The Ashlink August September 2025
Harvest Gathering
The last days of the summer: bright and clear Shines the warm sun down on the quiet land, Where corn‐fields, thick and heavy in the ear, Are slowly ripening for the laborer’s hand; Seed‐time and harvest since the bow was set, Not vainly has man hoped your coming yet!
Phoebe Cary 1824 ‐ 1871
The Editor's Bit
Amazingly we have now been producing the Ashlink for a whole year and while the bi monthly routine may not seem enough for some people, it is about as much as we can comfortably manage! My hat is doffed once again to Maurice Goodwin who started it all those years ago and I must also extend thanks to my incredible team who keep me organised and provide me with content.
As ever there are changes in the village. We will have a new headteacher in September and a new cub leader too. There is also the looming issue of the solar farm – will it be built or not and if so what will be the long term impact on the village?
The organisation of our history evening in September is well underway and tickets are selling well. They can be obtained from Anna and Louise (see our advert).
Our October edition will once again be accepting adverts on a limited basis with priority given to village based concerns. Please email me for details (glen.ashlink@gmail.com)
Finally, I had a great time at the Ashill Book Club! This ought to be sub titled the Cake and Wine club. The members allowed me to ramble on about my favourite authors and are a cheery group. They currently have a waiting list but they also have a Whatsapp group open to anyone, details in the article on page seven.
Glen Franklin
Next Issue Deadline ‐ 10th September
Useful contacts
Parish Clerk, Jean Sangster : 01760 440383 (only between 9:00am
– 5:00pm Mon‐Fri)
Chairman Alan Ketteringham: Mobile: 07733 420588
What's on at The Call In
Where is The Call In?
The Green, Hale
Road IP25 7AT
Next to the duck pond
Find out more: Contaact
Chair person Dee Bolton 01760 441 622 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
PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB Every other Wednesday7.00‐9.00pm,For Details
Contact Ray 07808 922171 Email: Raydee100@googlemail.com
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 £6.50
Regular £8
Extra Large £10
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/
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
We also have a facebook page @avaarchivegroup.
Ann & Melissa Bunn would like to thank everyone who sponsored them to take part in the Race For
Life . Your generosity has helped us raise £560 this year, so far. For Cancer Research . THANK YOU ALL
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!
ASHILL HARMONY CHOIR
2025 is already proving to be a musical year for Ashill Harmony Choir! We've been rehearsing a mix of classic and uplifting songs, building confidence and harmonies each week ‐ and as always, with plenty of laughter along the way.
We were delighted to be invited to perform the finale at the VE Day 80th Anniversary Street Party in Swaffham. Despite the challenges (blustery winds, bells tolling, and a DJ warming up next door!), our singers gave it their all, sharing an hour of much‐loved wartime songs with the community. It was a real privilege to be included in such a meaningful day of remembrance and celebration.
Looking ahead, our next performance will be a special event at the Fountain of Life, and while it's a closed gathering, we're always happy to be invited to sing at local events, fêtes, and community celebrations, just ask! We currently have around 20 members and are always keen to welcome more ‐ especially tenor voices to help us balance those harmonies! There's no audition and no pressure, just a friendly group who love to sing and meet every Thursday from 7‐9pm at Ashill Community Centre. If you'd like to join or find out more, please get in touch with: Sue Cloud ‐suecloud42@hotmail.com | 07880 508930 Or search for us on Facebook: Ashill Harmony Choir
Come for a sing and stay for the smiles ‐ we'd love to see you!
St Nicholas Church
Incumbent ‐ Revd Patrick Morrow 01760 330258. Churchwardens – Wendy Peckham 01760 440952
Margaret Barker 01760 751771
Sun Aug. 3rd 9.30 a.m. Lay Led
Sun Aug 10th 9.30 a.m.Holy Communion
Fri Aug 15th 7.30 p.m. Eucharist for the Virgin Mary
Sun Aug 17th 9.30 a.m, Lay Led
Sun Aug 24th 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Sun Aug 31st BENEFICE SERVICE AT SAHAM TONEY ‐ time TBC
Sun. Sept 7th 9.30 a.m. Lay Led
Sun Sept 14th 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Sun Sept 21st 9.30 Lay Led
Sun Sept 28th 9.30 Holy Communion
All types of service to be confirmed.
Forthcoming events
Friday 3rd Oct. 7 p.m. HARVEST SUPPER (tickets available nearer the time)
Sat 4th Oct. 1 p.m. till 6 p.m.Norwich Diocesan Association of BellringersStriking Competition.
Sun 5th Oct. 9.30 a.m. HARVEST FESTIVAL
ASHILL OPEN GARDENS
Thank you to everyone who opened their garden on the 6th July and also to those who visited the gardens and enjoyed the refreshments at the church.
£926.00 has so far been received for the St Nicholas Church Roof Appeal. Many thanks.
Something About Mary
The middle of August – the 15th – is a Feast in the Church Calendar. In Orthodox Churches it is known as “the Dormition of the Mother of God”. In Roman Catholicism, it’s the “Assumption”. It’s one occasion when the Church of England actually keeps things simple: we call it the “Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. Like the other titles, it marks the death of Mary (Miryam/Maria), the mother of Jesus, and her entry into heaven. This does not mean that we know that Mary died on 15th August in a year in the middle of the first century. It’s a date chosen by tradition alone.
What can I say of Mary? It is not a secret that it’s one of those matters over which Christians have fallen out (there are countless others). But almost all Christians would surely say that she is an important character. Her importance is greater than the references to her in the New Testament (apparently there are 54). I mean that almost all Christians will want to honour her as the one who carried Jesus in her womb, gave birth to him, and was at least one of the principal carers who brought him up. She warned him of the dangers of fire. She changed his nappies (the nappies of their day). And that’s a lot, even if the Bible does not stress the point.
So Christians hold Mary in honour. There is another question: Is the story of Mary, and a few other women, enough? It just cannot be denied that throughout the Bible it is men that have the main roles, and women are often – I don’t say always – been secondary. Most obviously, women are often not even named. Even the most conservative Christian would do things differently today; the women would be named.
I cannot settle any of these matters here. But please know that I do relish such discussions. Moreover, Mary’s words at the wedding at Cana have motivated countless Christians over the centuries into the adventure of faith: “Do whatever he tells you!” (John 2.5).
Patrick Morrow
There will be a service of Holy Communion at St Nicholas', Ashill, on Friday 15 August (Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary), at 7.30 pm
Ashill Skies
Continuing from the last Issue, Albert describes more objects that can be seen in the night sky with a telescope
Nebulae
There are different types here are the classical types.
a) H II regions
These are molecular clouds of mainly hydrogen, which is partially ionised, in which star formation has recently taken place. The Orion nebula is H II region.
Cleopatra's Eye ‐ a planetary nebula
c)Supernovaremnants
b) Planetary nebulae
This is a shell of glowing ionised gas, ejected by a red giant star as they come to the end of their lives. The name is actually wrong as they have nothing to do with planets, but because of the planet like round shape, observed by early astronomers through their early telescopes.
Stars with a mass greater than eight times the mass of our Sun will end their lives in a massive explosion as their nuclear fuel runs out in a binary star system, if one of the two stars if it is a small dense white dwarf star it takes mass from the other star and eventually becomes so big it explodes.
d) Dark Nebulae
These are what are called absorption nebula. They are clouds of gas and dust that obscure the visible light from Stars and other radiating objects.
These dark clouds appear so because of sub‐micrometre‐sized dust particles, coated with
Orion
Crab Nebula
frozen carbon Monoxide and nitrogen, which effectively block the passage of light at visible wavelengths.
Galaxies
Galaxies are stars and other matter held together by gravity. They group into three major classes.
Spiral galaxies. These have a flattened disc with a bulge in the centre and spiral arms (usually two) extending from the bulges. Half have a bar like structure, extending from the central bulge.
Elliptical galaxies. They are smooth featureless and exhibit no other features. Lenticular galaxies. Which have a central Bulge surrounded by a disc of stars showing no spiral structure.
It is thought that our galaxy, the Milky Way, is a spiral galaxy with a bar. As we are in this galaxy ourselves we can’t observe its shape properly Albert Day
Ashill Community Gardens
The committee would like to thank the Parish Council for their coninued support of the Community Gardens and especially for their donation this year which has enabled us to buy some more plants for the barrels. I hope you will agree that this year’s planting is looking lovely. We have, however had an issue with an animal (cat?) deciding that the barrel on the corner of Dunnetts Close makes a nice litter tray and we have had to replant several times. Havingmade some alterations to the planting we are hoping the matter has been fixed. If youshould notice any problems or damage to any of the barrels please let a member of the committee know.
We rely solely on volunteers to plant up and maintain the barrels. Do you live near to one of the barrels? Would you like to volunteer to water the plants through the summer in dryweather? If yes please contact Sue Cloud on 07880 508930 or Ruth Day on 07410933957
Spiral Galaxy
Ashill Book Club Laughter!
If you walk past the Call‐In and hear a strange noise it is likely to be the Ashill Book Club! We do tend to laugh a lot when we get together and on the warm summer evenings we are conscious that we are keeping the ducks awake with our fits of giggles!
The Ashill Book Club comprises a fantastic group of people, spanning 7 decades in age, who enjoy nothing more than sharing a story. The bad news is that we are completely full and cannot currently accept new members. We do have a waiting list ‐ let us know if you would like to be added to that.
We recognise that there are many people in the area who love reading and either can’t, or don’t wish to, join a book club. Reading at home is fantastic but it’s easy to fall into a rut, constantly returning to just a few familiar authors. To help with this we have established a brand new WhatsApp Group called Reading Something Terrific?
This is an online group for those who live within 5 miles of Ashill, who are not members of any book club, have a passion for reading and want to give and receive recommendations of books and authors. No meetings, no need to leave home, no pressure. Log‐on when convenient for you, list a book or two you have enjoyed for others to try and find suggestions of what to read next. If you would like to join this online group, please email terryanneuk@gmail.com stating your name, mobile number, location and confirm that you are not part of a book club. We will then send you a link to the new group. You can also send a message via the Ashill Facebook site.
Editor of Ashlink, Glen, joined us at our last meeting to recommend his favourite books. Here are a couple you might like to try (full list on Reading Something Terrific?):
George MacDonald Fraser – Flashman.
A series of books about the career of Harry Flashman, the bully from Tom Brown’s Schooldays. Written in the form of a personal biography that has been edited and annotated by Fraser. Many readers thought it was fact not fiction! Quite rude, very funny and historically accurate.
Stuart MacBride ‐ Cold Granite
The first of a very good series of stories based in Aberdeen
Ashill, Holme Hale & District Garden Club
Website: ashillgardeningclub.wordpress.com/
Email: ashillholmehalegardenclub@gmail.com
CLIMATE CHANGE & THE ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW
June was a busy month for the garden club, with both our normal monthly meeting, about the affect of climate change on our gardens, followed 3 days later by the Club’s major event of the year, the Annual Flower Show.
The Affect of Climate Change on our Gardens
Our speaker was Weatherquest metrologist and Look East T.V. weather presenter Chris Bell. Chris gave an informative and engaging presentation on the latest evidence on climate change and the likely impact it will have on how we manage our gardens into the future. Impacts such as drier and longer growing seasons, more rapid changes in temperature and flash floods are potential consequences of climate change. In addition Chris also presented a few photos of his recent trip to the southern USA chasing thunderstorms.
The Annual Flower Show 2025
The club held its annual Flower Show on Sunday June 29th. Despite the hot weather there were over 220 entries for the show, spread across 15 classes and a very good attendance of both members and the general public on the day. The standard of entries was high, with the NAFAS qualified independent floral judge commenting on the high standard. Thetombola and plant stalls were very busy throughout the afternoon and the refreshment team were kept busy supplying drinks and cakes. The show finished with the presentation of the show cups to the winning entries in each class and then an auction of the wonderful table decorations created by member Sue Saini and auctioned by the Chairman.
Future Meetings
Our August meeting (August 28th) will incorporate our Fruit & Vegetable Show and a Gardener’s Question Time panel, after a brief AGM. August is also annual membership renewal time, with the cost remaining at £6 for the full 25/26 year.
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 and join us at one of our monthly meetings to see if you fancy joining our community garden club.
A List of Class Winners for the 2025 Annual Flower Show can be found on the club website at; ashillgardeningclub.wordpress.com/
Swaffham & District u3a
Friendship and Laughter
The monthly meeting on the 5th June, showcased the activities of the 25+ Interest Groups and their activities. A fantastic turnout with over 120 members and visitors attending. Display boards highlighted the work of each group and Group Leaders were on hand to explain to members and visitors what their group offered. This generated a great deal of interest and several visitors became members after seeing the variety of activities available.
This was only the start of the celebrations. There was a demonstration by the Line Dancing Group, sporting Stetsons and cowboy boots and accompanied by Country and Western Music, which had everyone tapping their toes. The Script Reading Group gave a hilarious rendition of one of their scripts, complete with noise effects – which added to the chaos and laughter. The Music Group treated us to a
musical quiz which covered all genres and the Poetry group read some of their favourite poems.
Crime and Punishment
A large number of members attended the July monthly meeting when Gary Powell made a welcome return visit. These monthly meetings are a good way for members to socialise, maybe catchup with friends and enjoy interesting and often humorous talks. Certainly, this month was no exception with Gary holding us all spellbound by his articulate and humorous delivery. Gary is a retired police officer, spending most of his career in London This time his subject was ‘Famous Criminal Cases that made History’. He talked eloquently about landmark cases, including the first speeding offence in 1896, a murder conviction secured using fingerprint or DNA evidence for the first time and the first use of the electric telegram system in a criminal case to identify and arrest a murderer.
Coming Up
We have a change of speaker on 7th August. Peter Goodrum will be talking about the history of Jarrolds, the popular Norwich department store. On the 4th September, the subject is ‘Balls, Bedrooms and Banquets, delivered by John Vigar which sounds quite intriguing and promises to be very entertaining!
Anyone is welcome to join the u3a. The only criterion to join is that you are no longer in full‐time employment and have the time to take part in the activities on offer. We meet at Holme Hale Village Hall on the first Thursday of each month. Doors open at 9.45am for socialising and the meeting starts promptly at 10.30am finishing by 12 noon. Further details on all the activities covered by Swaffham & District u3a are available on our website:https://swaffham.u3asite.uk/
A view from Green Farm
Well, it’s time for another update on all things farm, and since the last piece we’ve had the spring drilling completed, all plant protection products applied and so we’ve had the small window of ‘the calm before the storm’
Harvest prep has been done, combine checked over, and although this harvest in particular hasn’t filled any farmer in this country with huge optimism largely due to the incredibly dry weather we’ve had, there’s still the yearly excitement and anticipation that harvest brings Yes it’s dusty and dirty and can involve some very long hours, but it’s also the
culmination of your efforts through the year and the chance to see if it was worth it all again! At the time of finally finishing this months article (sorry for stretching the deadline to its limits Glen!) the winter barley is nearly finished, and initial thoughts are that it’s actually yielded ok considering the growing season it had, although straw is in very short supply this year as crops just haven’t grown to their full potential. This is definitely the earliest harvest I’ve known, though dad has said that the harvest of 1976 was even earlier, as have a few other farmers from the ‘older’ generation! He also closely followed that with “it was then one of the wettest winters in living memory and the winter drilling campaign was horrendous” so enjoy your evenings in the garden with a bbq and a beer everyone because it looks like you’ll be hunting out the waterproofs and thermals soon enough!
I know as farmers we often get a bad press for always moaning about the weather, and I suppose partly that is true, but this year has genuinely been a challenging one, and with all the other things going on with farming and the decisions being made outside of the industry, it will be a difficult year for some, this time of year can exacerbate that with long working hours, pressures of the weather and the worries of things outside our control, and it’s a timely reminder that agriculture has one of the highest rates of suicide as a percentage of the numbers of people working in it. It’s a dangerous industry, and machinery is very unforgiving if things go wrong so I’d just like to say at this time of year as I always do to all the farmers out there, stay safe and I hope you all have a successful, straightforward and above all healthy harvest.
I’ve probably bored you all to tears by now, so will just leave you with one final thought, if you do have a chance to enjoy a bbq with a beer on one of these glorious evenings we’re having at the moment, just remember you can’t have a beer and a burger without a farmer, even if that burger is full of dust that’s blown into the garden off the combine just as you’ve finished cooking it!
Ashley Howell
Full circle
This edition of the Ashlink marks a year since the magazine re‐started, a year since I started writing about the environment around us. We’ve come full circle with the seasons, and at times they’ve created quite a challenge with our weather.
Hopefully over the year we’ve all been able to look at our village through nature’s lens and the changes the seasons have brought. As we move into
August, we are enjoying the last of nature’s summer show, hazy mornings and typically cooler weather than July. August can bring a surprising amount of rain, and although we love the sun, after a particularly dry June and July, the life‐giving water is a welcome sight.
The wildlife around us is still busy, feeding and getting as many nutrients as the land has to give. You can see the swallows and swifts getting ready to migrate back to Africa and as they leave we welcome the gorgeous hummingbird‐Hawk moth from Southern Europe and Northern Africa. These amazing daytime moths are hovering over flowers to slurp up their rich nectar while their wings beat at an incredible 70 to 80 beats per second. Sounds of other insects create a frenzied buzz during walks in the village, using the habitats such as the common or the meadow section of the green to feed and rest.
As the harvesting of our fields begin you may notice more hares darting around as the long grass laden with seed from July is cut. The colour palette of our village and the countryside around us has changed now to a deep golden, orange‐brown glow. As many crops are maturing there is a feel that nature is reaching the peak of its bountiful supplies. The hedgerows are starting to come alive with the fruits of the season such as red berries, rosehips and wild raspberries. The blackberries will be taking hold through September and bringing us the first autumnal fruits. The move into September means the start of shorter days, cooler temperatures, and changing landscapes.Animals are busy preparing for winter, more birds migrate south, and trees begin to shed their leaves. As the trees start to turn shades of yellow and red, the hedgerows are filled with ripened berries. Thrushes and blackbirds can be seen raiding natures larder along with field mince who also depend on this lifeline as a last big feast before winter.
September the 22nd marks the autumn equinox, also known as Mabon in our ancient past, and harvest festival is widely celebrated, giving thanks for the food we are able to gather. This month is a sign of preparing for winter and nature slowing down to rest.
In a fast‐paced world, we can look to the natural rhythm of our seasons to connect with the environment, becoming in tune with all around us. Take a moment to reflect on all that summer brought and look forward to a gentle, cosy autumnal hug.
Louise Fenwick
Next WSession,ednesday 113thAugust 0.30
SUNDAYS
Coffee & Chat, 9:30am.
Church Service, 10am Kids and Youth provision
All welcome to come and worship with us
Sunday Evenings:
First Sunday of the month, CLOSER, 6pm, an uninterrupted hour of worship with FOL worship bands.
Second Sunday of the month, HIGHER, 6pm, an hour dedicated to praying for our world, nation, & community
Fourth Sunday of the month, DEEPER, 4pm, a discussion around tables with video and talk.
TUESDAYS
Open Home Group (Bible Study), 1:30pm.
THURSDAYS
Noah’s Ark Baby & Toddler Group, 10am All welcome, just turn up (Closed during school holidays)
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
Kidz Klub, 10am – 12 noon, For junior school age children.
SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Good Companions, 2:30pm, Afternoon tea & entertainment for our more senior citizens.
News from First Steps Pre‐School
Early Years has been a sector quite a lot in the news recently regarding childcare costs and the high number of setting closures, including in Norfolk. However it remains a very rewarding sector, and it’s been great to have the importance of Early Years highlighted by people such as the Princess of Wales. First Steps Pre‐School (on the edge of Ashill near the Recycling Centre) has been operating since 2008 and has seen many changes over that time. A recent Ofsted inspection gave the pre‐school a ‘Good’ grading, with the Inspector complementing the pre‐school on being inclusive and nurturing. We’re looking forward to the new term in September, and getting to know the new head at Ashill School. Our thanks to Steve Creasey for a good relationship between First Steps and the school – we wish him all the very best!
Village Services
Breckland Dog Training 07795 466007
Breckland Gundog training 07795 466007
Abbey Boilers Chris Field 01760 440364, 07469 762435
Ashill food and Wine Village store on Hale Road, open 7am to 8pm 01760 440932 ashillshop@gmail com
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 Tuesday 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
J.Walker Electrical Services 01760 441541 07928016562
