Sep 2005

The blacksmiths made the railings which surround the “New” cemetery. One day, whilst watching the construction of this cemetery, Harvey Chandler was heard to remark, “I wonder who will be the first person to be laid to rest there?” Sadly, it was himself, as he was killed in the First World War and the cottage was named in memory of him.

Well done Ann, from all the family. And from Village Life. Ed.

Northwold Spiritualist Group

meetings in The Village hall alternate Fridays at 7.30pm 16th Sept Jill Rogers 30th Sept Ray and Shirley Bassett

John and Glenda Burton

Issue: September 2005

Copy date for the next issue is; 23rd September 2005 [email protected] Tel. 01366 728233

Family Fun Day in Northwold Saturday 17th September Northwold Playground Project invite you to a Family Fun Day on Saturday 17th September, to raise money for new play equipment for the children of the village. Events start with a Duck Race on the river through Northwold Common at 1.30pm. Events on the Recreation Ground in Hovell’s Lane start at 2pm and include a Car Boot Sale (pitches to be booked in advance), Cake Walk, Chicken Plop Lottery, Golden Bucket, Radio controlled car racing (bring your own car), sports games and races. There will also be teas, coffees, Langley’s ice creams and a barbeque (weather permitting). Events will end with a Family Quiz night in the Sports & Social Club from 6.30pm onwards.

This will be a great day for all the family! Please come and support us! Any enquiries or to book pitches please contact Eve on 01366 727890 or Carrie on 727344.

The answer to the question on page 2 is:

Before we moved into the cottage in Hovell’s Lane called Harvey House it was owned by Ivy and Bob Chandler. They had a relative called Harvey Chandler who was a member of a blacksmith family in the village.

Ann Waters, who works at Woodlands on the main road was recently voted Employee of the year for 2004. Ann is mainly responsible for producing the “Wonderful Breakfasts” every day, apart from all the other things that she does. Ann is seen in the picture receiving her “Employee Of The Year Award” from members of the management team.

1. The Pope Died.

With reference to your article in last month’s magazine entitled “Peace with France Has Finally Come” and your query regarding the origin of the name Harvey House, information we have been given is as follows.

2 Liverpool won the European Cup

Dear editor

Congratulations to Ann

3 Prince Charles got married

Harvey House

St Andrew’s Church

NORTHWOLD NEWS

Harvest Festival Weekend

DAILY DELIVERIES OF NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES FOR A FRIENDLY RELIABLE SERVICE CALL DEREK OR CHRIS ON 01366728409 OR 07714 588918 OR CALL IN AT: FIVE STAR FRUIT AND VEG, BROOKVILLE

Saturday September 17th

Music For A Summer Evening by The Phoenix Singers On Saturday 17th September at 7pm for 7. 30 pm start. Programmes at the door £2. (To include wine and canapé’s) Children free. Proceeds to St Andrew’s Church.

Sunday September 18th

Woodside Gardens TEL: 01842 878741

MUNDFORD ROAD, CRANWICH

AFTER HARVEST PRICE CHANGES Layers Mash/Pellets ........ 25kg £6.00 Mixed Corn ..................... 20kg £4.50 ........................................ 25kg £3.50 Wheat Bunny brunch mix 20kg £6.50 Horse & Pony Mix .......... 20kg £5.50 Horse & Pony Nuts ......... 20kg £5.50 Hamster Mix ................... 20kg £7.00 Guinea Pig Mix ............... 20kg £7.00 Valumix Dog Food.......... 15kg £10.00 Norfolk Gold Dog Food .. 20kg £11.50 Hay ................................. Large Bale £3.00 Straw ............................... Large Bale £2.00

Page 12

FOR YOUR FAMILY FRESH FREE RANGE EGGS HOME PRODUCED Extra large £1.60 doz. Large £1.50 doz. Medium £1.40 doz. Pullets eggs (small) 60p doz. WHILE STOCKS LAST Also available from our Woodside Garden Café, a wide range of meals and snacks, and savoury & fruit pies to TAKEAWAY. OPEN EVERY DAY 7.30AM-6.30PM

Harvest Festival Service at 11am. This will be followed at approximately 12 noon by The Harvest Lunch in the Village Hall. Tickets Adults £3-50 children £1-50 available from Jane Luckman and Brenda Ayres.

Who are this fine team of yesteryear. Colin Ambrose knows the answer

Whittington Church News By Jenny Elsey

The Restoration work consisting of retiling the roofs, overhauling the rainwater goods, repairing the gables and the east window on Whittington church is due to start in August and should be finished in approximately 12 weeks. When this major work is completed we are planning to install a kitchenette and then to have a spring clean. (All willing helpers will be warmly welcomed!) The mini fete with punt rides on the River Wissey which was held on 7th August was a great success and raised £540, which went towards the Restoration work. We had a fine day, although there was a keen breeze, but this did not deter everyone from having fun. Many thanks to all helpers, donations of money and prizes, and of course everyone who came along and supported us. We hope to make punt rides on the Wissey a regular feature, so look out for the signs. Jenny & Davina will be taking part in the Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Cycle Ride on Saturday 10th September to raise funds for Whittington church and the Norfolk Churches Trust (who incidentally gave us a grant of £5000 towards the Restoration work.) If anyone would like to sponsor them or join them on the day please ring Davina on 01366 500517 or Jenny on 01366 500143.

Editorial

Inside this issue:

Northwold Fun Day Whittington Church Northwold Church Editorial MacMillan Cancer Relief

cover 2

Homewatch Northwold Pre-School Norfolk Churches Trust Follhardy Folk Circus Rita’s Ramblings Our Past According to POG

3

River Watch by Ivor Hook Classfiied Ads. Keith MacLeod Church diary Letters to the Editor Northwold Pre-school Harvey House Ann Waters

7

4 5 6

8 9 10 11 12

The Village Life Team Editor Michael Parfitt [email protected] Tel. 728233

Deputy Editor Graeme Whiting [email protected] Tel 727425

Advertising

[email protected]

Circulation Manager

And so another year has flown by. What I mean is that I am now a year older. I don’t wish to disclose my age, only to say that next year I will be in the sixty nine position as they say in Bingo. There was a cricket match played on bank holiday Monday, in which some of my contemporaries saw fit to take part. The oldest I think was 76, and several more were over 60. And they won!! The match was in memory of Ian McDowell. There will be much more of it in the next issue. Adrian took a lot of good photos but he is busy blanking out the Zimmer frames. During this summer England and Australia have been entertaining us with their Test Matches. And it has turned out to be extremely interesting especially if you happen to be Australian. But have you noticed the two predominant adverts coming on regularly during the games. One is for Brian Lara’s Cricket game played on a computer. And the other one is a man sitting fidgeting in his Theatre seat, because he is “uncomfortable.” Two things spring to mind. Didn’t the youngsters, to whom the computer game is directed ought to be out there playing the game themselves. And the other thing is that if the cricket club get short of money they could probably get the man in the other advert to sponsor them as he seems to have piles.!! Funny old world

Mark Elwes [email protected] Tel. 728795

Committee Chair Carol Sharp Tel. 728227

Secretary Position vacant

Treasurer Geoff Bartram Tel. 728673 The views expressed in submitted items are not necessarily endorsed by Northwold & Whittington Village Life. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that all information contained in the newsletter is correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. The Editor reserves the right to refuse or omit items without explanation.

Don’t forget to meet the Village Life deadline (always printed on the front cover). If you’re providing copy by email, please use Microsoft Word format Page 2

MacMILLAN CANCER RELIEF

Little Normans Northwold Pre-School

Not a Coffee morning this year, but an afternoon tea and coffee afternoon party

Once again the Autumn Term is here and it’s time to welcome lots of new faces to the Little Normans. At the end of the Summer Term 23 children left Little Normans to go onto Primary School, we wish them luck and hope they enjoyed their time with us.

Also this year we will be at the Village Hall in School Lane. Friday 30th September from 2pm. to 4p.m. Raffle – Cake stall – Books and Craft stall. Bric a brac. Hope to see you then. For any information you can contact me.

Verity Lynch

Anyone for Knitting ? Knitting Machine, Knitmaster 700 with ribbing attachment in full working order with instruction books and extras. This was donated free to the Village hall so if you want it make Jim Booty an offer. All proceeds will go to the village hall fund.

Here’s a little puzzle to think about...

We have several people to thank this month. Firstly to Dick Fendick for his services. Secondly to a group of Dad’s, Graeme Whiting, Gavin Cater, Mike Farrow, Chris Stocking, Jamie Anderson, Alan Wortley and Paul Billmen who kindly gave up the best part of a weekend to lay a new concrete section in the Pre-School playground. Thank you chaps, a much needed job well done. Our last thank you goes to the parents of all the children that left at the end of the summer term, without the support and input of parents we would not survive. Amongst those people is a family that has been with the Pre-School for many years (3 children’s worth!) They have been committee members, also generously given alot of time, donations

PAUL’S TAXI’S

What have the years 1981 and 2005 got in common. The events of these years have 3 things in common, what were they?

01366 385885

The answer is on the back page only don’t look until you have thought about it.

Local Runs Airports, etc.

Derek Johnson

PROPERTY & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Interior & exterior painting, wood or UPVC facia boards Guttering repaired, cleaned, replaced Roofing repairs, damaged tiles replaced Chimney pots & cowlings fitted Chimney stacks and general re-pointing Blocked drains & sinks cleared General plumbing & drainage Roof, patio & driveway pressure washing Trees & conifers trimmed or removed Hedges, bushes and ivy trimmed Fencing & decking, landscape maintenance

TELEPHONE 01842 810816

and support, thank you Caroline, Graeme and family (Whiting). We look forward to the new academic year and as always in Autumn our sessions are very much focused on harvest and the children enjoy creating their entries for the Harvest Festival. Stephen Cheshire Photography will be visiting the Pre-School mid September for our annual photographs, please look out for posters with dates and times. If you are interested in booking a slot please contact the Pre-School. We have spaces available for the Autumn Term starting Tuesday 6th September 2005. If you wish to register your child please contact the Pre-School. Telephone 01366 728804. Opening hours:- Mon & Fri 9am-12noon & Wed, Thurs, Fri 9am – 3pm. Term time only.

and finally …………. THANK YOU from me. This is my last entry in Village Life as representative for Pre-School. I officially hand over role as Pre-School Administrator on

A.M. Stannard Stoke Ferry

Bouncy Castle Hire Suitable for Ages 1 to 10 years

Andy’s Cars Taxi Hire Tel. 01366 500675 Mob. 07748 412627

Ray Gribble Antique Restoration & Traditional Upholstery All aspects of antique furniture restoration including French polishing, cabinet repairs and traditional upholstery ------------------------------------------Traditional Upholstered Furniture Footstools, Sofas, Chairs made to commission ------------------------------------------Picture Framing & Mirrors An extensive range of mouldings including hand painted and gilded finishes Antique and Reproduction Prints for sale Vine House, Church Road, Wereham, King’s Lynn 01366-500387 www.raygribble.co.uk

Page 11

the the my the

6th September to Claire Cater, whom I’m sure will do a grand job. I have VERY much enjoyed my time at Little Normans (8 years) and I would like to thank the staff, all the committee members, parents and children, past and present for supporting me and making my job a real pleasure. I must also say a very BIG thank you, to everyone that donated for the very generous gifts that were presented to me on the last day of term, as well as all the kind words of gratitude. It was all very overwhelming. My final thank you goes to my family, without Paul’s support a lot of what I did would not have been possible, he spent may hours helping me, and Ryan and Megan I’m sure felt like the Fendick Field was their second home!! As most people know I have a real passion for the Little Norman’s and I wish it, and everyone involved lot’s of luck for the future. Good luck Claire! With my sincere thanks and love to you all.

Tina Billmen (A lady of leisure!!)

Letters to the Editor The School Bell Last month Pog mentioned hearing the Northwold School bell. It has hung in the small tower on the School roof since 1873. Originally it rang in the same way as a church bell, going over the top, but one day the Headmaster looked up and saw the tower doing a jig in time with the bell. So it was altered to a system whereby the clapper was pulled by a rope. No bell ringing was allowed in the war, as bells were the signal of an invasion. When I came in 1960 the bell was not working at all. A local builder tried to fix it with a larger clapper, but this was too heavy and the rope broke. For some time the bell was silent. Then along came Dr Dittner with his rock-climbing gear, and up he went to dismantle it. After remodelling with a long arm for the rope it was reassembled and has worked since without any trouble. Not many old schools with bells are still in use. The only other one I have heard recently is on Norwich Grammar School. Jim Booty

Ron Deacon Writes Mr Pog in the August Village Life, mentions a very interesting book : A Glastonbury Romance, by a very interesting author, John Cowper Powys. Mr Powys who, died in 1963 aged 91, must have known Northwold, as the first two chapters of this book show very well. Mr Pog says that one of the Parsons was a relative of the author, but which one ? The book was published in 1933, and the time of the story, according to the author, “The Present”. The story starts with cousins Mary and John, coming to Northwold for the funeral of their Grandfather, Cannon Crow. Now; the story is pure

fiction, but, in a note by the author, he says, “The only two persons in any way connected with the author’s experience are Cannon Crow, and the London Architect, and of these, the former does not appear till after his death”. So who was Cannon Crow ? the vicar of Northwold? Is there a clue on the lectern in the Church? The words on the lectern say, “To the Glory of God and in remembrance of William Cowper Johnson, rector of Northwold 1880 1892”. Mr Powys, born in 1872 would have been alive at that time, and may well have known him, as he, Mr Powys, knew Northwold well. Another clue: John Powy’s Dad was a Vicar, and his Mum was descended from the Poet William Cowper, hence his middle name. And as the Rector Johnson’s middle name is also Cowper, they may well have been related. So I reckon that Cannon Crow in the book was really the Rev. William Cowper Johnson MA of Caius College, Cambridge,hon. Cannon of Norwich. Of course there are people in Northwold who know much more about this than I do, but others may find it interesting. How many people in the Village have read, “A Glastonbury Romance”? I read it some years ago. I would recommend it. It’s a good story and only 1120 pages long. I might read it again. Thanks Pog for reminding me of it. Ron Deacon

Parfitt House 11 Hovell’s Lane, Northwold 6thAugust 05 Dear Mr Parfitt, you wrote a most interesting piece in the recent issue of Page 10

Village Life, about the celebrations in Northwold for the peace of 1814. Unfortunately our ancestors were a bit premature with the celebrations! Napoleon escaped from Elba, returned to France, joyfully welcomed by an increasing army, the war was still on and all to do again. The true peace dates from 1815 after the battle of Waterloo thanks to the Duke of Wellington who called it a “Close run thing” which it was as the British Government had shipped large numbers of experienced and veteran troops to Canada. A medal, the Waterloo Medal dated 1815 was issued soon after the battle, but the military service medal dated 1793-1814 was, in the true Government style, not issued until 1848 by which time most of the recipients must have been “Dead or Daft” Yours sincerely, R. J. Rabett

Don’t Forget to support the family fun day! Sat 17th Sept Northwold Recreation Ground See front cover for full details

TPF

Property Maintenance Services Interior, Exterior Decorating, Carpentry, Wall & Floor Tiling, Wooden & Laminate Flooring Call Tim

01366 728 881

Home watch During the Bank Holiday a trailer belonging to Geoff Roberts was stolen from the location where it was stored in the village. At the time Geoff and his family were away. It was towed past his own house in broad daylight where it was seen by a resident who although he acted quickly was unable to prevent the theft. It is obvious that the person who was responsible for this theft, although not the person who actually took it, had knowledge of it’s whereabouts, and probably of Geoff's whereabouts as well. There are lessons to be learnt here. Firstly don’t have people on your property who you don’t know, if you can avoid it. Their eyes are everywhere and they sell this information to active criminals. Secondly don’t speak your personal business where other people can hear, and more to the point, Don’t shout other people’s business around. There are ears listening for these snippets, which may sound harmless but are in fact, dangerous and extremely costly to innocent hard working people like Geoff. A Home Watch member living in West Walton has reported being approached by a man offering cutpriced Silicon Roof Sealant. The man claimed it was surplus sealant from a job around the corner. The Home Watch member refused the offer and the man left.

Ford Transit Van index No NL02 DGE. If you or any of your neighbours are approached by this person or any other persons offering cut price materials (that they claim are left over from a previous job). Politely decline the offer as it is very likely that any materials or work carried out will be of very poor quality. Then please inform the police on 0845 4564567 that you have been approached by a possible Bogus Trader. Yesterday 24th Aug, between the hours of 9:20am & 1:30pm a property in Elm was broken into and a large quantity of jewellery was stolen. The perpetrators gained entry by forcing a ground floor Upvc window that had been left ajar but locked. They then left th rough the fro nt door. Please remind your members about the need to ensure that ground floor windows are fully closed and locked when the property is left unoccupied. Also, a tax disc was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Barroway Drove yesterday. This type of crime can be prevented by using a tamperproof tax disc holder, which is available from Downham Market Police Station. The e mail list is growing nicely But I could do with plenty more.

Mick

Summer holidays are now over and I hope you all had a great time. At the end of last term we said goodbye and good luck to 23 children who are leaving us to go up to ‘big‘ school, we gave them a fairwell party which they all seemed to enjoy. We welcome a few new children to ‘little normans’ during this term, which I’m sure will very quickly settle into pre-school life. We also said goodbye to Tina at the end of last term, Tina had been with the Pre-School for many years as a committee member, a Chairperson then recently as the Admin Manager. She will be greatly missed and we can only hope that the new administrator can do as good a job as you have Tina, (Oh that’s me isn’t it, well I will try, promise!). Thank you Tina for all your hard work above and beyond the call of duty. If you have a child(ren) of pre-school age and are interested in the Little Normans then please call in and collect one of our new information booklets or call 728804. The Pre-school opening hours are as follows: Mon 9am – 12pm Tues 9am – 3pm Wed 9am – 3pm Thurs 9am – 3pm Fri 9am – 12pm

Claire Cater See also Page 11 for more Pre School Reports. Ed.

The man who was accompanied by a woman and child was driving a white

MARK ROBERTS

BRIAN WATERS

Plumbing & Heating

YOUR LOCAL MILKMAN

Plumbing & Heating • Boiler Replacement Central Heating Installation Bathrooms/Showers • Water Softeners

TEL : 01366 728024 DEPOT : 01284 754720

ALL WORK & MATERIALS GUARANTEED REFERENCES AVAILABLE

Northwold ~ Foulden Feltwell ~ Methwold Methwold Hythe Mundford

01366 727344 Mobile 07887 646587

Telephone

Page 3

Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Bike Ride On 10th September, 2005 It’s that time of year again. The Bike Ride which will take place on 10th September. We need as many riders and sponsors as possible. The Trust raises money for preservation and ongoing repair to all Churches, regardless of denomination. Half the money raised by us will go to St. Andrew’s or to a church nominated by the rider. The other half being divided between the other churches/chapels within the County of Norfolk. Our main aim is to involve as many people, young and old and in particular our American friends. You can cycle or walk around the Norfolk Churches, in groups or by yourself, or meet us at the Church on the morning of the 10th. This is a great opportunity to blow the

dust off your bike, or finally agree with the children to go on that bike ride you’ve always promised them. To visit some of Norfolk’s beautiful Churches and also take in our wonderful countryside on the way. For further information please contact Angus Rae on (01366)727323

The Foolhardy Folk Circus

John Haylock

John Has had his knee operation and is now beginning to get about again, albeit with the aid of a walking stick. He has no doubt been missed in the village recently for not being able to do the countless bits and pieces which he does to help other people, at which he spends a great deal of time, not to mention his expertise on the bowling green, missing talents which are no doubt reflected in recent results. We hope he will soon be restored to full health. Ed.

The circus is back in town on Wednesday 14th September. They will be performing as usual on the Recreation ground. This company consists of a group of extremely hard working and talented people who are not having much fun from the current Beaurocracy. PLEASE SUPPORT THEM. Watch out for the posters for more information

A brand new Childs Bicycle has been stolen from outside a house in West End. Don’t leave your bikes unattended. This is not the first time this has happened in the village. Don’t make it easy for the Scum who do this sort of thing.

Comfort Inn

Thetford Road, Northwold. 2 Course Sunday Lunch £8.50 3 Course Sunday lunch £10.50

Weddings and all celebration parties catered for

For Bookings Tel. (01366) 728888

Nija Levis Advanced NO HANDS® Massage Practitioner

METCALFE C O P E M A N & P E T T E FA R S O L I C I TO R S - T H E T F O R D

currently on the mastery programme

We are an established East Anglian firm offering a friendly, efficient and personal service in all areas of the law from a modern and conveniently located office in a town with free parking. If you are moving house or wishing to plan for the future by making a Will, or require legal advice, then please call in and see us.

Telephone (01842) 756100 Page 4

Experience the unique powerful approach of NO HANDS® and discover that you can be free from the tension and stress you hold whether physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. NO HANDS® Massage can be deep, fast, slow, soft, gentle together we work out which style is right for you each time you have a treatment. Feel the effects for yourself with 50% Discount off your first treatment.

For bookings and further information Ring Nija on Northwold 727243

Century complaining of the (to us) unbelievable cruelty of times past – possibly even of other cultures that exist today. We will probably all be vegetarians in times to come – maybe the lion will learn to be so too and the Biblical prophecy of the lion lying down with the lamb will come to pass – but we are not there yet. In the meantime we can only do our best to care for God’s Creation as best we can, without mentally crucifying ourselves because we crush insects and plants every time we go for a country walk. Eventually we may be able to effectively subscribe to such high standards of care – but not yet. For now we should try to advance the standards that we have to higher and better levels. In this way, we will actually learn to know and to appreciate the beauty of Creation more and more. We will also unconsciously reveal more and more of our own beauty. Wordsworth wrote a poem with an impossible title – ‘Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Childhood’. I was told some years ago by a family friend who was an Anglican priest that aspects of this poem are heretical from a Christian standpoint – and it is the passage to which he took exception that I wish to quote – if it is heretical in word, it is not in Spirit! Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar: Not in entire forgetfulness, A nd no t in u tte r nakedness, But, trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy! If we can accept this version of our birth and our origins, then who can doubt that at that point we are beautiful. And the same applies to all of God’s Creation. The poem goes on to describe how we become soiled by our lives, imprisoned by our badness. But

nothing changes our fundamental nature. We tend to characterise some people as just evil through and through – we think of Hitler, Stalin, Milosevic and Saddam – but that really is too easy. What they did may have been inexcusably evil, but we cannot understand the reasons for them becoming like that – and we have to understand that inside they were still the pure human beings that they were at the moment they were born with Souls trailing clouds of glory from God. I like to remember that cynical, nasty man in Charles Dicken’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ – Sidney Carton. While not being of the evil calibre of the men named above, he was a rather nasty piece of work. But in the end that innate core of loving goodness emerges – and for the first time that he can remember he discovers that he is beautiful. By one act of love and caring, he totally redeems himself and throws off the viciousness that has always seemed to be his cloak. Those who have read the book will remember its last words – spoken by Sidney Carton as he awaits execution – It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; It is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known. It is for us all to remember our origins and to reflect on our destinations and to simply be our true selves in our relations with other people and with all of God’s creation. If you doubt your beautiful origin, you might care to think of a one line thought that Ralph Wright had. His brother was Abbott of Ampleforth, who wrote that ‘This prayer attracts me because it highlights the truth that only God understands the uniqueness which is each one of us’. Ralph wrote that when God made you there was silence for five minutes. Then God said ‘How come I never thought of that before?’

Keith MacLeod Licensed Lay Minister

Page 9

Services in September 4th September 11am Northwold Holy communion 9.30am Whittington. Service of the word

11th September 11am Northwold. Matins 9.30 Whittington. Communion

Holy

18th September 8am Northwold. Holy Communion 9.30 am Wretton. Service of the word

25th September 11am Northwold. Holy Communion 9.30am Whittington. Service of the word

Wedding

Married at the Church of St. Peter and St Paul at Swaffham on Saturday, 27th August. Fred Newell And Margaret Cole. All the best from all at Village Life

The Parishes of St. Andrew’s, Northwold, All Saints, Wretton with Stoke Ferry & Christ Church, Whittington Reader: Keith MacLeod, West Barn, Ryston Road, West Dereham. Tel. (01366) 500960 or 07766766137 email: [email protected]

Keith MacLeod’s Monthly Report September 2005 Anglican Church Letter The world is a beautiful place. Christians believe that we are made in the image of God and so we are beautiful as well. I don’t believe the aphorism that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, if that means that it lies ONLY in the eye of the beholder. Real beauty is not superficial at all – it is what you make of yourself. That statement is not accidental. All Christians – probably most theists – believe in a Creator God – and God knows that all he created is beautiful, however much dirt we cover ourselves in, however much we try our hardest to be less than beautiful. So, we may appear less than beautiful

to those whose perception is limited to our appearance at any particular moment. Actually most of us find ourselves less than beautiful, as we look back at the things we have thought and done. But God is more forgiving and sees the real us whether we like it or not. True happiness lies in knowing ourselves well enough to begin to comprehend God’s vision of us. The trick, of course, lies in getting to know ourselves that well – not easy, because typically we are extremely good at keeping ourselves hidden, even from ourselves. Perhaps beauty really does lie in the beholder, because the only way to see ourselves as beautiful is to discover that others see us in that way and to learn to see ourselves through their eyes. Mother Teresa was certainly not beautiful in the glamour mag sense

Page 8

by the time that she became famous throughout the world, but she was beautiful in every other sense because she cared for others and had not a care in the world for herself. If we care for God’s Creation enough, then we will reflect that beauty in ourselves and our own beauty will shine through. I am not an avid environmentalist or a member of the Green Party – I like meat, just as others of God’s creation like meat, but I dislike cruelty, in a way that others of God’s creatures could not understand. Our cat torments the mice or moles that it catches, without knowing it – but I do – so my meat eating and my other ‘animal’ instincts have to be moderated at all times by my understanding of Love and of caring. This moderation is partly the result of development – historical development – the extent of the moderation is progressive. It is no good us now in the 21st

Rita’s Ramblings Yet another month has gone by and it is time to put fingers to keyboard again. Last weekend I spent a lovely weekend with my sister near Banbury. There is nearly a five year age gap between us and for a long time all we did was exchange Christmas and Birthday cards, meet up very occasionally and have the odd telephone call. It wasn’t that we didn’t get on – it was more of a case that other things got in the way!! A couple of years ago we suddenly discovered that those ‘other things’ were suddenly of relatively low importance and we got to know each other again. Since then we have made the time to meet up (without our respective husbands) and chat about all manner of things. We talk long into the night over a glass or two of wine and we certainly put the world to rights! Although we do tend to go to bed rather late (or is early next morning) we manage to get up at a reasonable time and, once we have had a pleasant breakfast, we try and visit a local attraction. This time we walked around an area that was once part of a large estate. The house itself is not particularly big but it has the intrigue of various wings and a significant stabling area. Unfortunately it is not open to the public and, therefore, it is difficult to find out the history behind the bricks. I find such buildings fascinating and am soon transported into another time - wondering who could be alighting from the coach, where they have come from and what life they must lead. The parkland and gardens around the house have obviously been sold in the past. Was it due to the lack of available labour after

the end of World War One or was it to pay off gambling debts? Today, those same parklands have been the subject of a 20th century makeover and are a wonderful example of a wellcontrolled nature reserve and recreation area. On a beautifully warm summers’ day we walk beneath the cool canopy of various deciduous and coniferous trees including one that is believed to be over 200 years old! I wonder who has sheltered under those branches in days gone by – were there any secret assignations? The walk takes us past a murky looking lake – but when we stop to peer into the water the sight of several large, dark fish swimming around rewards us. The literature says that we could be looking at either carp, tench, roach or perch; we cannot tell the difference but it is enough for us to watch the sinuous shape move stealthily through the water. As we wander further into the woods we catch sight of a couple of fallow deer, complete with intricate ‘hat racks’. They sense our presence and slowly move away. We pass through the area where dragonflies and damselflies are likely to be seen but we catch not a glimpse of these colourful creatures. I am still hoping that we will be lucky when my sister alerts me to a small herd of fallow deer. The stag has probably heard our approach and is standing, with head in the air, and looking in our direction. Although we stand still the herd has become nervous and the youngsters start to seek out the reassurance of their respective does. Inevitably, they all begin to move away to a safer environment – all except one of the youngsters who carries on grazing. A few seconds later food takes second place and it quickly trots away to follow the rest of the herd. Our moment of magic is passed. As we continue to follow the path

Page 5

around the lake we come across the rebuilt summerhouse. The roof is now tiled but was it originally like this – or was it thatched? It is set close to the shore of the lake but the view from its interior is now marred by the presence of a young ash tree. As I gaze upon the surface of the water I can almost hear the laughter of those for whom it was built. I imagine the grassy banks leading to the cool water with blankets spread out. Perhaps some of the young men would be at the adjacent well collecting water, the young ladies unpacking the baskets full of rich food. Perhaps one of them had been to the boathouse and collected whatever boat was kept within its confines and was now waving from the centre of the lake. Perhaps my imagination is getting too far fetched! Towards the end of the walk we see the icehouse – the forerunner of the modern refrigerator. What a clever idea – no electric bill to pay and no environmentally unfriendly appliance to dispose of when it failed to work. Mind you, collecting the ice from the lakes on frosty mornings in the winter cannot have been all that enjoyable. The final part of our walk took us along the walls of the estate – no mean feat in themselves. Our walk had certainly sharpened our appetites and we appreciated the convenience with which we could eat in the local hostelry and travel home along the highways and byways of the modern concrete jungle – something that would certainly not have been available to those laughing youngsters in the summerhouse! Until next month, take care

Rita

Our Pas t According To POG Aka Mike Coley

The names of our thoroughfares have changed over the years, generally as a matter of convenience I suspect. An example of this is seen in the fact that, in my day Inghams Lane was known to us as Shipps Common, named after Billy Shipp ( one of two Bakers in the village at that time ) who’s bakery was at the top of the lane. His predecessor was a chap named ‘Thorpe’ and appropriately enough his property was then referred to, in the early 1900s at least, as Thorpes Yard. But now it’s ‘Inghams Lane’, so exactly ‘Who’ and ‘What’ was Ingham? ( do let me know if you can, it’s really bugging me !!! Thetford Road’ was always called ‘The Top Road’, not a status thing you understand but merely a reference to it’s proximity to the village. The lane that we now know as ‘Church Lane’ was previously known as ‘Cemetery Lane’ as the ‘old boneyard’ that acted as a churchyard overspill was situated along there. It wasn’t replaced by the current cemetery until the 1st World War, when the first burial therein was indeed a war grave. ‘Methwold Road’ was known as Chapel Lane as the Primitive Methodists worshiped along there, as did I at times with my Aunt when I was a little boy. The Eastern end of ‘School Lane’ used to be called ‘Back Street’ ( probably to differentiate it from the ‘High Street’ which runs adjacent to it ) Old Art Jones kept his dairy herd on a field along there and next to that was the original Fendick Field, given to the school by the Lord of the Manor. From the junction near the Norman School runs Hall Lane, this has been called at different times, Little School Lane and Old Post Office Lane. ‘Common Drove’ was simply called the Common in my day and although it no longer offered commoners rights to villagers, it was well used for grazing livestock. ‘Roy Jenkinson’ for one used to drive a dairy herd from his

farm at the ‘Four Cross Ways’ ( the cross roads on Methwold Road ) to pasture across the ford in the morning and back again in the evening. Further along the ‘High Street’ and past the church, is the track that begins at ‘Riverside’ which gives pedestrian access through to Foulden via the ‘Big River Bridge’ ( and at one time through the kissing gates ). This has always been called, by ‘local yokels’ like us, ‘Hymer Drove’, but it’s a c t u a l l y n a me d ‘ H i g h M o o r Drove’ ( this seeming mispronunciation is a dialect thing, it’s just the way we speak, so understand that spoken Norfolk is ‘phonetic’ and has little or nothing to do with any written text ) Like the ‘Common’, its fields have produced crops from time to time but it’s been used predominantly for grazing ( at least the Northwold end has ), and like the ‘Common’ it also fords the Little River. It was here that ‘Tom Dowling’ would drive ‘’Art Jones’ dairy herd twice daily, to and fro between Hymer’s green pastures and their milking parlour opposite the village hall. ‘Flat Fen’ ( on the outskirts of little London ) was the prettiest of all the droves that gave access to the river, Dreadfully, Terribly, Appallingly, having been allowed to revert to nature, it no longer exists. At least the drove that we called ‘Flat Fen’ doesn’t, in fact it was the whole area which gave it that name and its fields belonged to the Dilton Estate. ‘Pinfold Lane’ ( which runs from the Western end of School Lane to the bottom of Chalk Pit Hill ) is still officially called just that, but to longer term residents it has always been referred to as ‘Fair Lane’. The reason being that there was an annual fair held along there in days gone by. Memories of such events go back a long, long way, sometimes to the extent that these recollections are little more than a folk memory to most. Though in the rural mindset, that would not diminish the reality of it in any way. The Fair had been an important highlight in the lives of many and it was traditionally held to coincide with Saint Andrews Day, November 30th . (significant to us as our Church is named after that particular Saint)

Page 6

The fair was held on the western-most fields which run up from the old “George and Dragon” public house at West End, and beyond the cottages where Dubby Royal lived. We should bear in mind that at this time, even the main street was not made up with a hard surface as it is today, being mainly sand and rubble that would suit horse drawn traffic to a tee. Carts and wagons were comparatively noisy vehicles by the standards of the day, but should someone be unwell in the vicinity, the farmers would strew straw on the road to deaden the sound. But back to the fair, it was quite something and popular with everyone, regardless of age and demeanour. It boasted favourite attractions that included ‘Swinging Boats’ the ‘Cake Walk’ and a ‘Coconut Shy’, ‘Candy Floss’ was popular, as were the ‘Toffee Apples’ and locally produced ‘Rock'. As well as the fair itself, other social events were staged in the village hall, which all went toward making that time a real celebration, a festival almost. I think that it was the War that brought things to an end ( as it did so many past traditions ) but it had always been prominently placed on the village calendar as ‘something not to be missed’ The enduring memory of its unofficial name ( Fair Lane ) is therefore unsurprising, however it’s equally unsurprising that the official name ‘Pinfold Lane’ remains only as a ‘By the By’. You see it was never likely to strike a chord in any-ones heart as it’s named after something that was considered necessary, but which would not be altogether welcomed by everyone. A Pinfold you see was simply a Pound into which stray animals would be placed until their owners came up with a fee for their retrieval. ( just like the pound where you may be unfortunate enough to find your car today after it’s been towed away by the police ) ‘Hey ho’, that’s it for this time together, they keep on changing things but I shall still be Looking Forward to Looking Back with you again next time round, all being well. Til then Best Wishes Pog

River Watch By Ivor Hook The evenings are getting noticeably shorter. Already the signs of Autumn are obvious. Leaves are turning brown and some have already fallen and are floating downstream giving an indication of the current. There is a coolness and dampness in the air. Another season of the year is awakening. For many fisherman this is a favourite time. Fish are now fully recovered from spawning and in their best condition. Many will soon be seeking out more peaceful waters in bays and pools away from the full force of the river. Likewise other fish will be finding the shelter of deep dark holes and in such places the perch can be found. The perch has the most effective camouflage of all fish with bold vertical black stripes down its body making their presence difficult to register against a background of reeds. Thus as predators they are ideally suited to lay in wait for unsuspecting smaller fish. Whole shoals of prey fish can often be seen jumping out of the water when being chased by hungry perch. Whilst walking on top of the river bank wild fowl scatter from the reeds. Had they stayed there their presence would have been unnoticed. The grass and undergrowth is still tall and now wet from the afternoon rain. Toadstools are everywhere obviously thriving on the conditions. A breeze breaks up the surface of the water. Various openings to the riverbank bring back memories of past days previously spent in each and of the

wildlife watched. As I stand in one narrow swim a large rat appears from behind, scampers over my foot and slides into the river without making any noise whatsoever. It paddles across the river and then climbs the opposite bank. A flock of geese open their ranks to let the rat pass. Now I am aware of noises in the reeds around me and I imagine more rats waiting to make the river crossing so its time to move on. The light is now disappearing. An adjacent field is still being harvested as the farmer races against the clock. Farm vehicles drive slowly and purposely up and down. A green woodpecker makes its strange up and down flight into the trees. Several bats compete with the swifts swooping and diving. As they seem to speed up it is difficult to recognise which is which. The time is right for the large white owl who is often spotted on a nearby farm gate but he is missing tonight. Instead a grey heron appears with its large wingspan just gliding on the breeze and looking somewhat ghostly in the faint light. The last few minutes of a firey sunset remains on the skyline and the combine harvester now turns on its lights and briefly shows up two hares who promptly disappear into the hedgerow. The sun is now lost and the moon will soon take over. It’s time to go home. Today was not a fishing day - just a lazy hour ambling alongside our own river Wissey. For me such a simple time always refreshes the mind and puts values back into prospective!

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS D.E.T. T.V. Service - Repairs to TV’s, VCR’s and Microwaves. Fast reliable service. John Clifford. 01842 878486. Feeling Stressed? Why not treat yourself (Or someone else) to a relaxing massage by a fully qualified Therapist. Fully BABTAC recognised and insured. Gift vouchers available. Body massage £17.50p (1 hour), Back massage, £12.50p (half hour). Contact Shelly Farrow on 01366 388835 or 07881 904099. E.G. Dack Approved Electrician 25 years Experience Small Jobs Electrical Tel. 01366 728118 Mobile 07766637077 B.R. Garden Services, mini-digger hire (self-drive or with driver), holiday home maintenance, foundations and driveways, grass cutting service, turf laying and pruning. 07774 724366. Local collector seeking old fishing books. Also old rods and reels. Fair price paid. Please telephone 727081 Mobile Beauty Therapist. Fully Qualified and Insured. (Female Clients only) Offering a wide range of beauty treatments in the comfort of your own home. Also including beauty and bridal packages available; and more. Call Suzanne for an appointment or enquiries. Tel 01366 328192. Mobile 07730550415

Ivor

DIDLINGTON NURSERIES

GARY BOYCE

QUALITY RETAIL AND CATERING BUTCHER, est. 1985 25, High Street (next to Fire Station) Methwold, Thetford, Norfolk Tel 01366 728512 (or Fax 01366 728883 anytime)

Why not visit our walled in garden Nursery Cut Flowers always Flowers Available. A Vast selection of trees and shrubs Find us situated between Northwold and Foulden, Tel 01842878288 Est. 1962

Prime Barley Fed Beef (11/13 months old), Pork, Lamb, direct from the farm (locally). All our meat is prepared to the highest standard & cut to customer’s requirements. Norfolk pork sausages made by Mr Dennis Self, formerly of Waters Butchers, Stoke Ferry. We also offer a delicatessen counter of traditional cooked hams, also home cooked quiches, pork pies, Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and much more. On the sweet side of the pastries we offer a large selected of Curtis of Lincoln cakes. Opening times are: 9am-1pm British bacon, unsmoked and smoked, dry Monday cured - no added water. A range of Tuesday 8am-1pm, 2pm-5.30pm English and continental cheeses plus our Wednesday 8am-1pm usual range of cooked meets, once again Thursday 8am-1pm, 2pm-5.30pm cut to your requirements by our team of Friday 8am-1pm, 2pm-5.30pm friendly staff. Saturday 7.30am-1pm

Page 7