Parish Newsletter - August 2012

7

Se en Churches Newsletter August 2012

Priest-in-Charge: Rev. Marion Harrison, Itteringham Rectory, The Street, Itteringham NR11 7AX. Tel: 01263 587977

A hover fly feeding on a thistle flower. Photo: Ivan Thompson

St Andrew, Blickling; St Andrew, Little Barningham; St Andrew,Wickmere; St Andrew, Saxthorpe with Corpusty; St Mary, Itteringham; SS Peter & Paul, Edgefield; SS Peter & Paul, Oulton and Irmingland. www.sevenchurches.org.uk

Sumer is Icumen in

The burgeoning plant, animal and insect life we find in our gardens and countryside at this time of year inspired a thirteenth century composer to write “Sumer is Icumen in� (Summer is a-coming in). The music with performance instructions (it is a round) was in a church manuscript found in Reading Abbey, and is still sung today.

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August Reflection Wimbledon is over and the Olympic Games are underway. The rain has, at last, given way to the summer sun and the schools are out for summer.

So the question is - what are you doing for the holiday season?

Maybe you are one of the lucky ones and have tickets for one of the many Olympic events taking place around the country. Or perhaps you prefer to be proactive in your chosen sport and will be spending an active summer out and about on a cycling, walking or pony-trekking holiday.

It could be that your favourite sport is one of the less well attended sports, that only have minimal TV coverage like archery or weight lifting.

Or perhaps, like me, you find the Olympics all a bit too much and long for all the excitement to die down and life to get back to normal.

I remember feeling like this in 1966 when my parents made me watch a game of football on the telly. All that excitement about some men kicking a ball up and down a football pitch! I really didn’t get it. Now, so many years later I rank watching that game of football with watching the human race reach out to the universe and walk on the moon. (Something I stayed up very late to watch with my father).

Human achievements whether on the sports field or in the sphere of science are landmarks in our lifetime. All endeavours take courage, patience and endurance to reach the end goal. But before any of this, there must be one thing, one spark to set in motion all Rev. Marion Harrison that leads us and guides us in all our efforts:VISION.

Benefice Alpha Course starts in September Have you heard of the Alpha Course but want to know more? Or would you like to go to an Alpha Course but don’t know where there is a church which runs one?

Well, Alpha is coming to The Seven Churches Benefice. It starts on September 4th at 6.00pm with supper at the Rectory, Itteringham.

Pathways of Prayer Why, how or where do I go wrong? These are all questions I get asked about prayer. In answer to these questions and many more, come and explore Prayer with me and like-minded people once a month. Pathways of Prayer starts on Thursday 13th September 7.00pm at the Rectory, Itteringham.

For more information about either the new Alpha Course or Pathways of Prayer, please contact Revd. Marion Harrison on 01263 587977 3

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R G & M Wadlow & Son Ltd Your local joinery shop established 1985 For all your joinery needs: new windows, doors etc, hand-made kitchens, wardrobes and bookshelves.

Full paintshop facilities.

Full fitting service available and small building projects undertaken ie roofing and extensions, drain clearance and relaying new drains etc Telephone: 01603 308928 Telephone 01603 308928 Mobile: 07768 086462 Mobile 07768 086462 Email: bobwadlow@tiscali.co.uk Email bobwadlow2@btconnect.com www.wadlowjoinery.co.uk

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BLICKLING I really can’t believe that, despite having nothing resembling a summer, we now seem to be in the middle of the worst hay fever season that I can remember.

If any of the parish is suffering the way that I am, with terrible mid-night bouts of asthma, all my sympathy goes out to you. Breathing is something that we all take for granted, unless we have the misfortune of having to visit a loved one or friend in a bronchial unit at a hospital. However, when we start to fight for every breath, air and getting it into our lungs, suddenly becomes something to treasure above all else.

Other things also start to be seen in a different light: long traffic jams in an airconditioned car become a joy, grass-cutters tidying up the verges on the side of the road become real enemies and the thought of returning to an office far from the countryside not so bad at all. My one hope is that this year’s constant rain has made the pollen count worse than usual and that next year will not see a repeat of this misery for me or anyone else who is suffering.

A recent survey on climate change worryingly seems to conclude that we are at the beginning of a major shift downwards in the state of the British summer. If that’s true, I am off to Ibiza to go clubbing with the children.

Even dancing at 5 am will be better than gasping for air Sam Berwick: 07810 553321 at home in Blickling.

66th Aylsham Show: Bank Holiday Monday The 66th Aylsham show is on Monday 27th August 2012 at Blickling Park, Blickling, near Aylsham. It’s a traditional one day agricultural show and is not to be missed.

In the Main Ring you’ll see Devil’s Horsemen-Cossack Trick Riding, David Seamark Sheepdog Demonstration, The Sheep Show, Children’s Sack Race, Children’s Fancy Dress, Tug -o’-War plus Grand Parade of Show Winning animals.

Overhead see the thrilling Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at 2.15pm.

There are cattle, sheep, poultry and goat competitions (young handlers as well), a dog show, horse jumping and showing, and flower and art marquees, crafts demonstrations, Petticoat Lane, trade stands, Aylsham band, classic cars, military vehicles and Starting Handle Club. Food Hall of local produce, a cookery theatre with local Chefs. Farming focus and children’s vegetable competition. Local Food Hero Awards and a great fun fair.

Adults £13, children free, car parking free. Gates open from 8am Discounted tickets at £10 each from local shops and also on line from 1st August.

See website for details: www.aylshamshow.co.uk 5

YOGA

ITTERINGHAM VILLAGE SHOP

with Pia Shell

Established 1836 General Store, Post Office, CafĂŠ and Off Licence Run by the Itteringham Community Association Groceries, Deli Counter, Whole Foods, Wines, Beers, Delicious Cakes, Hand Made Pies, Pet Foods, Local Produce, Ices, Sweets, Books, Maps, Plants Shop open 9.00-5.00 every day except Sunday 9.00-12.00.

Post Office open Monday & Thursday a.m.

Home Deliveries Telephone 01263 587325

A quiet, mindful practice Blickling Old School Mondays 7-8.30pm Tuesdays 6.45-8.15pm Please contact Pia.shell@gmail.com 01263 768 649

Selling or renting your property?

Call Peter Sargeant who lives in Edgefield and will deliver a personal service.

T 01263 713 143

E peter.sargeant@brown-co.com

J W Heating Ltd HEATING ENGINEER SERVICE & MAINTENANCE ON DOMESTIC HEATING SYSTEMS Tel: 01263 860016 Mobile: 07768 490677 6

EDGEFIELD July saw our annual clearing around the graves and hedge cutting in the churchyard. Owing to the wet weather, everything was incredibly tall and lush.

Huge thanks are due to the Ross and Cletheroe families for all their help. The machinery for hedge cutting, and also removing a tremendous amount of rubbish, was an enormous help. Thank you to all those who manfully raked it all up and carted it away. What a splendid team!

This was our community effort for July, and we are having a break in August.

Enjoy the summer (in the hope that the present lovely sun continues…)

The annual Sponsored Cycle Ride and Walk will take place on Saturday 8th September. It is hoped that our church will be well supported by sponsors, cyclists and walkers. Young children should be accompanied by responsible adults. Please contact Alison Hill (587893) for sponsor forms, etc., or collect them at the church.

Proceeds will be split equally between our church and the Norfolk Churches Trust.

Churches throughout Norfolk and Suffolk will be open, so there is an interesting day in prospect. All are welcome. Please join in!

Edgefield Village Hall Committee (from Dawn Hulbert) Now that we have deducted all the expenses for the Jubilee, the grand total is £1,700. We once again thank all the contributors and helpers for all their magnificent help. Everyone enjoyed the Fete so much that we have already been approached with a request for a repeat next year - we will take a breath and consider that one.

The August coffee morning will be the big 200 Club draw, which means we will be knocking on doors in early September to collect your subscriptions. The 200 Club is a very worthwhile way to help your village hall, so we would ask you to consider joining us.

The cost is £6 a year, with a chance of a money prize every month.

Our next event in the hall is “The Castaways” on 21st September more about this in the next news.

Richard Peaver: 01263 587486, rhpeaver@btinternet.com

Jubilee Photo Exhibition at The Castle East Anglia Art Foundation has mounted a new exhibition - Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration - in one of the Galleries at The Castle Museum in Norwich.

On until 30th September, it features an exhibition of photographs by Cecil Beaton of our Queen to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. Many of these shots have never been seen before outside her family.

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ITTERINGHAM “Writer falls on his pencil.”

In late of the year 1780 The Parish of Mannington was absorbed into the Parish of Itteringham. The news has only now reached this correspondent! Itteringham does then, after all, have a fair and moderately numbered collection of children/ young people, and those absented from The June issue are now here greeted and included.

They are Louis Piggott (9 years) - Keith Piggott’s boy. Simon and Helen’s young ones - Emma Neal (13 years), Oliver Vincent (9 years) and Imogen Neal (3 years).

There is also the occasional Max O’Casey (10 years) who stays in the village with his father Richard and partners him at the Sunday morning newspaper duty at The Village Shop. Isobel Bedford-Payne (13 years), daughter of Sharon and Humphrey is also within this parish. It is hoped that you will all overlook the writer’s ‘overlook’ on this occasion.

If there are more pick up the phone and tell. None must be missed .... again!

Matthew Rolfe and Lorna Wright were born a daughter on Ist June 2011. Eva Rolfe, granddaughter to Eve and Dennis Rolfe was christened at Eckington Church in Derbyshire on Ist July this year. Have a happy life Eva. Leon and Fiona have now become Mr and Mrs Savage (son and daughter-in-law to Mary and Dennis Savage), though they spend much of their lives apart! Fiona is a curator of African studies at The British Museum and Leon dresses the hair of the aspiring of Norwich at his ‘salon in the city’. We understand that they (hopefully) meet at weekends.

Friday 13th July and another major event. Much munching* at The Village Hall, Itteringham. A successful and lively hog roast was held for benefit of Village Shop funds and the best part of a good bit was raised - around £460. There will be more roasts .... hogs willing. Chris Fairhead, son of Brian and Dorothy who ran the shop for many years was a special guest at the event. Hosannas and hurrahs Itteringham.

Another memorable community occasion.

Mont Blanc quakes in anticipation of the assault of Serge Busby and his son, Saul, and four others who will be attemptng the summit from 1st September. Results in October issue.

Sophie Fowell will be nine on 28th August. Happy returns Sophie. *Much Munching. Small village in Herts. twinned with Little Chomping in Devon??

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Eric Goodman 587278

LITTLE BARNINGHAM A special thank you to Robin for painting the notice board at the bottom of the church slope, it looks very neat and tidy now.

The Community Pay-Back team has started working in the church yard and slope. The last community weekend was again well attended and a lively and thoughtful discussion was had on the proposed village sign.

The August community weekend will be on the 5th August and will be in the form of afternoon tea at 3pm, in the Village Hall, everyone welcome.

The Church fete this year will be on 1st September at Paul and Barbara Thurtells at 2.30, there will be the usual stalls and help will be required. The PCC meeting will be held on 15th August at Elly Betts’.

Pam has spoken with the Foots and we understand that they have now settled into their new house and the greenhouse which was bought as part of the collection when they left has arrived!

So it seems that summer has reached us, let’s hope that it lasts as Little Barningham has some fun filled events! Firstly we have the now annual Village BBQ on Saturday 18th August at 5.00pm, which this year is to be held in Paul and Barbara Thurtells garden. Ticket price remains the same at £5.00 which includes BBQ and light puddings. As in previous years we will be having the jam jar tombola and we ask that people provide jars filled with anything they so wish from pennies to nails, sweets to packets of seeds, or even just jam! We do ask that you book tickets for this event in advance and please feel free to bring friends and relatives.

To reserve your ticket please call me on 577430.

Hopefully you are all busy working on your go-karts and will have them ready by the end of the summer holidays for the race! We are still to decide when the go-kart race will take place.

Other events to look forward to are: Barbara’s Christmas hamper coffee morning which will be held on Friday 7th September; Pub games night on Friday 28th September; Quiz and Chips on Saturday 20th October; Spooky Tales evening on Friday 2nd November; Christmas hamper draw on Friday 30th November, and lastly The Village Christmas lunch on Sunday 16th December.

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Debbie Love: 01263 577430

How many people does it take to change a magazine?

Left to Right: Brian Macarthur, Eric Goodman, Ivan Thompson, Marian Williams, Vanessa Perry-Warnes, Michael Banks, Judith Banks, Richard Peaver, Paul Foster, Revd. Marion Harrison, Richard Lynam, Helen McKenzie, Tessa Morgan, Millie Morgan,Tom Love, John Morgan, Debbie Love.

Here is as many of the editorial, advertising and production team as we could fit into a small Corpusty back garden for afternoon tea. We thought you’d like to meet them.

June, July and August: Wednesday to Friday 11am-5pm 5th August: Butterfly Day 12th August: Craft Day 19th August: Local Food Day 2nd September: Charity Day in aid of Big C: Hall open with wedding display

Walks open every day until dusk Hall open on Fridays April 20th – October 26th, 2-5pm (last entry 4pm) by appointment An exhibition for 2012 Jubilee year: Wolterton over ten reigns 15th/16th Sept: Costume and Textile Fair 1950s ‘retro chic’ 16th September: Organic Garden Day

SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE: £30 (Family) £18 (Individual) Special Events Programme for Halls and Gardens available now. Phone/write for details.

Mannington and Wolterton Estates, Norwich, NR11 7BB (01263 584175/768444) Or visit our Website: www.manningtongardens.co.uk Email: admin@walpoleestate.co.uk

LIZZIE’S MOBILE HAIR DO’s Local hairdressing in your own home now available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Please call:

01263 577596 10

Corpusty Stores & Post Office

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25 years’ experience running small businesses

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01263 587202

Norwich Road, Corpusty

Very reasonable rates! CALL for free quote.

M. A. SULLIVAN FENCING SERVICES Free Quotations

01263 585016 or 07972 707053 Breke House, 3 Norwich Road, Corpusty

SUPPORT THE AYLSHAM SHOW Become a Member.

Grandstand viewing of the Main Ring Private access to coffee, licensed bar and Luncheon facilities. £40 for Two. See website for details: www.aylshamshow.co.uk IYENGAR YOGA CLASSES Come and try it: Stretch, Strengthen, Balance, Relax

COTTAGE GARDEN PERENNIALS AT ITTERINGHAM

A rigorous and precise yoga that works to achieve the maximum benefit for each student’s body.

Edgefield Village Hall, Bircham Centre Reepham and Natural Health Centre Fakenham Classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Block booking only after your first class

Contact Liz Ward: 07740 105 339 e-mail: jlward@talktalk.net

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An interesting selection of Perennial plants 22 WOLTERTON ROAD ITTERINGHAM NR11 7AF Telephone 01263 587737 OPEN every FRIDAY and first Saturday in month 4th May to 26th October 10am to 2pm August by appointment only

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No service

8.00am HC BCP

11.00am HC CW

Community Weekend

9.30am HC CW

BLICKLING

EDGEFIELD

ITTERINGHAM

Lt. BARNINGHAM

OULTON

9.30am MP CW

9.30am HC CW

Community Weekend

9.30am FS

11.00am HC BCP

9.30am HC CW

11.00am MP

8.00am HC BCP

Community Weekend

No Service

Community Weekend

8.00am HC BCP

11.00am HC CW

9.30am HC CW

No Service

Trinity 12

9.30am HC CW

Community Weekend

11.00am HC CW

8.00am HC BCP

Trinity 13

Trinity 10

Trinity 9

Trinity 11

August 12th August 19th August 26th Sept. 2nd

August 5th

CW = Common Worship, BCP = Book of Common Prayer

HC = Holy Communion, MP = Morning Prayer, EP = Evening Prayer, ES = Evensong, FS = Family Service

August Midweek Services: 9.00am on Wednesdays at Itteringham

Benefice Services: August 2012

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8.00am HC BCP

WICKMERE 6.00pm ES BCP

Community Weekend

11.00am FS

8.00am HC CW

Community Weekend

11.00am HC CW

Editor: Richard Lynam Tel: 0207 374 2030. Email: richardlynam@btinternet.com

Deadline forAugust Newsletter, Wednesday August 25th

Newsletter Deadline

To advertise in the Seven Parishes Magazine please contact Marian Williams on 01263 732728 or Email: oultonlodge@dialstart.net

Reader: Gill Peat 734226

Rev. Michael Banks, Quarndon, Saxthorpe NR11 7BL Tel: 01263 587319 mbanks@tiscali.co.uk

Pastoral matters: Rev. Marion Harrison, Itteringham Rectory, The Street, Itteringham NR11 7AX. Tel: 01263 587977, Email: marion681@btinternet.com or

10.00am MP

SAXTHORPE

9.00am HC BCP

10.00am MP CW

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New and Replacement Oil Tanks.

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Call Rodger on

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IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE Over 2,000 potential customers will see your advertisement here each and every month.

And all it costs is ÂŁ85 for the whole year.

Call or email Marian Williams: 01263 732728 / oultonlodge@dialstart.net

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OULTON Box Day Report.:A very big thankyou to all helpers, putters up and takers down, sod diggers, fetchers, carriers, cake makers, tea servers,sport organisers, craft makers, fortune/story tellers, flower doers, barbeque-ers, splendid musicians, table wipers, washers up, rubbish collectors, without you it might not have happened.............

But it did and by all accounts a great day was had by all. Some comments were: ‘relaxed’, ’flowing’, ’easy going, ’lots of people, loads of children’, ’lovely to see young and old playing together’, ’fantastic teas’, ’pretty marquee’, ’Oh Antonia!’ (bemused response to a crazy crown), ’good to have a money-free event, nothing to BUY’, ’what a lovely day!’

The big grey Norfolk sky must also be thanked for not raining a single drop on the proceedings until the last pallet went on the blazing bonfire!

So we hope very much to see you again next year for another big village get together! Lesley, Kim and Antonia.

Scrapbox.

Before Box Day, Les, Kim and Antonia took out a years community subscription at Reepham. This means anyone from Oulton can visit and buy very cheap recycled materials, for use in school or community events.

For more information and membership card, call Antonia 01263 734324.

Annual Church Fete.

Sunday 2nd September from 2pm in the playground We are again hoping to raise lots of money for the upkeep of our lovely church.

To achieve this we need volunteers to help, items to sell and all of you and your friends and family to attend on the Big Day. If you have jumble, bric-a-brac,books, plants, cakes, crafts or anthing you think will help eg gazebos to loan, please deliver to or contact: Judy Agnew 587313, Karen Phelps 584289, Sue Hall 734245 Collections can be arranged. Of course offers of help for clearing up will also be much appreciated.

Heritage Open Day: As previously mentioned, the Textile Conservation Studio will be open on Saturday 8th September with tours starting at 10am, 11.30am 2pm and 3.30pm. Each limited to 25 people (sorry no children under 12). Current textile conservation projects will be on view.

Booking essential. Tel. Nathalie 01263 735878.

Refreshments available.

Sue Hall: 01263 734245 15

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Blickling Estate When Did You Last Visit?

A complete Norfolkbegin estatethis withmonth something everyone.

Event at Blickling withfor -Back Stage Follow four centuries history, Boleyn family to betweenof 11th andfrom 27ththe March the connection with the Royal Air Force.

Enjoy more than 50 Hellebore Week from 12th to 18th March acres 50 acres of beautiful of beautiful gardens, gardens, a walk a walk in the in the historic historic park, park, and plus special events at the Hall. Please contract National threethree and floors floors of heritage of heritage in the in Jacobean the Jacobean mansion. mansion.

Trust for more details.

You're never far away from us, so come along for a visit

Tel: 01263 738030

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling www.facebook.com/BlicklingEstate Registered charity No. 205846.

Pond House

STEPHEN DAVIES BSc MRICS Independent Chartered Surveyor and Estate Agent

ShireBed House Shirehall Plain & Breakfast Holt, NR25 6BG Tel: 01263 712785/711700 Saxthorpe www.stephendavies.info Tel: 01263 585080 RESIDENTIAL SALES, VALUATIONS AND SURVEYS www.pondhouse-norfolk.co.uk

     16

SAXTHORPE WITH CORPUSTY Corpusty and Saxthorpe Garden Society host Charlotte Philcox on 5th September, she will talk on Plant Propagation.

Norfolk Knitters meet on 14th August.

LinC meet on 15th August for a fish and chip supper, and games, village hall at 6.30 for 7.0pm, numbers to Brenda by 8th August, please.

Families Together will not meet in August.

A group of delighted ladies from London very much enjoyed their visit to Brian Last’s garden on 11th July, along with The Old Vicarage Garden at East Ruston, and Oulton Hall Garden.

Besides many excited families, Cathy Batchelar watched the Olympic Torch being carried through Aylsham and took this photo of the “Kiss” near the Bure Valley Railway station.

The Village Hall committee is calling for volunteers to help out with grass cutting and outside maintenance. If you have an hour or two to spare, a couple of times a month, please contact Shaun Perkins on 07973571358 or email shaunderek@hotmail.com. On Sunday, 12th August St Andrew’s Church members are planning to do some gardening around the village hall. All welcome. The Village Hall Committee asks “If you have experience of applying for grants or funding applications, please get in touch”.

Preparations are well under way for the Autumn Fair on October 14th.

Keep the date free. More details later.

Briston Tractor Trail included Corpusty Green, where about 25 vintage tractors were in splendid array, with many onlookers, some of whom were locals!

The Children’s Holiday Club started well with many enjoying the fun, music and drama, and Olympic style games Judith Banks: 01263 587319 outside in the sun, as the photo shows.

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WICKMERE WITH WOLTERTON Some say nothing ever happens in Wickmere but one Saturday night in June startled residents looked out of their windows to see a ghostly ship sailing up Regent Street. Congratulations to Tim Riches on finally completing this testament to his craft, skill and dedicated persistence. Tracy is wondering what to do with the space now she has got her shed back.

The annual Wickmere rounders match will take place on Sunday 26th August starting at 3pm at Beck Farm. Everyone is invited.

Concerns continue about vehicles speeding. As well as a danger to children, damage is done to verges. If you want to contribute to this debate, the Parish Council will be discussing it at a meeting on 6th September in the village hall at 7.30pm. All are welcome (meetings are frequently followed by a glass of wine and sharing of gossip).

The Norfolk Churches Trust Cycle Ride and Walk will be on Saturday 8th September.

Churches all over Norfolk will be open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm. Please contact Paddy Seligman (1 Park Farm Barns 01263 768742) for a sponsorship form. It’s an ideal opportunity to raise money for our church and get some exercise while seeing parts of this beautiful county.The proceeds you raise are equally divided between St Andrews, Wickmere and the Norfolk Churches Trust. A Recorder needs to be in attendance at the church so please tell Paddy if you could “sit” for an hour or two during the day.

Scott McKenzie writes,“We are grateful to Tim Elwes at the Saracen’s Head free house and restaurant for gifting a meal for two for our Christmas Raffle at the Village Hall.” As the lucky winners Scott and Helen attest to “the delicious nature of the new menu, created by acclaimed local chef Mark Sayer.” They highly recommend the new Saracen’s Head as can Gill and Dominic Boddington who recently had a delightful lunch in the beautiful courtyard garden.

On 15-16 September Wolterton Hall will be hosting a costume and textile fair, open each day from 10.30am to 5pm. With the theme of “Home comforts” volunteers are asked to knit and create cosies for eggs, teapots, cafetieres, spectacle/ mobile phone cases, mug cosies, hot water bottle covers, cushions etc.

The charity chosen for this year is Rosemary Group which supports women with secondary breast cancer in Norfolk.

Please send anything you manage to make or collect to Corrine Youngs, Ash Tree Farm, Helen Goulty: Dominic Boddington 01263 570043 01263 577300 Baconsthorpe. 01263-577263.

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Nature Notes The other day I was joined in my garden by an insect only 15mm long, yet capable of making grown men perform a frenzied arm-flapping 100-metre dash.A common wasp had come, not to deny me my honey sandwich, but rather to munch the top layer of wood off my garden bench, which it did with incredible speed and dexterity.

Was it on some faddy wood-eating detox diet? No! Was it the Rodin of the wasp world creating a new sculpture out of my garden seat? No! In fact, it was mixing the chewed wood with its saliva, creating the soft pulp with which Wasps create their nests.

In spring, queen wasps seek out somewhere to nest - anywhere from a dry roof space to an abandoned Mouse hole on the ground.

Here they build half a dozen or so chambers, into each of which an egg is laid. She feeds the developing larvae regurgitated caterpillars, Illustration of a common wasp by Sue Appleby aphids and flies until they emerge as young wasps.These then take over the nest building, bringing food to the queen who stays in the nest laying eggs. In September, activity slows down as the nest reaches its maximum size containing as many as 10,000 wasps.The workers’ job is done and most, if not all of them, die as winter approaches.

Wasps seem to sting more readily before rain, perhaps due to an unnerving shift in air pressure sensed by many creatures. However, they have also been attributed with less scientific weather forecasting abilities: wasps entering a nest at twilight precede stormy weather and large numbers flying in the open at eventide predict good weather.

A heightened sense of smell which helps them detect and attack rival wasps from other colonies, an ability to secrete ant repellent around their nest, and warning colouration which shouts,“Keep away” all serve to make wasps an evolutionary success story. Their pièce de resistance is, of course, their unfriendly end, where barbless stingers loaded with venom give them a formidable piece of weaponry!

Good news - only female wasps sting.

Bad news - by the time you have identified whether it is a male or female that has just landed on your big toe, it is probably too late!

Good news - rubbing banana skin or vinegar on a sting soothes the pain.

Bad news - smelling like a dustbin you are likely to attract Sue Appleby hundreds of flies!

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Letters to The Editor To date we have had seventeen emails about the Flowchart. Five have been anti and twelve pro. Below are three extracts from each side of the argument edited for reasons of space only - and with these the correspondence has run its course and is now closed. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to write in.

That Flowchart: Anti I too was concerned to see the flowchart included in June’s newsletter. If three people complained, you can be certain that many more felt uncomfortable about it. Humour is a very personal thing, so will always be controversial in a publication with such a wide remit - if in doubt, leave it out.

Sarah Thomas, Edgefield When I read the original article I took it to be a simple light hearted item with intent to amuse and not offend. It is, however, a fact of life that one person’s amusement can be another person’s anger and I think that the main problem is one of perception. The magazine is perceived to be 100% “Church Magazine” which it is not - and because of this it has been taken as “The Church” ridiculing other religions.

Geoff Dunn, Little London Printing politically incorrect material which may cause offence on religious grounds is unsuitable in a parish magazine. Would you like the magazine to be something that risks offending people and reinforcing negative stereotypes? Just give up printing the jokes - they aren’t necessary.

Julian Trott, Corpusty That Flowchart: Pro I thought the flow chart was very witty and a hoot, possibly thought up by an Atheist, but also a well informed one.

Fiona French, Little Barningham It seems to me that religion needs the yeast of humour on occasions and that it is not made more attractive by an excessive tendency to take offence.

Martin Burton Lt Col(retd), Little Barningham Although I don’t attend church myself, I really don’t see what all the fuss is about. I thought the Flowchart was light-hearted, funny and relevant for local Church magazines. I’m afraid this is a sign of the times - a significant sense of humour failure has occurred and the sad thing is it’s one step away from bigotry.

Derek Thomas, Corpusty 21

August Groans If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tins of ham then delete it. It’s Spam.

When I was a kid people used to cover me in chocolate and cream and put a cherry on my head.Yeah, life was tough in the Gateau.

Two silk-worms had a race but they ended up in a tie.

My friend walked into a pub carrying a set of jump-leads. The barman said, “You’re very welcome but just don’t start anything”.

Yoga Classes

Wood Dalling Village Hall every Wednesday beginning 12th September 7.00pm-8.30pm drop-in class @ £7.00 per class All welcome, including beginners For info contact Elaine Smith 01263 862168/07561 585313 elainecdsmith@yahoo.co.uk www. appletreetherapies.co.uk

MARK RHODES FURNITURE Designer Furniture Maker

STYLISH & PRACTICAL FURNITURE From Traditional to Contemporary Fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms, Free Standing Furniture and many other commissions undertaken

Tel no: 01263 761809 www.markrhodesfinefurniture.co.uk 22

Village People Corpusty’s Geoff Dunn has contributed a couple of jokes for use in the Benefice magazine. Who says Bank Managers (even retired ones) have no sense of humour!?!

As many people will fondly remember, Bill and Bess Pask ran the shop and Post Office in Oulton Street, like Bill’s parents before them. We have just heard that their son, David, has been awarded an MBE ‘for services to education’. Many congratulations from us all to David and, of course, to the proud parents.

Congratulations to Wickmere’s Gill Boddington who has completed a two year horticulture course at Easton College.

This month Oulton said fond farewells to Lilie after 17 years and “hello” to Susan Mather and Sam and Karen. We all hope they will all be happy in their new home.

Wickmere’s Katie Appleby (daughter of our esteemed Nature Notes correspondent) has just returned from a gap year whistlestop tour backpacking round Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovenia. She endured an unprecedented heatwave and fearsome thunderstorms but also went snorkelling in crystal clear waters off the Dalmatian island of Mljet. Jealous? Of course, we’re jealous!

Revd. Marion Harrison has suffered a digital disaster! A scammer appropriated her computer address-book and sent out begging emails to everyone in it. Fortunately everyone contacted was wise to this new age scam and no damage was done.

Marion would like to thank all those who helpfully emailed and phoned and reassures everyone that normal service has now been resumed.

Happy 18th birthday wishes to Wickmere’s Jake Sayers, Jenny Amis and Victoria Goulty.We wish Jake good luck with his duties providing security at the Olympic Games.

Congratulations too to Stewart and Leanne of Little Barningham whose children Chloe Heather-Marie and Alfie Michael were baptised recently.

Congratulations to Alasdair McKenzie on his 2(i) in law from Bristol University and we wish him good luck with the job hunting.

And speaking of work, Wickmere’s Chelsie Goulty has just finished a week’s work experience at Wolterton and Mannington Hall.

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Diary Dates Date Event August 5th Little Barningham Community Tea 5th Butterfly Day 12th Corpusty Gardening Morning 12th Craft Day 14th Norfolk Knitters 15th Little Barningham PCC 18th Little Barningham Barbecue 19th Local Food Day 26th Wickmere Rounders Match 27th Aylsham Show September 1st Little Barningham Church Fete 2nd Oulton Church Fete 4th Alpha Course begins 13th Pathway to Prayer

Venue

Time

Village Hall Mannington Corpusty Community Hall Mannington Corpusty Community Hall Elly Betts’ Paul & Barbara Thurtell’s Mannington Beck Farm Blickling

3pm 12-5pm 10am 12-5pm

Paul & Barbara Thurtell’s Oulton Playground Itteringham Rectory Itteringham Rectory

2.30pm 2pm 6pm 7pm

7.00pm 5.00pm 12-5pm 3pm 10am

CHURCH WARDENS Blickling Edgefield Itteringham Little Barningham Oulton Saxthorpe Wickmere

Sam Berwick

07810 553321

Mike Lindsell

732662l

Lorna Ross

712359

Angela Turner

587292

Ray Covell

587659

Derek Turnbull

587259

Pamela Daniels

577436

Michael Daniels

577436

Vanessa Perry-Warnes

587836

Sue Hall

734245

Merlin Waterson

587610

Heather Monks

587118

Tony Hurn

577309

Scott McKenzie

577332

Printed by Barnwell Print Ltd, Dunkirk, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6SU Tel: 01263 732767 www.sevenchurches.org.uk 24