church life equal to mine in There is a shadow side to the country at this time: Poverty and an undercurrent of political and social everything occupy one place at the southern tip of the Norfolk. There is never a boring day, and there are unrest. Poverty is visible in the form of expansive informal settlements all around. Unfortunately many continent. everyday challenges and encounters that only Africa feel it their right to rob from others wealthier than themselves, and everyone is affected, including me. can present. The Cape most certainly offers all three of I feel helpless because of a lack of infrastructure to uplift the poor, and my heart strings are pulled daily in the main attractions in South Africa – landscapes, There is a shadow side to the country at this time: this regard.

I have witnessed the generation after the fall of Apartheid, whose great dream of prosperity wildlife and wine farms! The further one explores the Poverty and an undercurrent of political and social and upliftment has been damaged by corruption.

I have come to understand as an outsider and as an country, the richer the experience of all it has to offer. unrest. Poverty is visible in the form of expansive insider, the root of racism and intolerance on all sides, and why it continues.

The Rand currency stretches far with the Pound, informal settlements all around. Unfortunately many feel it their right to rob from others wealthier than resulting in inexpensive food and wine, both which are The negatives of South Africa are immense, however I have been impressed to return there annually. themselves, and everyone is affected, including me. utterly delectable.

I have also found a community and friends with which I easily relate, and a church life equal to mine in Norfolk. There is never a boring day, and there are everyday challenges and encounters that only Africa I feel helpless because of a lack of infrastructure to Even under the weight of the negatives, I still have can present. The Cape most certainly offers all three of thetrust in the future economic and political climate of the main attractions in South Africa – landscapes, uplift the poor, and my heart strings are pulled daily in wildlife and wine farms!

The further one explores the country, the richer the experience of all it has to country. I am cautiously optimistic for the country, and this regard. I have witnessed the generation after the offer. The Rand currency stretches far with the Pound, resulting in inexpensive food and wine, both promote it wholeheartedly. fall of Apartheid, whose great dream of prosperity and which are utterly delectable.

upliftment has been damaged by corruption. I have come to understand as an outsider and as an insider, the Would I recommend South Africa:­ Even under the weight of the negatives, I still have trust in the future economic and political climate of root of racism and intolerance on all sides, and why it the country. I am cautiously optimistic for the country, and promote it wholeheartedly. continues. as a holiday destination?

Strongly YES. Would I recommend South Africa:­ The negatives of South Africa are immense, however I As a holiday destination? to make a life here and invest in a future?

Strongly Yes. have been impressed to return there annually.

To make a life here and invest in a Cautiously YES! future? Cautiously Yes!

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Ash Wednesday 1st March

S. Mary and All Saints’,

Anglican

Little Walsingham

9.00am 10.00am 11.00am 7.30pm

Deanery Service for the Feast of Candlemas with the Richeldis Singers

Eucharist at S. Peter’s Mass at S. Giles Sung Mass at the Shrine Sung Mass at S. Mary’s

Roman Catholic 9.30am Mass at the Annunciation 12noon Sung Mass at the Reconciliation Chapel 7.00pm Mass at the Annunciation

Preacher: The Rt. Revd. Alan Winton The Bishop of Thetford Sunday 29th January at 5.30pm

The Imposition of Ashes takes place at all Masses

LENT TALKS in the Orangery at the Anglican Shrine

Difficult Questions of Faith Wednesday 8th March at 7.30pm Can war ever be justified?

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Wednesday 15th March at 7.30pm How can we understand a loving God in the face of suffering?

Fridays in Lent at 7.30pm 3rd March

The Annunciation

10th March

S. Mary’s

17th March

Methodist Chapel

24th March

S. Peter’s

31st March

Roman Catholic Shrine

7th April

Anglican Shrine

Wednesday 22nd March at 7.30pm Can I believe all I read in the Bible?

Wednesday 29th March at 7.30pm Why do prayers go unanswered?

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Directory of Advertisers Accommodation & Eating Out Black Lion Hotel Model Farm Bed & Breakfast The Norfolk Riddle Pilgrims Rest Bed & Breakfast Stonegate Bed & Breakfast

Health and Personal Care Bert Frew, Hairdresser Rita, Mobile Hairdresser Katrina Swift, Foot Health Professional King’s Lynn Mobility Centre Private Care Provider Randell’s Footcare

ii ii vii ii ii

Art & Antiques, Gifts Great Walsingham Gallery & Framing iii Holt Antiques viii Littleblood v

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Home maintenance David Thompson, Chimney Sweep Peter Empson, Maintenance Services

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Charities Let the children live

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Computers Sure Computers

Walsingham Abbey & The Shirehall Museum iii

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Solicitors Hayes & Storr

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Taxi service

Sites of interest

Dressmaking & Alterations Fay Dewing Shed Crafts

Near and Far

Food and Drink Walsingham Farms Shop

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Veterinary Service i

Glaven Veterinary Practice

Funeral Directors vii Canler & Son viii Emma Duggan Gowards iv S.T. Sutton vi

LENT LUNCHES

in aid of Save the Children

Lent Lunches commence Friday 3rd March 12.30pm-1.30pm in the Parish Hall

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For the love of local food Find the best of Norfolk's produce at Walsingham Farms Shop Visiting the Snowdrop Walks at Walsingham Abbey?

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Guild Street, Walsingham NR22 6BU 01328 821877

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THE BLACK LION HOTEL  Real Ales  Pub meals  Six attractive bedrooms

Friday Market Little Walsingham Norfolk NR22 6DB

01328 820 235 www.blacklionhotelnorfolk.co.uk

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To advertise in this magazine please contact Angela Morris

01328 820520 v

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VISIT HOLT ANTIQUES AT WALSINGHAM MILL www.holtantiques.co.uk NORFOLK’S PREMIER PURVEYOR OF QUALITY ANTIQUES SPECIALISING IN: OAK & COUNTRY FURNITURE FINE ART TREEN METALWARE GLASS CERAMICS DECORATIVE PERIOD ITEMS FROM THE 15TH CENTURY TO THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY

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wishing you all a wonderful Spring! from the team at News and Views

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Useful Telephone Numbers Police (Non Emergency) Advice Age U.K. Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau Norfolk Carers (freephone) Norfolk Debt Line Relate Marriage Guidance

101 0300 500 1217 01328 856024 0500179546 01603 763980 01603 625333

Banks Barclays Fakenham Barclays Wells HSBC Fakenham Lloyds Fakenham Nationwide Fakenham NatWest Fakenham N & P Fakenham

0845 755555 01328 755702 0845 7404404 0845 072333 01328 750100 01328 853210 01328 851511

Travel Information Age Concern Mini-bus Community Car Scheme National Rail Enquiries Sanders Bus Stagecoach Bus Wells/Walsingham Steam

01485 578218 01485 525511 08457 484950 01263 712800 01553 776980 01328 711630

Churches Anglican (St. Mary’s) Anglican Shrine Methodist Church Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Basilica Roman Catholic Church

01328 821316 01328 820255 01603 864175 01328 820610 01328 820217 01328 821353

Local Government M.P. Norfolk County Council North Norfolk District Parish Council Barsham Parish Council Walsingham

01603 865763 0344 800820 01263 513811 01263 478542 01328 822366

Health N & N Norwich QEII Kings Lynn Wells Community Hospital Wells Physiotherapy Hospital Heritage House, Wells Fakenham Surgery

01603 286286 01553 613613 01328 711996 01328 711187 01328 711333 01328 851321

Health (cont.)

Walsingham Surgery Bridge Street Dentist Brooklyn House Dentist Compass Clinic (Dentist) Wensum Dentist Red Cross

01328 820334 01328 853555 01328 862620 01328 710999 01328 862363 01328 711829

Libraries 01328 862715 Fakenham Mobile 07887625416 01328 710467 Wells Post Office Fakenham Mobile Van Wells

03456 112970 03456 112970 01328 710332

Restaurants (Walsingham) The Black Lion 01328 820235 01328 820333 The Bull 01328 821903 Norfolk Riddle 01328 820255 Norton Rooms Ramshackles 07852967453 Schools/Education Adult Education Alderman Peel Fakenham High Walsingham Primary

01328 851213 01328 710476 01328 862545 01328 820265

Taxis Near & Far Parkside Tiny

01328 853636 01328 878777 01328 888888

Vets Fakenham Summerhill Fakenham The Grove Fakenham Wensum Valley Wells Glaven Valley

01328 855814 01328 862137 01328 864444 01328 711027

Other Numbers Fakenham Choral Society Poetry-next-the-Sea Royal British Legion Sport–a-Peel (Swimming)

01328 851848 01328 738243 01328 712052 01328 713909