NEWS & VIEWS

News & Views

Barsham . Walsingham . Houghton June – July 2017

A magazine for the whole community

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Contents 15 Walsingham & District W.I. Spring Concert at St Peter’s 15 Events at Christchurch, Fulmodeston 15 19 Walsingham Parish Council Friends of Walsingham Primary School 19 Walsingham Recreation Trust 20 20 Mobile Post Office Service Walsingham Picture Palace 23 News from Heritage House 24 24 Churchyard Wildlife Recording The Barsham Arms Back page

Welcome 2 From your MP 2 Journey of a Lifetime 3 St Seraphim’s Garden Party 4 From your County Councillor 5 Christian Comment 7 Thoughts on weeds 7 The Spirit of the Railway 9 St Peter’s Bells 11 The London Marathon 13 Barsham Parish Council 13 Leaving Hospital 14

Welcome Welcome to the June/July edition of News & Views. Regular readers will notice that we have reverted to our former practice of distributing adverts throughout the magazine. This is largely in response to feedback received from our Advertisers. This issue contains a feature on the newly refurbished Barsham Arms, details of which you will find on the back cover. Walsingham Open Gardens takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July – more details on page 16. Elsewhere you will find an invitation from the Friends of Walsingham Primary School to attend the annual School Summer Fete and Craft Fair being held the same weekend on Sunday 2nd July from 11am – 4pm. So why not come along and invite your friends and family to join you for these great village occasions?

Articles and other items for the August/September issue should be received by 30th June to the Copy Editor by E-mail: j.mcilwaine@ucl.ac.uk, or by post to: The Vicarage, Church Street, Walsingham. NR22 6BL. Front Cover Photo by Andrew Langley; www.andylangleyphotography.com.

From your M.P. Firstly, I am sure you all join me in sending condolences and prayers to the families and friends of the five innocent victims of the attack on Westminster. This was an appalling incident which has destroyed the families of the five victims and our thoughts are very much with them. The Police and Security Staff undertake an amazing job in Parliament to protect us all and it is times like this when we realise the huge potential sacrifice each Policeman and Security Officer faces on a daily basis.

We returned to Parliament yesterday to hear that the Prime Minister is calling a General Election on 8th June, 2017. I very much look forward to standing as the Conservative candidate again in Broadland and to the campaign and meeting as many of my constituents as possible.

I have undertaken some very interesting visits over the past few weeks. I enjoyed meeting Year 9 students from Reepham High School in February and listening to their views on Brexit. They were all very knowledgeable and able to give me an insight into the way young people feel on our departure from the EU. I was also able to meet a constituent studying at the UEA in Westminster and discuss his studies and answer questions about my work in Parliament.

I look forward to meeting many of you over the forthcoming weeks during the General Election Campaign.

Rt Hon Keith Simpson MP 2

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Journey of a lifetime the hills of the Decapolis – Jesus saw those hills that must have changed very little over the centuries.

He was often by this Sea: calling his first disciples; teaching the crowds; crossing it in a little fishing boat; walking on the waters; calming the storm; a Resurrection appearance. The sun was rising behind the hills and tinting the clouds; a small fishing boat was moving south down the middle of the lake and a flock of geese was floating near the shore. I have a kaleidoscope of images and memories in my mind and heart and will try to describe a few – they won’t be in chronological order because in the course of our ten-day pilgrimage, we seemed to cover the entire Gospel narrative and the whole liturgical year! Although places are quite close together – I was surprised at how small the main area of our Lord’s life and ministry is but, of course, land travel was on foot and not in a comfortable coach – but it was impractical to visit them in chronological order.

It was mid-October 2016 when our Trustees asked Sister Carol Elizabeth and me if we had ever been to the Holy Land and if we would like to go. I thought that they were joking and murmured something about it being hot, thinking more of the terrorists and the volatile political climate rather than the sunshine, but they were serious and neither of us had been there. Our Chaplain produced booking forms and Pilgrimage details (Lightline Pilgrimages led by Bishop Lindsay Urwin, with our Chaplain as his assistant!) and instructions to make sure our passports were valid. Sister Carol’s just required renewing but mine had expired back in 1991, so I had to apply for a new one as if I had never had one! Then ‘they’ were not content and asked Father Andrew to verify my identity again. It took just over six weeks for the new passport to arrive, via the Shrine Reception Centre as the courier couldn’t find the Priory. Bookings were made and we celebrated Christmas with excitement for more than one reason.

A few years ago, archaeologists excavated an ancient fishing boat from the mud at the shore of the Sea and we saw it in a little museum near the quay of Nof Ginosar – there is enough preserved to show the construction and size of the boats used by the first disciples. The boat we boarded at the quay was quite a bit larger (and sound!) and we ‘motored’ to the middle of the water where the engine was turned off. There was a cliff visible on the far shore and that could well have been where the herd of pigs charged over when the demoniac was healed. It was very still and peaceful: we prayed and sang the hymn ‘Eternal Father strong to save …’ the engine was restarted and a very stiff breeze sprang up so that the mast flags were straining to escape. The sea was a little choppy but no big waves appeared: a mere hint of the speed with which a storm could arise over those waters.

Charter flights tend to leave (and arrive) at unearthly hours and we had to be at Luton airport by 05.00 on Monday 13th February to check in.

After a hurried lunch on the Sunday, I drove us to our Chaplain’s Rectory in South Lynn, where we enjoyed a welcome cuppa, and then he drove us to St Albans for our part-night stay – a taxi collected us at 04.00! We met some of our fellow pilgrims and we Sisters were whisked to the front of a queue to have our hold baggage checked, similarly for the security check and when our flight was called.

It was late afternoon (two hour time difference) when we arrived at Tel Aviv airport and were issued with entry visas, collected our luggage and met the pilgrims who had travelled from Heathrow and Melbourne. Bishop Lindsay and Tony, our tour guide, were waiting for us (now a group of thirty five) and led us to our coach for the hour and a half drive to Galilee. The light had faded and there were no views of the countryside except occasional clusters of lights as we passed dwellings, and the coach headlights showed rocks at the side of the road that climbed up and down. Tiberias was well lit and there were several bends in the steep downward approach road that soon levelled and brought us to our comfortable hotel.

The Church of the Primacy of Peter is right on the shore and it is a very beautiful spot with an outdoor area at one side like an amphitheatre, but with a circular central altar. It is the traditional site of Jesus’ third resurrection appearance: the disciples had spent the night fishing, but caught nothing and the stranger on the shore told them to cast the net, resulting in a catch of 153 large fish. Jesus had breakfast ready for them on the shore and then It was getting light when I woke the next morning restored Peter – his threefold denial at Caiaphas’ and when I drew the curtains … wow! We were house was replaced by his threefold affirmation of looking out over the Sea of Galilee and across to love – and the command to ‘feed my lambs’ and 3

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary is at a basement level behind high, locked gates and railings and has a little altar; there is a central altar in the large space in front of the railings. We were suddenly ushered up the steps to the ground level balcony and the Friars appeared in procession; the gates were unlocked, the grotto altar candles lit and the Angelus was rung and sung – it was 12 noon! The reality of the Incarnation seemed to be unfolding before our eyes.

‘look after my sheep’ makes Peter the first among equals: the leader of the incipient Church, the Rock on which the Lord would build. We held a Liturgy of Healing and Reconciliation, like we celebrate in the Shrine Church in Walsingham, and it was very poignant in that atmosphere. Bishop Lindsay took Sister Carol and me to one side, near the modern statue of our Lord standing with Peter kneeling before him, and there we renewed our Vows of Poverty, Chastity, Obedience and Charity. I have a little pebble from the beach as a tangible reminder of a very special moment that is beyond words in my heart. All the priests in our group renewed their ordination vows similarly.

Our Lord’s first miracle recorded in the Gospels is the changing of water into wine at the wedding in Cana in Galilee. The Franciscans are custodians of most of the holy sites and they look after the Wedding Church in Cana: the Divine Mercy Chapel was a lovely place for the married couples in our group to renew their marriage vows. There is a church for every incident of our Lord’s life: they may not be in the exact spot but that doesn’t really matter as the prayers of countless pilgrims over the centuries make each place holy. The Mount of the Beatitudes has an octagonal church with each side portraying one of the ‘Blessed’ statements (e.g. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God’). Our Mass was celebrated at an outside altar next to the Church and overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Reading St. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 5 in that place is awesome and it somehow sinks deeper into one’s heart. It is truly said that going on pilgrimage to the holy land is a life-changing experience.

Walking in the Holy Land, one seems to go up or come down pretty steep hills most of the time, and I don’t think I have ever before climbed so many steps. Health and safety does not seem to be a major concern as there are often no handrails, and many steps are much worn or even broken, with somewhat precipitous winding staircases in some places. However there is much kindness and a ready supply of helping hands! It was raining when we visited Nazareth and the narrow road and steps up to Christ Church were like streams for a while.

A warm welcome from Fr. Rahmoun, the local Anglican priest, was followed by Mass celebrated

by Bishop Lindsay. All the Palestinian Christians we met are very committed and so joyful, in spite of harassment such as being delayed at checkpoints for long periods – a journey of say fifteen miles could take five hours. The rain was diminishing (To be continued) as we came back down the hill and visited the Basilica of the Annunciation. The grotto where the Mary Angela SSM

St Seraphim’s Garden Party Saturday 24th June 2017, 2pm to 4.30pm.

Everyone welcome. Free admission.

The Pilgrim Jazz band live; Refreshments; Stalls; Children’s Activities.

Disabled access via ramp from Station Road Enquiries: sylvia@iconpainter.org.uk 01328 820610 Registered charity 1120335

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

From your County Councillor County Council Elections: By the time you read this edition the election will be over. Whether or not I am re-elected on Thursday 4 May it has been a pleasure and privilege to serve you. For now some information which I hope will be of interest.

the edges of arable fields. These paths were provided by farmers with support from a scheme called Environmental Stewardship. This scheme has now come to an end and its replacement does not appear to encourage farmers to continue providing permissive access. It looks likely that many of these routes will now be closed.

Consideration is being given as to how we can keep such paths open and the Norfolk Local Access Forum is working on a programme of facilitating permissive paths (NLAF represents a variety of countryside interests with regard to improving public access across our beautiful county; NCC Highway Authority forms the appointing body.)

Better Broadband for Walsingham Whilst the majority of properties in Walsingham now have access to fibre broadband there are some in the vicinity of the Walsingham Barns where further extensive work has been required.

To check if you are fibre enabled go to: www. betterbroadbandnorfolk.co.uk and enter your postcode. This will indicate if you have access to fibre or, subject to all the caveats previously mentioned (including blockage of ducts and road closure), it is getting closer. Once you are fibre enabled I recommend checking out which providers are available to you and what they are offering.

Road Surface Dressing Programme Norfolk County Council’s annual road surface dressing programme worth £10.4m is underway.

Over 320 miles of road are set to be surface dressed in a cost effective process which will extend the life of the existing road surface and provide a new Mobile Phone Coverage I have referred previously to the agreement between skid-resistant surface to help reduce the risk of the government and operators to increase coverage accidents. There is such work in our division and to 90% geographic voice coverage across the county people living along routes to be treated will receive by the end 2017. (The main mobile operators in notification a day or two before the crews arrive. A the UK are EE, O2, Three and Vodafone and whilst 20mph speed restriction is imposed during work some operators now share mast sites, coverage in and on freshly-laid surface dressing for safety many locations is, as we know, poor with differing reasons. signal strength from different providers.) Whilst Parish Partnerships we are waiting for better coverage the following NCC has awarded £370,362 funding for 136 small Ofcom website provides a postcode checker highway schemes across Norfolk over the last and access to coverage maps for each of the four year. A number of parishes in our division have providers at postcode level: http://maps.ofcom.org. made successful bids in the past and it would uk/check- coverage. Choosing an operator using be great to see more coming forward. Please this checker means at least at home you should note that an organisation doing good works for have a satisfactory signal and/or where you most a parish can link up with the parish council to use a mobile phone. make a bid (as we did for the trod). Watch out for news since the list of work which could be Permissive Access Routes accepted may change.

Over the past 10 years, as some will know, many communities in Norfolk have benefitted from Dr Marie Strong, County Councillor, Wells permissive access routes where paths have been Division (Glaven, Priory and Walsingham Wards) marie.strong@norfolk.gov.uk or 07920 286 597 made available for walking and riding around This magazine was Printed and Designed by

www.fakprepress.co.uk

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Christian Comment: Farewell that nothing is impossible with God. As Mary went to the tomb to perform a beautiful task of anointing, knowing she probably wouldn’t be able to move the stone, she went faithfully in hope of a miracle. When she arrived she found more than she could ever have hoped for. The stone had rolled away and her Saviour risen from the Dead. I find great comfort in this knowing that no matter what stone I face, what challenge, problem or ordeal, with God by my side there is no stone that is impossible to move.

I’ve been the Methodist Minister in Walsingham for 6 years and every year has been fantastic. I’ve met some wonderful and inspiring people, gained so many new experiences and been overwhelmed by the generosity and friendliness of all the churches. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hospitality and openness to me and my unusual ways. Walsingham will always have a very special place in my heart and I hope we in the Methodist Church will always have a place in yours. From dressing up in a monkey costume to cooking soup; making arm-pit fudge (you had to be there) to glo-do (again you had to be there!); decorating upside-down reindeer to leading evocative stations of the cross – it’s been a whirlwind of a journey.

Thank you for your ministry and friendship. My leaving service is on 30th July 4 pm at the RC National Shrine of our Lady, Fr. Andrew Mitcham is preaching and I do hope you are able to come.

I will be moving to Jersey, and will have pastoral responsibility for St Aubin Methodist Church and St Ouen Methodist Church whilst living in St Lawrence.

There have been difficulties and painful bits on the way, burying half of my congregation and supporting Tommy and Sylvia through a challenging year have been honours but at a cost.

However, I’m reminded through the Easter story Rev Jenny Pathmarajah

Thoughts on Weeds ‘And unto Adam he said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and thou hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, ‘Thou shalt not eat of it’: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field’ (Genesis Ch 3 v17-18)

Recently I was lent a small book entitled Manual of weeds, the author being an American woman, Ada Georgia by name, writing at the turn of the last century. The book was published just before the first World War, and gives a fascinating view of agriculture and horticulture of the time from the perspective of weeds and their control, versus feeding a growing population in America.

So there we have it, the beginning of all our horticultural troubles, the birth of weeds with which we struggle daily and have done through all the ages. There are some ‘good’ weeds that we can eat and use, and some diabolical ones that can poison and kill both us and our animals. The colloquial description of these plants is ‘they that are growing where it is desired that something else should grow’. It tells an interesting tale wherein sometimes they are declared ‘weeds’ and at other times and places, ‘desirable plants’. Throughout the ages the knowledge of herbs and herbage has been totally essential for medicinal and culinary purposes. Foraging was a part of life and still is in poorer communities, rather unlike the fashionable foragers of today, who can go to the supermarket when the hedgerow is not providing.

The substances being trialled in the very late 1880s were of inorganic substances such as sodium chlorate and sulphuric acid, or organically derived substances from natural sources which were byproducts of industry, such as the coal mining, iron and steel industries, producing such things as iron and copper sulphates, carbolic acid, sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid, mercury, arsenic and petroleum. All of which were being liberally sprayed and sprinkled on crops of all sorts, with the occasional ‘health warning’ but no understanding of the cumulative effects on people or the soil.

A source quoted by Georgia thought that he was probably the first person ever to try such methods, but thanks to the power of the internet I can say ‘au contraire’. Sumerians about 4500 years before him had used sulphate compounds to control 7

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON effective long term and in my experience it is not worth the effort as turn your back for a year and there it is again, ‘doing fine, thank you’!

‘insects and mites’. The Chinese used arsenical and mercury compounds to control body lice.

Goodness only knows what it did to the people, let alone the lice. The ancient Greeks and Romans used various methods, including smoke and salt to try and control blights of various sorts. There is one product of extremely ancient origin which we still use today for the control of downy mildew in vineyards, Bordeaux mixture, derived from copper sulphate and lime.

So my approach is that it is best to consider which insects and fauna are benefiting from these ’unwanted’ plants, aka weeds, and think of the bigger picture. We have done irreparable harm to the planet by the selective killing of both animals, insects and plants and countless numbers of species have been wiped out or so decimated that But back to the twentieth century in America they cannot survive and in these situations it is the (and similarly in Britain) with the continuing ‘thugs’ that survive and thrive at the expense of experimentation of increasingly toxic products the weaker, but equally important species. Nature’s to feed our impoverished war torn and depressed balance is disrupted and the consequences may countries. In the 1940s synthetic pesticides and take centuries to manifest the damage caused, and herbicides were booming and proving effective we can blame someone other than ourselves. and popular, such names as DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, lindane, eldrin and others, which are really now An interesting technique that ‘weeds’ can adopt in ‘rude’ words and conjure up horror images of their struggle for survival is to become imposters. death and disablement both to the land and its life, They evolve as ‘lookalikes’, mimicking their hosts. but at the time they enabled farmers and growers An ancient example of this is the much derided to produce more because the weeds and aphids ‘darnel’ of biblical fame, (‘tares’ are thought to be were not competing with the intended crop. (The darnel too). This plant is almost impossible to scientist who was instrumental in discovering eradicate from a crop of cereal as it looks pretty these chemicals actually received the Nobel Prize in much identical to the wanted crop (as recorded Medicine, his name was Dr Paul Muller.) They were in Matthew 13) and thereby survives best … as a considered ‘safe’ especially if they were compared parable! to the deaths caused by arsenic and such like in the This was not intended to be a story of gloom and previous generations. But by the 1950s, concerns doom, but it seems to have tilted in that direction. and more were being raised as the evidence was Weeds are winners and they are well equipped to mounting that these products were more deadly take over the world, despite our every effort! than had been supposed. As is so often the case, we people are able to overlook the negatives and Footnote on DDT. not foresee the consequences when we benefit I grew up on a farm and in the 1950s my siblings and from something in the short term. Perhaps GM I enjoyed rummaging through an old Victorian/ manipulation will turn out to be an example of this? Edwardian rubbish dump on the farm. We found all sorts of interesting bits and pieces and I don’t But where have the weeds got to? I think the think our parents were aware that this is what we gardeners amongst us will say ‘doing fine, thank did. My father threw empty chemical cans on the you!’ as our common garden enemies continue dump, stuff for dipping sheep mainly, and in about to thrive and spread and defy all attempts to 1990 I had a test for I can’t quite remember what, ‘spot treat’ or otherwise annihilate, ground elder, which found I had considerable amounts of DDT bindweed and the like. We can lure the bindweed in my liver and teeth enamel. Scary! up a cane and then dose it with poison, but one would have to be extremely diligent for this to be Tessa Hobbs

The Spirit of the Railway I first visited the North Norfolk railway as a very running that day, it began for me a journey that has small boy, when my family were on a seaside lasted right up to the present, in short I became a holiday around 1970. Although my Dad’s grainy lifetime railway enthusiast! cine’ film footage shows that no trains were actually 9

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON I can still remember the thrill I felt, as I was allowed to climb the steps on to the footplate of a large, rusty, derelict looking steam engine, (it was a 4-6-0 LNER class B12, for you steam buffs!), and there, as I peeped into the cold empty grate, a fire was lit in my imagination, I could hear the whistle, smell the steam and feel the vibration of the wheels grinding against the rails.

LNER Class B12 that I mentioned at the beginning, is the last of 81 locomotives that were built between 1911 and 1928. They have a Great Eastern Railway Class Y14 loco, built in 1912, which even more remarkably, although once plentiful in these parts, is the only one of 289 built that survives!

Coaches are beautifully restored here too, not only on the outside but inside as well. Each compartment is a cocoon of luxurious matching deep Moquette upholstery, polished teak panelling and authentic period framed carriage prints. These innocent looking pictures sneakily advertised would-be destinations to the unsuspecting passenger, offering journeys that many people only dreamed of, Maldon, Southend, Robin Hood’s Bay, the public never had it so good!

Today I live next to the North Norfolk Railway and that very same locomotive, now immaculately restored in shining LNER apple green, rattles past my house like an old friend. I can easily recognise it from the distinctive sound it makes as it climbs Kelling bank in the distance and I even manage to take pleasure in the summer ritual of straightening the pictures on the walls around the house because their crookedness records the Coach GER no.7 is the lone survivor of a pair built progress of its comings and goings along the line! for the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway. Its sister The North Norfolk Railway has come on quite a coach appeared in the classic Ealing comedy, “The journey itself since those early days. Although a Titfield Thunderbolt” and no.7 has been restored relatively short line in preservation terms, at only complete with a replica bar, like the one used by 5.25 miles, the attention to detail along the way is Stanley Holloway in the film! incredible and every part of it exudes atmosphere. The Railways Gresley Quad-Articulated coaches It has three stations, Sheringham, Weybourne and are again unique survivors, stunningly finished in Holt and they are all wonderfully ambient. Steamer LNER polished teak with trademark white roofs, trunks and leather suitcases on the platform await every detail taken care of by the restorers, right up their owners return, fire buckets are filled and ready to the miles of knotted string used in the luggage for use, a whistle announces another departure, rack nets! enamel advertising signs tempt the passenger into spending hard earned shillings on a range of goods The most remarkable thing of all about the North from soap to shoe polish and all the while the tea Norfolk Railway’s story, is that none of this would urn gently simmers, always ready to deliver the be possible without a vast army of volunteers whose enthusiasm literally runs, not just stations and cup that cheers to the weary traveller! trains but every aspect of the railways operation.

At the Sheringham Station Buffet, as you glance There are Lineside and Track maintenance workers, over your china teacup onto the platform, (no a Signalling and Telegraph department, Carriage plastic cups here!), it’s easy to imagine Trevor and Wagon restorers, catering staff, cleaners and Howard waving goodbye to Celia Johnson as the of course the Locomotives require vast amounts train steams out, indeed, this whole railway is like of care and attention at the railways engineering a vast theatre! works at Weybourne.

At Weybourne station you can sit on a platform bench with yet another cup of tea watching trains pass in both directions, with the occasional accompaniment of bells ringing in the signal box to add to the effect. The Dads’ Army episode, “The Royal Train” was filmed here and it is easy to picture, “The Boys” marching along the platform behind Captain Mainwaring one more time!

Simply put, the North Norfolk Railway represents a triumph of railway preservation, from seemingly humble beginnings and against the fast rip tide of 1960s modernisation, this group secured and continues to provide a haven where we can all escape the ephemeral, disposable age we live in and enter a world where pride in your work has always had a valued place! This summer, take my advice and forget about visiting stately homes, palaces and The railway’s intention to present a typical eastern castles, the people that really built Britain worked region branch line, complete with all its quirkiness, on the Railways! is brilliantly achieved and it is also the home of a number of unique survivors from this region. The Brian Eade 10

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Visit to St Peter’s, Great Walsingham to compare its three ancient Bells with the Tenor in Little Cornard, Suffolk This article is about church bells which were cast during the reign of the Plantagenets (1216 – 1399) which included John of Gaunt and the Black Prince, the Hundred Years War, the Black Death, the Peasant’s Revolt. Incredibly the bells STILL EXIST and are being rung over 700 years on. In particular this is about one bell and the mystery of who cast it.

bells were to be installed. A bell casting site has been identified in the grounds of Thetford Priory.

Two of the bells in St Peter’s Church bear the name Silisden, the third is obviously his too. The cross in the photo (Fig 3) on the Silisden bell seems to be exclusive to him. John L’Estrange, The church bells of Norfolk: where, when and by whom they were made with inscriptions on all the bells in the county My hobby is bell ringing and I am interested in (Norwich, 1874) p. 77 says that ‘to the author’s the history of church bells and bell frames. I am knowledge no other bell has been found with this involved in a bell restoration at All Saints Church, cross’. The bells were installed when the tower was Little Cornard. The Tenor (lowest note) is a fine bell built and are mounted in a superb oak frame (Fig which is thought to have been cast around 1399 by 4) typical of the style of that time. a Lynn founder but which one of more than six Inscription on the Silisden bell, St. Peter’s (from who worked there is not known. I have been trying L’Estrange, 1874) to solve that question by comparing bells which may have been cast by the same hands. There is no Walsingham Old or Great St. Peter – 3 name or date on the bell. This brought me to Great 1. + SAVNCTOVS . GEORGIUS. ORA. PRO. NOBIS Walsingham where Father Andrew kindly allowed 2. + WILLMUS. SILISDEN. ME. FECIT. X. me to examine the three Bells in St Peter’s known to have been cast by Richard Silisden one of the six 3. + WILLMUS : SILISDEN. ME. FESID: from Lynn.

A bell in All Saints Church Shouldham bears the In those days bells seldom had dates or founder’s name Austen Bracker, a partly obscured date and a names on them, instead crosses or shields and texts cross similar to Little Cornard. None of these bells which generally have superb lettering were used as match the Little Cornard bell sufficiently to allow a means of recognition. The Little Cornard bell has identification. conflicting marks. In Fig 1, the cross is attributed It seems to me that I will be able to answer the to Austen Bracker, the diamonds in the form of a question by comparing the mixture of markings colon to Henry Derby and the lettering on the same with the relative size and style of the bells; the size bell (Fig 2) to Thomas Potter. All three were of the being a ratio between the height and the diameter six from Lynn. Austin Bracker was an itinerant of the mouth. founder, meaning he travelled from church to church casting bells in the churchyard where the John Taylor

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

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Fig. 4

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

The London Marathon An exhausted, shattered marathon runner rests her head on a soldier’s shoulder. ‘SOS!’ she exclaims.

‘No, SAS actually’, he replies.

This simple gag was for me a ticket to an incredible VIP experience at this year’s London Marathon.

My daughter-in-law Emma submitted it as her entry to the caption competition in the marathon magazine. The prize? Front row seats at the finish line – an area out of bounds to ordinary members of the public.

It was the perfect year to win the prize because my son Tim was running his third London Marathon and my two grandchildren, Grace and Frank had both been selected by their borough – Tower Hamlets – to run in the Mini-Marathon which covers the final three miles of the course. It was Grace’s 4th year in the team and Frank’s first. Each borough selects 6 runners for each gender in each age group – U13, U15 and U17.

The kids set off just after 9am from Old Billingsgate just as I was settling into my grandstand seat having already enjoyed a champagne breakfast in the hospitality tent.

Someone had to do the real drinking because the rest of the family were guzzling Lucozade Sport. We had a wonderful view as there was a big screen showing the progress of the elite men and women and the youngsters as they ploughed down the Embankment.

Following the kids came the elite women and then the drama of the wheelchair race. David Weir looked out of contention but put on an impressive final spurt to claim his 7th London Marathon victory in a very dramatic battle on the home straight! Next it was the elite men and then – right in front of me – the moving moment when an exhausted David Wyeth was helped to the line by the selfless Matthew Rees. There was a number of instances of exhausted runners being helped over the last few metres by other competitors and stewards. Also very inspiring were the blind and partially sighted running with their guides.

Some considerable time later my son Tim appeared looking remarkably fresh. He later told me he’d sat down to stretch his weary muscles, a couple of hundred yards from the finish to ensure he could put on an impressive final sprint. Due to various injuries, he was well below his personal best and predicted time which suited me as I was enjoying the hospitality!

Just to our left was Prince Harry who was doling out the medals and prizes which were very much deserved. It was truly inspiring to witness the gargantuan effort of nearly 40,000 people as well as to hear the commentator speak of what so many of them had achieved for the charities they ran for.

I felt privileged and honoured to have a front row seat at such an amazing spectacle. Tim, Emma, Grace, and Frank later attended the Winners’ Dinner which was also part of the prize.

Frank came home in a new personal best running each of the 3 miles in under 7 minutes. Grace was below her best having had several recent stays in It was one amazing day. hospital, but was at least able to enjoy it this time Pam Miller without the pressure of previous races.

Barsham Parish Council The Village Hall A further reminder that Barsham Village Hall is a massively underused facility and unless bookings increase the committee may have to make tough decisions about its future. “Use it or lose it”. The Hall is available to hire for wedding receptions, christening parties, children’s parties,

adult birthday parties, works parties or conferences.

It is large and has plenty of available parking and kitchen facilities. Tel No for bookings 01328 820 348. Rates are £6.00 an hour and £50.00 a day

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Tracey White, Clerk

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Leaving hospital – a national obsession?

by Miranda Marshall – Director, Hayes + Storr are mental health issues? If a nursing home is considered best, a preliminary assessment for Continuing Health Care (CHC) should be carried out, with a family member present. If a person is eligible for CHC, the NHS pays for all care and accommodation: sadly, this is rarely awarded.

Discharge should never take place without all the appropriate assessments and the correct procedures being adopted. Representation by a As a preventative measure, and well before any specialist solicitor enables the person’s rights to be crisis occurs, I would encourage people to make a upheld.

Lasting Power of Attorney – Health and Personal Welfare (“LPA”). At least that way, trusted family If CHC is not awarded, then addressing how the members or friends have fully- recognised legal cost of care is to be funded is the next step. If the authority to speak on your behalf, in the event of person has been ‘sectioned’ under the Mental mental incapacity.

Health Act, this sounds worrying, but an advantage is that it ensures eligibility for NHS ‘aftercare But what about those who are vulnerable but have funding’. Taking legal advice at this stage helps to mental capacity or those who lack capacity but ensure that the correct procedures are followed by have no LPA? Families need to know their rights. the local and health authorities. Sometimes there First, before discharge, a social-needs assessment is a dispute about where a person should live on should be done, particularly if the person is elderly their discharge from hospital. This is so not just if or vulnerable, to establish their needs and how they a person does not have mental capacity, but also can be met. Ideally, at least one family member if the local or health authority will not fund the (or trusted friend) should be present to assist at preferred care home, or will not fund a return the assessment. A copy of the assessment should home with in- home care. Can someone insist be supplied. Often hospital staff (even including on returning home with in-home care, if it costs doctors) are unaware that Local Authority Social the local authority more than a care home? Does Services should be involved in the discharge the question of funding take precedence over the process. This is so even if the person is ‘self-funding’ autonomy given to individuals under the Care (i.e. they have enough money to pay for their own Act? care); in that case Social Services still have a duty Leaving hospital is rarely easy, especially for the to assist in putting a care plan in place. elderly and vulnerable. Special care is needed to If a care home is recommended, what type should make sure they have both the right medical care this be: residential or nursing? What if there and also the right legal advice and care.

We have all seen headlines such as ‘NHS in Crisis!’

There are not enough hospital beds to cope with demand, people are left on trolleys in corridors and ambulances queue round the block. At the other end of the system, people ready to leave hospital, but not well enough to go home, have nowhere to go and so ‘bed-blocking’ results, with some desperate cases.

This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. However no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek our specific advice. If you would like further advice on this matter please contact Miranda on 01328 710210.

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Walsingham and District W.I. What an interesting couple of months we have had, and the next couple of months look to be even better, but firstly let me tell you just what our ladies have been up to since my report in the last issue.

Next on our agenda was our birthday lunch, which was held at The Norfolk Riddle on 27th April. In May our speaker is Mrs. A. Seales who will talk about fabric sculptures, and in June our speaker is Mrs B. Miller whose talk is entitled, “A Bishop, a Quaker and a roll of wire netting”. We have also been sent invites to attend other WIs. It looks as though we are going to have a very busy but interesting few months ahead

Firstly Mrs. Christine Adams from Wells came to tell us about her about her experience as a volunteer fireman on steam trains, locally and also in Poland, China and Wales . The hours of preparation it takes to make the steam trains to work, made us appreciate just how hard the men had worked on them before the arrival of diesel and electric engines, also just All our meetings end with the usual delicious tea how specialised and skilled their jobs were. Mrs and friendly chat, so if any ladies are interested in coming along to any of our meetings you will be Adams really is an inspiration to women. most welcome. For information about us please We had a few invitations to other WIs, Stanhope contact the Secretary Mrs Barbara Scott on 01328 and Barwick, Great and Little Ryburgh, Fakenham 820626 or our President Mrs Iris Bacon on 01328 and the AGM meeting which was held in Norwich. 820225.

All these meetings were attended by some of our members and were thoroughly enjoyed.

Barbara Scott

SPRING!

A CELEBRATION IN MUSIC AND DRAMA Students and staff from the Department of Music Therapy & Drama Therapy, Anglia Ruskin University & Saturday 3rd June at 7.00pm at S. Peter’s, Great Walsingham Admission: £10 (including light refreshments) Children 12 and under £5 Tickets available in advance (07866 502640) and at the door.

Proceeds to S. Peter’s Church and the Cambridge Music Therapy Appeal

Christ Church Fulmodeston Saturday June 24th at 6.00pm

THE PURCELL SCHOOL IN CONCERT Join us for another extraordinary concert with extraordinarily gifted young musicians.

The concert is free with a retiring collection for the Church. NO TICKETS REQUIRED. More info from Stephen on 01328 878364 COFFEE AT THE CROSSROADS Christ Church Fulmodeston, Saturday, August 5th – 10.30am until 1.00pm. NR21 0LZ Home made bread and cakes, free refreshments, books, bring & buy, crafts, quilting, knitting, toys, bric-a-brac, tombola, donations for the Mid Norfolk Food Bank. If you would like a stall inside or outside, please contact Stephen on 01328 878364. Pitches are free. Retiring donations for the church.

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walsingham

Open s n e d r a G

SATURDAY 1ST & SUNDAY 2ND JULY

11.00 am – 5.00 pm

TICKETS £5 (valid for both days) accompanied children free

25 GaRDENS OpEN NamE THE GNOmE COmpETITION FOR CHILDREN REFRESHmENTS aVaILaBLE

AVAILABLE FROM: Walsingham Village Stores The Shrine Shop Great Walsingham Barns

Proceeds towards the Walsingham Development Group

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

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 5 July and 6 September 2017. There is always time at 7.15 pm 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 email walsinghampc@google.com or telephone 01328 822366.

SAM2 speed awareness sign is proving a success. Two new locations have been approved by the Highways Engineer: on Bridewell Street and on Hindringham Road. Thank you to the people who reported that the Fakenham Road street sign had been broken. It has been welded together and is now waiting to be repainted before it is re-erected.

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.

Walsingham Recreation Ground playground is in need of some repairs and repainting of the older equipment. The Parish Council has arranged for David Reeve to repair the wooden train. REQUEST FOR HELP: If you would like to help with repainting the older equipment 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 to Walsingham Parish Council, email walsinghampc@googlemail.com or telephone 01328 822366.

Online reporting for Norfolk County Council and North Norfolk District Council. If you see a pothole that needs repairing, a damaged sign post or other problems on roads, pavements or public footpaths please do report to the Highways department at the County Council. The form can be found at https://apps.norfolk.gov.uk/highwaysdefect/ . The District Council also has online facilities for reporting fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling. Please go to the website https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/ and use the Environment and Emergencies tab.

The Friends of Walsingham CE Primary School We are seeking new members to join our fundraising team. Our committee consists of parents, staff and members of the local community who willingly and generously give up their own time to help raise money for our village school.

Our next event on the calendar is our big Summer Fete and Craft Fair on Sunday 2nd July from 11am – 4pm. As with all events of this size, a lot of preparation is needed in the lead up to the fete and on the day. If you would like to join our committee or would just like to help out on the day, please contact the school on 01328 820265 for more information or even better come along to our next meeting which is being held at the school on Monday 15th May at 6pm. Everyone is welcome.

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Walsingham Recreation Trust The Village Hall, Wells Road, Walsingham, NR22 6DJ Clerk: Joanna Otte, Little Manor, Thursford Road, Little Snoring, Fakenham, NR21 0JN Tel: 01328 822366, email: walsinghampc@googlemail.com Walsingham Recreation Trust is managed by the Parish Council.

Volunteers are welcome to help on projects, organise events etc.

Annual Report 2016 for the AGM 22nd February 2017 The Recreation Trust had a good year with an income of almost £4,000 and expenses under £3,000.

The Parish Council provided financial assistance (under £2,000) for some essential outgoings including electricity and annual inspections and services. The Parish Council also continued to cover the cost of grounds maintenance.

installed a backflow prevention device in the urinal cistern and a pressure reduction valve. Other maintenance included the replacement of three toilet seats and adjustment to the catch on the fire door from the billiard room to the play area so that the door could not be opened from the outside.

Information signs were put up at the Play Area and Skate ramps. Hedges and trees on the perimeter were cut back and lots of litter was collected.

One-off bookings increased as local people However littering on the Playing Field (especially realised that the facilities are still available. There by the skate ramp) remains a problem. were a few wakes, a wedding reception, christening party and birthday celebrations. The Hall was also There was an issue during the early summer used for carpet bowls and school bingos and as a with youths climbing on the village hall roof and polling station. Two Swedish Youth groups used scribbling graffiti on the skate ramps. The EP the hall for two weeks while attending pilgrimages Youth co-ordinator had a word with the youths in the summer. One group used the Hall as an and the police were asked to keep a look out educational/activity base during the day, and the while patrolling the area. Various methods were other group camped for a week. A regular weekly used to remove the graffiti (including WD40 and booking for two Slimming World sessions was a white spirit) but the most effective was washing great help but this has now moved on to Wells. Other up liquid. regular bookings included the Parish Council, Walsingham Development Group and the History EP Youth brought the Red Bus to Wells Road for Society Talks. North Norfolk District Council tried the Spring and Summer. They used the Hall and to set up a Sports Clubs and Hubs but there was no Recreation Ground for a few activities including a interest from the community. Walsingham United car wash.

FC continued to use the playing field and changing The Walsingham Recreation Trust is supported rooms during the season. financially by the Parish Council. The Trustees Plumbing repairs were carried out by Colin appreciate the support from those who help to Matthews at no charge. He replaced a stopcock keep the Hall and Grounds clean and tidy and who in the ladies loo (following a breakage and flood), are available to provide the keys for bookings.

Walsingham Mobile Post Office Service Opening Times: TUESDSAYS 10.00 am to 11.30 am near the Farms Shop, Guild Street, Walsingham, 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. 20

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

NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON

Our programme continues on Tuesday evenings, once a month throughout the summer.

A word about Creative Arts East. We are a member of Village Screen, the cinema network set up by our regional arts organisation, Creative Arts East, who also help us with programming and film licences.

Creative Arts East supports regional arts in a broad way, bringing live performance, music and theatre to Norfolk and Suffolk, alongside a portfolio of projects that involve people in cultural education, that improve health and well-being and that assist in the development of community volunteers.

While facing significant cuts to their funding, from now until 31st July 2019, all individual, corporate or private donations in support of their work will be matched £1 for £1 by funding from Arts Council England up to a total of £150,000. This will make a huge difference and enable them to continue their work with rural communities. You can find out more on their website: www.creativeartseast.co.uk/donate.

Tuesday 20th June DENIAL (12A) Director: Mick Jackson. Starring: Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall, Tom Wilkinson, Andrew Scott, Jack Lowden, Caren Pistorius, Alex Jennings. 110 mins.

The story of university professor Deborah Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against World War II historian David Irving, who accuses her of libel when she declares him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system the burden of proof in a libel case is on the accused, so it’s up to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. Based on the true events of the 1996 libel case, adapted from Lipstadt’s acclaimed book History on trial: my day in court with a Holocaust Denier’, the film documents the triumph of truth and reason over ignorance and prejudice.

‘Lipstadt’s day in court with Irving has been dramatised by David Hare with his usual keen fidelity to argument and counter-argument.’ Tim Robey, Daily Telegraph ‘As flat-earthery returns to the world, this drama about a historian’s pursual through the UK justice system by a Holocaust denier is refreshing and very pertinent’. Peter Bradshaw, Guardian Tuesday 18th July HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Director: Theodore Melfi; starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner. 127 mins As USA raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of AfricanAmerican female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history. Based on the unbelievably true life stories of three of these women, known as “human computers” as they quickly rose through the ranks of NASA alongside many of history’s greatest minds specifically tasked with calculating the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, and guaranteeing his safe return.

‘Yes, the story may have been panel-beaten into a gleaming, Oscar-friendly shape. That Hidden Figures is still so entertaining and moving is due in large part to a hugely likeable central trio of performances.’

Ed Potton, Times ‘This is an immensely likeable film and one that draws overdue attention to a story that has been neglected for far too long.’ Geoffrey Macnab, Independent Email us at walsinghampp@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our mailing list. Film programmes and trailers are posted on the village website www.walsinghamvillage.org and on Facebook www. facebook.com/WalsinghamPicturePalace.

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NEWS AND VIEWS – BARSHAM • WALSINGHAM • HOUGHTON Tickets £4 (£3.50 members, £3 under 16) on the door. Doors open 7pm for tickets and refreshments.

Programmes begin at 7.30pm, usually with an interesting short.

Walsingham Picture Palace is at Walsingham Parish Hall (Odd Fellows Hall), 14 High Street, Walsingham, NR22 6AA . Contact walsinghampp@gmail.com

News from Heritage House Our sad news is that Mary Britton, who has been been Care Manager at Heritage House for the past 13 years will be leaving us at the end of June. Mary has been a tower of cheerful strength during that time and she will be sorely missed. More will be said about Mary in due course but in the meantime we thank her for all she has done and we wish her and her family all the very best for the future.

Heritage House is always a hive of activity but this year, largely thanks to Mary, we seem to be busier than ever. Our day visitor numbers are the highest they’ve been - we are effectively full most days - and our catchment area now extends from Holt to the Wash, which means that our three ambulances, the wheelchair accessible car (WAC), their crews and our volunteer car drivers are really very busy. We would therefore be very pleased to hear from anyone with a few hours to spare who could help out either as a driver or assistant on the ambulances or by transporting day visitors to and from Heritage House in their own cars. You’d be more than welcome - and it’s in a very good cause. If you’d like to know more please give us a ring on 01328 711333 or send an email to heritagedaycare@btconnect.com .

We’re busy on the fundraising front too. Our first Cake and Produce stall of the season in Burnham Market raised over £440 and our Spring Fair in Wells another £450. Of course none of this would have been possible without the commitment and generosity of the staff, volunteers and donors who organise, supply and run these events and, most importantly, you who support them. We are extremely grateful to you all.

Our next Cake & Produce stalls in Burnham Market will be on Saturday June the 24th and Saturday July the 22nd, from 9.00 until lunchtime, so if you like delicious home baked and produce fresh from the garden or allotment please do come along.

Nigel Dark

Churchyard wildlife recording The Norfolk Wildlife Trust (90 years old last year) has launched its initiative for Churchyard wildlife recording in 2017.

“We would love to know what wildlife can be found in your local churchyard. Whether you see one red admiral, a flock of house sparrows, a majestic English oak, a patch of lady’s bedstraw, an elusive common lizard or a hedgehog, please share your sightings with us” Observations can be reported by phone: 01603598333 or online at http://norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/aliving-landscape/wildlife-sightings or by e-mail at wild@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk Report the 4 recording ‘Ws’ WHAT (what you saw) WHERE (exactly where you saw it) WHEN (the date and time of day you saw it) WHO (your name and contact data) More about the Trust’s interest in Churchyards can be found in the article ‘Caring for God’s acre’ in the Spring issue of Tern the newsletter of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (also distributed free with the Eastern Daily Press) and on the Trust’s website http://norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk where 11 leaflets on finding and identifying plants and animals in churchyards can be read or downloaded.

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The Barsham Arms

Set in the quaint village of East Barsham, adjacent to East Barsham Manor, and recently re-opened after a complete refurbishment, The Barsham Arms (formerly The White Horse Inn) is a cosy country pub and kitchen serving homecooked food daily. The inn originates from the 17th century and is a grade II listed building.

New owners, Jon and Amy who also own the Crown Inn at Pulham Market, have given the pub a complete makeover and hope to make the Barsham Arms a destination pub and restaurant in North Norfolk. The interior incorporates traditional features including original beams and open fireplaces. You’ll spot British influences as well as English gentry in keeping with the age of the building.

The Hayloft restaurant offers pub classics with a modern twist, using quality fresh locally sourced ingredients cooked to order and served professionally by a team of passionate Chefs. Alongside the main menu there are specials changing weekly to incorporate seasonal produce as well as a lunch and light bites snack menu and traditional roasts every Sunday. Aside from the separate dining area there is a spacious bar and lounge area, for bar meals and fine dining. Children are welcome in the restaurant and bar areas with their own menu choices, and well behaved dogs are welcome in the bar area too.

Open daily from 12pm, food service hours vary depending on the season, check the website for more information. We always recommend calling ahead of your visit to book a table to avoid disappointment. One of the adjoining holiday cottages is now available to rent and the renovation will continue soon with the opening of the existing rooms. www.thebarshamarms.co.uk | 01328 820729 www.facebook.com/thebarshamarms – like our page to keep up to date with the latest news!

Photographs by Andrew Langley; www.andylangleyphotography.com.