8winter

The magazine for Scole, Billingford, & Thorpe Parva

No. 8

ÂŁ1

Winter 2007/8

Enjoy some great reading in this latest edition!

A Suffolk Boy Pt II - by Chris Earl Scole Bowls Club - by Robin Shortell My Next Step - by Audrey Welch Farming Diary - by Sue Redgrave Fact v Fiction - by Rick Wakeman Tale of Two Horseshoes - by Chris Earl Joys of Bell Ringing - by Gordon Larkins

Christmas Special!

FREE SUNDAYS Free Sundays on weekend hire!

If you hire equipment over the weekend, you’ll only be charged for one days hire.

Offer valid on equipment picked up between 8.00 and 12.00 Saturday morning and returned to us by 10.00 Monday morning.

Norwich, Havers Road 0845 337 8255

All the professional tools you need at lowest prices for:Carpentry & Fixing Painting & Decorating Cleaning & Floor Care Gardening & Landscaping Building & Site Works Concreting & Compacting Plumbing & Pumping Heating, Cooling & Drying ks Stoc rvice Power & Welding sive e Mas ndly S s ie Sawing & Cutting Fast Frreat Price G Small Plant

Wymondham, London Road 0845 337 8256

Open 7.30am—5.00pm Monday - Friday Saturdays 8.00am –12noon

Diss, Victoria Road 01379 640404

01379 640404

Plenty of Parking at all our Norfolk Hire Centres.

All major credit cards accepted

The Billingford Horseshoes Bed and Breakfast; Lunch & Dinner Six new Double-Rooms en suite. Privately owned Free House. Reasonable rates.

Excellent food served all day.

Real Ales, Keg Beers & Wines.

On the A143 Harleston Road from Scole. Only 2 miles from Diss.

Open All Day

Tel: 01379 740414 2

Message from the Editor We now have some colour advertising and hope to expand this over the coming issues. The other change is that of Distributor.

Gordon Larkins has taken this on from Lynda Mansfield who is to be thanked for overseeing this task especially during the transition from New Messenger to PostHorn. (see page 4 for Gordon’s details).

As Christmas approaches with thoughts of all those cards and parcels to post, I hope you will make maximum use of Scole Post Office and show how much we want to keep it. The queues at Diss PO are well known so just think what life would be like without our village PO and having to use Diss.

Look out for an update on the situation regarding rural POs in the Spring edition.

We have received some of your views on our local traffic problems and when we hear from more of you we could perhaps feature an article on the subject in a future edition. I refer in particular to the A143 at Billingford, Bungay Road, Norwich Road and Waterloo, Scole.

Seasons greetings to you all - David Hillier ( Editor - Winter edition )

Contents Page 9

Parish Council News

Page 10 My Next Step by Audrey Welch Page 13 Farming Diary by Sue Redgrave Page 20 Post Office D-Day Page 21 Fact v Fiction by Rick Wakeman Page 23 Scole & District Bowls Club by R.Shortell Page 24 Lasts - The Story by Chris Earl Page 29 Thoughts from the Rectory by Rev. T. Riess Page 32 A Suffolk Boy Pt II by Chris Earl Page 36 Feather Report by Trevor Raven Page 40 A Tale of Two Horseshoes by Chris Earl Page 43 Wind Turbines by Roy Philpot Page 45 Joys of Bell Ringing by Gordon Larkins 3

Your

Contacts

To be interviewed or submit articles: Chris Earl on 855416 E-mail: chrisjearl@hotmail.com Main Village Contact & Advertising Co-ordinator David Hillier on 740158 E-mail: chocs4@aol.com Business Advertising & Distribution Trevor Raven on 741285 E-mail: trevor@listangels.co.uk Billingford Correspondent & Thorpe Parva News Sue Redgrave on 740837 E-mail: susan.redgrave1@homecall.co.uk Distribution : Gordon Larkins on 742713 E-mail: gordonlarkins@onetel.com

copy deadlines: Spring Edition : 8th February 2008 Summer Edition : 9th May 2008

Advertising 7 days before copy deadline dates please

DAVID J. PADDISON

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Let me realize your ideas 4

Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning at Peppermill House, Upper St, Billingford.

Organised by Sandra Riches & Genny Youngs We would like to thank everyone who attended the Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Saturday 29th September. We are delighted to say the takings amounted to a fabulous £438.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who so generously supported us, not only with money, but time to make all the wonderful goodies, man the stalls and kitchen, those who lent gazebos (thank goodness the weather was kind to us) and generally made the whole occasion such a tremendous success.

A Community event which meant so much to everyone involved.

Lawyer: "Now that you have been acquitted, will you tell me truly? Did you steal the car?"

Client: "After hearing your amazing argument in court this morning, I’m beginning to think I didn’t."

GARDEN TIPS FOR DECEMBER

1st week:

Water cyclamen with care. Prune outdoor vines.

Earth up spring cabbage. Complete fruit tree pruning.

2nd week:

Gather winter flowering shrubs.

Keep greenhouse glass clean. Burn fruit tree prunings.

Sow onions in heat. Inspect fruit tree stakes.

3rd week:

Water fuchsias sparingly. Force rhubarb.

Prepare trenches for runner beans. Apply tar oil wash for fruit trees. Prune vines and peaches under glass.

Top dress fruit trees with sulphate of potash.

4th week:

Force mint. Protect fruit buds from birds.

Top dress hardy primulas. Prune large flowered clematis.

Manure wall-trained fruit trees.

5

The Twelve days of Christmas The Twelve Days of Christmas and the associated evenings of those twelve days (Twelve-tide), are the festive days beginning the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) through the morning of Epiphany on (January 6).

The associated evenings of the twelve days begin on the evening before the specified day. Thus, the first night of Christmas is December 25–26, and Twelfth Night is January 5–6. This period is also known as Christmastide.

Over the centuries, differing churches and sects of Christianity have changed the actual traditions, time frame, and their interpretations. St. Stephen's Day, for example, is December 26 in the Western Church and December 27 in the Eastern Church.

December 26 is Boxing Day in the United Kingdom and its former colonies; December 28 is Childmas or the Feast of the Innocents.

Currently, the 12 days and nights are celebrated in widely varying ways around the world. For example, some give gifts only on Christmas night, some only on Twelfth Night, and some each of the 12 nights.

What remains constant is celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25th, and a period of twelve days and nights following leading to Epiphany.

Garden tips for January 1st week : Top dress lawns. Prune outdoor vines.

Read the new catalogues. Prepare for chrysanthemum cuttings.

Pot lilies for the greenhouse. Renew grease bands.

Stake indoor bulbs.

2nd week: Repair lawns. Take chrysanthemum cuttings.

Sprout seed potatoes. Force rhubarb. Make early sowings in a heated frame.

3rd week: Prune fuchsias. Sow onions under glass. Make first sowings under cloches. Tie in raspberry canes. Complete gooseberry pruning.

4th week: Replant herbaceous borders. Divide herbs.

Prune newly planted fruit trees. Pot on pelargoniums.

Birthday Greetings Happy Birthday to Paula Knight for January 23rd. Love from Mum and Dad. XXX 6

QUIZZICAL Valetta is the capital of which country?

What do you do with a biretta: eat it, ride it or wear it?

Huron, Superior, Erie, Michigan. - What is the name of the fifth great lake?

Crystal is bought for which wedding anniversary?

Which is the only British city whose name begins with “I”

Answers to the Autumn Edition: Which cowboy had a horse named Trigger?

Answer : ROY ROGERS Which football team plays at St. Mary’s Stadium?

Answer SOUTHAMPTON

No entries received!

If a pony is £25 and a monkey is £500 what is a bull’s eye?

Answer : £50 What sort of transport was used in the film “Summer Holiday” Answer : A LONDON BUS Which well known British actor was born David John White?

Answer: DAVID JASON

To introduce myself as your District Councillor I represent Scole Ward which covers the villages of Thelveton, Frenze, Scole, Thorpe Parva, Billingford, Thorpe Abbotts, Brockdish and Needham.

At South Norfolk Council I am on Two Overview scrutiny committees, the Environmental Health and the Planning Housing and the Built Environment.

I am also on S. W. Planning, the Older Peoples forum and the new Waveney Valley Neighbourhood Forum which includes our villages.

Neighbourhood Forums South Norfolk Council has created five neighbourhood forums, led by the local councillors as part of a Total Neighbourhood Package. The forums include community representatives – four in each forum.

As part of the initiative, the council has set up a fund to help with projects and initiatives in the neighbourhood, and community groups can approach the fund with an application for funding up to £2000 per project.

If you have a community project and need funding, contact your local South Norfolk councillor (Jenny Wilby 01379 741504).

Please feel free to contact me.

7

Arther Waterfield (Established 1950)

Diss, Norfolk. IP21 4DT Telephone: 01379 740255 Fax: 01379 741181 E-mail : mail@awaterfield-sons.co.uk Specialists in all Tarmacadam Hot Bitumen Spraying, Brickwork, Road Construction, Factory Maintenance Commercial Builders Left over turkey and you don’t know what to do with it? Try this soup.

TURKEY CHOWDER

serves 4

25 - 30 mins

Streaky bacon Onion Carrots Turkey stock Salt and pepper to taste Cooked turkey meat Frozen peas Cornflour Fresh milk Fresh parsley

100g (4oz) chopped 1 small, chopped 2 medium, sliced 568ml (1pint ) 175g (6oz) chopped 100g (4oz) 15g (½oz) 300ml (½ pint) Chopped to serve Method

1 Fry bacon in large saucepan over medium heat until fat begins to run.

2 Add onion and carrots - fry gently for 5 minutes.

3 Add potatoes and stock - season lightly with salt and pepper.

4 Bring to boil, cover & simmer for 15 minutes - add turkey and peas and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

5 Blend cornflour with a little milk to form a smooth paste, then add the remaining milk. Pour mixture into the soup, stirring all the time.

6 Bring to boil, stir gently & simmer for 2 mins. Serve & garnish with parsley.

8

Scole Parish Council News August - October 2007

Present: Councillors - S Buckle (Chairman), S Redgrave (Vice Chairman), P Fisher, R Franklin, R Philpot, A Frith, C Moore, G Moore; J Jones and M.Cook (Clerk) and 8 members of the public.

Main Items discussed: Flashing Warning signs near Scole School – hopefully these would slow traffic.

Tree and Grass cutting at Ransome Avenue.

Vandalism still a problem at the Playing Field / Community Centre, window in a door had been smashed.

Young person cutting the grass at the Playing Field is making a very good job of the work.

Speeding at Waterloo bends, several members of the public who live in that area were at the meeting to voice their opinion to the councillors and to the Police Liaison Officer who was present; all present thought this should be a 30mph area.

50mph to be put into operation through the Norwich Road at Thelveton.

Community Caretaker- this will be discussed as an agenda item at the next meeting.

Police Liaison Officer reported that our Parish is a low crime area. She was asked, to clarify that residents in Billingford were not breaking the law by driving in the hatchings that Highways had marked in the centre of the road to access their properties in safety, she would ask her colleague to contact Councillor Redgrave with the answer. See contact reply at the end of this report.

Scole Parish Council now have a Web Site - www.scoleparish.org.uk The splendid work done at the War Memorial by Waterfields.

Speeding Traffic from A143 into Scole along Bungay Road, This is becoming a big problem; the Bypass was built to stop the village being used in this way. Parish Council to raise the matter with County Councillor. The signage on the A143 does stipulate Scole Village only.

9

My Next Step

by Audrey Welch After leaving the ATS in 1946 I found it very difficult to settle down as a civilian so I applied to join the Control Commission for Germany. I was accepted and given various directions so, in mid June 1946, I found myself at Victoria Station. There were several girls on the platform who were joining the CCG, one was Eileen Johnson. We spoke and a friendship was formed that was to last a very long time. After crossing the channel we caught a train for Hamburg. It would be a long journey and I fell asleep, waking at about 6.00 a.m. as the train was approaching Cologne. There was so much bomb damage! The Cathedral seemed to be the only building intact. On reaching Hamburg we saw so many bomb damaged streets, in some cases with bodies still under the ruins.

Audrey in 1946

Eileen and I were allocated a room in a block of flats. A few days later a woman came to our room offering her services, cleaning, ironing or any work we could give her.

“How much?” we asked “one bar of soap and a tablet of chocolate each per week”.

Did we accept?, what do you think? The black market was rife and anything could be bought with cigarettes or coffee. We had our own currency known as BAFS which we used in the Naafi. It could not be used in the local shops which was just as well as nothing could be seen in them.

Soon after our arrival the non-fraternisation ban was lilted and I met twin brothers who took me for trips on the Elbe in their motor boat. They told me the English east coast was well known to them; they had served on E boats during the war!

I started work with Australians in the food and agriculture division with paperwork, sending out food to the German population. I worked in Schell House overlooking the Alster for an Australian boss who asked me along to meetings to take notes. While waiting for transport to work on two occasions I saw a woman go to a dustbin take something out and put it in her mouth. The Germans were not the only hungry ones.

Our rations were meagre. There were about twenty of us girls sharing the dining room and if one of our colleagues was absent we would ask for her meal in addition to our own. I lost so much weight that when I went home on leave my family thought I was ill!

I must tell you about the return journey from Hull to Germany. The ships used were pretty ancient. I shared a cabin with three girls, it was next to the galley and crawling with cockroaches. I went to bed hoping one would not crawl into my mouth!

On one occasion I went to Stuttgart with the team and passed near to Belsen concentration camp. One of the senior members asked if I would like to see the camp.

I declined. It was too near the date they had been rescued. As we passed through the village I looked at the people and wondered if they knew what an evil camp was nearby.

10

Every day there would be a power cut and the Winter of 1946 was very severe. The lake was frozen for many weeks so thick that lorries would park on it.

Around this time some of us went to the theatre in Hamburg. Part of the roof and side wall was missing but we were not deterred. Putting on as much clothing as possible, glamour was forgotten!

In December 1946 Eileen and I took a 72 hour pass and travelled to Brussels. We went in search of nylons which were not yet readily available in England. Having bought them we decided to take a tram to see Waterloo battlefield. Quite a number of people were waiting for the tram when two men started an argument. One turned to ask my opinion, but I had to say, “sorry I do not understand”. He said “EenglishAmericaan”? I replied “English” whereupon pointing to me and Eileen he announced to the crowd “Eenglish, Eenglish” the crowd applauded some saying “aah-aah”. It felt as if we had liberated them again; it was quite moving and made us feel very proud to be English.

On our return to Hamburg a lorry was waiting to take us to our apartment. The German driver suggested that for warmth we sit with him, leaving our cases in the back.

When we reached our destination the cases had gone! Obviously the driver was part of a gang. On reporting the theft later, the military police told us our goods would have been on the black market before we left the vehicle, so we did not have our nylons after all.

The summer of 1947 was hot and sunny. Eileen and I were friends with two Scottish soldiers. During that summer they obtained a Volkswagen and took us to Travemunde near Peenemunde from where the flying bombs (Doodlebugs) were launched. With the sand dunes it was much like Norfolk. I must add that the Volkswagen had no upholstery so we took pillows to sit on!

Later that summer I was offered a job in Berlin, but with the cold in winter, lack of food and ruins I had enough and retired from the CCG. One of the twin brothers hoped I would stay but I wanted to go home.

After a few weeks at home I started work at a major insurance company head office where I met my future husband who had just returned from Burma. Eileen emigrated to New Zealand, we kept in touch as we both got married and had families. Sadly she died in the mid 60’s. I am now in my late 80’s and look back on those years, first in the ATS during the war, followed by my time in Germany, certainly an experience I would not have missed.

The launch ramp at Peenemunde

Kramer the Belsen Commandant before execution December 1945

11

ADRIAN SAYER Oil Boiler Services 'Breakdown Priority' Repairs and Servicing OFTEC REGISTERED

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 2 Cobbs Yard, St Nicholas Street Diss IP22 4LB : 01379 650640

Large stock of spares carried.

See the latest fashion & special-effect yarns from Rowan, Jaeger, Sirdar, Patons & Elle, Wendy, Lana Grossa & Gedifra.

WE COVER NORFOLK & SUFFOLK

Telephone: (01379) 687613 Mobile: 07887 618939

We also stock buttons, beads & Shellz, Tapestry, cushion & cross-stitch kits.

PROFESSIONAL UPHOLSTERY & CARPET CLEANING

· Crochet for beginners & intermediate ~ new dates now available. · Knit & Natter ~ New members welcome.

Call for details and to book a place. Great opportunity to meet new friends and see the latest knitting & crochet trends.

Visit us soon for all your knitting and needlecraft needs. You will be assured of a warm welcome together with advice and inspiration on any aspect of knitting.

Carpets ~ Three piece Suites Oriental Rugs ~ Curtains Deodorising ~ Conditioning Call David - 01379 608529 Mobile - 07768 757308

We are open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

Lighthouse - something new for Advent Sunday (Dec 2nd) A flexible and informal time of sharing, friendship, refreshment & seeking God. For all ages and especially families.

10.45 for 11am in Scole Church Come and be part of something NEW * Lighthouse will hopefully become a regular part of church life at Scole taking place at 9.45 for 10am on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month starting on January 6th.

February Half Term All being well, the following events will take place in Scole Church: Holiday Club for children 6 - 8yrs Monday February 11th and Tuesday February 12th from 10 - 12 Activity Morning for all ages on Thursday February 14th A St. Valentine’s Day Special!

12

The Farming Year September - November

by Sue Redgrave

Arable 2007 has been the most difficult harvest for the last 40 years, so the records tell us, but as usual despite the rain, the men carried on working late into the night to bring it all in, snatching the crops in at every small opportunity while the weather held and it had become dry enough to combine. A contractor helped out with another harvester to make the most of those opportunities. Because of the rain the corn had started to shoot in the ear and yield was down to 8.5 tonnes per hectare. Some corn has already been sold and has been loaded on the lorries and taken away.

The sugar beet has suffered from the six weeks of dry weather in April and yield will be down. These will soon be lifted and on their way to the factory. The crops already drilled for 2008 are well established and all is on target for next year.

Cattle

This summer has not been a great one for the livestock, it has often been wet and dull, with flooding a problem, up to 150 acres under water at any one time. The grass takes some time to recover from this; recently a dry spell has caused more trouble for grazing cattle. The upshot of this is that the cattle go into the winter in a poorer condition than they should and therefore will need more feed during the winter months that are fast approaching. The stockman is already having to house the herd earlier than normal and the calves are lighter and a lot of the breeding cows will not be in calf.

The food and litter cost has escalated because of the poorer harvest and just to add to the problems we have the Foot and Mouth virus on our doorstep. This affects us in the following ways: we are allowed to send cattle to slaughter, but are not allowed to replenish our herd by bringing in animals from elsewhere. This affects a beef herd badly as the farm was expecting a delivery of 225 calves in October, which at this time just may not happen. The farms where they are reared cannot move or sell them, therefore the breeders will have no income, plus all the animals still have to be fed and littered. As they grow the farmer will be short of space and food for them. This is just a short example of the life a stockman on one of thousands of farms around the country. On top of all this the cattle need to be brought in under cover for the winter, wormed and weighed and sorted into relevant groups, then Pregnancy and TB tested. To add to this we now have an outbreak of Blue Tongue disease, perhaps more on that in next edition.

Gamekeeping September sees the gamekeepers putting out the feeding hoppers, strawing the rides (which means putting out straw for the birds to scratch in) near the feeding hoppers, The maize is cut with tractor and swipe, this is spread on the straw to keep the birds on the owners land. Something gamekeepers call dogging in is done; dogs are used to push the birds back onto the right land, as they do tend to wander.

October - bridges and gateways are maintained for easy access for the guns. This is also the month of the first Partridge shoot, 200-250 can be shot in any one day.

13

The Farming Year - continued November is the start of many Pheasant shoots. 1-2 each week, with 23 brushers to get the birds to the 8 guns. Three men and specialised dogs, usually Labradors, pick up the shot birds and take them to the game cart. This can be anything between 200-250 birds in a day; these dogs are specially bred and trained for the work, which takes a lot of stamina. The game is fed all year, with anything up to 37 tonnes of pellets, which have to be bought in, and 30-35 tonnes of wheat which comes off the farm.

I have now covered the whole farming year in the PostHorn and I hope you have enjoyed the read as much as I have enjoyed writing it. My thanks to Alistair, Tony and Adam for their knowledge, without which there would have been no article.

The New Farmer A life-long city man, tired of the rat race, decided he was going to give up the city life, move to the country, and become a chicken farmer. He bought a nice, used chicken farm and moved in. As it turned out, his next door neighbour was also a chicken farmer. The neighbour came for a visit one day and said, "Chicken farming isn’t easy. Tell you what. To help you get started, I’ll give you 100 chickens." The new chicken farmer was thrilled.

Two weeks later the neighbour dropped by to see how things were going.

The new farmer said, "Not too well. All 100 chickens died." The neighbour said, "Oh, I can’t believe that. I’ve never had any trouble with my chickens.

I’ll give you 100 more." Another two weeks went by and the neighbour stopped by again. The new farmer said, "You’re not going to believe this, but the second 100 chickens died too." Astounded, the neighbour asked, "What went wrong?" The new farmer said, "Well, I’m not sure whether I’m planting them too deep or too close together."

St. Andrew’s Scole Christmas Fayre ---------------Saturday December 8th

Carol Singing around Scole village Friday December 21st 6.30pm starting from Church 14

10am - 3pm --------------Stalls, refreshments, lunches at Scole Church

Christmas Codeword

:

Christmas is the time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell government what they want and their kids pay for it. - Richard Lamm 15

Scole Parish Open Gardens At the September meeting, the above event received an enthusiastic response from those present and it was agreed to go ahead with the preparations. The dates were fixed for 31 May - 1 June 2008 but at the October meeting these were reviewed and moved to the later period of June 28 - 29.

Billingford, Thelveton and Scole had names of several people who would be willing to open their gardens for that weekend. Other ideas discussed were the possibility of a Flower Festival at the church, an Art Exhibition, plant sales and refreshments at different venues. It was hoped that Billingford Windmill might also be open for viewing.

(

Home Watch

(

Please be aware that break-ins and thefts are still taking place across our region. Opportunist thieves will be taking advantage of the darker nights, so be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

It would be good to have more Home Watch coordinators. There used to be six, but this is now reduced to just one.

If you are interested please contact Pearl on 740753

Do you live on your own ?

Are you aware of the “At Home Not Alone� telephone number?

This enables older citizens to get help for anything they are unable to cope with themselves; for example from a small thing like changing a light bulb to larger ones like a plumbing leak.

There is always a contact on the following number:

0844 800 8014 or www.athomenotalone.co.uk

16

Treat yourself to a special event next summer and help 15 underprivileged Chernobyl children have the time of their lives

SUMMER BALL The Park Hotel, Diss Saturday 28th June 2008

An evening of food, wine, music and dancing

Tickets ÂŁ49 Black tie or smart dress

For information phone 01379 741449 or email summerball@thedavys.plus.com www.parkhotel-diss.co.uk www.insightifa.com

This event does not fall on a Euro 2008 fixture

In aid of Diss and District Friends of Chernobyl’s Children www.focc.org.uk Registered Charity No 1096644

17

From the Central Mobile Police Office....

Anyone wishing to take advantage of a free Crime Prevention survey for their home or business is welcome to come along and see us on the MPO. Likewise with darker nights, we are offering free road safety items for younger residents. We also have the usual free crime prevention items - ie bogus caller stickers and UV security pens etc.

Interesting Christmas Fact In many households, part of the fun of eating Christmas pudding is finding a trinket that predicts your fortune for the coming year. For instance, finding a coin means you will become wealthy. A ring means you will get married; while a button predicts bachelorhood. The idea of hiding something in the pudding comes from the tradition in the Middle Ages of hiding a bean in a cake that was served on Twelfth Night. Whoever found the bean became "king" for the rest of the night. Make sure you look for your trinket this year, you never know!

:

MINCEMEAT AND APPLE TART Shortcrust pastry Cooking apple Mincemeat Fresh double cream : Blanched almonds

1 2

3

175g (6oz) flour (see page 31) 1 cored and grated 175g (6oz) 150ml (5oz) 25g (1oz) toasted and crushed

Method : Roll out pastry and use to line 20.5cm (8in) flan dish.

Mix apple & mincemeat and place in the pastry case. Bake at 220C (400F) or mark 6 for 15 minutes, then at 170C (325F) or :mark 3 for 10 minutes. Cool slightly or until cold.

Lightly whip the cream and spoon over the flan. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve immediately.

18

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Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

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Scole Village Stores

Library Van Calling on Thursdays December 6 & 20 January

3, 17 & 31

February

14 & 28

09.55

Thelveton

10.15

Ransome Avenue

10.27

Reeve Close

10.45

St Andrew’s Rd

11.15

Robinson Road

11.30

Clements Close

01379 741494 Opening Hours- Shop Mon- Fri Sat Sun Bank Holidays

06.0007.0008.0009.00-

20.00 20.00 17.00 18.00

Opening Hours- Post Office Mon, Tue, Thur & Fri 09.00- 17.30 (Closed for lunch 13.00- 14.00) Wed & Sat 09.00- 13.00 Sun Closed

Your local Post Office and Convenience Store providing: Newspapers, Tobacco, Off- Licence, Sweets, Groceries, Postal Services and much more.

Support your Local Shops!

1 - 3 editions (each)

Page size

4 editions

POSTHORN

£60 mono / £110 colour

FULL

£216 mono / £400 colour

ADVERTISING

£30 mono / £55 colour

HALF

£108 mono / £200 colour

RATES

£20 mono / £36 colour

QUARTER

£72 mono / £130 colour

£10 mono / £18 colour

EIGHTH

£36 mono / £65 colour

19

Scole Stores Post Office January 2008 is D-Day! Deliver us our Post Office.

Over the Christmas period please post as many items as you possibly can.

The message is clear:

USE IT or LOSE IT!!

If you have any parcels or stamp requirements please Use our local Post Office!

Kim & Linda and all of the staff wish you all a Very Merry Xmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

We all hope that they can send the same greetings next year!

20

FACT v FICTION

by Rick Wakeman

There’s an amazing amount of fiction surrounding the entertainment industry and rock and roll musicians in particular. I remember when I moved into a house in Camberley in Surrey, the late Charles Church, (who sold me the house), told me that his office had been bombarded by calls and letters from my new neighbours to be, telling him of their disgust that they had sold a house near them to a rock musician who would be undoubtedly holding orgies deep into the early hours with loud music blaring constantly.

Interestingly, after I had been in the house for a month, four people knocked on my door. One was a retired army colonel or major, (I can’t remember which, but I do remember the handlebar moustache).

“We were wondering when you were going to start having your wild parties”…he said, “so we can prepare ourselves. It’s always been a quiet neighbourhood here and we were rather hoping it would stay that way”.

“That’s why I moved here”, I said. , “and I don’t like parties either”.

I swear they walked away somewhat disappointed. 2 days later the colonel sent me an invitation to a party he was having at his house the following week. I did go for half an hour, drank an orange juice and went home. I think that was a disappointment to them as well as I think they were secretly hoping I would do something disgusting just like rock musicians are apparently supposed to do!

I’m constantly being told that rock musicians love wild parties, play music at home at an excruciating volume, eat junk food, come home at 5 in the morning and lay in until early afternoon in a haze of alcohol and the after effects of other illicit substances.

All fiction I’m afraid…well certainly as far as I’m concerned…..I get up at 6am most mornings and like to be in bed before midnight with my nice milky malt drink. I detest junk food, love my fresh veg, which we get from Stuston as well as growing our own, and whilst on the subject of gardens, Rachel and I love gardening too. I reckon we know every garden centre in a 20-mile radius of our home.

I hate loud music, I’m teetotal, dislike parties intensely, (especially loud ones), and have never taken any form of drug in my entire life.

(At this point I feel should remind you that for the last 40 years, my career has been that of a rock and roll musician)…….

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FACT v FICTION continued True, it doesn’t seem to fit in with the general concept people have of the business I’m in, so if I disappoint by not having regular Saturday night orgies and wild parties, I can only apologise . My idea of a nice evening is to have cottage pie with home grown veg, go for a walk round the fens, watch Dad’s Army on UK Gold and on a nice sunny weekend, go off to the Broads or the seaside or go shopping around all the small shops we have discovered.

(We’re very much the small shop supporter).

I hate staying away from home and avoid it like the plague. When doing concerts, if I am within 250 miles of home, then home I drive, and as for London, I loathe going there. Nobody smiles, everybody looks miserable, it’s over-priced and very much a rip-off these days. I so enjoy getting off the train at Diss when I come back from the city. It’s so refreshing and also 102 miles away from Ken Livingstone!

So, any downsides since coming here?….just the one…..I’ve put on more than a stone in weight, which I am now desperately trying to lose before Xmas! I only eat good healthy fresh food most of the time, but it’s just so good I eat three times what I used to.

2007 will be our third Xmas here . I love Xmas and I become just like a little kid again, (correct that to “little fat kid”)…..I know I’ll eat too much which means January and February will be diet months….maybe I should consider liposuction !!

SCOLE VILLAGE FETE 12 JULY 2008 There was a good turnout for the meeting that took place at Scole Community Centre on 31st October to discuss the 2008 Scole Village Fete. Lots of good ideas were put forward for stalls and activities.

Once again the Fete will take place on the playing field and although Saturday 12th July may seem a long way off some people need to be booked early to avoid clashing dates.

Each group and organisation is encouraged to participate and if you missed the October meeting, try to have a representative attending the next one on Friday 11th January at 7.30pm at the Community Centre. There is a suggested list of activities or organisations can come up with their own ideas. Each group will be asked to donate a raffle prize, 5 tombola prizes and 3 cakes for the cake stall. Proceeds will be pooled and divided equally between the organisations.

Events of this nature take a lot of organising to be successful and your input will help lighten the load. Further details can be obtained from the Fete Co-ordinator: June Foreman - 740902

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THE SCOLE AND DISTRICT BOWLS CLUB The recent achievements of the ‘Friendly Club’ The common consensus among the members of the club was that the 2006 season was the most enjoyable and the most successful season the Club had had for 25 years. We were champions of the Border League and Vic Buckle conquered all to become the League’s Singles Champion.

We are well known now as being ‘The Friendly Club’, where the enjoyment of the game and the comradeship takes precedence over results. In June last year, one of our most stalwart members, David Aldous, who owns Aldous Auto Repairs in Harleston, agreed to be our new sponsor, providing us all with new custom designed match shirts. We believe that this spurred us on and had much to do with our achievements in that season and the sense of pride we all have in the Club.

Although the period between early September and the end of April is the close season for outdoor bowls, it didn’t mean that our social activities were curtailed. We had two quiz nights in that time, both of which were financially very successful for the club and were well attended by members and non members alike. In November we had a friendly Darts Tournament against our friends from Wortham and this event will hopefully be re-enacted on an annual basis. Christmas and Easter bingo evenings proved to be the usual great fun for all who attended. It is always good to see the number of ‘non member’ villagers who support our close season social events.

Everybody seems to have a great time.

Members did extensive work to improve the green and our small clubhouse during our ‘lay off’ period and we looked forward to warm summer evenings and the thrill of more success in good company in the 2007 season. Could we do as well? Well the answer has been a resounding ‘Yes’.

In spite of the appalling weather at the start of the season in May we managed to get through the season without having to rearrange too many matches.

Although we failed to retain our Border League title, coming third this year, we had the pleasure of seeing Tony Preston reach the finals of the League Singles. The club also won the Pauline Thrower Triples title. Our greatest achievement was winning our division of the E.B.A. League and being promoted. We also reached the semi finals of the prestigious Hansells Solicitors League Cup. All in all, our 40 members, men and ladies, have given good account of themselves.

The enthusiasm has been infectious and tremendous fun has been had by all.

The ‘close season’ is once more upon us and we have already had one of our famous Quiz Nights, but our next event is the ‘Christmas Bingo’ on Saturday 8th December.

We look forward to having a good attendance at the Community Centre on the night.

Do come and join us.

On the bowling front, we are always happy to welcome those, either young or not so young, experienced or beginners, who wish to integrate into this ‘happy band’.

Robin Shortell (Sec) – 01379 740053.

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LASTS AUTO REPAIRS Norwich Road - Scole - Diss We are an independent garage offering a friendly and professional service at very competitive prices.

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This was followed by a period working for DC Last Vehicle Repairs, Bungay Road.

Following their move to Norwich Road, Lindsay took over the workshop in June 2003 and since then has made many changes, updating the workshop equipment including the latest diagnostic scanning, four wheel alignment, computer wheel balancing and air conditioning equipment.

24

Lindsay and his team offer a wide range of services but most importantly feel that customer care and treating all their needs individually makes for a good relationship with respect and trust.

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At Lasts Auto Repairs you will find 5 qualified technicians all to City & Guilds or the latest BTEC standards.

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GINGERBREAD COTTAGE HAIRCUTTERS It seems that every old Harleston house has a history. The pretty 17th century cottage in Church street, reminiscent of a gingerbread house, was recorded as a Beer House in 1851.

It was named The Plough, a widely used inn sign proving the agricultural connection.

The proprietor was John Jackson who also ran a carriers business with wagons leaving A cross-stitch of Gingerbread Harleston for Norwich at 5.00 am twice a Cottage sewn by a member of staff week.

Jo Redgrave

Since 1992 it has been a hairdressing salon under the direction of Nick and Sharon Whyte. The business has established itself with one of the largest clientele in East Anglia, clients travelling from every part of Norfolk, Suffolk, as far away as London and even Paris!

Nick says “the success of the salon has been due to attention to our clients needs and level of client service, also continuous training of our professional staff and having fun at work which I think is critical�

Gingerbread Cottage had a complete make over last year increasing its accommodation to two floors for complete client comfort.

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26

The Newspaper Round

By Jack Bell Snore, snore, it’s 6.45am and I am suddenly woken by my mum telling me it’s time to get up because the papers are here. I am not allowed to deliver before 7am and sneak another 5 minutes before my duvet is hauled off me.

I am then told one of the following - “put your waterproofs on it is starting to rain” or “ make sure your lights are on, it’s dull” or “hurry up, BF likes his papers by 7.20”.

I sort the papers into delivery order and I’m on my way. I also deliver the monthly bills, not forgetting the Diss Express on Fridays and the heavyweights on Saturdays. I see very few people apart from the milkman and have not been chased by any dogs to date. I deliver from Robinson Road through the village to St. Andrews and St. Leonards Close, arriving home at approximately 7.40. I do make the occasional mistake but usually manage to get it sorted, even if I have to get people out of bed.

I look forward to Friday as it is pay day and Sunday when I can have a lie in.

We appreciate you Jack - Ed

A fascinating Norfolk fact!

Edith Cavell Born 1865 Swardeston, Norfolk. Died 1915 Brussels. Edith was an English nurse executed during first World War for being a spy.

Quite simply a World War I heroine. After training as a nurse, she was appointed matron of the Berkendael Institute in Brussels, Belgium in 1907.

During World War I, it was taken over by the Red Cross and she helped hundreds of soldiers from allied forces escape to the Netherlands, for which she was arrested by the Germans in 1915 and subsequently executed by a firing squad.

Her statue stands in St Martins Place, near Trafalgar Square, London.

WANTED! Community First Responders Help people in your area and save lives For more information call 01603 481220 Email: responderadmin@eastamb.nhs.uk 27

Church Contact Details Priest-in-Charge Church Wardens Scole Church Secretary Scole Billingford

Rev. Trevor Riess The Rectory, Mill Lane, Scole IP21 4DB

Tel: 742762

Maurice Cormack Lynda Mansfield

Tel: 741197 Tel: 740401

Mary Keep Brian Nunn

Tel: 740072 Tel: 740723

Church News & Happenings Reader Training Almost two years ago, with Trevor’s encouragement I went to a ‘So you want to be a Readers’ exploration day. I did not have an extensive array of formal qualifications, but I did have some experience of the church and the faith, so, having thought and prayed about it I decided to go forward for the training.

After many meetings with various folk involved with Reader Training in the Diocese, and after an intensive interview day, I was accepted for the course.

I was amazed, honoured and scared! The year has gone by very quickly.

I attend a tutorial (lecture) at the Cathedral every week and there are the odd Seminars to attend. There are 12 of us in the group and we all get along very well. They are a kind and loving bunch of folk and we try to get together for a meal and a glass of wine at the end of each term. (There is fun in studying too!)

During the year I have had to put together six 3,000-word essays - having never written a 3000 word essay in my life before. This was the scary bit, but I am pleased to say that I attained a pass mark in every one, and have found it most fulfilling. Trevor has given me relevant training and has helped me a great deal. Also, sermons to write and services to prepare, life has been quite busy. But it is good. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Lynda Mansfield

CHRISTMAS SERVICES For Carol Services - see Sunday Service details on p30.

Christmas Eve Christmas Day

4.30pm Crib & Christingle - Scole Church 11.30pm Holy Communion - Brockdish Church 9.30am Family Service & Communion - Brockdish 11am Family Service & Communion - Scole 28

THOUGHTS FROM THE RECTORY

“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world”.

John ch.1 verse 9 The past few weeks have been rather exciting. The Alpha Course ( which started in mid - September ) has seen a dozen folk sharing together and learning about the Christian faith - it’s been an illuminating experience.

In late October, after a wait of 3 months we learnt that we had received a grant from Awards For All for equipment to run a Film Club. Now we will have equipment to illuminate the church with films.

I’ve met with various church councils across the benefice over the past few months regarding a “Committed to Growth” strategy for the parishes from the Norwich Diocese. Each church in it’s own way is looking outwards seeking to illuminate Christ in their communities with the gospel message.

For Billingford it’s not easy without a church or village hall and the church away from the main community. But Billingford will move forward using the resources God has given - homes of people especially.

For Scole the strategy has meant much discussion and planning. After prayer and reflection it became clear that our Sunday services need to reach wider than our present congregation. They need to appeal to families, old and young. What is needed is flexibility and informality. An opportunity for sharing and friendship. Time to learn and growth in faith. A time not to be talked at but to share in. “Light + house” emerged. And how appropriate is that title - light shining out from God’s house - shining out into the community giving understanding and insight into the “things” of God”.

The first “Lighthouse” will take place on Advent Sunday ( Dec 2nd ) at 10.45 for 11am. It’s not a service as such. It’s light for anyone - all ages. It’s new.

It will be different and we are excited about the possibilities. All it needs is you.

Come and be illuminated. Let the light of Christ, God’s true light, shine upon you as John spoke of, in his gospel.

May your Christmas be full of peace and hope and the New Year illuminated with God’s true light.

Trevor 29

December Sunday

2

9.30am Billingford 10.45 for 11am Scole 6pm Brockdish

HC Lighthouse - something different for Advent Sunday Advent Service of Praise & Light

Sunday

9

11am Scole

HC

Sunday

16

11am Scole

Carol Service

Sunday

23

11am Scole

HC

6pm Billingford

Sunday

30

10.30am Billingford

6

9.30am Billingford

Carol service Benefice Carol Praise

January Sunday

9.45 for 10am Scole

Sunday Sunday

13 20

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Lighthouse

11am Scole

MP

11am Scole

MP

9.30am Billingford 9.45 for 10am Scole

Sunday

HC

MP Lighthouse

11am Scole

HC

11am Scole

HC

4.30pm Scole

Celebration - Big G

9.30am Billingford

HC

February Sunday

3

9.45 for 10am Scole

Sunday

10

Sunday

17

11am Scole

MP

11am Scole

HC

9.30am Billingford 9.45 for 10am Scole

Sunday

24

Lighthouse

MP Lighthouse

11am Scole

MP

11am Scole

HC

4.30pm Scole

30

Celebration - Rev’d Canon Michael Paddison

Happenings of Folk Baptisms

September 1st October 14th

Gea Tassan - Din William Craig

Marriage

September 8th

Colin Clarke and Nikki Minko

Funeral

October 18th

Michael Wilson ( 77 yrs )

Scole Village Dominoes

by Alan Frith Unfortunately we started the same as we started last season, badly!

Our first game was with Brome Social Club at home where we suffered our first defeat of the season. We then went to Winfarthing, The Fighting Cock which is a lovely little country pub with a very friendly crowd. Although the evening was very enjoyable it would have been better if we had not been completely overwhelmed and lost by one of our biggest margins yet! Our only saving grace was when we went to Brome Social Club for the Pat & John Ward Memorial Shield, which is a competition for pairs from all the clubs in the area. The evening is one of the highlights of the domino calendar when players from all the local clubs meet to play on the same evening. The play was followed by a large raffle with numerous prizes and then a spectacular spread of food. The evening was rounded off by one of our pairs reaching the semi-finals.

After the first two disastrous games we thought the only way was up, wrong! Diss Cue Club came to visit and gave us a good hiding in the shape of 5-11. The next game was with Gissing Crown where we faired a little better by only loosing by one point.

This we hope is the turning point in our rise to fame.

Homemade shortcrust pastry I like to make my pastry with self raising flour rather than with plain, but the choice is yours.

You will need: Self raising flour Lard & margarine 1 2 3 4 5

175g (6oz) sieve if desired 75g (3oz) in total half of each 2 tablespoons of water approx.

Place in large bowl - add fat cut up into small pieces.

Rub fat & flour with tips of fingers, lifting out of bowl to incorporate as much air as possible.

Carry on until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add water a little at a time until mixture binds together to form a stiff dough.

Knead lightly then wrap in clingfilm and place in fridge to rest for 15 minutes.

Remove from fridge - your pastry is ready to be used.

31

A Suffolk boy in East Africa

By Chris Earl

We continue the story of Sam Speare from the Autumn edition. The boy from the poorest family in Rickinghall fulfils his dream by working for the missionary Bishop Tozer in Zanzibar.

The tropical weather did not suit the wealthy English missionaries but Sam born into hardship seems to have avoided cholera and the fevers suffered by others. Often a passing man of war would transport the sick to the Seychelles for recuperation. On one occasion he wrote “The newly arrived Mombassa missionary and his wife are paying a visit to Zanzibar for their health. I do not think they will get much better here for they have fever The only known already.” They returned to England shortly after.

photograph of Sam

On 1st October 1869 Sam wrote, “ I have been to the mainland” (modern day Tanzania). The party trekked across the country in pouring rain carrying corrugated iron to Magira to set up a mission. They remained for a week; “the people there were much amazed when they saw the iron house”.

Back in Zanzibar Sam spent time at “The Shamba”, the country house in the hills. Here he happily spent much time clearing the ground tidying the graveyard, sowing seed and building a veranda. The boys who accompanied him thatched the roof with coconut leaves. Sam regularly mentions “the boys”, freed slaves taken in by the mission. These boys were given religious education, baptism and confirmation. Sam paid particular attention to their behaviour, in one letter he writes: “One of the boys has been misbehaving, he was confirmed recently, which makes it so sad as it was a case of theft”. At this time the British Consul had a good working relationship with the Sultan. Evidence of this is given by Sam - “ A Dhow with 180 slaves was stolen from Zanzibar. Sultan Barghash sent word and a man of war was sent to capture them, they fought with some loss of lives but returned the slaves to Zanzibar”. He adds “it was right late at night”.

Cholera struck the whole of East Africa in 1869. In a letter to Rickinghall we read; “December was a bad month with many deaths in town and on the mainland, Mr. Frazer (the mainland missionary) is dead, 300 people died in a day”. Other news at that time - Feb. 1870 “A Steamship came to us through the new Suez canal, it took only 30 days from Marseilles to Zanzibar”.

In August 1870 Sam wrote: “ The Bishop has been to the mainland . It was the rainy season with many mosquitoes. The Bishop returned with fever and Mr Handcock is to take over the mainland”. In October, after a month, Mr Handcock returned with fever and was buried at the Shamba graveyard. In spite of all the sickness around him, Sam continued in good health.

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Sam writes, “A new explorer Mr. Stanley arrived and slept on the roof of the American Ambassadors residence to acclimatise himself to the hardships of Africa!”

He was starting his expedition to find Dr. Livingstone. At Whitsun 1872 Sam wrote of the Hurricane that struck Zanzibar. Sam was in the town at the time and says, “I am writing to tell you of the most dreadful storm which struck us, first the iron roof blew off, we nailed up the shutters, the wind increased, cocoa trees blew over, the veranda blew away with the rest of the roof. We all gathered together in the room that was by now flooded and prayed.”

On the following day they left the house to see the devastation, “The Bishops house and the sea wall is destroyed, boats, huts and water tanks blown away, the dhows are all wrecked”. The destruction gave Sam much work as the Shamba was also devastated with the new roof blown off and 600 trees blown down. In a later letter Sam wrote, “Mr Stanley has returned, he saw Dr Livingstone who does not want anyone to come to him including the Royal Geographic party!” The only request from Livingstone was for some Negroes with chains and collars. All at Zanzibar laughed at the eccentric behaviour of Livingstone. The rescue party who were standing by set for home, much to the amusement of the local people; the request for Negroes was ignored.

In January 1878 Sam was on the mainland at Magira where he; “found things in a dreadful state. We set about clearing the ground and rebuilding the mission”.

From this point Sam settled in Magira working hard to re-establish the mission doing his best to ignore calls for his return to England. He wrote, “Surely they can wait a little longer, there is so much work still to do!” By May in Zanzibar with orders to return home he writes, “Mr Midgeley is going up to Magira shortly, I hope the mission will not be neglected. God prosper our work to his glory and the advancement of his kingdom”. By July he was leaving Zanzibar by mail steamer via Aden.

After some time in London and visits to his mother at Rickinghall, in September he began his training for ordination at Burgh School in Lincolnshire. By all accounts Sam settled to his studies with his usual enthusiasm and became well liked by his tutors and fellow students. In November Sam’s mother received a telegram from Lincolnshire; Sam was seriously ill and not expected to survive.

With his mother by his side, on November 11th Samuel Speare died, aged 20. The final irony was that Sam had survived tropical heat, mosquitoes, cholera and a great storm in Africa only to be taken once he was home in England. It was written at the time “after a life so pure and unselfish he was called by God.” Part of the window at Rickinghall Superior Church dedicated to Samuel Speare. Bishop Tozers’ sister also a missionary at the time initiated the witting of the book and the commissioning of this window by The Missionary Society in 1896. Doves and four black boys can be seen.

33

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34

My Favourite View

By Leigh Travail

The Scole Bypass is definitely not my favourite view. I know it serves a purpose but concrete roads never look attractive. Could you imagine naming a film ‘Two Lane Grey Top’, no… neither can I. My favourite view in the parish has to be west of the A140 looking back towards the village, but this vista is temporary and lasts only a few evenings in summer; when the sun has to travel that little bit further before it can rest for the night. Walk about 100 yards up Angles Way having left Millers Lane and pause for a moment, looking to the east you will see the tower of St. Andrew’s Church flanked by two horse chestnut trees, as both the field and churchyard are elevated the church appears to be standing in a field of golden wheat. Time it correctly and you will be there just as the last of the day’s sunshine upon it. if you are too early a shadow from the trees darken part of the church, but catch it just right and you will witness the two trees, cornfield and church bathed in yellow glory, even if it is only for a hour or so!

Let’s have more of these - Ed

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The Playing Field Just a couple of moans this quarter.

Vandalism is still occurring, please report any incidents that you see.

Dog Fouling! An ongoing problem. Please note, those that allow their dogs to foul the footpath leading to the Playing Field - this is totally unacceptable, especially as there is a dog bin situated at the gate to the field.

Please see Parish Council notes -------------------------------------------Haven’t the beautiful flowers outside Scole School brightened up your day when you have gone past?

“Blooming bootiful”.

6, Dickleburgh Road, Shimpling, Diss. IP21 4UJ

Thank you Ray Constance.

35

Scole Feather Report

by Trevor Raven

What a nice place we live in. We went to Italy recently, to Tuscany. The

weather was great, the food - Italian at its best, and the towns and villages stunningly beautiful. We toured the lovely countryside, visited the museums and cathedrals, and gasped at the splendour of the statues and magnificent architecture. But where were the birds? The countryside and even the towns are almost empty. In just over a week we saw only 18 different kinds of bird.

Apparently the men in Tuscany love to hunt - they trap and shoot everything. Birds and animals: Robins, sparrows, goldfinches and linnets. These they roast as tasty morsels on sticks, and consider them a great delicacy.

Over a period of some 2 thousand years they have wiped out virtually all the small birds.

Arriving back home from the airport we sat in our conservatory, and in half an hour saw blackbird, robin, dunnock, sparrow, greenfinch, goldfinch, chaffinch, great tit, blue tit, coal tit, wood pigeon, collared dove, great spotted woodpecker, rook, black headed gull, starling, wren and jackdaw.

18 common birds, easy to spot any day around Scole village. That evening we heard the tawny owls calling to each other across Bungay Road, as usual. Next day a sparrow hawk visited our garden. A barn owl was hunting in the fields alongside the Waveney, and a buzzard was down Norgate Lane. We really are very lucky to live in such wonderful countryside.

Look out for yellow hammers in the hedgerows, especially around Thorpe Parva. They seem to be gathering again in impressive numbers. Field fares are easy to spot around Scole Common. They are Winter thrushes from Scandinavia, and feed mainly on berries. You can see groups of them sitting at the tops of trees, and when they fly they make a loud croaky sound.

The other day we had a weasel walk under our bird feeders and across the garden.

Their favourite prey are bank voles, and we have a family living under the feeders.

Perhaps he knows where they are, and visits regularly, but this is the first time we’ve seen him.

Hares seem to be everywhere this year. We counted a group of 10 off Norgate lane one evening. What with all the partridges in the fields, the place is alive with creatures. Now I’m told there is a deer making a frequent appearance at the end of Bungay Road.

36

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Ash Wednesday Communion February 6th at 7.30pm

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Scole Church

Calling Local Artists As part of the Parish Open Gardens event in June 2008, we would like to include an exhibition of local artists’ work in Thelveton Church. If you have any paintings or craftwork that you would like to display can you please contact Corinne Moore 01379 741716 in the first instance to discuss. We also need some help with the event, if you are able to offer a couple of hours please let me know.

Garden Tips for February 1st week: Winter flowering shrubs. Make and plant rock gardens.

Start dahlia tubers. Feed fruit trees. Sow early vegetables under glass.

2nd week: Feed spring cabbage. Plant lilies. Sow sweet peas under glass.

Top dress asparagus beds. Complete the planting of fruit trees.

3rd week: Plant lilies of the valley. Prune buddlejas. Take fuchsia and verbena cuttings. Transplant autumn sown onions. Prune autumn fruiting raspberries.

4th week: Start begonias and gloxinias. Sow parsnips and Brussel Sprouts. Prune fig trees. Sow lettuce and radishes. Spray peaches against leaf curl.

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38

SCOLE MOTHERS’ UNION At our August meeting members enjoyed hearing about "The Way We Were".

A great discussion took place about members earlier lives from the 1930s onwards. Photographs were passed around for each other to see what we were doing (and what we looked like) in our younger days and how lives had changed.

In September Christine Virgin from Harleston tested our memories and spoke about the changes that have happened over time. Her message was to remember that the Gospel has never changed.

Rev. Liz Billett was the speaker at the October meeting and the theme of her talk was "Tides". She explained about the reflections in the ebbing and flowing and linked it all in to God's faithfulness.

Future meetings: No meeting will take place in December, instead there will be a Deanery Carol service at St. Mary's Church in Diss on 20th December at 2.30pm.

The AGM will be held on 17th January, 2008 at 2.15pm.

The February meeting will take place on Thursday 21st. A short service of Holy Communion will take place during the afternoon.

Scole Mothers' Union meets in the Church at 2.15pm every third Thursday of the month. All are welcome to join us. The goal of the M.U. is to be specifically committed to strengthening and preserving family life.

Women’s Institute On Thursday 5th December Mrs Armstrong will be showing how to decorate for Christmas. The competition is for 4 nibbles to share.

In the New Year the January meeting on the 3rd will be John Baines and Richard Pither talking on Village Water in Zambia.

Those who have read the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph will have an idea what “The Red Hat Society” is all about. Those who haven’t will find out when Sheila Sobell comes on Thursday 7th February.

2008 competitions have not yet been decided.

Meetings take place on the first Thursday of the month at “Hopefield” Norwich Road Scole starting at 7.30pm. Female visitors are always welcome.

39

A TALE OF TWO HORSESHOES

By Chris Earl

In 1877 William Amos Gardner and his wife Thirza moved into their new home, built 10 years earlier in Low Road Billingford, next door to the forge. William had become the village smith that year, a post he held for at least 50 years.

At that time the post office was run by Anne Cooper from her home in “the white house” beyond the forge. On her death in 1891 the office was moved to the house next door and William Amos became Postmaster. The post office was to remain in the family for 97 years. William and Thirza had six children and their eldest son, William James, followed his father as a blacksmith.

In 1902 William James married Lily daughter of Rosa Peake licensee of The Billingford Horseshoes. Rosa became a popular hostess at The Horseshoes reigning there for 34 years until 1935. WJ and Lily raised three daughters, all the family living at the post office.

With father and son as smiths the forge prospered until 1927 when William James suddenly died. WA continued as the village blacksmith.

In 1911 Lily became the Postmistress and remained so until her death 48 years later in 1959. Her youngest daughter Flossie, as the post-girl, cycled around Upper and Lower Billingford delivering and collecting the post and becoming a familiar figure to all.

One day she met Cecil “Dick” Willsher the driver of a machine called a Gyro-tiller. T his was a cross between a traction engine and a rotavator, a huge machine principally used for bringing scrubland into cultivation during and just after WWII. They married in 1936 and raised three children at the post office.

1935 was a year of change for Billingford. William Amos Gardner died leaving the forge to jobbing blacksmiths. Rosa Peake, the Horseshoes licensee retired during that year and the link between the two businesses and families was broken. Rosa died in 1939.

On the death of her mother Lily, Flossie Willsher became the Postmistress, a post she was to retain for 28 years. Billingford post office was never more than a room in the house to the left of the front door; it was in fact the dining room with the dining table serving as a counter.

40

There was a lowboy where forms were stored, a cashbox and a telephone on the wall (Telephone number Scole 202). There was little need for more as all the surplus materials such as envelopes were returned to Diss for recycling! To the right of the front door was the holy of holies, the front room, only used at Christmas and on special occasions during Lily’s lifetime.

Flossie’s favourite building was always Billingford windmill and when Victor Valiant, the Billingford cycle dealer, bought the mill and subsequently sold it to the Norfolk Windmills Trust she was delighted because she was able to witness it’s restoration.

In 1988 Flossie stepped down from running the post office due to ill-health and failing eyesight. She worked for the post office at Billingford for 68 years. The combined working lives of the Gardner and Peake families in Billingford total at least 236 years.

Following Flossie’s death in 1997 the post office and blacksmiths shop was sold to the Norfolk Windmills Trust to be used partially as a museum and complement the mill.

This should have been a fitting tribute to the Gardner family and Flossie. Sadly things did not work out as planned and the post office has now been converted back to a house.

Maybe Flossie did not need a monument as she is fondly remembered by Billingford residents and all who knew her.

Film Club

Thank you

Look out early in 2008

to everyone who helped with the churchyard working parties in the Autumn.

A grant from “Awards for All” has been received for the equipment.

Great teamwork.

Scole Community Christmas Celebration

t u O d l So

Monday December 10th at 7.30pm In Scole Church Featuring Rick Wakeman & The Salvation Army Band This is a charity fundraising event for The Salvation Army and The East Anglian Air Ambulance 41

Bringing the complementary to the orthodox Affiliated to Botesdale Health Centre The Drift, Botesdale, Diss, IP22 1DH www.botesdalehc.co.uk

· · · · · · ·

Relaxation and visualisation · Osteopathy Traditional Chinese medicine · Physiotherapy Hopi ear candle treatment · Chiropody Hearing Care Centre · Podiatry Acupuncture · Hypnotherapy Counselling · Herbal medicine Swedish, Indian Head and aromatherapy massages You do not need to be referred by your doctor or Have to be a patient at Botesdale to use The Orves Centre

42

The wonderful restoration of Scole War Memorial

The People of the Village and Scole Parish Council wish to thank Roy Waterfield and his team for the magnificent improvement to the look of the War Memorial completed in October 2007.

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Windmills and Renewable Energy

by Roy Philpot The debate continues about renewable energy sources and these are constantly being promoted by Government and all of the political parties, but how do you feel about playing your part in the process of providing that energy? Recent proposals were put forward regarding the placing of five 125 metre high wind turbines at the Pulhams, and these were rejected by most Villagers and Councillors alike.

If your Council was approached about whether or not it should consider having these turbines in our Parish what would be your view? A polling slip has been designed overleaf for your use should you wish to take a view on this matter. If the results of this poll result in more than a 50% majority either way, I propose that they should be recognised by the Parish Council for a period of four years.

Audrey at home in Scole 2007 1944

Thanks to all who take the time and trouble to vote.

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Parish Councillors Stephen Buckle Sue Redgrave Pearl Fisher Ray Franklin Alan Frith Roy Philpot Corinne Moore Graham Moore Jackie Jones Fran Pitt - Pladdy Jenny Wilby Marion Cook (Clerk)

Situated in Diss Billingford Scole Scole Scole Scole Thelveton Thelveton Thelveton County Councillor District Councillor Shimpling, Diss

Telephone Number 07811 165026 01379 740837 01379 740753 01379 741141 01379 742739 01379 741110 01379 741716 01379 741716 01379 740920 01379 853276 01379 740662 01379 741453

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Village Referendum Local Democracy in action!

What do you think about having Wind Turbines in our immediate area? Do you think that they’re good or not so good?

Vote on whether your council should accept or reject these in our area.

Here’s your chance to have your say!

Please mark with an ‘X’ in the box.

Vote Yes Accept Wind Turbines

Vote No Reject Wind Turbines

Please post your ballot slip into the yellow PostHorn Mailbox in Scole Stores by 31st December 2007.

The results will be published in the Spring edition of the PostHorn.

44

Discovering the joys of bellringing

by Gordon Larkins Having already picked up a leaflet on the subject from St Andrew’s church and thought ‘that might be interesting to try’, I was approached by David Paddison and asked if I’d be interested in taking up bellringing. His seeds fell on fertile ground, so to speak.

St Andrew’s has six bells and David is the Tower Captain. The only other ringer is David Hillier so reliance on outside support from 4 other ringers is always needed for services and weddings. The message is clearly, “Your tower needs you!”

I started my ringing training on a one to one basis. “It’s like learning to ride a ‘bike” I was told, “once you acquire the skill, it’s with you for ever”. Initially, as like acquiring any new skill, patience and determination are essential. Those two attributes I possessed, in my desire to master the techniques required. Competent ringers make it all look so easy, until you try each aspect yourself. You then realise it is not that easy. I suppose bell ringing must be like other skills, some folk are naturals and take to it “like a duck to water”.

I was definitely not in that category!

I had no idea how bells were rung. I thought that the bells hung in the tower, and you tugged a rope - how wrong I was. Bells are attached to a wheel with the rope going round the wheel. The bell is rung full circle, first one way and then the other by rotating the wheel. The wheel partially takes the rope up with it, first one way, then down, and again up the other side, with the clapper hitting the bell twice (once on each swing). Continuous ringing involves controlling the bell swing back and forth.

Once able to ‘handle’ the bell, you get to ring in ‘rounds’ with the other bells. This is a time when you think that all the practice and training has been worth it and it is very rewarding. It is the bottom rung of the ladder though, because from here you can progress into ringing methods, the music of ringing. It is as challenging as you want it to be. You can remain at any level, it’s up to you.

At this stage, visits to other towers are encouraged and present a good opportunity to expand one’s level of skill and experience because ringers of all abilities are welcomed on practice nights. In Norfolk alone there are about one hundred ringable towers with active ringers. Practices can be found every weekday evening. Since I started in April I have rung at six different towers and have met many ringers and made new friends.

Why not take up the challenge and have a go yourself? It can be addictive. Younger bell ringers end up marrying other bellringers and there are many couples who have made it their major leisure time activity. Some ringers go on bellringing holidays ringing at several towers every day for the duration of their holiday. Such concentration is required that it gets you away from the other pressures of life. If you are interested, contact either David Paddison [740017] or David Hillier [740158] and have a go.

45

VILLAGE DIRECTORY Group / Organisation Contact Scole Pre-School

....... Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri 9.15 - 11.45 Isabel Alexander 740363 / Shirley Shiress 740574

Scole Baby & Toddler Group

....... Every Wednesday in term time 9.30 - 11.30

Friends of Scole School

Ring 741204 between these times only for both groups ....... Lindsey Chapman 741811

1st Scole Brownies

....... Jenny Hubbard ( Brown Owl ) 741372

Scole Mothers Union

....... Georgie O’Shaughnessy 740127

Scole Women’s Institute

....... Shirley Hall 740636

Scole Social Club

....... Pearl Fisher 740753

Scole Domino Club

....... Peggy Stygall 740986

Over 55s Friendship Club

....... Joyce Coleman 740384

Scole & Distict Bowls Club

....... Robin Shortell 740053

Big G Youth Club

....... Lynda Mansfield 740401

Brenda Harman 740608 and June Foreman 740902

Scole Lads FC

....... Adrian Ward 741536

Scole United Football Club

....... Vic Buckle 740327

First Team Manager

....... Ron Edwards 740316

Reserves Manager

....... Paul Edwards c/o Edgars Hairdresser 07768 087144

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Medical Emergency ( out of hours )

01603 488 488

NHS Direct

0845 4647

Norfolk Constabulary ( non emergency )

0845 456 4567

Gas ( emergencies )

0800 111 999

Anglian Water

08457 145 145

Home Watch

01379 650773

South Norfolk District Council

01508 533 633

Street lighting, pavements, litter Marion Cook ( Clerk to Parish Council )

01379 741453 scoleparishcouncil @msn.com

District Councillor ( Jenny Wilby )

01379 741504

Network Rail ( enquiries )

08457 484950

Borderhoppa

01379 854800

Meadow Green Dog Rescue ( Loddon )

01508 548216

Tim Page - Scole Bridge Ranger

01379 788008

46

Police Mobile Unit Visits Tuesdays 9.20am To 10.50am

(not Dec ) 22 Jan 19 Feb The unit will be parked in Scole at the Bungay Road lay-by

Feet First Lisa Howlett MBRA · Reflexology. · Indian Head Massage. · Hopi Ear Candles.

Trained by the Bayly School of Reflexology.

I am available at : Rickinghall, Botesdale, and Starston

Telephone 01379 898028 Mobile 07989 565210 e-mail: feet_first1@yahoo.co.uk

The Team would like to wish all our readers and our advertisers a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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01379 644461

Alastair Clarke Tiling Services Brockdish

47

www.conkers4kids.co.uk

THE CROSSWAYS INN Bridge Road, Scole, Diss

01379 740638 Excellent Food and Great Atmosphere Local Real Ales Best Sunday Roasts Large Garden with Children’s Play Area

D E C EM B E R Sat 1st

The Harves (musical duo) Sat 8th Neville Rowe (guitarist/singer) Sat 15th Karaoke Fri 21st Martin Williams (rock ‘n’ roll) nd Sat 22 A.J. (musical tributes) Christmas Eve Graham McGrotty (brilliant guitarist) Sat 29th Richard Taylor (Guitarist & vocalist) New Year’s Eve Belladonna (Kev & Alex)

JANUARY Sat 5th

Open Mic Night

Sat 12th Liam Harvey (guitarist) Sat 19th Pavarotti Sat 26th A.J. (musical tributes)

F EB R U A R Y

JAZZ ~ See noticeboard or call for date of next event

Feb 2nd Karaoke Feb 9th

Weekly Events Monday ~ Free Pool after 8pm Tuesday ~ Darts Wednesday ~ Quiz Night Thursday ~ Pool League Friday ~ Traditional Pub Games Weekend ~ Live Music

Martin Williams (rock ‘n’ roll)

Valentines Night Feb 14th Richard Taylor (guitarist & vocalist) Sat 16th Graham McGrotty (brilliant guitarist) Sat 23rd Belladonna (Kev & Alex)