Help Yourself
Its Completely
A Free newspaper supporting Mid-Norfolk communities
Issue No. 155 incorporating The Wayland News and Attleborough & District News March 2010
Thousands
more homes
for Griston?
News that the Ministry of Defence
has declared the airfield at RAF
Watton surplus to the requirements
Picture Supplied of the Defence Training Estate has
raised fears that the site could end up
in the hands of housing developers
Pupils of Year 3, Caston Primary School present Watton
and bring thousands more new
Rotary Club President Richard Akister £763 raised to help
homes to the area in the long term.
victims in Haiti. Watton Rotary will use the money in support
Speaking about the airfield an MOD
of the “Shelter Box Appeal” Full story on page 3
spokesman said:
“The site is surplus to the
requirements of the Defence
Attleborough & Training Estate and the MOD is
considering its suitability for any
District Horticultural
wider military requirement.
“If no MOD requirement is
identified, the site will be placed on
Society
the Register of Surplus Public Sector
Land held by Department for
Communities and local Government
The Society meets monthly at Attleborough Junior School, Besthorpe enabling another public body to
Road, Attleborough on the third Wednesday in the month at 7.30pm. purchase the site at market value. In
Guest speakers cover a wide range of topics mostly, but not exclusively, parallel to this, the site will be
linked to horticulture. In addition the society runs both Spring and considered for any requirement to
Autumn Shows and a Rose and Sweet Pea Show in June. offer the site back to the former
Guests and new members are always very welcome to come along and owner under the Crichel Down
enjoy the talks in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The March rules.”
meeting takes place on 17th March and the speaker is Len Speller who The Crichel Down rules are non-
will be presenting "Images of Japan". statutory guidance which requires
FREE!
that all surplus land acquired by, or
under threat of, compulsion is
offered back to former owners or
their successors. The airfield was
originally farmland that was
acquired for the construction of RAF
Watton around 1936/37, therefore
according to the guidance, attempts
will be made to trace the successors
of the original owners who will, in
effect have first refusal on the land.
The spokesman continued “Only if
these processes have been completed
with no buyer identified will the site
be placed on the open market.”
The airfield is an area of
approximately 500 acres and as
agricultural land would be worth
about £3m, but with even part of as
development land, its value could
rocket to more than £200m
Breckland Council Chairman, John
Rogers, said: “The site is outside the
Local Development Framework
boundary and will not be developed
in the immediate future; of course
one cannot say what might happen in
the long term.”
Continued on page 2
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 2
West Norfolk
Aviation Society
The West Norfolk Aviation Society met on 2nd February for their
Reaching out
AGM, Chairman Rod Rumsby in his report reviewed the activities of We are fortunate to
the past year and thanked the committee for their efforts in maintaining live in a society that
the viability of the society, and looked forward to a varied programme enjoys a diverse
of speakers and visits in the coming year. He concluded by thanking the cultural base. And for
membership for their continuing support. some time we have
The treasurer reported that the Society‟s finances where in a healthy wanted to reach out
state, even after investing in a number of items for the Societies use, and to th e mi gr a nt
that the subscription will remain at £10 pa. communities and include some of their
Secretary David Allen reported that membership had remained roughly news and views in the paper.
the same in recent years, but urged the necessity to see the level With the help of Tina Cruz (pictured),
increase. The meeting continued with Part 2 The true story of the B-17 who originally comes from Portugal, in
bomber “Memphis Belle”. Next meeting Tuesday 2nd March 7.30pm at this issue (centre page) of the Mid-
Methwold Social Club when the speaker will be Dick Russell on Norfolk Times is the first of what I
“Victor Inflight Refuelling” . Guests and new members welcomed, for hope will become regular news items
more details, phone:01842 879210 from her community. To help our
regular readers we will endeavour to
publish the piece in both languages.
If you have contacts with, or are part of
a migrant community, why not get in
touch and let everyone know what is
happening in your society and what
problems and issues you face.
Thousands more homes for Griston?
Continued from page 1
One opportunity that might present itself
in years to come is the “eco town”
concept which is being explored at
Rackheath near Norwich. The idea is to
create new sustainable developments,
designed to the highest environmental
standards.
Speaking about the news, local estate
agent Tim Mullenger said “What is
needed is planned development with the
infrastructure to support it.
“At the moment we have piecemeal
development with roads and other
Wed 10 March 2010 facilities lagging behind residential
growth when in reality they should
happen first.
Free support and advice from “A prime example is the roundabout on
the Norwich Road. That should have
Total Health Pharmacy been in place long before any of the
• Nicotine Replacement Therapies houses on Blenheim Grange were built.
Mr Mullenger continued “If developed, I
• Free consultation with NHS Cignificant
Smoking Advisor
•
•
Reflexology and Homeopathy Special Offers
Quit packs from www.nosmokingday.org.uk
Shop in
Plus comfort
at Watton Country Market
FREE At the time of writing it takes some
imagination to envisage what our stalls
Carbon Monoxide will look like by the end of March. While
small amounts of winter vegetables have
reading to test
been coming in throughout February by
your lungs the end of March our plant producers will
be back with a wide range of goods to
entice you. If the weather is kind early
Visit us today and spring vegetables will be arriving too.
Our usual array of baked goods, jams,
stop smoking for good.
preserves, honey, and fresh eggs are
available every week, while our crafters
continue to delight with their very
reasonably priced hand made goods:
knitwear, jewellery, greetings cards and
turned wood items and toys. The Market is
open in the front hall of the Watton
Christian Community Centre (next door to
14 Gregor Shanks Way, Watton Tel : 01953 881157 the Methodist Church) every Wednesday
from 8.30 to 11.30 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 12
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK noon the Methodist ladies serve coffee in
Mon to Fri 8am to 11pm Sat & Sun 8am to 8.30pm the rear hall. So why not come and shop in
comfort and then enjoy a coffee without
even leaving the building? We are happy to
keep your purchases under our counter
while you enjoy your coffee and many of
our regular customers take advantage of this
service, especially during the plant season.
Images supplied with permission from No Smoking day
Reaching Out (Portuguese)
Temos sorte de viver numa sociedade
que goza de uma ampla base cultural. E
há algum tempo que queríamo-nos fazer
chegar às comunidades imigrantes e
incluir algumas das suas notícias e
opiniões no nosso jornal.
Com a ajuda de Tina Cruz, que é
originária de Portugal, nesta edição da
Mid-Norfolk Times é a primeira do que
espero que venham a tornar-se notícias
regulares da sua comunidade. Para ajudar
os nossos leitores regulares faremos o
possível para publicar a peça em ambas
as línguas.
Se você tem contatos com, ou faz parte
de uma comunidade de imigrantes,
porque não entrar em contato e deixar
que todos saibam o que está a acontecer
em sua sociedade e quais os problemas e
as questões que você enfrenta.
tina.wattonfamilysupport@live.co.uk
would like to see a carefully designed
plan that included a road from near the
Flying Fish in Carbrooke to Barn Ruche
Corner with access into Blenheim Grange
and the Lovell Gardens area. “This would
take much of the pressure off the top end
of town at rush hour and lead to a more
pleasant environment and improved
business opportunities in the High Street.
There are plans in conjunction with
Sustrans to construct a Lottery funded
cycleway and footpath from Griston to
Watton along the southern boundary of
the airfield, but progress has been slow
due to restrictions and conditions being
imposed by the MOD because of the
proximity of the cycleway to the airfield.
The People‟s Lottery fund awarded the
money to complete the scheme over a
year ago, but there is a very real danger
that delays caused the MOD could lead to
the loss of the money.
Making good
progress for Marathon
Marathon training for local pharmacist
Geoff Ray is going well as he prepares
for The 2010 Virgin London Marathon
on Sunday 25th April
Despite vowing never to run the London
Marathon again after 2006 ,Geoff is
steadily working towards his goal of raising
£2,000 in aid of the East Anglian Air
Ambulance (Registered charity number
1083876) which receives no government or
lottery funding and relies upon fundraising
to provide a vital emergency service to our
rural area 365 days a year
Training in all weathers Geoff is aiming to
finish in a respectable time and is putting in
several days training a week. Following a
structured running programme, he is
Wayland Radio 107.3 FM
Do you have an event or regular meeting you would like to advertise?
Wayland Radio is keen to promote the many and varied events which take place in our
community and this service is FREE.
All you need to do is either email sue@waylandradio.com or write to Wayland Radio,
The Stables, Swaffham Road, Ashill, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7BT giving full details of
the event and your contact details. Please give at least seven days notice and we‟ll do
our best to put your event in our What‟s on Diary. Let Wayland Radio help you to
make a difference in your community. www.waylandradio.com
News
Reaching Out (Polish)
Mamy szczęście żyć w społeczeństwie,
które cieszy się różne kultury bazy. A
od pewnego czasu chcieliśmy dotrzeć
do społeczności migrantów i obejmują
część swoich wiadomości i opinie na
papierze.
Dzięki Tina Cruz, która pochodzi z
Portugalii, w tym numerze Mid-
Norfolk Times pierwsze, co mam
nadzieję, że będzie regularnie
Wiadomości ze swojej społeczności.
A b y p o m ó c n a s z y m s t a ł yc h
czytelników postaramy się
opublikować kawałek w obu językach.
Jeśli masz kontakty z, lub są częścią
społeczności imigrantów, dlaczego by
nie wziąć w kontakcie i niech każdy
wie, co się dzieje w społeczeństwie i
jakie problemy i zagadnienia, jakie
możesz napotkać.
Mr Rogers, who is District and County
Councillor for Griston and Carbrooke, the
two parishes most likely to be affected by
any sale said “It is frustrating that the
Ministry of Defence are insisting on high
grade fencing alongside the proposed
Griston to Watton Cycleway to keep
people out of the airfield”
“This requirement has increased the cost
of the project considerably and caused
substantial delay and yet, if it is no longer
to be used as part of the training area,
would appear to be completely
unnecessary.”
The disposal of the airfield will
undoubtedly mean that 611 Volunteer
Gliding Squadron, featured in this paper a
few months ago, will have to find a new
home although it not expected that the
future of 864 (Watton ) Squadron ATC
will be affected.
combining long runs with shorter interval
training to build up his strength and
stamina. Says Geoff “I‟m trying to be
sensible and not overdo the training and so
far it is going well. People keep asking me
what time I will finish in but I‟m more
focused on just finishing!”
To support Geoff and help him to reach
his target, sponsorship or donations can
be made at Total Health Pharmacy, 14
Gregor Shanks Way, Watton (opposite
the Watton Medical Practice) or by
visiting www.justgiving.com/geoffray
For more information about The East
Anglian Air Ambulance contact them on
0845 066 9999 or check out
www.eaaa.org.uk
News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 3

Watton Bessie makes her Century

Rotary Any student of the 20th and 21st cart or a farmers wagon,

Roundup
As we went to press last month we
were hurriedly making
arrangements and obtaining licences
for street collections to raise cash
for the ShelterBox Trust in order to
help boost the numbers of boxes full
of tents and essential living
equipment being sent to the
earthquake stricken people of Haiti.
The result was a superb response
from the good folk of Watton and
Wayland. Assisted in our task by
our sister club, Inner Wheel, the
street collection on the Wednesday
morning realised £1469.30 and the
following Saturday morning our
collecting boxes weighed in at
£1185.82. It did help that on both
occasions we had a ShelterBox tent
and contents on display in the centre
of town – people could see precisely
what their donations were paying
for.
The following week, our President,
Richard Akister, was invited to St
Peter & St Paul primary school,
Carbrooke, to receive a cheque for
£650. The children had been
fundraising for ShelterBox ever
since we had demonstrated one in
the school‟s assembly hall last
November. They more than
exceeded their target and they are
still fundraising! We then received
the cost of a ShelterBox (£490) from
St Mary‟s Church and a generous
local resident gave us money for a
complete box. Inner Wheel matched
another private donation to make up
a box, and at their January meeting,
the local branch of the National
Farmers Union raised £502.30 for
the ShelterBox Trust via Watton
Rotary.
With news of the Haiti disaster,
Class 3 of Caston Primary School
reme mbered the ShelterBox
demonstration we did in the school
last year and they quickly arranged
and organised fundraising events,
determined to raise enough for a
ShelterBox. They actually raised
£753 and, made up with other
receipts we have had, we will be
pleased to see that 2 ShelterBoxes
go to Haiti in the name of Caston
School. The picture on the front
centuries would admit that the world though she particularly
has changed incredibly, but to have remembers one particular walk
witnessed those changes first hand is home from school.
equally amazing, a feat that “It was on my way home during
centenarian Bessie Gibb of Crows World War I when I looked up
Farm, Stow Bedon can now lay claim and saw what I thought was a
to. German Zeppelin overhead. I
Bessie was born in Sporle near was sure they were here to
Swaffham on the 12th January 1910 bomb us and became really
and recently celebrated her upset. Fortunately, a local lady
landmark 100th birthday with the comforted me and pointed out
traditional tele-message from HM that it was actually a British
Queen Elizabeth II. Until the age of airship!”
96 Mrs Gibb lived in her bungalow World War II took Mrs Gibb
in Watton and was a keen gardener away from Norfolk for a while
well into her 90‟s! as her husband worked in
Some of her earliest memories airfield construction with John
centre on her childhood growing up Laing but soon returned to the
in Sporle. She clearly remembers, county of her birth. When asked
at the age of 3, how The Street in what the most impressive
Sporle was so flooded that the invention was in her mind, she
water level reached to a man‟s said “Electricity! Although I
waist as he waded down the road. didn‟t have it in any of the
Residents of Swaffham will smile homes I lived in until 1953.”
to learn that Mrs Gibb also recalls a With two children, six grand-
time when the market town boasted children and nine great grand-
a vehicular population of three! children there is certainly no
Of course transportation in the early shortage of people to share her
1900‟s was very much more sedate. memories with, and her secret?
Her daily three mile walk to and Apparently the glass of sherry
from school was occasionally aided before bed is a must!
by a ride on the local rag and bone Report by Nigel Kerr Picture Supplied
Breckland Flower and Garden Club
Members enjoyed Dulcie Lofting's The next meeting will be the AGM and will
demonstration at February's meeting in Old be held on Thursday 11 March starting at
Buckenham Village Hall. Her title - In the 2pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall. There
Beginning - embraced both traditional and will also be a mini-demonstration and quiz.
modern designs and demonstrated her love The competition title is „Tulips from
of foliage as well as flowers which Amsterdam‟ and a trophy will be awarded to
included roses, anemones, lilies and green the best exhibit including spring flowers.
chrysanthemums. There will also be a bring-and-buy stalls
Red dominated the competition table for a for yellow and Spring items.
Valentines arrangement entitled Hearts and Visitors will be very welcome. Further
Flowers. The New Hands class was won by details from Pat on 01953 457305 or Sally
Margaret Smith and the Old Hands class by 01953 788712.
Patricia Barton who was also awarded the News from Old Buckenham Blog
Christine Hewson trophy for best exhibit. http://oldbuckenham.blogspot.com/
BUY ONE PIZZA &
SS Peter & Paul GET 1 PIZZA FREE
with this voucher
C.E.V.C. School
Collection or Delivery. Valid on Mondays
to Thursdays until 30TH March 2010
Terms and Conditions apply
Carbrooke
01953 884141

page shows President Richard with

Class 3 after receiving the
magnificent cheque on 12th
February.
Within a few days of the earthquake
1,930 ShelterBoxes had arrived in
Haiti; within a month 10.000 have
been sent from ShelterBox Trust
depots all around the World. 1,000s
more are needed. Altogether, some
13 ShelterBoxes have been funded
through Watton Rotary - that's
shelter and essential equipment for
130 homeless persons. It‟s a small
part of the total but it all adds up, so
Thank You One and All.
Meanwhile, our regular activities,
social, fundraising and a bit of
both continue. A „bit of both‟
happens on March 12th, when we
are having another “Jazz at the
Queens Hall” concert featuring
DixieMix. Tickets are available
from Adcocks on the Watton High
Street and remain at £10 incl a
light supper. Don‟t miss it!
Just after we got back to school
from our Christmas holiday we
had a very strange happening in
our playground. We got to
school to find something had
built a nest and laid very large
eggs in it. We had the police
come and tape it off with a scene
of crime investigation tent and
two scientists came to tell us
about the nest and to see if they
could identify the eggs. Since
then some of the eggs have
„hatched‟.
On Monday 8th February all of
the key stage 2 children, teachers
and some very brave parents
went (very early) off to London.
They visited the Natural History
Museum to see if they could
discover anymore about the nest
and what could have made it.
They saw all sorts of dinosaurs
and they all have their own ideas
Full Takeaway Menu at:
as to the identity of the nest www.italianjobs.co.uk
maker. Also while they were in Voucher Terms and Conditions: You must mention the voucher
London they visited the National when ordering and present the voucher when paying. Offers
available for delivery are subject to a £1 delivery charge.
Portrait Gallery which caused
much discussion. The coach also
took them site seeing around
some well known sites. A good
LARGE CHEESE &
day was had by all and everyone
came home safely.
TOMATO PIZZA £5.99
By the time you read this our with this voucher
year 5 and 6 will be on their Holt Collection only
Residential weekend where I am Valid until 30TH March 2010
sure they will be having a Terms and Conditions apply
fantastic time. Also in March we
have the Hockham football and
netball tournament and our
Friends meeting is on 25th
March at 7.30.
If you would like to know more
about our nest please go to our
website where there is a full
story with photographs. http://
www.schooltest.2upltd.co.uk/
news.html
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 4
Tomato – Tomayto
Cook Wanted
for Lime Tree Walk
every Tuesday
Gardening in Navasota, Texas with Helen Quin
Please contact Alice
on 01953 880928 “Thunder in February, Frost in
April”! Oh say it ain‟t so! The
Or June on 07743 283 032
garden is in recovery, and
beginning to look better. Nice heads
on the Calabrese, the Swiss Chard
has come on a treat, and the onions
are really growing. I pulled some
small green ones today for lunch,
and they are so sweet. Snails took
every last cauliflower and Brussels
sprouts plant. The strawberries have
surprised me – they are doing well,
and came through the big freeze
unscathed. They are of the ever-
bearing type, and have been
producing and throwing out runners
for well over a year now. Herbs for
the kitchen at this time include
r o s e m a r y, p a r s l e y, c i l a n t r o ,
oregano, various kinds of mint,
arugula, sorrel, and my faithful bay
tree. Not so lucky this winter was
the lemon grass, but I managed to
pick some and freeze it before the
mother plant succumbed to the
cold. We have now passed the
recommended planting time for
spinach and “English” Peas, but
most of the cabbage family can be
planted through March. March is
really a major planting month,
when the cucumbers, tomatoes,
celery, sweet corn, green beans,
lima beans, pinto beans, and
summer and winter
squash all go in the
ground (with suitable
portable frost
protection available,
of course, since it
thundered in
February!)
Bluebirds have been
scouting for potential
nesting places for the
past couple of
months. As a new
member of the Texas
Bluebird Society I
recently learned an
interesting trick to
attract them to the
garden. They are
cavity nesters,
needing a ready-built
home to move into,
hence the popularity of specially
designed nesting boxes. As they
swoop around the neighbourhoods
looking for a home, they are readily
attracted to a black “bullseye”
target painted on the roof of the box
and will likely check it out, and
return with their mate to move in
and raise a family. The air is
coming alive with birdsong and
even though it is still colder than
usual, there is a feeling of spring.
The Earth-Kind Landscaping method
is very popular here now. Developed
by Texas A&M University
horticulturists (just up the road from
where I live), it uses research-proven
techniques to provide maximum
garden and landscape enjoyment
while preserving and protecting the
environment. The objective of Earth-
Kind Landscaping is to combine the
best of organic and traditional
gardening and landscaping principles
to create a horticultural system based
on real world effectiveness and
environmental responsibility. Earth-
Kind Landscaping encourages
landscape water conservation,
landscaping for energy conservation,
reduction of landscape wastes
entering landfills, and reduction of
fertilizer and pesticide use. The
program started out with roses, and is
now branching out into vegetables,
shrubs, and trees, to ensure that plants
of all types are available for all the
diverse climates of Texas, and
eventually, the whole USA. With all
this interest in gardening in Texas,
the majority of people still want what
they perceive as an “English Cottage
Garden”!
Pictured is an Eastern Bluebird –
photo from Wiki-commons
Advertising
Easter
Bingo in aid
Teenage
Cancer
Trust
An Easter Bingo night is to be held
in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust
In memory of Christopher Earp, on
Friday 26th March at Wells Cole
Community Centre, Saham Toney.
Doors open 7pm and eyes down at
7.30pm with excellent prizes to be
won. There will be a Raffle and
Refreshments.
The Teenage Cancer Trust is a
Registered Charity working with
Add enbrookes Ho spital in
Cambridge to build a £2 million
specialised 10 bed unit dedicated to
caring for 13 to 24 year olds
undergoing treatment for cancer.
Currently teenagers aged 16 years
and over have to be treated on adult
wards with older patients. This unit
will include a combination of in-
patient, out-patient and day care
beds. It will be equipped with the
latest technology and will also
incorporate a kitchen to help teens
prepare their own food. £1 million
needs to be raised locally; TCT has
contributed the remaining funds
needed for this unit.
Please come and support this sixth
fundraising Bingo being held in
memory of Christopher Earp who
sadly lost his battle in February 2006.
Registered Charity No. 1062559
News
Swaffham Museum reopened
Swaffham Museum was reopened on
February 13th by Norfolk raconteur
Keith Skipper, ready for a new
season with brand new displays
including a 2010 special exhibition
entitled “Collectors and Collecting”.
This exhibition celebrates famous
and some, not so famous, collectors
from the Swaffham area and their
passion for all manner of items from
fossils to butterflies, sea shells to
orange wrappers and typewriters to
farm implements. Also represented
are collectors of wild flowers, coins,
medals, badges and glass
Visitors to the museum will also be
able to listen to Monique Slaven
describe her amazing collection of
metal detector finds on their new
Audio P res entation, visi t a
Lights, Camera,
Auction! St. John
eBay store opens in Breckland
Passion at
Thetford
Unwanted Christmas presents can
pose an awkward problem for
thousands of people at this time of
year. Now a Norfolk entrepreneur
has come up with a way to get rid of
those unwanted items on the internet
– and with a minimum of hassle.
Breckland‟s first eBay drop-off store
allows people who are too busy - or
too baffled by the internet - to bring
in their goods and have them sold by
a professional for a commission.
Former IT Director, David Riches,
37, got the idea for “The Selling
Shop” whilst working in America,
where drop-off stores have proved a
massive hit.
"I have always been a massive eBay
fan, selling our end of life IT
equipment on line, as well as
purchasing items to kit out new
business ventures. However, it is
very time consuming to do, and
unless you know what you are doing,
it‟s very easy to get it wrong”
He added: "There is a big market for
this. People who just can't be
bothered with the hassle of dealing
with it all, packaging the goods up
and so on, want a company like ours
- as do older people who are not
comfortable using the internet. It
also a great way for Businesses to dip
a toe into the world of online sales or
to test our a new product line”
One month ago, The Selling Shop
opened its doors on Thetford Road
Business Park, just behind Barn
Ruche, near Watton. Local buyers
Calling Mums and Dads,
Nans and Grandads
Do you know a youngster in the Watton area who deserves recognition for
their dedication but somehow never seems to receive it?
At this year‟s Reception, Watton‟s Mayor and Council Chairman, Margaret
Holmes, would like to present an award to a young Watton person who meets
the above criteria. Whether they have overcome a disability to make the best
of life, shown special care for a brother, sister or parent or perhaps have shown
bravery beyond their years, Margaret would like to know.
If you know someone deserving of just such an award please contact the Town
Clerk, Jacqui Seal, on 01953 881709 and she will tell you what you need to know.
reorganised Local History Room
with a wealth of information and
archives on Swaffham and the
surrounding villages and view a new
selection of figurines from the
Symonds Collection
For those who have not seen it before
there is a fabulous display of ancient
Egyptian tomb artefacts on loan from
the British Museum, some dating
back 4,000 years.
With the newly conserved Swaffham
Town Armour dating from the reign
of Charles l on display (right) and a
well stocked gift shop the museum
makes for a great family visit.
For more information and opening
times visit
www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk
or telephone 01760 721 230
can go to the shop to view the goods
before putting in a bid, while people
from further afield can check out
pictures and a description on eBay.
Chris Talbot, Of Talbot Tyres
recently asked The Selling Shop to
sell some surplus agricultural tyres
for him. Mr Talbot said “These tyres
had been lying around for a few
months and were taking up
considerable space in my
workshop. I asked The Selling Shop
if they thought they could help and
within 7 days they were sold. It
definitely took a lot of the hassle out
of things for me, especially when I
had so much else on."
David is already planning to launch a
franchise of his company, and hopes
to have another two stores up and
running in the first half of next year.
He said: "We have watched what
other companies in America have
done and have taken the most
successful parts. I want to roll out my
franchise across Norfolk over the
next year or so."
He added: "There has been research
that has shown that goods sold
through eBay trading assistants,
which we qualify as, sell for around
40 per cent more, because we know
how to present items and people trust
where they are buying from."
The Selling Shop can be contacted at
Unit 4, Thetford Road Business Park,
Watton, via telephone on 01953
889159 or via their website at
www.thesellingshop.co.uk
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 5
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
‘Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God’
A Service prepared by Christian Women of Cameroon
on Friday 5th March, at 2.30pm
at St Mary’s Church, Watton
All Welcome - Men, Women and Young People
Picture Supplied
At the invitation of Canon Bob Baker, Thetford
Singers will be performing Handel`s St. John
Passion at 7.30 on Palm Sunday, 28th March in St.
Cuthbert`s Church, Thetford. Although less well
known than the ever popular and much longer
Bach version, this work is a most attractive
alternative and worth hearing at least once!
SALE
On this occasion Thetford Singers will be under
the direction of Dr Alan Howard who joined the
choir last year to sing tenor as relaxation from
his day job at U.E.A. where he teaches music
and conducts. The part of the Evangelist will be
sung by local tenor Paul Harrison, and other
soloists will be drawn from the choir. Ed Sutton
who was M.D. 3 years ago has accepted an
SALE
invitation to play the organ accompaniment.
No tickets are required for this performance
which lasts just over an hour and will be
followed by refreshments
Salt Bins SALE
U Turn
20% off
As reported last month in the Mid-Norfolk
Times, Watton Town Council decided to defer
action to purchase and place salt bins at strategic
points in Watton, partly because they did not
represent “value for money”, and partly because
of their vulnerability to damage by vandals.
But following the publicity, the Council have now
decided to purchase five salt bins at approximately
all handbags
£130 each and that Norfolk County Council
Highways be asked if they could be placed in the Casual and evening bags
vicinity of St Marys Church, the slope at the
doctor's surgery, near the entrance to Nelson for all occasions
Court, in South Road supporting both alleyways
and the clinic at George Trollope Road or to the
. . . but only whilst stocks last . . .
rear of Chaston Place.
Norfolk County Council had previously
suggested that should the Town Council might
wish to purchase the bins for the town as a 'self-
help facility' and to place them in locations
where difficulties are likely to be experienced by
locals. Residents and passing motorists are able
to spread salt on the carriageway and footway
within the locality of the bins should they 14 Gregor Shanks Way, Watton,
experience difficulties. The salt will be
replenished by the local authority but the Opposite the Doctors surgery • Tel : 01953 881157
spreading of the salt by local residents and others
is carried out at their own risk. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 6
The Ovington Crower
Dear Sah
Well ole Granfer wos rite agin, he
allus say “If‟n things dunt alta sune,
tha‟ll stay as tha are” an sure enuf, ter
ole snow come back fer anutha goo at
stoppin us gitten tha ole sugar beet
up. We hent got orl onnem up this
year an ent likely tu eether. Reckon
we shall hafter tun the bullocks out
onnem. Ole Horry he say “I‟m a
gooin to hev sum o them beet” I say
“Whoy” he say “Thet‟ll mek sum
good ole wine.” Well I‟ll tell yu
tergither, thet boy Horry‟s wine is
suffin strong, his ole bare‟s sorta
rough, but thet wine‟ll tek the tar
offen a barn door. Mind yu thet du
keep the cold owt, but yu dasnt corff
for a day or so arta hevin a glass or
tu.
I see tha boy Julian hev put in his
pearper a bit abowt tha daft signs on
tha Ovinton bends, I did see they hent
a flashin no more, I bet thas thet boy
Jimma wos stopped em workin, he‟s
allus messin abowt with lectrickery
an I did see his Grans cottage wus lit
up suffin brite tha larst week or tu.
I sed I wus goin tu tell yu how to git
yer taters in, but I reckon we orta
hang on fer a bit, thas wholly cowld n
wet fer tha time o year n tha‟ll ony
rot iffen yu set em jus yit.
Tha missus an me went fer a little
walk down Redhill lane when tha
frorst wus on the ground, cos thas
allus suffin wet along thar, cor blast
hent thet bin clawed up, thas orl gret
ole cooms n ruts. Tha missus fanged
hold a me, an booth onnus ware all of
a lummox. Thet looked tu me like tha
Army hed bin a havin thar manoovers
alonga thar wi thar tanks. Thas a reel
shame cos thet was allus a tidy walk
alonga the lane, thars allus sum
ickeny wos spilin it fer other folk.
My missus she say “ Dew yu teark
me hoom afore I jam on suffin sharp”
She fare to be a bit bumble-footed, so
we hatter goo tha long way rownd
parst them Redhill Mobil;e Hooms.
Thars bin some chearnges on thet ole
site oova tha years, I „member when
thet was all huts fer the RAF boys,
they warnt nun tu pleased to be living
thar from wot they said, bit parky by
orl accounts. Arta thet they took
some o tha ole huts down, sum
onnem drawed up in a fare few
gardens, in fact boy Vic still hev one
as I recall. Then tha put some
caravans on the concrete bits, ony
this time the RAF boys hed thar
famly‟s livin alonga them.
I hed an ole meart called “Chalky”
lived in one, we hed sarved tergither
in Malaya doin Nashnal Sarvice, ony
he stayed in. We hed a bit of a war
gooin on owt thar but thet neva got in
tha pearpers them days. Any way,
pore ole Chalky he took orf to
Norridge one day and wen he cum
hoom his caravan had fell afire. He
lorst evry thing. We put him up and
he sune got his cackle back. Orften
wonder ware he ended up. Corse now
thet ole site is orl tricolated up and
thet do look a piktur. Arta lookin
round thar we took orf along tha
Dereham Rood, mind yu thet warnt a
lotta fun a traipsin down thet ole
rood, thar ent a path, an them ole
mootas fare tu hull thar selfs along.
Thet dint get a lot warmer an we wus
frawn time we got hoom, an we wus
fare clammed n‟all. My missus she
Say “Dew yu want sum o my ceark? I
got sum left oova from Chrismas” I
reckoned thet wos an offa I coont
refuse, I knowed she hev put half a
bottle of rum in it, I yarmed a gret ole
slice o thet, n thet fare to put me in a
rare chip-up.
Well, tergither, I shall hatta goo and
shut my ole cocks up afore I git the
law on me fer mearkin a din.
Dew yu keep a‟troshin n fare ye well
tergither. Boy Sid
Ashill Garden
Club Notes
Members of the Garden Club were
treated to a wonderful display of
snowdrops of all shapes and sizes,
brought along by the February guest
speaker, Trevor Harrison. Trevor, who
is the owner of Creake Plant Centre,
joined us to give a very interesting talk
on Hellebores and other unusual plants.
In the course of this talk, we
discovered that snowdrop enthusiasts
are called "galanthophiles" and some
of the most enthusiastic collectors pay
large sums for unusual varieties of this
delightful early spring bulb. We
learned that e-bay is a good source for
these plants, and that a lengthy process
known as “scaling” will produce many
new plants.
As well as the lovely display of
snowdrops, Trevor showed us
examples of Hellebores, such as the
Lenten Rose, Helleborus Niger,
Helleborus foetidus, and so on. He
explained that the reason for the
popularity of this plant is its long
flowering, at a time when the garden is
Doreen raises a laugh
Much laughter was heard in the cosy
Granary Theatre in Wells-next-the -
Sea as Doreen Reed read a selection
of her amusing stories and poems.
She entertained the audience with
humorous tales of events ranging
from her attempt at pole dancing to a
News
sorely lacking in colour. In addition, he
discussed and displayed various winter
flowering shrubs such as Daphnes,
Mahonia and Acacias, which grow
happily along the Norfolk coast. The
talk livened up a cold and snowy
afternoon and members thoroughly
enjoyed the informative discussion.
John Vincent gave details of outings
planned for 2010, including a trip to
Holt on the 12th May, and a visit to
Scotsdale Nursery and Garden Centre,
the latter combined with the
opportunity to see Ely Cathedral if
members wish to do so. John also
outlined a Vegetable Show between
members, to take place on the 26th
August – further details of all the above
nearer the time.
Next talk will be on Thursday 18th
March by Anne and John Bridge, and
will cover the topic of Springtime in
Holland. This promises to be a very
colourful talk, so don‟t forget to put it
in your diary!
thong for granny.
Doreen‟s show “Stacks of Smiles”
raised £148.67p for the R.N.L.I.
S.O.S. Fundraising Day. She said it
was a team effort, the staff of the
Granary theatre played a big part in
making the afternoon a success
News
Hockham villagers pledge help to Haiti SAHAM W.I. JUMBLE SALE
Picture Supplied
9 year old Emily and James Hewett together with (left to right) Theresa Hewett, Breckland Council
Executive Member for Communities and Benefits, Louis de Bernières, Salena Dawson
Hockham villagers have pledged the
proceeds from their screening of „Slumdog
Millionaire‟ to help the people of Haiti,
rather than using the funds raised to help
with the refurbishment of the village hall as
originally planned.
The showing of „Slumdog Millionaire‟ at
Great Hockham Village Hall on Friday 5th
February was the first of 9 films to be
shown around the district as part of
Breckland Council‟s first rural film festival.
Villagers raised money for the Haiti appeal
through ticket and refreshment sales and
local businessman Don Lear, the „Bhaji
Man‟, donated authentic Eastern homemade
dishes to help boost funds.
Chris Garrod, a member of Hockham
Village Hall Committee who acted as
projectionist on the night, explained why
villagers had decided to put the money
All change at the Chamber
―Here Come The Girls‖
At the Wayland Chamber of Commerce
AGM held on the 17th February 2010
change was afoot. Richard Crabtree stood
down as Chair. He had served the position
for the requisite two years and the
constitution dictated a new Chair was
required. Further, Jo Myers retired as vice
chair and committee member. A new
command was imminent.
Richard Crabtree proposed Salena Dawson
for new chair which was promptly
seconded. Salena Dawson has been a
committee member for the past year and
had already been identified as an
enthusiastic voice of local business. She
had secured full refunds for local
businesses that were mis-sold advertising.
Salena has been a driving force to secure
art work in the windows of vacant
properties on the High Street to make it
looking a more inviting and wanting.
These will be placed shortly; she also
suggested and initiated Free Quarterly
Breakfast Meetings to commence on the
26th April. Oh and she was also the verbal
one regarding the Chamber website, which
is now up for an overhaul and due for
launch later on in the year.
Upon taking her position at the helm of the
Chamber it was Salena‟s first duty was to
secure a second in command. This came in
the form of Janina Dingwall who rose to
the challenge and then immediately put
raised towards the Haiti appeal;
“We all feel for the desperate plight of the
people of Haiti many of whom have lost
everything in the devastation. The Village
Hall Committee discussed this and it was a
unanimous decision to give the money
raised to help the people of Haiti. We plan
to show more films in the village, so there
will be other opportunities to raise funds for
the village hall later in the year”.
„Slumdog Millionaire‟, the first film of the
„Breckland Film Festival‟ was officially
opened by local author Louis de Bernières
who is a patron of Creative Arts East and a
firm supporter of the rural arts.
Breckland Council Executive Member for
Communities and Benefits, Theresa Hewett
was delighted at the turn-out to the event;
“Residents have told us they would like to
be able to enjoy good quality films at
herself forward to help with the Breakfast
Forum Sub Committee. The Committee
was also adorned with new member‟s one
such being Bulgarian Born, Tanya Petkova,
supporting home/village businesses.
Controversially Salena secured the first
increase in membership fees for 15 years.
The fee in January 2011 will increase by £2
to £27 pa. “We, the Chamber are the voice
of local business” said Salena “We need to
be proactive and make sure that we are
acting in the best interest of business; to
this we need to provide more service to the
business community, promote local
business, and be information gatherers so
Wayland businesses know who to contact
for training, grants and business support.
By the end of this year the Chamber is
going to have provided a new professional
website, which will be informative, provide
a feedback mechanism and promote local
businesses through the online directory.
We will hold a quarterly breakfast event,
where a person from each member business
can enjoy a bacon roll or Danish pastry for
free whilst learning about other Wayland
Businesses and being informed what is
available to help their business succeed.
We will continue to work in partnership
with local organisations to ensure the best
for all Wayland Businesses; whether it is a
home/industrial or High Street. With the
changes coming this year, the increase in
membership will certainly be seen as value
for money”.
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 7
SATURDAY, 20 MARCH 10-12 Noon
Wells Cole Community Centre, Bell Lane, Saham Toney
Clothes, Bric-a-Brac, Toys, Books, Tea, Coffee
Entrance 30p Proceeds to Saham W.I.
Jumble can be collected by telephoning 01953 884880
nearby local venues. The fantastic turn out
tonight confirms that there really is a
demand for films shown at rural locations.
This evening was a sellout.
Screenings were organised and run by local
voluntary film promoters who were
recruited last year through workshops in the
early stages of the project. Funded by
Breckland Council and delivered by
Creative Arts East, the workshops provided
specialist training that gave promoters both
expertise and the confidence to organise
and stage their own film events. Films for
the festival have been provided to rural
venues at subsidised rates through Creative
Arts East „Village Screen‟ initiative.
If you are interested in becoming a local
promoter, contact Alice Morelli at Creative
Arts East on 01953 713390 or
alice@creativeartseast.co.uk
And what of Salena Dawson, how does she
feel about her new role “I feel like I have
been given the command of Starship
Enterprise; boldly taking the Wayland
Chamber of Commerce and its members to
places it has never been before. I have a
wonderful and knowledgeable crew. Let
the Journey begin”.
Your Job
Search
Thoughts from a Career Coach
If you are buying a second-hand car, you
may want to know enough about it's
history to be be reassured that it will be
reliable, but you really don't need to
know every journey it made for each of
it's previous owners. What really interests
you is whether it will serve you well in
the future.
So if an employer is buying you as an
experienced person, is a detailed history
of everything you have done for previous
employers more important than whether
you will be likeable, reliable and
focussed on business benefits?
Does your CV simply list what you did in
the past, or does it say 'I will serve you
well in the future'?
David Bridge is a Career Coach with
Mayfair Coaching Practice
www.mayfaircp.com 01379 650045
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 8
HARMONY
QUILTING
A Professional Machine
Quilting Service
!!! You do the patchwork !!!
I do the quilting
For Quilting
Wadding & Backing Prices
www.harmonyquilting.co.uk
Tel: 01953 882484
Attention All
Gardeners!
Improve your soil, keep weeds
down and keep moisture in with
Sterilized Mushroom
Compost
The ideal mulch and
soil improver
Only £1.40 per Bag
Delivered free (min 5 bags)
Watton area
01953 881969
COUGHTREY BDK
Unit 2, Coughtrey Industrial Estate
Church Road, Griston. IP25 6QB
Fitted Kitchens
Bathrooms
Internal Doors
Free Quotations &
Full Planning Service
01953 881243
All your plumbing R.S. Plumbing &
and heating needs
Heating
Boiler Servicing, Installations and
General Plumbing All work undertaken.
CORGI Registered
Telephone 01953 883829
07836 267 419
Charity and
Temptation
All interested visitors are
welcome to our special open
evening on 23rd March at 7.15
in the Christian Community
Centre, High Street, Watton.
Sew and So‟s from Bungay will
be giving a brief update on the
Charity work they do for the
orphanage in Thailand and
bringing quantities of their
latest fabrics to sell ,sewers be
prepared to spend money.
There will also be a visit from
Norfolk coordinators of Project
Linus to talk about the work
done by this charity for
traumatised and sick children
and young people, further
details of which can be found at
www.projectlinusuk.org.uk
We will be handing over quilts
made by the group and
outlining further projects for
Bradenham & District
Horticultural Society
Our March meeting will be held on
Thursday 18th at 7.30pm in the
Village Hall. Our Speker will be
Mr B Wade and his subject is
Growing and Showing
Delphiniums. There will be the
usual offerings of refreshments,
raffle and Geoff's Tips. All are
welcome.
F u r t h e r t o o u r p r e vi ous
announcement about our trip to
Ltd. Barnsdale, I can now confirm that
Wayland Happy
Circle AGM
We had a short but sweet
A. G.M, at our F ebruary
meeting. The committee will
remain the same they will also
take turns to chair and introduce
the meetings.
As it was our 3rd birthday
celebration chocolate cake and a
'Sweetly Named Quiz' was
enjoyed by all.
Gill Buckley whose subject will
be 'A Surprise in Life' will be
our speaker in March. Hopefully
our Lady Mayor will also be
Watton Ballroom
Dancing
Association
Queen’s Hall, Watton
8 to 11.00 Admission £3.00
Saturday March 6th
Saturday April 3rd
Mike 01953 882799
which we would welcome
donations of Fat Quarters of
cotton fabrics. There will be a
small charge for refreshments
to cover costs and a box for
donations to these worthwhile
causes.
In addition on 8th March there will
be a whole day pre-booked
appliqué workshop led by the well
known tutor and author of several
books on the subject, Shirley
Bloomfield. Details of this will be
reported in the next issue and no
doubt samples of work inspired by
this event will appear in our July
exhibition. Details of our activities
can be found on our Blog
including instructions on how to
post comments at: http://
htsqgroup.blogspot.com or ring
Jane on 01953 884215 or Sue on
01362 822536
the price will be £19.50 per head
and the coach will leave the Village
Hall at 8.30am on Thursday 8th
July. Tickets are available and for
more information or to book please
contact: Marianne Kilmartin 01362
820744 or Belinda Ashman 0362
821442
This should be a wonderful trip to
the gardens of the late, great Geoff
Hamilton. Please join us for a
memorable day out.
able to pop in for a chat and
'cupppa'
At our April meeting Yvonne
Harrold will talk to us about her
life as a 'Jenny Lind Junior' both
these meetings are held on the
first Tuesday in the month at the
Watton Christian Community
Centre at 2 pm.
As we now have a fabulous new
sound system we guarantee that you
will be able to hear our speakers !
Looking forward to seeing you
all.
Watton Festival
Supporters of the Watton Festival
will be pleased to know that at the
General Meeting held on the 27th
January, 2010 at the Crown Hotel it
was decided that the Festivals should
continue and the next would be in
October, 2011.
The Chairman, John Kerr, reported
on the activities of the Committee in
2008/2009 and their work in
preparing for the last Festival
completed in October. Difficult
decisions had to be made regarding
the performances to make up the
varied programme. The first decision
was that we would no longer hold an
event on the last Sunday but would
concentrate on a big finish on the
second Saturday and also expand the
„static events‟. The finale with the
Big Band Sound produced by Chris
Smith and His String of Pearls
Orchestra and the „Big Picture‟ art
project both proved to be great
successes. John made mention of the
Good Old Days and the Junior
Startime to start the week and spoke
of the opportunity given to aspiring
performers of tomorrow. Music,
Drama, Literature, Children‟s events
and Comedy all played their part in
the week„s activities and he made
special mention of the success of the
Friday evening comedy show with
Winston the Singing Farmer,
especially as it was always difficult
to arrange a comedy event to suit
everyone. He thanked the Committee
members and partners, Friends and
Sponsors, the Queens Hall staff, the
Tourist Information Centre, Janet
Lundie for the Web Site, the
businesses in the catchment area and
the local media for their support.
Finally, John thanked everyone who
had bought more tickets than ever
before and he hoped they agreed that
the Committee‟s aim to produce the
best Festival ever had been achieved,
The Treasurer, Derek Smith, gave
detailed information regarding
Income and Expenditure for the
previous two years. Ticket sales
had increased and thanks were
expressed for the help given by the
Tourist Information Centre staff
and the fact that their new venue
had not affected sales. We now had
106 Friends of the Festival whose
support we greatly appreciated.
Performers for the week had cost a
little over £6,500 and with a strong
financial position to carry forward
it was hoped that the more
expensive quality acts available
could be afforded. Mention was
made of the other events during the
week with particular emphasis on
the money earner, The Good Old
Days. Over 400 people had seen
the two home produced shows and
the profit of over £1,500 gave a
good start to the week. Spending on
publicity, advertising, posters etc
had increased but the costs had
been contained and carefully
controlled. There was little point in
spending large sums of money in
areas much further afield for little
or no reward, which made the
support of Julian and the Mid-
Norfolk Times all the more
important. More financial
information about individual events
was available on request. Thanks
were again expressed to our
Sponsors (particularly Breckland
Council and the Rotary Club) and
News
the Festival Friends and also
Heather Graham, one of our
Committee members, who, with the
help of Rapide Printers had
produced a Programme to be proud
of.
At this stage of the meeting, Mr Roy
Ivory, the Deputy Mayor, took the
Chair for the purposes of electing a
new Committee. He expressed the
importance of the Festival in the
activities in the town and that it
should not be forgotten that no other
Organisation could bring to the town
the quality acts that were enjoyed in
October as the aim of the Festival
was the appreciation of the arts
without emphasis on making money.
He went on to say how much he had
enjoyed the Festival and wished the
Committee every success for the
future. The following officers were
re-elected: Chairman, John Kerr;
Vice Chairman, Brenda Davis;
Treasurer, Derek Smith; and
Secretary, Judy Kerr. The out-going
Committee was re-elected with the
exception of Ken Davis who was
stepping down. Wendy Collins,
Andrew Barwood and Karen
Barwood were elected as new
Committee members. The other
C o m mi t t e e m e mb e r s wo u l d,
therefore, be Heather Graham, John
& June Garratt, Jenny Mann, Graham
Langford, Roy & Pam Challand,
Brian Newton- Cox and Margaret
Denempont. Appreciation was
expressed for the work put in by Ken
Davis over many years particularly
for the Good Old Days performances
and there was a spontaneous round of
applause from the Committee and
Friends.
A few views were expressed about
publicity and the direction the
Festival should be taking in future
but the view of the meeting was that
the Committee could deal with all
that and more when they meet in
March for their first Meeting to
commence work on Watton Festival
2011. However, if you have any
suggestions, criticisms, advice, views
or whatever concerning the Festival
activities the Committee would like
to hear from you. Please contact any
the officers detailed below.
If you have any interest in and
concern for all aspects of the arts in
Watton and District you are warmly
invited to be a Friend of Watton
Festival. The Annual Subscription is
£5 per person and in return for your
support you will not only help to
maintain the high standards achieved
in the past but you will also receive:-
Priority Booking for all Festival
Events; An Invitation to the Launch
Party; Your name listed in the
Festival Programme; A
Complimentary Festival Programme;
Invitation to Social Events; A right to
vote at General Meetings nominating
Officers and Committee Members.
For further information about the
Friends please contact:
Derek Smith, Friends‟ Secretary 39
Dereham Road Watton IP25 6ER
Tel: 01953 884044; Email:
Derek@frenzymail.co.uk
Chairman & Secretary: John & Judy
Kerr 01953 882613; Vice Chairman:
Brenda Davis 01953 881792
Treasurer: Derek Smith 01953
884044
Web Site: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/
wattonarts
News
Democracy is no joke
(From left) Amber Chase, Rosie Bales, Charlie Wright and Adam Thacker vote for their choices at Yaxham Primary School
Pupils at five schools in Breckland
have been having fun while learning
about democracy.
A series of democracy workshops run
by Breckland Council saw children
voting for their favourite joke,
exercising their democratic right over
what should be served up for lunch
and discussing various topics in mini
committees. Breckland councillors
also talked to the youngsters about
their roles and presentations were
given on the origins of democracy
and the voting system.
Breckland Council & Anglia Revenues
Partnership tackles unpaid council tax
Unpaid Council Tax is a problem
faced by all Local Authorities, and
the cost can have a detrimental
effect on future council tax bills for
everyone. The Anglia Revenues
Partnership (ARP) is working to
recoup £384,844 of unpaid council
tax by enlisting the help of bailiffs
in a crackdown on debtors.
Officers from ARP, a partnership of
3 local Authorities comprising
Breckland, East Cambridgeshire
and Forest Heath District Councils,
say that almost 600 people will be
targeted for debt collection. These
are residents who have ignored 4 or
more requests to make payment or
to contact the Council and discuss
ways to meet their outstanding debt.
As a first step, bailiffs have been
appointed and have written to those
residents with money still owing.
ARP officers are urging anyone
who has received a letter to contact
Lynda Turner, Executive Support
Member for Communities, said:
“Democracy is a fundamental part of
our society and with the forthcoming
election we hope these workshops
have gone some way to helping
young people understand what is
going on.
“It was wonderful to see the children
so enthusiastic and hopefully this has
helped sew seeds that could see some
of them become politicians
themselves in the future.”
The sessions, which took place in
the bailiff immediately and arrange
payment prior to the new council
tax bills being issued. Following a
visit from a bailiff, if the debtors do
not make arrangements to pay, their
goods or property will be seized and
sold at auction to help recoup their
unpaid council tax.
Theresa Hewett, Breckland
Council Executive Member
for Communities and
Benefits said -
“This action will only be
taken against a small
number of residents who
are deliberately avoiding
payment. The money
raised through council tax
helps pay for services for
the whole community so
it is fair everyone has to
contribute. People in
genuine financial
difficulty can talk to ARP
mid February, were held at Banham
Community Primary, Thompson
Primary, Brisley Church of England
Voluntary Aided Primary, Mundford
Voluntary Controlled Primary and
Yaxham Church of England Primary.
They were aimed at educating
youngsters about democracy in a fun
and interactive way.
In one activity youngsters had to
listen to four jokes with the joke
tellers then going to the four
corners of the room and the
children voting by going and
officers to find out about discounts,
exemptions and other sources of
advice”.
Anyone who has received a
summons concerning an
outstanding balance but has not yet
been contacted by a bailiff, should
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 9
Richmond Park Golf Club
Junior Section
Golf Academy Lessons
Saturdays 1.30 to 2.30
£3 per session
Lessons taken by Golf Professional
Keith Capindale-Scott
New members always welcome
For further details contact
Richmond Park Golf Club
01953 881 803
Prize Bingo Evening
Thursday 1st April
Doors open 6.45pm
Eyes Down 7.30pm start
At Great Ellingham
Recreation Centre
In aid of Great Ellingham
Primary School
Charity Number 1043484
Health &
Wellbeing
Aches and pains, stress or strains.
Picture Supplied Bad habits to kick, new habits to
learn. Visit Total Health Therapy
and find out how we can help you.
standing next to the person who had
told their favourite. Another
activity saw them voting on
whether they wanted jacket potato
and cottage pie for lunch in place of
their normal menu.
Matthew Williams, Deputy Head at
Banham Primary School, said: “I
thought the morning was a useful tool
as children's perspective about voting
is influenced by TV programmes so it
was a good idea to show them the
origins and 'real' why we vote.” • Acupuncture • Chiropody
• Physiotherapy • Osteopathy
• Indian Head Massage
• Homeopathy • Reflexology
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Gift Vouchers Available
c o n t a c t B r e c kl a n d C o u nc i l
immediately on 01362 656871 if
they have not yet made
arrangements to pay. Otherwise, the
debt will be passed to the bailiff and
extra costs in addition to the 22 Thetford Road Watton IP25 6BS
outstanding debt will be incurred. Tel : 01953 886860
CARPETS, 3 PIECE SUITES
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call Mike Barrett at Clean-Tech
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Payment by major credit and debit cards welcome
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 10
In your garden with Lotta Potts Councillor
March. Comes in like a lion and
goes out like a lamb, so they say.
They may even be right but I think
we shall all be playing catch up as
January was a wash-out (or should
that be white-out?) and the first
half of February cold, wet, windy
with yet more snow and sleet. Not
encouraging.. For those lucky
enough to have a frost-free or
heated greenhouse and/or a
propagator seeds can already have
been sown but now is a good time
to start, even on a windowsill.
With luck these determined to
grow little brown things won‟t put
on so much growth they are
screaming to be let out into the soil
before said soil is warm enough to
plant them. Then there‟s a frost
forecast! Get some fleece ready.
It‟s not pleasant rushing out at
dusk to cover young plants but
better that than waking up to find
DY-FIT FOR LIFE your hard work a soggy brown
mess.
EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASSES Grass will have started to grow so
Watton Sports Centre, Dereham Road. may well need mowing in March.
All the sessions are designed to promote stamina,
Some years first mowing is in
strength and flexibility whilst taking into account
the fitness level and ability of participants. February but this was an unlikely
prospect. If it‟s growing make sure
General Aerobics Mondays 7pm it‟s not waterlogged as mowing wet
An hour long, as energetic as you wish!**
grass can be disastrous. Set the
Nifty Fifties Fridays 11am blades on the mower as high as
A challenging workout for
possible for the first few cuts. When
"recycled teenagers"**
we finally get some warm weather
Gentle Option Fridays 10am the grass will really go for it.
40 minutes duration, no floorwork. Problems such as
arthritis and joint replacement are taken into account. March is a good time, before the
** Please bring a mat for floorwork season really gets under way, to
consider a bit of construction.
For further details, please contact Raised beds generally enable you
Diane Cuthbert to create high quality areas of
deep topsoil if your soil is poor.
01953 850275 Those with heavy clay soils
really appreciate the difference it
RSA/YMCA Qualified Teacher makes having a raised bed with
Classes held during term-time good compost to grow in. I have
some built from kits, not being
too competent in the carpentry
department. Some people use
The Hare & railway sleepers. These look
Barrel Hotel good but have a few
disadvantages - they‟re heavy
Originally an old manor house dating back and need to be lined if they are
to 1806, we offer 16 en-suite bedrooms, second hand from the railway as
10 of which have been converted from they are pretty much impregnated
the old Coach House Stables with oil and chemicals. The kits
‘Noted for Good Food’
Extensive Bar & Restaurant Menu Twinning AGM
bookings advisable at all times Watton Twinning Association will
be holding their AGM on
A relaxing Conservatory ~ Beer Garden
Patio ~ Bar ~ Restaurant Thursday March 4th in the Green
Games Room ~ Car Park ~ Courtyard Room at the Queens Hall, Watton.
The meeting will start at 8pm and
Try our Traditional is open to the public. After the
Sunday Lunch meeting there will be refreshments
Discounts for large bookings always negotiable
of Cheese & Wine available. We
Children Always Welcome would like to welcome anyone
who is interested in joining
80 Brandon Road, Watton. Twinning to come along and see
what the association has to offer.
Tel: 01953 882752
50/50 Pudding
Evening
In aid of Big C Cancer Charity and 2nd
Watton Rainbows
on Friday 5th March at 7.30pm
At Broom Hall Hotel, Richmond Road,
Saham Toney
Tickets £4.00 (refreshments and bar
available) from Jo on 01953 880112 Kellie
on 01842 754339
or Broom Hall Hotel on 01953 882125
on the other hand can either be
moved, altered or even taken out
if needed.
Another big benefit of raised bed
growing is that you can look after
your beds one at a time. It's daunting
looking at a plot full of weeds but
when you can handle it a bed at a
time, things don't seem so hard. It‟s
even easier if you restrict the width
of the beds to four feet maximum as
there‟s no need to tread on the soil -
the middle can be reached from both
sides. The kits I have come in metre
lengths, so a bed one metre wide and
two long isn‟t too far to walk in
either direction.. Once the beds are
full of topsoil or compost they are
very easy to maintain as a light
forking over is all the „digging‟
necessary. Good if you have a bad
back! The common feeling is that
raised beds are used for vegetable
growing. They can be filled with
flowers as well or, indeed, a mixture.
This brings me on to companion
planting. I think I touched on this in
the autumn, but as we are now into
seed sowing this is a better time to
go into a little more detail.
Asked about companion planting
and most of us will say,
„marigolds with tomatoes for
controlling whitefly‟. After that
we‟re a bit stuck. It came as a
surprise to me that there are lots
of books on this subject and
having bought a slim volume I
was amazed to find out the
diversity of plants that benefit
each other. As well as marigolds,
tomatoes benefit from asparagus,
celery, parsley, basil, carrots,
chives, foxgloves, garlic and
sweet corn. Nasturtiums benefit
apples, cabbages, cauliflowers,
broccoli, brussels sprouts,
kohlrabi, turnips, radishes,
cucumbers and courgettes.
Orange nasturtiums repel aphids
and growing up apple trees will
control the spread of woolly
aphid. It doesn‟t say if the
flowers will keep the woolly
aphids off in the first place which
would be more useful. These
flowers also protect against
Exciting Changes at Watton Library
Watton Library will be closed on
Monday 22nd March, re-opening on
Monday 29th March. We will be
having some exciting changes to the
library with the introduction of self
service machines, a new service
desk and carpet throughout. The
new desk will be in a different
position, creating more space for
books and seating. Our friendly
staff will be on hand to help you
use the self service machines and to
whitefly in the greenhouse. They
secrete a mustard oil (which
accounts for the flavour if you
eat the leaves) that insects like,
hence the protection for the
cabbage family. I suppose this
would be a kind of sacrifice plant
in these circumstances.
Amazingly nettles are beneficial.
They are rich in iron and
nitrogen, excreting these as well
as silica, formic acid and protein,
giving strength and flavour to
nearby crops and protection from
aphids black fly and mildew.
Nettles are particularly good for
potatoes and horseradish. It
appears they do this best in the
potato patch, which could make
harvesting interesting, and near
to horseradish. Most of the
beneficial flowers are annuals, so
sowing now under cover at the
same time as crop seeds is a good
idea. The most beneficial shrub
seems to be Southernwood/Lads‟
love/Artemisia. I have grown this
for some 20 years, the original
cutting taken from an old shrub
in an aunt‟s garden, purely for its
beautifully scented leaves. I now
have more respect for it as it
repels fruit fly and mosquito. It
roots easily from cuttings and
benefits from a hard-ish prune,
the prunings being the cuttings!
As well as good companions there
are also bad ones. Fruit trees don‟t
like grass, presumably because the
grass will rob all the moisture and
nutrients from the soil. The pea
and bean family don‟t get along
with the onion family and
carnations and hyacinths kill each
other. This is odd as they flower at
such different times of the year, so
presumably it‟s something to do
with the roots and bulbs. For those
trying the ornamental kitchen
garden approach, don‟t plant
potatoes with sunflowers or
cauliflowers with strawberries and
strawberries don‟t go with gladioli
either.
Companion planting is a fascinating
subject and one worth looking at.
talk about some of the great new
books we have in stock. We will be
stocking Xbox 360 console games
as well as Wii and DS Lite for hire
as well as the latest DVDs.
During the closure you can still use
your library card at any Norfolk
library or mobile library as well as
renewing your books online or via
our customer service centre on:
0844 800 8006. We will have a
special system in place so that no
items will be due for renewal at
Watton while we are closed.
We have an exciting range of free
children's activities during school
holidays. Our next event is Go Wild
in the Library, stories and wildlife
Coffee at the Queens Hall
9.30am to 11.30am
Farmers Market Day-
Saturday March 6th
News
Surgeries
Watton Town Councillors will be
holding a Councillors Surgery on the
Saturday 6th March at the Surge. Any
Member of the public wishing to
speak to a Councillor will be able to
voice their views from 10am to 2 pm.
Watton &
Wayland
Visitor
Centre
The Annual General Meeting of the
Wayland Tourism Association will
take place at 11.30am in the Visitor
Centre, Wayland House, on Tuesday
9th March. Only full members -
accommodation providers and Centre
Staff Volunteers - receive written
notification but anyone involved in
the hospitality industry or otherwise
who is interested in the tourism
industry is welcome to come along –
space is limited so please let the
Administrator know.
The Visitor Centre will open for the
Season on Good Friday 2nd April
(mornings only) and will open fully
from 9th April (10am to 4pm Monday
to Friday, and to 1pm Saturdays). The
first Dragonfly Centre Exhibition of
the year, the Spring Art Exhibition, is
scheduled for 10th - 17th April.
Occasionally, the Centre is required
for meetings. On such occasions, the
external „Open‟ boards will not be
evident and Partnership staff in
Reception (front door) will do their
best to respond to enquiries.
We will be pleased to hear from
anyone interested in volunteering to
help in the visitor centre – no
experience is necessary, just a bit of
common sense and an enquiring
mind. Interested? Do contact me:
Martin Anscombe, Administrator
(01953 884224.
crafts for children and their parents/
carers on Monday 12th April at
2pm. We also have Internet taster
sessions for adults throughout the
year; look out for posters in the
library or details in your Mid-
Norfolk Times.
Details of our opening times, events
and services are available on our
website:
www.library.norfolk.gov.uk
You can even apply for your library
card online, as well as reserving
items or renewing your books.
Gill, Jayne and the team look
forward to welcoming you back or
maybe saying hello for the first
time at the end of March.
News
Women‟s World Day Of Prayer
On Friday 5th March over 3 million
people worldwide will be praying
and worshipping together during an
annual day of prayer, using a
service prepared by Christian
women in Cameroon.
Emma Wilcock, president of the
N a tion al Co mmi tt e e o f th e
Women‟s World Day of Prayer
Movement, said:
'This is always an exciting day as a
great wave of prayer sweeps the
world, beginning when the first
service is held in the Queen Salote
Girls‟ School in Tonga and
continuing around the world until
the final service takes place, some
35 hours later, in neighbouring
Western Samoa. By then the day
will have been celebrated in over
170 countries and over 5,000
services will have been held in
England, Wales and Northern
Ireland.‟
The Republic of Cameroon is said to
be „Africa in miniature‟. It is a
country of great cultural diversity
with more than 240 ethnic groups
10 Reasons to use an Independent Financial Adviser
This month sees the introduction of an
ongoing series featured around all
aspects of financial planning and the
value of seeking independent expert
advice.
Many people think that financial advice
is only required by the very rich.
However everyone can benefit from it.
Not only can it hep you to protect and
build your assets, it can help you make
the most of your investments and help
secure you and your family‟s long term
future.
No 1: To protect your family There
are a lot of people trying to sell you
insurance of one type or another but an
adviser can tell you wish one is actually
worth buying. They will assess your
position and guide you through the best
options to protect yourself and your
family – regardless of whether you are
single, married, have children or they
have long left home. Whatever your
needs, an adviser can help ensure
personal tragedy does not turn into
financial crisis.
No 2: To help plan your spending –
and saving To secure your long-term
future, you need to build some assets,
initially to get you through the rainy
days and then to pay for holidays and
luxuries.
Step one is to plan your spending so
that you begin to save – and steep two
is to plan that saving so that you can
build your wealth as efficiently as
possible regardless of whether you
currently have £10 or £10,000, a
financial adviser will look at your
situation and find the best starting point
for you.
No 3: To help you plan for
retirement Once you have sorted out
your short-term saving needs, you can
then start thinking about the long-term
– and most people these days realise
they cannot rely on the State for more
than the absolute basics. However,
planning for retirement is a complex
business and there are many different
options available.
Pensions have come a long way in
terms of flexibility and transparency in
recent years and now offer a wide
range of investment options. A
financial adviser will not only help sift
through the many rules and product
and languages. The constitution
promotes equality between men and
women but traditional rights and
attitudes discriminate against women
in many areas of life. However giant
steps have been taken towards
assuring women‟s rights and women
are involved in the struggle for
peace, justice and integrity.
Cameroon faces many challenges
as its people seek to move forward
into a modern age without losing
their distinctive characteristics. But
at all times, in all circumstances,
Cameroonians are able to praise
God with joy and exuberance and
the service reflects this.
Although organised and led by
women, this is essentially a day of
prayer for everybody as we
demonstrate our solidarity with our
sisters and brothers in other
countries and all are welcome to
attend at St. Mary‟s Church,
Watton on Friday 5th March at
2.30pm The speaker will be Mrs
Angela Pye. The event will be
followed by refreshments
options but also help construct a
portfolio to maximise you long term
prospects.
No 4: To secure your house The
Mortgage market was complicated
enough already, with its discounts and
variables, AERs and caps, indemnities
and early redemption fees. Then the
credit crunch hit and things have got
even worse. However, buying a house
is still one of the most expensive
decisions we make and the vast
majority of us need a mortgage.
A financial adviser could save you
thousands, particularly at times like
this. Not only can they seek out the best
rates, they can help you assess sensible
levels of borrowing, make the most of
your deposit and might also find
lenders who would otherwise not be
available to you.
No 5: To help meet your investment
goals As you progress through life, you
begin to build your assets and your
income begins to increase. You then
start considering how you can enhance
your position rather than simply
consolidate it. This could mean
anything from looking to retire early
through to paying school fees for
private schools or investing in overseas
property. However your dreams
evolve, a financial adviser can help
assess what is realistically possible –
and put the best plan in place to help
you achieve it.
No 6: To find the right combination
of assets Investment is as much about
protecting the potential downsides as it
is about targeting maximum growth.
High returns are often associated with
high risk – and not everyone is happy if
their investment falls by a third or more
overnight.
A financial adviser will make a detailed
assessment of your attitude to risk
before making any recommendations
They will also ensure you don‟t put all
your eggs in one basket by helping you
to diversify not only across assets
classes but also across accounts,
individual funds and product providers.
No 7: To obtain an objective
assessment Every new product or
investment opportunity is accompanies
by hype, proclaiming it is the best ever
– but that does not mean it is right for
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 11
Wayland Cubs and Scouts
Since starting in early
January we have held
successful meetings with
both Wayland Cubs and the
Scouts. The Cubs have done
a variety of activities
including making their own
rope and learning to tie
knots with their piece of
rope. This was followed by
„edible knotting‟ Great fun
was had tying reef knots
with liquorice boot-laces.
The Cubs had to show a
Leader a perfect reef knot
before they were allowed to
eat it. Akela, Jo Ashford,
commented „This method
seemed to produce some
great efforts by the Cubs to
produce perfect knots.‟
The Scouts have also had a very The Scouts had to plan the route and planned, Wayland Scout Group is
successful term. Activities have the equipment necessary for a looking forward to an exciting new
included building bridges out of straws, successful hike including the essentials term. If anyone is interested in joining
that had to support a weight! An such as hot dogs and hot chocolate to please contact Paul Cutts on 01953
evening was also spent planning a finish off the evening! 884243 or email
Night Hike to take place over half term. With a couple of camps already waylandscouts@googlemail.com
you. Investors the world over have performance of individual investments prone to exaggeration of both the risks
been and will continue to be caught out against their peers, ensure that your and the rewards.
by market bubbles or high charges asset allocation does not get distorted Employing a good financial adviser
because they don‟t take a step back. A as markets move and also help you can take the emphasis away from
financial adviser knows how products consolidate gains as the dates of your you and move it not the hands of an
and assets work in different markets ultimate goals approach. expert. Whether you need general,
and can outline the downsides for you No 10: For peace of mind Money is a practical advice or a specialist with
as well as the benefits. complicated subject and there are many dedicated expertise, the money you
Between you, you can then make a things you need to think about to invest in taking advice could be
more informed decision about what protect it and make the most of it. paid back many times over in the
hype you can believe – and what Markets are volatile and the media is long term.
products your really need
to avoid.
No 8: To save money
Once your risk and
investment assessments
are complete, the next step
is to look at tax and even
the most basic overview of
your position could help. It
may simply mean using
ISAs or a pension plan to
benefit from Government
incentives or it cold mean
choosing growth assets
over income to use capital
gains allowances rather
than pay income tax.
Alternatively, for more
complicated arrangements,
it might mean moving
assets to your spouse or
children to make full use
of their personal
allowances.
A financial adviser will
always have your tax
position in mind when
making recommendations
and can help point you in
the right direction even in
complicated situations.
No 9: To keep you on
track Even when you
have every product you
need taken care of and
your investments are set
up and running to plan,
someone needs to keep an
eye on them in case
changes in markers or
abnormal event push them
off course.
You can ask a financial
adviser to do this
monitoring work for you.
They can assess the
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 12
Encontro de Amigos Portugueses de Watton
Mais uma vez se realizou este
evento especial. Longe do Pais e da
Familia muitos de nos refugiamo-
nos nas amizades que acabamos por
construir. Nao substituindo a
familia os amigos sao uma mais
valia, a quando de amizades
sinceras e sem intereses.
Todos os anos fazemos questao de
nos reunirmos para dar as boas
vindas ao novo ano e desejarmos
entre nos proprios um Feliz Ano
W.I. in St Mary‟s Join the Breckland Blitz
Church Room
As our regular meeting place is
unavailable, Watton Evening W.I.‟s
meeting on Thursday 11th March
will be at 7.30 pm. in the Church
Room at St. Mary‟s Church,
Watton. Our speaker will be Mrs
Jean McClean who is going to tell
us all about the Church and its‟
history. Ladies, if this will interest
you please do come along and join
us, you will be very welcome.
In February our speaker was Frank
Lambert who gave us a slide show
on East Anglian Gardens and more.
I‟m sure you all know there are so
many beautiful gardens around for
us to visit, and Frank gave us just a
taster of some of them.
At the beginning of February we
had a most enjoyable evening at the
Theatre Royal in Norwich where
we saw the Norfolk and Norwich
Operatic Society‟s production of
„ Th e P ro du c e r s ‟ . Th i s wa s
hilarious, we laughed so much we
almost cried.
Then on 5th February a number of
us supported the Mayor‟s Supper
Novo.Este ano um pouco mais
tarde ,derivado ao mau tempo no
passado mes de Janeiro.
Desta vez com a precenca de17
adultos e 17 criancas ,foi uma tarde
espectacular cheia de alegria e
muito mo vi mento. Desd e ja
agradeco a presenca e colaboracao
de todos os que participaram, pois
todos contribuiram para que se
podesse realizar.
Agradecer tambem a disponiblidade
Dance at the Queen‟s Hall. This
was an excellent evening. For the
price of £15 each we had a
wonderful evening of fun, food and
dance (or jig about in my case!).
Thanks to Margaret Holmes, our
Mayor, (and all her helpers) for
putting on such a splendid evening.
If you missed either of these events
you certainly missed out.
For our meeting on 8th April we
will be back in our usual meeting
place - 7.30 pm in Watton Christian
Community Centre when Linda
Kerr will tell us about the
Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
Meeting are held on the 2nd
Thursday of the month and any
lady interested in finding out more
about our WI can just pop along as
a guest. To keep you up to date on
our meetings we do have a notice
board in Watton High Street on the
wall to the left of Smith‟s
(Fashions) shop window.
For information you can ring either
Pat on 01953 882275 or Barbara on
01953 882595
do Project Rainbow em apoiar esta
fantastica tarde de convivio, pois
nos ultimos encontros ficamos
restritos ao tempo, pois num
restaurante o tempo `e negocio. Este
ano tivemos esse factor a nosso
favor pois tempo foi o que nao nos
faltou, acabando a festa por
terminar quase as 22.00 horas. Foi
realmente maravilhoso.
Espero sinceramente que possamos
de futuro fazer outos iguais ou
Breckland residents are being
called upon to roll up their sleeves
and lend a hand as the Pride in
B r e c kl a n d t e a m o r g a n i s e a
community blitz. The big clean up
will take place over a seven-week
period starting on March 1st and
aims to help reduce anti-social
b eh a vio ur an d i mp ro ve t he
environment.
We all know that spotting rubbish
as you walk past a local beauty
spot, children's playground, or even
on the street can make your heart
sink. Rubbish and fly tipping ruin
the picturesque look and feel of this
beautiful district, and as a result,
the Pride in Breckland campaign
was launched to return Breckland to
its usual glory.
Pride in Breckland Co-ordinator
Richard Wills said: “Breckland is
one of the safest places to live,
however graffiti, fly tipping and
other environmental anti-social
behaviour can often make people
feel unsafe.
“But by working together and
taking positive action, we really can
make a difference to the area in
which we live and improve the
quality of life in Breckland.”
melhores e com a presenca de mais
participantes. Muito Obrigado.
For our English readers the story
above translates approximately as
follows . . .
One again the Portuguese friends
from the community on Watton came
together to celebrate the New Year.
Life away from family can be
difficult but is made easier by the
friendships made locally.
By organising a clean-up event you
will not only be helping to keep the
district clean, you will also be
contributing positively to your local
community. Whether you are
picking up litter, cleaning up
graffiti or planting a tree, we want
to hear about your Community
Cleanup efforts.
The Breckland Blitz long cleaning
spree will go above and beyond
routine maintenance work, as teams
will be removing graffiti, litter, fly
tipping, overgrown vegetation and
environmental eyesores. Volunteers
will be provided with all the
equipment they need and will be
joined by the Council‟s Pride in
Breckland and Street Scene teams.
Last year neighbours and
community-spirited youngsters
gave up their free time to pick up
litter and clear away rubbish in
Charles Close and the recreational
ground in Toftwood. Residents
started off with a mass litter pick
clearing unwanted and unsightly
items from around the close before
planting a selection of spring bulbs
in their front gardens.
During the one day event, more
than 12 bags of rubbish was
News
This year‟s celebration was a bit later
than usual because of the bad weather
in January, which forced us to move
the day. With 17 adults and 17
children attending, it was a fantastic
and moving afternoon.
We would like to say “Thank You” to
Project Rainbow for allow us to use
the Surge. Thank you as well for all
the support given by all those
attending the event We hope we can
make it even better next time!
collected through litter picking, two
sofas, a TV set, three mattresses,
one microwave and two fridge-
freezers were taken away by
Breckland Council‟s Environmental
Services team who were on hand to
advise residents on reducing their
waste and recycling more.
Executive member for
Communities, Cllr Theresa Hewett,
said: “This is a great opportunity to
clean up our communities. It‟s very
encouraging to see so many local
people willing to give their own
time to help keep their areas tidy.
Their hard work, and that of the
council officers, will really make a
huge difference to Breckland.
“The council is committed to
keeping communities clean and
safe, and the efforts being made in
this big clean-up show the lengths
to which we will go to keep things
looking tidy.”
If you would like to volunteer for the
Breckland Blitz Community Clean
Up or tell us what you‟re doing to
clean up your area, please call
Richard Wills on 01362 656870
or by email on:
richard.wills@breckland.gov.uk
News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 13

Attleborough High
School Digs In
At Attleborough High School last Saturday,
students and staff, friends, family and
members of the local community joined Head
teacher Mr Neil McShane, and Lead Teacher
for Environment, Mr Joel Rodker to plant 200
trees on the school site. The trees were won in
a recent tree-dressing competition run by
Breckland Council.
By planting these trees, a selection including
Silver Birch, Rowan, Wild Pear, Blackthorn,
Hawthorn and Crab Apple, the team of
volunteers hoped to improve the landscape,
encourage more wildlife to the site and help
the school off-set their carbon emissions. In a
day of digging and planting these trees,
sustained by some light refreshments provided
by staff, the team enjoyed the chance to meet
other members of the Attleborough
community. Some of the helpers brought their
own tools and all set about the task with
enthusiasm and energy, excited that they could
make a difference to their local environment
that would be enjoyed by generations to come.
Mr Rodker commented: "It was great to see so
many people turn out and we were fortunate to
have good weather. We planted a mixture of
native woodland trees around our playing
field, between buildings and along a fence.
Everyone felt very proud of the contribution
they were making to the improvement of their
school and the community.”
Attleborough High School‟s Headteacher Mr
McShane commented: “This was a wonderful
occasion. This was a really clear way to make
our school more sustainable, to leave
something that students and the community
will enjoy for many years to come"

Bradenham & District Horticultural Society Old Buckenham Village

We held our February meeting on
Thursday 18th. Traditionally this is a
social evening for members and their
guests with a fish and chip supper and
entertainment of some kind, with
members judging the annual
competition. It was odd that our
previous social evening in December
was heralded by snow and so was this
one! At least this snow didn‟t stay and
we didn‟t have the power cuts. Our
members are a hardy lot and 41 people
attended. The fish and chips arrived
courtesy of Gary‟s Plaice in Watton,
and were very much appreciated.
Thank you to Gary‟s plaice and their
staff who delivered the right order, hot
and on time, quite a feat for the
quantity involved and the cold weather.
We were delighted with the mystery
pineapple fritter, placed at random in
one of the orders, which resulted in a
prize of a bottle of wine. What a
gracious supplier! After the fish and
chips we enjoyed a fast and furious
beetle drive. I was amazed at exactly
how fast and furious this innocuous
little game can be. The first prize for
the most points was won by Gina (I
love beetle drives) Sclater and the prize
for the lowest points went to Stephen
Knight. This month's competition was
for five crocus corms in a 3-½ inch pot.
The corms and pots were supplied by
the Society and to eliminate any
cheating only two people knew the
Shop Special Offer
There is a special promotion going on at the Old Buckenham Village
colour. Members held a secret ballot
and the winner was Pauline Rant with
Shop throughout March. If you purchase goods from the shop costing
2nd Geoff Twelftree, 3rd Vic Cossins over £40 (excluding the post office, cigarettes, lottery and Paypoint) in
and joint Highly Commended Belinda one transaction then you will be entitled to claim a bottle of Italian
Ashworth and Peggy Twelftree. wine (worth £5). So do your shopping locally and you can be
Following the raffle we heard Geoff‟s rewarded. Just check out the details with Nathan.
Tips for March which included: turn
and mulch beds with well-rotted
compost or manure, prune roses and
buddleja and enjoy the catch-up nature
will provide after the cold and wet early
spring that has held most bulbs back.
There should be a spectacular show.
We hope. Marianne Kilmartin
Publicity Officer 01362 820744

Breckland Cats Protection 01842 810018

Phillip and his brother Bob are almost identical brothers and are still looking for a
loving home. They are about 8 months old, vaccinated, neutered and micro chipped.
Philip and Bob are friendly, playful boys who have a lot of love to give to someone
who can provide them with their home comforts. Zoe found herself homeless when
her owner was evicted and she is a very loving cat. She is friends with everyone and
purrs as soon as she sees you. She has had all the special care lavished on her that
Cats Protection cats get. Could you offer this lovely girl a permanent, caring home.

Looking back at Old Buckenham

call in and we’ll be

happy to explain what
you may need
32 - 34 High Street, Watton
The East Anglian Film Archive evening is on Saturday 13th March in the Village Hall. An exhibition of old
photographs and documents will be on show from 7pm and films will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and are
available from Old Buckenham Stores or by ringing 01953 860692. There will be refreshments and a raffle with
Tel: 01953 881248
any monies raised going towards the upkeep of the village hall. email: sales@adcockselectrical.co.uk
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 14
On (01953) 883143
Mobile 07721 535 285
IAN WILTON
GENERAL BUILDER
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No job too small.
Local friendly service.
Call Ian for a free estimate
07917 284098/01953 483192
James Ball
SHOWROOM: 49 High Street, Watton
01953

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Most Makes of carpets
& Vinyl Supplied and Fitted
£25,000 up for grabs by
groups across Breckland
Projects which support and
strengthen local communities
throughout the district have just
weeks to apply for their share of a
special pot of funding. The cash is
available through the „Your
Partnership Your Decision‟
initiative which will be delivered
by the Breckland Partnership.
As part of the Breckland
Partnership‟s continuing
commitment to Participatory
Budgeting, where local people are
asked to decide how public money
is spent, £25,000 worth of funding
is now being made available.
The funding pot is being split
equally so that each of the five
Breckland market towns and their
surrounding villages get £5,000
and projects which apply must
prove they meet the local priorities
set for that area.
Inner Wheel Club of Watton
Our February meeting was a
business meeting where the
following officers were elected for
the coming Inner Wheel year.
President - Beryl Brannan,
Immediate Past President and
Extension Officer - Helen
Glibbery, 1st Vice President -
Stella Leonard, 2nd Vice President
- Jenny Simons, Secretary - Brenda
Davis, Treasurer - Heather
Hewson, Overseas Service - Jill
Beech, Club Correspondent - Jenny
Simons, committee members - Ann
cv
WATTON
BEREAVEMENT two boxes plus an extra
SUPPORT GROUP The boxes cost £490
Wednesday 3rd March supplies for 10-12
2.00pm Meeting at Watton people. No doubt most
CCC, Speaker Ann Durrant of you saw the one that
– A Walk through Watton 50 was erected on Chaston
years ago.
Monday 15th March
12.30pm for 1.00pm Lunch
at Griston Waggon &
Horses
Harry the
Horse‟s PACT
with the Players
Following last year‟s flooding
one of the Players and her
partner were forced to
t e mp o r a ri l y d e c a mp to
alternative accommodation in
a neighbouring village. Whilst
there, they came across a
horse who was in a very sorry
state. Clearly not well cared
for they began to look after
him and slowly gain his trust.
Eventually the owner passed
the horse over to them and
PACT animal and wildlife
They are:
 Attleborough – Bringing people
together
 Dereham – Bringing people/
businesses together, creating a
cleaner and greener community.
 Swaffham – Supporting local
community projects
 Thetford – Community building
projects
 Watton – Bringing communities
together, bringing rural
businesses together, creating a
cleaner, greener community.
Through the Breckland Partnership
local people will play their part in
choosing who gets the cash.
William Nunn, Chairman of the
Breckland Partnership said: “This is
a great opportunity for local people
to have a real say in how council
funding is spent in their towns
Akister, Pam Challand, Mary
Riches and Val Semlyen.
Fourteen members had enjoyed a
meal at the Windmill at Necton,
feeling we needed a bit of cheering
up from the winter weather.
Several of our members had braved
the cold to help with the Rotary street
collection for shelter boxes to send to
the people of Haiti. We used some of
the money we had already raised at
our various fundraising functions,
combined with money from the
collection and donations by some
very generous local
people and we were
able to send enough for
£145 towards another.
and provide a tent and
Place at the time of the
collection. As of now, I
understand that the total
sent from Watton stands
at 13, which is a
wonderful achievement
sanctuary subsequently kindly
agreed to home him for his
lifetime. Touched by Harry‟s
(as he is now known) story,
the Players decided to make a
financial contribution to
PACT and along with money
raised by the society‟s
“Friends” recently presented a
cheque to PACT for £150.
George from PACT is
pictured receiving the cheque
from the Player‟s former
chairman Jenny Mann.
through the Breckland Partnership.
“This money could make a big
difference to so many of the
projects groups who are currently
working to make a significant
contribution to our communities.”
All community projects which
meet the local priorities above are
invited to apply for funding.
Application forms and guidance
notes are available on the
Breckland Council website,
www.breckland.gov.uk/
your_partnership_your_decision.
Alternatively, contact Breckland
Council on 01362 656870.
Application forms must be returned
to the appropriate co-ordinator for
your area by 12th March for the
Watton area, and 8th March for all
other areas. Contact details for area
co-ordinators are given on the
application form.
for such a worthwhile cause. Some
have been bought by individuals and
some by schools and groups.
Our Valentine Barn Dance with
Shinanikins was enjoyed by all,
though we had room for a few more
dancers, so if you fancy taking to the
floor, our next one is on 1st October.
Despite the smaller numbers we still
raised £290 for our charity fund so a
very healthy, fun way of raising
money!
By the time you read this, our next
lunchtime concert will have been and
gone, but all is not lost as we are
having yet another on 24th March.
For just £5 you can enjoy Pamela
Warren, (Dame Clara Butt in the
Good Olde Days), Ken Davis and
Patrick Monk, singing a variety of
songs from Music Hall to opera,
Flanders and Swann to Gilbert and
Sullivan and folk songs, with Brenda
Davis providing the spoken word.
All this, as well as a large roll and
salad at the Queen's Hall as usual -
12noon - 2pm. Tickets available at
Mullengers or phone 01953 881792.
All profits will be given to charity so
read our articles each month to see
where it goes.
News
Great
Hockham
Gardening
Club
Annual Dinner on Saturday,
January 30th: at Park Farm Hotel,
Hethersett, Was a great success
and a superb meal was enjoyed by
30 of our members and guests.
The ladies were all pleased to find
a lovely rose and heather corsage
next to their plates to wear during
the evening (and there was a
heather one for Jack Caitens, who
usually wears his kilt but
chickened out this year as the
weather was so dire!) At the end
of the evening 3 lucky winners
won a bottle of wine with a
secretly placed ticket under their
chairs. Our Chairman, Matt
thanked Annie for arranging the
evening, and Jill and Jane for
making the corsages, and Jane for
the table quiz.
Snowdrop walk to Walsingham
Abbey on Valentine‟s Day: Had to
be postponed as the snowdrops
were not out sufficiently. We re-
arranged this for Sunday 28th
February and I will report on this
next issue.
WEDNESDAY 10th FEBRUARY:
Yet another snowy night and our
speaker, Anne Etheridge tried her
best to get to us from Diss but had
to turn back. We were unaware of
this until her email the next day.
Undaunted Jane nipped next door
and produced a Valentines quiz
which we all enjoyed doing. We
had 5 teams and 3 were evenly
matched after 50 questions all with
romance in mind. After a tie-break
round of finding as many words as
possible from VALENTINE‟S
DAY the „Hockham Lady Lovers
were knocked out and the „Caston
Cupids‟ and the „Too tired to
Care‟ team were pronounced the
winners, both with 50 words! A
fun evening despite the setbacks.
Jill de Ruyter won the Best Flower
competition, Lois Gill second and
Shona Levy was third.
Our next meeting is on
WEDNESDAY 10th MARCH:
NICK BAILEY, „365 DAYS OF
FLOWERS‟.
To be held in the Village Hall.
Hopefully the bad weather will be
behind us and his talk will cheer
us all with inspiring ideas for
colour in the garden as Spring
arrives at last. We would love to
see a large turnout so please come
along.
Doors open at 7.45pm and we get
started by 8pm. There are
refreshments, a raffle and a fun
flower competition.
Free to members, £2.50 guests.
For more information look us up
on our website:
www.greathockhamgardeningclub.
org.uk.
Or ring me on the number below.
We are a very active, friendly
club, always keen to increase our
membership and now is a great
time to join.
If anyone would like a lift to
meetings please give me a call.
Jane Dalton (Secretary) 01953
498694
News
Brownies think of China for Thinking Day Livewire
On Thursday 11th February 2nd
Watton (RAF) Brownies welcomed
Mr. Lee of The Golden Lantern,
concert
Watton to help learn about China and
try some Chinese food.
Mr Lee also joined the girls in playing
a game of Lame Chicken, which is a
traditional game which the Chinese
Brownies play.
The pack are celebrating the
Centenary this year and the Adventure
100 is the Centenary Challenge,
where the Brownies participate in
different activities to gain points
which will total 100, which we are
working towards. A very big thank
you to Mr. Lee.
Thinking day is where the girls think
about Brownies/ Guides in other
countries from around the world. The
2nd Watton (RAF) Brownies are
thinking about Brownies in China,
which also coincides with the Chinese
New Year of the Tiger.
We meet every Thursday evening in
term time at 6.15- 7.45pm, at the
Blenheim Centre, Teddar Close,
Watton. If you are interested in
helping or have a daughter who would
like to attend please contact Margaret
on 01953 882992.
The Colin Friends, wine and
Mackenzie Centre heritage at
My name is Jan MacKenzie and I am
opening a centre on Wednesday 10th
March, In remembrance of my
husband Colin MacKenzie- (Noble).
You are invited to the open day,
starting from 10am going on till
10pm
at 13b High Street Watton Norfolk
This Centre aims to offer a range of
activates including; training for both
personal & professional
development, plus community based
activities. Support will also be
offered to people needing advice in
their lives. There will also be
educational training for anyone with
concerns ranging from anger
management to a lack of self
confidence. The Centre will be a
place of support for many people.
There will be an outreach team
working from the building and other
health and professional links that can
be accessed.
The centre will be running courses
by approved trainers from Barnabas
Training International, an
organization affiliated to the
Association of Christian Counsellors
(ACC). These courses will give
people who are interested in
becoming professional Christian
counsellors a qualification.
Positive Impact Training Services
will be running courses from the
building. All trainers have a Teachers
qualification.
There will be an age limit on the
training services of 18+, however, we
will run courses in drug and alcohol
awareness and self esteem etc -
training for people over the ages of
14 on specific days with parental
permission.
I am Christian and there will staff to
spend time with anyone who is
looking for answers spiritually; there
is a link to a local church who is
involved in this centre.
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 15
Are you a "Livewire" fan? This versatile local
touring company will be giving a Concert
entitled "The Rhythm of Life" on Saturday 27
March, 7.30 p.m. at Watton Methodist Church.
Their varied repertoire includes songs from the
shows, operetta, opera, sacred and classic songs
- something for everyone! Tickets are £5 each
and can be obtained from Adcocks at 32 High
Street, Watton or by telephoning Pam Wilkins
on 01760 440643. Proceeds will be split on a
50/50 basis between Livewire and Watton
Methodist Church. Do come, we are sure you
will not be disappointed.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON TEAS
Hosted by St. Mary’s Church
Sun 21st March Watton Christian Community
Centre 2.30pm until 4pm All welcome - please
come along and bring family and friends
The Chequers Inn
Griston Road, Thompson, IP24 1PX
 Evening Special Mon - Thurs 'Tea for a
Tenner’ Main Course & Dessert £10
 Lunchtime Special Mon-Fri Starter &
At the moment we have 3 large
rooms. But will expand in time to
Old Buckenham Main Course Or Main Course & Dessert
£6.95
offer many more services It was a well attended meeting As part of his talk he also  Now taking Mothers Day Bookings!
Room 1-- will be used for training in February for the Old showed photographs of Old Sunday March 14th 3 course menu £14.95
courses. Buckenham Social and Wine Buckenham and Attleborough in
Room 2-- will be used for group
work and a place to express yourself
Circle. Their speaker in the earlier days. There was plenty of
Church Rooms was Cliff Amos feedback from the audience who
Tel 01953 483 360
by using Art. who came to tell his audience all recognised images from their
Room 3-- will be a place to have a about the Attleborough Heritage own childhoods and told stories
coffee or tea at a small fee (till fully Group – how it started and how of the mischief that they had got RICHARDS BUILDING
funded) to look at the centre or to it now has premises that are up to then.The Social and Wine
have advice or guidance if needed,
somewhere just to chat with friendly
open for visitors each Thursday Circle will be meeting again on MAINTENANCE
from 9.30am to 3.30pm. These Thursday 11 March when John
volunteers. premises are what used to be the Lee will be giving an illustrated For all your internal and external
This charity is being raised due to the bar of the old Station Hotel in talk on the architecture of the maintenance works
sudden death of my husband Colin Attleborough (or in more recent seaside. This talk will start at
MacKenzie, who died in March times Cliff‟s own front room). 7.45pm in the Church Rooms at KITCHENS & BATHROOMS FITTED
2009. The Heritage Group organises Old Buckenham and is open to WALL & FLOOR TILING
Colin was born in Scotland and public meetings on various local anyone who wants to come
lived in Galashiels in the borders of history subjects and is often along.
LAMINATE FLOORING
Scotland and came from a large c o n s u l t e d b y p e o p l e News from Old Buckenham PAINTING
family. When he was adopted he investigating their family Blog
was brought to England to live with history. oldbuckenham.blogspot.com/
Whatever your needs give me a call
a family in Norfolk. Colin was a Quick response promised
troubled young man and he could Free estimates Call Richard on
not settle. He longed for Scotland
deep inside his heart, but had to cut
himself off emotionally when he
was young to survive the pain of
Prayer of the Heart 01953 885178
the loss of his family, especially his
Activities at Watton Methodist Church Comprising Christian
Meditation, Bi Monthly Worship and Bi monthly Spiritual Book
01284 787109
older sister Moira and younger
brother Andrew who remained at
Group. For those seeking reflective prayer, mid week worship with a
more reflective and contemporary feel and those who enjoy exploring
07882 277738
home in Scotland with their their faith by reading spiritual books old and new.
mother .
The full story of Colin‟s life will
Christian Meditation 7.45pm in the Vestry
Mondays 1st and 15th March Monday Evening Need small home improvements ?
be available on the day. Worship Monday 22nd March
May his life and his story help
many others to
come to a place
Keith Huish
where, unlike Norfolk Wildlife Trust Skilled & Experienced Carpenter
Colin, they may To ask a question about the Norfolk’s Wildlife please call the Norfolk
decide to face Wildlife Information Service. Wildline 01603 598333 9am to 5pm Mon - Fri.
the truth of their E-mail wild@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk Doors, windows, locks . . . no job too small.
past and call for Website http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturalconnections Free no obligation estimate.
help sooner. Jan Further details and Membership enquiries 01953 498467
Mackenzie Tuesday 16 March 7.45pm a demonstration – Hand Made products by
Masc. (A.D.C) Willow Craftsman, Rob King followed by refreshments and raffle. Venue:
Watton Christian Community Centre, High Street, Watton. Cost £1.50
K R H Carpentry Services
Cert Ed
members and £2.00 non-members for NWT funds. 01953 (Watton) 882484 – Mobile 07746 114285
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 16
Thought for the Month
From the Rev Geoff Garrett
St Mary‘s Church, Watton
Psalm 23 has been a staple of
people‟s faith and worship since even
before the time of Christ – centuries
before! It is still a favourite Bible
text for many people today and it is
one of mine. I never tire of reading it
or hearing it. It is perfect for all
occasions and reminds us that
whatever the occasion and however
we may feel God is always around to
lend a hand and be a shepherd to us,
loving, comforting, protecting,
guiding and providing both here and
now in this life – but also beyond
life.
As a prayer of thanksgiving it
reinforces our need of total
dependence on God and covers all
aspects of our life. As a plea for
forgiveness, reconciliation and
restoration it is helpful. As a song of
praise it raises our souls to new
heights of adoration. The various
tunes can be used to reflect different
Letter from Australia
By Chris O‘Connor
Australia has woken to a new kind of
menace, fear. While we all live with
some kind of dread Australia has for
as long as I can remember always
been a nation that reaches out to other
people. However this illusion was
shattered recently when an 18-year-
old university student was ignored for
30 minutes when she fainted in the
centre of a major capital city after
donating blood.
It made me think that if we have sunk
that low then people need to rethink
their attitudes, get over their fears and
become more compassionate or
society will spiral into dark times.
And then I realised that in recent
years I too have become a victim of
fear. I live in Adelaide one of the
most progressive and tolerant cities in
Australia. However, there is no way
that I will walk down our major
streets after dark; if I hear somebody
behind me I quicken my pace and I
no longer look somebody in the eye –
eye contact is perilous. My fear stems
from two major incidents in my life.
The first was some years back when I
was on a train travelling home. A
group of not particularly pleasant
youths got on board and looked
myself and another passenger over.
ROGER TURNER
07759 948 830
01953 881 382
News
A BIG SSAFA125 Thank You
specific occasions. One tune being
made popular as the theme tune for
the Vicar of Dibley.
The words of Psalm 23 during times
of sadness and loneliness bring
comfort and we are reminded that we
are not alone. They can help in our
everyday lives, soothing in times of
difficulty and hostility and recalling
times of refreshment and tranquillity.
As we read them they can bring relief
and inspiration.
The 23rd Psalm is more than just a
pretty passage of scripture; it‟s a
reminder of who we are and whose
we are, of where we‟ve been and
where we‟re going. I hope you‟ll
read it often. Commit it to memory,
if you can. Let it remind you of the
love of God which enfolds you, the
peace of Christ which surrounds you,
and the power and presence of the
Holy Spirit within you which
promises to give you victory over sin
and death, now and forever more.
Suddenly they attacked the other
Tracy and Dylan Short, Jenny Mann and Chris Rowe, Secretary SSAFA FH Norfolk
passenger and left him bleeding and
minus his wallet. Why I was spared I Thank you to all the wonderful by were also lucky when they got a If you missed us this time, you can catch
have no idea but it terrified me. The customers at Coop Watton who so free goodie bag! us on a street collection when the
other incident was when I was generously – and without any arm SSAFA FH has been looking after weather is warmer! and we can persuade
working as a nurse and watched a twisting – generously gave not only serving and ex serving members of the our Chairman to sit in a bath of custard?
mother of two bleed out and die in their smalls but their larges too in aid Forces and their families for 125 years. Or you can contact the Norwich Office
the emergency room because of a of SSAFA 125. The aim is go in and help and to stay for details of how to make a donation or
knife attack. The fear in her face and This all happened on Saturday 13 until the job is done even if that takes a to remember us in your will.
reality that she was dying haunt me February. We were lucky with the lifetime. Your donations on Saturday If you need help or you know of
to this day. weather and lucky with the generosity will stay in Norfolk to help members of someone who needs help – and that
The young university student, who of everyone who came to look at our all three services and their families could even be your mum or your dad –
did not want to be identified, stall. And any children who ventured where there is a need. then give us a ring on 01603 403322
collapsed to the pavement outside a
crowded Perth department store as My daughter was giving blood to help Betsy she's just been off giving blood wary.
she was walking to the train station,
others." to someone, she can't have appeared Ironically a recent poll in Australia
but received no offers of help fromWhat is disturbing about the whole all that frightening." indicated that mateship and personal
the hundreds of people who walked incident is that anyone would be I know there are valid reasons for safety were greater priorities than
past. t r e at ed so c al lou sl y, but a people to be scared in a violent world money, good looks, health and family
Her distraught girlfriend, who was combination of fear and selfishness and that we need to be ever vigilant, values.
with her, called her parents but it took
seems to have kept people away. to be careful (I long ago stopped For people aged 15 to 25 years,
them 30 minutes to arrive in peak- Perhaps I am naive but my fear (if we picking up hitchhikers), but there is mateship, safety and democracy are
hour traffic. don't change) is that we will become no excuse for doing nothing. their most "Australian" and important
The young woman was described by more anxious and more fearful as a One person told me that people are concerns.
her family as slightly built, well-society. Will we then be left in the worried that if they get involved, the Survey participants were asked to
dressed and kind. Her mother, Betsy,
dreadful situation that if something situation can turn on them. compare a number of categories and
said she was appalled by the happens no one is going to come to In a world inundated with mobile rate them based on how Australian
"collective non-responsibility" shown
our aid? phones surely it's not hard to call the categories were, from their own
by people walking past. One senior cleric who was shocked people to let them know someone is and other perspectives.
"There seems to have been a basic by the whole affair suggested that in distress. Of the young people surveyed those
assumption that she was drunk or on"People are paralysed by prudence There is no doubt fear stops people who emphasised safety as an
drugs. The community needs to and the fear related to it……we need from being kind and they have to Australian characteristic and those
realise that not all kids are on drugs.
to reflect on what is going on inside keep it under control but surely there who perceived their own benefits to
ourselves and ask is a time to care. be in line with other Australians'
why we are Australia has always prided itself on beliefs, had higher “ worth and pride
Massage Treatments frightened of stopping
to help a young
what it calls „mateship‟, a term honed
in the horror of two world wars; we
in being Australian,".
Half of the respondents were aged
Swedish Massage and woman in
situation. I don't
this are generous when it comes to giving
to charity and by and large we care
between 15 and 25.
The results of a similarly Australian-
Hot Stone Massage know what she looks for our elderly but an increase in esque survey conducted by a major
like, but heavens to crime seems to have made us more news journal maga zine also
Appointments available at
illustrated how mateship is valued
in this nation.
BROOM HALL This survey showed support for
mateship and loyalty was near the
Country Hotel top of the list of "true Australian
values", it also found most
Saham Toney Au s t r a l i a n s r e ga r d e d j a il
Your Local Three Star Hotel sentences as "too lenient".
Perhaps what we say in surveys
and what we act out in real life is
not quite true to form. It will be a
sad day for Australia when the
crude oafish louts take over and
people can no longer help
somebody who has fallen in the
Telephone: 01953 882125 street.
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News
Useful Q and A‟s
Question – Where can I buy an
umbrella that can be attached to a
wheelchair?
Answer – There are several
companies which offer wheelchair
umbrella‟s one of which is
Mobility Smart a company in
Lancashire. The umbrella is
secured to the wheelchair side and
folds down when not needed. The
price, ex. Delivery is £25.02. For
further details call 0800 567 7222
or go to their website at:
www.mobilitysmart.cc, where they
also have other aids and equipment
for sale.
Question - I live alone and I have
not been able to get out to pay my
bills in the recent cold weather. I
am a little worried that my
electricity and gas will be cut off. I
have phoned the companies but
have not been able to get through.
Can they cut me off?
Answer - Energy companies are
sympathetic to people who are
unable to pay their bills and do not
want to cut any person off in the
cold weather that we are currently
having. You should however keep
trying to contact them to explain
your situation. If you continue to
find that you cannot get in touch
with them, you could ring your
local Social Services office or your
local Age Concern and explain
your situation and ask them to
contact the companies concerned
on your behalf. They will need
your customer number and other
details so make sure you have your
bills to hand when you call them.
Q uestion - "What is NHS
continuing healthcare?"
Answer - NHS continuing health
care is care which is arranged and
paid for by the NHS for people
outside of a hospital situation who
have healthcare needs. The setting
"outside of a hospital" can mean in
your own home or in a residential
care home. NHS continuing
Using the Citizens‟ Advice – Adviceguide System
There are times when you are faced
with problems and a little extra
help, information and advice is
needed. Quite a few people have
access to the internet either at home
or through friends or the local
L i b r a r y. C i t i z e n s ‟ A d v i c e
recognises that the internet can be a
good source of information,
although you do need to know and
trust the source of that information.
That is why Citizens‟ Advice offers
an on-line service at
www.adviceguide.org.uk . The
front page of the site will help you
negotiate your way through to the
section you need. There is also a
search facility if you can‟t find an
immediate link to the subject area
on which you need information.
You will also find links to a variety
of factsheets, which can be
downloaded and printed, in a
number of different languages.
As an illustration, we can follow
through an enquiry on one of the
current subjects on which we get
asked for advice - Money
Management - and see how the
system can be used for self help. If
we click on this subject on the left
hand menu we can follow the link
through to the relevant page. This
healthcare is free.
Eligibility is based on the
healthcare need that a person may
have and in relation to that need an
assessment of care will be made by
a multidisciplinary team made up
of two or more health and social
care professionals. The result of
this assessment will decide whether
a person is entitled to receive the
care.
Question - During her younger
years my Mother used to make rag
rugs. Her memory is now poor but
she remembers making them and I
would like to encourage her to try
and make one again. Do you know
if it is possible to buy a kit or the
equipment needed?"
Answer -You can buy a kit from a
company in Manchester called Fred
Aldous Ltd, 37 Lever Street,
Manchester M1 1LW UK. Tel:
0161 236 4224. Website is at
www.fredaldous.co.uk
Question - My father is over eighty
and I believe he is entitled to some
state benefits but he is a very private
man and will not let me have any
access to his income, savings, etc. Is
there any way he can find out for
himself if he is entitled to any
financial benefits, as he would be
happy to talk to strangers!
Answer - It is estimated that 5
million pounds in benefits are not
claimed by elderly people every
year and it is therefore worth older
people making enquiries as to
whether they have a claim. Age
Concern have a service where they
have a calculator online, which is
free to use and you will be able to
see if you should have been
receiving a benefit. If a person does
not have access to the internet, call
the local branch of Age Concern
who will help. Phone number in
local telephone book. Website:
www.ageconcern.org.uk
Information supplied by Able
Community Care, 01603 764567
has further links to different aspects
of Money Management including
Help with Debts, Mortgage
Problems, Debts and Court Action
and Borrowing Money.
On the right hand side of the page
you will see a link to on-line tools.
One of these offers sample letters,
which can be used when writing to
your creditors. All you need to do is
follow the advice and fill in the
relevant details.
Having got your letters ready, you
can go back to on-line tools and
click the link to the budgeting tool.
This is an on-line calculator which
enables you to set out in detail all
your income and expenditure and
then work out what you have
available for your creditors for non-
priority debts. There are full
instructions and help for you to use
this tool. At the end you will have a
full financial statement to use in
reaching an agreement for
repayment with your creditors. It
does show creditors that you are
serious about trying to manage your
debts.
Getting back to the front page of
adviceguide, another useful source
of information is in the Benefits
section. In this part, as with many
Accident or negligence?
By Adrian Goldring of
Greenland Houchen Pomeroy in
Watton
Whilst the recent snowy weather was
quite picturesque and thousands of
children (and their parents!) enjoyed
days off from school sledging down
slopes and having snowball fights, the
long wintry conditions have caused
problems for some and injuries for
others.
For those of you who may have been
injured in a car accident or perhaps
fallen over through no fault of your
own, it may be that you can make a
claim for compensation but this will
depend on the circumstances of the
particular incident.
If you are a passenger in a car and are
injured as a result of the driver losing
control on a slippery surface, you are
likely to succeed in bringing a claim as
the driver is responsible for driving in a
safe manner.
However, if you slip over on an
unsalted path or road you are unlikely
Diabetes UK
We held a Coffee & Chat meeting
in February, some of our members
attended with their partners. As
this was an open meeting, it
enabled us to discuss items and
have more input from our
members that time does not allow
for when we have speakers.
Also after the meeting we had our
post - Christmas lunch at Necton,
to which members and partners
were invited and which was kindly
arranged by one of our committee
members and her husband. Despite
the weather, 27 of the group were
at the lunch and enjoyed a
wonderful two course meal and
Ann & Clive were warmly thanked
and asked when another lunch
could be arranged! Even though
others, there are further links to
other relevant websites. In this case
follow the link is to the Directgov
website at www.direct.gov.uk .
The Department for Work and
Pensions has produced an online
guide which can help you check if
you qualify for certain benefits. It
covers the main benefits including:
Attendance Allowance, Carer's
Allowance, Child Benefit, Child
Tax Credit, Council Tax Benefit,
Disability Living Allowance,
Housing Benefit, Income Support,
Jobseeker's Allowance
There is also a selection of
factsheets with particularly useful
ones on the Child and Working Tax
Credits system and the Employment
and Support Allowance. It can be
useful to read through these before
making any contact with the Tax
Credit people or the Jobcentre Plus
offices so that you can focus your
questions and ensure that you get
the information that you need for
your circumstances. It also enables
you to be aware of the information
you will need to supply which, in
turn, should also enable the
HMR&C and DWP staff to help
deal with your enquiry more
effectively and quickly.
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 17
to succeed as private individuals and
local authorities do not necessarily have
an obligation to clear all paths.
The freezing temperatures also affect
the condition of our roads – as no doubt
many of you have noticed – creating
potholes and uneven surfaces. If you or
your car is damaged by driving into one
of these potholes, you may have a
claim depending on when the Council
was notified of the problem.
All personal injury claims must be
brought within 3 years of the date of
the incident but it is best to seek advice
as soon as possible. Take photos of the
area where the accident occurred and
photos of the injuries you sustained.
like to make an appointment to see
Keep receipts for all your expenditure
her for an informal chat, please
such as prescriptions as these can
telephone 01953 882864 or call in to
usually be reclaimed and make a note
40 High Street, Watton.
of mileage or bus fares if visits to your
doctor or hospital are necessary.
We have a personal injury
specialist, Siân Carrel, who
visits our Watton office on a
regular basis. If you would
Rod and John were accompanied
by their wives, they still behaved
as normal! (What more can be
said!)
Our March meeting will be on the
8th. Our speaker will be Rachael
Tussington, PCSO, from the
Watton Safer Neighbourhood
Team. The meeting will start at
10.15 am and will be at the
Pentecostal Church, Old Dereham
Road, Watton, to whom we are
grateful for the use of their
facilities.
For more information of the
meeting or any other queries,
please phone Helen 01953 884713,
BROOM HALL
leave a message and I will get back
to you as soon as I can.
Country Hotel
Saham Toney
Your Local Three Star Hotel
Remember, however, that
whichever route you choose the
trained advisers at Citizens‟ Advice
Bureaux – who are all volunteers -
are still there to help if you need
them. They have a wealth of Wednesdays Steak Night
experience and access to a first Sirloin or Rump with chips £10.00
class information system to use to Fridays Pie & Mash Night
give you information and advice on Pastry Pie & Mash with Dessert £9.95
how you can take action on your
problem. New Ivy Room for Bar Meals
Remember, problems rarely solve Monday to Saturday 6.30 – 8.30
themselves and certainly do not Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 – 2.00
improve with age – get information
and advice!! 01953 882125
www.broomhallhotel.co.uk
HJC Ltd Motor Engineers
Servicing & MOT preparation to all makes of
modern cars & light commercials
Tyres, Exhausts, & Batteries supplied and fitted
Courtesy cars available
Ask for Steve at: 5 Linmore Court
Threxton Rd Industrial Estate Watton
Tel: 01953 889924
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 18 Comment & Letters

You couldn‟t make it up!

By and large, every penny of tax,
whether paid to central government,
county, district or parish council, is hard
earned.
Whether paid by a soldier in
Afghanistan; risking life and limb to
keep our country safe, or the driver of a
gritting lorry working in the most
difficult conditions in the middle of the
night to make the roads a little less
slippery in the morning, the money is
not easily come by!
So to discover that the people in control
of spending taxes, discharge their duty
with scant regard for those who put so
much effort into earning the money in
the first place, is irritating to say the
least. The abuse by MPs of their self
designed expenses system is, perhaps,
the most extreme example to come to
light in recent years.
If we are being honest, most of us will
admit to having worked the system to
our own advantage at one time or
another; but some of the examples that
have come to light recently defy
imagination.
Forget duck houses and moat cleaning.
I can almost applaud the humour and
creativity there. No, I am thinking of
the claims involving “house flipping”.
This is the practice of maximising your
expenses claim by deliberately
misstating which of your residences is
your main one and which one you
currently living in.
To my mind, that practice is tantamount
to premeditated fraud, and I am
astonished that the “investigations” did
not take more MPs to task over it.
The point is this however, if we had
known what was being done with our
money, we would have never allowed it
to happen the first place. Like everyone
else, I put my trust in Parliament to
govern and make decisions based on
what was best for society, not what
would give MPs the greatest personal
financial gain.
And trust is at the heart of the issue.
Citizens working day in, day out, to
earn the money to pay their taxes,
delegate the power to govern and
spend on their behalf trusting that the
authorities will do their best with it.
They do not have the time to attend
meetings and oversee the process
themselves; they TRUST the system.
But that trust has been broken so
many times now.
Citizens must have oversight of
government and, if decisions are
made which are wrong, then those
responsible must be called to account
for it by the people in whose name
they govern.
Last month I highlighted discussions by
Watton Town Council regarding the
flashing speed signs being proposed for
some of our roads; local residents and
taxpayers are now informed of what is
being done and have the chance to
make their own views known to
councillors whether or not they agree
with what I think and write.
One councillor, who was especially
>> Ooops!
irritated by my report and editorial
accused me, in a public meeting, of
trying to “conduct Council by Press”.
A charge I emphatically deny.
In all things dear reader, my intent is to
inform you about what is being done in
your name, by those who have been
given the trust to spend your money to
best effect.
And whatever the subject, if an MP or
a County, District, Town or Parish
Councillor feels in the least
uncomfortable you knowing what they
plan to do, or, are doing in your name
or on your behalf, then you really do
need to know about it.
And perhaps the representatives
concerned should re-examine their
reasons for suggesting whatever it is in
the first place?
So stand by for another piece of
uncomfortable information . . .
Those signs at Ovington; it does seem
that my assertion that they don‟t work
half the time was based on an
incorrect assumption. In a statement
from Norfolk County Council I was
told “The chevrons there will only
activate if you are travelling around
the bends too quickly. The fact that
you have not been 'flashed' means
you have been travelling at the
correct speed, so well done for that!
“All solar powered signs are fitted
with batteries so that they work 24/7,
clearly in a country like ours it would
be foolish to rely on the sun shining -
and we don't.”
But remember they have been switched
off? Do you know why?
Those flashing chevrons, erected at
considerable expense by the Highways
Department of Norfolk County Council
have been switched off because they do
not “currently meet the Department for
Transport's regulations”
(NCC‟s words)!
You really couldn‟t make it up!
> > > julian@midnorfolktimes.com

Letters to the Editor

Signs of the Times (1) more vulnerable in that exposed organised by members of the
With reference to the article in last situation than vehicle drivers. Methodist Church on January
month‟s Times “Signs of the Yours Truly Rod Rumsby 16th. This was sponsored by
Times”, we of Ovington would (Ovington Parish Council) Waitrose (Swaffham) and Tesco
concur with the points you made and The Co-Op (Watton) so no
concerning the overpriced and
Signs of the Times (2) actual charge needed to be made
After reading your comments for any part of the occasion.
mostly ineffective signs through
(“sign of the times”) in the Mid- Donations were invited and,
our famous bypass - sorry, bends.
Norfolk Times I would like to add thanks to the many good-hearted
It might interest you to know that
my two pence worth to the speed people who attended, an amazing
Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford, the appearance of these signs came
as something of a surprise to the
sign debate. When you hear that the
local council has spent £100,000
total of £700 has been sent to the
Meningitis Research Foundation
residents and indeed the Parish
Norfolk. IP25 6HW Council of Ovington, who were not
consulted prior to their installation.
renovating a tiny toilet block, are
you really surprised that they want
in memory of Caroline Neave.
Thank you to all who contributed in
Tel: (01953) 881343 Fax:(01953) 882923 Not that the authority responsible
to waste a paltry few thousand on
some very classy flashing signs?
any way, Lesley Cowling
(Organiser)
for those abominations would have
The council probably feel that
taken on board any suggestions or Ovington Crower
Watton residents, being in the
recommendations that our Council
majority both colloquial and slow Dear Sid, I look forward every
might have offered. The Council
by nature, would be fascinated by mumf to your bit in the Nawfok
did however receive
the flashing lights – seeing them as Times even tho I find it ard to read,
correspondence informing them of
some sort of entertainment: cummin from the East End like.
the decision to turn off the solar
Norfolk‟s answer to the lights in Yor spellin aint up to much iver!
powered illuminates.
Oxford Street London. Anyway me ol china, keep up them
On the plus side, we are informed,
Once we get the new signs (I am there harticalls
there has been a reduction in
sure it will happen) perhaps we can cos they makes me and muwer
“reportable” accidents through the
have some celebrity come and smile. Gawd bless ya! From Arfer
bends during the time the signs
switch them on? Watton town (An ammers supporter)
were operational. We find this hard
council obviously have very deep
to believe, as one only has to drive
pockets so how about Sir Cliff
Pantomime and
slowly through the bends to see the Supper Dance
e-mail: sales@bobsmobiles.co.uk Richards, or Dame Vera Lynn? A
remains of plastic parts that
few war songs always go down The Watton Pantomime Group
proliferate on modern cars littering
well with the residents of Watton. presented Show White at the
the verges, and witness the gaps
I personally can‟t wait for the new Queens Hall, Watton at the end of
that are constantly being made in
signs to be installed; it will turn January and very good it was with
the hedges bordering the road.
Watton into a real metropolis, think mostly youngsters acting in it. The
There is nothing wrong with bends
of them as a status symbol – don‟t music and dance scenes most
On your PVCu Replacement anyway, just the folks who drive
confuse them with road safety or colourful and precise and the back
through them at less than sensible
Windows, Doors and try and relate them to anything drops most effective. Thanks to
speeds and consider overtaking at
confusing like facts and figures. Stephanie Easter and Laura
Sunlounges. the same time a fun thing to do!!!
We ageing residents need these Stevens. Thanks also to all 28
What really incensed the Parish
Plus!We have no pushy sales signs, whey should young people members of the cast and all that
council was the reported cost of
have all the fun? made Snow White a really great
reps, all appointments are the entire installation, in the
P.S. If the council ever run out of pantomime. Well done.
undertaken by region of £45,000. Money, which
ideas on what to waste our money Friday, 5 February 2010 at the
we believe, could have been more
Ray Harman(Proprietor) on, I would be happy to help out. Queens Hall, Watton a successful
sensibly directed towards
(See reference above: Dame Vera Supper Dance was held for
providing a footpath along the
or Sir Cliff). charities. The Dance was organised
A1075 between Ovington Cross
David Walker (aged 63 & ¼), by Margaret Holmes, the Town
Roads and Watton. Something
Watton. Mayor and her many helpers. There
Ovington as a whole has been
was also a very good raffle, must
Unit B, Yaxham Rd, campaigning for for years and Down Under Day add the supper was great with a
where, but for the Grace of God
Dereham and nimbleness of pedestrians,
May I, through your columns,
thank the people of Watton and
wonderful dessert. Dancing was to
the lively swing band, Heaving
(behind Halfords) there has always been a greater
district for their support of „Do Cleavage. Thanks to everyone also,
likelihood of a serious accident,
Down Under Day‟ an event the bar staff. Doug Wickwar
walkers and cyclists being far
Church times and Puzzles Mid-Norfolk Times Page 19
WATTON CHURCHES TOGETHER
PUZZLE CORNER
Breckles, Caston, Great Hockham, Griston,
Merton, Stow Bedon, Thompson
SERVICE CALENDAR FOR MARCH 2010
Worship Calendar: March 2010
St. Mary‘s Church, Watton Sunday 7th March (Third Sunday Of Lent) £10 PRIZE CROSSWORD
1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesday at 9.30am Holy Communion Would you like to win a £10 Adcocks Voucher to spend? Simply
10:20 am Sunday Club Griston
2nd Wednesday Morning Worship complete the crossword on the right and drop it in to The Wayland
(ages 4-11, „Manorcourt‟ Day Centre, Manor Rd)
Church Office opens Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm News bin at (or post it to) Adcocks, 32 High Street, Watton,
10:30 am United Holy Communion Griston
Tel: 01953 881252 margaret@churchadm.freeserve.co.uk Norfolk. IP25 6AE before the paper deadline. All correct entries
www.stmaryswatton.org Sunday 7th March (Third Sunday of Lent)
10:20 am Sunday Club Griston will be put into a draw and the winner will receive a £10 Adcocks
Sun 7th 8.00am Holy Communion voucher to spend. In the event of any dispute the decision of the
10.00am Holy Communion (ages 4-11, „Manorcourt‟ Day Centre, Manor Rd)
10:30 am United Holy Communion Griston Editor will be final. The clues are a mix of cryptic, and easy with
Sun 14th Mothering Sunday one or two anagrams thrown in just to make it more interesting!
8.00am Holy Communion Mothering Sunday—14th March (Fourth Sunday of Lent) The correct solution will be published in the next issue.
10.00am Holy Communion 9:00 am Mothering Sunday All-Age Service Merton
Sun 21st 8.00am Holy Communion 10:30 am Holy Communion Stow Bedon
10.00am Holy Communion Mothering Sunday theme. Posies for mums. Sermon suitable for
Sun 28th Palm Sunday children. Refreshments.
8.00am Holy Communion 3:00 pm Mothering Sunday Family Service Thompson
10.00am All Age Worship
6.30pm Choral Evensong Passion Sunday—21st March (Fifth Sunday of Lent)
9:00 am Matins (BCP) Gt. Hockham
Watton Methodist Church 10:30 am United Holy Communion Thompson
Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet reflection and
prayer between 10am & 12 Noon Thursday 25th March (The Annunciation of Our Lord to the
It’s your quiet place. At 10.30 there is a half-hour Midweek Blessed Virgin Mary)
Service in the Large Vestry led by the Minister or a Church 7:00 pm Holy Communion Gt. Hockham
Member. www.wattonmethodist.btik.com Palm Sunday - Sunday 28th March (Sixth Sunday of Lent)
Sun 7th 10.45am Mrs Elizabeth Wright 9:00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Merton
6.30pm Mr Richard Hompstead 10:30 am United Holy Communion Breckles
Sun 14th Mothering Sunday
10.45am Mrs Janet Roebuck Holy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday—29th To 31st March
6.30pm Mr Alan Warby 7:00 pm Compline Gt. Hockham
Sun 21st 10.45am Rev Barbara Winner Holy Communion Maundy Thursday - 1st April
6.30pm Rev Andrew King 7:00 pm Commemoration of Institution of the Lord‟s
Sun 28th 10.45am Mrs Judith Semmons Supper (Holy Communion) Gt. Hockham
6.30pm Rev Brian Eagle Holy Communion
Good Friday - 2nd April
Roman Catholic Community 12-3:00 pm Stations of the Cross: Seven Churches Pilgrimage
Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church 12:00 Thompson, 12:20 Merton, 12:40 Griston, 13:00 Bring your Across Down
packed lunch to the Rectory; 13:45 Caston; 14:05 Stow Bedon; 7 You'll need to move softly to 1 Pathos can used as a fertiliser (6)
Pentecostal Church, Dereham Road, Watton 14:25 Breckles; 14:45 Great Hockham catch one (6) 2 Lady's Finger (4)
There is a Noah's Ark Sunday and King's Kids for children 2-3:00 pm Hour of Meditation Gt. Hockham 8 In blue they would be eligible to 3 Taking this will end "in decay" (7)
during the morning services get married (6) 4 Tin Tin's dog (5)
Sun 7th Alpha Countdown - 6 Holy Saturday - 3rd April 9 Tibetan religious teacher (4) 5 On its way out (8)
10.30am Family Service 8:00 pm Service of light on the Eve of Easter Breckles 10 Western hemisphere (3,5) 6 Race around obstacles (6)
6.30pm No Service th 11 Race had been a spoof! (7) 12 Brings to mind an ant snore (8)
Sun 14th Alpha Countdown - 5 Easter Sunday - 4 April
9:00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Merton 13 Disease-causing bacterium 14 Red Coat fashion from 1930's
10.30am „1 - 2 - One – My Experience‟ (5) (3,4)
6.30pm Team Training 10:30 am United Holy Communion Caston
15 Secret store (5) 16 Between the neck and the
Sun 21st Alpha Countdown - 4 17 Need to get it done quickly (7) diaphragm (6)
10.30am „1 - 2 - One - His Message‟ For all our parishes…
‗The WAY‘ Youth Group (ages 11+) 20 Get it off the Internet (8) 18 Large cave (6)
6.30pm Team Training 21 They were Enid's Famous 19 Treasure that sounds like a
Sun 28th Alpha Countdown - 3 Sundays 7th & 21st March 7-8:00 pm, Rectory
bunch (4) baby's shoe (5)
10.30am Easter Egg Hunt Service Pram Services: Wednesdays, 10:15 am 22 Attractive metal perhaps? (6) 21 Plus 21 across makes ten (4)
6.30pm Prayer Service Caston School Hall. (31st March at Chase Farm, Caston; 7th 23 VAT in Oct is a gambol! (6)
April no service) For parents or carers with children aged 0-5
St. Nicholas‘ Church, Ashill
Sun 7th
Sun 14th
9.30am Lay Led Morning Worship
Mothering Sunday
Enquiries: The Revd. Bob Nichols: Tel.: (01953) 483222;
Email: revbobnichols@gmail.com
Scribble Pad
9.30am Morning Worship
Sun 21st 9.30am All Age Worship
Sun 28th Palm Sunday
9.30am Holy Communion
Tues 30th 7.30pm Holy Communion
St. George‘s Church, Saham Toney
Sun 14th Mothering Sunday
11.00am Morning Worship
Sun 21st 11.00am All Age Worship
Sun 28th Palm Sunday
11.00am Holy Communion
S.S. Peter & Paul‘s Church, Carbrooke
Sun 7th 10.30am Benefice Service of Holy Communion
Sun 14th Mothering Sunday
10.30am All Age Worship
Sun 21st 10.30am Holy Communion
Sun 28th Palm Sunday
10.30am Methodist Service
Wed 31st 7.30pm Holy Communion
St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington
Thursdays at 8.00am Said Holy Communion
Sun 14th Mothering Sunday
9.30am Holy Communion
Sun 28th Palm Sunday
9.30am Lay Led All Age Worship
Mon 29th 7.30pm Holy Communion
LAST MONTH’S PUZZLE
Here is the answer to last month‟s crossword puzzle and
All Saints Church, Threxton the winner of the £10 prize was Mrs Adams of Langmere
Mothering Sunday Service Road, Watton.
This month‟s Sudoko has been held over because of a lack
14th March at 10am of space.
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 20
Rockland Community Primary School
With the grim month of
February coming to an end, I
personally hope that I can stop
coating my children in as many
layers of clothes, waterproofs
The firm favourites from Watton’s ‘The and wellies as they can carry,
because it does make the trip to
Good Old Days’ are now available to school so much more fun if we
entertain. A gentlemen's group singing are not cold and wet when we
get there. But the pupils have
humorous songs. been having great fun getting
wet every Friday when they are
To discuss contact bussed to Thetford Leisure
Centre for their weekly swim.
Rocklands School is very
Ken Davis on 01953 881792 fortunate this year to be able to
offer swimming lessons to all
of their pupils and there has
MOTs £35.00
been much progress in
confidence and ability in all age
groups.
Children from Class 1 are very
VEHICLES FROM V 99 ONWARDS. £40 FOR OLDER VEHICLES proud to have had their poems
chosen to be published in Little
Poets from the East and
IVAN CHUBBOCK GARAGE SERVICES Midlands. Work was chosen on
SHIPDHAM
The Historic Parish Churches of Norfolk
Tel: 01362 820416 By Frank Wilder
Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell
was a worried man. Following
EDWARDS OF WATTON
a successful career he had just
taken part in the capture of
Gibraltar and was returning
WATTON’S SPECIALIST NEWSAGENT home with his small fleet of
five ships in thick fog. Unsure
of his position he summoned all
his navigators together to try to
fix his position and plot a
course for the English Channel
and Portsmouth. Latitude was
"Pick & Mix Sweets" now easily established but there was
no means of determining
available in store longitude other than by dead
reckoning, a method which was
We are also pleased to offer News Deliveries 7 dependent on so many factors
that it was virtually useless.
days a week in the following areas Griston, Consensus placed the small
Northacre, Caston, Stow Bedon, Breccles, Great fleet safely west of the Ile
Hockham, East Wretham, Larling, Snetterton, d'Ouessant (Ushant) an island
outpost of the Brittany
Shropham and Mount Pleasant Peninsular but unfortunately
50 High Street, Watton. Tel: 881234 they were much further west
and as they continued their
Established in Watton for four generations voyage ran straight on to the
rocks of the Scilly Isles. The
flagship, The Association,
SALEC TRAVEL LTD struck first and sank within
minutes, drowning all hands.
Saturday 13 March Bury St. Edmunds 9.30am & 3pm return Adult & Child £5 Two more ships, Eagle and
Saturday 27 March Saffron Walden 9am & 4pm return Adult £10 Child £5 Romney, were unable to avoid
Sunday 4 April Easter Mystery 10am Adult £18 Child £15 the danger and went down like
Thursday 15 April Fakenham 9.30am & 1.30pm return Adult & Child £5 stones. In all four of the five
Thursday 15 April Foster & Allen at King's Lynn Adult £26 ships were lost and only 2 men
Friday 16 April Isla Grant at Hunstanton Adult £23 were washed ashore alive. One
Saturday 17 April Oxford 8am & 4pm return Adult £20 Child £15 of them was Sir Cloudesley
Sunday 18 April Dominic Kirwin at Hunstanton Adult £27
Sat 24 April Aylsham. Train to Wroxham 9.30am & 4pm rtn Adult £15 Child £12
Monday 26 April Daniel O'Donnell at Ipswich (we are awaiting to hear if we
have been successful in getting tickets for this show)
Saturday 5 June Johnny Marks Showboat Adult £28
The Magic of
Norfolk
Saturday 17 July Country Company Showboat Adult £28
Saturday 14 August 50's & 60's evening with Cardy & Coke Adult £28
Saturday 28/Monday 30 August BBQ Cruise evening Adult £24
Holidays 2010 (Please ring for Itineraries) Entries are invited for an
Friday 9 – Sunday 11 April Brighton Weekend exhibition of photographs of
16 – 19 April Country and Western Break Norfolk at the Dragonfly
Sunday 30 May – Saturday 5 June Lake District Gallery, Wayland House,
Friday 23 – Tuesday 27 July Isle of Wight Watton, from June 26th –
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 September Emmerdale Weekend July 3rd. What can be
Friday 26 – Monday 29 November Turkey & Tinsel at Folkestone entered? Any photograph
2010 Brochure Out Now! taken in the county of
For more details please phone: Norfolk that celebrates its
landscape, buildings, events,
01953 881159 flora and fauna etc.
Photographs may be in colour
PRIVATE COACH & MINIBUS HIRE ALSO AVAILIBLE or black and white, should be
the basis of perception,
imagination, expression and
good use of language, well
done to all those from Year 1
and 2. We are also delighted to
welcome two new pupils to our
reception class. Our Class 1
teacher is inspiring pupils and
enthusing them to work
together. An advantage of
shared year groups is the
inspiration and support which
older pupils are able to give to
younger ones.
Music lessons continue apace.
We are very lucky to be able to
offer lessons in recorder,
clarinet, piano and guitar. We
are in need of instruments. If
you have any instruments in
good condition and are willing
to donate them to the school we
would be most happy.
All our pupils are very lucky to
be introduced to foreign
languages from the first day in
Shovell and as he staggered
ashore, totally exhausted, a
local woman combing the
beach found him and coveting
the very fine emerald ring on
his finger, killed him and stole
it. The body of Sir Cloudesley
was recovered and buried in
Westminster Abbey. Three
decades later, on her deathbed,
the woman confessed to the
crime to her priest and
produced the ring.
This disaster precipitated the
Longitude Act of 1714,
offering a prize of £20,000 for a
reliable means of establishing
Longitude at sea but it was
another 45 years before John
Harrison produced his portable
chronometer which was both
accurate and reliable and
eventually won him the coveted
prize.
Sir Cloudesley Shovell was
born in the tiny village of
Cockthorpe and baptised in the
church of St. Andrew and All
Saints. Another famous
admiral, Sir John Narborough,
was also born in Cockthorpe
and yet another in nearby
Blakeney – Sir Christopher
Myngs. And, of course, the
most famous of them all,
Admiral Lord Nelson was born
in Burnham Thorpe, just a few
miles away. Quite a record for
framed and should have been
taken fairly recently.
Anyone wishing to submit
their photographs for
inclusion in the Magic of
Norfolk exhibition should
contact
Susan Hollingworth 01953
880205 or email
susan@wayland.org.uk for an
entry form. The deadline for
entries is May 21st
school; Class one are learning
German and pupils in other
years are being introduced to
French, Spanish, Italian and
Russian. We are also very
lucky that a parent has kindly
offered to run a Chinese club
once a week; this is the
language of the future and
pupils in all years are being
instructed in songs, phrases and
script in Cantonese. Rocklands
School also played host to a
celebration of the Chinese New
Year. A special assembly took
place, with the pupils
attempting the traditional lion
dance to celebrate the
forthcoming Year of the Lion.
To increase awareness among
the pupils of the importance
and valu e o f en er gy
conservation the children of
Class 3 have been energy
monitoring over the first two
months of this year, and many
North Norfolk but not
surprising since the sea was
only a mile or so away and a
magnet for adventurous young
lads seeking a career in the
Royal Navy.
For many years All Saints was
neglected and forlorn but was
spared further decay and
neglect through the excellent
work of the Norfolk Churches
Trust in whose care the little
church is now placed. The
tower dates from about
1300AD as does the south aisle
and the thatched roof of the
nave was replaced by slates in
the 15th century. The steep
pitch of the original roof may
be seen on the west wall of the
tower. It is noticeable that there
are no windows on the north
side of the nave, the side facing
the sea. The interior has a
lovely rustic atmosphere and
adding to the character, has real
candelabra, there being no
electricity here. A fine 15th
century St. Christopher wall
painting was uncovered in 1990
and a lovely old knobbly bench
end has a carved date of 1649
although it is in fact late 15th
century.
A large Jacobean tomb chest in
the south aisle is to Sir James
Calthorpe, Lord of the Manor
and High Sheriff of Norwich,
Thanks for
your support
A very sincere thank you to
everyone who supported my
fundraising Supper Dance, in aid
of the two charities I am
supporting, the Wayland Hall
Luncheon Club and the
Thursday Club. Cleaving
Heavages added to the success
of the evening with their
excellent music and risqué
entertainment.
Grateful thanks to helpers from
the two clubs for their support in
News
unnecessary lights, heaters and
computers have been turned
off. To enable the school to
benefit from an energy grant,
our pupils must now raise £150.
All children plan to achieve this
by a sponsored health and
fitness scheme, whereby they
are sponsored on the number of
laps of the playground they do
during breaktimes. 20 laps of
the playground equals one mile.
We will have some of the fittest
and most energy aware children
in our village.
For further information about
school activities, student
projects and the opportunity to
keep up to date with events,
visit our website: http://
www.rocklands.norfolk.sch.uk
Visit the Parent page for school
term dates, and the calendar for
information and school events
throughout the year.
d1615. An alabaster and marble
mural monument to Sir James
and his wife Barbara on the east
wall of the aisle is worthy of
note because of its somewhat
unusual inscription.
TO GOD AND POSTERITY
In assured hope of a joyful
resurrection resteth here ye
bodyes of Sir James Calthorpe
knight, and Dame Barbara his
wife, daughter to John Bacon of
Hesset Esq; by her he had 8
sons and 6 daughters, in whose
severall marriages and issue
the ancient glory of ye name
and family (Resting then chiefly
and almost solely in himself)
did reflorish and is dilatated
into many of the best houses in
this county. He was buried the
16th day of June Ano Dni 1615
and of his age 67, the said
Dame Barbara surviving him
and much comforted with the
sight of 193 of her children and
their offspring, at the age of 86
years exchanged this life for a
better upon the 3rd day of
November Ano Dni 1639.
Behold children are the
inheritance of the lord and the
fruit of the womb his reward.
Psa.127.V.3.
Dame Barbara must have found
birthdays and Christmas
somewhat expensive!
food preparation and assistance
during the evening. Thank you
Pam, Laura, Gay and Sue. Our
Town Clerk Jackie Seal and her
husband Graham gave great
support on the day and deserve a
putty medal! I am pleased to
say that we made over £500
profit on the night and cheques
to both the organisations will be
presented to them at my Civic
Reception. Margaret Holmes
Mayor of Watton Town Council
News
School
meal
prices
frozen
Families in Norfolk are to see no
increase in the price they pay for
school meals, for the second
successive year after Norfolk County
Council decided to fix the price of
school meals at £2 for primary
schools and £2.05 for junior schools.
The news comes as Norse Group, a
trading arm of Norfolk County
Council, reports an increase in take-up
of school meals over the last year.
Norse delivers the vast majority of
school meals to Norfolk's schools and
has seen a 5% increase in sales of
lunches over the past 12 months. On
average more than 20,000 pupils have
a school meal each day in the county.
Tony Williams, Norfolk County
Councillor with responsibility for
Commercial Services and Director on
the Board of the Norse Group of
companies, said: “We know many
families in the county are finding
times hard at the moment and we have
fixed our school meal prices to try to
ensure take-up doesn‟t drop off as
families look for ways to save cash.
“Our school meals are healthy and
nutritious and enjoyed by thousands
of pupils every day. They are also
fantastic value for money and
follow strict standards, which mean
parents can be confident that their
children are enjoying a healthy and
tasty lunch."The decision to freeze
the price of our meals comes at the
same time as we set the lowest ever
council tax increase in the county,
highlighting our commitment to
support Norfolk families in these
difficult financial times."
Norfolk County Council did see a
drop in school meal uptake following
Jamie Oliver‟s campaign in 2005 and
the introduction of new Government
standards in 2006, despite already
serving healthy meals with fresh
ingredients.
Uptake has now started to increase
again, with Norse working to keep its
menus as creative as possible.
Players‟
AGM
The Annual General Meeting of
the Wayland Players took place on
Tuesday 9th February. The new
committee for the forthcoming
year was duly elected as follows:
Chairman/Publicity: David Taylor;
Vice Chairman: Graham Mitchell;
Secretary: Melanie Swift;
Treasurer: Jo Taylor; Friends
S e c r e t a r y: D e n e t t e Ta yl o r ;
Member: Jenny Mann;
Jenny Mann, who was stepping
down as an officer, was sincerely
thanked by the entire group for her
tremendous contribution to the
society during her 17 years as
Player‟s chairman. The Player‟s
next production will be J.B.
Priestley‟s “An Inspector Calls”
and will run from 15th-17th April
at The Queen‟s Hall.
Lisa needs your support
I have always thought that the only way for
me to be able to enjoy my life to the full,
would be to finish school, go to college,
volunteer abroad and then go to university.
Having now got to the stage where I am
about to finish college and being in the
interview process of getting a place at
university, I decided it was time to do
something worthwhile and book a month
abroad in Zambia to help underprivileged
people in a country still very much
dominated by poverty.
My name is Lisa and I am an 18 year old
student at City College Norwich in my final
year of studying Health Studies. This year I
will be going to university to study as either
a nurse or a doctor. Being a student, I am
struggling to fully fund the cost of this trip
and need as much help as possible. I think
that Zambia is the perfect place for me to
gain more experience with both healthcare
and childcare but more importantly aiding in
the recovery of the health and educational
inequalities that other people experience.
In a continuous epidemic of HIV/AIDS and
suffering severe unemployment with a rapid
population growth rate which the country
cannot economically keep up with, Zambia
has no education guarantee and a health
service which many struggle to afford.
64% of Zambians earn less than 75p per day
which is partly the reason why they have
such a high child death rate of nearly 1 in
every 5 before the age of 5, because although
public health costs very little, many struggle
to afford basic health care.
The life expectancy of Zambians is 37 years
old which is due to regular natural disasters,
the HIV/AIDS epidemic of which 30,000 are
born positive every year and poor health
care, education and wage.
During my month in Zambia I will be doing
four projects which are aimed directly at
helping those affected by poverty. I will be
working with children, teaching them in
lessons and in sports which I hope will
benefit them with learning English and
myself with learning a little Zambian so that
I can communicate easier with other people
throughout the projects. I will be working in
an out-patients wing, helping to comfort
both families and the patient and enabling
Caston Camera Club
We asked our members how much they
knew about their cameras. Surprisingly, or
maybe not, the answer came back as very
little. If you‟re going to be able to take good
photographs you won‟t get very far if you
keep the camera on automatic all of the time.
Automatic is a sort of average which is fine
if you want to take the average holiday snap
but if you want to be a little more creative,
and you can, even with a small compact
camera, then you need to be a little more
adventurous. A camera can bring out the
artist in you even though you might be
hopeless with a paintbrush, a camera can do
amazing things for your creative side.
So the club has embarked upon a series of
training sessions where the relationship
between shutter speed, aperture and ISO
(how sensitive the sensor or film is to light)
is fully explained. After this members are
then able to try out their new skills on
exhibits set up in Caston Village Hall where
it all takes place. We still do courses on
PhotoShop CS and on PhotoShop Elements
and we run portrait courses as well but this
camera course is really back to basics and
has proved incredibly popular. So much so
that where we had planned to run this on one
evening, such was the demand that we‟ve
had to expand it to a second evening and
there will be more.
Unlike some other clubs in the area we are
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 21
Picture Supplied
me to gain a little bit of knowledge on a
health care system not as advanced as ours,
before I start university. I will also be
working in a residential care home for the
elderly many of who have lost their families
to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Finally I will be
working as part of a team with other
volunteers and locals to build homes for
those who have little or no shelter.
In Zambia, children need to buy (or provide
themselves with) a school uniform and all of
their stationary and if they are unable to do
this, they may struggle to gain a basic
education. Many children cannot go to
school because they are suffering with HIV/
AIDS (a total of 20% or 630,000 in total that
suffer from this) or because they are looking
after their elders or their younger siblings
and taking on the role of a carer. It is thought
that 800,000 children are not in education
due to this.
40% of children do receive „state educational
support‟, however it still does not leave
education entirely free of costs, which again
means that some children will never receive
an education. For children that are lucky Petrified of Your Computer?
enough to receive an education; the school
buildings are lacking in basic facilities and
are often very cramped and overcrowded.
You don’t need to be!
During my time in Zambia, I am hoping that
I will be able to make a difference to many
Ring Lesley Horn
lives. I believe that this is a very worthwhile For 1 to 1 beginner’s support in your own home
and beneficial cause but, to be able to Friendly, patient and knowledgeable help with using your
embark on this project, I need to raise almost
£3000 which will directly benefit the
computer to find things on the Internet, email your family &
Zambian locals. friends, “Listen Again” on the BBC® iPlayer® and do your
In order to raise the funds I will be holding shopping without leaving your home
jumble/cake sales and raffles in the early part
of the summer and a „Quiz „n‟ Chip night‟
on April the 10th at Wells Cole Community
01953 881 885
Centre in Saham Toney.
Any sponsorship, whether by individuals,
companies or charities, would be gratefully Bales Browne Accountancy
appreciated. If you would like to help with
this very beneficial cause but would prefer Services Limited
not to give money you could still help with Accounts preparation for Sole traders,
raffle prizes or by joining the quiz. Limited Companies and Partnerships
If you would like any more information, Personal, Limited Company, and Partnership Tax Returns
please do not hesitate to contact me on Book-keeping PAYE VAT Returns
07823778362
I hope to hear from some of you soon.
Thank you. Lisa Moxham
Karen Bales ACCA MAAT Bsc (Hons)
Telephone 01953 884019
118 Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford, Norfolk. IP25 6DU
Email: balesbrowneaccountancy@yahoo.co.uk
Now In Our 6th
keen to help our members understand their
cameras and understand the software that is
Freshl y Cooked Especiall y For You
T he Best Traditional Fish & Chips
available for them. All with the intention of
Successful Year
upholding our strap-line “Together we can
take better pictures”.
If you would like to know more as well as
exactly where we are, you can find out about
The Right „Plaice‟
us by visiting our web site
www.castoncameraclub.co.uk or just Google
Caston Camera – we fill the page! to get the best!
Now, if all that has whetted your appetite
that‟s great but such is our popularity that we THE WATTON PLAICE
now have space for only a few more
additional members after which we will have 9 Middle Street, Watton
to implement a waiting list. If you‟re
interested, you will need to get in touch
Frying on Tuesday to Saturday
fairly quickly or be disappointed. Oh, and by from 11.30am to 1.45pm
the way this is not an all-male preserve. and 4.30pm to 8.00pm
Nearly half our members are women.
Closed Sunday and Monday
“Gone fishing!”
CAR BOOT & Don’t forget our Thursday Lunchtime Delivery
Service for the Housebound and Elderly only.
CRAFTS There is no charge for delivery - you pay only the
normal take-away prices.
Sat 17th April 9.00am Plaice your order before
St Mary’s Church Car Park, Watton
11am on a Thursday
Contact 01953 882936
WET FISH available from 9am daily
Car Boots £4.00
No Need to Book Telephone 01953 882 401
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 22 News

Caston Village Hall Friendship Club Lives Up To Its Name!

The Street, Caston. NR17 1DD
The Village Hall is available for short and
long term hiring. Hire it for an hour or two
to practice dancing, play table tennis
(equipment supplied), darts or carpet
bowls (equipment available) or maybe
for your children’s party.
Very Reasonable Rates
Contact Stephanie on
01953 488 495
or email steadfast2@btinternet.com
For several years a Friendship Club
has been held at Watton
Pentecostal Church, at the top of
Harvey Street. And little did they
realise when they first went along
in October 2008, but for Trevor
Rose and Joyce Ford, friendship
quickly led to romance.
They met at the Friendship Club,
but their relationship really
blossomed when Joyce and another
Club member Rose, had booked
themselves on a coach trip to the
sea-side. At the last minute Rose
was feeling unwell and not able to
go, so Trevor went in her place. On
the trip Joyce became unwell! The
next day, after the Sunday morning
church service, Trevor visited her
with flowers and a card.
Much of their courtship has been
spent holidaying. Before they met
Joyce would collect holiday
coupons, but not use them. With a
little help from Trevor they‟ve had
several holidays together in the Isle
of Wight, Weston Super-Mare and
California (Norfolk).
Then the happy couple began an
Alpha Course together. The Alpha
Course is a ten week introduction
to, and explanation of Christianity.
It begins each week with a meal,
followed by a quiz, talks and a
discussion time. An important part
of the course is the Holy Spirit
Weekend or Away-Day held mid-
way. The last one was held at the
Pound Green Hotel in Shipdham,
attended by a dozen people. During
the day Trevor proposed, and of
course Joyce accepted. The
wedding is planned for 19th June at
the church where they first met.
The Friendship Club meets every
Friday in the church building
between 10 and 12 a.m. You can
ring Terrie on 01953 881358 for
more information or better still
why not come along, meet and
make new friends. You‟ll be made
very welcome, especially by Mr &
Mrs Rose!
Finding
care in
Norfolk is
made a
little
easier
A free publication has been launched
to help people in Norfolk understand
the care services that are available to
them. The Care Services Directory for
Norfolk 2010 is packed with useful
information, including listings of care
providers for residential care or care in
your own home.
It includes guidance on paying for
care and what financial assistance is
available from the government. There
are also details about Norfolk‟s
emergency and out-of-hours services
and lists the kind of technology
available to allow people to continue

Watton University of the Third Age (U3A)
The Annual General Meeting of the to the secretary in writing and
Watton &District U3A will be held indicate the Nominee proposed
on Thursday 25th March 2010 at position and be seconded. Closing
2.00pm at the Christian Community date for nominations is March 15th.
Centre High Street Watton. All The visit to the Battle of Britain
members are requested to attend. Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby
Nominations for the Management returning via Springfield Gardens at
Committee Spalding on Friday 23rd April is now
should be sent full but names can added to a
cancellation list (telephone
01953889951).
The speaker at the meeting on
Thursday 22nd April will be Yvonne
Harold “Little Cressingham School
in V ictorian Ti me s.” The
Membership Secretary can be
contacted on 01953 881109.
living in their own homes for longer.
The publication is a result of a
partnership between Norfolk County
Council, NHS Norfolk and publishers
Care Choices Ltd.
Councillor David Harwood, cabinet
member for Adult Social Services,
said: “We understand that searching
for social care can seem like a
daunting experience, particularly if
you‟ve never had to do it before.
Norfolk County Council Adult Social
Services is dedicated to making this
proce ss as si mpl e and a s

Osteopathy
straightforward as possible. And this
directory is an extremely useful
publication and resource for anyone
looking for care in Norfolk.”

and Pregnancy Sheila Childerhouse, Chair of NHS

By Sharon Gibbons, BSc (Hons)
Osteopathy
Occasionally a history of trauma, unresolved
back pain or postural problems can make
pregnancy a very uncomfortable experience.
Osteopathic treatment can help prepare the
body for pregnancy by removing any
FINE BOOKS
J.C. BOOKS BOUGHT
SOLD
AND restrictions and improving function of the
spine, pelvis, diaphragm and posture, all
crucially important in pregnancy.
& Applestore Gallery Pregnancy significantly affects posture by
shifting the centre of gravity forward
Telephone/Fax 01953 883488 therefore accentuating the lateral curves in
55 High Street, Watton the spine. Along with this there are many
hormonal changes; one active hormone in
For quality out of print books, Fine Bindings and
particular is relaxin. This circulates
Collectable Editions. New Books including local and
throughout the body and relaxes the
children’s classics.
ligaments to allow expansion of the pelvis to
Visit the Applestore Gallery on the first floor, facilitate delivery of the child‟s head.
exhibiting the Paintings of Kevin Robinson and his Consequently, this hormone affects the
complete range of East Anglian prints including Watton whole body and where the ligaments would
and Wymondham. normally be strong and supportive, during
pregnancy this changes and the relaxin can
soften the tissues throughout therefore
leaving the whole body vulnerable to strains,
pain and discomfort.
As the uterus expands, along with the change
in spinal dynamics, the diaphragm (main
breathing muscle) and the lower ribs can
become restricted. Osteopathic treatment can
help in maintaining good rib and diaphragm
mechanics. This in turn will improve lung
function and respiration.
Because of the change in posture, reducing
restrictions within the ribs and upper spine
area will also allow better and even more
expansion of the abdominal cavity as the
uterus grows. This treatment will also allow
the expansion of the uterus to occur in a
midline position which helps reduce
compression on all other organs that may
cause symptoms such as heart burn and
swollen ankles.
Tension within the pelvis or diaphragm area
can increase resistance to the return of
venous blood to the heart from the lower half
of the body. This can cause or aggravate
varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids.
Osteopathic treatment to release tension in
the pelvis and diaphragm regions is helpful
in the prevention and treatment of these
conditions.
Labour is a very stressful experience both
physically and mentally. New mothers in
particular can find caring for a child
extremely demanding. Osteopaths are very
aware that after the birth of a child the body
not only has to recover from the effects of
the changes it made to accommodate a
pregnancy and the birth, but also has to cope
with the unaccustomed postures that are
involved with caring for a new child. New
activities such as leaning over a cot, nursing,
lifting car seats and rocking a child to sleep
can place enormous strains on the back.
Unresolved childbirth stresses in the mother
can contribute to ongoing back problems,
period problems, stress incontinence,
constipation, headache and more.
Osteopathic treatment can help the mother
return to normal both, physically and
mentally, after the birth by releasing strains
from both pregnancy and labour. This allows
her to relax and enjoy her new baby.
Sharon is based at Watton Sports Centre and
Oasis Norwich for further information
telephone 01953 884732 or visit her new
website at www.sgoclinics.biz
Norfolk, said: “We have made a
public commitment in our five year
strategy “Bold and Ambitious” to
deliver fair and equal access for all
service users and encourage choice.
The Care Services Directory helps
inform members of the public to make
the right choices.”
Robert Chamberlain, publisher of
the directory, said: “When choosing
care you should be armed with the
most up-to-date information to help
you decide which kind of care is
most suitable, who will provide it
and how it is to be funded. The Care
Services Directory for Norfolk is an
invaluable source of information for
anyone considering longer-term
care.”
Care Choices also operate a free
public information service which
provides a shortlist of care homes that
match the personal preferences of
individual care seekers.
A helpline offers more detailed
information about care providers,
relating to staffing ratios and
training qualifications as well as
answering specific questions such as
whether a home allows pets or there
is a no smoking policy. The free
service helpline is 0800 38 92 077.
To receive a free copy of the Care
Services Directory for Norfolk
2010 call Norfolk County Council
Adult Social Services on 0344 800
8014. It's also available as an e-
book by going to
www.carechoices.co.uk/e_books/
norfolk.html. There is also a
spoken word option available
through the Care Choices website.
News
Richmond Park Golf Club – Junior Section
Watton businesses have given a
great start to Richmond Park
Junior Golfers. Richmond Park
have created a Junior Academy
thanks to resident professional -
Keith Capindale-Scott and a
Junior Committee completely
filled with parents of the
Academy.
The Junior organisers are Keith
and Richard Symonds with
Tracy Symonds and Claire
Bambridge – Junior Secretaries.
The Juniors played their first
competition of the year on
Wednesday 17th February, there
were four prizes on offer as well
as a special Girls prize on the
day. The winner on the day was
James Noble with a fantastic net
score of 52 Stableford points
winning by just 9 points. Second
was George Symonds with 43
points, third was Jack
Bambridge with 36 points and
fourth was Mitchell McCormack
with 30 points. In the girls
section of the competition
Emma Bambridge beat Rebekka
Vansittart by just 1 point.
Winner of Nearest to the Pin
was Clive S mith (Junior
Captain)
We would like to give a big
thanks to our main sponsors of
Wayland Garage and Total
Health Pharmacy and also our
other sponsors of Adcocks,
Watton Plaice, The Dutch
Richmond Park Seniors Cook Wanted
The severe weather abated just enough to
allow completion of our Winter League which
required each entrant to play a maximum of
six rounds by the end of January. - 1st place -
Roy Fleming, 2nd place - David Packard, 3rd
place - Glyn Long. Over 30 players entered
Family Gems By Edith Pleasance
When a few members of my family meet
it‟s not long before the „Do you
remember‟ starts up. Such an instance
recently occurred and I thought it would
be a good idea to get some of these
family „Gems‟ recorded, rather than have
them lost in the mists of time.
Only recently have I confessed to an
incident that happened when I was about
eight years old. I had gone along to a
neighbour‟s garden to play with my
friend, Joan. Having come across an old
spectacle frame in a drawer I decided to
adopt a new look. Joan‟s mother came
out to the garden, looked at me and said
“Edie, I didn‟t know you wore glasses.”
“Oh yes” says I, “the doctor said I have
to wear them.”
“But there is no glass in them”.
“I know, but I still need to wear them for
my eyesight.”
I imagine that lady went indoors again
with a wry smile.
It would have been around that time I
decided to push the top from a scent
bottle up my nose! After several attempts
to shift it, Mum called on Ma Taylor,
next door. That good lady had me sitting
on her doorstep with a piece of paper
containing pepper until I sneezed the
darned thing down again.
Our son provided us with a good deal of
gems, my favourite being when it was
my birthday. I was gently chiding him
and his sister for not having given me a
Flower Parade, Mullengers,
Simon Long Removals and P.
Bond Roofing Contractor,
without their help we could
not have had such a great
platform to help and
encourage Junior Golf at our
Club.
Without the support of both
our sponsors and the owners
of Richmond Park - The
Jessup family we are sure to
have a great year. We have
some great prospects all of
which are eager to learn and
improve. Keith‟s coaching is
second to none; his
knowledge of the game of
golf is remarkable. He
teaches with very modern
techniques and knows of
many drills that the children
can practice, this can only be
good for their game. Being a
family man himself his
rapport with the children is
the best we have seen and we
look forward to seeing their
progress.
Pictured top are
Emma Bambridge beat
Rebekka Vansitt art
with Junior Captain
Clive Smith and below
are James Noble and
Clive.
this competition and the top 16 players will
now contest the knock - out phase.
The January weekly Stableford winners were
Phil Barrall, David Adcock, Tony Bonner,
David Palmer.
birthday card. They both looked abashed
until Christopher, (never lost for an
excuse) after some thought explained,
“Well. We couldn‟t get one with your
age on it.”
My sister, two years younger than me, so
that I had to be the „responsible‟ one, got
us both into trouble when she sold her
new prayer book to another child for a
ha‟penny. It cost our mum double that to
get it back.
I recall a neighbour calling with her two
children who were in a fix, hoping our
Ma could sort it. They had been playing
with chewing gum and both had their
ears firmly fixed to their shoulders.
On another occasion our fluffy cat
habitually slept on the ledge at the back
of the mangle rollers. Mum turned the
handle without checking and the poor cat
set up a terrible howl. The same mangle
caused me some trouble when I tried to
flatten some plasticine, (remember how
horrible that stuff smelt?) through the
rollers.
Every Wednesday evening in the Summer
Tina, our daughter, attended an open-air
prayer meeting for children. One week I
completely forgot about it until I was
bathing the baby ready for bed. I quickly
stopped what I was doing to see her across
and on her way to the park at the end of our
road. A few minutes later there was a
furious rattling of the letter-box and I
opened the door to a tearful little girl
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 23
DEREHAM &
DISTRICT
CAT ADOPTION
CENTRE
Hoe Road, Longham, Dereham NR19 2RP
Rehoming Cats and Providing
Advice & Help With Neutering
OPEN 7 Days a
Week 11am to 3pm
Telephone . . .
01362 687 919
GREENLAND
HOUCHEN
POMEROY
SOLICITORS
 Home Information Packs
 Conveyancing
 Commercial leases
 Landlord and tenant
 Matrimonial, Children and
Family
 Wills, Trusts and Probate
 Employment
 Civil litigation & Personal Injury
If you are looking for friendly, confidential
advice of a legal kind, please contact us:
40 High Street Watton
01953 882864
Think Legal - Think Local
SANCTUARY COUNSELLING
SERVICE WATTON
for Lime Tree Walk
every Tuesday It’s good to talk! Counselling can help
Please contact Alice if you’re struggling to cope with:
on 01953 880928 Relationship difficulties Bullying/Abuse
Or June on 07743 283 032 Bereavement Addictions
Stress Depression
Sanctuary offers a confidential low-cost counselling service with
professionally trained counsellors, who work on a short-term or long-term
basis. Call us on 01953 880922 to arrange an appointment.
Appointments are available 6 – 9pm Tuesdays and 9.30am – 1pm Wednesdays.
Sanctuary Counselling Service is part of River Ministries (Norfolk), registered charity number 1054419
sobbing, “They started without me!” I put
the baby in his pram and took her to the
park myself. She did get a lovely child‟s
bible for full attendance, at the end of the
Has Your PC Slipped a
season, which I think she still has.
For the first three years of Christopher‟s
Disc? Netted a virus?
schooling he sat in the front row of the Mouse trapped and
class so that it wasn‟t until he moved up
and was placed in the back row it was wont work now?
discovered he was very short sighted. He
was kitted out with the usual National
Insurance spectacles and on his first day For all manner of computer
wearing them at school I thought his
teacher did a good thing by standing him repairs and support
out front facing the class and asking,
“Does anyone NOT like Christopher‟s
Call Julian Horn on 01953 881885
new glasses?” Consequently he did not “Silver Surfer” support a speciality!
have to endure the usual taunts.
It was in this more senior class that he
C Almond PLASTERING
reported one day that the „hard sums‟
they were learning were called „Vulgar
actions‟!
I always made sure the children had a All aspects of Plastering, Coving,
clean handkerchief each day, especially
as we were exhorted by „Coughs and Render and Floor Screeds
sneezes spread diseases – use your
handkerchief‟ on every billboard. Drying
my son after his bath he sneezed and Fast Reliable Service
without thinking I said „Hankey‟. He Over 20 years experience
looked at me in despair and stated „I
haven‟t got a pocket in my skin, have I?‟
I must say that nowadays when I witness
anyone in the bus, shop or wherever
For a Free Quote Call
sneeze and spreading their germs, I have
to stop myself from shouting „Tissue!.
01953 881533 or 07801 849 137
Mid-Norfolk Times Page 24 News

Attleborough winners EVENTS DIARY

ACC = Ashill Community Centre, Hale Road, Ashill; Watton CCC =
Watton Christian Community Centre; Wells CCC = Wells Cole
Community Centre, Saham
March
Fri 12th Dixie Mix Jazz at the Queens Hall - See ad
Tues 16th 7.45pm - 9.30pm NWT presentation Hand Made Willow
Products Watton CCC. See ad
Wed 24th Lunchtime Concert Queen's Hall, Watton 12 Noon to 2pm
Tickets £5 from Mullengers (See IW article)
April
Thurs 1st Prize Bingo at Gt Ellingham Recreation Centre See Ad
Tues 20th 7.45pm - 9.30pm NWT Group review of the year and talk
by NWT Director Brenda Joyce. Watton CCC

The Watton Society

Programme – February 2009 to March 2010
7.45 p.m. at the Watton Christian Community Centre
Wednesday, March 17th Tim Lidstone-Scott - Norfolk Footpaths,
including the Peddars Way
Wednesday, April 21st Watton Christian Community Centre 7.45
p.m. Robert Maidstone - Woodland Wonderland. Judy
Wednesday, May 19th Visit to Azsu Alpacas near Shipdham
For more information on the Watton Society and a programme to
December 2010 telephone Judy Kerr 01953 882613 or email
johnkerr36@yahoo.com.

Back row L - R Ben Willingham, William Rutland, Mr Crome, Liam Potter, Sam Plummer
Front Row L-R Alex Smart, Ross Coaker, Aaron Bradley, Thomas Godden (Captain)
Attleborough High School has celebrated a
double sporting success this winter thanks
to the efforts of the school‟s Year 7 boys‟
football team. The Attleborough lads were
proud winners of the Breckland
Partnership Games Schools‟ 7 a-side
tournament held at Wymondham college
recently, where their talent and team effort
shone through.
„The competition for schoolboys who lack
the opportunity to play regular sport was
seen as a great chance by the Attleborough
PE dept to „showcase some of the talent
amongst Y7‟, said Mr Crome, Head of PE.
Indeed young players such as Ross Coaker
and Alex Smart took full advantage of the
occasion to demonstrate their skills with
some fine performances in the
Attleborough midfield. Star of the
tournament was Aaron Bradley who
controlled every game with his accurate
passing and all round effort; he was ably
supported by Ben Willingham who
worked tirelessly up front for the crows.
The final against Methwold resulted in a 2-
1 win which gave Captain Thomas
Godden the chance to pick up the winners‟
medals.
This win then meant that Attleborough
represented the Breckland area in the
County finals at UEA the following week.
There the team continued to acquit
themselves well as they came runners up
out of the 8 strongest sides in the county.
The boys were faced with the daunting
prospect of 7 matches in 3 hours and they
H. BRETT & SON
struggled to find their rhythm in the first Monumental Masons ~ Craftsmen in Stone
game; eventually going down to the Call for our Brochure or
tournament winners Broadland. After that
they rattled off 3 wins and 3 draws to
Visit our SHOWROOM and WORKSHOPS
move clearly into second place. On this
occasion it was the defence which secured Home visits can be arranged
success as Attleborough kept 6 consecutive also Fireplaces, House Names etc.
clean sheets thanks to the defensive efforts
of Sam Plummer, Liam Potter, William 75 NORWICH ROAD, WATTON,
Rutland and Captain Godden.
NORFOLK, IP25 6DH Tel: 01953 881501
Headmaster Mr McShane said he was
„delighted with the success of the team and
more importantly with their behaviour.
They conducted themselves impeccably
throughout two gruelling cold days and
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
still achieved great success for themselves SERVING WATTON & DISTRICT
and the school. W.C. LITTLEPROUD & SON
They are a credit to all at Attleborough.‟ of BRADENHAM
‘A genuine, family owned & run business

Richmond Park Golf Club - Ladies Section offering a caring, traditional & affordable service’

Written estimates always provided Memorials supplied

Due to the inclement weather, not
much golf has been played by the
ladies of Richmond Park this year.
However, here are the results of the
two competitions that were played.
Rotation Stableford: 1st Barbara
Coverdale, Carol Marshall, Dilys
Gibbs 30 pts; 2nd Anne Bell, Julie
Ellis, Geraldine Rowarth 27 pts
February Stableford: Division 1 Karen
Ralph 42 pts; Division 2 Anne Long
38 pts; Division 3 Dorothy Stephenson
32 pts
The winner of the LGU medal for 2009
is Julie Ellis. (This is awarded to the
player with the best 4 medal cards
throughout the year.) Julie now goes
on to play in the regional final at
Swaffham Golf Club later in the year.
Personal supervision Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available
Arrangements may be discussed in the privacy of your own home
Tel: (01760) 440269 (24 hrs)
Established over 60 years

MID-NORFOLK TIMES
The deadline for the April issue will be 12
Noon on the 16th March
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considered for inclusion. Arrival of copy before deadline does
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gets to print then please make sure it arrives in plenty of time.
If you are submitting on paper you MUST sign and include
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You can contact Julian by ringing (01953) 858908. You can
write to 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE Or you can leave
copy in the bin at Adcocks, 32 High Street, Watton.
The e-mail address is julian@midnorfolktimes.com
All views expressed in the Mid-Norfolk Times are those of
the contributors and not the publishers. While every care
and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy the publisher
cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
This issue of the Mid-Norfolk Times was published by:
Julian Horn, 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE and printed
through www.quotemeprint.com 0845 1300 667