BALE - BINHAM - COCKTHORPE - FIELD DALLING GUNTHORPE - LANGHAM - MORSTON

SAXLINGHAM - SHARRINGTON - STIFFKEY

NEWS FROM OUR VILLAGES

ISSUE 85 AUGUST &

SEPTEMBER

2012

Read Local Lynx on-line at: www.locallynx.co.uk

Field Dalling in Summer

- is a non-profit-making community newspaper, run for the benefit of ten villages. We warmly welcome drawings, articles and letters for publication, but must reserve the right to edit or exclude items. The items published do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or the village representatives. For information about submitting items for publication, or if you want to help in any other way, please contact your village representative, through whom all village news must be submitted. For general information please send a message to our email address:

lynxeditor@pobox.com

PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE DATE COPY FOR

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER ISSUE REQUIRED BY NOON ON 8th

SEPTEMBER.

CONTACT FOR ADVERTISERS For enquiries about advertising in Local Lynx,

please contact Maxine Burlingham tel: 01328-830375

email: maxine@mjbhotels.com

Rates for advertising (pre-paid) are: One column x 62 mm (1/8 page): £72 for six issues.

Small Ads Panel on the back page: Available for individuals and businesses

providing local services. Cost: £36 for six issues.

2

BLAKENEY METHODIST CHURCH High Street Blakeney

Minister: The Rev’d J Pathmarajah Tel: 01263 712 181 Sunday Services at 6.30pm.

For weekday services and details of preachers and any change in times, refer to ‘The Glaven Valley Newsletter’.

BLAKENEY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Back Lane Blakeney Father Michael Simison 12 Hindringham Road Gt. Walsingham Norfolk Tel: 01328 821 353

Priest in Residence Father William Wells (the house behind the church)

Service Times Masses: Wednesday 9.30am Vigil Mass Saturday 6.00pm.

WHAT’S ON in our ten villages

AUGUST 4th Sat. Morston Regatta 9th Thurs. Langham Rounders and BBQ Evening. Playing Field 6 pm 9th Thurs. Langham Mobile library 9th Thurs. Sharrington Police Community Meeting. Village Hall 2 - 3 pm 9th Thurs. Gunthorpe Police Community Meeting. Gunthorpe Institute 4 - 5 pm 9th Thurs. Bale Police Community Meeting. Church 5.15 - 6.15 pm 9th Thurs. Gunthorpe & Bale Parish Council Meeting. Gunthorpe Institute 7.30 pm 10th Fri. Bale Fish & chips in Village Hall. 7 pm 11th Sat. Binham Concert - Heath Quartet. 7.30 pm 11th Sat.-14thTues. Binham Art Exhibition. Village Hall 10 am - 5 pm 11th Sat. Langham Stall on the Green 9.30-11 am 11-12th Sat-Sun. Morston Antique & Contemporary Textile Fair. Bluejacket Workshop 10 am - 5 pm 17th Fri. Binham ‘Friends’ 2pm 18th Sat. Field Dalling and Saxlingham Summer Fete. Village Hall 2–4 pm 18th Sat. Langham Stall on the Green 9.30-11 am 19th Sun. Binham Summer Fete 1-4 pm 19th Sun. Binham Concert – Norwich Quintet 7.30 pm 24th Fri. Binham Concert – Xeufei Yang 7.30 pm 25th Sat. Langham Stall on the Green 9.30-11 am 25th Sat. Bale Big Barbeque at Village Hall 29th Weds. Morston Parish Council meeting. Village Hall 7 pm

SEPTEMBER 1st Sat. Binham Concert – Norwich Baroque 7.30 pm 3rd Mon. Langham Senior Citizens Mystery Trip (F.O.L.) 6th Thurs – 9th Sun. Binham Heritage Open Days in Priory Thurs-Sat 10-6 pm; Sunday 12-6 pm 6Th Thurs. Langham Mobile Library 8th Sat. Binham Priory ‘On Being with Icons’ 7.30 pm 8th Sat. Norfolk Churches Trust Bicycle Ride 9th Thurs. Bale Police Community Meeting. Church 1 - 2 pm 9th Thurs. Sharrington. Police Community Meeting. Village Hall 2 - 3 pm 9th Thurs. Gunthorpe Police Community Meeting. Gunthorpe Institute 4 - 4.45 pm 12th Weds. Langham Ladybirds visit to Wells Hospital 14th Fri. Bale Fish & chips in Village Hall. 7 pm 17th Mon. Binham Parish Council Meeting 7.30 pm 20th Thu. Binham Open Circle. Hindringham VH 7.15 pm 23rd Sun. Binham Charity Dog Walk. Village Hall 10.15 pm 25th Tues. Binham BLHG Sandringham Visit 11 am 26th Weds. Morston Parish Council meeting. Village Hall 7 pm 27th Thu. Binham BLHG ‘Archaeology of Binham’ 7.30 pm 29th Sat. Binham Harvest Supper, Village Hall 7.30 pm 29th Sat. Bale Harvest Supper in Village Hall 29th Sat. Gunthorpe 50:50 Club. Gunthorpe Institute 10.30 am 30th Sun. Binham Concert ‘Sing For Joy’ 4pm.

REGULARS Tuesdays - Binham Guild of Artists, Village Hall 10-12 Wednesdays in term time - Binham Youth Group, Village Hall 6-8 pm Fridays in August - Binham Priory Teas 2-4.30 pm

DEANERY NEWS The next Deanery Synod meeting will take place on

18th October at St. Andrew’s Church 7.15pm for 7.30pm.

More details in Oct/Nov issue of Local Lynx.

Church Services for Stiffkey and Bale Benefice for August and September 2012 HC=Holy Communion. CFS=Church Family Service. MP=Morning Prayer. BCP=Book of Common Prayer

Sunday 30th September: Group Harvest Festival Service at Binham at 10.30am. Regular Weekday Services

Binham: Tuesday, 6.00pm Evening Prayers, Langham: Wednesday, 10.00am Holy Communion Stiffkey: Friday, 10.00am Holy Communion

Parish 5thAugust 12th August 19th August 26th August

Bale 9.30am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am HC Field Dalling At Saxlingham 11.00am CFS At Saxlingham 11.00am MP BCP

Saxlingham 9.30am HC At Field Dalling 11.00am HC At Field Dalling Gunthorpe 11.00am MP 4.30pm Silent Meditation 11.00am HC Sharrington 9.30am MP BCP 9.30am HC 9.30am MP CW 9.30am HC

Binham 11.00am HC 11.00am HC 11.00am CFS 9.30am HC Morston 9.30am HC BCP 9.30am HC BCP

Langham At Stiffkey 9.30am MP At Stiffkey 9.30am HC Stiffkey 9.30am CFS At Langham 9.30am HC At Langham

Parish 2nd September 9th September 16th September 23rdSeptember

Bale 9.30am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am HC 9.30am HC

Field Dalling At Saxlingham 11.00am CFS At Saxlingham 11.00am MP BCP

Saxlingham 9.30am HC At Field Dalling 11.00am HC At Field Dalling Gunthorpe 11.00am MP 4.30pm Silent Meditation 11.00am HC

Sharrington 9.30am MP BCP 9.30am HC 9.30am MP CW 9.30am HC

Binham 11.00am HC 11.00am HC 11.00am CFS 9.30am HC

Morston 9.30am HC BCP 9.30am HC BCP

Langham At Stiffkey 9.30am MP At Stiffkey 9.30am HC

Stiffkey 9.30am CFS At Langham 9.30am Harvest Service At Langham

3

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends and Parishioners,

In this season of all types of comings and goings, meetings and departures, it came to my mind that the God who makes Order also allows Chaos - the chaos of free will in human beings and the chaos of violence in nature.

This means that man and the world are in a constant state of flux, and this can be both negative and positive. Change and variety can be threatening but they can also be exciting and life-enhancing.

Do you recall ever coming upon a new view in the landscape and being very much struck by it? Driving the other day down a familiar road, on glancing to my left, the afternoon light revealed the scene to be totally other than I had ever thought it to be, with layer upon layer of hill and valley, of tree, hedge and field beneath a golden sky, and perched upon it a hill-top wood. A surprise!

We are all confronted in parts of Holy Writ with challenge and terrible prophecy ‘Nation will make war upon nation, kingdom upon kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and famines and plagues in many places - in the sky terrors and great portents’-

Luke 21:10 and 11.

And those awful things, and worse, have happened and still do happen. By and large we are spared them, but occur they do.

Yet they must be set, as all things should be, in CONTEXT - the context of the love of God, of his holy purposes and of the victory of Jesus Christ over death and sin.

When we stand on those foundations, when we place present troubles in the light of Christ’s victory, we are surprised by the sight before us - bright uplands and golden groves, places of rest and serenity with havens of hope and creativity, hearths of good cheer and tables of good food.

Yours very truly, Ian Whittle.

HELP! With the loss of Helen as a key member of the

Langham editorial team we are in dire need of extra help from anyone having a comfortable working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Publisher programs.

If you think you might like to help, please telephone Bob Brandt on 01328 830056.

4

- SPECIAL NOTICE - SEA MONSTERS

Binham Memorial Hall Tues 31st July 7 pm

An illustrated talk about the wonders of the deep presented by Kelvin Boot, a BBC Natural History Unit Broadcaster. All proceeds for Langham Parish Room Refurbishment Fund. Tickets £5 including refreshments, available from: Howells Super Store (Binham), the Aga Shop ( by Nat West Holt) or Tel: 01328 831 922 or - if room - at the door.

NORFOLK FAMILY WALK For Brain Tumour Research & Support

HOLKHAM HALL Sunday 7th October 2012 10am- 4pm

Adults £5, Children FREE Car Parking: £2.50 per car

The walks are: 1, 3, 6, or 10 miles. The one mile walk for children has games along the way. Prams, tricycles, wheelchairs and animals on leads are welcome.

Brain tumours now account for more deaths among children and those under 40 than any other cancer.

Join others and raise sponsorship for your chosen brain tumour charity and help us find a cure for this devastating disease.

This is the sixth year for this annual walk, part of the ‘World Walk’ for brain tumours, a project of the International Brain Tumour Alliance and organised by the Norfolk Branch of Astro Fund, charity No. 1133561. Find out more on www.astrofund.org.uk and download a sponsorship form or contact info@astrofund.org.uk Tel: 01485 572 767.

GLAVEN CENTRE CLINICS

The following clinics have been planned:

Hearing Aid Clinics: 29 August, 28 September, 31 October, 30 November, 19 December.

Toe-nail Clinics: 3 August and 31 August.

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S NEWS

All our communities have been most enthusiastic about their Diamond Jubilee celebrations - a great time had by all. Now for the Olympic Torch, the Games and our local fetes and summer fairs, a truly busy summer. Our new Council Leader is Keith Johnson, District Councillor for Cromer Town and John Perry-Warnes is the new Chairman, County Councillor for Holt and District Councillor for Corpusty.

An update on the Big Society - the Board has so far allocated £81,776 in 18 small grant applications (less than £10,000). These vary from funds towards a brass band, organising an Arts and Literary Festival to floral displays. Five applications for over £10,000 have been received and are being considered. A welcome suggestion at Cabinet was for Councillors to have a workshop on the Big Society in order to encourage and guide applications in their wards. .

The North Norfolk Housing Strategy 2012-2015 will consist of three separate documents. The first part on Housing and Infrastructure has been discussed. The issue of local allocation of affordable housing will be addressed in a further document.

The River Glaven Conservation Group met this year at Brinton Church with an illustrated talk on the Gunthorpe Stream and habitat restoration measures. The speaker, Nigel Holmes, produced a very comprehensive report which can act as a manual for improvement measures which are simple and effective. A visit was then made to the stream. The new website is www.riverglaven.org.uk.

Understandably, much of the meeting of the Norfolk Joint Museums and Archaeology was taken up with security ... though all the local museums referred to their summer events. A visit to the new-look Bridewell Museum in Norwich is much to be recommended. It tells the story of Norwich, about local firms and families - the names will be familiar to all in Norfolk.

The Coasthopper bus service - at the last Full Cabinet meeting, a motion was passed to contact Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Green urging everything possible is done to ensure the continuance or even improved service for the foreseeable future.

Lindsay Brettle

District Councillors’ Contact Details

Jonathan Savory (01328 820719). email: jds@thelaurals.plus.com - and - Peter Terrington (01328 711126) email: peter.terrington@north-norfolk.gov.uk (Binham, Langham & Stiffkey) Lindsay Brettle (01263 710030) email: lindsay.brettle@north-norfolk.gov.uk (Sharrington, Field Dalling/Saxlingham & Morston) Ann Green (01328 878273) email: ann.green@north-norfolk.gov.uk (Gunthorpe & Bale)

5

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S NEWS

Better Broadband for Norfolk:

Improved broadband seems a long time coming but had we not received Government money we could not have proposed such an ambitious programme of improving broadband throughout Norfolk. In receiving Government money we must go through the prescribed process of procurement. But the good news is that we have now progressed to the next stage and BT Wholesale and Fujitsu have been selected to bid for the contract. The two companies have been asked to submit their bids by the end of August and selection will be made in early autumn. Upwards and onwards.

Natural England: Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs):

It was somewhat disturbing to learn that the Wildlife Trust has a web-site asking people from all around the country to sign on supporting all MCZs. Whilst many of the sites are valuable and appropriate, local opinion, as you know, is against MCZ (RA4) which is included on the web-site. As a result a petition has been circulated calling on the Minister for the Coast and Fisheries to ensure that the Blakeney Marsh MCZ does not even go to consultation. Since timing is crucial the paper petitions will have been handed to the Minister by the time you read the Lynx (over 1,000 signatures as I write). However I have asked for the on-line version to be kept open so if you would like to add your name please go to: www.normanlamb.org.uk/blakeneymcz

Cabinet Scrutiny Panel:

I am now a member of the Cabinet Scrutiny Panel. A topic for the last meeting was the provision of Blue Badges to disabled people in Norfolk. The discussion was very thorough but we have asked for more information to be brought forward. In the meantime we discussed complaints as to access to application forms – both on-line and a paper version. As a result all staff who are likely to receive calls from prospective badge holders will be instructed to provide information as to obtaining the paper version from NCC. Additionally the forms will be made available at such places as doctors’ surgeries and public libraries. When I pointed out that our libraries could help with on-line applications a badge holder said some libraries were not accessible by the disabled. I have asked for a check to be made as to whether there are any Norfolk libraries which do not have disability access. I am also asking for enquiries to be made as to whether in the future badges could be applied for and paid for in cash at post offices.

Recycling Centres Procurement Project Board:

I also put my hand up to be a member of the above board – being particularly interested in increasing the amount and types of waste we can recycle. Additionally I am interested in public access to those centres which have restricted opening hours.

Policing:

The Policing Plan for 2012-2015 can be found on

www.norfolk.police.uk. The Norfolk Police Authority is seeking views on local policing and the forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioner. If you would like to have your say go to www.norfolk-pa.gov.uk/survey.cfm.

Public Rights of Way (PROWS):

Grass cutting along public rights of way, or rather the less frequent cutting, is causing concern in a number of parishes. In the next edition I will provide as much detailed information as possible as to the current situation and would add that during the coming months the matter is due to be re-examined at County. In the meantime I would ask path walkers in my division to contact their respective parish councils – who can provide me with collective information. Alternatively walkers can contact me direct.

Dr Marie Strong, County Councillor Wells Division – Glaven, Priory and Walsingham Parishes. Contact details: marie.strong@norfolk.gov.uk

POLICE COMMUNITY MEETINGS

The Holt Safer Neighbourhood Team will be holding several street meetings in their local parishes. It is your chance to talk to local officers about any issues or concerns you may have. PCSO Rachel Howard will be at the following locations in August and September at the times shown:

Thursday 9th August

Sharrington Village Hall – 14:00 hrs – 15:00 hrs Gunthorpe Institute Hall – 16:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs Bale Church – 17:15 hrs – 18:15 hrs

Thursday 6th September

Bale Church – 13:00 hrs – 14:00 hrs Sharrington Village Hall – 14:00 hrs – 15:00 hrs

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY Leading the fight against dementia

Do YOU care for someone in your family, living with Alzheimer’s or Vascular Dementia or something similar? Call in for free Information and Advice at Fakenham Library Support is available from the local Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Worker. You are welcome to drop in! No appointment is necessary. 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. second Thursday of each month.

For more information please contact Carolyn Heydon on 07717 397 437.

6

BALE VILLAGE HALL NEWS

Please come along and support our efforts; every 2nd Friday in the month; fish and chips hopefully. We have a lot of fun at these evenings, with a raffle and the hundred club draw. Bring your own drink/booze, 7pm, in the village hall.

Keep an eye on the Village Hall noticeboard for information on events. We are hoping to put up a lockable noticeboard opposite the church for Bale Village news – watch that space!

Further ahead, our August bank holiday event will be Bale’s Big Barbecue this year, on Saturday 25th August.

MARK ALLISON

Mark sadly died on 19th April 2012. He was a Bale man, born and bred. He lived with parents on the Hindringham Road before moving to 2, Pitt Cottages. This was home after his marriage to Grace and a few years later for their daughter Liz.

Mark started work at Boundary Farm, Gunthorpe before moving to work at Manor Farm, Bale for Arthur Hammond and his son David Hammond.

Mark was always willing to turn his hand to anything. He always showed a keen interest in machinery and he saw a massive change in farming practice in his lifetime. He loved to keep abreast of new ideas and developments in equipment and he continued this interest as a member of the Holt Machinery Club.

As well as using all types of farm machinery Mark was also able to repair, weld and modify them. His skills included brick work, concreting and flint walling; a skill hard to master even for a full time builder.

Mark was a strong man and he made light work of any physical work always with a chuckle or a smile; nothing was too much bother. His openness and friendliness made him many lifelong friends in and around Bale. If help was needed Mark was usually there whether it was the Village Hall, Churchyard or fete. From the fete records it shows that he ran the shooting stall from the early 1950s and continued until last year.

Mark and Grace made 2 Pitt Cottages their home. A keen gardener, Mark made it a beautiful and productive place. He did allow enough room for his sheds which housed all the items of his other hobbies – grass mowers, chain saws, power tools, fishing tackle, shot guns, cartridges and chicken feeders. A good trip out for Mark would be with family and friends and would if possible include a fish and chip supper! Everyone enjoyed his company.

Mark left so many good memories; he will be sadly missed. He was a kind and generous man and will be remembered with great affection. Our thoughts are very much with Grace and Liz.

BALE FETE

It had been blowing a gale all day on Friday and the rain had come down in torrents allowing Walter Hammond to bemoan the inches in his rain gauge! So even though the auguries were not good for the next day, Saturday dawned dry, and the only concession to the possibility that the luck of Bale would not hold was Walter’s edict that it might be wiser to avoid the use of tented gazebos in case they took off and ended up several villages away.

When the first notes were struck up by the Cromer & Sheringham Brass band – who kept spirits high all afternoon – and the line of eager waiting visitors started to move – more of a gold rush than an orderly queue – the Bale fete of the Diamond Jubilee Year was under way, and had yet again triumphed over the elements.

Business was brisk at all the stalls – too many to list them all - tables laden with delicious cakes and welcome cups of tea, wonderful plants, bottles, herds of white elephants, mountains of jumble, piles of books, a fine selection of clothes and fabrics, and a tantalising wine draw. Once the first frenzy of buying was over, people turned their attention to the wide range of traditional side shows and games that are a real feature at Bale: the coconut shy, lawn darts, bowls, bowling, bash-the-rat, and many others, where competition between family and friends provided a lot of fun and a good deal of cash, and where younger visitors could show up some of the old village pros. There cannot be many fetes that invite their guests to guess the name of a miniature ride-on tractor as well the weight of the cake!

Although the temperature did not get any warmer the weather gods continued to smile, allowing the raffle to take place on the front lawn, and the small army of volunteers to restore Joanna and Walter Hammond’s beautiful garden to its pristine condition. Many thanks to them and to all the wonderful helpers from the village and elsewhere who are too numerous to name individually, but together make the fete such a wonderful community occasion. There was one absence of which everybody was aware: that of Mark Allison, who sadly died in April. He was a backbone of the fete, and of village life. His charm, cheerful hard work and good humour will be greatly missed, but he would surely have agreed that it was another fete to remember, as we do him. And despite the chill, and the abundance of parties and gatherings over the Jubilee, the final tally was again superb for such a small village - £3431.48!

BALE VILLAGE HALL SOCIAL CLUB DRAW

May 2012 June 2012 Patricia Church £25 Carole Lee £25 Samantha Schofield £10 Sebastian Schofield £10 Ed Croft £5 Mary Ramm £5 Rose Jewett £5 Jim Peppitt £5

7

PURCELL SCHOOL CONCERT Bale All Saints Church 17th June

Alison Cox, Professor of Composition (who was awarded an OBE in the Jubilee Honours) brought her Impulse Outreach Group to Norfolk for three days. This group is a pupil-lead initiative, with Lottery funding, who visit primary schools by invitation, to support and encourage music making. Along the way they occasionally 'talent spot' future Purcell Scholars. Following successful sessions at Cromer, Little Snoring and Stibbard Primary Schools, they came to Bale on a warm Summer's evening, relaxed, and made music for us.

What a blast! I think our dear departed and much missed Canon Cedric Bradbury would have enjoyed every minute of it.

The evening started with Bob Chilcott's arrangement of 'Greensleeves' with five voices; then a little Mozart and Massenet through to Ben Britten's 'Oh Waley, Waley', sung very clearly with sympathetic piano accompaniment. Clearly, the group had, mostly, some time to rehearse, for Morricone's Gabriel's Oboe (remember The Mission?) and the Tuckwell Horn Duet came across very well. Perhaps not quite so spot on were 'Autumn Leaves' and 'Night and Day'; but, hey we were there to enjoy ourselves.

Things really took off in the second half with some lovely expressive playing of Rachmaninov's 'Vocalise', Cohen’s 'Lullaby' and Scott Joplin's Felicity Rag (shades of The Sting). After part of Bach's famous Toccata in D minor – played on our very own All Saints organ - we heard Daniel Hope's good arrangement of Monti's 'Czardas' for piano, piccolo and melodica (the dear little portable red-and-white keyboard). By this time the whole company got involved and had fun with 'Star Wars', arranged by Carson Turner, and one of the Elgar 'Pomp and Circumstance' marches. Audience participation followed with 'I Vow to Thee My Country' and The National Anthem – a nice touch in view of recent events,

enthusiastically conducted. We loved it.

The promised Surprise of The Evening turned out to be Sarah N’dgire from Uganda ('not Ghana or Tanzania'!) who had us all clapping in time while each member of The Band took it in turns to play the South African Song 'Nthwara'. Cedric Bradbury would have been in Seventh Heaven; perhaps he is.

Warmest Congratulations and thanks to them all – including Martin West who chauffeured the group, looked after everybody and took the prerequisite pictures for posterity.

There follows, in no particular order, a list of members of The Company: so that, in years to come, we will be able to say we heard them first in Bale on 17th June 2012. Errors and omissions excepted, and profuse apologies for my being unable to name the past Purcell School pupil, now LPO player, who organised the event so well.

Michaella Hope - keyboard and piano; Glen Dempsey - organ and conductor; Shona Atkinson and Fabien Van De Geest – horns; Hannah Grayson – flute; Daniel Shao – piccolo and flute; Veronica Colyer – oboe; Phelan Burgoyne – timps; Lucie Treacher – guitar and flute; Miko Mayo - piano; Jamie Faulkener – baritone; Sascha Cracheva – violin; Sgia Yatsynk – piano.

I think they enjoyed themselves, and that's what it's all about.

M. Barnes

8

BINHAM GUILD OF ARTISTS

& ASSOCIATES ART EXHIBITION

AND SALE OF WORKS Saturday 11th to Tuesday 14th AUGUST

Open 10a.m. to 5p.m. each day All proceeds to Village Hall funds CONCERTS AT BINHAM PRIORY

Please check website for latest information www.binhampriory.org

SUMMER SERIES

Tickets £14 per concert, or £12 if three or more concerts booked in advance. Please phone 01328 830362 davidfrost226@btinternet.com

Saturday, 11 August 7.30 pm Heath Quartet. Mendelssohn, Britten, Tchaikovsky.

Sunday, 19 August 7.30 pm Norwich Quintet Mozart (flute and harp concerto), Beethoven.

Friday, 24 August 7.30 pm Xeufei Yang, classical guitar Bach, Paganini, Falla, Debussy, Villa Lobos, Koshkin.

Saturday, 1 September 7.30 pm Norwich Baroque Handel, Vivaldi, Purcell, Boyce, van Wassenaer.

Sunday, 30 September 4.00pm Concert by Theresa Verney's choir “Sing for Joy”. Retiring collection.

BINHAM & COCKTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL

In these days of financial restraint, the role of the Council to help fulfill the requirements and desires of parishioners may become more important. An example the Council currently has to consider is the maintenance of the public footpaths in the parish.

Norfolk County Council has the responsibility for maintaining the designated public footpaths. However, many parishioners will be aware that during this wet summer grass has grown fast and paths have become near impassable as the County Council have not been cutting them, generally claiming lack of finance. Currently the Parish Council has no allocation of funds to take on this responsibility. William Wales and Nigel Grange have kindly agreed to cut the paths in July without payment. However it is unreasonable to assume this generosity as a long-term method of solving a problem.

We can expect an increase in the future of these sorts of challenges to parish life as the Government imposed cuts really bite.

Norfolk Family Information Service (FIS) is Norfolk County Council’s online, telephone and face-to-face service providing support to families with children aged 0-18 or 0-25 for those with additional needs.

Information on offer includes: Advice on choosing and paying for childcare; Details of out-of-school clubs and holiday play schemes; Help for families of children with additional needs; Activities and advice for young people; Support for mums, dads, lone parents and parents-to-be.

For more information: www.norfolk.gov.uk/fis. Tel: 0344 800 8020. e: information@norfolk.gov.uk

Please come to the Parish Council meetings to give your views and help your Council arrive at the best decisions. The next meeting will be Monday 17th September in the Binham Memorial Hall starting at 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be available from 7pm. The meetings are now held in the main hall with plenty of room and we would like to encourage many more parishioners to attend.

David Frost, Parish Council Chairman

CHRISTIAN AID COLLECTION

A big thank you to all those who collected and those who gave so generously this year. A total of £351.70 was raised, the most we have ever collected. Well done everybody. Maureen Frost

9

THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE

Binham and Cockthorpe’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations ended in a blaze of glory, crowned with fireworks, moon shine and success - in the form of a long term gain for the very youngest in the community.

The long weekend of village events finished with a bang and several star-bursts as the village beacon was lit, forming a link in the chain of more than 4,000 across the nation. A crowd gathered in Binham Priory grounds to applaud the spectacle and then enjoy the full moon, beaming across the landscape in a perfectly-timed, natural light show.

The jubilee succeeded not only in bringing people together but also, by-the-by, in raising a handsome contribution towards the Binham Play Area Fund, set up to create a children’s play area. It was declared policy that all jubilee events would be free of charge and, with a grant from Norfolk County Council of £200 and fundraising from a coffee morning; the surplus of income over expenditure on events was £71.51. But special collections and a raffle raised £468.94 which, added to the £71.51, meant that a total of £540.45 was handed over to benefit the project, to provide pleasure for generations of children to come.

Festivities over the June 3-5 bank holiday weekend included a closely contested cricket match and, of course, a splendid celebration tea. Fittingly, there are china mugs to remember it by. Every household in Binham and Cockthorpe has received a commemorative mug bearing the village names and the jubilee logo. The mugs are a keepsake and really should not be put in the dishwasher.

Even the mixed weather over the weekend seemed to work to advantage. The cricket went ahead as planned while the “bring-and-share” picnic planned for the Priory grounds was rained off and had to be transferred to the church itself. But that merely served to draw people closer together, rather than scattering little groups around the cloisters and churchyard.

“Personally, I think it was a wonderful achievement. It was a memorable weekend which I hope people thoroughly enjoyed,” said David Frost, one of the organisers, and a leading figure in the field of drinks dispensing during the weekend. Andrew Moncur

BINHAM & HINDRINGHAM OPEN CIRCLE

We do not meet in August. At our September 20 meeting a team member from

the Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm will be there to explain its development and function. Partners are welcome to come along too.

The Open Circle Women's Club meets at 7.15pm on the third Thursday of each month at Hindringham Village Hall. New members are always welcome - just come along on the night or ring secretary Fiona Thompson on 01328 830639.

BINHAM PAROCHIAL CHARITIES TRUST

The Bursary. Since the Bursary was established in 2008, the Trust has been able to help several students at universities and colleges. If you know of anybody in the village who is thinking of further education and would be grateful of some financial support, then please contact the Chairman of the Parochial Charities Trust, Mr William Wales, with the relevant information. 01328 830580

Parochial Charities Lunch. Another successful lunch was enjoyed with over 40 people attending. A good time was had by all, although Mrs Burton was much missed as she was taken ill that morning. We all hope that she is on the mend. The raffle raised £60 for the Wells Community Hospital. Look out for the next date in the next issue of Lynx. I look forward to seeing you all.

Alex Wales

10

FLY ME TO THE MOON It’s our nearest neighbour but, in all history, only a

dozen of us have actually set foot upon it. It lies nearly a quarter of a million miles away but influences the tides at Wells-next-the-Sea.

It is, of course, the moon – our moon. Occasionally we serenade it. Often we ignore it. But now the moon is to be the subject and shining “star” of a rare celebration here in North Norfolk. An event will take place at Binham Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 27, when the moon – as it approaches its full brilliance in autumn – will be the focus of attention.

The moon will be celebrated in words and music, from Beethoven to Michael Jackson. There will be photographs to see and readings of verse and prose to enjoy, striking a chord and stirring emotions, some poignant, others moving, some funny. The programme will recall memories of childhood, school days, romance and family life; elsewhere it will touch on historic events, both down-to-earth and far away in space.

The audience will be invited by members of the North Norfolk Astronomy Society, with their telescopes, to take a close look at the moon for themselves. Weather permitting, they will be able to step outside to observe the beauty and magic of the hunter’s moon.

The event will start at 6.30pm and a supper of ham, baked potatoes and salad followed by pancakes will be served mid-way through the evening. At the end of the second half, coffee and tea will be served and a raffle will be drawn. The cost is £8 (half price for children) and proceeds will go to the Friends of Binham Priory.

Tickets will be available from September 1 from Maureen Frost on 01328 830362 or by email davidfrost226@btinternet.com, or from Ann Prockter on 01328 830770 email adprockter@btinternet.com.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1710 Rev. John Garlick, the vicar of Wells, owned

a copyhold farm in Binham. He sowed Rumbolds Close with turnips. Alas for the vicar, the close was “half-year” land and Lord of the manor Edward Paston’s shepherd turned his flock into the close. The sheep ate the turnips, the vicar impounded the sheep, Paston sued the vicar in the Court of Common Pleas – and won.

Norah and Richard Lewis

CHARITY DOG WALK Please all come to the Village Hall on Sunday 23rd

September for a charity dog walk in aid of Cancer Research UK. Even if you don’t have a dog, just come for a walk. We will meet at 10.45 in the village hall car park and set off at 11 a.m. It will be about 3 miles off road and will go ahead whatever the weather – so be prepared. There will be a charge of £5 per head (children free), which will include lunch afterwards in the hall. Please come and support such a great charity – and remember that dogs are optional. Alex Wales

GEORGE PEARSON George died unexpectedly just before breakfast on

30th June. He had a blood clot on the lung. What a nice way to go. He was 97. George was a well known character. He loved people. He would chat to anyone and had a wealth of interesting stories. The other George was not well known. He had a love of books, and was fascinated by the meaning of words. In his last few years failing sight meant that he could no longer read. When he moved from Binham to the Maltings Care Home in Fakenham, one of only two books that he took with him was the Oxford Dictionary. Had events been different, I have no doubt that he should have gone to university. As it was, his father was killed at the Somme in August 1916, leaving his mother to bring up seven children of whom George was the youngest. He always spoke with great affection about the Rev. Davidson, whose generosity not only to his family but also to many others in Stiffkey was never fully recognised. Roger Newman

11

BINHAM GUILD OF ARTISTS The group consists of anyone interested in art or craft,

beginner or otherwise. Artists with professional experience form part of the group and will gladly advise if needed.

We meet every Tuesday morning from 10 to 12 in the Village Hall. A fee of £2 per morning includes coffee and biscuits. A demonstration of painting or craftwork normally takes place on the first Tuesday of every month except in January, February and the week in which the annual exhibition takes place.

In July Robert Gillmor gave an extremely interesting talk about his career as an illustrator and designer and gave very clear explanations about the designing, cutting and printing of lino cuts, as well as showing us some beautiful prints, some of which had been created for postage stamps and others for book jackets.

For more information, contact James Bucknill at 01328 830651.

BINHAM HARVEST

The Binham Harvest Supper will be on Saturday 29th September, 7.30 in the Village Hall. The Harvest Festival Service will be on Sunday 30th at 10.30 in the Priory.

Tickets for the Supper £5, (children free) will be available in early September from either Liz Brown (830519), Maureen Frost (830362) or Geoff Scott 830940

FRIENDS OF BINHAM PRIORY

Friday 17th August Binham Priory, visit of Friends of Castle Acre Church. Our committee will act as hosts. Our guests, probably about 15, will arrive at 2 pm to be welcomed with an introductory talk, then a guided tour of the Priory, the monastic ruins and the village, followed by tea in the Priory. Members are welcome to join us, please let the Secretary know if you will be coming.

Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th September Heritage Open Days at the Priory

Thursday – Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 6. As we have done for the last two years, Friends, hopefully in medieval costume, will staff the Priory to welcome visitors and served light refreshments. If we have sufficient volunteers a shift rota will be worked out, 10am-2pm and 2pm-6pm. Please let the Secretary know if you will be prepared to help. Its good fun and you meet some interesting people

Saturday 8th September “On being with Icons”. Priory Church, 7.30pm

An illustrated presentation by Lionel Wilde on the understanding of icons. Refreshments will be served at the interval, retiring collection for maintenance of the Priory.

Friday 12th October. Afternoon visit to Wymondham Abbey

Hosted by the Friends of Wymondham Abbey to include a guided tour of the Abbey and tea.

Details will be available later. It is suggested that, to keep the costs down, car-sharing can be arranged. Please let the Secretary know if you are interested.

Saturday 27th October. 6.30 pm “A celebration of the Moon”

Binham Memorial Hall. An evening entertainment of words, music and illustrations on the theme of the Moon, as well as, weather permitting, viewing the Moon with telescopes kindly provided by the North Norfolk Astronomical Society. A truly multi-media event not to be missed. (More details separately in Lynx).

David Frost Hon. Secretary Tel: 01328 830362

email: davidfrost226@btinternet.com

12

BINHAM LOCAL HISTORY GROUP At the end of May we were privileged to welcome

five teams of students from Fakenham High School for two days for our fifth mini-dig sponsored by HEFA of Cambridge University. Five one metre test pits, at least one metre deep, were dug by the students under the guidance of archaeologist Carenza Lewis, late of Time Team. Three of the pits were in the gardens of local residents in Priory Close and the further two on the Hall Close field to the south of the Village Hall playing field.

After two days of digging the students, together with their finds, went to Cambridge University for interpretation of the results. The finds generally fit the pattern emerging from all the previous digs – that the early centre of the settlement was nearer Westgate and the river. Most of Binham, as we see it, developed after the monks from the Priory established the ‘market place’ in the 13th century. This ‘market place’ is now the triangular area bounded by Front Street, Back Street and the length of Field Dalling Road, and included the two present ‘Greens’, the larger with the Market Cross set up later by the monks. It was also interesting that one pit in the Hall Close field contained significant numbers of small pieces of Roman pottery. This gives further encouragement to the view that, somewhere in the playing field/Hall Close field area, may be the remains of a Roman farm house. The project to formalise the search for these remains continues to be developed by BLHG. An analysis of the more than 100 items found indicates that the area was occupied in Roman, Saxon and Medieval times, as well as substantial activity in the Victorian era.

Community Digging Our two-day Community Dig took place at the end of

July and the results will be in the next issue of Lynx. As well as adding to the cumulative results from the previous HEFA digs, including our own two Community Digs, the locations were selected so as to help with locating possible remains of Roman Buildings in the village for which other evidence has previously surfaced.

We are planning to start a major project later this year, in conjunction with Gressenhall Museum, to develop our investigations. Overall, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge of the past inhabitants and activities of this area.

Outings The History Group has organised a visit to the

National Trust Conservation Centre at Blickling on 22nd August. This is already fully subscribed.

We are visiting Sandringham again for another Garden Tour with Martin Woods at 11am on Tuesday 25th September: this time specifically to visit the Walled Garden. There are still a few spaces left.

Membership Our year begins on 1st September. Membership fees

remain unaltered at £5 per couple, £3 single. We have raised the fees for the talks to £4 for non members; £2 members. Membership forms will be e-mailed to existing members shortly, or dues may be paid at each meeting.

BLHG Meetings for 2012 to 2013

27th Sept. Rick Hoggett. The Archaeology of Binham 25th Oct. David Frost. The Squires of Felbrigg Hall 22nd Nov. Derek Edwards. Wings over Norfolk 10 Dec. Peter Wilson. The Theatre Royal, Norwich 24 Jan. Christopher Hartop. ‘The Go-Between’ 28 Feb. Margaret Forrester. Medieval Manuscripts 28 Mar. Matthew Rice. (tbc) Norfolk Buildings All meetings in the Village Hall, 7.30 pm £3 members, £4 non-members.

Carolyn Wright 01328 830362. email: cpwrightuk@aol.com

BINHAM PLAY AREA

We would like to thank everyone who donated at the Jubilee: we raised a total of £550. Planning permission has been granted – so, full steam ahead!

Our next fund raising event is the Summer Fete on Sunday 19th August from 1 – 4pm. There will be a Dog Show, Cake Stall, Raffle, Tombola, Refreshments, Hot dogs and Burgers. Guess the Weight of the Pig. Face painting, Fun & Games and much more. We also need help on the day, in the kitchen and on the stalls. So if anyone can spare the time or would like more details, please contact either Rebecca Bunting 830505 or Liz Brown 830519. So come along for a great fun family afternoon and to see the plans for the play area on display.

13

SUMMER FETE FIELD DALLING AND SAXLINGHAM

Sat 18th Aug from 2.00 - 4.00 pm in the Village Hall

Please put this date in your diaries and come along to enjoy our traditional Village Fete. All the stalls you would expect will be there: white elephant, giant tombola, books, cakes, plants & produce, gifts, toys, etc. and lots of games for the children. Also, of course, there will be delicious teas and refreshments, as well as strawberries and cream. First prize in the Raffle this year is a signed, limited-edition, framed print by local artist Jeremy Barlow. Live music throughout the afternoon will be provided by Four in a Bar.

All money raised will go to our two village churches (St Andrew's and St Margaret's) and the shared village hall. So do come and support us - we look forward to seeing you there!

Sue Findlater, on behalf of the Fete Committee

No news from Cockthorpe this time.

BINHAM MEMORIAL HALL 100 + Club Winners

June. £25 Edward Bartram. £10 G.P Martin, Marie Grange. £5 Mrs Bird, Tracy Fowler, David Frost. July. £25 Andrew Marsh. £10 Mrs V.R. Lane, Brenda Wilde. £5 Julia Wright, Linda Eagle, James Bucknill.

If anyone would like to join the 100 Club, there are still numbers left. Please call at 8 Priory Crescent or ring June Read on 01328 830106

TEAS IN THE PRIORY Help please!

Priory Teas will start again on Friday 3rd August and continue on each Friday during August from 2.30 to 4.30. We do need more people to help, as it gets quite busy. Are you able to give a hand – either by helping out in the Priory on one or more afternoons or by baking cakes or biscuits? Please contact Marie Grange at 830374 – she will be very pleased to hear from you.

ANNUAL BIKE RIDE The Norfolk Churches Trust Annual Sponsored Bike

Ride is on Saturday 8th September this year. We would really like some cyclists from Binham this year! More details, Entry and Sponsor Forms are now available from Carolyn Wright at Priory Cottage. 01328 830270.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Growing old is mandatory.

So forget all the health food stuff, we need all the preservatives we can get.

And when you fall down, wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.

14

FRIENDS OF GUNTHORPE PARISH CHURCH

(a registered charity) Seventeen Friends Members gathered in the Village

Institute on Friday the 6th of July for the Friends AGM. Though attendance was lower than in previous year, spirits were high and an enjoyable evening was spent chatting over fish & chips following the meeting. Myfi Everett won the special raffle prize which was kindly donated by Rob Cutterham in honour of her late husband Peter and all he did to enhance Gunthorpe Village life in so many ways. This was the first raffle draw of the evening and the result was, I’m sure, just as Peter and Rob would have wished it to be! £50 was taken on raffle tickets, which shows the tremendous support members give the Friends.

Myfi has come onto the committee taking Peter’s place, and we are all thrilled to have her on-board. She has very kindly also come forward, along with Joy Luscombe and Lynn Marr, to run the 50/50 Club coffee mornings which will resume in September. We can’t thank these three, kind ladies enough for taking this on! John Blakeley will continue with his expert financial organization for the monthly draws including those draws that will take place in July and August. A very big thanks to John for organizing the collection of subs for both the 50/50 Club and Friends Membership and keeping the records so beautifully. I want to thank everyone who attended the AGM for their friendly support, and all the Friends Members for continuing to contribute to the maintenance of our Village Church.

Our next event for your diary is the Harvest Supper in the Village Institute provisionally planned to take place on Saturday 10th November at 7pm. Please phone Gunthorpe Hall on 01263-861373 to book seats as seating is limited in the Institute. Also let us know when you book if a vegetarian meal is required.

Thanks again to all Friends Supporters and a wonderful summer to you all! Marie Denholm

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Parish Plan

At the time this edition goes to print the Parish Plan for Bale and Gunthorpe is printed and ready for distribution so, hopefully, by the time you read this you will also have a copy of this important document. The Parish Plan not only provides some fascinating details of the history of our two villages and some very useful local contact information but, perhaps more importantly, it gives an overview of what our villages could and should be like in the next 5+ years and an Action Plan for achieving this. It can be used to help applications by the communities for winning funds for local projects and it provides all villagers with a baseline for further ideas and comments about how our communities can further develop to enhance our village life.

The Plan has taken over two years to develop and has involved eight volunteers from the two villages not only to put the Plan together but also to secure grant funding (in this case from ITV via the NRCC). We would like to thank them for this work and their major contribution to our communities.

Parish Council Meeting 9 August

Mark Ashwell from NNDC’s Planning Department will be attending the Parish Council Meeting in Gunthorpe Institute at 7:30pm on 9th August to brief on Local Development plans and changes to planning resulting from the Localism Act.

John Church, Chair Gunthorpe & Bale Parish Council

WELCOME We warmly welcome two newcomers to the village

who have arrived here in the last few weeks. Heneage Legge-Bourke, who is Victoria’s brother, has moved into the Old Chapel. Heneage has retired from a career in financial services and moved here from Portugal. He has a son, who is still living in Portugal, and a daughter living in Ghana.

Alma Street has moved into 4 Keys Cottages with her Labrador cross “Indie”. She has retired and had previously lived in Louth in Lincolnshire.

We hope they will both very much enjoy living in our delightful and friendly village.

15

INSTITUTE NEWS

I would like to introduce myself as the Chair, and newest member, of the Village Institute Committee. My name is Tony Dufour, and I have lived in Gunthorpe for approximately 18 months. This is a new role for me and I look forward to being more involved with village life.

On Monday, June 4th, the Village Institute welcomed old and new friends to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Everyone joined in the spirit of the occasion, with the Hall decorated with festive bunting outside and a warm convivial atmosphere inside. A most enjoyable afternoon which was very well attended, and a wonderful selection of food made with care and imagination. The quiz set by Sandra Warner tested our general knowledge and loosely connected Jubilee facts. Thank you everyone for your contributions to the event.

Unfortunately the planned BBQ had to be cancelled due to weather, and the low number of advance booking, but we hope to have another event in September after the holiday period. We are always open to new ideas anyone may have for a future get together so please let us have your suggestions.

News from the committee - we are looking into the government’s Big Society grant funding made available through North Norfolk's District Council. If eligible we may be able to apply for funding towards further improvements to the Institute. However, please remember the Hall has already been significantly improved and is available for hire now and Sandra Warner, the Hall Manager, will be happy to provide further information. On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank everyone for their past contributions to the Institute events and look forward to their continuing support in making future events a similar success.

Tony Dufour

BOB’S STORY

In this part of Bob’s Story, he concludes his memoirs of his life in the agricultural community of Gunthorpe in the early 20th Century.

Things have changed a lot on the land with the coming of tractors and combines. Before then, sail cutters and self-binders were used at harvest time. Even scythes were used, and women followed behind the men to tie up the sheaves. Two horses were usual for the sail-cutter and three for the binder and the horses were usually changed about every three hours as it was hard going. Threshing was hard, dusty and thirsty work. The hand flail had ceased to be used and the threshing was either by horse-power (often indoors) or by the large steam threshing machine. In the horse-operated “walk-mill”, the horse walked in a circle, pulling a bar which operated the machinery. The chaff was winnowed and the straw tumbled through a chute into the straw-shed. There was a sort of walk-mill, used as a chaff-cutter, at Valley Farm once, but the horse was replaced by a five horsepower Lister engine in the period 1920-30. I can remember mules being used to operate the elevator at Boundary Farm, and they used to walk in a circle just as in the walk-mill.

Many harvests were got in by contract, and I have known as many as twenty men being used at Boundary Farm. Harvest was a very busy time and it was not always possible to get home at mid-day. Most of the men took their food wrapped in a coloured hankie, carried in a big frail. A frail was a rush basket about the size of a shopping bag and it was carried on a stick over the shoulder. For refreshment, the man would drink beer from an old-fashioned stone bottle, but the boys would have lemonade.

The men used to say that beer wasn’t good for young boys, but they may have said that only to have more for themselves. After the harvest had been got in, it was customary in the old days for farmers to provide a Harvest Dinner for their men, but I can’t remember it being so in Gunthorpe. We did have a Harvest Frolic which the men paid for themselves. This festivity was much enjoyed and usually ended up with a sing-song. The traditional songs would be sung, and almost always one of them would be “A Farmer’s Boy” (which was a song we often sang at school). cont...

16

There were a lot of farm-horses in Gunthorpe when I started work but virtually none when I finished. If horses needed shoeing, the blacksmith from Swanton Novers would see to them, or, in the early days, the blacksmith at White House. If horses, or other animals, were ill then Mr Hammond from Bale would be called in. He was assisted by Albert Chestney (father of Philip Chestney, who has only just left Gunthorpe). Although horses ceased to be used for the heavy work after the farms became mechanised, they were still used for the odd jobs of fetching and carrying until after World War 2. My sister Margaret well remembers an incident that happened in about 1949. She was out with her young son Brian in his pram when one of Frank Grief’s horses bolted. She had to scramble up in the hedge to get out of the way and pulled the pram behind her.

Talking about animals reminds me of something that happened to Harry Wright (Fred’s father) at Boundary Farm. Grace Allison was there at the time and chuckles whenever she is reminded of the incident. Harry had hung his raincoat over a gate and he turned round to see that a cow had started eating it. He chased the cow to get the coat back, but the cow must have stood on one end of it as it ran away. So the coat split down the middle, the cow got on with munching half of it and the rest lay on the ground. Harry shouted out: “The silly old cow’s eating my coat,” and those around him thought it all a great joke. After the damage had been done he said to Frank Grief “I want a new coat out of you”, but I can’t be sure whether he got it or not. Actually, it was not his coat but Fred’s.

And now I must bring my reminiscences to an end. My retirement is a different sort from that which was the case in my father’s time. Then, men kept on working for as long as they were able, because they had nothing much to look forward to and not much comfort in their old age. Today pensioners are better provided for. The basic pension is good, and for those in need there is further help available.

I do not find my retirement boring and tedious. I can do as I please, and there is much to occupy my time both at home and in the village. I have my cat for company and the radio, TV and record player to entertain me.

One of my favourite records is one of old hymn tunes, and I particularly like to hear “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace”.

The Home Help Service has been a great boon to all old folk, particularly those living alone, and I am very fortunate to-have Grace Allison as my home help. The Community Bus, based at Sharrington, has provided a great service. I go on it most weeks to Holt and Fakenham and much enjoy the special excursions that are arranged. All the passengers and the drivers are so friendly. We find friendship and recreation at the Good Companions and at the Gunthorpe Games Evenings, and there are many kindly folk in our village.

It has been nice to look back over the past, but there is much to be thankful for in the present. I would like to conclude by quoting some well known lines by a comparatively little known writer:

I shall pass through this world but once If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now Let me not defer it or neglect it For I shall not pass this way again”

Bob’s story of a changing life in Gunthorpe, which he originally told to Gunthorpe historian Ray Steffans in 1978 is published in a short booklet which costs £5.00 and is available through the Gunthorpe Lynx Representative – all profits going to the Village Institute.

17

FOGPC 50/50 Club Draw Results

May June Jeremy Denholm £20.00 Louisa Clark £20.00 Eric Izzard £15.00 James Lindsay £10.00 Keith Webster £10.00 Roy Marsden £ 5.00 Lauren Aitman £10.00 Stephen Burton £ 5.00 Simon Long £ 5.00 Marie Denholm £ 5.00 Marie Denholm £ 5.00 Ali Lomax £ 5.00 John Corney £ 5.00 Linda Jenkinson £ 5.00 Pippa Bunting £ 5.00 John Rush £ 5.00 Nicole Delteil £ 5.00

The enhanced May draw marked the end of the current “50:50 Club” year, and as well as asking those few existing members who may not have done so to renew their subscriptions we always welcome new ones. If you are new to the village or would like to join us please do so as soon as possible – to “borrow” from another place “you have to be in it to win it”! If you would like more information on the 50:50 Club please contact John Blakeley on 01263 861008.

At the time of writing we have some 125 members of the Club so its success for another year is assured. The monthly draw will continue in July and August without a coffee morning, and the draw numbers being picked by a different member of the Club each month. The June Draw was made by Tony Dufour and Lin Poole. Winners will continue to be notified personally, and a list of winners will appear in the Local Lynx. However, at the “Friends” AGM Joy Luscombe, Lynn Marr and Myfi Everett kindly “volunteered” to take over the organisation of the monthly coffee morning and raffles after a summer break, and the first of the “new” coffee morning will now be held on Saturday 29th September 2012. John Blakeley will continue to look after the membership subscriptions and main draw prizes.

ST MARY’S CHURCH

On June 2nd Sophie Bunting and Matthew (Wally) Walder were married at St Mary’s Church in a service conducted by Ian Whittle, and with the support of their many family members and friends. It was a lovely service, the church looked magnificent and even the weather remained kind despite a rather indifferent forecast. We wish Sophie and Wally every happiness for their future life together.

The new chandeliers were installed by Michael Bunting the previous week and were lit for the first time for the wedding. They look lovely and have really enhanced the church and, we would like to thank Michael for organising this for us and of course thanks go to all who contributed to the financing of them.

The annual churches bike ride will take place on September 8th. We always need volunteers to “man” the church during the day so please let me know if you can help. For those wishing to sponsor a rider sponsorship forms will be available in the church or please call me on 01263 861477. Penny Brough

WARNERS HISTORIC THORESBY HALL HOTEL EASTER 2013

Come and join us

Most of you know that I arrange holidays for Holt Bowls Club, so I thought it would be nice to include Langham or indeed any villages in the Lynx area.

March 29th – April 1st, four days H/B in Ambassador rooms at £253 p.p. including coach from Langham. There are limited double rooms for single occupancy £45 p.p.p.b. Up graded twin/double signature rooms £30 p.p.p.b. Low deposit £25 p.p. (non-refundable). Cheques payable to Mrs. M Dennis, 9, St. Mary’s Lane, Langham, Holt, Norfolk. NR25 7AF before August 12th 2012. Any questions? Maureen 01328 830 731.

EVERYONE VERY WELCOME

LANGHAM GIANT SUNFLOWER GROWING CONTEST

Just a reminder to all those who are growing the sunflowers, that there is to be a Tea on Sunday 7th October at 2.30pm in the Parish Room (£2 per head – proceeds to the Parish Room Refurbishment Fund). Please do all come along, if possible with your best sunflower and failing that with your best measurement, from ground level to top of stalk and/or diameter of head (there will be a prize for each).

I know that weather conditions have not been in growers’ favour with so much rain and wind (and slugs & snails and mice & rabbits) but come along anyway – everyone welcome. If you are unable to be there and still wish to enter your sunflower measurements, please just phone me with the information as close to the 7th October as you can. Hope to see you then.

Barbara Allen 830527

18

WELCOME

We would like to extend a warm welcome to two new families in the village, Graham & Elly Holdsworth and Andy & Pattie. We hope you will all be very happy living in Langham.

NORFOLK CHURCHES BIKE RIDE Supported by Eastern Daily Press

Saturday 8 September 2012 9am – 5.00pm

Help to keep fit! Come and cycle for us or if that sounds too much join me and other Langham residents in a gentle walk around as many churches as we can manage, between 9am and 5.00pm

Last year the Holt Deanery came top again, beating everyone else with a total of just under £10,000. We in Langham raised £718, over half of which was given to our P.C.C for the Langham Church General Fund. We are very lucky in Norfolk to have so many beautiful church buildings, 800 of which are medieval. Maintenance is a huge burden on the community but they are worth saving, as they contribute so much to our unique town and village scenery.

Hundreds of churches and chapels are open on the day and many offer encouragement and a cold drink and a snack, if you are lucky.

Call John Plummer on 01328 830 420 (or Ken Bartlett on 01328 830 696) for sponsor forms and a list of Churches and Chapels Open.

STALL ON THE GREEN Saturdays August 11th 18th and 25th

9.30am – 11am

We will have a rest after cooking for the Street Fayre and open the Stall on the Green, as above for the remaining Saturdays in August.

If anyone would like to help or even organise it, please do give me a call. Offers of cake and produce will be most welcome on the day. We look forward to seeing you. Proceeds for Langham Church General Fund.

Ann Sherriff 01328 830605

PARISH ROOM NEWS

By the time this issue hits the streets, the replacement of the main hall in the Parish Room will have been started, together with the replacement of the floor in the entrance porch. We are very pleased indeed to have been able to raise within such a short time the funds needed to pay for this work, with enough left over for us to start planning the further works needed to bring the building fully up to modern standards.

Phase 2 of the refurbishment will probably take place in the summer of 2014 and the improvements will probably include the replacement of the fibreboard ceilings, the complete re-wiring of the Parish Room, and the provision of new, efficient and pleasing forms of heating and lighting. It is likely that the floor of the lobby/kitchen area will waterproofed, levelled and provided with a maintainable and attractive surface.

In the meantime, the great joy is that the launching of the Supporters of the Parish Room Group (now led by Norman Lamb MP, the Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council), together with the recent programme of fund-raising efforts, have so successfully raised an awareness throughout the village of the importance of the Parish Room as a focus for local activities.

One fund-raising project was Julia Thompson’s drawing of the Parish Room, sold off in squares. This raised the grand total of £512, not counting the prize of £50 which Julia donated personally. The winner was Jo and Tim’s son, Paul Fawcett.

If this issue reaches you in time, please don’t miss the illustrated talk by BBC presenter, Kelvin Boot, on Sea Monsters at Binham Memorial Hall on 31st July - see the advert on page 4.

We must particularly thank the Norfolk Community Foundation and the Geoffrey Watling Trust for contributing grants towards the floor replacement and, as this is written, we are still hopeful that support may also be forthcoming from the Norfolk Rural Community Council, who have been greatly supportive of our efforts.

Thanks to you all.

19

EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS & TIFFANY GLASS

Once again we have had a fine Exhibition, this year raising a most pleasing profit of £1028 for the Parish Room. Many people have commented that the standard of work continues to improve and that the Preview Evening was a most agreeable social occasion.

I wish to thank Bob Brandt and John Plummer for their hard work in setting up the Exhibition, and Bob Brandt and Ken Bartlett for many hours of skilful demonstrations, much appreciated by all.

Gill Broom was adept at producing great food. She had the help of Sue Page, Jan Hope and other Langham ladies. Nearly all the Parish Room Committee were involved in one way or another, so this has been a team effort. Thank you too to John Hope, who I think enjoyed serving the wine, John Hughes for his invaluable help with signs and, of course, the “Removal men” for their willing assistance in preparing and clearing the hall.

Our expenses were covered by the selling of Raffle Tickets, the prize of a bottle of whisky being won by the Jones family of Astley Cottage.

This popular event proves once again how much we need a central meeting place in our village. It has provided a positive contribution to much needed funds and I look forward to next year’s Exhibition.

Pauline Bartlett

ROUNDERS AND BBQ EVENING

On Thursday 9th August the Friends Of Langham will be holding the annual rounders and BBQ evening on the playing field starting at 6.00pm. Everyone is welcome to either play or just enjoy the BBQ and the evening.

John Hughes Chairman

MOBILE LIBRARY

This will now visit on a four weekly basis, on Thursdays : August 9th September 6th October 4th calling each day for 20 minutes at: St. Mary’s - 10.00am. Old Post Office - 10.25am. Swan’s Close - 10.50am The Cornfield - 11.15am

Enquiries : Wells Library Tel: 01328 710467

WRVS LANGHAM CAR SERVICE Schedule to October 7th 2012

Weekly driving duties beginning on a Monday

July 30th Tel: 830 624 Sept. 3rd Tel: 830 696* Aug. 6th Tel: 830 348 Sept. 10th Tel: 830 605 Aug. 13th Tel: 830 847 Sept. 17th Tel: 830 537* Aug. 20th Tel: 830 056 Sept. 24th Tel: 830 605 Aug. 27th Tel: 830 847 Oct. 1st Tel: 830 606* Rate: 25p per mile *These drivers do not go to Norwich

If the driver for the week is unable to do the trip, contact the next person on the list. If your appointment is cancelled, please also cancel your car service booking.

Please give three days notice wherever possible, except in an emergency. It would be very helpful if a car booking is made as soon as an appointment is arranged or journey planned so that drivers can arrange their schedule. Please bring change.

In the infrequent event that no driver is available – contact the Holt Caring Society Tel: 01263 711243 giving as much notice as possible. This roster is also sited in the Bluebell and on the church porch and village notice boards with dates beyond the above schedule, after September 9th .

Drivers Needed We are badly in need of two more drivers in order to

maintain our three monthly roster in which each driver only does one week of duty. At the moment two drivers are having to do two weeks each. If anyone is interested please contact me on the number below for more details. Drivers are reimbursed at the rate of 45p per mile.

Ann Sherriff Project Organiser Tel: 830 056

20

LANGHAM LADYBIRDS

Didn’t we have a lovely time for the Jubilee? It really was an afternoon to remember. The Parish Room decorated inside and outside, cakes made by the ladies were superb. Janet Allen made a truly special cake as a crown, the firework display and a hearty rendering of ‘God Save the Queen’ created a perfect occasion.

Thanks to everyone who contributed and indeed thank you for supporting the event. It was so good to see the Parish Room full of the Langham Village people enjoying this very special time.

The group has a break in August as the new floor is being fitted and the meeting on the 12th September is a visit to Wells Hospital. I will be in contact with all members with details nearer the time. In the meantime any queries please contact me on Tel: 01328 830 731.

Maureen Dennis Thank you Ladybirds

A sincere vote of thanks must go to the Ladybirds for a really enjoyable Jubilee Tea on Sunday June 3rd. The Parish Room was resplendent with bunting and memorabilia and the tea table looked most attractive with delicious looking sandwiches and cakes which surrounded a masterpiece of culinary expertise in the shape of a crown. It all looked absolutely fantastic.

Thank you also to the sandwich makers who were working feverishly in the background to augment those already donated, thus providing ample food for all.

Thank you Maureen, for thinking of the idea. It was a daunting task to organise, with no definite numbers to work on but it was a great success, so a big thank you to Maureen and her various teams of helpers for giving us an enjoyable and memorable event.

LANGHAM SENIOR CITIZENS

This is directed at all Langham Senior Citizens who are looking forward to our now renowned Mystery Trip. This, hopefully, will be taking place on Monday September 3rd. So please put this date in your diary.

If you have not been before, be assured great care is taken and generally speaking there is usually only a little walking involved.

So, all those who are interested are invited to contact Peter Barlow Tel: 01328 830 606 or John Hughes Tel: 01328 830 595, preferably before August 22nd.

Once again there will be a small cover charge of £5 per person. Friends of Langham

FOOTBALL MATCH

A big ‘Thank You’ to Alan Lawrence who, despite the wet weather, arranged a football match on the Graham Allen Playing Field in Langham on Sunday June 3rd. Huge thanks also go to Alan’s hardy helpers, Mary and Hayley, who took charge of the barbecue.

Despite aching for several days after the event, a fantastic afternoon was had by all. It was good to see the playing field being used.

Shean Newman From Alan:

Thanks to everyone who supported the Seniors versus Juniors football game held on 3rd June on the playing field. Special mention must go to The Bluebell for supplying both sets of kit, the senior players who put their careers on the line by agreeing to some vigorous exercise, the juniors for their enthusiasm and the ladies for the barbecue. More details on langhamnorfolk.com.

Alan Lawrence, Referee and Manager

BRING & BUY COFFEE MORNING Saturday 26th May in the Churchyard

We could not hold this on our usual Bank Holiday Monday as our dear Queen had arranged for it to be incorporated into the Jubilee week-end, so we had it on the nearest Saturday. As we had not got holiday people around and others had most probably gone to the beach as it was good weather, our takings were down this year. We were still very grateful for the £345 that we did raise (£460 in 2011) for the Langham Church General Fund. Everyone rallied round and we were so grateful for everyone’s support in setting up, manning the stalls and clearing away and for all the contributions and donations.

The cake, kindly made by Diane Bannerman weighed 2lb. 11½oz and was won by Barry Betts who guessed 2lbs 10oz. No strawberries this year but we did have a fine fruit bowl filled with fruit of which to guess the weight, 10lbs 1oz and this was won by a newcomer to the village, Mr. Graham Holdsworth who guessed 10lbs 10ozs. Ray Bannerman chose the name of the doll on his stall and this was won by Colin Sherriff. A big thank you to everyone for all your invaluable support.

Langham P.C.C.

21

FROM THE GARDEN With the thought of autumn slipping into view, I feel

one wants to retain some of the lovely scents of a warm sunny summer evening. A pot-pourri could be the answer. The selection of candidates for this purpose is endless, but the most popular are rose petals, lavender, sweet peas and stocks.

To add a little spice to the pot pourri: citrus peel, cinnamon and star anise will do the trick. A fixative such as orris root helps to prolong the perfume.

Another method to fondly remember one’s lovely summer border is to dry a selection of flowers. They can make a useful display and complement the furnishings in one’s room (colour co-ordinate). Again, there are endless specimens to choose from including seed heads and grasses. A light and airy display may contain larkspur, honesty, gypsophila and perhaps helichysum with some grasses, while one can be more dramatic with mop-head, hydrangea, allium, achillea and perhaps include some hops.

It is a case of picking, in prime condition, those flowers one feels will serve one’s purpose. Air drying in small bunches, hanging upside down, with a good circulation of air, is the easiest method to present the blooms.

Green Pinkie

MORSTON QUIZ QUESTIONS (Answers on page 23)

by Samphire

1. Football. Starting from the 1940s, in which order did place these people manage Manchester United? A. Ron Atkinson. B. Tommy Docherty. C. Alex Ferguson. D. Matt Busby.

2. Scientists. Starting with the earliest, put these scientists in the order they were born: A. Isaac Newton. B. Galileo. C. Einstein. D. Stephen Hawking.

3. Tennis. In what order did these players become tennis singles champions? A. Boris Becker. B. Pete Sampras. C. John McEnroe. D. Rod Laver.

4. Mountains. Starting with the shortest, place these mountain ranges in order of length: A. Apennines. B. Alps. C. Himalayas. D. Andes.

5. Fictional Characters. Starting with the earliest, in what order were these children’s fictional characters created: A. Harry Potter. B. Charlie Bucket. C Ratty and Mole. D. The Mad Hatter.

6. Countries. Starting with the most, place these countries in order by the number of other countries they border: A. Argentina. B. Denmark. C. Germany. D. Mexico.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Parish Council Meetings are at 7 pm in the Village Hall on the last Wednesday of every month.

Fri 20th & Sat 21st July: Norfolk Oyster and Gypsy Regatta at Morston. Saturday evening: Prizegiving and Fish & Chip Supper and Nautical uiz at the Anchor. (Further details from Neil & Richenda Thompson on 01263-741172).

Sat 28th July. Morston Stall at Langham Street Fayre. [27th July to 12th August: Olympics].

Sat 4th August. Morston Regatta: am: Sailing Races. Evening BBQ: BYO food and drink to NorfolkEtc field. All welcome. No entry fee. The Parish Council has organised live music.

Sat 8th September. NNCT Bike Ride. [Details from Ned Hamond 01263-740431].

Sat 6th October. Shovell Dinner at the Anchor. [Details from Joc Wingfield 01263-740431]

Sun 11 October. Remembrance Day Parade & Service. 2 pm

Sat 23rd December. Morston Candlelit Carol Service.

22

JUBILEE PAGEANT: MORSTON LINK

On Sunday 3rd June many of us saw the largest flotilla ever assembled on the Thames - of over 1,000 boats - rowing, paddling or motoring past the Queen. As the red and goldleaf-bedecked rowbarge Gloriana led the pageant down the Thames, few of us will have identified Will Carnwath, elder son of David & Alice Carnwath, rowing at number five, in the first royal barge to be built in 200 years. Lead oarsmen were Sir Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave, who said: "There was a real sense of history and to be involved in the pageant and jubilee was absolutely fantastic.”

Gloriana was commissioned by Lord Sterling for the Queen to celebrate her Jubilee, and for use as a training boat by Motability - founded by him thirty years ago - and by other charities. Through work Will was involved in her construction, and was delighted to be asked to be one of the rowers, joining the Olympians and the disabled servicemen and women, despite having to row for three hours in wind and rain!

Gloriana has since been at Henley, where she was rowed down the course by a crew of past Olympic oarsmen, including two who had competed in the 1948 Games in London.

85TH LOCAL LYNX & SABRE-TOOTHED TIGER LINK

I love a Tiger beer, but before I had even downed one (I promise) I read in my paper: “Lynx may go the same way as the Sabre-Toothed Tiger”. This Local Lynx that you are now reading, is Issue Number 85. The magazine was initially created by Langham resident Adrian Hill, who was encouraged by the Rev John Penny and given copy-typing support by Helen Brandt. After 8 issues, Adrian found himself unable to continue, so asked Bob & Helen Brandt to take it on – which they did after a completely new support system had been set up with representatives from each of the ten villages.

But that Local Lynx that I have just read about, refers to the Iberian Big Cat (the Lynx pardinus) of Spain (two separated habitats in the southwest), Portugal and southern France, and which, because of over-hunting (pre-1970s – now illegal), deforestation, a dearth of rabbits (their staple diet, owing to disease) and “illegal” roads built through the Donana National Park, has declined from some 100,000 at the turn of the 20th century to fewer than 143 today and an 80% decline since 1978.

At this rate, sadly (unless you are a local sheep farmer, perhaps), the Iberian Lynx, now a “critically endangered species, will be the first big cat to die out since the sabre-toothed tiger, 11,000 years ago. That had existed from 42mya (42 million years ago) until then. A glimmer of hope exists, however, in that a new project, Lynx Life, has succeeded in breeding 100 in captivity…

Nevertheless, to revert to our Local Lynx Issue 85, well done the editorial teams, the village reps & contributors and the distributors!

ANTIQUE & CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE FAIR

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 August, 10am-5pm Bluejacket Workshop, Morston

Bluejacket Workshop is hosting a gathering of some of Norfolk’s finest textile artists. The show will feature work from six different makers and two antique dealers, much of it concerned with themes of the coast, landscape and memory. The exhibition display area will be extended to include the shop, workshop area and a refreshment tent. Some textiles will be for sale. All are welcome to view.

CHURCH VISITORS WITH MORSTON LINKS

Recent visitors have included Tom Dickerson, now of Walsall: “Home, at last!” he wrote on 19th May; Aaaron & Alex Powditch of Nottingham, who visited in June (“Daddy brought us to see our names on the family tree”); and Notty Hornblower of Alstonfield near Ashbourne, Derbyshire (“granddaughter of W.E. Powditch, b.1881 in Belper, Derbyshire”).

PCC CRAB SUPPER

The Morston PCC Crab Supper and Trip to the Point was held on Sunday 17th June made £927.00. Mary Athill would like to thank all concerned who helped with the boat trips or with the supper itself.

23

JOHN BEAN (1940-2012)

Son of Coastguard William (“Trip”) Bean and his wife Dorothy nee Twiddy. Johnny Bean died on Sunday 24th June aged 71. Johnny was born at No.4 Coastguard Cottages, Morston, on 31st August 1940.

He went to school in Langham and then Wells. His uncle was the war hero, Sergeant Robert Diamond Jubilee (“Di”) Bean, DCM, MM (1917), of the 9th Norfolks.

The War Office did not make the mistake of sending Coastguards off to join the navy (as in 1914), so Trip served on Blakeney Point during the war – thus the Point, the creeks and the marshes here became the centre of John’s life and that of his younger brother, Graham – for fishing, bird-watching, bait-digging in the winter, the mussel business, picnics and bird-watching; and, last but not least, boating, to help his father, who founded “Bean’s Ferry & Seal Trips” in 1938. When Trip died in 1955 John, then 15, took on the family business.

In 1961, aged 21, he and Carole Greenacre of Stiffkey were married. John now became a boatbuilder at Blakeney (behind the garage) with George Hewitt. Dogs – mostly springer spaniels - were part of John’s life and he took up game shooting and wildfowling – meaning there was often pheasant or wild duck on the table.

Carole and John had three children: Cheryl, Steven and Gail – and swimming and birthday parties with friends at the Point became highlights.

John’s hobbies included going to cricket matches at the Oval or Trent Bridge (or watching it on TV), playing bowls for the RBL (Blakeney Branch), gardening and grass-cutting round the village. He was Winter Warden on Blakeney Point for 14 years and he was a parish councillor - “for ever” it seems - including serving as Vice-Chairman and Chairman.

When Gail left school and went to live near Hexham in Northumberland in the 1980s, John became a keen traveller – first to Northumberland – and, since 1996, he and Carole have travelled to USA (a bird-watching trip to New England, mainly Massachusetts), and in 1997 to Tasmania, Australia; Gibraltar, Andalusia and Madeira, Norway (by cruise ship) and to the Channel Islands.

John is survived by his wife, Carole, his three children and - his pride and joy - his three grandchildren: Joshua (18), Alan (11) and Thomas (10). John had a zest for life and the great outdoors. He will be remembered for his charm, his yarns and his sense of humour, and will be sorely missed by his huge number of friends.

ANSWERS TO MORSTON QUIZ (See page 21)

1. DBAC: Busby, Docherty, Atkinson, Ferguson. 2. BACD: Galileo, Newton, Einstein, Hawking. 3. DCAB: Laver, McEnroe, Becker, Sampras. 4. BACD: Alps, Apennines, Himalayas, Andes. 5. DCBA: Mad Hatter, Ratty & Mole, C. Bucket, Harry Potter. 6. CADB Germany, Argentina, Mexico, Denmark.

WINE EXPLAINED

On 9th May a winetasting evening was organized by Caroline Robson in the Village Hall to raise funds for St.Margaret’s. People enjoyed a variety of wines from France, Spain, Italy and Chile provided by independent wine-broker Tanja Wright. A very instructive, stimulating and convivial time was had by all! The church benefited to the tune of £235.

JUBILEE SERVICE

A special service on Sunday 3rd June took place in St.Margaret’s for the residents of Saxlingham and Field Dalling to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The church was beautifully dressed with red, white and blue flowers, the congregation sang the prescribed hymns with loyal fervour, and as their reward enjoyed a slice of tricoloured cake washed down with bucks fizz!

MIDSUMMER JAZZ

On Friday 15th June a very lively concert of music was given in Saxlingham Church by boy and girl plus staff instrumentalist from Gresham’s School. They played a range of jazz tunes and styles, improvising in an accomplished fashion, inviting the audience to join in the experience, which they certainly did!

Wine and canapés awaited the concert-goers as they emerged from the church for the interval. Luckily the weather behaved itself. Proceeds from a raffle helped the total amount raised exceed £500!

VILLAGERS’ PARTY

The New Village Hall Committee for Field Dalling and Saxlingham chose Saturday 30th June as the day for a special event in the existing hall.

A large number of residents of all ages showed up to meet each other and have a good time. There was an excellent atmosphere assisted by children in fancy dress with their faces painted. What with free tea, ice-creams, cakes and drinks the occasion could not fail, as the noise-level seemed to suggest. Mark Gardner, Chairman of the New Village Hall Committee, gave a good steer to those present when he urged everybody in the two villages to make fuller use of the existing facilities in order to be able to attract financial support for a programme of renovation and improvement in the near future.

24

DIAMOND JUBILEE TEA PARTY

Much preparation had gone into the original intention to hold the tea party on Jubilee Corner, especially by Mike O’Kane the regular carer of this corner of our village. The bench outside the Village Hall had been cleaned and oiled by Robin and the long grass trimmed. On the day however the weather was ever deteriorating and the event had to be held in the Hall.

At 3pm many villagers began to arrive to see a transformed hall back to the style of the 1950’s.It was decked out in bunting and Union Jacks, there were tables with cloths, china tea services and fancy tea pots. A long table in front of the stage was positively groaning with sandwiches, pastries, cakes with strawberries and cream, beautifully decorated cupcakes, chocolate cakes and much much, more a veritable feast.

There were prize quiz sheets at each table relating to events of 1952 plus guess how many liquorice all sorts in a jar.

Dr John acted as MC and made a short speech then we all continued eating.

It was a great village get together with 80 and 100 hundred adults and children, residents, relations, friends and visitors.

Afterwards there were many helpers to clear up and restore the hall to its normal state.

Much thanks must go to Brenda, Annie and Pauline who were the main driving force and hard workers behind this great celebration in the village.

As many will know the Village Hall was opened in June 1953 but the building work started in 1952. The photographs on the wall show how many villagers were involved in the construction. So it was appropriate that 60 years on the focus was our Queen and Our Village Hall.

SHARRINGTON GARDENERS

On 13th June the Sharrington Gardeners visited Holme Hale Hall between Swaffham and Dereham; the arrangements were managed by Teresa and we thank her very much.

It is a delightful property thought to have originally been an Elizabethan farmhouse. The Broke Family acquired the house in 1867 and Mr Simon Broke accompanied us along with his two gardeners.

The walled kitchen garden was brought back to life in 2000 by Chelsea Gold award winner Anne Maynard. It contains herbaceous borders, vegetables, soft fruit, apples, pears, fig, quince, and asparagus to name a few. In addition there are cut flower beds of roses sweet peas, delphiniums, peonies, and gladioli, etc etc.

There was a plant sales area and needless to say some of us succumbed. At the end of the evening coffee tea cakes and biscuits were served in the former Victorian laundry and as we departed the rain came down. A truly memorable evening.

SHARRINGTON CHURCH NEWS

Diamond Jubilee Sunday on the 3rd of June dawned dull and windy but our special Morning Prayer service was bright and conducted by the Ven. Michael Handley with his usual aplomb. We sang the National Anthem and Jerusalem in a very patriotic way. In addition there were two other hymns and a simple sermon relating to memories of 1952 with the death of King George VI and the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.

25

Actually, they’ve just gone out in the boat!

SUMMER FETE

On Saturday 16th June we had our summer fete; Pippa made the decision to have this in the Village Hall in view of the forecast and although we did not have rain of the biblical proportions of earlier in the month the wind was gale force. The spectre of flying gazebos in Church Farmhouse gardens was certainly not to be contemplated. So it was all hands to the deck and in record time stalls were erected and filled with bric-a-brac, posh and ordinary, clothes, jewellery, plants, books, cakes, tombola, envelope games and so forth.

Our doors opened at 2pm and customers came in their usual numbers and went away happy with their purchases. Teresa and her happy band of helpers served tea and cake and we were serenaded with live music courtesy of Four in a Bar.

The raffle was drawn and a final encouragement to customers was made with price reductions and in no time at all it was all over for another year.

It was a pity it could not be held outside and as a consequence we did have to lose some games requiring space but none the less it was an enjoyable afternoon and we made £1,414.27, only slightly less than in 2011. APG

STIFFKEY JUBILEE PARTY

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all of those who helped with our Jubilee Party on the 4th June, all those that baked cakes and then sold them and those that moved tables and erected tents etc., the sun DID shine on that day, the village was entertained by Dennis Lotus and Mark Fawcett who were both where fantastic. The little ones and not so little ones were kept out of trouble by Tony and Cal with the bowling alley, the BBQ was like a scene from the apprentice with forecasts, pie charts and the word strategy was used a lot, the bar had a constant queue with beer stocks at one point in trouble but crisis was avoided at the last minute thanks to the Red Lion.

Soft cricket was organised by the cricket club which proved to be a huge success.

When the tea pot was empty and the barrel was dry we counted up the takings and after all the costs we are pleased to be able to give the playing field and the cricket club £330.00 each.

Well done to everyone. Jamie Lawrence

1912 FLOODS

We hear that June this year was the wettest on record, but this year marks the Centenary of the worse summer weather on record, unless it continues to rain…

Near the bottom of Bridge Street in Stiffkey is a marker stone which shows the height of the floods of 26th August 1912. Norwich was the centre of this, East Anglia’s worst rainstorm. Blakeney recorded almost 4 inches of rain on that day, Norwich had over 7 inches of rain. Rivers burst their banks throughout the county, many bridges were swept away, and many communities cut off,

Stiffkey suffered severely cottages and houses all along the river side and the Great Yard and the lower part of Bridge Street ere completely flooded. A large number of fleeing residents were made comfortable at Warborough House, clear of the floods.

Newspapers were full of tales of tragedy, heroism and lucky escapes. Locally there was a report of the ‘marvellous' escape of Robert Claxton of Wighton. Returning from Thursford Station in the early hours, he crossing the bridge at the bottom of Wighton Hill when the bridge collapsed, His horse and cart fell into the river, but Mr Claxton fortunately reached the wall and saved himself. ’The horse was drowned.’

To find out more about this and other ‘Stiffkey Storms’ visit Stiffkey Church to see the small exhibition being mounted on August Bank Holiday Monday, together with the ‘Stalls on the Knoll’.

Steven Bashforth, S.L.H.G

26

RANDLE FEILDEN

Randle Feilden was not unlike the place that he made his home, Stiffkey Old Hall: well set-up, four-square, handsome, many sided, rich in memories with stories to tell – and finally, despite wear and tear, lasting to a great and fine old age.

Randle’s death on June 21, at the age of 90, robs his many friends of a wonderful mixture of a man. He had the strength of a blacksmith but the delicate touch of an artist; the competitive drive of a first-class sportsman (he had been a schoolboy rugby international) and the grace of a gentleman. He managed to be both god-fearing and fun-loving; highly practical yet content to rest on unswerving faith. He was personally courageous and not afraid to be silly. He could talk ... and talk.

His life touched many others, invariably in a positive way, it was said at his funeral in Bramfield, Suffolk, where he and Anne had lived, farmed and raised their family before embarking on the Norfolk stage of their long married life.

Randle was born in 1921 in British Columbia, Canada, one of five brothers still young when their father was drowned in a swimming tragedy. The family returned to England where Randle soon emerged as an exceptional ball-playing sportsman. Anybody who played boules (or petanque) with Randle in later life, on Wells beach or in the garden at Stiffkey, would testify to the power of his arm and the deadly accuracy of his eye.

They would also confirm his reluctance to accept defeat. He was once seen to pluck a hair from his own head and, getting down on his hands and knees, use it to demonstrate triumphantly that there was a winning hair’s breadth of distance between his boule and a rival’s.

Randle saw wartime service in destroyers and submarines as a gunnery and torpedo officer before marrying Anne and taking up farming in Suffolk, surviving the bitter winter of 1947 in a caravan which – with a typically practical approach – he had built himself. He was a natural engineer.

The farm prospered although at first a neighbour had complained to the then all-powerful authorities that Randle was too frivolous to be a farmer: he spent too much time playing cricket. An inspector called, examined the evidence, talked to Randle and concluded that he was a better farmer than the disapproving man next door.

Randle and Anne left the farm in 1977 and came to Norfolk. Anne had, by chance, met and come to know the somewhat eccentric owner of Stiffkey Old Hall, Miss Esme Greenyer, and immediately, on sight, knew that it would one day be her home. Sure enough, in 1978 Miss Greenyer died and left the hall to the Feildens.

They resolved to make it a communal home in retirement for themselves and other members of the Feilden family, including: Bernard and Ruth, Tony and Margaret. The great work of restoring and converting

the 16th century hall called on all Randle’s skill as a builder, metal worker, stone-carver, brick-layer and jack of all trades. The house became a hugely hospitable, favourite place for their children and grandchildren and a wide circle of neighbours and friends.

From his workshop emerged, in addition, a multitude of wind vanes, house signs, sculptures in metal, a veritable menagerie of imaginative birds and beasts (including a host of life-size animals which would appear in a “safari park” at Binham). Randle made them all for local friends. He fashioned the roadside signs, depicting terns, which now greet visitors to Stiffkey.

Anne and Randle, who gave long service as lay readers in church, eventually returned to Suffolk to live at close hand with their family. Anne died in 2009.

Andrew Moncur

27

SCHOOL NEWS We’re approaching the end of the summer term at

Langham Village School and it’s busier than ever, with two major national events in addition to the usual packed school schedule.

First, the whole school and friends and family enjoyed a Diamond Jubilee picnic on the school field on Friday 1 June. It was a very special occasion, with the school resplendent in red, white and blue bunting the children had made, and a fabulous buffet to which everyone had contributed. The Friends of Langham Village School laid on circus and samba music workshops, face painting and games. Perhaps the most popular attraction was the beautiful henna hand tattooing performed by the school’s special guests, teachers from Eklavya School in India, which had mums as well as children queuing up. At the end of the afternoon each child was given a commemorative Diamond Jubilee mug. Even the lack of sun couldn’t put a dampener on the day, which the children will remember for many years to come.

Now Olympic Fever is taking hold. Well done to Tilly Betts, Abbie Williamson and Bethany Everitt from Class 3, who were winners in a competition to design a ‘Friendship Flame’ for the Norfolk Village Games run by Active Norfolk. The Friendship Flame will be passed through all the villages taking part in the Games. The girls enjoyed a special day out to the University of East Anglia where they met Olympic athletes Tom Barber and Danny Nobbs. The school teams continue to do well in all the local sporting competitions. Huge congratulations to the Langham school athletics team, who won the Norfolk County Games final, also at the University of East Anglia – a terrific achievement. Well done also to the netball team who reached the county finals, and to the year 3 & 4 tennis team who did very well in the County Tennis Championship, coming 5th out of 16 in the final. The school children had the opportunity to see the Olympic Torch passing through Holt, and Class 2 have been studying the Olympics as a project.

Making the most of North Norfolk The children are out and about enjoying our local

environment to the full. Class 3 (aged 8 – 11) had their seventh and final

beach monitoring visit recently as part of their Beach Project. The children report: “We could see the changes as plants were growing with many flowering and there were a greater variety of birds using the great expanses for feeding and breeding. We observed the plants very carefully and could see how many were specially adapted

to survive in the harsh environment. Next year we hope to take the work further by visiting Holkham, Cley and Blakeney, comparing three very different coastal envi-ronments.”

Sailing club is in full swing, giving the children the chance to get out on the water at Morston and hone their skills on Oysters and Picos. The recent dodgy weather is showing no signs of putting our budding sailors off and in fact some of them have combined the sailing with a spot of swimming – intentional or otherwise.

This year’s whole school trip is to Banham Zoo on 18 July, an opportunity for children of all year groups to enjoy a day out together. The cost of the coaches is paid by the school Friends through their fund-raising activities – so every time you buy a raffle ticket or attend an event you are helping to fund trips and activities like this.

End of another year Two annual events are approaching that mark the end

of the summer term. School sports day is always a fun occasion that celebrates team spirit and ‘having a go’ as well as individual sporting achievements. No doubt this year the enthusiasm will be greater than ever, with the Olympics for inspiration. Then Friday 13 July sees the school summer fair, complete with bouncy castle, barbe-cue, raffle and games galore. Many stalls are developed and run by the children, who show impressive entrepre-neurial skills. Thanks to the school Friends and all the parents who get involved and give their time preparing for the event and running stalls on the day.

The school is getting ready to say goodbye to Year 6 as they head for secondary school in September – best wishes to everyone who is moving on from Langham this year. The new intake of Reception children have already received a warm Langham welcome as they join Class 1 for three taster sessions, ending with a Teddy Bears Pic-nic with their Year 1 friends on 11 July.

As always, you can keep up with all the school activi-ties and achievements at:

www.langhamvillageschool.com.

It’s well worth a visit. Anne-Marie Coe

Local Lynx is printed by Century Printing, 132 High Street, Stalham, Norwich NR12 9AZ. Tel/Fax: 01692 582958

THE SMALL ADS PANEL ADVERTISING LOCAL SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP David Thompson

01328 851081

NICK RIVETT Qualified Domestic Plumber Also: Lead Work Undertaken

Tel: 01263 861065 Mobile: 077 47 690049

B. A. TREE SERVICES (Tree Surgeon)

Free quotes available

Full Public Liability Insurance Held

01263 588994 or 07748570121

HAMLYN PEST CONTROL

Fully Insured - NPTA Member

Control of Rats, Mice, Wasps etc

01263 860112 or 861587

PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLIST

Salon quality in the comfort of your own home

Call Laura for Appointments

07810 660043

A. R. Pigott

Painter & Decorator Cley: 01263 741013

SIVANANDA YOGA CLASS Tuesdays 7.30 - 8.45 pm. All welcome

Field Dalling Village Hall

Richard Redmayne 01263 862289

ROBERT HEATON

Gardening Services - Grass & Hedge Cutting Tree Pruning & Felling, Blocks & Slabs Laid, Fencing

Tel:01328 730 702 Mob: 07748 363 718

INSIDE OUT Gary Waller

Painter & Decorator - Fully Insured

Tel:01263 860705 Mob: 07990 993406

ROBIN PEEL GARDEN SERVICES Grass & Hedge Cutting - Fencing

Patios & Paths - The complete garden service

Tel: 01328 830694 or 07717 418725