THEHEACHAM

NEWSLETTERFebruary 2009

This newsletter reflects the views of its contributors, not necessarily those of the editors, any sponsoring body or advertiser.When contacting one of the advertisers please mention you saw their advert here first. Thank you.

A voluntary non-profit publication produced with financial assistance from Heacham Parish Council

THE HEACHAM NEWSLETTER C/O Heacham Parish Council Office, Pound Lane, Heacham, Norfolk PE31 7ETE-MAIL: theheachamnewsletter@yahoo.co.uk DIARY-WHAT’S ON: Derek( 01485 579403ADVERTISING: Moira Barnes( 01485 570401 Adverts cost £15, £30 or £60THE TEAM: David Barker - Moira Barnes - Pat Barrow - Derek Chester - Brian Faulkner Kerry Long - Dean Rawnsley - Robby Topliss

THE HEACHAM NEWSLETTER is published THE FIRST SATURDAY of the MONTH

Deadline for the next edition is 12 noon, Thursday 19th February

ENTENTE CORDIALE****************

Proposed Twinning of Heachamwith Criteuil-La -Magdeleine (France)

There will be a public meeting on Friday 27thFebruary at 7.30pm in the church hall

High Street Heacham.

Full Details inside

Do Something Amazing Today

Save a Life

The National Blood Service will be visiting Heachamthis month and welcomes all existing and new donors.

Wednesday 18th February 2009 at the Public Hall,Station Road. 1pm - 3.30pm or 5pm - 7pm.

Please make an appointment if you can, by calling the Hel-pline 08457 711711 (local rate)or online at www.blood.co.uk

DearNewsletter

* St Mary’s Church, Heacham

Dear Newsletter,

St. Mary’s Churchyard - And Old Headstones

Some work may be needed in the churchyard – this letter is tolet people know what we intend to do in the hope that anyelement of surprise is removed.

Some of the headstones in the churchyard, particularly in theolder parts of the churchyard, are no longer secure in theground. As a church we have to check on the condition of theheadstones and where the stone is loose we have to make it safe,normally by laying it on the ground.

If you are caring for a grave where the headstone is loose pleasetalk to the church office (572539) about what can be done. Ifanyone finds any other headstone that looks as though it coulddo with some attention please let the church office have thedetails.

Thank you,Steve Davies (Vicar of Heacham)

****************

* College Drive

Dear Newsletter

Dickensian Evening

Thought I would just drop a line to say how nice it was that theDickensian Evening was held again in December 2008. Isuppose the only thing that spoilt it was the fairground typeattractions and the price of them. Such a shame for the familiesthat came to support the evening – their money would not havegone very far. I was surprised there were not more of the 50pstalls for children. I noticed only one and it was also a shamemore of the children’s groups from the village could not attend.But well done to all involved in the organisation – a job harderthan we all think, I suspect.

What a shame Woolworths has gone in Hunstanton. Such auseful shop and will be sadly missed by many. Rumoursabound about who has their eye on it. Does not look likeIceland will be coming to Hunstanton; maybe Tesco will beafter it. We could do with a Tesco Direct. We have theSupermarket and an Express due in Heacham. Sorry, bad joke!I felt sorry for all the Heachamites who wanted to have a say inwhether Tesco came here or not. The deal was already donebefore we knew. It would be nice if the shop employed peoplefrom Heacham and the surrounding areas. I’m sure it will bewell used by that side of the village which does lack inamenities. But it is a worry for all the shops we already haveand how they will all fit in together – but that’s the dreadedword PROGRESS!!

S. Sedgford****************

* Malthouse CrescentDear Newsletter,

Thanks For EverythingJust a few words of thanks to Maureen and Mike for all the hardwork they have done since opening their shop in High Street.Not only do they stock a good and varied range of goods theyare only too pleased to try and obtain any items we require ifthey do not stock them. The coach trips they run are greatlyappreciated, specially by us who haven't transport, and reallybrighten up our days. Dickens night also took a lot of arranging.We appreciate all they do and wish them well.Also we say congratulations and thanks to John Harris for all hedoes for charities, Christmas morning was his 25th swim

Tricia, Margaret & Colin****************

* Fenside

Dear Newsletter,

Lamsey Lane Seat

Has anyone wondered about the seat at the top of Lamsey Lane?

I’ve never seen anyone sitting (or lying) on it when passing by.When was the last time you saw it being used?

Does anyone know who had it put in that particular spot, andwhen?

I’ve asked several locals about it, and not surprisingly, half ofthem had never noticed it was there!

Mary Pishorn****************

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PLEASE NOTE: ALL LETTERS FOR PUBLICATIONMUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE WRITER’S FULLNAME AND ADDRESS details will be withheld if requested

* La Chanduriere, St Paul en GatineDear Newsletter,

Letter from FranceWell that's another Christmas over. It hardly seems possible thatwe are just a few weeks away from us having lived here for twoyears. Life has now settled into a more steady rhythm. Thingsthat were new and unfamiliar are happening again and we feellike we are truly living here now - this is our life.We did however experience another tradition recently - the'Conscrit'. This I believe stems back from the days of nationalservice. Basically the 18 year olds of the village get together andcall round as many houses as they can for a drink. They beginaround 8.30am and keep going until late. This lasts for fourconsecutive days between Christmas and New Year. They carrywith them a long stick which they notch each time they have adrink and cross each time they are ill. They were on day threewhen they came to us and had 86 notches and one cross. Not badhey?It was really nice to chat to them as with living in a rural area alot of teenagers go away to school from the age of 14 so wedon't get many youngsters around. We had met three of them theweek before. Antony, Adrian and Florion had been to a 'do' in

* Wilstead, BedfordDear Newsletter

Heacham Brass BandA close friend has kindly given me a copy of your OctoberNewsletter. The photo on the front page taken of the HeachamBrass Band brings back many memories – a gem indeed. It wastaken I will guess around 1930-1933, just after the Band hadpurchased a new set of instruments from Boosey and Hawkes(their ‘Solbron’ range).Naming those players whom I recognize: -Standing from left to right – (2) Reg Parnell, (3) Percy Palmer,(7) Stanley Parnell (holding a trombone), (10) Sam Fowel (theside drummer), (11) in civvies, my grandfather John Hooks.Sitting – (1) my father, Stanley Hooks, (2) Tom Hart, (3) incivvies, Percy Hudson, (5) a guess; I think this may be HarryLambert, the landlord of the Greyhound pub whose garage theBand used as a bandroom, (6) the conductor, George Holland,(9) Tom Smith.Some of the others I recognize but their names escape me. Nodoubt some of my contemporaries can name them.As can be seen from the photo the Band was numerically wellunder strength, much of the instrumentation lacking. Around1934-35 a recruitment of youngsters was undertaken. It wasthen that six or seven of us joined and after several months ofintensive instruction from George and the other players, wewere able to appear on public engagements and wereencouraged to enter some of the various solo and quartetcontests which took place around the County.Sadly, in 1939 with the outbreak of war, many of our moresenior players were conscripted and it was not long before wewere unable to accept engagements. With all the constraintsplaced on the Band due to the war the decision was reluctantlymade to disband. The instruments were sold, all except the bassdrum. This old stalwart came into its own again to head theHeacham Home Guard Drum and Bugle Band – but that’sanother story.Best wishes to the Heacham Newsletter.

John Hooks****************

the village from where they had noticed our neighbour’schicken shed on fire. We arrived home from being over at afriends house this particular evening and didn't see a thing untilI let the dogs out the back and could see what looked like abonfire. By the time we had got our coats on to go and have alook these lads were there and had called the pompier. Withinfive minutes the whole thing was a blaze. Thankfully it wasempty so no animals or people were hurt. It was quite an eventin the hamlet and all the neighbours were out until around1.30am. Luckily the farmer is well insured and should be backin business in a couple of months or so.From the blazing heat of that we have gone to sub zerotemperatures on the weather front. For about the last two weeksthe temperature has rarely been above freezing. This morning itwas -6. I wish I could remember the name of that magazine thatsold me the Fench lifestyle which included a micro climate andwinters that rarely go below 7 - 10 degrees. Of course with suchcold weather can come other problems. Pipes that had alwaysintended on being lagged and didn't get done burst and thismorning I find I have an ice rink in front of the horses barn. Rollon summer.Still it is dry and bright and thank goodness we have centralheating.On that note I'm off to put another log on the fire, boil the kettleand finish off the last of the Christmas pudding. Winter - it's notall bad.

Carole****************

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* Poplar AvenueDear Newsletter,

West Norfolk MINDA Piece of Mind would like to wish you all a very Happy NewYear. Thanks to everyone who supported us on DickensianNight, freezing on the Dairy Corner. We managed to raise £113on our Tombola Stall.We hope this year to hold all our usual events, with a Book Fairin April to kick things off. Of course, still carrying on with ourmain roles and purpose here, helping people manage theirmental distress.We still have Janet Pitkin, Foot Health Practitioner, who worksfrom here and does the feet of our clients as well as those of thepublic. So feel free to pop in and make an appointment if youneed any kind of foot treatment or just to have your nails cut.Please feel free to continue bringing in your bric-a-brac orclothes. They are put to good use. Unfortunately, we cannotaccept electrical items. We have a furniture store that acceptsand collects, free of charge, any items of furniture. It is restoredif necessary and helps people less fortunate. The number of thefurniture store is 01553 763193.We look forward to seeing you sometime this year.

Joyce ArmstrongRecovery Worker, A Piece of Mind

****************

* Hunstanton RoadDear Newsletter

Doctors’ AppointmentsWhy can’t I get an appointment at my doctors? I don’t neces-sarily want one straightaway. I don’t mind having an afternoonone. So why do I have to telephone from 8.30am in the morningand, when I finally get through at 8.45am, all the appointmentshave gone and I cannot make an afternoon appointment or onefor the following week at both the surgeries and my conve-nience? Why put me on the duty doctors list? This poor doctormust be pulling his/her hair out. After he/she has seen thepatients of the day they have another lot to check, many ofwhom would have been quite happy to wait a couple of days, orsee them in the afternoon.I do feel sorry for the people who work. It’s OK if you areretired and can turn up at a drop of a hat when the surgeryphones to say you have an appointment in 20 minutes with theduty doctor. What about those people who work in King’s Lynnand have children at school? I know no system will work foreveryone, but surely the doctors’ receptionists could be a bitmore flexible. Like I said, you can’t please all the people all thetime but over a matter of health you would think it could bemore accessible.

A Gild****************

* Marea MeadowsDear Newsletter,

Donation to the Youth Cricketers from Debbie KnightI would like to express the thanks of the Youth Cricketers of ourVillage to Debbie Knight for her very kind donation of £76raised from the New Year Eve Disco. Debbie has contributednearly £350 to our club over the last three years from her efforts,and it is very much appreciated. The money will go towardsequipment that will assist in the development and enjoyment ofour members, this may include umbrellas and waterproofs, if wehave similar weather to last year!I know that we aren’t the only beneficiaries of her generosityand hard work and other organisations have received similaramounts. So thank you again Debbie and to all those who madethe evening possible.

Roger Drinkwater****************

* College DriveDear Newsletter,

Did You Forget To Make Your New Year’s Resolution?This missive is directed at a minority of the residents inHeacham, the few who own a dog and didn't make a Resolution!A Resolution to love, care and 'pick up' after your best friend,companion and pet.The pavements at the moment are disgusting, a toilet for dogswith owners who have no sense of responsibility, morals ormanners. I will point out I am a dog owner, I walk my paleveryday and I have always, but always cleared up after him.Please pick up the poo!The Parish Council no longer offer free bags, but you canpurchase them from Moulam and Horn, or you can even buy300 nicely scented nappy bags for £1 from any value shop!Please let us enjoy our walks without the muck and mess.

Sylvia Archer-Longden****************

FREE TO GOOD HOMESeven tread wooden stepladder,

sturdy but heavyPlease phone: Palmer 01485 571988

* HunstantonDear Newsletter

Bereavement SupportThe death of someone meaningful to us sends us off on adifficult journey through lonely territory and we can feel verylost and afraid. Heacham, just like any other village , frequentlysees its residents suffering bereavement and for this reason weare writing to let you know that the Bereavement SupportMeetings started last year are being resumed shortly. Monthly meetings will be held on the third Friday of the month,from February onwards throughout the year at St Mary'sChurch Hall, High Street, Heacham, from 10am to 12 noon.Anyone who is grieving as the result of a death, whetherrecently or long ago in the past, can drop in for a cup of tea orcoffee, a chance to share their experiences or an opportunity tobe listened to in confidence. The first meeting will be on Friday20th February.We hope that those attending will feel able to sit quietly with acuppa if that is what they would like but there will also be anopportunity to talk about their loss, display a photo of theirloved one and remember..This is an entirely free service, thanks to the generous free useof the hall and donated coffee, tea etc and kind donations fromsupporters. We do hope Heachamites who feel they might findit helpful will drop in and give it a try.We are really looking forward to meeting you.Please contact us, if you would like more information, on:01485 534741 or email silverlinings@gmx.co.uk

Renee Smith and Barbara Fargher****************

* Denver, Colorado , USADear Newsletter,

The Lodge, HeachamI was a Yank Airman stationed at Sculthorpe (RAF) AFB in1952-53. I lived off-base with my wife and daughter inHeacham at a place called The Lodge. Two other Yank familieslived there also. I fondly remember Miss Davies and Mrs.Shersham who operated the Lodge and a Mr. Rose, a localbanker who lunched there most days. I believe it was located onthe south side of Station Road about a block west of my favoritepub, The Fox and Hounds, where I enjoyed lifting a pint or twoand playing darts. We had a friendly darts competition thencalled “The Blokes vs. The Yanks.” I also recall playing tennisat the Country Club which was nearby. The Club had a specialmembership rate for Yanks in those days.My memories of Heacham were awakened this evening whilewatching a TV program about Pocahontas in which I learnedthat her husband, Lord John Rolfe, was from Heacham. I wentonline to see if the Lodge was still operating. I learned that TheFox and Hounds is still in business, but I couldn’t find anyinformation about the magnificent old manor which had beenconverted into The Lodge.I would appreciate a reply concerning the status of The Lodge,where my one-year-old daughter took her first steps learning towalk in the spacious lawn behind The Lodge. My email addressis roboudreau@comcast.net

Dr. Robert Boudreau****************

* Blatchford WayDear Newsletter,

Thanks For Return Of HandbagI would like to say a big thank you to the kind gentleman whohanded my handbag in to the Wine shop also to the gentlemanin the Wine shop who returned it to me. I am pleased you didnot recognise me from the photo on my bus pass.

Used Postage StampsThank you to all the kind people who save their used postagestamps for me, please keep saving them, you can drop them offat "Chop n Change" in the High Street, or "Colours" in WiltonRoad. or at the Entertainment Marathon in St Mary's ChurchHall, I will also be taking part in a Variety Show with BrianBrackenbury and the Heacham Songsters in the Old FriendsHall on April 9th I would be delighted to receive stamps there.Of course if you are knitting for Jean Hicks you can hand themto her.I have recently heard from the Leprosy Mission that lastyear £ 66518 was raised from used postage stamps, postcardsand foreign coins.One of the many people this has helped is a lady calledKeletesia. She had contracted leprosy many years before andhad received treatment and help at Kumi hospital.She now lives, within the family compound, in her own round,thatched-roof, mud-brick house. In addition to this, the hospitalstaff provided her with two goats which, after breeding, gave aready supply of milk for the family and a future income.Keletesia had decided it would be right to give something backin response to all she had been blessed with. People in anothervillage had already been selected to receive Keletesia’s gift oftwo goats. Keletesia had learnt the joy of giving.Thank you for your support.

Doreen Reed****************

* Lynn RoadDear Newsletter,

Tesco In HeachamOn Tuesday 20th January 2009 I attended the Parish CouncilMeeting in Heacham to see what progress had taken place onTesco coming to our village.The main concerns appear to be Traffic, Noise, Deliveries andchanges to the appearance of the building.There was a unanimous decision of objection from theCouncillors.From previous experience, this will not be enough to convinceKing’s Lynn Borough Council to turn down this application.Heacham Parish Council needs our support.If you feel strongly enough not to have a Tesco’s in our village,I hope you were able to send in your objections before thedeadline date of 4th February 2009.

Margaret Burns****************

* Staithe RoadDear Newsletter,

Parish Council Meeting:-Tesco, Council Tax, Almshouses

I attended the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 20th January.It was an interesting experience to see such a large number ofpeople ‘representing’ the population of Heacham, some ofwhom only opened their mouths to speak to the peopleimmediately around them at the meeting and who could safelybe said to contribute nothing to the conduct of the meeting!Despite clearly having more members than we need, they thenactually co-opted yet another member to fill a ‘vacant’ position.I was left to ponder on the value of this local ‘democratic’ body.Certainly, when it comes to dynamic activity related to theproposed Tesco store, there seemed to be a rather passiveacceptance that it will happen.However, the village tax-paying population should know that aproposal to freeze the Parish precept part of the Council Taxwas defeated in favour of a small rise. There was not even oneword of consideration of any REDUCTION of the tax!In respect of the Almshouses, I can understand the dilemma inwhich the Parish Council finds itself. Clearly, the nomination of3 members of the Council to the Board of Trustees of theAlmshouses is a responsibility they can do without, yet theseAlmshouses are clearly part of our Parish and their decline is ablight on the Village. What is needed are 3 or more activeretired and experienced people in the Village who are preparedto put the necessary time and effort into ‘managing’ theseproperties. For people interested in Social History, this wouldbe a very rewarding activity.

Stuart Grant****************

* Cannon Pott CloseDear Newsletter

Tesco in HeachamFurther to letters in the last edition of the Newsletter, it appearsTesco is coming and we have no choice. No need for change ofuse application according to the Council so we cannot object butI will be voting with my feet and not walking in to TescoExpress. Our village shops are adequate for our needs. We haveempty shops in the village now and I am afraid the arrival ofTesco could empty more.Do Tesco really expect us to believe they are moving in toHeacham to improve our village, to attract more people? It is infact about monopoly and nothing else. They are too powerfuland it is time they were stopped.

Anne Brockwell****************

Our apologies to Bob FaircloughIn the December/January issue we printed a letter from Bobentitled “Memories” which appeared on page (6).Unfortunately the gremlins took over and it was wronglycredited to Bob Lockwood. Please accept our apologies, Bob.

We will watch out for future items and make sure we creditthem correctly.

The Newsletter Team

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NEWS FROM HEACHAM’S SLIMMINGWORLD

Wow!! Exciting news from Slimming World. At the beginningof January, we launched a brand new eating plan, it is calledExtra Easy and that is exactly what it is. No weighing ormeasuring and puts paid to the belief that you have to be hungryto lose weight!!!!!! If you need to lose a few pounds after allthose Christmas goodies, come along on a Tuesday evening toSt Mary’s Church Hall in Heacham at 6.30p.m. I will meet youat the door, so no need to feel nervous. If you want to knowmore give me a ring on 01485 528796Our members lost an amazing amount of weight last year - wellover 2000lbs. Which equates to round about 14 people!!!!!! Iam sure this year the weight losses will be even greater and withlots of ways to beat the credit crunch and ideas on how to feedthe family, without buying ‘special’ foods our members will gofrom strength to strength. There are always plenty of ideas andrecipes flying around in group. Each month we have a tasterevening, so come along and try some tasty food, meet newfriends and lose some weight.

RECIPE OF THE MONTHBeef and Butternut Squash Stew

Ingredients 1 1/2 lb stewing beef 1 butternut squash 2 garlic cloves 1 swede 3 carrots 4ozs/113g closed cup mushrooms 1 lemon 1 pt/568ml stock made with beef Bovril A splash of Balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper 1 tsp dried mixed herbs

MethodPreheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas5. Prepare the ingredients.Remove all fat from the beef, peel and roughly dice the butter-nut squash, crush the garlic, dice the swede, slice the carrots,quarter the mushrooms, slice the lemon (including the skin)Place the meat, vegetables and lemon in a casserole dish and stirto combine. Pour over the stock and vinegar and season with thesalt and pepper and mixed herbs.Cover the casserole dish, place in the oven and bake for 3 hours,stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and cookedthrough. Enjoy!!

Julie GODDARD (Slimming World Consultant)

SLIMMING WORLDJoin today, for real food, real support and real results.

Tuesdays at 6.30p.m.St Mary’s Church Hall,High Street, Heacham

Consultant - Julie Goddard01485 528796

BRAY’S PIT WORK DAYSunday 15th February starting at 10:00am

Join us for another Parish Council work day in Bray’s Pit, tocomplete the work arising from the tree survey. The main job isto remove 5 large osiers, so saws and loppers will be the besttools to bring, and wellies are recommended as some work inthe water is likely. Meet at the Poplar Avenue end, as most ofthe work is around the outfall.

This is a great opportunity to get a bit of exercise and shed acouple of pounds after the festive season while at the same timeimproving our village’s environment. All are welcome.

PLANNING APPLICATION15, HUNSTANTON ROAD, HEACHAM

The residents of Heacham should congratulate themselves onshowing their support which resulted in the above applicationbeing refused by the Development Control Board, despite itbeing recommended for approval by the Planning Department.No less than 32 letters of objection were lodged and some 84signatures were added to the petitions placed around the village.Thanks are also due to our MP - Henry Bellingham, togetherwith Councillors Andrew Morrison and Stephanie Smeaton, aswell as the Parish Council for their support, and in particular, tothose who spoke on our behalf at the DCB meeting.If the Applicant wishes to proceed with the same plans for theSite, an appeal against the decision will have to be made or anentirely new application can be made, so we may all have tostart again sometime in the future.

(Spokesperson on behalf of objectors, name and address supplied)

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CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HEACHAM

Don’t panic!

Have you yet seen one of the 800 buses with theadvertisement

There’s probably no God.Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.

A classic, centuries old version of the dictum “let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.”- the ultimate counsel of despair.

Despair - the lack of hope for the future which hasdriven the unreal consumer boom of the last decade,and provoked the economic crisis of today.

3000 years ago a Jewish poet sang a song which pickedup on the national psyche of decline and despair,triggered by the threat of invasion.

“What if”, he sang in what we know as Psalm124, “what if the LORD had not been on our side?”

“our enemies would have swallowed us alive” “the flood would have carried us away”

Whatever calamity is facing us, whether economic,climatic, or of terrorism, we in 2009 can take heart. Godwill make sure we are not overwhelmed, there is alwayshope. The poet’s dramatic metaphor puts it so clearly

“We have escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap, The trap is broken, and we are free.”

And why? “Our help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.”

As Christians, we have even greater confidence. Jesus,who was the supreme example of rescue, even fromdeath itself, made us this promise “I will always be with you Don’t be afraid!”

So when you do see one of those buses,when you are faced by hardship in 2009,don’t follow the counsel of despair.

God is still with us, ……so …… Don’t panic!

Roy Barrow(Member of St. Mary’s Church Ministry Group)

PARISH REGISTERS

Baptisms

07/12/08 Allex Louise Rumens, daughter of Kevinand Lisa, sister to Joseph and Chloe.

07/12/08 Jack James Bumstead,son of Paul and Kirsty

"For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation"

Faithful Departed (Church linked funerals)

02/12/08 Albert Charles George Gillings 8602/12/08 Leslie Eric Williamson 9105/12/08 Reginald Leslie Eaves 8406/12/08 Albert Harry Tinkler 8116/12/08 Ralph Ernest Wotton 7901/01/09 Rosemary Dean 8904/01/09 Ernest George Maiden 8005/01/09 Jane Dearden 8508/01/09 Robert Oliver Rudling 8915/01/09 June Indge 82

"Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted"We do extend our sympathy and condolences to all whohave been bereaved, and who are prayed for at theSunday morning services around the time of the funeral oftheir loved ones.

METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday Services

10.30am Morning Worship

ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH: Sunday Services 8.00am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) 10.00am Morning Worship

(All Age Worship on 1st Sunday)(Holy Communion on 2nd and 5th Sunday)Provision for children during services

10.30am Morning Worship at Junior School (Holy Communion on 3rd Sunday) 6.00pm Evening Worship

Contacts (telephone code 01485)Methodist Church The Rev'd Kim Nally 570232St Mary’s Church The Rev'd Steve Davies 570268St Mary’s Church Office 572539

email: heacham.church@googlemail.com

Church Services in Nursing/Residential Homes -February 2009

Tue 3rd 2.30pm Service at Rebecca CourtMon 9th 11.00am Holy Communion at MillbridgeSun 15th 7.30pm Service at Neville CourtWed 18th 2.30pm Service at SummervilleFri 27th 10.30am Service at FridhemFri 27th 2.30pm Service at Sunnyside

CATHOLIC SERVICES IN THEHUNSTANTON PARISH, WHICH INCLUDES

DERSINGHAMOur Lady of Perpetual Succour and St EdmundParish Priest: Fr James Fyfe, 81 Mountbatten Road,Dersingham, PE31 6YE. Tel: 01485-543818Saturday: 11.00 to noon. Sacrament of Reconciliation with Exposition and BenedictionSunday: 11.00am MassThere are also Masses at 9.00am during the week in the StTheresa's Convent, at 27 Sandringham Road, Hunstanton, PE365DP. These are usually on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays. SrMargaret Carolan can be contacted on 01485-532837 toconfirm these.St Cecilia's Church, Mountbatten Road, in Dersingham.Monday: 2.00pm Rosary Group in the Meeting RoomWednesday: 10.15am MassSunday: 9.00am MassOccasional Vigil Masses are held at St Cecilia's at 7.00pm in theevening before Holy Days. Details of these are on the churchnotice boards.Fr James will also confirm these at 01485-543818.Enquiries about bookings for the church halls in Dersinghamare dealt with by Stuart Grant at 01485-570040.Tea and coffee are served at Hunstanton after Sunday Massevery week. Tea and coffee are served at Dersingham on thefirst Sunday of the month and after all Wednesday Masses.

Please come along and meet us

MODERN ALMSHOUSES ATBEAUTIFUL CASTLE RISING

Ideal if you are over 55, a spinster or widow, able to look afteryourself independently yet have financial, isolation orloneliness difficulties to cope with. We have small but selfcontained dwellings with bed/living room, kitchen, bathroom,double glazing (and Warden) all grouped as 9 dwellings withcentral heating and with own front doors around a grassed courtand in a country setting. Cost is £62 per week plus servicecharge (reviewed each year). It is a pleasant peaceful place andif eligible, you may apply for Housing Benefit for the chargesand for Benefactor out pension whilst in residence of £20 pwand £100 at Christmas.

Apply: D.K. Waite, 34 Bridge St., King’s Lynn. PE30 5ABTel: 01553 775676 or 772656

APPEAL FOR SPONSORSHIPAs well as playing for Heacham Under 8's I also play forCambridge United at their development centre in King's Lynn.They are trying to raise money to keep the youth developmentcentre going as they don't receive as much funding as clubs whoare in higher leagues.The head of youth development is walking from Torquay toCambridge, which is 280 miles, to show everyone the problemsfaced by lower league clubs. I am going to raise money by doingthe same number of keepy ups (280) on Saturday 21st February.I am hoping to raise as much money as possible so me and myfriends can continue to play for Cambridge as well as our localteam. If you would like to sponsor me please telephone 579009.Thank you.

Connor Joyce, aged 8

POCAHONTAS PLAYERSAnother very successful Pantomime was staged in the publichall. Thanks to all you people who came and supported the fourperformances. What a turn out!! Thanks to the front of househelpers - Jemma Greef, Janet Race, Margaret Jeacock, CherylGreen and Claire Boyce, who helped the smooth running ofhelping audience to their seats, selling raffle tickets andprogrammes. We must thank the many people who also donatedraffle prizes. The face make-up/paint was done expertly byJaime Tooley (of Chop an' Change) so our special thanks to herfor her artistic flair. This years production was Robin Hood,written by our zanny dame Filly (Gary Pearce) and Will C.Ya-soon (Warren Marshall) What a great time we had,entertaining nearly 200 children during the Saturday Matinee.Thank you to Heacham Cubs for joining in with their shouting"Its behind you!" "Oh Yes it is!" What fun we ALL had. Thankyou ALL for supporting the Pocahontas Players. Not just localfolk but many came from Northampton, Ipswich, DownhamMkt, plus a mini bus full, of the Reepham rovers from Norwich.With your support and the great coverage from the HeachamNewsletter, this all adds up to a great production. Our nextproduction will be held in May (watch this space for more newson that). Please come and join us. We meet every Tuesdayevening, at the Public Hall at 7.30. It really is fun!!!Mr and Mrs Gullan-Whur came to the Thursday performanceand thought the cast would like a little sustenance. So thank youJeremy and Margaret for dropping round a huge tin of Roseschocolates for the cast to share, back stage! Mmmmm, theywent down a treat!

Thank you all very much - from the Pocahontas Players

NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCILNorwich and King’s Lynn Multi-operator Bus Tickets

Norfolk County Council is proposing to introduce a new multi-operator bus ticketing scheme under the provisions of sections 135-138of the Transport Act, 2000.The scheme is proposed to come into operation from 1 June 2009. Itwould allow multi-operator ticket holders unlimited travel withindefined areas surrounding Norwich and King’s Lynn on most local busservices.Consultation is being carried out as specified by the Act. If you wouldlike to see a copy of the proposed scheme, please visit:www.norfolk.gov.uk, email: ptg@norfolk.gov.uk stating “ticketscheme” in the subject box. Alternatively, for further information,please contact Mr I. Hydes, Passenger Transport Group Planning andTransportation, Norfolk County Council, County Hall, MartineauLane, Norwich NR1 2SG, or telephone 01603 224357.The consultation period started from Monday 15 December 2008 andwill end on Friday 27 February 2009. Your comments are welcomed.

Three baddies (from left to right) Bosh (Janice Curtis) Bish(Janet Fuller) Bash (Jeannie Tooley)

From left to right - Octopuss (Becca Wybrow), MermaidMarion (Laura Thomas), Octopuss (Jodie Richardson), Robin

Hood (Jo Humphries)

H.M.S.Domestic maintenance and repairs

FASCIA & GUTTER INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

PAVING - OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

DECORATION - PLUMBING REPAIR

Chris Mella9 Ingleby Close, Heacham

Tel.01485 570873www.hmsheacham.co.uk

Hunstanton & District Lions ClubNow that Christmas is well and truly over and the New Year isnot quite as new as it was, we have had time to think about thepast year. Since our last update in the December edition we canreport on all the events we took part in or organised at the endof 2008.November 14th was the ‘Children in Need Appeal’ and we arepleased to report that we raised nearly £900 for this veryworthwhile charity. This money was donated directly to‘Children in Need’.Hunstanton’s ‘Christmas Cracker’ was the Sunday when thetown’s festive lights were switched on. The snow machinehired for the event seemed to have overworked the night before,so it was a white start to the day. Our stand outside the PrincessTheatre did a brisk trade supplying hot dogs, burgers and roastchestnuts and we delivered ‘Santa’ in his new sleigh to overlookthe official switch-on. ‘Santa’ thanked the Lions for making hisnew sleigh!!For the first time, ‘Santa’s Grotto’ was relocated to thebasement of our town hall and what a success that was. We donot intend to raise money from this event, but simply put hopeand happiness into young children at this exciting time of yearfor them, and this certainly seemed to work. Most days we hada steady stream of excited children enter the grotto by thestream with mist hanging in the atmosphere, pass through thenew ‘bubble room’, and then meet ‘Santa’ to be given a present,although sometimes they had to wake him up first. All ourvisitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves and our special thanksgo to the Brownies who turned out to be perfect little elvesguiding the children on their way.

At the same time we held a ‘Craft Fair’ in the main town halland this did raise funds to help us give to the many causes wedonate to. Although this was not quite as busy as we hadthought it would be, we are very grateful to the stallholders whoset up a wide variety of gifts, jewellery, pictures and all sorts ofother crafts.

Just before Christmas we visited Docking Grange to sing carolswith them. We do this every year and give them each aChristmas present. We thoroughly enjoy their company andthey ours. If you would like information on the work thatDocking Grange do, please let us know.

In December every year we contribute to many small localorganisations donating some money to help their Christmascelebrations along. These include Hunstanton Monday Club,Dersingham Day Centre, North West Norfolk Phobbies Cluband many more.

The winners of our ‘200 Club’ draw in December were:Mrs V ClarkP H SuttonSharon MayOld Hunstanton Social Club.

In January the winners were: D Beason,

Kevan FlemingJudi MillsTed Capon.

As you can see, we are an active Club. If you would like furtherdetails about us, please let us know. Now that 2009 is upon us,our attention is focusing on new events to raise money for allthe local and national causes we support and if you know ofanyone who may need our support, please contact us.

Peter Mills

HEACHAM WIVES CLUBHeacham Wives Club held their AGM on Monday 12 January.Members have enjoyed another successful year of meetings,held each month at either the Social Club or at other chosenvenues, and the group are once again able to make their usualdonation to a local organisation.During 2008 speakers covered various subjects, including aninteresting and light hearted talk and slideshow on VictorianFarming; a demonstration and talk on the origins of JapaneseEmbroidery and a demonstration by representatives fromThornton’s Chocolates from King’s Lynn, with each membergoing home with a ‘goody bag’ of their products. Othermeetings have included bowling at Strikes in King’s Lynn; anevening at the Oasis in Hunstanton, where members were takenon a tour of the facilities and given the opportunity to try theirhand at indoor bowling. A meal at the West Norfolk Hotel anda pre-Christmas dinner at the Fox and Hounds were also in ourprogramme, together with two social evenings including a quizand beetle drive. Our customary garden party was held in July.The programme for 2009 was discussed and all ideas suggestedwill be followed up. Watch out for the monthly announcementin the Newsletter Diary and What’s On. Meetings are usuallyheld on the second Monday of the month (except August) butthis year our April meeting will be on April 6th and not 13th,which is Easter Monday.We are a group of ladies who meet to take part in a programmeof events, but most of all we get together to enjoy a friendlychat, with a cup of tea or coffee to follow, and we also have fun.New members are welcome and you don’t have to be a wife,despite our name! If you are interested and would like to knowmore, please contact Brenda on 570727 or Anne on 571885.

Anne Beere

‘LINKING THE VILLAGES’Property sales details with professionally drawn

floor plans, maps and colour photographs.Property details are also available at Snettisham

For a professional and friendly servicecontact us on:- 01485 570030

Heacham officeare Agents for

SaffronBuildingSociety

29 High StreetHeachamPE31 7EP

4 Post Office RoadDersinghamPE31 6HP

Beauty Day Spas at Reflections and WinterFacilities at Searles Leisure Resort

Reflections Hair and Beauty Salon at Searles Leisure Resort is nowfor a limited period only giving local residents the opportunity toenjoy the use of Searles Leisure Resorts Swimming Pool, Saunaand Spa facilities when they book on one of their superb day spatreatments.For just £45 customers will be indulged with a one hour ElemisAromapure Facial this therapeutic deep cleansing facial, combinesthe power of absolutes with premium essential oils, treating the skinat the deepest level. Specialist eastern massage movements help tostimulate and oxygenate your skin. Once your face has been takencare of then your back will be looked after with a half hour ElemisDeep Tissue Back Massage, this invigorating massage stimulates themuscles in the back by using powerful massage techniques to relievetension, muscle aches and pains and to help relieves stress, using ablend of aromatherapy oils to suit the customers needs.Once the treatments are completed Day Spa customers are able to usethe Swimming pool, sauna and spa at there own leisure, if customersare hungry the country club is open for lunchtime light snacks andmore substantial meals.The Reflections day spas are ideal for a group of friends who wish tospend some pampering time together or as an ideal Valentines Daygift for a loved one. For more information or to book ontoReflections day spa call: 01485 536 028 or email: reflections@searles.co.uk. Places are limited and Day Spas are only availableuntil the end of March 2007, so book up now to avoid disappointment.Other facilities at Searles which are open to everyone over the winterperiod are the Golf and Country Club, which is offering superb valuespecial offers with midweek 9 holes of golf soup and a roll for just£8, or for just £12 you can play 18 holes and have soup andsandwiches. A weekend offer is also available for only £18 you canplay 18 holes of golf and enjoy a hot meal of home cooked ham, eggand chips.Captain Willie’s Activity Centre is open Tuesdays to Sundays forindividual sessions or is ideal for a kids party with food also available.Membership is available for the Swimming and gym facility withmonthly membership for only £20 over the winter period. Theswimming pool and gym open into the evening during weekdaysespecially for members until the end of March. For information onmembership of the gym, or any further information on any of theinformation above contact Searles Reception on 01485 534 211.

MORE 'POETRY AT THE PRINCESS'This hare's an invitation, a hard one to resist,

that any versifier won't want to say he's missed.It's due on March 11, a Wednesday, when spring

will just about be springing, so come and 'do your thing'.Called 'Po'try at the Princess' (the theatre in Hunny),

it's your chance to read a poem. It could be sad, or funny,or lyrical, heroic, an epic, or an ode,

a couplet or a sonnet, or one that's rote in coad!,a bit of Keats or Shelley, something ancient, something new(we've even had a couple that were ever-so-slightly blue!).

Enjoy a cup of coffee and meet some other folkwho love fine words that, said aloud, have power to evoke

a memory, a passion, a smile, or maybe tears,to tell a tale, or lift a heart, or say 'we share your fears'.

Well-known lines from Shakespeare, or some from your own pen,just come along and join us, Wednesday morning, half past ten.

The 'Princess'; is our venue, in the bar we congregate,And if you have enjoyed it, just put something in the plate.

Poetry at the Princess is on Wednesday 11 March, 10.30am.Meet in the bar at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton. No entryfee but, as usual, donations for Theatre Club funds will beappreciated.See you then!

Mary Mackie, for the PTC

“Friday Night Is Bingo Night”On behalf of all the people who go to 'Friday night is Bingonight' in Heacham Public Hall, I would like to say a huge ThankYou to Sue and Dave Smith and their small team of helpers formaking every Friday night such fun. It's a real social eveningwith a chance to win money too.

The first of two sessions begins at 7.30pm until approx 9pm,followed by a late session, which usually ends around 10pm.Both sessions are very well attended, throughout the year.Refreshments are available during the interval, which adds tothe ambiance of this weekly social event.December 12th saw our Christmas Party between the bingosessions, where there was plenty of food and refreshments withvery special entertainment to follow, all of which was free andvery much enjoyed and appreciated by all.So, THANK YOU Sue and Dave for organising our party andto Sally for preparing the food and refreshments. It was a veryspecial evening.Long may 'Friday night is Bingo night' continue.

Viv Walker

Sue and Dave in action

1st Heacham Cubs

Back in December Heacham Cubs went Bowling with otherCubs from Hunstanton, Snettisham and Docking. They had allbeen busy making Christmas hats and wore them when bowling.Overall HEACHAM CUB PACK won the big skittle this yearso well done to all our Cubs and especially William Shuardson-Hipkin who won the prize for the highest score of the eveningwith 139 points.After Christmas we went for our day at Wolferton with Cubsfrom Terrington and it didn't rain which was nice. We took theCubs for a walk round and played games on the way. Back atthe camp site they made fires and cooked sausages, chocolatebanana's and marshmallows. They also played with a waterfilled rocket launched by pumping air into it and giant football,we ended the day with a bar-b-que.On the 17th January we took them to see Robin Hood by thePocahontas Players in Heacham and they all had a good timebooing and hissing the baddie and joining in with the he'sbehind you and oh yes it is, usual panto stuff. Well done to thePocahontas Players another fine show. Happy scouting to allour Cubs

Akela, Bagheera & Baloo

MONDAYSAGE CONCERN Info & Advice Centre, High Street 9.30am-12.30 pm Tel: 579077DROP IN AT AGE CONCERN 10.00 am to 12 noon for coffeeand a chatTABLE TENNIS 9.30 am Tel:Adrian 570477 (PH Top Room)TEA DANCE & SOCIAL AFTERNOON 2-4 pm Tel: 571996(PH)DRAMA JUNIOR CLASSES 4.15-5.15 pm Tel: 579074 (SG)BEAVERS Term Time 6.00-7.15 pm Tel: Kelly 570956 (SG)LINE DANCING 7-9 pm £3.00 Tel: 532317 (PH)SCOUTS 7.30-9.30 pm Tel: Jill 535130 or 07799 138014 (SG)HEACHAM WIVES GROUP meets 2nd Monday of mostmonths at 7.30 pm (HSC Top Room) Contact Brenda on570727 or Anne 571885MEDITATION GROUP (in Lords Lane) 7.00 pm (day groupalso) For details Tel : Val Gordon 543280MUMS & TOTS 1.00 pm in school term time Tel:Pip 570182or Karen 571837 (SM)TUESDAYSHEACHAM DAY CENTRE FOR ELDERLY 9 am- 3.30 pmTel: Geoff Speed 572584 (OFH)SCALLYWAGS PLAYGROUP Term Time 9.30 - 11.30 amTel: Liz 571773 (SG)ACTIVE FOR LIFE Exercise classes for the over 60’s with, orat risk of OSTEOPOROSIS at Heacham Surgery 10-11am Tel:Pat 572414 or Clara 540411CARPET BOWLS 10.30-12 noon Tel: 570776 (PH)KEEP FIT FOR OVER 50’s 10.30 - 11.30 am Tel: 01553774343 (SM)CARERS SUPPORT GROUP Run by W.N. Mind. Lunch,Coffee and Chat. Peace of Mind, 4 Poplar Avenue Tel: Hannahor Mandy 01553 776966KEEP FIT 10.00 am to 11.00 am Contact Shirley Tel : 572247(PRH)WOMENS FELLOWSHIP 2.45 pm (MC)SLIMMING WORLD 6.30 pm Tel: Julie 528796 (SM)WEIGHT WATCHERS 7pm (OFH) Tel:Alison 07796 904311HEACHAM DIGITAL CAMERA CLUB meet 1st & 3rdTuesday of the month 7.30 pm at Sandringham Club, WestNewton. Email : heachamdigitalcameraclub@yahoo.co.uk orcall Viv for info on 07906 056019HEACHAM BOOK CLUB meet 3rd Tuesday of each monthTel: Beth 570479POCAHONTAS PLAYERS Drama Group Pantomime rehears-als 7.30 – 9.30 pm Tel: 570402 (PH)HANDS & NEEDLES GROUP meets every other Tuesday7.30 – 9.00 pm Tel: Joan Careless 570363 (MC)LIVE ENTERTAINMENT from 8.30 pm at Fox & HoundsWEDNESDAYSAGE CONCERN – See entry on MondayACTIVE FOR LIFE – see entry on TuesdayCARPET BOWLS 10.30 – 12 noon Tel: 570776 (PH)LINE DANCING 1.30 – 3.30 pm £3.00 Tel: 532317 (PH)PATIENT ADVICE & LIAISON SERVICE 2 – 4 pm on 2ndand 4th Wednesdays at Heacham Council OfficesBROWNIES Term Time 5.30 – 7 pm Tel: Louise (Brown Owl)07912 888947 (SG)DOG TRAINING with Robert Frost 7.30 pm Tel:542861 (SG)

HEACHAM & WN SINGERS 7.30 pm (MC)QUIZ NIGHT 8.45 pm Prompt start. New teams of up to 5welcome. £1 entry pp Cash Prize & Cash Snowball (HSC)OLD FRIENDS CLUB meet at 1.30pm Bingo, whist drives,outings and more Tel: George 571830 (OFH)BINGO 7.30 pm Neville Court Grouped HomeCAR BOOT SALE 8.00 am to 12 noon on the Field (HSC)HEACHAM SONGSTERS rehearse from 10.00 am to 12 noonTel : San 571660 (PRH)RAINBOW GUIDES 4.30 to 5.30 pm in the Scout & Guide HQSunnyside, Heacham. For info Tel : Mary Harpley 07813 014477THURSDAYSACTIVE FOR LIFE – see entry on TuesdayTABLE TENNIS CLUB 10 am (PH Top Room)WHIST DRIVE 2 – 4 pm Entry £1 with prizes (CC)TREFOIL GUILD meets on 1st Thursday 2 -4 pm Tel: 01485579440 Mrs Christine Crisp (MC)CARPET BOWLS 10.30 am to 12 noon Tel : 570776 (PH)JUDO Beginners 6 – 7.30 pm Tel: 571614 (PH)CUBS 6.45 – 8.30 pm Tel: Steve 525577 (SG)JUDO Advanced 7 – 9 pm Tel: 571614 (PH)HEACHAM GARDENERS ASSOC meets on 3rd Thursday7.30 pm. Guest speaker and trips in Summer. Contact Mrs LWoodley 01485 571749 (SM)FLOWER CLUB meets on 4th Thursday 7.30 pm. Flowerarranging and demonstrations. Tel: Mrs Sandra Panton 571029(SM)RAO BUFFALOS 8 pm (HSC Top Room)QUIZ NIGHT Cash Prizes 9 pm at Fox & HoundsFOOTBALL Under 8’s 5.30 to 6.30 pm Heacham Field/Astro-turf. Contact Stephen Joyce 01485 579009FUTURE CLUB meets for bereaved people on the fourthThursday of every month in the back room of Heacham PublicHall from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Tea, Biscuits & a chatFRIDAYSAGE CONCERN – see entry on MondayACTIVE FOR LIFE – see entry on TuesdaySOLO WHIST – 2.00 pm Entry £1 ( PRH )INDOOR CARPET BOWLS 7 – 9 pm Tel: Kim 570232 (MC)GUIDES Term Time 7 – 9 pm (SG)WILDFOWLERS CLUB meet 1st Friday 7.30 pm (PH TopRoom)CASH BINGO 7.30 pm (PH)TAI CHI Adults 7.30 – 8.30 pm Beginners welcome Tel: Derek01553 674779 (PRH)BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT - Meetings are held on the thirdFriday of every month 10.00 am to 12 noon in the Church Hall,High Street, Heacham Tel : Barbara Fargher 01485 534741SATURDAYSGIGS from 8.30 pm. Free entry for Members (HSC)

NEWSLETTER TEAM NOTESWelcome to 2009 and all that it has in store for us.......!

As we begin the new year The Team say goodbye to Mary-AnnePinder who has retired her computer after many years of typingup your letters and articles. Thanks for all your help sinceOctober 2001and enjoy your retirement in the sun!

WHAT’S ON REGULAR EVENTS

CC = Cunningham Court OFH = Old Friends Hall, Sunnyside HSC = Heacham Social ClubPH = Public Hall PRH = Pine Resident’s Hall, Wilton Rd MC = Methodist Church Hall, Station RoadNC = Neville Court SG = Scout & Guide Hut, Sunnyside SM = St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street

HEACHAM DIARY

Saturday 7th February – GIG at HSC with CARLA GRAYfrom 8.45 pmMonday 9th February – HEACHAM WIVES GROUP Talkand demonstration by Katy Bowman of Time Out BeautySalon, DersinghamTuesday 10th February - GIG - All the way from Canada -PAUL O’BRIAN from 8.30 pm at Fox & HoundsFriday 13th February – GIG - From the USA - ADRIANBYRON BURNS from 8.30 pm at Fox & HoundsSaturday 14th February – VALENTINE’S CHEESE &WINE in the Public Hall. Tickets £7.50 on sale in Social Club.Entertainment with STEVE PARRYSunday 15th February – HEACHAM PARISH COUNCILWORKDAY From 10.00 am at Bray’s Pit, Staithe Road. Anyone who is free to lend a hand will be welcomeTuesday 17th February – GIG – DOGWOOD from 8.30 pmat Fox & Hounds* * MOBILE POLICE STATION 10.00 am to 12 noonStation Road, Heacham* * CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Mobile Information,Support and Signposting Service 10.00 am to 12 noon StationRoad, HeachamWednesday 18th February - BLOOD DONOR SESSIONfrom 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm and 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm in the PublicHallFriday 20th February - HEACHAM CRICKET CLUB – TheAGM is to be held at Heacham Social Club from 7.30 pmSaturday 21st February – GIG at HSC with STEVE ROSSfrom 8.45 pmTuesday 24th February - GIG - COYOTE WRECKS from8.30 pm at Fox & HoundsThursday 26th February – COFFEE & CAKES at FRIDHEMREST HOME in aid of The Big C from 2.00 to 4.00 pm AllwelcomeFriday 27th February – GIG – SECRET AGENT from 8.30pm at Fox & Hounds * * PUBLIC MEETING in the Church Hall, High Street,Heacham 7.30 pmregarding the possible twinning of Heachamand Criteuil-La-Magdeleine, France. Contact John Harris on07737 035655Saturday 28th February – GIG at HSC with MARK DEREKfrom 8.45 pmTuesday 3rd March GIG – STONE PONY from 8.30 pm atFox & HoundsSaturday 7th March – GIG at HSC with JULIE BUNN from8.45 pmTuesday 10th March –v GIG – BACK STREET BLUES from8.30 pm at Fox & Hounds

OTHER EVENTS

Monday 16th February – FOLK DANCING at BrancasterStaithe Village Hall 7.30 pm. Contact Janet Bowles Tel : 01485210587Wednesday 11th March - ‘POETRY AT THE PRINCESS’10.30 am at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton. Admission free,but donations to Theatre Club funds appreciated

Sight Problems?If so, did you know that a self helpgroup meets on Friday in theCommunity Room at Neville Courtevery 2 weeks from 10am – 12 noon.Meet people with similar difficultiesover a coffee in a friendlyenvironment. Maybe you can helpeach other. Please ring Ann on01485 572 738

Mondays – AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP 8.00 pm UnionChurch, Hunstanton Tel : 0207 4030888* * U3A HUNSTANTON meets on the third Monday of mostmonths (except August and December) at 2.00 pm in the Hun-stanton Community Centre. Tel : Jan (Chairman) 534700 orNorma (Secretary) 533579 for further details.Tuesdays - KEEP FIT FOR OVER 50’s 10.00 to 11.30 am atRingstead Village Hall. Cost £3.50 Tel : Val Barnes on 01328

ENTRIES FOR HEACHAMDIARY/WHAT’S ON

If you have regular or one-off events that you want peopleto know about why not send the details to the HeachamNewsletter for inclusion in these pages. See the front pagefor contact details and the deadline for the next issue.

DICKENSIAN EVENINGDespite the cold, there was a good turnout at this year'sDickensian Evening. Thank you to everyone who supported theevent and all those who helped make it a success.

The Raffle Prize WinnersAll the winners have been contacted and the prizes were drawnas follows:

First £100 - J Humphries, Second £50 - J Hutchins,£10 voucher for Spar Dersingham - D.Gyton,2 Mini clocks - Mr Geraghty,Chop & Change voucher - P.Cobb,Bottle of wine - A.Legge, Medivet Voucher - H.Westrup,Kiddies game - B.Skoyles, Bottle wine - A.Goodwin,Football - G.Wilson, Bottle of wine - G.Liddington,Norfolk Lavender Restaurant voucher - Mr Geraghty,Bottle of wine - C.Bailey, Terry's Chocolates - Mr Lee,Thaxter's Garden Centre £20 voucher - G.Flude,Bottle wine - C.Raspberry, Set of 3 mugs - Susan,Howards Butchers voucher - Mrs Baker,Bottle of wine - J.Ennis, Creative Hair voucher - T Sparks,Quality Street - Heidi, Card making set - H.Navarro,Bottle of wine - M Sewell,Fish & Chips voucher - P.Drinkwater,Princess Theatre Panto Tickets - J.Harrod,Bottle of wine - J.Dix,Positive Computing voucher - S.Harvey,Bottled Beer - G.Liddington, Hairdryer - Mr Johnson,Garden Domino set - S.Dix, Bottle of wine - Mr Bullmore,Kiddies kitchen set - L.Liddington,Fish & Chip voucher - Mr Summers,Magnetic light - J Joyce, Cosmetic bags - Mr Feeney,Ceramic coasters - Mrs Hornby,Frans Pantry voucher - L.Durrant, Jewellery - G.Liddington,Hairdryer - S.Gould, Perfume - Fred & June,Bottle of wine - T.Everitt, Perfumed candle - M.English,Placemats - M.White, Bottle of Wine - S.Legge,Bells Whisky - Helen,No.14 Restaurant voucher - G.Liddington.

Thanks also goes to the following businesses who gave cashdonations:

Station Road Garage Stainsby's GarageCruso &Wilkin Arrow RoofingChristyana Fabrics, Sandringham IroncraftEspley Builders Poppyfields Garden CentrePier Bowling Alley Heacham Skips,NLC Digger Hire HMS Maintenance ServicesSilk Road II Le Strange Arrms HotelFactory Direct K Brown Auto RepairsCoastal Construction Suttons Estate AgentsJSH Skip Hire Chris Sopp ScaffoldingPF Plumbing & Building Contractors

Because of everyone's generosity and support, the Committeewere able to donate £748.48 to the Heacham Minors FootballClub.

Are you Trying to Lose Weight?For a while now, weight issues have been a problem for a largepercentage of the population and things aren't getting any better. It isno surprise to me that I see more people for weight issues now thanany other. During this article I will try and help you to understandsome of the issues involved and give you some practical tips to makelosing and controlling your weight easier and more sustainable.When tackling any issue surrounding weight and food it is importantto acknowledge the level of your problem. I think of weight issuesin 4 basic layers:1) No history of weight problems, just developed a few bad habits

recently, got a bit lazy, few too many takeaways and so on.2) Weight has been an ongoing issue, many deeper set habits like

always having to clear the plate before they can finish, even ifthey are full.

3) Constant battle with weight linked to emotional factors such aslow self esteem or lack of confidence.

4) Serious, recognised eating disorders such as anorexia.There are essentially 2 elements to weight control. One involveschanging behaviour and attitude to food and the other involvesincreasing the amount of activity undertaken. Both elements need tobe considered in such a way that the individual can sustain thechanges long term. Yes, I'm afraid there is no healthy quick fix! Tobe fair I don't think anyone out there really thinks there is and as awise man once said, "There's no short cut to any place worth going."First let's look at the eating habits. There are far too many elementsto include in this article and as everyone is different anyway it wouldbe unfair to generalise. Instead I'll use one example that is commonamongst most, if not all of my clients. I mentioned earlier that manypeople seem to just empty their plate of food, whether they need it allor not. How many of us were told as a child that we could not leavethe table until we had cleared our plate? How many were given astrange reason like "Because there are starving children in Africa?"As a result of this we are forced to learn to override our body's "I'mfull" signal to avoid getting into trouble. As adults we simplycontinue this behaviour subconsciously. When you are eating andfeel comfortably full please stop eating! Please understand thatnothing bad will happen. You are not helping anyone (starving ornot) by becoming overweight and unhappy. To help with this,ensure that when you eat that's all you are doing. Don't carry onworking, don't watch the TV, just enjoy your meal. Because you areable to focus on the eating alone you will be more able to recognisethe signal from your stomach that you are full.We couldn't cover weight issues without talking about activity. Justabout anything that requires movement will burn calories. Graduallyincrease the amount of movement you do each week in a way thatyou barely notice, that way it's easy to sustain. When you go to thesupermarket for example, instead of parking in the space nearest tothe door, park a little further away and walk the extra 10 or 15 yards.Do the same when you go to work, and when you visit a friend ordrop the kids off at school. You'll barely notice each time but you'llbe staggered at how those extra steps add up and the difference theymake. It's like snack exercising, and we all know how those odd littlesnacks here and there add up don't we?! If you are going to undertakesome particular exercise, pick something you enjoy. There are somany activities that are fun and exhilarating so why should you haveto slog away in a gym if that's not fun for you.This is a huge topic to try and cover but hopefully this article hasgiven you a more balanced introduction to the idea of weight control,rather than the latest fad diet or constantly having to count points. Ifyou would like any more information on how hypnosis can help withweight control programmes please contact me at BrookhouseHypnotherapy (Norfolk) on 0845 603 4421, or email:info@hypnopro.co.uk or visit www.hypnopro.co.uk.

David WoolleyDipCAH, HPD, MPNLP, CertSCS, MNCH (Reg), MNGHPrincipal consultant, Brookhouse Hypnotherapy (Norfolk)

UPDATE FROM THE HEACHAM SONGSTERSThe Heacham Songsters were formed in February 2008,following an advert in The Heacham Newsletter and consists of12 ladies and 6 men.We were not able to get the services of a keyboard or pianoplayer to play for us at rehearsals or concerts. BrianBrackenbury, a very talented musician offered to recordbacking tracks for us and we are more than happy to sing to them.After lots of rehearsals, our first public performance was on the24th April 2008. There is no set charge for our concerts, whichlast approximately an hour, but we do ask for a donation for ourCharity Account. Over the past year, we have sung at 25 variousClubs and Organisations and collected £600.We have recently donated £300 to Headway, a Charity whichsupports victims of head injury and their families and does atremendous job to help them get back on their feet.

We also gave £300 to Independent Age, a little known Charitythat looks after senior citizens on low incomes. RosemaryBuisseret is based in Cambridge and looks after 120 volunteers,who in turn look after a number of needy clients.

Front row:- Stan Hatherly, Philippa Jamieson client of Headway, MarjorieHaverson Heacham Songsters, David Barton County Manager Headway.

Back Row:- Janet Joyce & Peter Gibson Heacham Songsters, Stephen ThorneHeadway.

L to R:- Jean Smith Treasurer & Stan Hatherly Chairman HeachamSongsters, Rosemary Buisseret, East Anglian Organiser & Roger Dean,

Volunteer Independent Age

We already have a number of bookings for 2009, so if youwould like us to sing for you, ring Stan HALLERLY on 571660

More of Mary’s Country Sayings

1. On Candlemas day, if the thorns hangs a drop, Then you are sure of a good pea crop.

2. Perseverance is the bridge by which difficulty is overcome

3. Who looks not before, finds himself behind.

4. To hope and thrive is the way to thrive.

CRICKET CLUB A.G.M.Heacham Cricket Club A.G.M. is to be held on Friday 20thFebruary 2009 at Heacham Social Club from 7:30pm.

E. W. WITTON

FUNERAL DIRECTORAND

MEMORIAL CONSULTANT

26, Station Road, Heacham.King’s Lynn, Norfolk. PE31 7EX

Telephone 01485 570475

Part of Dignity Caring Funerals Ltd.

A British owned Company

Heacham 1871With a new year underway for the village and its Newsletter,readers might perhaps be interested to snatch a glimpse atHeacham of yesteryear from clues in the 1871 census - ten yearson from the village as described in the article in the Decemberissue. In 1871, in the wider world, countries in Europe had beentorn apart by internal unrest or war with neighbours, Gladstonewas Prime Minister, the FA Challenge Cup competition wascreated and, close to home, the paint on the Prince of Wales'snew Sandringham House was just dry.The census return lists 983 residents and 230 occupieddwellings in Heacham. To put that number of homes in thecontext of Heacham today, there are now about 15 more homesin the Barratt's College Drive development than the complete1871 village total. Edwin Guest, the master of the college inquestion - Caius College, Cambridge - was residing in TheLodge at the time of the 1871 census and would have been ableto look out over the surrounding farmland in the knowledge thatmuch of it belonged to the College. The majority of the village'sinhabitants still had some working connection with agriculture.Some who were not employed as field workers were employedas domestic servants but, with perhaps the effects of anineteenth century 'credit crunch', eight female servants and acook are recorded as 'out of place' i.e. without a job.A walk around the village today between Manor Farm andHeacham Bottom, mentally erasing any 'modern' post- 1871buildings, would create a great deal of space. Of course, someold cottages will have been demolished over time. Unless youare an architectural expert, it might be quite surprising todetermine which buildings are 'old' enough to have beenstanding in 1871 although a number of Heacham's buildings dohelpfully have a date below the eaves.At the time of the earlier censuses, few homes - apart from thegrander dwellings - boasted an address in the modern style of anumber and street name. Since the 1861 census, CharlesFawcett Neville-Rolfe had died and his son, Eustace owned andlived at Heacham Hall. At 25, he described himself as landowner, law student and farmer. A friend wrote that he hated theclimate of Norfolk and its politics and it was not to be longbefore he moved away from Norfolk and developed his love ofItaly (where his mother had died). Indeed, he would becomethe British Consul-General for southern Italy and writer of adefinitive guide to Pompeii. Miss Helen Rolfe had inheritedThe Home Mead after her mother's death and her sister, Mrs

Black, now a rec-tor's widow, livedat Church House.

Neighbour toHeacham Hall inthe Manor Housewas still gentle-man farmer, Johnde Courcy Hamil-ton, now also acaptain (in theNorfolk RifleVolunteers?) It is

not known whether he had any interest in golf…. As recordedin 1841, 1851 and 1861, George Hamilton still lived at HollyLodge. The census enumerator apparently would not permit'gentleman' as recorded in 1851 but had written in 'retiredbrush manufacturer'. A practising barrister, Mr Oliver, lived atSummer Hill and the census shows that, in 1871, someone withmedical expertise lived in the village. Edward Monument, a

'medical professor' was boarding with a retired customs officialin The Old Custom House. Retired farmer, Robert Wells andhis wife lived at High House.As a decade previously, Heacham had an established schoollinked with the parish church with Mr Foulsham as theschoolmaster. The 1870 Education Act had been passed in anattempt to ensure that there could be a school place for everychild between five and thirteen. The parents of nine year oldJohn Rhodes and his eight year old brother did not seem worriedabout declaring to 'officialdom' the boys' occupation as 'birdscarer' rather than 'scholar' as might be expected. It might be ofinterest to note that a year after the census was taken, JosephArch was elected as president of the National AgriculturalLabourers' Union. He too worked as a bird scarer at nine andwas elected Liberal M.P. for North-West Norfolk in 1885.Rev Charlesworth was still the vicar of St Mary's - his livingbeing 'the gift of' Eustace Neville-Rolfe. 'Kelly's Directory' for1874 states that there were places of worship for Wesleyans,Independents and Primitive Methodists. The foundation stoneson the chapel on Collins Lane/High Street would not be laiduntil 1891, however. There would not have been too manyproblems finding someone in the village to wield a trowel as the1871 census lists nineteen bricklayers or builders along witheleven carpenters; (the number of dressmakers or seamstressesmatches the number of bricklayers).In addition to the places of worship, six beer houses are listed inthe village. (These were shown but not all named in the 1861census but my count was not accurate for the last article). The1871 census does name them and, even though they may nothave been in the present buildings or even on the identical sites,most of the names will be known. Maintaining a pub as athriving concern is clearly not a soft option nowadays but itseems likely that this was always the case. The publicans of TheWheatsheaf and West Norfolk Hotel are shown as 'licensedvictuallers' but Robert Minns of The Greyhound was awheelwright as well as beer seller; John Mallett was a carter aswell as running the Bushel & Strike; Robert Nourse junior wasa carpenter at the Fox & Hounds (which seems to have had abrief flirtation with the name Harp & Crown about this time)and Charles Frary was a butcher as well as selling beer at theEngineers' Arms (site unknown to this writer).There would have been little worry about any of the hostelriesbecoming supermarkets in 1871. After all, with shopkeeperslike John Russell being a 'jack of all trades' as grocer, draper andbaker, who needed Tesco's? Other grocers, drapers and butchersin the village provided variety and competition. Providingcar-parking space next to any retailer was not part of theequation. The motor car had not yet found its way onto thevillage roads.The railway arrived in Heacham shortly after the census adecade earlier and the census of 1871 can only hint at some ofthe changes to village life. A dozen railway workers arerecorded as living in the village. The donkey that pulled therailway carrier's cart is not named! The station master wasWilliam Wright who, ten years earlier, seems to have been aporter with his wife living in Cambridgeshire. Indeed, none ofthe railway employees were Heacham-born. 'Kelly's Directory'for 1874 shows that, with the coming of the railway and thegrowth of the town, the 'new' Hunstanton now boasted manylodging house keepers and bathing machine proprietors; its pierwas built in the year before the census. There is little evidenceof Heacham being a holiday destination at the time; there wasto be no 'flash in the pan' resort status for this long-establishedvillage!

'Xenos'

How To Increase Your Monthly IncomeBy Nigel Munton CertPFS of Dakings Financial Services

The latest reduction in the Bank of England Base Rate to 1.5%,with the prospect of further cuts in the not too distant future,have already hit hard pressed investors reliant on investing theirhard earned savings for a reasonable income to live on.

Traditionally, these savers have looked first to their banks orbuilding societies to provide monthly income with their capital.

The days of investing your capital in this way and achievinginterest rates in excess of 5% per annum are long gone and someinstitutions are offering little better than zero. It may well be forsome investors that they will need to take "more risk" to achievebetter returns. One thing's for sure with expert advice from anIndependent Financial Adviser (IFA), the help is at hand. AnIFA will guide you through the maze of products available andbecause they are able to access the whole market being inde-pendent, they will find a product to match your "attitude to risk".At Dakings Financial Services, we offer a free initial consulta-tion in the comfort of your own home. Why not ring me on01485 572392 for an appointment? This could be one call youcannot afford not to make.

New YearNew Resolution

February is a great month to visit the raptor roost at Stubb Millnear NWT Hickling Broad. Here you can see dozens of birds ofprey coming in to roost with Norfolk residents such as marshharriers being joined by overwintering hen harriers and theoccasional merlin or peregrine falcon. Barn owls are often seenquartering the fields for food and, if you’re lucky, you may evensee a flock of common cranes flying too.March is the month for hare spotting on local fields andfarmland when the spring growth is still low enough to allowgood views of these fantastic animals. If you’re patient you mayeven see them boxing when female hares put over-enthusiasticcourting males in their place.For more ideas of places to visit throughout the year, check outNWT’s monthly guide at www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturalconnections or contact their Wildlife InformationService on 01603 598333.

Newsletter Christmas Crossword SolutionAcross: 6. Oranges 7. Robin 8. Talking 10. Lithe12. Fairy 16. Stocking 18. Anno 19. Star 20. Sleigh22. Cracker 25. Turkey 27. U-turn 29. Update30. Brussel sprout 32. Santa 34. Upright 35. House36. Mince pie 38. Leek 40. Yule log 41. CupcakeDown: 1. Lollipop 2. Magi 3. Agog 4. Holly 5. Gifts8. Tinsel 9. Carols 11. Elgar 13. Mistletoe 14. Manger15. Donkey 17. Chestnuts 21. Plum pudding 23. Roar24. Rudolph 26. Entrance 28. Asti 30. Bauble 31. Lathe33. Noel 37. Che 39. Elk

WEST NORFOLK SINGERSThe West Norfolk Singers would like some new members, bothmen and ladies - all voices. An ability to read music would bean advantage, but not a necessity.

We are a small friendly choir. We rehearse at 7.30 onWednesday evenings at the Methodist Church, Station Road,Heacham, so why not come and join us, or for more information‘phone Adrian Huggins on 01485 542359.

HEACHAM BAKERY & TEA ROOM

Bread at it’s bestQuality filled Rolls (freshly made)

Very reasonable pricesTraditional fresh baked bread and cakes in our local bakery

Birthday & Celebration Cakes (made to order)AGENTS FOR

CLEANBRIGHT CLEANERSSHOP & TEAROOM: 15, Neville Road,

WHOLESALE & RETAIL01485 571774

NEWS FROM MILLBRIDGEWell Christmas has been and gone, it seems so long ago now.We are now busy planning our events for 2009. I hope morepeople will answer Beth's call for more volunteers for thescarecrow festival and we will start praying for a dry day! Wehave registered our interest with the council for the Anglia inBloom as it could be very positive for the village. After thesuccess of last year's dog show the fete will be held on a

different day and therewill be more categoriesfor both the serious andfun exhibitors! So we areplanning to hold the Feteon Saturday July 18thand the Annual DogShow on Sunday August23rd. More details laterin the year.For those curious aboutthe scaffolding we havehad new roofing and thewindows are either beingredecorated or replacedso the listed building willsoon be back to its previ-ous glory.We are slowly gatheringinformation about the

history of Millbridge, formerly Loo Water and Heacham HouseFarm. It was good to see photographs in the last issue where theareas are still the same today! Any photographs, stories etcwould appreciated and looked after very carefully.

Jenny Dawkins, Home Manager

Millbridge Care HomeWith Nursing4 Lynn Road, Heacham

Offers respite, nursing, residential anddementia care.

For a brochure and/or an informal visit,please telephone:

Jenny Dawkins, Home Manageron 01485 570349

70 years on from the photo in theDecember Newsletter [by Viv Walker]

Remembering Ernie MaidenErnie's father, another Ernest, and my father, George, werebrothers. They came to Heacham from Exton, in Rutland, in the1920's. My father and mother went to live in Hunstanton, whereI was born and bred, along with my older brother, Paul andsister, Patsy; but Ernie and hisyounger brother, Patrick, wereHeacham born and bred.

Patrick recalls one particular daywhen, as the brothers ran out of thefront door ready for a game offootball, they were followed by thefamily's pet budgerigar. Luckilytheir dad was looking out of anupstairs window, plotting its courseas it headed for an orchard across the road. Although Ernie waswearing football boots, he displayed quick thinking by gettinghold of the branch on which the bird had perched and, with onehand holding its feet in place, he grasped it in his other hand andcarried it home triumphantly. According to Patrick, no bird washurt in the making of this recapture.

The boys went to Heacham School, where Ernie was obliged tolearn poetry by heart before being allowed to play games. Thismight have put him off the subject for life, but instead it leftErnie with a lifelong interest in both poetry and sport.

While still at school, Ernie started work on Fred Bartle's farm,where one of his tasks was to feed the pigs; but Patrickremembers how this got his older brother into big trouble withhis mother, my Auntie Lil, because Ernie soiled a brand newjacket when carrying sacks of pig meal. I remember Lil had awonderful recipe for green tomato chutney, but she was not oneto suffer fools gladly and left young Ernie in no doubt about theconsequences of his actions should he ever again be foolishenough to wear his best clothes for work.

This advice would have been repeated when Ernie left school,aged fourteen, because after trying his hand at carpentry, heopted for an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic with JockHamilton, who would have insisted on overalls being worn atall times.

All four of us male cousins did National Service. Patrick and mybrother, Paul, were in the army, but Ernie served as an armourerin the RAF. He was following in his father's footsteps, but asmuch as I might have wished to pursue my father's war-timeoccupation, which involved driving a lorry delivering cakesfrom the NAAFI bakery in Hunstanton, this was not an option,so I too joined the RAF!

But whereas I only got as far as Liverpool, Ernie saw service inCyprus, Palestine and Egypt, where he soon encountered otherHeachamites serving their country in a variety of ways. Forexample, Patrick remembers Ernie telling him how he cameupon a military policeman by the name of Joe Dix who had theunenviable task of directing traffic on the busy streets of Cairo.On another occasion, Ernie was hailed in his barrack room byGerald Hutchinson, wearing full battledress, whose heavy treadand booming voice belied his somewhat diminutive stature.

Back in civilian life, Ernie enjoyed the company of his manyfriends, including the late Gus Hudson, Arthur Long and RickyDew; also Cedric Bales, Kenny Creak and Will Hook. Theymay sound like members of a pirate crew in a theatricalproduction, but in fact they were Ernie's chums who exploredvarious holiday destinations across the British Isles, including agrand tour of Ireland.

South Beach RoadTel:- 01485 579220Open 7 days a week6.30 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Fri & Sat 6.30 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Mobile Phone top-upGas & Electricity paymentsHousehold Bill payments

Photocopies 6p

Wide Range of Groceries, Frozen & ChilledFoods, Spirits plus Chilled Wines & beers

Newspapers Magazines etc.Wide range of Medication.

DVD Rentals ( Brand new releases)Milk 43p - 1 pint 75p - 2 pints

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It is from the Emerald Isle that we derive at least a quarter of ourgenes, and the gift of the gab, thanks to an Irish grandmother.This would have been enough to make us eligible to playfootball for the Irish Republic, but instead, Ernie, Patrick and Isettled for playing most of our football in North West Norfolk,where Ernie outdid Patrick and me by playing football until hewas fifty and cricket until he was seventy; and thereafter hecontinued to be an avid spectator.

For a considerable time Ernie worked for Calor Transport andwas regularly called out to deal with breakdowns. He went onworking well beyond retirement age and, after a varied andinteresting career, ended up locally with RG Gower Transport.This illustrates what appears to be a trait amongst the Maidens.It seems that we go on doing the things we enjoy for as long aswe can. In my own case, I have sometimes been accused ofsimply going on! But I make no apology for going on about mycousin Ernie, because although I did not see him as often as Iwould have wished, whenever we met, Ernie always greeted mewith a cheerful smile and, more often than not, had a tale to tellin the very best story-telling tradition of the Irish.

One such story came to me via Patrick and it relates to anotherfriend of Ernie's by the name of Cecil Bassingthwaite, or Bassy,as he was better known. As a nation we are reluctant when itcomes to complaining about poor service, especially inrestaurants; so you can imagine how even an extrovert such asour Ernie must have felt when his friend Bassy took an unusualcourse of action when served up a tough piece of steak. Insteadof asking the waiter for another piece of steak, Bassy got up,walked over to a windowsill and made a big show of trying tosharpen his knife on it.

My sister, Patsy remembers how Ernie, when working as anagricultural engineer, would take her to the Christmas dinnerand dance at Bett's Farm, because he knew she would eat herfill, but would let him drink her share of the beer. And Ernie wasequally happy to go out with his cousin, Norma, whenever shevisited Heacham.

In fact, Ernie enjoyed his carefree bachelor days for longer thanmost of us, but eventually he met the right woman at a partyand, at the ripe old age of 36, he married Pauline to whom hebecame a devoted and loving husband for the rest of his years.Their marriage was blessed with two children: Victoria andDavid, both of whom enjoyed the benefits of a warm and lovinghome. Sadly, David's life was all too short, but in it he knewnothing but love and kindness.

I was not aware, until Pauline told me, that Ernie had retainedhis boyhood love of poetry, some of which he could still recitefrom memory. He also remembered Latin from his early days asan altar boy at the Roman Catholic Church in Hunstanton; andI well remember, back in the 1940's, how Ernie would cycle upto our home at 79 Westgate and go with us to Midnight Mass onChristmas Eve.

Ernie was proud to call himself a Catholic and this makes it veryappropriate for his family to give him a Catholic funeral in thevillage where he was born and in which he spent most of his life.He will be greatly missed be all those who knew and loved him;but if we are to believe the words of the Gospel, then we canlook forward to being reunited with him and all our loved oneswhen the time comes for us to leave this world for the next. Nodoubt we will all have plenty of stories to tell one another andan infinite amount of time in which to enjoy the company offamily and friends.

John Maiden

COTTAGES TO CASTLES

PAINTING - DECORATINGWALLPAPERING

WALL TILING - FLOOR TILING

F.W.SMITHHEACHAM

01485 571849

Christina Thain & CoSolicitors

Conveyancing, Wills and Probate

Please note that our new address is:-

‘Beamish’68, High Street,

Ringstead,Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5JU

Telephone No: 01485 525458

Appointments in your own home, or atSuttons Estate Agents,

29 High Street, Heacham.

The same friendly, efficient service - onlythe address has changed!

THE POTTING SHED

GARDENINGORGANICALLY

Yes in the poor man's garden grow, far more than herbs andflowers.

Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind,and joy for weary hours.

Mary Howitt “The poor man's garden”Another new gardening season is about to begin. It's no goodthinking “there's plenty of time yet” because there isn't. I mean,have you got all the tidying up done, weeded the flower beds,cut down all the de-seeded flower heads you so kindly left forthe birds, forked over the vegetable plot so that same birds canclean out all the nasty pests, gone through your seed packets andordered what you need etc. etc. etc. No? Well neither have I.Well actually, I have ordered my seeds, cleaned out anddisinfected the greenhouse and set up for sowing tomato andonion seed at the end of January. But the garden is still a bit ofa mess (well it's been so COLD) and the flower beds aregrowing a fantastic crop of chickweed. So we must get on andstart as soon as possible because if you slack off now, you won'tcatch up, ever.No more preaching, I promise.Actually all this frost and cold will, with luck, kill off some ofthe pests and not too many of the predators giving is more of afighting chance of producing decent flowers and veg this year.Last year's mild wet winter gave the pests a flying start whichcaused most of us a load of grief. However we must be positiveand assume that this year will be better. So far, I've made fewNew Year resolutions but one I must stick to is DO NOTGROW SO MANY TOMATO PLANTS and GIVE YOURVEG PLANTS MORE ROOM. I'm very bad at this and as Ihave whinged before, by midsummer, I can't get in thegreenhouse for greenstuff trying to get out. And my brassicassuffered from lack of space and due to the damp weather I losta lot from rot. Actually, that's two resolutions but I hope I keepto them! Whilst I may start a gardening record again this year,past experience and my inherent idleness means it is veryunlikely to last long.For the last months of 2008, I banged on about growingvegetables in small spaces. I also said that many seed catalogueshad varieties that were ok for growing in pots or confines areas.Thompson and Morgan are one of these and if you get a copy[they are free], pages 128/129 advertise mini cabbage, lettuce,baby carrots, peas, courgettes, etc. all of which can be cultivatedin small spaces. You really have no excuse these days for saying"I haven't the space to grow vegetables." Even if you only havea window box, you can grow something worth eating.Patrick Holden, Director of the Soil Association and farmer, hasa very good lead article in the most recent edition of theNational Trust magazine. He paints a rather frightening pictureof a world when oil and gas supplies have declined to the pointwhen fuel for tractors, transport and energy supplies willbecome critical He states that currently we rely extensively oncheap imports, high chemical inputs and mechanisation on ourfarms and centralised processing of food. “ We are using tencalories of energy to produce one calorie of food.” he states. Wecan ourselves see that supplies are becoming limited as costs arerising and it is obvious that those countries with good energysupplies will, increasingly, hike the price to countries withouttheir own. That now includes Great Britain plc as we have soldour oil and gas supplies to the world and are now, rapidly

running out. I wonder what happened to the old adage of savingfor a rainy day? Ask the banks, ask the government, whathappened to the huge sums paid for our energy supplies? Wellnone of it is under my mattress! As Patrick says it will only takea tornado/terrorism incident/middle east conflict/lorry driversstrike and for a start the electricity and gas (and possibly water)grids could go down due to fuel scarcity. Personally, I think thepeople who moan about the impact of wind turbines on thescenery should wonder whether they would prefer to be coldand hungry.Goodness aren't I being the gloomy one? Well I've got to writesomething and I haven't done too much out there yet.Seriously though what can be done about this scenario? Wecan't all build our own power plants, most of us don't really wantto generate our gas supplies from fermenting pig manure andI've tasted the water from my rain butts – nasty. We can,however buy our food locally as much as possible and we cangrow as much as we can ourselves. People who were good atgrowing potatoes could swap with people who had chickens etc.I know it sounds wacky and most of us will continue as we arenow, but it's worth thinking about as many of us, and certainlyour children, will still be around at crunch time. And I think thatis more than enough doom and gloom for this article (andindeed for this year!)When I first came to live here, some 35 years ago, EddiePendall, our next-door neighbour, kept bantams. Weoccasionally had eggs from these handsome birds and whilst theeggs were a bit small, they tasted super. I always thought ofkeeping a few hens myself but somehow it never happened,something I'll always be a bit sorry about. I wonder if I'm tooold now? You know, I'm going to think about it, probably all Iwill do but if someone out there can point me in the rightdirection.....?

Over the next few articles, I hope to share with you, what foodI'm going to grow to be self sufficient in vegetables and fruit forthe whole year. If, I say again, if I start to keep chickens orbantams, I'll keep you informed as to progress. I'm going to tryand have a mini garden plot so I can let you know how easy itis to grow stuff in a confined space. And in my spare time, I willswim The Wash, walk the Pennine Way and learn to knit!

I'm sorry this article has had virtually nothing to do withgardening (apart perhaps for the first three paragraphs) but I willtry and do better next time. Michael Drew

Ed. I thought Mike could walk on water; as for knitting... well! Hens - try www.littlehenrescue.co.uk

GATES - RAILINGS - WEATHERVANES - CURTAIN POLES

SandringhamIRONCRAFT

HIGH QUALITY ORNAMENTAL IRONWORKAND STEEL FABRICATION

Unit 4, Cheney Crescent, HeachamTel: 571129

SECURITY GRILLES - FIRE HOODS - ARCHES - CARAVAN STEPS

Share in the Futureof the

Norfolk Coast

The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty(AONB) was designated for the national importance and valueof its landscape, wildlife and historic interest in 1968. Thedesignation covers over 450 square kilometres (174 squaremiles) of coast and hinterland.

The current management plan for the AONB, which provides aframework for all the organisations and interests that play a partin managing the area to conserve and enhance its ‘naturalbeauty’, was produced by the Norfolk Coast Partnership in 2004.

It’s now time to review that plan, to produce a refreshed plan in2009. The public consultation runs until the end of February2009, and we’re keen to hear from everyone with an interest inthe area what they think needs to be done to keep the NorfolkCoast such a special place.

Information on the draft revised plan and how you can haveyour say is available on our web site:

www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.ukor you can get a hard copy by contacting our office in Fakenhamon 01328 850530.

Tim VenesNorfolk Coast Partnership Manager

RECIPE FROM

Hope you all had a very happy Christmas and a great new year.It seems like such a long time ago since I wrote my first recipein the Newsletter. How time flies, I can’t believe it is almostFebruary already . It was the first Christmas for me and Abi atthe Restaurant and I have to say we had a very good December,especially Christmas day. There was such a buzz going roundand everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves and it justseemed to top the whole day off when Father Christmas made agrand entrance and handed out gifts to all the customers. As alot of you may know the Restaurant has been closed since the3rd of January for our holidays. It has been very nice to have afew weeks to ourselves and to spend time with our little fivemonth old baby, but I am glad to be going back to work, plus Ithink I'm getting on Abi's nerves a little, but hey ho never mind.

Now the recipe I have chosen for this month is a dish which Ilove and is just right for the type of cold and wet weather we arehaving at the moment, it's something which will warm you rightup in no time and I hope you like it just as much as I do.

So get stuck in and go nuts.Davey Matthews

Head Chef No 14 High Street Restaurant

Traditional Lancashire HotpotServes 4, prep and cooking time 2 hours

1kg Potatoes500g scrag and middle neck lamb125g lamb’s kidneys skinned and halved and cored1 large onion, sliced1 large carrot, sliced½ pint boiling water20g margarine or dripping, melted1 sprig of parsley to garnishSalt and fresh ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 190c/375f/gas mark 5, grease a 1.5 litre (2½ pint) deep casserole dish. Halve enough potatoes to make alayer on top of the dish and set aside. Slice the rest thickly andput in the casserole. Cover with the scrag and neck of lamb’skidneys, onion and carrot, seasoning each layer with salt andpepper to taste. Pour in the boiling water. Cover with thereserved potatoes and brush with the melted Fat. Cover andcook in the preheated oven for 2 hours, removing the lid after 1hour to brown the potatoes. Garnish with Chopped Parsley.Serve with a Green Vegetable.

Singing Workshops For Fun!Singing Workshops for Fun! are going strong at SnettishamVillage Hall on Wednesday mornings 10 - 11.30. They are opento all whether experienced or not. Classes are £5 each for theterm enrollment or £6.50 pay-as-you-go. All are welcome. Formore information call Cath on 0781 01 465 01.

NEWS FROM HEACHAM GARDENERSBy the time you read this we will have had our A.G.M. On 5thFebruary. We have no other meetings planned for this monthbut do make a note in your diaries for our March social evening:

Thursday 19th March at 7:30pmIn the Church Hall, High Street, HeachamTalk by Richard Simpson - Lawn Doctor

All are welcome. Admission £2 including refreshments.

Heacham Minors Football Club

Well what can I say except a huge big THANK YOU! to all ofyou who braved the very cold weather on Dickensian Eveningback in December. The Minors received a donation of £400.00which was excellent, and the whole committee would like tothank everyone who either made a donation, bought a raffleticket, manned a stall or came on the night.Well the weather has been so awful since the last newsletter thata lot of our games both home and away have had to be cancelleddue to frozen pitches etc. However the under 9's have made thecup final! They played Mattishall in the semi final and won 4-1,which is absolutely brilliant. So good luck to the under 9's whenthe final comes along.Heacham under 10's made a trip to Carrow road, Gemma Griefwho is their manager sent this report:The whole team done us proud !! We played against HethersettU11s, we lost 2-1 but that was not a worry, it was the enjoymentthey all had. It was great! We sat in an ideal place to getautographs from players !! Had a lovely team photo taken withMatt Pattison. We all watched the Norwich V Charlton game

afterwards where Norwich won 1-0. Here’s a photo from the day......

Well all that’s left for me to say is good luck for the rest of theseason to all our teams, hopefully with spring around the cornerwe will have some better weather!

Claire Pike, Chairman Heacham Minors

Heacham Football ClubThe first team’s unbeaten run on Division One of the NorthWest Norfolk League came to an end when we were defeated2-1 by Narborough at their ground on January 17th. However,we did have sufficient chances to have won comfortably butunfortunately we missed many easy opportunities and theirgoalkeeper made several fine saves. We are still in a goodposition to retain our League Champions title and aredetermined to return to our winning ways.1st Team Results to 17-01-09Played 12 Won 9 Drawn 2 Lost 1 Points 29Unfortunately the reserve and ‘A’ teams are sitting near thebottom of their respective leagues which, I am told, does notgive the full picture for they have regularly shown a lot of effortand have applied good skills to their games.Reserve team results to 17-01-09Played 15 Won 2 Drawn 2 Lost 11 Points 8‘A’ team results to 17-01-09Played 14 Won 2 Drawn 1 Lost 11 Points 7Fixtures for February 1st Team

Fixtures for February Reserve Team ‘A’ Team

A reminder that there is no charge for admission! Why notcome along and support your village teams.

Harry Hornsby ( Heacham F.C. )

Date Venue Opposition Time7-2-09 A Gaywood 2pm14-2-09 H Ingoldisthorpe 2pm21-2-09 A Kings Lynn ‘A’ 2pm28-2-09 H Lynn Napier 2pm

Date Opposition Opposition7-2-09 H Walsingham 2pm H Lynn Nap. Res 2pm14-2-09 A West Lynn Riv 2pm A Pentney 2pm21-2-09 H Barney Utd 2pm H Snettisham Res 2pm28-2-09 A Burnham Mid 2pm A Springwood 2pm

REGISTERED OSTEOPATH

NOW IN HEACHAMSURGERY

Telephone: 01485 541210

‘PRIVATE HEALTH RECOGNISED’

FENSAReg No 13383

WINDOWS - DOORS - CONSERVATORIESSPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR O.A.P.’s

Tel: 01485 544488

SANDRINGHAM

WINDOWSSANDRINGHAM

WINDOWS

December Meetings in BriefCooption: The Council voted Mr David Chessum onto theParish Council to fill a council vacancy.Heacham In Bloom: The Council agreed to issue letters togroups and organisations about the scheme in the hope thatthere would be sufficient interest to enter Heacham this year.It was the intention to put in small entry which could beexpanded each year.Cycle Ways: The Council reviewed the cycle way proposalsagain put forward by Mott MacDonald, following a meetingwith officials. The Council rejected the plans whichamounted to little more than a proliferation of road signs.

January Meetings in BriefTesco Express: The Council voted to object to the TescoExpress proposals. There were a number of concerns whichwould be passed onto the Planning Officer, however thevolume of traffic expected to feed onto the LynnRoad/Hunstanton Road junction was the Council’s primaryconcern.Budget 09/10: The Council approved the budget for theforthcoming year and after some debate voted to limit theoverall increase in the precept to less than 1%.Queen’s Cottage Almshouses: The Council discussed aletter from the Trustees about the future of the 5 Bedsit units.The Council resolved to send representatives to the meetingthat the Trustees were to have with the Director of theAlmshouse Association on Monday 9 February. Anyoneinterested in supporting the Charity and its aims wereencouraged to contact the trustees via the Parish CouncilOffice.Twinning: Mr Harris outlined a programme of events for thevisit of the French party on the weekend of 27/28 February.Members of the public interested in the potential Twinningwere urged to attend the meeting in the Church Hall on Friday27 February.Cooption: Mrs Jillian Carr was voted onto the Parish Councilto fill the last remaining vacancy.Lodgefields: The Council heard that extra police/pcso patrolshad been patrolling the roads on the Lodgefields Estate. Thishad arisen because of the increased level anti-socialbehaviour and petty vandalism which was upsetting residents.Conservation Area: The Council, in partnership with theBorough Council Conservation Officer agreed to embark ona review of the Conservation Area. The review wouldincorporate buildings of local interest not covered by listedstatus outside the Conservation Area and the possibility ofextending the current area.Dickensian Evening: The Council praised the organisers andvolunteers of the Dickensian Evening. It had been asuccessful evening for the village and Heacham Minors,despite the bitter cold. Mrs Pike, Chairman of HeachamMinors thanked everyone who was involved in the event.Borough Councillor Report: Mr Morrison stated that thecaravans parked by South Beach Road had been reported toboth the Borough and County Officials. There was to bemeeting of all parties in a week’s time to see if the mattercould be resolved.Next Meeting:The next full Council meeting is on Tuesday17 February at 7.30pm

Precept for Heacham

The precept set by Heacham Parish Council for the nextfinancial year is £74,235. The increase is set out in thefollowing annual comparison:2008/9: Band D £38.48 2009/10: Band D £38.86

Lamsey LaneAffordable Housing Development

Work has begun on the Lamsey Lane site to build affordablehomes for Heacham residents. The homes will be a mixtureof rented accommodation and shared ownership properties.The homes have a strict “local criteria” element and in thefirst instance only persons currently living in Heacham for5 years or more will be eligible to bid for the properties.Anyone wishing to bid for the homes when they arecompleted need to contact Freebridge Housing to ensure theyare on the housing register or the Borough Council HousingDepartment if they are interested in the shared ownershipscheme.

HeachamParishLibrary

New in for February are a selection of titles fromRichard and Judy’s 2009 Book Club List. Chosen fortheir quality and depth of writing, you’ll be guaranteedan interesting read with any of the Book Club books.

Open 10.00am-4.00pmMonday Wednesday Friday

Any queries should be addressed to:Heacham Parish Council Office

Jubilee Clinic Pound Lane HeachamNorfolk PE31 7ET

Tel/Fax 01485 572142

Open Tuesday - Friday 10.00am-Noon

PARISH COUNCIL NOTICEBOARD

HELP LINES

HEACHAM GROUP PRACTICE 572769HEACHAM MON TO FRI 08.30 TO 13.00 14.00 TO 18.30SNETTISHAM MON TO WED 08.30 TO 12.30 14.30 TO 18.00 THURS/FRIDAY 08.30 TO 12.30 Closed p.m.OUT OF HOURS DOCTOR 01603 488488A Doctor will advise on your emergency - Please think before callingHEACHAM & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME 572777HEACHAM CHEMIST 570297OPENING HOURS MON TO FRI 09.00 TO 18.30 SAT 09.00 TO 17.30Open 13.00-14.00 - prescriptions and certain other products only availableif Pharmacist is in attendanceDUTY CHEMIST NOTICE DISPLAYED ON DOORHEACHAM PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE 572142OPEN TUES TO FRI 10.00 TO 12.00STREET LIGHT FAULT REPORT 572142BOROUGH COUNCIL OFFICE 01553 616200BOROUGH COUNCILLORS (01485)Mrs S. SMEATON 572528 / Mr A. MORRISON 518469NORFOLK C C ROSALIE MONBIOT 01328 738316ONE STOP SHOP and LIBRARY 571928OPEN MON WED FRI 10.00 TO 16.00HEACHAM POST OFFICE 570330OPEN MON TO FRI 09.00 TO 17.30 SAT 09.00 TO 12.30EMERGENCY SERVICESQUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL 01553 613613DENTIST Emergency only for patients notregistered with a dentist 01553 769264COMMUNITY MIDWIFE (Ask for Hunstanton M/W) 01553 613613POLICE 01553 691211SAMARITANS 01553 761616CHILD LINE 0800 1111ELECTRIC 0800 7838838ANGLIAN WATER 0845 7 145 145GAS ESCAPE 0800 111999EMERGENCY 24hrs VETERINARY CLINICS 01485 570065HUNSTANTON LIBRARY 532280OPEN MON. TUE. WED (No lunch closure) 10.00 TO 17.00 THURS. 10.00 TO 13.00 FRI. 10.00 TO 19.00 SAT 10.00 TO 17.00 (1st April to 31st October)HEACHAM COMMUNITY WEBSITEwww.heacham-on-line.co.uk E-mail stella@heacham-on-line.co.uk

MOBILE LIBRARYROUTE E4 (Tuesdays) ROUTE E3

10th/24th February 17th, March 3rdCOLLINGWOOD CLOSE 09.40 ROBIN HILL 10.25SOUTHMOOR DRIVE 10.00 CHURCH LANE 10.40SANDRINGHAM DRIVE 10.20 RINGSTEAD ROAD 10.55CHENEY HILL (F/SIDE) 10.40 NEVILLE CT 11.40WOODSIDE AVE 11.05 NEVILLE ROAD 12.15HEACHAM INFANT SCH. 11.20 PINE MALL 12.30NOURSE DRIVE 12.20 FIR CLOSE 12.50ROLFE CRESCENT 13.50 SUNNYSIDE 14.15BUSHEL & STRIKE 14.05 MEADOW RD 14.40GIDNEY DRIVE 14.20 POPLAR AVE 15.30BANKSIDE 14.40 GYMKHANA WAY 15.50MARRAM WAY N CL 14.55 JENNINGS CLOSE 16.15MARRAM WAY S CL 15.10 COLLEGE DR/G CL 16.50MARRAM WAY/N RD 15.25CUNNINGHAM COURT 15.45

LOCAL BUS SERVICE TIMETABLE

Changes to FirstGroup Lynn and HunstantonServices (40,40A,41 & 41A) serving Heacham

Passengers are advised that a revised timetable came intooperation commencing Sunday 25th January 2009. We have nothad sufficient time to prepare a revised extract before going topress but hope to have the timetable back on this page for theMarch edition of the Newsletter.

We have spoken to FirstGroup Eastern Counties and haveprepared the following notes from that conversation.

New timetables are now available. If you have access to theinternet you can view them and download fromwww.firstgroup.com/ukbus/easterncounties. You can also callTraveline on 0871 200 22 33 for information. Calls to thisnumber are charged at 10p per minute from a landline but maycost more from a mobile phone.

Service 40This will no longer operate via Hunstanton Road in Heachamand will now serve Norfolk Lavender via Lynn Road and theA149. This service will also pick up and set down in Lynn Roadjust east of the junction with Hunstanton Road. We are advisedthat it will be some time before bus stops are installed. In themeantime passengers should wait just past the junction andensure that they hail the bus.

Services 40A, 41 and 41AThese will continue to operate along Hunstanton Road but, asthe Wheatsheaf bus stops are no longer timing points this stopwill not be shown in the new timetable so passengers will needto refer to the Lodge Road timings in the timetable and addapproximately 5 minutes for buses towards Hunstanton andsubtract approximately 5 minutes for buses towards King's Lynn.

NORFOLK GREEN BUS SERVICE 31THURSDAYS TO FAKENHAM

Departs Fenside at 9.10a.m. via Hunstanton & Docking.Arrives Fakenham 10.27a.m. Departs Fakenham 1.30p.m.

Arrives Heacham 2.40p.m.

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