VOLUME 32, NO. 1 JANUARY 2009

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Bob Fletcher	Beverley, Nr.Church NR20 5JU	Chairman/ Distribution	668514
Jeannette Fletcher	Beverley, Nr.Church NR20 5JU	Member	668514
Martin Phillips	Pendle Cottage, 8 Holt Rd. NR20 5JB	Advertising	668409
Martin Sullivan	Teacher's House, 68 Holt Rd. NR20 5JS	Editorial	668876
Brian Wheeler	21 Cathedral Drive NR20 5JH	Treasurer	668621
Meg White	2 Cathedral Drive NR20 5JH	Asst Editor	668302
Janet Woodhouse	Tumbleweed, 73 Eastgate St. NR20 5HE	EDITOR	668525

Website – elmhamnews.org.uk

E-mail addresses: megandnigel@talktalk.net or robert.woodhouse@tiscali.co.uk

martinsullivan4x4@yahoo.co.uk

 

DISCLAIMERS

The views expressed in the Elmham News are often those of individual contributors and may not necessarily be shared by the joint editors.

Whilst the editors and committee of the Elmham News accept advertisements in good faith, the credibility of the contents is the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

 

EDITORIAL

H ow nice it is to see a new business in the village, although it depends on us to support it. The Coffee Shop at the Post Office offers more than just coffee, why not pop in and try it.

Don't forget there are other businesses in the village that also need our support – please use them or we might lose them.

Our thanks for donations this month go to Mrs. B. Shilling and Helen & Paul Watton.

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 SUPERSTITIOUS ADVICE FOR THE YEAR

January Kindness, like grain, increase by sowing.

February Make your model before you build.

March It is a great journey to life's end.

April More than enough is too much.

May In every fault there is a folly.

June Learn not and know not.

July He is not dead whose fame survives.

August We readily believe what we wish.

September In the end, things may mend.

October By doing nothing we learn to do ill.

November Small things increase by union.

December Caution is the best keeper of the castle.

- Shenton's Almanack, 1882

DATES TO REMEMBER IN JANUARY 2009

Tues 6th	School Term begins Playgroup restarts
Wed 7th	Art Pilates Chatterbox Parish Council Meeting Elmham Bowls Club AGM	Institute Institute Pavilion Pavilion Institute	9.30am 9.30am 10.00-12 noon 7.30pm 7.30pm
Thur 8th	RBL (Men's Section)	King's Head	8.00pm
Sun 11th	Friends of Norfolk Dialect Pantomime WVBS Winter Bird Count	Institute	2.00pm
Mon 12th	Institute Committee Meeting	Institute	7.30pm
Tues 13th	Countrysiders	Institute	7-8.30pm
Wed 14th	Art Pilates Chatterbox Parish Plan Steering Group Meeting MAGAZINE DEADLINE	Institute Institute Pavilion   Pavilion	9.30am 9.30am 10.00-12 noon   7.30pm
Thur 15th	Mobile Police Station WVBS talk “The Colorado Chicken Run”	Playing Field Weston Long- Ville V.H.	1.30-3.00pm   7.30pm
Wed 21st	Art Pilates Chatterbox WI Ploughman's Lunch Military Whist	Institute Institute Pavilion Ramsley Farm Institute	9.30am 9.30am 10.00-12 noon 12 noon 7.30pm
Thur 22nd	North Elmham Gardening Club AGM	Institute	7.30pm
Sun 25th	WVBS Field Trip to Holkham Hall
Mon 26th	WI Visit to Theatre Royal - West Side Story
Wed 28th	Art Pilates Chatterbox	Institute Institute Pavilion	9.30am 9.30am 10.00-12 noon

Young Farmers meet on most Wed evenings at Tracks but check with Railway.

Aircrew Association meets at The King's Head on third Monday in month.

Bigga Than The Bus Shelter Drop In – 7-9pm at Tracks on 1st & 3rd Mondays

 

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E-MAILS : If you send your news via an e-mail, please send it to all three of us on the Ed Committee.

ELMHAM GROUP SERVICES IN JANUARY AND EARLY FEBRUARY 2009

 

4th January (Christmas II)

8.00am North Elmham Holy Communion BCP

9.15am Billingford Morning Prayer/Family Service

9.15am Twyford Holy Communion CW

11.00am Guist Morning Prayer BCP

11.00am North Elmham All-Age Worship CW

Readings: Jeremiah 31: 7-14; John 1: 10-18

11th January (Epiphany I)

8.00am Bintree Holy Communion BCP

9.15am Billingford Holy Communion CW2

11.00am North Elmham Morning Prayer BCP

11.00am Worthing Morning Prayer with Holy Baptism

Readings: Acts 19: 1-7; Mark 1: 4-11

 

12th January (Monday)

3.00pm 74 Eastgate Street, N. Elmham Tea Service (668909)

 

18th January (Epiphany II)

8.00am North Elmham Holy Communion BCP

9.15am Billingford Morning Prayer/Family Service

9.15am Guist Holy Communion CW

11.00am North Elmham Morning Prayer CW

11.00am Twyford All-Age Worship CW

Readings: 1 Samuel 3: 1-10; John 1: 43-51

 

25th January (Epiphany III)

8.00am Worthing Holy Communion BCP

9.15am Billingford Morning Prayer/Family Service

9.15am Bintree Holy Communion CW

11.00am North Elmham Holy Communion CW

Readings: Genesis 14: 17-20; John 2: 1-11

 

27th January

9.00am North Elmham Holy Communion CW

 

1st February (Epiphany IV)

8.00am North Elmham Holy Communion BCP

9.15am Billingford Morning Prayer/Family Service

9.15am Twyford Holy Communion CW1

11.00am Guist Morning Prayer BCP

11.00am North Elmham All-Age Worship

Readings: Deuteronomy 18: 15-20; Mark 1: 21-28

BCP=Book of Common Prayer. CW= Common Worship
JANUARY MEDITATION

Being in dialogue with Christians of other confessions means learning to become partners rather than adversaries. Dialogue is not a process of making mutual concessions, as in diplomacy. The important thing is to seek together to discover as fully as possible the face of Christ, his will for the world, for the Church, for the entire human family. No tradition can claim to possess everything of Christ. When we become aware of this, we discover that we need one another so that Christ's face can shine with its full splendour. "Christianity," said a theologian of the Twentieth Century, "is the religion whose distinctive character it is to consider everything along the lines of ‘not without others'."

Adapted from the quarterly ‘Letter from Taizé,' 2008 .

 

 

ELMHAM GROUP CHURCH NEWS

MORNING PRAYER will be said at 7.30am at Billingford on 6th January and at 7.30am at Bintree on 20th January.

FASCINATING FAITH will meet in Stibbard (at Wareham House) on Thursday, 15th January at 7.30pm to consider the overall structure, themes and methodology of Mark's Gospel. Please let Nicholas Varnon know if you would like a lift to Stibbard, and please let him know numbers hoping to attend by Tuesday 13th January at the latest.

SEEKERS. Recently there have been no seekers, nobody seeking an understanding of things either directly or indirectly to do with Christianity, questions that they had heard other people wonder about, or that they have just remained puzzled about themselves. I have eaten no biscuits, therefore. Please let me know if you would like to change this situation with informal chat, biscuits, but no ‘heavy theology'.

THANKS go to the many people who contributed to, and supported, the range of services over the Christmas period.

HEATING IN SAINT MARY. We are extremely grateful that engineers have been trying to identify the central heating system problems and carry out any necessary repairs. We are cautiously optimistic that the church will be warm in time for Christmas. But, more importantly, everyone will be warmly welcomed at any time.

Nicholas Varnon . (Rector)

 

From the Elmham Group Parish Registers.

On Friday, 21st November, at Saint Mary, North Elmham:

Funeral Service with Interment: EDITH LAURA TABERHAM.

 

On Tuesday, 2nd December, at Saint Mary, North Elmham:

Funeral Service followed by cremation: ANTHONY TERENCE SPURGEON GRIMMER.

Prayers are offered for those who mourn .

 

BIBLE STUDY takes place on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 pm at 11 Cedar Close. Please telephone 683380 or 668909 for more information. All welcome.

 

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY TAVERHAM BAND Ian Colman and the Taverham Band gave us a splendid concert on 7th December. The atmosphere was great and it was a great shame there were not more people there to share it.

Thankyou to Taverham Band, all the audience and the providers of refreshments.

 

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FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS

We all enjoyed our Christmas Lunch at the King's Head on 9th December and as usual they made us very welcome. As one of our members was also celebrating her birthday, they had made her a special cake, which we all enjoyed. It was a lovely surprise. We presented Ann Shiel with a basket of flowers from the Club to thank her for all she does for us. We do not meet again until February.

 

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W.I.

We had a very good turnout for our Christmas meal. This was held at the Tracks by the Railway pub and was a very pleasant evening with excellent food and good company. It was nice not to have to drive long distances at this time of the year; indeed most of us could probably have walked had the sun been shining.

Dare I say it, 2009 is almost upon us, and we're all hoping that it will be a good one, just some pleasant trips and get togethers, maybe some nice family occasions. To start our year we are having a Ploughman's Lunch, this will be on Wed. 21st of January at 12 o'clock, it will be hosted by Sue Waters, helped by the committee. Sue can be found at Ramsley Farm on the road to Brisley halfway down on the left hand side.

Following that we are going to the Theatre Royal to see West Side Story on Monday 26th January.

So far so good, I think there is more in store, but it wouldn't do to spill the beans all at once!

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NORTH ELMHAM GARDENING CLUB

On 27th November we had the Gardening Club Christmas Social. Those of us who had never played carpet bowls before were soon sending bowls in all directions, some of them in roughly the right direction. Gerald Marsh acted as coach, umpire and fielder, and was ably supported by David Manning at the other end of the carpet. Everyone had contributed to the delicious buffet by bringing a collection of sweet and savoury dishes. It was a great ending to the Club's 2008 calendar. Our next gathering will be the AGM on 22nd January 2009. Very best wishes for a Happy New Year.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

The December AGM took place at the King's Head on Thursday 4th at 2000 hrs. There were nine members present. The silent tribute was taken and apologies were given for Mr. Bill Truman and Mr. Bob Cooper, we wish them good health in the future. As it was the AGM we had reports from the President, Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, all said that the Branch was still struggling along on low member numbers but is still very financially sound. The representative of Lyng Sub Branch gave his report saying that the workload which falls on him as a Sub Branch was very high with a lot of his time taken up visiting sick and lonely members.

The Branch then voted through the committee en bloc for another year with Mr. Bryan Tidnam as President and Mr. David Green as Chairman, and Mr. Gerald Marsh our loyal Secretary being chained to his chair for another year.

The President then gave a report about the military graves in the churchyard. There are three in the old churchyard which the War Graves Commission pays to be looked after. The Rector has asked us if we would like to take over the duties in the future. Bryan and Gerald are going to look at the grave area and report back at the next meeting.

The County Conference takes place on 17th January at 1000 hrs and Mr. Ronnie Clarke and Mr. Gerald Marsh will attend. Gerald will be carrying the Standard and Ronnie will be the Branch Rep.

The date of the next meeting has been changed to 8th January 2009 at 2000 hrs because the first Thursday falls on New Year's Day. The meeting closed at 2115 hrs and the last of the summer wine group made their way to the bar. Topic was as usual - when wil l Norwich City WIN . We wished all Members a Happy New Year and made our way home in peace and harmony. RGC

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AIRCREW ASSOCIATION

Our Ladies' Christmas Lunch was held on Monday 8th December at The King's Head. Attended by thirty two, which I consider a good turnout, it was an excellent meal served by a superb staff – no frozen rubbish here!

We were all delighted that our youngster, aged 92, ex Air Transport Auxiliary Pilot, was with us. Mavis is a truly remarkable lady, of petite build, who flew many types of aircraft during the war - a very brave and courageous lady - many, I may say, were killed. She has given talks at a number of functions and believe me, well worth listening to. She lives in Dereham.

Our next ladies' Lunch at the King's Head, is on the second Monday in February.

We wish all our readers a Happy and, we hope, Peaceful New Year. Larry

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WIVES CLUB

Happy New Year everyone. We do not meet in January - on Thursday 12th February our AGM will be held at 7pm. Following this at 8 pm Mr. John Labouchere will be our speaker, his talk illustrated by slides, entitled “An Andean Horseback Adventure” will tell us about the 5,500 mile horseride through the Andes which he undertook in 1990/91. More about this next month, but it will be an open meeting and if you haven't heard John's talk, please book the date and join us.

NORTH ELMHAM PLAYGROUP The end of last term saw the children and toddlers partake in some Christmas joy at the annual Christmas Party held in the Institute. We hope this paved the way for a jolly Christmas Holiday for one and all and look forward to seeing everyone back for the new term on Tuesday 6th January.

Also December saw our AGM with Becky Clayton being re-elected as Chairperson alongside a new Secretary and Treasurer. A good turnout on the night saw a few extra committee members too. We must give a BIG THANKYOU to all the Committee and those involved in Playgroup past and present as we begin the New Year in a safe and secure position and along with our highly trained dedicated staff and good number of registered children we will ensure our local Playgroup continues its success.

New arrivals to Playgroup this term are Ruby Dowe and Alisdair Hutcheson. With the New Year being a time to look ahead, one of our New Year resolutions here at Playgroup is to create a Special Outside Reading Corner for the children, so the challenge is on for 2009.

We also urge all parents of young children in the village to support the Parish Plan. Attending these meetings and getting your views across can help secure facilities for the little ones – don't let the young ones get overlooked!

We wish you all Health and Happiness in 2009.

Playgroup is located behind the school, (via the school gate). ( 668091 or visit www.northelmhamplaygroup.org.

 

 

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VICTORY VILLAGES CHURCH

A few weeks ago, we had a Canadian couple from Thailand staying with us (some of you will have met them). They went to Thailand as a young couple not knowing what to expect. Now over thirty years later, they have four grown-up children of their own and twenty-nine adopted Thai children. They run a Bible School and a large ministry in seven Asian countries including Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. When we asked them how they did it, they said, “One step at a time with God”.

The same advice is true for us as we go into the New Year. The future can seem daunting especially if the old year has brought unexpected changes. However, if we go forward one step at a time putting our hand in the hand of God, then we can look forward with hope, anticipation and joy knowing that whatever happens we are safe in His hands.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Love and blessings, Tony and Jane 01362 667107.

 

We are moving Please note that on 11th January we shall be moving our 10.30am Sunday Service to the Memorial Hall (Institute).

 

WENSUM VALLEY BIRDWATCHING SOCIETY

Over 50 members turned up to hear local dentist Mike Edgecombe give a talk entitled “Extreme Birding from the Roof.” Mike, wearing his other hat as Council Member of the Oriental Bird Club, spoke about the OBC's expedition to the high Tibetan Plateau of Qinghai province, a two hour flight from Beijing. The trip started at Heimahe near the Qinghai Lake then through a cold, sparsely populated and remote landscape down to Yushu and the Yangtze. During the trip over 200 species were seen, ranging from the more familiar names such as shore lark, snow finch and redstart through to the more exotic Kessler's thrush, Himalayan ruby throat, Gansu leaf warbler and white browed tit and, to make my note taking even more difficult, many species were named after the early Russian travellers to the area such as Przevalski's rosefinch, Kozlov's babax and Przevalski's redstart. The still pictures (slides in the old days) were interspersed with short video clips of particular birds such as the Henderson's ground jay and we were able to appreciate the curious dance of a Hume's ground-pecker. The talk ended with a picture of the vivid blue plumage of a grandala. Throughout the trip it was hoped to catch a glimpse of a snow leopard, but this particular species remained elusive and out of sight. A professional and polished talk which provided an excellent evening's entertainment. Note: All the above birds can be seen on ‘Google Images' and to further get the feel of the area look down on it by satellite view on www.maps.live.com

Field Trip: We planned to venture further afield to Rockingham Forest to see Red Kites but the weather intervened. Hopefully, I shall be able to report this trip next month.

Events for 2009: The programme of events for 2009 is just about complete and will be published on our webpage. Talks will cover topics from Norfolk to the Brazilian rain forest. Field trips will include a day at Minsmere, a week-end in Wales and a cruise on the Wash. Why not come aboard! Sunday 11th Jan, is the winter bird count and Thursday 15th founder member Allan Hale will give a talk entitled the ‘Colorado Chicken Run', followed by Sunday 25th Jan when we visit Holkham Hall with Ray Gribble. Colin Wright 01603 740548 admin@wvbs.co.uk

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OUR CHURCH OF ST. MARY - As you approach Elmham from Dereham, you can see our church, standing on top of the hill, on guard so it seems.

The tower or steeple was built between the years of 1380-1400. One wonders how many labourers and craftsmen were employed here with no cranes, JCB's, electrical tools, just basic tools and no health and safety officer in sight!

It was built in four stages and is supported by eight massive buttresses, two at each angle, and in places its walls are over four feet thick. At some unknown date a small spirelet of wood covered with lead was added and it was called the Lantern.

This spire was pronounced unsafe in 1911 and was removed, the lead being used to re-roof the tower floor. During 1924-25 the entire face of the tower was re-pointed, two tons of cement being required. (I wonder what that cost, and how much it would cost to-day). J.W .

NORTH ELMHAM PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

The monthly meeting of the parish Council took place in the Sports pavilion with Colin Groom in the Chair and eight members of the public attending. During public participation time the proposed Parish Plan was discussed, following the public meeting and presentation last month. Mr. Alan MacKim said that since the last such exercise ten years ago the Parish Council had carried out much good work in the village, a point that was reiterated by Vice Chairman Caroline Payne who said that probably the only major thing that had not been tackled was car parking. Councillor Wade-Martins said that this was an opportunity to look at everything afresh and that no-one in the village should feel excluded. A steering committee had been formed and would investigate ways of involving all residents. Mr. Ivan Ball said he understood close on 200 Norfolk villages were involved in developing Parish Plans. He wondered why there seemed to have been some reluctance in discussing similar plans in the intervening years since the last one. The Chairman said that this was because continuing commitment and ongoing financing of schemes was always a major concern and must not be allowed to become a burden on the Council or the village.

UPDATED INFORMATION: The badly overhanging hedge in Eastgate Street had at last received attention, seemingly by the Highways Department rather than the land owner. There was no further progress or information with Anglian Water regarding the drainage problems in Station Road/Wensum Drive.

PAVILION AND PLAYING FIELD MATTERS: It was reported that following the RoSPA report various small repairs are being attended to. Dereham Wanderers junior football club will no longer be using the Elmham pitch. The cricket club will be contacted regarding netting in the Brisley Road hedge as this is causing hedge cutting difficulties.

LAND MANAGEMENT MATTERS: Norfolk Property Services has been informed about the wall collapse on the Eastgate Street boundary of the Village Green and an inspection will be carried out. It was reported that rats are still being seen in Orchard Close but it is expected that rodent control officers will be continuing their efforts at extermination. Five tenders for ground maintenance and grass cutting had been received and were discussed. A unanimous choice for a new contractor was made.

SAFE ROUTE TO SCHOOL: A site meeting organised by Mrs. Floering Blackman, County Councillor, to discuss the current situation regarding the Cathedral Drive entrance and car parking was due to take place the day after this council meeting.

HIGHWAY MATTERS: Various matters needing attention were reported including the bad state of the car parking area in the cul-de-sac at the top of Eastgate Street. It has been noted that salt has been stolen from the bin on Orchard Close.

SIGN TO VILLAGE FACILITIES: The Clerk had been informed that there was now no tourism department at Breckland Council and therefore no grants were available. He was asked to ascertain whether any money might be forthcoming from “Grants for All”.

EASTGATE CENTRE: It was reported that their reserves are now down to under £2,000 and that roof repairs are urgent. They are actively seeking grants and a bingo evening will take place in January as a money raiser.

PARISH PLAN: A report of the public meeting was circulated for the information of councillors. It was agreed that the parish council would support the initiative and act as banker. It is hoped that there will be wide consultation within the village community. A working group has been formed and will meet in January.

MID NORFOLK RAILWAY: A site meeting with MNR members and parish councillors will take place on January 19th starting 10am at the level crossing area, to discuss various matters raised by the council and members of the public.

BUDGET DRAFT: The Clerk John Lee presented a draft budget for 2009/2010 which was very fully discussed and recommendations made. It was agreed that there would be no increase in the District Council Precept.

 

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CELERY AND CARROT SOUP – Serves 4

25g (1 oz) butter 100g (4 oz) onions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon oil 900ml (1½ pints) chicken stock or water

450g (1 lb) carrots, cut into chunks salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ head celery, finely chopped

 

Melt the butter in the oil in a pan and turn the carrots, celery and onions in the fat until well coated. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes. Add the stock or water and season generously. Simmer until the carrots are cooked through – about 15-20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the carrot pieces and purée them in a food processor with 1-2 cupfuls of the soup stock. When they are smooth, return them to the soup without puréeing the celery, which will retain its texture and a little bite. Check the soup for seasoning. You can, if you wish to enrich it, add a knob of butter or a little cream. Serve hot.

 

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FOOL'S ERRANDS

Elbow Grease – Tartan Paint – Bodge Tape – Universal Solvent

Box of Pixels – Bottled Vacuum - Dehydrated Water- Bag of Sparks

Sky-hooks – Portable Holes – Long Stand – Long Weight

Left Handed Hammer – Prop Wash – Rainbow Ink – Glass Nails

Golden Rivets – Bag of Steam – Electric Anvil – Blinker Fluid – 10 ft of Shoreline

Threadless Screws – Keyboard Fluid – Population Tool – Medicinal Compound

Metric Spanner – Grid Squares – Error Bars – Plinth Ladder – Pigeon Milk

Strap Oil – Powdered Water – Iced Steam – Blackboard Sharpener

Curve Straightener – Rust Polish – Inch Creeper – Ethernet Tape

 

THE PARISH PLAN

There was a good turnout in the Institute to hear Peter Smith of the Rural Community Council explain what was meant by a Parish Plan and the point of having one. As we entered we were asked to fill in post-it labels as to what we felt were best and worst things about the village. Traffic and speeding were generally a worry, while community spirit, the beautiful church and even the Elmham Festival were favourites. Someone simply wrote ‘it is my home'. Say no more! In his introduction the chairman of the meeting pointed out that ten years ago a similar exercise was undertaken by the Parish Council which had resulted in a number of new initiatives such as the creation of the village green, the millennium wood and the purchase of the Methodist chapel for Scouts and Guides. This was reiterated from the floor by the chairman of the Parish Council and Peter Smith congratulated the Parish Council on what it had achieved. In some ways the new Parish Plan could be seen as a follow-up exercise, building on what had gone before. Over the last ten years perceived needs and priorities could have changed and it could be time for a new consultation.

It was clear that if this was to have any validity it needed to involve the whole community and the only way to do this was to have a questionnaire personally delivered to and then collected from every household in the parish and to use this as a basis for any forward planning. Peter Smith stressed the value of the exercise in bringing the community together. Because it would have community support, the Plan would carry weight, both with local authorities and funding bodies.

The issues that concerned most parishes could be categorized under four headings: social and community, transport, environment, and economy. The aim of a Parish Plan would be to identify opportunities for development and improvement of services by encouraging as many people as possible to contribute to the process. While some of the issues which concerned those at the meeting such as traffic and parking were local authority matters, other ideas which might come out of the plan would rely on local initiatives and would be outside the remit of the Parish or District Council. Concerns were expressed about the problem of getting enough community involvement to get the consultation under way. To be meaningful it would be necessary to get all age groups and interests within the community involved. All village businesses, societies and clubs should be part of the process.

If anyone missed the meeting, but would like to join the steering group, or offer any specific help or expertise, then do join the group for its first meeting on the 14th January in the Pavilion at 7.30 pm.

One of the first and most important tasks for the steering group will be to seek the views of the widest possible range of people in the village as to whether or not they feel there is now a need for a village plan, and if there is, what issues would they like the group to consider.

 

Sue Ball

Linda Richmond

Susanna Wade Martins