villagediary.net
© Ian Summers
Wintry Words – and if that doesn’t look cold enough turn to page 9
Village Diary & Newsletter
Community Information and Services
Editor: Ian Summers, 14 The Knoll, Hempstead, Holt NR25 6TJ 01263 710702 editor@villagediary.net
Mobile Library Every fourth Thursday Matlaske Plumstead Baconsthorpe
Sub-editor: Su Summers Production: Thomas Wormald Village Correspondents: Baconsthorpe: Ro Hardingham 577262 Barningham: Sara Buxton 577207 Hempstead: Betty Hart 712726 Matlaske: Florence Hunt 577363 Plumstead: Thomas Wormald 577239
Hempstead
Old Post Office Walnut Farm Council Bungalows Old Post Office The Street Hare and Hounds Telephone kiosk
See www.libraries.norfolk.gov.uk
Holt Library 9 Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB Tel: 712202 Mon–Wed, and Sat: 9:30 am to 1 pm Fri: 9:30 am to 6 pm Books can be dropped off out of hours in the letterbox labelled ‘bookdrop’ in the blue door.
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Copy date 20th of the month preceding publication
Post Office Baconsthorpe Village Hall Tuesdays Fridays
Postal Subscriptions £10 per year – Corinne Youngs 577263
12:30 pm to 4 pm 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
For a full range of services offered at this branch and all other enquiries call 712139.
Advertising Annual: Contact: Mrs D Spalton 711117
Norfolk Constabulary
One-off or special requirement: Payment by the copy date. Contact: The editor
101 for non-urgent calls Holt Safer Neighbourhood Team e-mail: sntholt@norfolk.pnn.police.uk Police Community Support Officers: Baconsthorpe & Matlaske PCSO Guy Slade Hempstead PCSO Rachel Howard Plumstead PCSO Jason Ford Police Direct about crime and policing issues http://tinyurl.com/cra3u4j
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mNau Where you see odd characters like these then you can either find out more details about the item on the web site and (for some items) add comments to share your ideas or views. Just enter the code (case-sensitive) into the Address Bar preceded by post.ly/
Dog Warden 516085 (out of hours 513811) ep@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Norfolk Carers Helpline – 0808 808 9876
Churchwardens
Mon–Fri 8 am to 8 pm. Free and confidential listening, support and information for family carers. www.norfolkcarershelpline.org.uk
Baconsthorpe: Tessa McCosh 577611 Barningham: Mary Wortley 577246 Brian Clements 570293 Hempstead: Ann Udale 713656 Su Summers 710702 Matlaske: Florence Hunt 577363 Thomas Courtauld 577250 Plumstead: Thomas Wormald 577239 John Durdin 577234
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the newsletter. The newsletter apologises if contributed material is not published due to space constraints. All facts are believed to be correct at time of publication. The editor reserves the right to amend material. 2
illuminate any suspicious activity. This type of light can be both effective and inexpensive. High-powered lights can be used but care should be taken not to cause any nuisance to neighbours or road users.
Bodham Wind Turbine The appeal is taking the form of an informal hearing which will be held at the Council Offices at Cromer at 10 am on 29 Jan. Any member of the public is entitled to attend and if they would like to speak they are advised to arrive before the meeting to register their interest. There will be a site visit the following day. A physical presence shows the Inspector that people really do care about the decision made.
The Positioning of your oil tank can have a significant effect on how much of a target it is likely to become. • Keep the tank in a well-overlooked position – this will ensure any thieves are more likely to be seen. • If your tank is close to the house make sure you can see it from your windows – this coupled with the lighting will make it less of a target. • Better still, enclose your tank in a building which can be secured. • Don’t overlook the importance of ventilation if enclosing the tank – advice should be sought from your oil company. • Always remember that access is required for any deliveries.
How to prevent fuel theft Control switches that control the flow of oil should be turned off and the electricity supply isolated when the tank is not in use. Padlocks: A thief will usually come equipped with a limited range of tools to attack your tank so it’s worth spending a little more on good quality locks. Close shackle padlocks are the best as they offer most resistance to thieves. Due to their design, close shackle padlocks have very little of the metal hoop (shackle) exposed and bolt croppers cannot get a good grip.
Perimeter security of your property can play a big part in reducing any crime. • If you have a gate keep it closed and locked when you are out. • Always make arrangements for access for your delivery driver – you could use combination padlocks or arrange deliveries when you are in. • Make sure your perimeter fence is in good condition and is not easy to climb. • Consider the use of trellis on top of any rear fencing to increase height. • Nature provides its own defence in the form of prickly plants such as berberis and pyracantha. They can deter thieves as the smallest trace of blood can lead to them being identified. They can supplement fencing for protection and look more natural than some security fencing.
Oil level gauges: Check your oil levels regularly. This will alert you quickly to any problems you may have had. It will also assist the police investigation if you can narrow the crime times down. Always check when you have had a delivery so you have a starting point. Many tanks can be fitted with a gauge to monitor the levels which can be read inside the house. Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a harder target for thieves. It’s not always necessary to floodlight the area with high-power beams – a more-subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy ‘dusk ’til dawn’ lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to
Site-specific crime prevention info from Norfolk Constabulary 0845 456 4567. 3
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Qualified Funeral Directors Office and Chapel of Rest 11a Avenue Road High Kelling, Holt NR25 6RD
01263 860112 or 01263 861587 www.hamlynnorfolk.co.uk
John Perry-Warnes Your North Norfolk District Councillor Please contact me if I can be of Service concerning the following issues
Memorials in marble, stone and various coloured granites Brochures upon request ? Additional inscriptions
? Housing ? Council Tax ?
Cremation plaques ? House names
? Waste Collection ? Planning Matters ?
Workshop: 01603 755524 Office: 01603 485691
www.rwellsmemorials.co.uk Unit 8 Sawmill Close, The Street, Felthorpe, Norwich NR10 4BH
4
Tel: 01263 715577 john.perry-warnes@norfolk.gov.uk
Church Matters Church Services 3 Feb 2 before Lent 10 Feb 13 Feb 17 Feb 24 Feb 3 Mar
9 am 10:45 am 1 before Lent 9 am 10:45 am Ash Wednesday 7 pm Lent 1 9 am 10:45 am Lent 2 9 am 10:45 am Lent 3 9 am 10:45 am
Eucharist Mattins Eucharist Mattins Eucharist Eucharist Mattins Eucharist Mattins Eucharist Mattins
Baconsthorpe Church Barningham Winter Church Hempstead Church Plumstead Church Barningham Winter Church Matlaske Church Baconsthorpe Church Barningham Winter Church Hempstead Church Plumstead Church Matlaske Church
Weekday Holy Eucharist You are most welcome to join us every Thursday morning at 10 am in Matlaske Church for Holy Eucharist
From the Rectory The Rectory Matlaske NR11 7AQ 577455 (any day but Wednesdays)
My dear friends First of all, Jo joins me in wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. Christmas in the Benefice was wonderful and I would like to thank all who gave of their time and talents in so many different ways. The services were well attended; the churches were beautifully decorated and the choir, as usual, were brilliant. Special thanks to Geoff Wortley who led the Christingle Service. What a joy it was to have Bishop Jonathan with us for Confirmation on 10 Jan. Our congratulations to Richenda Riches and Jessica Robson. Lent will soon be upon us. Our Ash Wednesday service will be on 13 Feb in Barningham Winter Church at 7 pm. After that we shall have our customary ‘Compline and Address’ services on Wednesdays in Lent – 7 pm at Barningham Winter Church. Please make a diary note for Sunday 3 March at 10:45 am. The Reverend Peter Galloway (The Queen’s Chaplin of the Savoy) will be preaching at Choral Mattins at Matlaske. Peter represents The Queen who, as Duke of Lancaster, is Patron of Matlaske and Plumstead. Choir Practice will resume on Friday, 15 Feb at 6:30 pm in Matlaske Church. We are all extremely grateful for the Choir’s considerable contribution to our worship. It is hoped that the Community Lunch Club will resume on Wednesday, 27th February but please check and confirm your booking the week before. Thanks. God bless you all. 5
Back to the Garden, Fakenham Road, Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7JJ Tel: 01263 715996 www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk www.twitter.com/back_togarden www.facebook.com/backtothegardennorfolk
children. We have had many calls on our resources and we are grateful to you all for helping us to help others.’ This is a tribute to the generosity of those who this year (and over several past years) have brought gifts to this service and thereby joy at Christmas to local needy families. Many thanks to those in the Benefice who donated so generously – we hope to repeat this next year. RH & GW
Advent Carol Service at North Barningham
Carol Service at Matlaske
There was a large congregation at St Peter’s Church, North Barningham for the Benefice Advent Carol Service. The season of Advent has its own quite special carols and these, together with an Anthem from the Benefice Choir, were sung with great gusto. The Rev Michael Cartwright officiated and played the organ, with members of the congregation being called upon to read appropriate passages. Members of the Palgrave Society, which holds this church ‘special’, were also in attendance. At the end of the service all enjoyed mulled wine and sausage rolls; the whole occasion setting the scene for the Christmastide celebrations to come. Thank you to all who played a part in the organisation, and provided the splendid flower arrangements; especially to Chuffy and Maurice de Bunsen for the provision of the much-appreciated refreshment. GW
There was a good congregation at St Peter’s Church, Matlaske for the Benefice Christmas Carol Service. Readers were from the five churches in the Benefice, the youngest being Matilda and Charlie Courtauld. The choir led the singing of familiar carols and after the service everyone enjoyed mulled wine, mince-pies and a good mardle. A donation from the collection was sent to BEFA, a local charity serving those in need at Christmas. DW
Crib Service at Hempstead The Benefice Crib Service was held at Hempstead Church this year, and a most beautiful service it was too. We sang carols to help tell the story of that first Christmas as the crib figures were brought to the front by the children. The children then held candles around the crib as they sang ‘Away in a Manger’, adding to the hundred candles already lit around the church. The offertory of £90 was sent to Hempstead’s special charity, Norfolk Venda Educational Project. We are told it will go towards building the roof on an unfinished classroom at Mphigalale Primary School in the very poor Venda region of South Africa. SS
Toy Service at Baconsthorpe The annual Benefice Toy Service was held at St Mary’s Church, Baconsthorpe. Around eighty wrapped gifts were given and later taken to the Salvation Army in Sheringham who organise the distribution for us to families for whom gifts at Christmas prove difficult and often impossible. The following is an extract from a letter from Sheringham Corps – ‘Sincere thanks to you all in the Barningham Group of Parishes. It was overwhelming to receive such generous gifts. These were all carefully sorted to enable families who most needed help at Christmas to receive them for their
Christmas Day Morning at Barningham Winter St Mary’s Church, Barningham Winter was the venue for the Benefice Christmas Festive Eucharist with carols. The church was packed to capacity and particularly delightful was the presence of at least twelve children 7
continued on page 19
T G L GROUNDWORKS Any outside work undertaken from concreting, digger/dumper operations, fencing, patios, bases, footings, oversights, drainage, treatment plants, soakaways, connections, trenching, some BT, electric, gas and water, kerbs and driveways, landscaping, hedges and grass cutting and turfing. Big Green Waste Bag: We deliver a 1 ton bag; you fill it with garden waste, give us a call; it’s picked up and exchanged if needed. Nettles/brambles/weeds/grass, hedge and tree cuttings. Why risk scratching and marking your car wasting time and fuel. Bags can be used for other things by arrangement only. £9 for 1; £16 for 2.
We also hold £5 million public liability and damage waiver; fully trained experienced operations. 7 Stonefield Road, Baconsthorpe NR25 6LP 01263 577746 or 07769 914335 tgl-groundworks@gmx.co.uk
NORFOLK FOREST PRODUCTS Septic Tank Emptying Service 01263 577523 Forestry Contractor Upwood Farm North Barningham Matlaske Norfolk NR11 7LA
24 Gladstone Place, Briston 01263 860333
• • • • •
General Repairs • Welding Servicing • Recovery Pre-MOTs and MOTs arranged Tyres Supplied and Fitted Free Courtesy Car
In-town Butchery at Larners of Holt
Hall Cottage, Holt Road, Edgefield NR24 2RS
01263 710000
Contact Ross on
Fresh Bread & Cakes from our own bakery
01263 715600
Family Butcher Poulterer & Game Dealer Licensed to sell Wines & Spirits
98
Weekly Deliveries in our refrigerated vans
Wintry Words If winter comes, can spring be far behind? Shelley
Aspects of Winter Whilst taking an involuntary ‘lie-down’ in the snow recently, I considered the different aspects of winter. At the time, mine was a physically uncomfortable aspect, but others have commented more favourably:
Winter then in its early and clear stages, was a purifying engine that ran unhindered over city and country, alerting the stars to sparkle violently and shower their silver light into the arms of bare upreaching trees. It was a mad and beautiful thing that scoured raw the souls of animals and man, driving them before it until they loved to run. Mark Helprin
Stopping by woods on a snowy evening Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.
Rising from my snowy bed, I faced another aspect of winter – six hungry animals intently eyeing the bale of hay I had been carrying! J
My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.
Winter from ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ When icicles hang by the wall And Dick the shepherd blows his nail, And Tom bears logs into the hall, And milk comes frozen home in pail; When blood is nipp’d and ways be foul Then nightly sings the staring owl, Tu-whoo... Tu-whit, tu-whoo! A merry note. While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. R Frost Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home. Edith Sitwell
When all around the wind doth blow, And coughing drowns the Parson’s saw And birds sit brooding in the snow, And Marion’s nose looks red and raw When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl, Then nightly sings the staring owl, Tu-whoo... Tu-whit, tu-whoo! A merry note. While greasy Joan doth keel the pot. William Shakespeare
I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.’ Lewis Carroll Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance. Yoko Ono
NB: Parson’s ‘saw’ means a wise saying. ‘Roasted crabs’ are crab apples and greasy Joan is tipping up her soup pot or maybe tankard so that she can get the last little bit. Keeling the pot... we all do it – don’t we? E 9
Weekly Events Mondays * 7:30 pm Tuesdays † 10 am Tuesdays ‡ 10 am Tuesdays * 7:30 pm
Baconsthorpe Line Dancing Hempstead Charcoal Drawing Baconsthorpe Diocesan Play Van Baconsthorpe Indoor Bowls
711320
pWOC
711282
pWOA
07780 30899
711320 * Not on Bank Holidays † Not on 29th Jan and 5th Feb ‡ During school terms
243kl pWOB
January/February Monthly Events 1 Feb Fri @ 10:30 am 11 Feb Mon @ 11 am 20 Feb Wed @ 7:30 pm 21 Feb Thu @ 12:20 pm 27 Feb Wed @ noon 28 Feb Thu @ 10 am
Coffee and Gossip Hempstead Village Hall Hempstead Kneeler Group At Irene’s 21X3m Hempstead Film Club Contact: 712460 1Zhgd Mobile Library See page 2 for times pWOD Community Lunch Club * sR3b Baconsthorpe Textile Group spcp
* Booking essential – please refer to final paragraph of From the Rectory on page 5
Special Events 30 Jan Wed @ 7:30 pm
Hempstead Talk
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Letheringsett’s Scientific Anchorite – David Durst. See Dec/Jan edition.
1 Feb Fri @ 7:30 pm
Hempstead PCC Meeting
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In the Village Hall.
5 Feb Tue @ 2 pm
Benefice Church Wardens’ Meeting
At the Old Rectory, Baconsthorpe.
6 Feb Wed @ 8 pm
Hempstead Toad Watch
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An informal meeting at a venue to be confirmed – contact Su 710702 for details.
7 Feb Thu @ 10 am
Police Surgery: Baconsthorpe
Bus Shelter until 11 am.
7 Fe @ 11 am
Police Surgery: Matlaske
Outside St Peter's Church until noon.
15 Feb Fri @ 7 pm 23 Feb Sat @ noon 27 Feb Wed @ 7 pm
Baconsthorpe Quiz and Supper 9neQx Police Surgery: Hempstead Bus Shelter until 1 pm. Hempstead Play Reading Group A8HWj
We resume after the Christmas break – please note change from our usual day. Refreshments from 7 pm, reading starts 7:30 pm at Hempstead Village Hall. New members always welcome, please ring Su 710702 su@linaria.co.uk 10
Further Ahead 1 Mar Fri @ 10:30 am 4 Mar Mon @ 7:30 pm
Coffee and Gossip Hempstead Village Hall Hempstead PC Meeting A8X3s
In the Village Hall. All parishioners are welcome.
11 Mar Mon @ 2 pm
Baconsthorpe PCC AGM
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To be held in the church.
12 Mar Tue @ 2:30 pm
Barningham Winter PCC AGM
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At Green Lane House.
12 Mar Tue @ 7 pm
Matlaske PCC Meeting
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At the Rectory.
18 Mar Mon @ 9:30 am
Hempstead Church Spring Clean
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All help will be greatly appreciated for this essential task.
20 Mar Wed @ 7:30 pm 24 Mar Sun @ 4 pm
Baconsthorpe Easter Bingo Police Surgery: Hempstead
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Hempstead Church – Coffee & Stalls
A8CMQ
Bus Shelter until 5 pm.
1 Apr Mon @ 10 am
On Easter Monday from 10 am until 3 pm we are fund-raising in the Church. All contributions welcome.
3 Feb
Sun @ 4 pm
Upper Sheringham Music for Candlemas
At the Church of All Saints with The Kelling Consort directed by Angela Dugdale with organist Richard Peaver
18–24 Feb Mon–Sun
Blickling Hall Art Exhibition
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State of the Art – in the Hobart Gallery. 10:15 – 5:30 everyday. Come along to meet and greet all the artists on Sunday 24th from 3–5 pm. Kirsty O’Leary-Leeson is an artist from Plumstead who also teaches part time at Sheringham High School and has decided it’s time to disprove the saying those who can do, those who can’t teach. Her husband Jamie is the Head of Art at Sheringham and they and seven other local art teachers have put aside their report writing and lesson planning, to exhibit a wonderful selection of drawings, paintings and photography which show cases the fantastic talents of those tutoring the next generation of budding Picasso’s and Banksy’s. kolearyleeson@btinternet.com
17 Mar
Sun @ 11 am
Bodham Comic Relief Football fun day A7z2x
Until 3 pm on Bodham Playing Field on A148 – 5-a-side football, bouncy castle, youth clubs, emergency services, refreshments – Please register your 5-a-side team with Holt SNT (£5 entry fee) before Sunday 10th March 2013. If you would like to get involved in the fun day then please contact the Holt SNT on 101 sntholt@norfolk.pnn.police.uk 11
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Baconsthorpe News
Baconsthorpe all her life. Alice thoroughly enjoyed her birthday and had a constant stream of visitors. She would like to thank everyone for the many cards and gifts.
Special Event in Baconsthorpe 15 Feb
7 pm Quiz and Supper More details on centre pages
Best Wishes We send best wishes to Malcom RustAndrews, who underwent hip replacement surgery at the beginning of December. The surgery was a success but unfortunately other complications arose, resulting in a three week stay in hospital before being allowed home on Christmas Eve. Malcom is now up and about and making good progress. Best wishes also to Ruth Clare who has had to spend time in The Norfolk & Norwich Hospital recently. Thankfully Ruth is now home and on the road to recovery.
Philip Hutchinson Philip was born in 1935, the middle of three brothers. After school he did National Service in the RAF. Philip chose a career in the hotel industry eventually joining Trust House Forte where he quickly rose to become a regional director. While working at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London Philip met Andy and they were married in 1963. In time Julia and Jo arrived, daughters as much adored by him as he was by them. On their retirement in 1995 Philip and Andy moved to Baconsthorpe (when they eventually found it!) They immediately joined the church community: Philip became a member of the PCC and Fabric Officer. Philip was blessed with boundless energy much of which he directed at the church. The gutters were always cleared, ivy removed from walls, walls mended and the interior paint renovated, not to mention copious signs painted to cover all church activities. Most of this was done before the rest of us realised it needed doing. Philip loved sport. He played county tennis for the veterans, was a regular golfer and enjoyed bowling at Bodham. He was often at hockey matches all over the country umpired by his daughter Julia and could frequently be found on the touch line cheering on North Walsham Rugby Club. For over two years Philip battled serious health problems and sadly in December he passed away. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him – our thoughts and prayers go to Andy, Julia and Jo.
Poppy Appeal The sum of £168.84 was collected and duly sent by Tessa McCosh to the above appeal. Thanks to all who contributed towards this splendid result.
Police Notice There have been a recent incident of nails being put on to a resident’s driveway in Baconsthorpe. This could easily have resulted in damage to cars or even injured dogs or horses walking past. If you have any information regarding this please contact Holt station on non-emergency number 101.
STUART’S TAXI TRAVEL Sheringham: 01263 824444 Holt: 01263 710088 Freefone: 0800 734 44 44 stuartstaxitravel@btinternet.com
Congratulations Many congratulations to Alice Hazeel who celebrated her 90th birthday on 9th Jan. Alice was born at Hall Cottages and, apart from serving in the ATS and a few years away in the early 1950s, has lived in
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SHORT or LONG DISTANCE
Barningham News Please see reports of Christmas Services on page 7.
Hempstead News Special Events in Hempstead 30 Jan 7:30 pm Winter Talk 1 Feb 7:30 pm PCC Meeting 6 Feb 8 pm Toad Watch 27 Feb 7 pm Play Reading Group More details on centre pages
Hempstead Follies What a wonderful night! As the citizens of Hempstead gathered in the village hall they were welcomed by the committee and their helpers with jugs of hot mulled wine and later a second or even a third measure. The noise level from the conversation rose until table by table we were called forward to enjoy a vast spread of Christmas fare followed by delicious cakes – all home made and obviously enjoyed as many crept forward for a second helping. Then there came several hearty bangs from the narrator’s staff as we were called to order for the main event – The Follies. The scene was set; the curtains opened and there followed a pantomime in the traditional format of outrageously overdressed performers being silly directed by Jason Matthews. It was colourful; there was music and singing; and even some scene changes; in time-honoured manner some lines were forgotten and mistakes made – but that is what a village pantomime is all about. The audience joined in the singing; there were boos and cheers – not always in the right place, and best of all – it was fun. Personally I think the production was the best yet. It finished to loud acclaim from all and Bertie then came forward to speak for all as he thanked those who had worked so hard to prepare the hall; the food and in particular, the ‘artists’ who must have spent many hours preparing and rehearsing their show.
Photos: Lisa Matthews
The evening ended with the usual (and dare I say – a bit chaotic ) draw for the many raffle prizes. A happy ending to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. GRH
It all happens in Hempstead
14
A Tribute: A brightly-lit and colourful Village Hall was host to Hempstead residents and their friends for the Christmas get-together. On this occasion numbering some 70 people (aged from nine to 90) were welcomed on arrival with a glass or two of mulled wine (except for the minors) soon followed by irresistible invitations to purchase raffle-tickets offering the prospect of winning all manner of attractive prizes donated by generous souls typical of this village. After enjoying a supper consisting of a variety of dishes, ranging from turkey rolls and sausage rolls to mince pies, puddings, buns and cakes, every last thing home- and hand-made by willing and talented hands from the freshest of high-class ingredients, our guests settled down to an intense halfhour of live and lively entertainment, with loads of laughs, produced and performed by
other and equally talented hands, the Hempstead Follies, no less. Then the Raffle, with prizes as to quality and quantity not to be sneezed at. A real Christmas Party, with the real Christmas-Party atmosphere, lightening the spirit in the grey days before family and firm take hold of the rest of the month. And a real Village effort, with a Catering team of over a dozen, with half a dozen people decorating the Hall, and a Follies cast of nine out of a Village electoral roll numbering about one hundred and forty – work it out for yourselves. All these people are to be congratulated, and deserve real thanks, particularly, after the guests had gone home, the cooks and the people who stayed behind to wash and clear-up afterwards. It would be invidious to name them. Perhaps next year we should print a list, on the lines of film credits, and pin it to the Notice Board. But, because quite a few of the people contributing to this party, and quite a few of our guests have not been that long in Hempstead, it is likely that they have no idea of how this Party came about. This is how: the story not so much of Hempstead, or its Village Hall, but of Christmas at the Village Hall. What its Minute Books show is that right from 1928, when the Hall opened its doors, a ‘Carnival Dance’ was held on December 31. (Dances were held at many other times of year, but these were not called ‘Carnival’ Dances.) In the absence of motor cars and television, Hempstead was alive with Sports Clubs, a Youth Club, brass band, Women’s Institute with its own choir, and Whist Drives; with the Village Hall, conveniently situated opposite the White Horse pub, as their home. The War didn’t put a stop to all that, but HP, the motor car and television, coming at its end, seem to have done. A lot of its life went out of the village, leaving the Village Hall struggling to provide what social events were thought feasible. Over the years, in the ’50s and ’60s, the Minute Books reveal annual head-scratching; some dances, with
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Hempstead Talk 2013 Our very own David Durst tells the story of Johnson Jex. See centre pages for further details
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the happy occasion of celebration for our two nonogenarians David Durst and Molly Freegard – especially to Rose Carver for the wonderful cake
Ivan’s
Painting & Decorating Gardening Established: 1992 01263 821304 or 07534 455301
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local bands, a Xmas Draw with music by ‘the Weston Singers’, frequent resort to outside entertainers of that kind. Keith Loades proposed at one time with whist Drives always a fall-back suggestion. Skip a few years to 1989: with new blood coming into the village, the Village Hall takes on a more active role, organising the social events for which it had previously provided a roof, and the Christmas Get-Together was conceived, ‘for villagers and their friends’; the idea being to thank the villagers for supporting the Hall and its activities throughout the year; a ‘freebie’ or ‘free party’, as it was sometimes described, but with any luck financed by a raffle on the night; Committee members and their recruits providing the sustenance. The only problem, how to entertain them? More head-scratching. Ideas put forward included a talk on Prison Life in the 1880s, a film (tickets to be sold in advance). Winston Harrod booked at £100 in 2002. 50 people attended, and the evening judged ‘a great success’. In the winter of 2003 readers of the Newsletter were advised to ‘bring a pen along, but not a quiz this time’. In 2004 Keith Skipper entertains – another £100. With funds haemorrhaging, it was agreed in the following year that ‘we will have to make our own entertainment’. In the event, a quiz. Or rather, another quiz, since the staple of Village Hall social
events, the Hog-Roast not excepted, had for some years been a quiz. Many people like them, but unless they are run for Fun, as they are at Hempstead these days, it is a fact that they are not very social. What tends to happen is that silence falls, people become competitive and secretive, sociability suspended. What was needed was something new. In December 2006, the Follies take the stage, starting with a lop-sided ‘History of Hempstede’, going on to murder Shakespeare and, via a Victorian Music Hall or Hell, and a DIY Musical Evening, to mangle some pantomimes. People say ‘a lot goes on in Hempstead’. And what with the Winter talk, a weekly Charcoal Class, monthly Coffee and Gossip mornings, Film Club, bi-monthly Playreadings, Recitals and Concerts, the May Feast/Hog Roast, and the Summer Fête, the Village Hall holds and hosts a full calendar of events providing both entertainment and opportunities for sociability. And the Hempstead Get-Together, having started-out as a thank-you to our supporters, has become an occasion in its own right, anticipated as one of the high-points of the Hempstead year, and it is the people who maintain year by year an established tradition of hospitality, initiative and local talent, investing so much commitment and energy to this event, who deserve our thanks. AT
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a few small breaks for the rest of the year. Was this the rain gods revenge? The perennial war above our heads had continued unabated. The Continental forces (cool, often cold, clear and calm) came at first, then the Western team took over (warmer, wild, wet, and windy). The other day a reporter on TV mentioned that the jetstream had moved southwards. This high level river of air races around the world at mid latitudes, putting energy into the string of depressions to its north, and counteracting those to its south. The suggested two new factors are melting of the ice at the north pole, and heating of the ocean off Florida. Other things such as the spin of our globe complicate the full picture. David Durst
Hempstead 200 Club December’s bonus 200 draw: £25 D Spalton; £10 T Leask, E Buxton; £5 K Stone, J Smith, S Hannah & C Shade. January’s winners: £25 A Wallace; £10 W Mack; £5 J Loach, D Sanders & R Watters.
Hempstead Weather in 2012 As usual, here are my recent monthly readings for rainfall rounded to nearest mm. Month
2010
January February March April May June July August September October November December Year
2011 2012
59 56 34 84 47 21 44 18 44 31 4 104 16 13 45 51 81 109 33 64 85 112 75 49 76 24 45 87 39 82 86 22 94 34 57 98 715 499 811 (28.1'') (19.6'') (31.9'')
2003-2012 10-year average 59.8 49.7 42.3 39.6 49.4 74.3 66.8 76.4 45.1 70.1 72.5 59.7 706.2
Come and Sing Carols After an enjoyable evening singing carols, drinking mulled wine and eating Christmas goodies, we were able to send £50 to St Martins Housing Trust in Norwich. Thank you to everyone who came.
Matlaske News
The wettest year in my records was 2001 (879mm). Last year came fifth. Temperatures were below average. The unusually dry and warm spring brought cries of drought, and almost on the very day a hosepipe ban came into force the rains came and continued with
Poppy Appeal The village collection raised £65.84. Thank you to all who contributed. The District grand total was £11,314. DEW
Henri Bortoft It is with sadness we record the death of Henri Bortoft. Henri was an independent researcher, teacher, lecturer and writer on physics and the philosophy of science; in particular Goethian science. His latest book Taking Appearance Seriously was published shortly before his death. Henri and Jackie came to live in Barningham Place, Matlaske, ten years ago. They were familiar figures at Matlaske fête running the plant stall, often with their son Michael’s support. Our sympathy to Jackie, Aaron, Laura, Michael and the grandchildren on their sad loss.
CAST IRON COOKERS
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Congratulations
01263 577527 or 07767 494369 17
To Richenda on her confirmation.
of a new Clerk will probably be done at the Plumstead PC meeting due to be held on Mon, 11th March. The duties are not complicated. The Clerk prepares agendas for the five or six PC meetings which take place over the year, writes the Minutes, and takes follow-up action as required. As the RFO (Responsible Finance Officer) the Clerk handles the accounts and the annual audit. The pay is modest – for applicants without previous experience it would be around £8.50 per hour x 50 hrs per year (1 hour per week). For more information contact Michael 861109 pamodzi@btinternet.com or the current Chairman Roy Keasley 577376.
Lurcher AWOL I wish to express my appreciation to all who showed concern and spread the word when my newly-arrived lass went missing for five days in atrocious weather. A very special thank you to those who on the final day had various sightings of her which were followed up with nil result. Later that day she was seen heading into the village and I was in the right place. Praise be. Finally, thank you to our friends who helped in many ways from Aldborough, Banningham, Baconsthorpe, Bessingham, Itteringham, Plumstead and Wickmere. DEW
Condolences To Ronda and Clive Lines on the recent death of Ronda’s step-father, Frederick Skinner. Our sympathy goes to Ronda’s mother, Anne, and the rest of the family.
Festive Evening How long ago it seems since we were contemplating the imminent arrival of Christmas over mince pies and some jolly fine mulled wine at Plumstead Church. A lovely gathering of old (no reference to age intended!) and nearly-new residents spent a convivial hour or so enjoying a good chat and perhaps even mulling over the prospect of other likely events in the Church. In the warm and twinkly atmosphere – abuzz with folk and fare – almost anything seemed possible... Happy New Year! Plumstead Events Group
Plumstead News Plumstead Parish Council Clerk Plumstead Parish Clerk Michael Chesterman has given notice of his intention to resign at the end of April 2013. He feels it is time for him to hand over to someone a bit younger! So now is your chance to express an interest if you would like to be considered for the post, to start on 1st May. The appointment
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01263 570 252 or 07884 432 412 tinyurl.com/ckwzo6p
continued from page 7
Cookery Corner
who had temporarily put down their Christmas gifts to be in church on this special day. It was a most enjoyable service with familiar carols and readings reminding us all of the real meaning of Christmas. Once again the Benefice Choir added to the enjoyment and sang an Anthem. The church with its Christmas tree sparklingly lit and the wonderful profusion of floral arrangement was completely transformed into a sea of colour. Thank you to all who gave of their time to decorate the church. GW
Spicy Pumpkin Soup 600 g Prepared Pumpkin 2 tbsp Olive Oil 250 g Onions peeled & sliced 1 tsp Mustard Seed 2 Cloves of Garlic – crushed Spices: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp Cumin, ½ tsp Tumeric, ½ tsp Celery Salt (opt) 250 g Carrots peeled & chopped 500 ml Veg Stock Salt & Pepper Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onions and sauté. Add mustard seeds and garlic and sauté for a further minute. Add the rest of the spices and celery salt if using. Stir together and cook for one minute. Remove from the heat and add the pumpkin, carrots and stock. Season to taste. Return to the heat and bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until the veg is soft. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Purée the soup return to a clean pan and add the milk. Heat thoroughly pour into empty pumpkin skins and swirl in cream. Serve with a slice of toast rubbed with garlic. Ideal for Vegetarians and Coeliacs. DM
Confirmation Service On January 10th there was the first Confirmation service at Baconsthorpe for more than 30 years. The Bishop of Lynn came and confirmed Richenda Ritches from Matlaske and Jessie Robson, granddaughter of Sheila and Greg Robson from Baconsthorpe. There was a large congregation for this lovely service and everyone enjoyed refreshments at the back of the church afterwards.
Puzzles Answers to last month’s puzzles A busy bee ate a pea. I ate a bee for tea. Why are forty ewes queuing for tea?
Back numbers of newsletters http://issuu.com/villagediary (Apologies for this new location being incorrect in the last issue)
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