Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Useful Contacts Parish Council Chairman Parish Council Clerk District Councillor County Councillor Norfolk Police Safer Neighbourhood Team Church Reverend Martin Hartley Parochial Church Council Yellow Pages Village Hall Chair Bookings
Mr Dave Moore 01508 471041 Mrs Catherine Moore 01493 749918 Mrs Florence Ellis 01379 650032 Mrs Alison Thomas 01508 530652 Emergency 999 Non-emergency 101 sntlongstratton@norfolk.pnn.police.uk Church News Mrs Julia Orpin Mrs Julia Orpin
07976 643560 01508 470983 01508 470983
Mr Tony Lacey Mrs Sheila Plunkett Mrs Melanie Goodall
01508 470870 01508 470485 01508 470195 01508 471189 01508 470454
Village Hall Preston Primary School Village Groups Playschool Amanda Ellis 01508 470795 Scout Group Mr Graham Pates 01508 471518 Social Club Mr Don Proudfoot 01508 471408 Netball Club Mrs Rebecca Heaser 01603 812472 Eurolink Mr Steve Beckett 01508 471198 Allotment Society Mr Simon Orford 01508 471539 Coffee Pot and Crafts Mrs Shirley Brooks 01508 470369 St Mary’s Guild Mrs Margaret Madgett 01508 471525 Tasburgh KnitWits Mrs Denise Kitchen 01508 470732 Fitness Club (Over 50's) Mrs Ann Gibbins 01508 470225 Fat Dad’s Football Mr Bill Wheeler 01508 471633 Martial Arts Mr Andrew Gillingwater 07775 890359 Inaccuracies or omissions? Please contact the Parish Clerk tasburghpc@btinternet.com.
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Parish Council, Serving the Village of Tasburgh
Meetings Parish Council meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month in the Committee Room of the Village Hall at 8pm (refreshments available from 7.30pm). Planning Meetings, if required, are usually held on the first Tuesday of the month, in the Village Hall Committee Room at 7pm. Agendas are posted on the village notice boards and the website at least three days beforehand. Public are welcome to attend all Parish Council meetings; there’s an opportunity to speak or ask questions. Please note, if you would like an item to appear on the agenda, details must be sent to the Clerk at least eight days before the meeting. The Council is unable to make a decision on anything not included on the agenda but can discuss newly raised matters and refer them to the next meeting. Minutes of meetings are posted on the website or are available from the Clerk. Parish Council Surgeries Councillors are always willing to discuss any issues with you; their contact details are on page 5. In addition, Councillors are available on the evenings of their main council meetings (third Tuesday of the month) between 7.30pm and 8pm during which time refreshments are served. 4
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Parish Council, Serving the Village of Tasburgh Contacting the Parish Council If you would like to know more, have any comments about Tasburgh Parish Council and its work or you have any issues you wish to be raised, please contact one of the Councillors or the Parish Clerk. Chairman Dave Moore 16 Henry Preston Road 471041 david.g.moore@homecall.co.uk Vice-Chairman Geoff Merchant 14 Orchard Way 470606 geoffmerchant@btinternet.com Councillors Jill Casson 12 Hastings Close 470334 jillian_casson@btinternet.com Brian Hill 8 Harvey Close 471011 brian.hill2@homecall.co.uk Tony Lacey 1 Grove lane 470870 tony_lacey@btinternet.com Don Proudfoot Aprilia Lodge, Saxlingham Lane 471408 fulmech@macace.net Keith Read Thornly Barn, Saxlingham Lane 470229 k.a.read@btinternet.com Deborah Sacks Glebe Cottage, Low Road 471002 deborah.sacks@btinternet.com Rachel Simmons 2 Prior Close 471197 rachelsimmons1974@yahoo.co.uk Clerk Catherine Moore Jubilee Farm, Fleggburgh Road 01493 Rollesby, Norfolk NR29 5HH 749918 tasburghpc@btinternet.com Website http://tasburghpc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk/ 5
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Parish Council Parish Council Report At the Parish Council meeting in November, there was a presentation by Pegasus Group on the proposed Solar Park at Hall Farm, Tasburgh Alison Leeder and Mark Dickinson addressed the Parish Council regarding the proposed solar park and reported that 70 people had attended a public consultation, with many positive comments which had been incorporated into the planning process. The planners were keen to work to retain the permissive path to the west of the site, and would be able to provide funds towards this. However the stretches at either end were not owned by the applicant therefore work would need to be carried out to get permissive paths on these. Of course, whilst the location of the site is outside the boundaries of Tasburgh parish, the council felt that it was on a key route to Long Stratton and will be keeping a close eye on its development. On the subject of footpaths, our own Horseshoe Way (located in Lower Tasburgh) is due to be officially opened in April (see opposite page). We hope that this is is the first of many new walking routes to be opened around Tasburgh. Whilst the bad weather that has been affecting other parts of the country has not had any significant impact locally, it is nevertheless better to be prepared. As such Tasburgh already has its own Emergency Co-ordinator, Julie Lawrence, who has had over 20 responses from local residents offering help should it be needed. The Village Hall has offered its facilities if the need arises and a small contingency of supplies will be stored there to be used in such events. The Parish Council have taken on the responsibility of maintenance of the war memorial within the grounds of St Mary’s Church and as a first task have had it lightly power washed which has made a vast improvement in bringing out the colour of the stonework. Further work to enhance the lettering is currently being considered. 6
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Parish Council
The Horseshoe Way
The Parish Council is pleased to report that the Horseshoe Way is now open! In 2013, the Parish Council purchased a strip of land from Low Road from Mr Peter Read, for the price of a pint of Adnams. The footpath was named ‘Horseshoe Way’ in honour of the former Horseshoes Pub which stood opposite the Low Road entrance to the path, and is now a private house. Permission to walk on the land leading through to the Heritage Field has kindly been given by Mr Gerald Barnes. Thanks to grant funding from South Norfolk Council, the Parish Council was able to install a kissing gate to link the path with the Heritage Field (Churchfields), which is owned and managed by Norfolk Archaeological Trust. Interpretation panels can be found at the main entrance to the Churchfields site, and on the opposite side of the road by the churchyard. Tasburgh Parish Council would like to remind walkers that dogs should be kept under control, particularly on the permissive path leading directly to Churchfields. Walkers are asked not to walk across the field and to use the permissive path around the field. The footpath will be officially opened by the Chairman of Norfolk County Council, Mrs Hilary Cox, on Wednesday 23rd April at around 6pm - further information will be announced on the village notice boards. 7
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Parish Council
Dog Bins Following a request from a member of the public, the Council is purchasing a larger dog bin, to replace the existing one at the main gate at the Heritage site. We appreciate that dog owners make full use of this facility, which is paid for from the parish precept. However, it has also been reported that certain owners of large dogs are not bothering to clear up after them, including fouling of the footpaths on their way down to the Heritage site. This is totally unacceptable and completely irresponsible. We would appreciate any information, from anyone, as to the identity of the owners allowing their dogs to foul the footpath and the field, enabling us to report it to the relevant authorities for further action. It is unfortunate that this is necessary to try to resolve this problem in this way, but we are left with no choice. We have a standing item on the agenda in relation to footpaths, where it is our intention to improve walks within the village.
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Village Hall
We continue to be very busy at the Village Hall, with ongoing support from our regular user groups plus increasing hirers. 2014 looks set to be a bumper year for wedding receptions. As mentioned in the last Quarterly, we have got ambitious plans looking to greatly improve the parking, drainage and recycling facilities. We expect this to be a complex project in terms of planning and obtaining grant funding – so if you feel that you have some skills which could help with this we would love to hear from you. Please contact either our Chair Tony Lacey tony_lacey@btinternet.com or Secretary Angela Schug aschug@btinternet.com if you’d like to get involved. We are also working with Tasburgh Parish Council to enable a new defibrillator to be installed at the Hall. You are welcome to join us for the upcoming fundraising events organized by the Village Hall Management Committee: 29th March 2014 Quiz & Spud – a joint fundraiser on behalf of the Village Hall and Tasburgh Sea Scouts 31st May 2014 Bingo! - we are joining forces with Tasburgh United Football Club to host a Bingo event. Tasburgh Village Hall & Playing Field Grove Lane, Tasburgh, Norfolk, NR15 1LR Bookings Tel: Sheila 01508 470485 Mel 01508 470195 Bookings@tasburghvillagehaall.org.uk Registered Charity No. 304085
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
South Norfolk Council
The Big South Norfolk Litter Pick South Norfolk is a great place to live; but we want you to help us make it even better! South Norfolk Council wants to work with your local community and community groups to reduce litter and to improve the appearance of your local area. How to get involved If you're interested in organising a litter pick in your community, get in touch by emailing us on litterpick@s-norfolk.gov.uk. We will help you publicise the event by providing posters and leaflets and will also give you guidance and all the equipment you need for litter picking. We want to work with passionate community members to reduce the amount of litter in our district and encourage others to care about where they live. So, why not get involved and help improve where you live? Everyone who registers and completes a litter pick between February 1 and 30 April will receive ÂŁ20 to spend on their community. They will also be entered into a prize draw to win ÂŁ200. Terms & Conditions apply.
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
South Norfolk Council Neighbourhood Fund Do you have an idea for a project that could make a difference in your community? Then you could be eligible to apply for up to £2,000 from South Norfolk Council’s Neighbourhood Fund ( small grants). Since its launch in July, the fund has already supported fifteen projects, helping to support a range of initiatives including purchasing equipment for community led clubs, sports and play equipment and improvements to village halls. Funding is still available, so if you have an idea for a project which needs some financial support, please get in touch. Visit www.southnorfolk.gov.uk/funding, or call Paul on 01508 533956 .
STOP PRESS! Tasburgh Parish Council is pleased to announce that, thanks to funding from the South Norfolk Neighbourhood Board Fund, the proposed defibrillator for the village hall can now be purchased. The defibrillator will be located on the outside of the village hall, and will be fully accessible to all members of the public who make an emergency call the ambulance service and who are advised that it is necessary. The equipment is intuitive, making assessments of the patient and only administering a shock where one is needed. It comes with full instructions and ‘talks’ the user through the process. No formal training is required in order to use the equipment. Tasburgh Parish Council will be arranging a familiarization session later in the year, to which anyone is welcome to attend. Further details will be included in the next Quarterly. The Parish Council would also like to thank the Village Hall Management Committee for their support and co-operation with this project. 11
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Mobile Library Timetable Dates of visits to Tasburgh
13th March 27th March 10th April 24th April 8th May 22nd May
Stop
Arrival Time 14.15 14.55 15.10 15.25 15.55 16.15
Harvey Close Valley Road Opposite No. 2 Valley Road Near No. 27 Lammas Rd / Henry Preston Rd Lammas Rd Near Prior Close Orchard Way
Any queries please telephone 01603 222267.
Long Stratton Library Opening Times Monday: 10.00–1.00; 2.00–5.30; Tuesday: 2.00–5.30; Thursday: 10.00–1.00; 2.00–7.30; Saturday: 9.00–1.00.
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Departure Time 14.50 15.05 15.20 15.50 16.10 16.30
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh United Charities The Trustees of Tasburgh United Charities would like to remind parishioners that they have available each year a certain amount of money to be applied in helping the residents of the Parish who, regardless of their age and for whatever reason, find themselves in need of financial help. Assistance can be given by outright grant towards general expenses, by contribution towards a particular expense, a temporary loan or by purchases of equipment for use. Items of further education will also be considered. Remember, the money is there for use by any resident of Tasburgh. All applications are considered in the strictest confidence. If your circumstances are not already known to the Trustees and you feel that they might be able to help you please contact one of the trustees: Mrs. Jill Casson 12 Hastings Close, 470334 Mr. Keith Read, Thornly Barn, Saxlingham Lane, 470229 Mr. Ben Goodfellow, Rookery House, Saxlingham Lane, 470668 Mr. Geoff Merchant, 14 Orchard Way, 470606.
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Annual Parish Meeting The Tasburgh Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Thursday 29th April 2014, 8pm at Tasburgh Village Hall. All welcome, this is your opportunity to raise any issues with your Parish Council.
Tasburgh Eurolink The 25th anniversary celebrations for Tasburgh Eurolink will take place from the 26th to the 30th June 2014. We are drawing up an itinerary to include some typically English events that we hope will do justice to the occasion. Our Safari Supper will be in August, details to follow.
If you are interested in knitting, be it beginner or more advanced, then come and join us. We are meeting at Tasburgh Village hall on 6th March 7.30-9-30. Learners and advanced knitters are welcome. ÂŁ2.00 per session to include refreshments. More information from Denise Kitchen on 01508 470732. Thank you to everyone who supported our craft fair in November. We sent a cheque for ÂŁ250.00 each to Leeway and MAGPAS. We will be running another craft fair in November 2014. 14
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Do you have a 0-5 year old? Are you looking for a fun new group to attend for playtime and friendly chat? Then why not join us!
Please get in touch if you have any unused pre school toys that you would like to donate to the group. 15
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tas Valley Pre-School and Playgroup T as Va ll ey
P re - S c h o ol
&
P l a y g ro u p
We offer 5 sessions a week Monday to Friday 9.30 to 12.30 Tasburgh Village Hall. for children aged from 2 to 5 We are now accepting children from age 2 We currently have spaces in all sessions and we are now able to accept eligible funded two-year-olds, as well as funded three and four year-olds. We have finally cleared up all of the glitter from Christmas, well done to all our children for their fantastic nativity play, and thanks to Santa too. We are currently making dragons and lanterns for Chinese New Year, and have recently made apple crumble and melted marshmallows to make alien slime. We have also been doing lots of painting and drawing, and made a super alien display. We have made Valentine’s Day cards and heart shaped biscuits, and after half-term we plan to make and eat pancakes. Hopefully then we shall be looking forward to Spring and Easter, and starting to prepare our allotment plot – this year we hope to grow cucumbers as well as pumpkins, peas, potatoes, strawberries and sunflowers. Is there anybody out there who would like to join our friendly committee? You don’t have to be a parent – all are welcome, especially if you have any financial experience. If you are interested, please contact Julie or Jill (numbers below).
For more information or to register a place please contact: Julie King 01508 470759 Julieking22@btinternet.com Or feel welcome to just pop in and see us any morning. 16
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tas Valley Pre-School and Playgroup
50/50 sale Village Hall Saturday March 22nd 10am to 12noon Teas, coffees, cakes too If you have good quality items of children’s clothing or toys that you would like to sell, please contact Jill Casson (470334) for a sellers pack.
WE NEED YOUR PAPER!! (AND CARDBOARD AND NEWSPAPERS) Please save your paper, card and newspapers and bring them along to the Village Hall on March 8th 8.30am – 11.30am The Paper Skip is at the Village Hall on the second Saturday of every other month – the next is May 10th 17
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Preston Primary School
Our last Bulletin was written in November and there were still a lot of activities happening before the end of the Christmas term. On 12th November Years 5 and 6 played in a Rugby Match and won. Well done everyone. Children In Need Pyjama Day organised by the School Council on 15th November made a grand total of £128 On Tuesday 19th November Years 3 and 4 had an early start for a musical activity in Aldeburgh to celebrate the Centenary of the birth of Benjamin Britten. On Friday 22nd November the School Choir performed in a Concert in Blackfriars Hall. On Friday 29th November Grasshopper and Ladybird Classes made a trip to the Bridewell Museum The Friends Bingo Night on 29th November and the Hamper Raffle raised £445. The performances of the School Nativity Play on 10th and 11th December were a great success and enjoyed by everyone who attended. The special afternoon performance on 9th December for the Senior Citizens with tea and coffee and mince pies was greatly appreciated, this is an event that many look forward to each year. On 17th December the School opened “Preston Primary Market” in the evening. This was the culmination of our Money Making topic. A total of approximately £300 was raised between the classes and 18
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Preston Primary School each class will decide on the equipment they need to spend their profit on. On 19th December Santa’s Secret Stall was in operation where the children could purchase a gift for their parents and have it expertly wrapped. This has always caused great excitement. How well did the children manage to keep the secret until Christmas Day?! The Christmas Party and Christmas Lunch was on Friday 20th December and enjoyed by all. School re-opened on 7th January and parents were invited for a cup of tea and a chat about any school related topics on Friday 17th January. On 7th February Olly Day visited the school with a Road Safety Magic Show. On Tuesday 11th February there was a Dance Festival for years 1 and 2 held at Long Stratton Leisure Centre’ On Wednesday 12th February a Tag Rugby match was arranged for Year 3 and took place at Diss Rugby Club . We will report on the result in the next Quarterly. On Friday 14th February there was a Children’s Disco School closes for half-term from 17th to 21st February. Set your Sights Holiday Club will be run on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of that week. Sewing, Street Dancing, Strictly Come Dancing, and Drama Clubs will be running this term. A trip to Aylmerton for Years 5 and 6 has been arranged for 12th -14th March. This should prove very popular and we will report on events min the next bulletin. The School has adopted two Rabbits, Coco and Popcorn and the children are eager and busy learning how to look after them. 19
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Scout Group We started the New Year off with a challenge evening. The challenges included ‘How many peas can you pick up with a straw? ‘and ‘Can you pick up marbles from a bowl of water with your feet?!!’ We have celebrated Chinese New Year and have made Valentine biscuits and cards. We are looking forward to working towards our Explorers badge in March in Attleborough and there are rumours that there may be a sleepover in the Summer. Beavers meet on a Thursday at Tasburgh Village Hall. Children start when they are 6 and move onto Cubs when they are 8. We are operating a waiting list at the moment but for more details please contact Kirsteen on 01508 471739. So, we have almost completed our first half term back after Christmas. Last week’s session saw all Cubs given a nasty wound on the arm using a flour-based paste and squeezy jam. Fortunately they had all been paying attention to Julie Lawrence who had come in to teach Emergency Aid and the wounds were quickly dressed, and in most cases cleaned up, but I think one or two were preserved to scare parents! As a result, by the time you read this, all those who took part should have their Level Two Badge. As it all went so well, we might try to progress this later in the year to see if we can get them through some of the higher levels. Other events for the second half of the term will include Ten Pin Bowling, Swimming and an Easter Egg hunt on the last Thursday. We have had a slight change in the leadership team this term, with Kirsty Dye stepping down due to work commitments and being replaced by Danny Pates, who progressed from being a Young Leader 20
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Scout Group before his 18th birthday to a leadership role. Well done Danny for stepping up. We also have to welcome Laura Cox, who is helping out as part of her D of E at Long Stratton High School. Numbers of Cubs have increased slightly with five new recruits, but we still have spaces if there are any children out there aged 8 to 10. And finally, the perennial request for adult helpers, who would be prepared to put on a uniform and join in. We are quite tight at the moment with four leaders, and if anyone is ill or has work commitments, we have to rely on leaders from other sections stepping in. We would also like to know if there is anyone out there with a talent or skill who could come in for an evening and share it with the Cubs. We are always looking for new ideas to incorporate into the programme. If this appeals in any way, please get in touch. Mike Dawson, 1st Tasburgh Cubs Mikedawson1@gmail.com
Dates for Your Diary 1st March
Burrfeld Park Bird Watch, 9am
16th March
Burrfeld Park Work Session, 10am
8th March
Playgroup Paper Skip, Tasburgh Village Hall, 8.30 - 11.30am
29th March
Quiz & Spud Evening, Tasburgh Village Hall
23rd April Official opening of Horseshoe Way, approx 6pm 29th April Annual Parish Meeting, 8pm, Village Hall 31st May Bingo Evening, Tasburgh Village Hall If you would like your event listed on this page just let us know. tasburghpc@btinternet.com
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Allotment Society Down on the Allotments: March 2014 Not the easiest quarter to report on really. I mean, what goes on at the TAS allotment site during November through to February? It’s cold, wet and dark most of the time. Not terribly inspiring for getting down and dirty. The weather has seriously taken its toll this winter. Recent storms have made quite a mess of our Treasurer’s greenhouse and the Pates’ shed has taken quite a pasting, but luckily no tree damage resulting in flattened rabbit fencing has happened… yet. It’s been a strange winter again (which seems to be a standard comment now annually). This time last year we’d had weeks of snow cover and constant freezing nights. This year, a flake of snow in the morning of Monday 27th January, that had disappeared before it landed and I’m sure the nights of freezing temperatures all winter could be counted on one or two hands at the most. Instead it will be remembered as the winter of the wind, rain and damaging storms. Since I last wrote back at the beginning of November a few hardy souls have been spotted on site though. I’ve seen fellow member, Simon Saunders, repairing the entrance steps and as I left I scraped my boots on the scraper that he’d recently made and installed. It crossed my mind, had I just seen an early candidate for 2014 Clubman of the Year? So will this mild winter mean a deluge of disease next spring with little natural cleansing? Well, the winter is not over yet as I write at the end of January and maybe nature will still balance the season out with a late burst. This is starting to look unlikely though. Seems a long time ago now, that we were desperate for water during last summer’s drought but it’s not forgotten and getting ourselves a supply is in the pipeline.(excuse the pun!). We need to work hand in hand here with the 22
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Allotment Society Village Hall, and appreciate that we will need to be a bit disruptive to the Playing Field for a day or two, but last summer proved this is a necessary commodity for us. We would like to thank at this point, the positive attitude that the Parish Council and Village Hall have shown as we go about gathering together funds to accomplish the job of water supply. When we first sat down at the very formation of TAS as a working group, we generated a constitution and one element was the ‘arranging of lectures, film shows, demonstrations, competitions and other social events’. We feel we are doing quite well on most of these and to continue, we’ve organised an educational presentation on the 25th February, by village resident and gardening journalist; Angela Youngman. This event will be open to all village residents and not just TAS members and I hope you had the chance to get a ticket. The event should spring board us into the coming warmer season. Look out for future events on notice boards and in the Quarterly, we would be delighted to see lots of non-TAS members as well as the usual faces. In an effort to enlighten you each quarter, I will attempt to feed this column with a regular ‘did you know?’ feature. To kick this off; did you know that the number of Allotments in the UK peaked in around 1943 at 1.4million. A steady decline was seen until 1997 where it possibly bottomed out at 256 000 (even with the 1970s TV series ‘The Good Life’s’ promotion of grow your own). Recent interest has seen a rise to 330 000 by 2008 with 100 000 people on waiting lists. (Vidal. J: 2008. Coming up Roses. The Guardian). I could not find any more up to date figures but with 17 in Tasburgh to add to that total, the number is surely now even higher. Simon Orford Secretary to TAS
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Burrfeld Park A New Year for Burrfeld Park We are looking forward to seeing the bluebells blooming in the Hazel coppice, which is coming on very well. The pond is filling up again nicely with all the rain we have had. Hopefully the residents of the Bug Hotel managed to keep warm and dry over the winter. There will be a work morning on Sunday 16th March, to tidy up the site. If you would like to help, we will meet at ten o’clock and finish at midday. On Saturday 1st March there will be a Bird Watch from 9am until 11am, come along and see how many birds you can spot. On Sunday 13th July we are having a Moth Breakfast from 9am until 11am, this is a very popular event, bacon or sausage rolls together with tea or coffee will be available. You will be able to see a wide variety of moths, and providing the pond is deep enough we will be able to do some pond dipping. Burrfeld Park also has its own Facebook page, where photos, sightings and details of events will be posted. If you are on Facebook and would like to join this closed group, search for “Friends of Burrfeld Park”. Radio Norfolk in Tasburgh! On Sunday 19th January Tasburgh was featured on BBC Radio Norfolk’s TreasureQuest programme. A flying visit was made by stand-in presenter ‘Thunder Fairy’ Thordis Fridriksson, where she picked up Clue 4. Sadly Thordis was just a few minutes too slow in getting the treasure at her last stop in Starston. Better luck next time! 24
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Fire Safety
Change your clocks on 30th March & check your smoke alarm too Clocks go forward at 01:00am on Sunday 30th March - as summer time officially starts. A good time to remember to check your smoke alarm and change the batteries is when you change your clocks twice a year as daylight saving time begins and ends. The Fire Kills campaign is urging people to make a potentially lifesaving move when they change their clocks this March by taking a moment to test their smoke alarms too. "We're all losing sleep at the start of British Summer Time, but testing your smoke alarm could save you from losing a lot more. As you put your clocks forward, take an extra moment to push the button - it could save your life." Keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the home by following these simple steps: Fit a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Make testing your smoke alarm part of your household routine. Test the alarm by pressing the button regularly. Change your smoke alarms battery once a year or invest in a 10-year alarm. Clean the alarm casing twice a year to ensure dust isn't blocking the sensor. Whatever happens, never remove the battery in your smoke alarm. Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire and practise your escape route.
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Tips and Treats It is with some trepidation that I take over the recipe page in this magazine. Following on from Joanna who has many years of professional knowledge and expert skills in food preparation and presentation, I confess to only having an O Level in Food and Nutrition that required me to cook a well practised meal for the practical part of the examination. How my family suffered as week after week they were subjected to eating Pork Oriental until I got it right. My style is eclectic. For me it’s all about wanting to cook and being excited about food especially at weekends, when during the week it is so much easier after a long day just to reach for the wine. I’ve made mistakes along the way. Hugh will only be too pleased to tell you about the disastrous fish cakes! As a nurse specialising in Occupational Health in the workplace, health promotion is a big part of my role, discussing healthy living, including diet and well being with individuals. With that in mind I thought I would try to include some healthy lifestyle tips or observations that may be of interest. A couple of weeks ago, in an effort to look more closely at what I eat, I spent 20 minutes in the cereal aisle of a well known supermarket at Harford Bridge looking at the bewildering number of tiny nutritional labels giving incomprehensible percentages of fat, sugar and salt. These 3 products give taste to food and usually are considerably cheaper than herbs and spices but we are constantly told they are bad for us. My conclusion was that all cereals had a hidden culprit but the labelling always promoted the lowest of these 3 baddies, making us believe that it was really good for us – hey this is low sugar (but its got a whopping fat content). The result was an empty shopping bag and a search for the recipe opposite
Julie Lawrence
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Tips and Treats
Granola 500g large flake oats (Flahavan’s Irish oats - brilliant for porridge too!) ½ cup of each: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, coconut, walnut pieces, pecan pieces, sliced almonds (could use hazel nuts or other favoured nut or seed). Mix together in a large bowl. ½ cup sunflower oil & ½ cup honey (this ratio could be changed or reduced to suit your taste). Heat in a microwave or pan for about 2 minutes. Mix into the dry ingredients. Divide into 2-3 baking sheets (get a couple of Lakeland non stick sheets for an easy life with washing up). Bake at 325F/ 160C for 10 minutes, then turn it over for another 10 minutes. It should be brown in colour but beware:- it burns quickly. Cool and put in airtight container, add ½ cup of raisins, cranberries, currants (or your preferred dried fruit). Its quite rich so you’ll probably only want to eat small portions but can be used in a variety of ways, put on yoghurt, sprinkled on fresh fruit, mashed bananas or as a cereal with milk.
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Memories As 2014 sees the centenary anniversary of the outbreak of the first world war, we continue our series of articles exploring the stories behind the names on our war memorial... Sydney Albert Matthews, born 1898, was the son of Albert and Ellen Mary Matthews living in a three bedroomed house in Low Road, Tasburgh in 1911. Albert, born in 1867, was working as a builder. There were three other surviving children:- Mark one year older; Mildred Mary born 1905 and Ivy Maud 1909 Sydney served in the Army Service Corps "F" Coy as a driver probably of horse wagons but possibly the early trucks. He possibly joined in 1915 with the last wave of volunteers before the introduction of conscription and was assigned, due to his skills with horses, to the ASC, and sent with reinforcements to join the re-forming 13 Division rebuilding after the battle of Gallipoli. The Mesopotamia campaign started in 1914 as a combined force of 2 Indian Army and one British division sent to seize the oil field at the top of the Persian Gulf. Oil was a major resource as the Royal Navy had moved from coal to oil in the early part of the century. The mission expanded and the force took Basra and pushed on up the Euphrates river toward Baghdad. At Kut Al Amara below Baghdad the force was encircled by the Turkish army and in April 1916 was forced to surrender. The 13th division with a further two Indian divisions failed to arrive in time to lift the siege. The new force did however take Baghdad in April 1917. Conditions in Mesopotamia defy description. Extremes of temperature (120 degrees Fahrenheit was common); arid desert and regular flooding; flies, mosquitoes and other vermin: all led to appalling levels of sickness and death through disease. Under these conditions, units fell short of officers and men, and all too often the reinforcements were half-trained and illequipped. Medical arrangements were quite shocking, with wounded men spending up to two weeks on boats before reaching any kind of hospital. These factors, plus of course the unexpectedly determined Turkish resistance, contributed to high casualty rates. As Sydney died in July it is likely that he died from sickness or accident, or as recent events have shown, ambushed by locals for the supplies. 28
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Memories The capture of Baghdad in 1917 had unfortunately not been the end of the campaign in Mesopotamia. Two days after the fall of the city the British began pushing northwards with the intention of capturing the town of Mosul, some 240 miles distant. In the ensuing four weeks they had fought a number of fierce actions, which had culminated with the Battle of Bandi-IAdhaim [The Boot], which had taken place on the thirtieth of April. ‘The Boot’ had been the last battle of 1917 until the offensive had been renewed in the autumn of 1917. Having fought themselves to a virtual standstill, the arrival of the hot season [which runs from May to September in Iraq] had spelt the end of the fighting for both sides. The enemies from then onwards for Briton, Indian, and Turk alike had been the ever-present sun, dust, and flies. The Mesopotamian summer of 1917 had turned out to be the hottest in living memory. As the weeks passed the temperature had steadily risen, by July thermometers in Baghdad had recorded incredible 123 degrees and by August the temperature had risen to over a hundred and sixty degrees in the shade. For the soldiers sweltering in tents and dugouts and still clad in the heavy serge uniforms of winter, conditions had been insufferable. Over 37,000 men had been admitted to hospital with varying degrees of heat exhaustion, madness, and dehydration between the middle of March and mid-April alone. It was a punishable offence to become sun burnt. During July/August 1917 the 13th Division had been congregated to the north of Baghdad at Sadiya, and as a transport driver Sydney would be carrying supplies from the various river ports to the forward bases. In the whole campaign over 14,000 were killed, 5,000 wounded and 13,000 died of sickness. This nasty little sideshow is recorded in only one book compared to the hundreds recounting the Western Front. Sydney Matthews died on 27th July 1917 and is buried in BASRA WAR CEMETERY.
BOB DAVISON 29
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Sports and Social Club Chairman’s Blog 2014 arrived with a bit of a rush for the club; having just got over a really great festive period and welcoming in the new year, we cleared the cellar and had our cooling system replaced, with that up and running it was back to business with our first event of the year The Sunday Quiz, which falls every 3rd Sunday of the month. We then hosted the best Burn’s Night celebrations we have ever had with much Haggis being consumed and great music provided by Them Harvey Boys, definitely a night to remember. February arrived and another successful live music night with The Stretcher Monkeys rocking the night away, it was great to see our regular supporters and lots of new faces. Our next live music event is Saturday May 17th when local band Midnight Circus make a return to entertain us. We will then be supporting RFA at TasFest 2014 on 21st June when we will be holding our mini Beer Festival with some great East Anglian real ales and possibly some from further away as well. Another date for the diary is Sunday 6th July, the Village Cricket Match, teams from Upper and Lower Tasburgh doing battle for the various trophies; which while I am on the subject if you have a trophy can you please return it to the club before July. One event still being finalised is the sequel to the very successful Whisky Tasting night we held last March. World famous guru and writer on the amber nectar Dominic Roskrow will return to talk and share several samples. This event will be ticketed so please keep an eye out for further information or why not keep yourself up to date with all our events and news by joining our mailing list, simply email us at info.tasburghsocialclub@gmail.com and watch out for us in your inbox. Would you like to be bigger part of your Sports & Social Club? We're always looking to add new directors to our committee and 30
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Tasburgh Sports and Social Club with a busy year of functions ahead of us we would be very pleased to hear from anyone interested in helping us run the bar. We are also currently looking for a new Secretary to take over in February. The key responsibilities include taking records of committee meetings, club correspondence, admin of membership and advertising. While all committee positions are 100% voluntary, being part of the club offers the chance to be part of a growing community based organisation. If you feel you could apply yourself to this role or feel you could help us in any way please get in contact with any of the club directors, call in at the club or phone me on 471408. Finally, annual membership to Tasburgh Sports & Social Club will become due on Tuesday, 1 April 2014. Membership renewals cost £3 and are payable no later than Wednesday, 30 April 2014. Members renewing after this time will be asked to rejoin the club by paying the £5 joining fee + the £3 annual membership fee. Senior membership (over 65’s) will continue to be free of charge, however we kindly ask those concerned to complete and return the renewal form to retain their membership. Membership to the club is greatly appreciated and we are continually working hard to make the club an exciting venue within Tasburgh. If you wish to renew your membership to Tasburgh Sports & Social Club please complete and return the membership renewal form, along with remittance, when you receive it. Coincidentally this is also the best time to join the club for the first time, please feel free to ask for an application form from us at the bar or via the email address across. Cheers for now Don.
• Opening Times • Tuesdays & Wednesdays 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Fridays 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. 31
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
SAXLINGHAM NETHERGATE BOWLS CLUB If you are thinking of taking up a new social interest or taking up bowls again then why not join us on the green on the Saxlingham Nethergate Playing Field. We visit some very picturesque Norfolk village bowls greens. Games last for about two hours with refreshments provided afterwards. Absolute beginners are most welcome; coaching will be provided. Prospective new members are invited to contact Chris Lacey on 01508 499700 or email chrislacey@nr93et.freeserve.co.uk. for further information.
Next Edition The summer edition of the Quarterly and Church News will be distributed by the end of May. Contributions from local organisations are always welcomed and can be emailed to the Parish Clerk for inclusion. We would be particularly pleased to receive suggestions for regular articles. All articles to the Parish Clerk, tasburghpc@btinternet.com by Friday 9th May. 32
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
A large print version of the Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News is available upon request. Please contact 01493 749918. Cost of Advertising If you wish to advertise in the Quarterly please contact the Parish Clerk, tasburghpc@btinternet.com. Prices as follows: Greyscale: full page £31.00, half page £21.00, quarter page £11.00 Colour: full page £62.00, half page £42.00, quarter page £22.00. Discount of 10% available to those living and trading in Tasburgh, and a further 5% when four issues are booked and paid for in advance. 33
Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Classifieds
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Tasburgh Quarterly and Church News - Spring 2014
Classifieds
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