ashlink-2025-02

The Ashlink February March 2025

Ashill Green. February 9th 2021

The Editor's Bit This is the first issue of the Ashlink actually produced this year and already it looks like lots will be happening. At present it is just above freezing and of course there is the old country saying about February fill dyke, predicting ditches full of rain or snow. The weather seems so changeable of late however it is hard to predict exactly what the year may hold.

We do know however that St Nicholas Church will finally have a minister again – the Bishop of Norwich has offered the position to Patrick Morrow and he has accepted. Patrick has written a piece for us to give some background about himself so he will not be a complete stranger when he arrives. I notice that he is already quite active on Facebook! Everyone is invited to the licencing ceremony on the 18th February at 6pm.

If you are thinking of becoming a dog owner you will be interested in the article by Steve Swallow and in fact, as a dog owner already it was an interesting read. I shall be hopefully pestering Steve for more articles – he can join our amazing team of writers – as can anyone who has something interesting to share with the village!

Our next issue will be a bit different too. The revived Ashlink was set up on the understanding that it would not prioritise commercial advertising as this was overwhelming the magazine. There has been a steady demand from businesses for advertising space however so my team have come up with a great idea. The next issue will be a bumper size Business Special. If you are already on our local businesses list you will have priority to advertise in the Ashlink for this edition. We will be taking quarter page adverts at a cost of £25 donation and intend to provide around four or five pages for adverts. If this is successful we will repeat the exercise for the December issue. To place an advert contact me (the editor) at glen.ashlink@gmail.com and I will provide details of formats and how to make your donation.

All Parish Councill minutes etc can be found online at https://ashillparishcouncil.norfolkparishes.gov.uk/ as well as lots of extra community information The Ashlink is also published online at https://www.ashlink.co.uk/

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Friday Luncheon club If you are on your own, need a cooked meal once a week and would like to socialise with people then contact the organiser Denise Hucklesby on 01760 441514.

If you normally attend but are unable to come please let Denise know by Wednesday afternoon.

We are also always looking for volunteers!

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What's on at The Call In Find out more: Contaact Chair person Dee Bolton 01760 441 622

Where is The Call In? The Green, Hale Road IP25 7AT Next to the duck pond

07926917409 AVA Contact, Ray Hucklesby 01760 441 514

AVA ARCHIVES GROUP Monday 10.00 ‐ 12.00am COFFEE MORNINGS TUESDAY and THURSDAY 9.30 ‐ 11.30am All Welcome Come along, for a Mardle (Chat) and meet New Friends Hot spot Community space. Soup and a roll from 11.30 to 1pm PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB Every other Wednesday7.00‐9.00pm,For Details Contact Ray 07808 922171 Email: Raydee10@hotmail.com CRAFT CLUB Wednesday 10 ­ 1200 every 3rd week of the month MEMORY CAFE from the 8th January, every second Wed of the month from 10.30 ­ 1200 Further information telephone 0754 862 6337.

BEETLE DRIVE every other Thursday 2.00 ‐ 4.30pm LUNCH CLUB Every Friday 12.00 ‐ 1.30 For information regarding the Lunch Club, Contact Denise on 07808 551952 KNIT ‘n’ STITCH GROUP Friday 2.00 ‐ 4.00pm BREAKFAST CLUB (All Welcome, No Booking Required) Saturdays 9.00 – 12.00am Last Orders 11.30am small breakfast £6 Regular £7.50 Extra Large £10

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Ashill, Holme Hale & District Garden Club Website: Email: INTERESTED IN GARDENING? WHY NOT JOIN YOUR LOCAL GARDEN CLUB AND MEET UP WTH LIKE MINDED PEOPLE AND EXPAND YOUR GARDENING KNOWLEDGE Ashill, Holme Hale & District Garden Club is a friendly and welcoming local garden club that meets once a month on the 4th Thursday of each month at 2.30pm to listen to a garden expert present on a range of topics related to gardening. At each meeting we have a social break mid‐way through the presentation to chat over tea/coffee with biscuits. We usually have plant sales at each meeting, a raffle and run various competitions. We hold an annual flower show as well as a Fruit & Vegetable Show, a summer BBQ and a Xmas party. So if you would like to expand your gardening knowledge and broaden your social circle in a friendly environment then why not join our garden club. We meet at Holme Hale Pavilion, School Road, Holme Hale, IP25 7PD. Annual membership costs just £6 per annum or £2 for visitors to a single meeting (refunded if you join the following month) and you are guaranteed a warm welcome. If you are interested in joining you can just come along to our next meeting or if you want more information you can contact us via email (ashillholmehalegardenclub@gmail.com), look at our website, or phone our chair Neville McBrien on 07778147850.

Upcoming Events Our February meeting is on Thursday February 27thwhen Martyn Davey will be talking on ‘Lawn Care’. All meetings are held at Holme Hale Pavilion and start at 2.30pm.

New members from anywhere in the district are always welcome, so come along.

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Thank you from The Ashill Memory Café We want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to our launch day of the Memory café at the Call‐In on 4 Dec. It was very well attended with people coming from Ashill as well those living in surrounding villages. We had some very generous donations for our raffle as well as commitment going forward from a couple of businesses which will help strengthen our aims to deliver as best a service as we can. The event was held in order to publicise this new initiative and let people know what kind of support they can expect to receive. The aim is to sign post, advise and listen to those living with Dementia and their loved ones. The sessions will run once a month initially on the second Wednesday of each month, 1030‐1200 at the Ashill Call‐In. We will wait until we are established to determine if this is enough or whether we need to increase the frequency of the sessions. We aim to provide a safe environment where by people feel comfortable enough to offload their worries and concerns as well as being given the opportunity to take part in various recreations and activities. These will be based around music, arts and crafts as well as health (Chair exercises) and mental well‐ being.

The Café will develop as we go along. We hope if there any particular things that the members would like to do, they come forward and make suggestions. On our first session will be on the 12th February.

Please come and join us.

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ASHILL HARMONY CHOIR

Like most choirs, we had a busy time the few months before Christmas as we practised and rehearsed. We were invited to join the carol concert at St. Michael’s Church at Great Cressingham on 12th December. The church was beautifully decorated and lit. There were carols for all to sing and our choir sang a few of our own versions of carols and songs. Our Musical Director, Richard Winch, conducted and pianist Will Haviland from Ashill accompanied us. This was followed by refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies. We are delighted that the evening was a great success for St. Michael’s. Our choir looks forward to singing there again next year.

We also sang carols to residents of The Paddocks care home in Swaffham.

16 of our members went along to sing and it was lovely to see many residents joining in the carols.

At our last meeting before Christmas, we all enjoyed singing along with Will as he played a medley of songs and requests.

Our choir has around 20 members and we are always looking for more to join us, especially men!

We meet for two hours on Thursday evenings at 7pm at Ashill community centre. Our next session will be held on Thursday 16th January 2025.

Please contact Sue for more information or you are most welcome to just come along and visit if you enjoy singing, as we’d love to see you.

Contact Sue Cloud: suecloud42@hotmail.com Mobile: 07880 508930 Facebook: Ashill Harmony Choir

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We Have a New Priest at St Nicholas Church I’m Patrick Morrow, and I am to be licensed on 18 February as Church of England Priest‐in‐Charge for the parishes of Ashill, Saham Toney, Ovington, and Merton. I am looking forward to it intensely, and have already received such warm welcome from the villages.

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I am a country boy myself, growing up in rural Yorkshire (first in the East Riding, then in the North, around York). So, yes, I am a proud Yorkshireman (as if there were another kind)! I did various things before ordination, studying Theology (in Durham, Dublin, and Cambridge), and working in retreat houses, and as a health care assistant in a forensic psychiatric hospital.

After training in Cambridge, and a curacy in Lincoln, I moved to London.

Here I had a variety of roles at different times, including parish work in Camberwell, in the South, and Manor Park, in the East, and chaplaincy in two universities, and, again, a psychiatric hospital. I also worked for the Council of Christians and Jews. Jewish‐Christian Relations, and interfaith relations more broadly, have long been special interests. I’d love to take a group to a synagogue and a mosque in the wider area at some point. I know we’d get a great welcome.

Another personal interest is languages, including Biblical Hebrew and Greek. I lived in Hamburg for a year after A Levels, and was delighted to find last year, at a conference in Salzburg, that I can still communicate in German. I love both music and poetry. At least historically(!), I have been a

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competent singer, and I read a poem a day, and try to write at least one a month.

I’ve had a connection with this part of Norfolk over the last four years, in that my last role was as Anglican Chaplain to HMP Wayland. Now, my earnest wish is to throw myself into the life of the villages – all of which are vibrant in distinctive ways. It is important that I am up front in saying that my parish role is half time, and I will have a second string to my bow.

So please do not read anything into my being absent from some important events. It is how it has to be. My prayers for you – as people and as communities – are already and will be constant.

Unsung Heroes Thank you very much to all St Nicholas flower team Ladies and Men. They did a marvellous job as usual the Church looked wonderful. Thanks to all who came to the services all makes for a wonderful service and the mince pies and mulled wine were a bonus.

Thanks also to Ashill school for coming and also for the great Stars they made for the windows, sorry due to the cold damp weather my Blue tack did not stick to well so.

We did have a few falling stars as the song goes.

Thanks also to Fran ,Christine, Margaret ,Ruth Pauline and Lea for the Three Christmas Wall Banners they had sewn , all beautiful colours and told the wonderful Christmas Journey story. They were perfect.

Best wishes to all.

Carole Thompson.

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A view from Green Farm So it’s time for another view from Green Farm, and in truth it’s been a quieter time since last going to press. Work on the land has all been completed until the spring in reality, and it’s been more letting nature work its magic than any expert intervention from human or mechanical muscle! The stubble turnips continue to flourish well, and the Sheep may well be in residence before the next edition of this goes out.

I did touch on the trip to London that was looming in my last piece, and that was incredibly well attended with upwards of 30,000 turning out, the miserable weather didn’t dampen the spirits and I’d like to think this will have sent a message of just how important agriculture is, though I feel those in power don’t have the first clue about the countryside or the value it offers.

The farm dogs have also, of course, been on many adventures and kept a watchful eye over all things Green Farm, though with a period of rest due to a particularly niche ‘plum’ harvest, which they were both thrilled with I’m sure… they’re back up to full fitness once again now and causing even more mischief than Jake and his motorbike, which is quite a feat!

The cattle have kept farm life ticking over while we wait for better weather, and no matter how abysmal the weather can be, livestock still needs to be tended to and cared for.

It’s often said, tongue in cheek, that farming is the art of losing money while working 400 hours a month, to feed people who think you’re trying to kill them Well this is obviously untrue.. It’s often more like 450 hours a month!

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year, let’s hope it brings good health and prosperity for us all.

Ashley Howell Green Farm.

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St Nicholas Church Incumbent ‐ Vacant Churchwardens – Wendy Peckham 01760 440952 Margaret Barker 01760 751771 SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH Sun 2nd February 9.30 a.m.

Lay Led Morning Worship Sun 9th February 9.30. a.m.

Lay Led Morning Worship Sun 16th February 9.30 a.m.

Lay Led Morning Worship Tues 18th February 6 pm.

Licensing of the Rev Patrick Morrow as Priest in Charge of Ashill, Saham, Ovington and Merton.

Sun 23rd February 9.30 a.m.

Holy Communion ‐ Rev Morrow's first service at Ashill.

Sun 2nd March 9.30 a.m.

Morning Worship Sun 9th March 9.30 a.m.

Morning Worship Sun 16th March 9.30 a.m.

Morning Worship Sun 23rd March 9.30 a.m.

Holy Communion Sun 29th March 9.30 a.m.

BENEFICE SERVICE at Ashill.

Types of service subject to change once Rev Morrow installed.

CAROL SERVICE Thank you to everyone who came to our Carol service especially all the children from Ashill School and their parents. It was such a lovely occasion and we had over 200 people in the congregation plus the children.

POLITE REQUEST The contractors will be commencing cutting the Churchyard grass at the end of March weather permitting, so could all Christmas holly wreathes be removed from graves by then please, Also a reminder that glass vases etc and ornaments are not permitted on graves., Thank you.

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Stepping into Spring As I write this I have returned from a wonderful frosty January walk with my dogs. The crunchiness of the frozen grass and the glorious sunrise, with streams of yellow and deep orange breaking through the remains of a night sky. A real treat for the senses and the cold, crisp air revitalises and sharpens our minds.

Although at this point winter has a good grip on the outside, February comes with a busyness in nature that although not always visible, deep in the soil there are rumblings of life. Most plants and animals have taken time over winter to rest and slow down, conserving energy in readiness for the explosion that spring will bring. With spring approaching there are glimmers in nature that our surroundings are about to re‐awaken, being in tune with our environment can bring us that same sense of excitement.

Our seasons can sometimes seem as if they are not following the patterns of weather we expect, however, our folklore dates stay consistent if not always noted. March the 20th gives us the spring equinox, as the sun crosses the Earth’s equator, moving from south to north. Leading up to this point is the time of Imbolc, a Celtic celebration, usually noted on the 1st or 2nd February. Symbolising the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, a time when the seeds of spring are starting to stir.

In the countryside we can notice the subtle changes of spring taking place as winter lessens her hold on the land. After the cosy and reflective time of autumn and winter, mostly in the confines of our homes, spring starts to take back the daylight and more heat from the sun meaning we can take pleasure from welcoming in this fresh new season and exploring our environment.

Our ancestors have celebrated Imbolc and then the Goddess Brigid, later becoming Christianity’s St Brigid, a patron saint of fertility, cattle, new‐ borns, fire, home and a few more. Gathering round a fire and enjoying the light and warmth was often part of welcoming the change and transition a new season will bring. Going for a walk in the early stages of spring you will be blessed with seeing new life starting to bloom around you. The leaves on trees and plants will be in bud, for some they will start unfurling towards the end of March to soak up the light and heat, trees to look out for at this time are Ash, Rowan, Beech and Oak. Look towards the Hawthorn hedges, heavily depended on for bio‐diversity, you’ll notice the

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start of the delicate lace like blossom. Snowdrops and crocus give way to daffodils, wood anemone and Tulips. See if you can spot the first early insects venturing out, bees, ladybirds along with spiders and potentially a peacock or red admiral butterfly. They are tentatively on the hunt for food, as are hedgehogs and badgers after hibernating. The peak of the lambing season is usually February and March, we start seeing their small fluffy shapes in the fields around us as well as hearing their bleating to their mums.

Walking around our village as spring develops is a great opportunity to notice small subtle changes or re‐new and seeing a different perspective on the world around us. So we may still need a few layers on but let’s put one foot in front of the other, breath in the fresh air and be ready to explore.

Louise Fenwick

Ashill Archive Group Bringing the Past to Life If you are interested in researching and archiving the village history or if you have some photographs and documents related to Ashill over the years please do get in touch or come along as we always welcome new members, young or old. Two hours is all it takes and you get to find out interesting facts about our village.

For more information contact; Julie Long on 01760 622721 or Enid Turner on 01760 440419 15

How Your Dog Should Behave in Public Taking your dog out in public is a great opportunity for socialization and exercise, but it’s essential that they behave appropriately to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone around them. A well‐behaved dog reflects positively on you as an owner and sets your dog up for a lifetime of enjoyable outings.

First and foremost, your dog should be calm and under control at all times.

This means walking politely on a lead without pulling, lunging, or dragging you along. They should stay by your side and focus on you, even in distracting environments like parks or busy streets. Teaching loose‐lead walking and using a reliable “heel” command can help achieve this.

Your dog should also be polite around other people and animals. They shouldn’t jump up on strangers, bark excessively, or show aggression. Basic commands like “sit,” and “leave it” are invaluable for managing these interactions.

Another key aspect of good public behavior is recall. If your dog is off‐lead in an appropriate area, they must come back to you immediately when called, no matter what distractions are present. This not only keeps them safe but also ensures they don’t disturb other dogs, wildlife, or people.

Lastly, your dog should be comfortable and relaxed in public. If they show signs of stress or fear, work on gradually exposing them to these environments with positive reinforcement to build their confidence.

Good public behavior comes down to consistent training, patience, and clear communication. By setting boundaries and expectations, you can enjoy outings with your dog while ensuring they are a welcome presence wherever you go. A well‐mannered dog is not only a joy to own but also a great ambassador for responsible pet ownership.

If you're struggling with any of the above help is at hand...

Contact Breckland Gundog Training on 07795 466007 for a no obligation chat.

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ASHILL PARISH COUNCIL 26th NOVEMBER 2024 The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday 26th November 2024 in the Community Centre at 6.15pm In attendance: Mr A Ketteringham (AK) Chair, Mrs A Binns (AB), Mr J Leggett(JLg), Mrs J Lusher (JL), Mrs A Shepherd (AS), Mr A Thomas (AT) and the Clerk Jean Sangster & County/District Councillor . Mr F Eagle Apologies were received from Mr R Leighton (RL) Vice‐Chair,f Mr A Howell (AH) & Mr K Kissiedu (KK) – all due to other commitments.

Prior to the commencement of main meeting these Members met with the Leader of Breckland Council, Mr Sam Chapman‐Allen and Head of Planning Mr Simon Wood to discuss future Planning in the Parish.

AK explained the difficulties that the Council had encountered in obtaining replacement land for allotments over the years. On several occasions the Council had thought they were near to finding a suitable site only to be let down by the landowners or being put in a compromising situation.

He then asked Mr Wood how the Parish would stand if the present allotment site could not be developed in the next five years and Mr Wood explained that changes will be introduced at beginning of 2025 which will mean that Breckland has to provide a larger land supply to meet the Government requirements so this should not be affected and the type of housing that is required to meet the needs of local people should be considered. Mr Wood emphasised the importance of talking through any plans that the PC wish to put through so that the Parish gains vital funding from developers so Members should bear this in mind when deciding the way forward with allotments as there are many options open to them.

There followed a discussion regarding the proposed Solar Farm that will affect the Parish. .Although District and County do not get to make a decision on this‐ it is decided by Government, Sam Chapman‐Allen assured Members that there would be a consultation period for Parishes to be included to express their views and in 2025 all Parishes affected would be called together. Breckland Council feel that this project is far too large and should be split into 5 separate applications.

At this point the Council and visitors joined the public for remainder of Meeting and they were able to put their questions to Sam Chapman‐Allen and Simon Wood.

The main topic was regarding the proposed car parking charges that Breckland wish to introduce to the car parks in the market towns. Several suggestions were

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put forward from the Public such as free parking on market days, the need for spaces that are accessible to everyone including Blue Badge holders. The Leader stressed that people should submit all these things in the consultation paper and assured that every effort was being made to lessen the impact of this measure but Breckland had managed without charging for so many years and now with Government restrictions it was becoming necessary to do so. Public queried how this would be cost effective when Breckland would have to pay for new meters and collection of funds from these together with attendants to patrol. Any extra money raised from these car parks has to go back into the Market Towns. The question of raising Council Tax to keep the parking free was questioned and Sam Chapman‐ Allen stated that CT is capped and could not be raised to cover this without holding a referendum.

Other issues raised concerned the wastage of money over the years and it was explained that Breckland had received a good return on Barnham Broom. The Public were assured that FE had raised the Parish concerns and that we were well represented by him and our views heard.

AK thanked both Sam Chapman‐Allen and Simon Wood for giving up their time to attend our meeting and for the information they had provided.

The Meeting then continued. .There were no additional Declaration of Interests..

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 22.10.24 having been circulated were passed and signed.

REPORT FROM DISTRICT/ COUNTY COUNCILLOR Mr Eagle advised that there is a meeting for parishes on 21st January 2025 at Swaffham Town Hall to discuss Solar Farms. Space is limited.

He also gave information regarding the Rural Community and Business Grants available from Breckland for 80% matched funding.

Details of the BOOST Scheme to be posted on Board.

He is meeting with Luke Denney from Highways next week and will raise the question of moving the 30mph limit to the now installed gate in Watton Road as there is only a matter of yards before 40 changes to 30. He will also ask why there are now 4 signs indicating ASHILL as you enter from Watton.

The question of Recycling changes at Centre was raised by Public and the effect that booking is having. This has not prevented queues forming on the hill although unloading is limited to 15mins. He explained that the system had been tried successfully in other Counties and will save money on staffing in the futur

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OPEN TO PUBLIC – Nothing further raised at this point.

MEETING CONTINUED Matters arising from last meeting Highways – Drains in Sw. Rd cleared, pothole in Acacia repaired, hole at end of pavement Hale Rd to be repaired, entrance to Woodlands identified for repair, hole o/s 5 Dunnetts identified for repair. To report manhole cover in pavement at junction Hale Rd/Dunnetts Cl. Dog Waste Bin – Now received and will be installed shortly.

Play Equipment – Monthly Inspection not carried out but 2 repairs done and1 more to do but problem with pole on Multiplay and Members to inspect. It was proposed by AK seconded by JL that Clerk should apply for Grant from Rural Community Fund for Zipwire. This was agreed.

Playing Field –Our volunteer is doing a marvellous job of trapping the moles and has now caught 14. However he has lost several traps and it was proposed by AK seconded by JLg that he be reimbursed and paid for his work in the sum of £100‐ 00. This was agreed.

Football Teams – Having met with Shipdham Team a second team had come forward and requested use of the field from next year. However having met with both teams it was felt that the Barnham Broom teams would be playing too often and pitch would not stand all teams playing so it was agreed to allow the youngsters from Shipdham to use the field for this season. The Comm. Centre had discussed the charge for the hire of changing rooms and had agreed that a charge of £5‐00 per week up until 30.06.25 be made with payment in advance of £160, The charge for field was then discussed with a proposal by JL seconded by AK that a charge of £130‐00 per quarter be made. An amendment was proposed by AT that NO charge be made but when opened to public they felt that there should be a charge to cover costs. There was no seconder to amendment and vote taken on original proposal was 5 to 1.

Community Centre CCTV –.Installation to be carried out on 2nd and 3rd Dec. Comm Centre arranging for wifi connection in 7 ‐10 days.

Footpaths – Warden reported that sign still not replaced and handrail not installed.

Police –SNAP Meeting on 4th Nov. 2024 was attended by AK but mainly about Swaffham. Changes to be made way priorities are set but he felt that this is not very satisfactory.

Speedwatch ‐ Report from Mr Street. The Team now has 3 new members – all

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trained and ready to go making 9 in all. There had been 3 sessions in Oct. and none in Nov. due to illness but should be up and running again, weather permitting. Mid Aug. to mid Sept. recorded 2035 cars all over 45mph and some in excess of 50‐60mph.

Car Parking Charges – Discussed earlier. Workshop arranged at Thompson Comm.

Hall on 11th Dec. 5.00‐6,30pm by Breckland. Booking required.

Allotment Rents ‐ Rents now collected. The unworked plots have now been cleared by local Groundsman as Groundscape unable to give definite quote. This had cost £250‐00. Only 3 are suitable to re‐let though until further rubbish removed. There followed a discussion about rules and should deposits be taken in the future. It was proposed by AB seconded by AS that the 3 plots should be charged from now and next Oct. any NEW holders should pay a deposit of £50‐00 (refundable on relinquishing tenancy if plot left in workable condition) plus rent of £35‐00. This was agreed and new rules will be drawn up.

Ashill Estate – Tenants open evening 10thDecember.

The Chair then presented a report in the form of a time‐line of events that have been dealt with over the last few years regarding the purchase of land suitable for small allotments so that the land known as School Piece which is allocated in Local Plan could be developed. Copy of report is attached to these minutes.

Website/facebook – Meeting to discuss further was held with GL, KK, JL and AH and agreed that Grant Long will continue the website and face‐book dealt with by others but pointed out this is a village face‐book not a Parish Council one.

Gas Leak Dunnetts Close – Clerk to report again as a strong smell of gas is now coming from hole.

High Grove Solar Farm – CPRE are taking up the case and it costs £60‐00 per year to become a Member so it was proposed by AK seconded by AB that PC join this.

All agreed. Action group holding meeting this evening and correspondence has been received from George Freeman MP and noted that Terry JermyMP is asking for this to be debated in Parliament. Breckland are also in talks with the company.

Parcel Collection Box – Lighting has now been reduced and collection times adjusted but still concerns about the colour and Clerk to contact again.

25 Fir Park – Copy letters from resident to be kept on file as Breckland has advised no action is required. Agreed that PC should take no further action at this time..

Wayland Partnership Meeting – Very little to report but their website is now available for local advertising.

CORRESPONDENCE NorfolkALC and Healthwatch Norfolk ‐ Newsletters circulated.

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BOOST Project in Breckland –Support for young people to increase skills and gain employment.

NCC – Norwich Western Link Project – Update.

Notification of NorfolkALC AGM on‐line. Interim County Officer now appointed to replace Sarah Bristow. Minutes of previous AGM received which Clerk and AK felt had been an utter shambles.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS There were none.

FINANCE (a) Accounts PAID Direct Debit ‐ SSE payment for Power supply Oct. £ The following accounts due for payment for NOVEMBER 2024 were passed proposed by JL seconded by AB :‐ K & M Lighting Services Maint St Lights NOV.. £120.50 Mrs J Pickard Play field Warden NOV.) Undisclosed Jean Sangster Clerks Salary NOV +19hrs) Expenses. NOV. £99‐53 BROXAP Supply Dog Waste Bin £284.00 HG Services Clearing of Allot Plots £250.00 Ashill PCC Donation 137 2/3rd Maint Ch. Yard £326.59 Surelock Security Installation of CCTV at CC £3094‐00 WAVE (AW) Supply to Allots. £37‐88 Direct Debit ‐ SSE payment for Power supply NOV. £ ?

The following accounts due for payment for DECEMBER 2024 were also passed for payment as NO meeting in December :‐ K & M Lighting Services Maint St Lights DEC.. £120.50 Mrs J Pickard Play field Warden DEC.) Undisclosed Jean Sangster Clerks salary Dec. + 18.5hrs + backdated Pay.) Expenses DEC. 58‐00 HMRC PAYE Oct. Nov. Dec. to be advised Ashill Comm, Centre Hire of Hall Oct, x 2 Nov, (additional Time) £89‐00 Current A/C & Business A/C details circulated & Agreed, Investments – The Clerk advised that money had now been re‐invested with Redwood Bank for another year at fixed rate from December.

Draft Budget had been drawn up and circulated and Clerk requested that Members check this and notify her of any amendments necessary before the end

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of December.

Precept must be decided on 7th January 2025.

THE MEETING WAS AGAIN OPEN TO PUBLIC Allotment Holder concerned about the overgrown hedge on western boundary and this will be investigated.

The question of deposits for rent of plots was raised and how these would be handled. Clerk to look into this.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS It was advised that the padlocks on both containers had gone missing and left unlocked.

Agreed that JLg purchase two new padlocks and notify Clerk of codes. This is a matter of urgency as St John’s store documents in their container.

J Valentine is collecting funds to purchase lights for trees on Green and donations requested.

EXCLUSION OF PRESS & PUBLIC The following resolution was agreed and passed:‐ “That under Section 100(A) (4) of Local Government Act 1972, the Press & Public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on Grounds that it includes the likely disclosure of confidential information”.

To Discuss ‐ Employees Pay. Date of next monthly Meeting is TUESDAY 7th JANUARY 2025 AT 7.00PM in the Community Centre.

The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and declared the Meeting closed at 9.55pm.

Useful contacts Parish Clerk, Jean Sangster : 01760 440383 (only between 9:00am – 5:00pm Mon‐Fri) Chairman Alan Ketteringham: Mobile: 07733 420588

Ashill Community Centre Committee Chair Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary Lettings Officer Parish Representative

Keith Collins Jean Sangster Cath Ready Megan Colley Anne Beckett Andrea Binns

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01760 441196 01760 440383 075495 393619 07724 849225 07768 350968 01760 440744

1ST ASHILL BROWNIES 100 CLUB Many congratulations and well done, to the following winners:‐ December 2024

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Number 64 Number 69 Number 63 Number 40

D Smith H Chapman Mrs Bartlett Sir David Ralli

£75.00 £50.00 £25.00 £10.00

January 2025

1st 2nd 3rd

Number 47 Number 96 Number 89

H Goodwin S Harwood E Turner

£25.00 £10.00 £5.00

In early December 2024, fifteen Brownies and four Leaders went to see a special screening of Disney’s Moana 2 at the Orion Cinema in Dereham.

The cinema was taken over by Girlguiding members and we all had a wonderful time. We ate popcorn and had drinks of our choice and sharing it with so many friends made it even more exciting.

Good Luck for next month’s draw! We wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

If your daughter is aged between 7 and 10 years and would like to join the waiting list at 1st Ashill Brownies, please call Brown Owl, Joanne Oxborough on (01760) 441046, or register them on the Girlguiding website, . https://www.girlguiding.org.uk

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Thank you to everyone who donated prizes and took part in the friends of Ashill primary school raffle.

We raised an amazing £1120.79, we couldn’t have done this without you!

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Astronomy in February and March Feb Venus has just set in the WNW March Again there are no meteor showers.

On the 19th of March at 9.00pm.

Jupiter is to the SW and higher up is Mars in about the same area.

On Sat 29ththe Sun will be eclipsed to a maximum of 30%,it will be happening between 08.51 and 12.43am.

YOU MUST NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. You can buy Sun filters for telescopes and you can get get special cardboard glasses with special lenses. The cardboard ones are the best option, they cost £6 ‐ £8. Make sure they are ISO certified. It may be wise to get them now before the demand is too great. Obviously they can be used anytime to look at the Sun. Use of Binoculars Binoculars are reasonable way to improve your observing. Any binoculars will improve things. On the binoculars there is a number which gives vital information on the optics. Eg 10x40 The first number is the magnification achieved by them, the second is the diameter of the lenses.

The bigger the lens the more light is collected and the more things you can see.

The magnification should probably be no greater than 12 as at high magnification the view will wobble about too much.

It is best to find the position in the sky you want to see and then bring up the binoculars up to your eyes.

Albert Day

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Village Services Breckland Dog Training 07795 466007 Breckland Gundog training 07795 466007 Abbey Plumbing Chris Field 01760 440364, 07469 762435 Ashill food and Wine Village store on Hale Road, open 7am to 8pm White Hart Excellent hostelry, https://ashillwhitehart.co.uk/ 01760 622190 Angela O Sullivan Spruced up Stuff; Upcycling 07808 857763 Anna Yeomans Beauty treatments 07824 882 049 www.treatmentsbyanna.co.uk Ashill Fruit Farm Fruit in season, apple juices, farm produce 01760 440 050Open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm Saturday 10am to 2pm Closed Sunday Monday John Leggett Garden Services 01760 440733 Norfolk Arborist Tree Surgery 01760 724270, 07917 207781 J Dack Electrics Electrician ‐ 07739514060 Fitness Pilates Thursday mornings 10:30 ‐ 11:30am Ashill Community Centre Linda on ‐ 07759 886777 Elizabeth Grace Jewellery. Sterling silver jewellery . Online store www.elizabethgracejewellery.store www.facebook.com Elizabethgracejewellery Leanne Holmes – LH Equine Services 07920011628 Leanne@lheguineservices.co.uk Infinite Aesthetics non‐surgical aesthetic procedures to make you the best version of you!

0774 1270359 infiniteaesthetics@icloud.com Peddars View Turkeys and Lamb. Whole or halves supplied to order . Prepared ready for the freezer. Fresh from the farm in Ashill. A Ketteringham. Telephone 01953 885603. Mobile 0773 3420588 Farleigh Electrical Services.

Fully qualified electrician based in Ashill. Fully insured and NICEIC registered. Contact Brian Dorton on 07944 161725.

Tanks Uk Limited 01953 889231 Supplier of water tanks , oil tanks, fuel tanks, bunded tanks. Water bowsers HG Services Grounds Maintenance 0749 3716801 henry.hgservices@gmail.com

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Ashill Community Centre Weekly Activities Badminton Club

Every Monday (contact Janet Oxborough 01760 441651) 4.30 ‐ 5.30pm 1st Ashill Brownies Every Monday (term time only) 6.30 ‐ 8.00pm St. John Ambulance Every Monday & Tuesday Badgers (contact Pat Grout Unit Manager 01362 692241 Cadets Denise Eaves Nursing Officer 01760 440186, Adults Jean Rockett‐Woods Youth Leader 07749 870485 or Jeanette Callaghan Unit Coordinator 01760 721420) 5.30 ‐9.30pm Baby Signing Classes Monday (Contact Mica Hodgetts 07935618841) 10.00 ‐11.00am Badminton Club Every Tuesday (contact Gloria Canham 01760 440370) 1.00 ‐ 3.00pm Ashill Parish Council Committee Meetings ‐ Every 4th Tuesday of the month contact Jean Sangster Parish Clerk 01760 440383 7.00 ‐ 9.30pm Zumba Every Tuesday (contact Lou Dickson 07866 534087) 11.30 ‐ 12.30pm 1stAshill Beavers Every Wednesday (term time only) contact Carol Butters 01760 440995 or 07956 387308 5.00 ‐ 6.00pm 1st Ashill Cubs Every Wednesday (term time only) contact Carol Butters 6.30 ‐ 8.00pm Golden Link Club Thursday (Fortnightly) (contact Dee Bolton 01760 441622 or Sue Cloud 01760 441110) 2.00 – 4.00pm Ashill Harmony Every Thursday Choir (contact Terry Evans 01760 751537)7.00 ‐ 9.00pm Pilates Class Every Thursday (contact Linda Mellor 07759 886777) 10.30 ‐ 11.30am New! Pickleball.

Thursday Contact Vince Kelly 07786234568) to check spaces are available Coffee Mornings Second Friday every month ie. Dec' 13th , Jan 10th 10.00 ‐ 12 noon Mussel Bay Every Friday Adults only 7.30 ‐ 10.30pm Racing (contact Paul Edmunds 01485 540967 Slot Cars‐ or James Cliff 07867 515063)

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