May 7 Churches Newsletter

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Se en Churches Newsletter May 2012

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

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

Good (actually great!) Friday Good Friday dawned as a lovely spring morning. Just the day for Jack Jervis, aged 9, of Saxthorpe and other young people (of all ages!) to discover the meaning of one of the most important days in the Christian Calendar. Here Jack is making a butterfly transformation picture. “I’ve enjoyed it, it’s great,“ he said.

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May Reflection Well, the rain has come! Hope it didn’t spoil your Easter weekend too much?

Oh, by the way the rainfall is not enough and it’s either evaporating or the plants and trees are taking it up. So it looks like the hose-pipe ban remains.

These days the Met. Office seems just a little reluctant to provide us with a confident, long-range forecast. It reminds me of a story I heard the other day.

The Blackfeet tribe of Indians asked their Chief one autumn if the winter was going to be cold or not. Not really knowing the answer the Chief replies that the winter was going to be cold and that the villagers should collect as much wood as they could to be prepared. Being a good leader, he then went to the nearest ‘phone booth and called the National Weather Service.

“Is the winter going to be very cold this winter?” asked the Chief. The man on the ‘phone responded, “This winter is going to be quite cold indeed”. So the Chief went back and encouraged his people to redouble their wood-collecting efforts.

A week later the Chief called the National Weather Service once more, again asking, “Is it going to be a very cold winter this year?” “Absolutely,” the man replied emphatically, “the Blackfeet are collecting wood like crazy!”

If this joke tells us anything then it reminds us how easy it is to ‘follow the crowd’ without finding out the facts for ourselves and making an informed judgment. Often we do this with our Christian faith. We believe what others say without taking the time to explore this vital area of life for ourselves.

The Easter message is clear: ‘Christ is risen from the dead. Alleluia!’ All is different because of his resurrection at Easter. Death as the end of everything has been overcome. Good has triumphed, love has triumphed and life eternal has triumphed.

A fresh start is possible.We are being called to be an Easter people. God needs all his people to be Easter people – that means helping those whom we meet in our daily lives; praying for hurting people and society; and encouraging others wherever we can.What a difference that can make!

If you don’t know what a difference Jesus can make and want to find out more, come along to one of our church services or church activities and discover the good news for yourself.

You might even hear some bad jokes like the one above.

Happy Easter!

Rev. Michael Banks 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.

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BLICKLING One of the highlights of the May calendar at Blickling Hall will be the Anne Boleyn festival that starts on May 17th and runs until the 20th.

I don’t know much about it, but the advertising asks ‘How many Anne Boleyns can we have in one weekend?’, so it sounds like a lot of fun.You might also catch sight of an errant Elvis Presley while you are at it!

Anne Boleyn

I promise an incredible prize for any member of the parish who dons the required kirtle and french hood and shows up.The event starts in a literary vein but then gets a little bit less cultural on the Saturday (the anniversary of Anne’s execution) with a midnight vigil on the lawns of Blickling and possibly some scary stories for those with a strong disposition. (I might give this a miss, as I am not very manly, get scared easily, and always run away from ghosts and funfair rides, apart from the spinning cup, which I really like!)

Anyway, getting back to the point, the festival is also rumoured to include a service in the Church attended by an actress historian dressed in period costume with prayers being said for Anne. After the service, the historian, Molly Housego will explain to anyone interested how she (Anne) would have dressed for a day at court.

Interestingly, I have read that Anne created new fashions at the Tudor court, wearing very long sleeves to hide her sixth finger (which apparently grew out of her little finger) and a black velvet ribbon around her neck to hide an unsightly mole; and I thought she was renowned for being beautiful.

Anwyay, what a privilege it is to live in a parish with such a sense of history and intrigue. All those interested in our incredible past have a treat in store.

Finally, many apologies for mentioning the drought and the hose-pipe ban in last month’s letter. I seem to have been guilty of guarenteeing a miserable and very wet Spring for the parish. I promise to stay away from the weather in future.

Sam Berwick: 07810 553321 5

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EDGEFIELD Church News (from Angela Turner) On Friday, 11th May, the Bishop of Lynn is coming to bless our new windows.

We will be having Evensong at 7.00 p.m., and will celebrate with a glass of wine and some nibbles afterwards. We hope to see lots of people there.

Barbara, George Catton’s daughter, has heard that Alex Marcon, grandson of Canon Marcon, died recently in New Zealand, aged nearly 100. Barbara’s cousin, who is involved with The East Anglian Society out there, knows the family, and saw Alex fairly recently. It’s a small world!

Our next Community Sunday will be on 20th May, and we will meet at The Village Hall at 10.00 a.m. Do come and join us, and bring a favourite piece of poetry or reading to share with us. On 15th April, our litter-picking produced a dozen bags of rubbish from around the village. How lovely it would be if everyone took their litter home to their own bins.

The P.C.C. is planning to plant a tree in the car park to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It is too late to plant now, so we intend to do it in the autumn. We would welcome some suggestions as to what species we plant. It is a windy and exposed site, so magnolia or me would be unlikely to survive.

Edgefield Village Hall Committee (from Dawn Hulbert) D. Hulbert: Chair. A. Baker:Vice-Chair; L. Ward: Secretary; M. Hindson:ViceSecretary; C.Witts: Treasurer; A. Baker: Bookings Officer (Tel. 01263 587446) We are now into a new year and the Committee has some new members. Four gentlemen have joined our group and one, Jim, had a baptism of fire behind the food counter on Barn Sale day. Well done, Jim, you now know what can happen at a busy village event!

It cannot have gone unnoticed that we had a village Barn Sale on Sunday, 22nd April. The traffic was heavy, but thank goodness the event passed without incident.

We optimistically bought in 12 lbs. of bacon for the usual “car boot butty”. We should have had more, as we ran out at 1 o’clock. That gives an idea of numbers attending. Our thanks to all who made this a very jolly day. We are already being asked when the next one will take place. The answer is: Phew! not next month!

Our next occasion will be the Jubilee Fête on Tuesday, 5th June, from 2.00 – 4.00 p.m. (the road around the Green will be closed) followed by a Hog Roast at 6.30 p.m. - price £10. Tickets are flying out, so ring Angie soon on 01263 587379 if you would like to join us. Delicious sweets will follow the roast and music will be provided by “Carmony”.

Richard Peaver: 01263 587486, rhpeaver@btinternet.com 7

Easter Sunrise Service: an innovation It is 6am on Easter Sunday in Little Barningham as Church Warden Michael Daniels captures this dawn Sunrise Service, lit by a fire in a 200-litre oil drum, an Easter innovation for the benefice introduced by the Vicar Marion Harrison who conducted the services inside and outside the church. A candle was lit from the fire and the small group of worshippers moved to the church for Holy Communion.The Seen in this picture (left to right) are Pam Daniels flame was kept alight in a lantern and went on to (holding the candle), Marion Harrison, Ellie Betts, Monica Hutchings, Margaret Betts and Derek Wintle. ignite the Easter candles in every other church in the Benefice.

Breakfast was generously served afterwards by Sarah and Nick Johns at Woodstock.

Is this the start of a new Easter tradition for the Benefice? Will another parish host a sunrise service next year? We certainly hope so.

Brian Macarthur

From May 6th Gardens open every Sunday 12pm-5pm June, July and August: Wednesday to Friday 11am-5pm 7th June: (must be pre-booked) Nature Discovery Day for all children from age 6.

15th / 20th June Evening Garden openings in aid of NGS 22nd June Rain or Shine Theatre: As You Like It

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 May 20th Organic Garden Day from 10.30am, Hall open 12pm - 4.30pm

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

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ITTERINGHAM There are four meeting points at Itteringham: the Church, the Community Centre, the Village Shop and The Walpole Arms. The Walpole has been silent since Christmas but very soon the warmth and welcome of this familiar pub will once again be enlivened with chatter. Nina Harrold and Rebecca will be front of house, Sam Hanison will slave at the stove and familiar faces will greet you at table and bar.

Cottage Garden Perennials, Helen Hagon’s plant nursery is open at 22 Wolterton Road 10am to 2pm every Friday and the first Saturday of every month 27th May is an important day. It is the first birthday of our youngest resident Amelie Skinner (a bonny child) who is, of course, well cared for by Helen, Matt and her Grandparents. Matt has been seen behind the push chair so now has the “L” plates removed! Many happy returns Amelie. Katherine (15), Eleanor (12) and Sophie (8) are Robert Fowell’s girls and Alfie Sanderson (6) and Jennifer Hagon (8) are the other children of the village. But more children are wanted - the threat of fogies is increasing daily!

Bon arrivé Gary and Hannah Applin (Meadow View).

Mary Savage is now recovered and is once again to be seen in shop and garden.

Dennis Broughton’s garden is reviving with the help of Robin (Dennis’s son) and Ray Covell. Welcome back Denny and much love to Margaret.

Liz and Peter Downs have completed their changes so The Mill is fully functioning as a B&B once again.

Mike Jones has gone organic; he’s working with the Dutch farmer at Bintree.

Maggie and William Vaughan-Lewis are still waxing historical. Maggie is directing production of a history of The Village Shop to appear later this year.

Robert, Daphne and Rachel Dawson-Smith chef’ed and directed the second of the pop-up dinners, this time held at Manor Farmhouse courtesy of Nigel Slater and Melanie Leach and was much enjoyed and lauded by all.Thanks to Robert and company, Nigel and Partner and Mike and Cathy Hemsley for their waiting at table.

A particular mention must be made of the Hemsley’s organising of these first two evenings which raised considerable funds for the flagging coffers of the Shop.

Through Harry and John Gay, The Westminster School of Film spent a week creating a 35mm film at the tiny Broome Hill (Oulton New End). A company of 25 was fed twice daily at The Village Hall. The film will be viewable and full details will be given in the June issue.

The May Fayre is on Monday 7th May at the Village Hall/Field. Eric Goodman 587278 9

IT PAYS TO Corpusty Stores Post Office ADVERTISE &Everything you need, Over 2,000 potential customers will see your advertisement here each and every month.

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01263 587202

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IYENGAR YOGA CLASSES Come and try it: Stretch, Strengthen, Balance, Relax

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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LITTLE BARNINGHAM Well April has certainly lived up to its name ‘April Showers’, but this hasn’t stopped the residents of Little Barningham! Pam Daniels reported that the Maundy Thursday service was very good, attended by 11 people and it was a pleasure to have Marion wash their feet.

The Dawn service at 6am was attended by 10 people and Shep! There was an Easter garden around the font and the brazier was lit outside and carried into the Church to light the candles, a very moving service which had all the congregation members renewing their baptism vows (see comment P8). After the service all were invited back to Woodstock where Nick Johns provided everyone with a delicious full English breakfast. Gill Peet gave her first morning service taking over from Geoffrey and we thank her for agreeing to do the service once a month.The AGM will be held in the Village Hall on Friday 4th May.The next Community Sunday will be held in the Village Hall on Sunday 6th May at 10.30am, all are once again welcome to come along for a chat and a tea or coffee along with sausages rolls and cakes.

Pam Daniels would like to say thank you to all who have offered their sympathy in the sad loss of her father, Percy Rowe at the age of 91.

The latest Village Hall event was the St Georges Day lunch, (photo at left).This was well attended by 32 of the Villagers, who caught up with friends over a traditional English lunch of roast beef or pork – no dragon on the menu! The next event will be the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, this will be in the form of a mini ‘street party’ in the driveway of Ferndale Farm on Monday 4th June. More details to come but please keep the date free. Children are invited to come dressed as Kings or Queens.

Adults can come in the red, white and blue theme! Prizes for the best dressed – adults too! If you have any ideas for the event, memories, photos of the previous Jubilees please do let me know.

Debbie Love: 01263 577430 Margaret and Geoffrey Foot write: We were both overwhelmed and touched by the generous gifts of cheque, tokens, flowers, well chosen books and lunch we were given. A huge thank you to all who took part or contributed in any way. The cheque will go to a small greenhouse in our new garden. Rutland (when we do eventually get there) will be a completely different way of life with many new challenges but growing plants will ever remain an essential in our lives. Our 23 years here have been full to the brim of happy and fulfilling memories and the many friends we have made will hopefully keep in touch. The Benefice has meant a great deal to us throughout the time we have lived here and it is good to see it going forward in such a positive way.

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No service

8.00am HC BCP

11.00am HC CW

Community Sunday

9.30am HC CW

EDGEFIELD

ITTERINGHAM

Lt. BARNINGHAM

OULTON

9.30am MP CW

9.30am HC CW

Community Sunday

9.30am FS

11.00am HC BCP

6th after Easter

5th after Easter

BLICKLING

May 13th

May 6th

9.30am HC CW

11.00am MP BCP

8.00am HC BCP

Community Sunday

No Service

7th after Easter

May 20th

Community Sunday

8.00am HC BCP

11.00am MP

9.30am HC CW

11.00am MP BCP

Pentecost

May 27th

CW = Common Worship, BCP = Book of Common Prayer

9.30am HC CW

Community Sunday

11.00am HC CW

8am HC BCP

No Service

Trinity Sunday

June 3rd

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

May Midweek Services: 9.00am on Wednesdays at Little Barningham.

Ascension Day 17th May, HC, Edgefield. 7.30pm.

Benefice Services: May 2012

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8.00am HC BCP

WICKMERE 6.00pm ES BCP

Community Sunday (Baptism) 11.00am FS (Baptism)

8.00am HC CW

Community Sunday

11.00am HC CW

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

Deadline for May Newsletter, Friday May 25th

Newsletter Deadline

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

Reader: Gill Peet 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

8.00am HC BCP

10.00am MP

Your Local Boilerman Service and Repairs to Oil Fired Boilers.

New and Replacement Oil Tanks.

Oftec Registered, all work guaranteed and insured.

Call Rodger on

01263 768 944 or

07909 186 405

Email: rodger.ramjet@hotmail.com

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OULTON Parochial Church Council Secretary:A vacancy has arisen for the above. Do you have the skills? Please contact Sue Hall for info.

Community Sunday. 27th May. Jubilee Sunday/Teddy Bears Picnic. See posters for details.

Afternoon Tea on Saturday 12th May, we welcome back the 100 Group WW11 Veterans to Oulton. If you can help, supply a cake, wish to meet the Veterans, please call Chris Lambert on 01263 733904 for more information.

Dog Walking: Now that there are cattle in the field bordering The Street, dog walking is no longer possible there. However Christopher Harrold and John Gay have very kindly agreed that dogs may be walked on ‘The Loop’ in Church Road, provided they are kept under control and that owners pick up any mess.We are grateful to them both.

Oulton Congregational Chapel Open Afternoon: Sunday 13th May 2-4pm.

Refreshments will be served.

Oratorio Concert at the Chapel above on Saturday 19th May at 7.30pm, in aid of Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust. with The Norwich Cathedral Choir and organist Mr. Tom Primrose.Tickets £10 from Mr. J Huggins 01603 660878 (evenings only).

The Adam and Eve Pub. Our Annual Village Meeting is at the above venue on Thursday 24th May at 8pm. See attached flyer.

Are You New To Oulton?

For the first Box Day in 2000 a photographic archive was made of Oulton villagers

by Lilie Ferrari’s late husband, Colin, who took wonderful black and white pictures of each family in front of their home.These are displayed in the marquee on Box Day. Each year since then newcomers to Oulton have been added to this photographic record of the village. If you are new to the village or have never been photographed and would like to be included this Box Day please give Richard Bryan a call on 01263 733238 and he’ll arrange a convenient time to photograph you.

Village Vintage? Garden Garage? Silly Sale? Out in Oulton? Shop in the Street! Found at the Forge! We will be running a stall from 11.00 – 4.00 on Saturday 26th May at The Forge, Oulton Street, to boost the funds for our Box Day celebrations. Donations are desired – cakes,etc, plants, seedlings, flowers, books, magazines, ’vintage’ or jumble clothes,toys,crafts and any other eye-catching items!!! Please bring to Antonia’s by 25th May.The Forge, Oulton Street or phone for collection: Kim 734626, Antonia 734324, Lesley 735194 Crazy Crown Making Workshop.

Saturday 16th June, 2-4pm at The Forge.All children and adults welcome.Wear your creations at the Box Day Parade.

A reminder that Box Day is 23rd June! Invitations coming soon.

Volunteer helpers welcomed, particularly all you wonderful tea and cake makers.- yes please!

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 St Andrew’s Church was beautifully decorated for the Easter season, see the photos of the flower arrangements. Thank you to all who shared their skills and vision. This is the month for handing in your Children’s Society Collection boxes, please contact Pam Daniels on 01263 577436.

A few children and adults took part in the Good Friday Children’s activity, where the Easter story was portrayed in music, dance, craft and games.

Everyone is invited to an Open Parish Council Meeting: “Speed limits and Village Safety”, on May 3rd, 7.30pm, Corpusty Centre.

Don’t forget the Active Norfolk Sports Event on Saturday, May 19th, which will be a Family Sports Day, 2 – 5pm at the Corpusty Centre. There will be Rounders; Cricket; Tennis; Indoor Bowls; Table Tennis; and Archery; with free coaching courtesy of “Active Norfolk”.

Glorious flowers helped celebrate Easter The Corpusty and Saxthorpe Garden Society at St Andrew’s, Saxthorpe 2012 programme is: June 6th Howard Norton – ‘My Delphinium Year’; July 4th GARDEN SOCIAL – 6.30pm hosted by Robin and Carol; August 1st Norfolk Herbs – Guided tour and talk: herbs for sale – (tea and biscuits), (time to be confirmed); September 5th Charlotte Philcox – ‘Plant Propogation’; October 3rd Simon White – ‘Climbing and Rambling Roses for all situations’; November 7th Gill Gorringe – ‘Garden Design’; December 5th AGM and Christmas Social.

North Norfolk Knitters will meet 8th May, 10.00am - 12 noon.

16th May LinC will welcome Heather Monks on a return visit, this time to encourage us to have a “hands on experience” of arranging Spring Flowers.

Members need to bring a margarine or meat container, some small-headed garden flowers and some greenery.

Families Together meet on 17th May, 3.30-5.30pm, with the usual mix of fun, craft, music, sharing a hot meal and time together. This month’s theme is ‘farming’.

Even with leaden skies, hail and rain showers, that we have experienced in April, we can still say with certainty, “we do live in a beautiful part of the world.” Someone remarked that they think this year’s blossom has been the best in a long time. It will not be many days before the bluebells will be carpeting Judith Banks: 01263 587319 Blickling Hall woods.

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WICKMERE WITH WOLTERTON Marion must have been delighted to be joined by a congregation of 68 people to celebrate Palm Sunday but was surprised and even more delighted to be upstaged by Astra the pony ridden very ably by Amy.Tony followed with a brush and shovel as last year Astra decided to decorate the aisle with a poo, but the naughty pony made sure that next year he will have to bring a mop and bucket as well!

On May 20th Tessa Withers will be christened at the family service. Congratulations to her, her proud brothers Laurie and Ben and parents Georgia and Peter. Let’s hope it will have stopped raining by then!

On Monday June 4th there will be a party at the village hall to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

Amy Howe led by Philida Hurn before Astra decided to redecorate the Church Starting at 3pm, there will be a barbecue with plenty to eat and drink, entertainment and competitions for the children, and music and dancing late into the evening.We don’t know yet whether we will have our new kitchen and loo for the event but Terry and his gang have already started on the footings.The finances are in place to complete the work particularly as they were recently boosted by a £1000 donation from a generous, anonymous villager.

A recent survey discovered that we have 34 children in Wickmere. Not bad for a village of 120! If we manage to find houses for them all, and they stay in the village, Wickmere should escape the worst effects of the so-called “demographic time bomb” and we can look forward to a comfortable old age. As we have no play area many of the children play out on Regent Street during the long summer evenings.

Fortunately Wickmere has no through traffic – but those of us in the village with cars need to drive especially carefully as we never know when we are going to meet an out of control go-kart. Also, with children playing out on the green, dog owners should be especially careful to clean up after their dogs. Let’s make the most of our children and keep them safe.

The winner of last month’s photo competition was John Hardy who thought the photo of St Andrew’s was taken from the churchyard of Calthorpe church. John’s line was perfect but his distance was out by nearly a mile.The reference is TG193309. It was taken from the path across the hill side south of Scarrow Beck just before the path drops down to join School Lane in Erpingham.

Finally, all those of us who use the path across the meadows beyond the Manor are very grateful to Gerry Gilding for maintaining it Dominic Boddington Helen Goulty: so beautifully.

01263 570043 01263 577300 18

Nature Notes “...Like a skylit water stood The bluebells in the azured wood.” A.E. Housman (1859-1936.)

In any season, a woodland walk can be uplifting.At this time of year, however, a visit will be further rewarded with the sight and smell of thousands of honey- scented Bluebells, shimmering in shafts of dappled sunshine - a spectacle so encapsulating British springtime.

Only found in Atlantic areas of Europe northwards from Northern Spain, over 50% of the world’s population of Common Bluebells are found here in the UK. The historical practice of woodland coppicing created perfect conditions in which the species could thrive and their toxicity made them inedible to most animals, so they Illustration of English Bluebells by Sue Appleby were left to spread.

More recently, the loss of deciduous woodlands and the selling of wild bulbs have caused a decline, resulting in the flower becoming subject to protection laws.The advent of earlier springs has also posed problems. Bluebells need to flower before the leaves in the tree canopy block out the sunlight. Earlier leaves on trees mean less time for the Bluebell to complete its annual cycle.

The introduction of the Spanish Bluebell has created an additional threat. This more robust species with paler, unscented flowers, borne on upright stems, has mixed with English Bluebells, creating a hybridised form of the flower.This now threatens the darker, arching blooms of the true natives.

Ancient folklore suggested turning a Bluebell flower inside out without tearing it would bring true love, whilst more chilling tales told of the, “bells,” ringing to summon fairy spirits.To hear them chime would result in certain death, as would wandering into a ring of their blooms.

With most parts of the plant containing toxins, its use in medicine has been limited, though it was used as an antidote for snakebites and as a treatment for Leprosy in the 13th century. Also used to stem bleeding, the sticky interior of the bulbs created a sort of early Elastoplast! This same stickiness allowed Bronze Age hunters to stick feathers to their arrows, Elizabethans to use it to stiffen their ruff collars and bookbinders to produce an adhesive unpalatable to glue-guzzling Silverfish.

With each flower only lasting a few days this radiant blue carpet will soon vanish as the leaves above shade them out. So hurry down to the woods to drink in this glorious sight before they’re gone ......

Sue Appleby just watch out for those fairies!

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Hello! We hope you had a very Happy Easter!! Lots of fun events are happening in the month.

Lately, a group of children have been practicing Maypole Dancing with two of the parents, Lindsey Smith and Haley Skinn.The actual May Day celebrations take place (no surprise) on May 1st.The group are performing a number of dances, including the challenging plait. Fran in year 6 says: ”It’s a really good experience and I really enjoy it.” Everyone seems to be looking forward to the celebrations. Each individual has the chance to dress up as a May King or May Queen, or a Green Man or Green Woman.The Friends will be decorating the playground with spring boughs and blossom.The celebrations start at 2.45 so please come along.

Recently, a Street Dance Club has started in the School Hall after school on a Tuesday. Also, at the same time as the Street dance, a Football Club is being held up at the Village Centre. All is going well so far. George, who goes to the Football club, stated: “It’s good to be coached by Community Sports Foundation.We’re learning new skills and it’s really fun as well.”

One thing that’s playing on the Yr 6’s minds is the SATs in the middle of May. This will include at least six different tests, and a few of the pupils will be doing extra Level Six papers too in Reading and Maths.

At the end of the Spring Term, some classes have been involved in decorating the corridor with Green Men and wildlife. It looks amazing and really shows the skills some pupils have for art.We have started to add our own poetry to the display.We have some talented poets too Report by Ellie Feistner and Lottie Waller

Easter Egg Hunt and Fun Day at Barningham Hall A huge thank you to all those who helped and came and supported the 6th Easter Egg Hunt held at Barningham Hall in aid of Stepping Stones Pre-school, Aldborough It was a huge success. Over 10,000 mini chocolate eggs were hidden and despite the cold and changeable weather over 900 people attended.They came to hunt eggs in the garden, listen to stories, play with puppets, make Easter crafts, enjoy traditional fete games and eat good homemade food.The event has raised over £5,000!

May Groans A thin woollen scarf has been stolen from Edgefield. Police say it was a crime of pashmina.

The lavatory has been stolen from Holt police station. Police say they’ve not much to go on.

An Aylsham man has been shot with a starting pistol. Police say it’s race related.

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Miss Evelyn Peckham We were all saddened to learn of Miss Peckham’s passing, she would have been 100 in September 2012. A resident of Itteringham, she played the organ regularly there and at Saxthorpe, Oulton and Blickling, occasionally at the other Benefice churches. Her memorial service - which was packed was at her favourite church, St. Andrew’s, Saxthorpe and she was buried to be with her family at Oulton. An irreplaceable figure in the Benefice may she rest in peace and rise in glory.

COTTAGE GARDEN PERENNIALS AT ITTERINGHAM

RE-OPENS MAY 7th

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

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 Welcome to Eric Goodman who joins the ranks of the over-stressed and unpaid parish correspondents. He got a quick introduction to the tension - thanks to the Editor’s computer, it was touch and go whether his first piece for Itteringham got here!

Congratulations to Peter Johnson of Corpusty Stores who is expecting his first grandchild. But woe betide anyone who calls him “Grand-dad”!

Little Barningham’s Michael Gandy has recently become involved with “About With Friends”, a charity for educationally challenged people (where Wickmere’s Helen Goulty also volunteers), and helped raise £361 at the Itteringham Craft Fair for them.

Congratulations to Wickmere’s Parish Clerk, Laney Burton, who has won a place to study Psychology at UEA. Harriet Kirsten Celia Walpole, second daughter of Roger and Lesley Walpole and granddaughter of Lord and Lady Walpole was baptised by her grandfather, Revd Kenneth Walker, at St Andrew’s, Leith on 15th April.The baptismal service was a combination of those of the Churches of England and Scotland and was devised

by Revd Walker and Revd Michael Banks of Saxthorpe for the baptism of Harriet’s sister, Flora in Itteringham in 2010.

The Penguin Book of Twentieth Century Speeches, originally published in 1993 and edited by Brian MacArthur of Little Barningham, is being reissued this month as The Penguin Book of Modern Speeches and includes among others Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi. So if you have ever to make a speech you now know where to look for inspiration!

Wickmere sculptor, Lesley Ash, is exhibiting in Open Studios at Felthorpe on 16th May and her latest work, The Lion and the Unicorn, will be unveiled at Blickling and be on display from June 10th to July 10th.

Congratulations to Ray Covell and Derek Turnbull who were elected as new Churchwardens for St Mary’s, Itteringham.

Mary Watson and Derek Wintle of Little Barningham have welcomed new residents to the recently built Parva Close with a leaflet featuring a lovely cover painting by Mary and lots of useful local information organised by Derek.

Kate Gilbert who died recently will be particularly missed by residents of Corpusty and Saxthorpe where she took part in many village activities, particularly the indoor bowls and craft groups. She had lead an adventurous life and was a very determined and organised lady. May she rest in peace.

On a happier note, Richard and Anne Brooks of Edgefield wish to thank everybody who came for hot cross buns and coffee at their home on Good Friday.

They were delighted with the total sum raised of £800.00 to be split between the Friends of Edgefield and the Norfolk Air Ambulance.

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Diary for May Date

Event

3rd 7th 8th 11th 12th 13th 17th-20th 17th 19th 20th 26th

Parish Council Meeting: “Speed in the Village” Corpusty Community Centre May Fayre Itteringham Village Hall/Field North Norfolk Knitters Corpusty Community Centre Bishop of Lynn (Window Blessing) Edgefield Church Tea for 100 Group WW11 Veterans Oulton Open Afternoon Oulton Chapel Anne Boleyn Festival Blickling Hall Families Together Corpusty Community Centre Oratorio Concert Oulton Chapel Organic Garden Day Wolterton Hall Fundraising Sale The Forge, Oulton Street

3.30-5.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 11am-4pm

4th 4th 5th 6th

Lt Barningham Jubilee Party Wickmere Jubilee Party Jubilee Fête/Hog Roast Corpusty Garden Club

TBC 3pm 2-4pm/6.30pm 7pm

May

June

Venue

Time

Ferndale Farm Wickmere Village Hall Edgefield Village Hall Corpusty Community Centre

7.30pm 2pm 10am-12 pm 7p.m TBC 2-4pm.

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

Stephen Jefford

587480

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