September 2017 1

2 Pigeon Post

‘For People’ Copyright  2017 PIGEON POST The Production Team

Co-ordinating Editor: Michael Bartlett: The Red Cottage, The Street Tel: 852318 Email: [email protected] Deputy Editor: Sue Moore: Cranes Watering Farm, Rushall Road Tel: 852387 Email: [email protected] Treasurer: Mandy Carter: Brick Kiln Farm, Cross Roads Tel: 854600 Email: [email protected] Advertising Manager: Liz Stacey: The Old Coach House, Starston Tel: 853427 Email: [email protected] Webmaster: Christina Davies: Email: [email protected] Distribution Brian Greathead: Cart Lodge Barn, Church Hill Organiser: Tel: 852352 Email: [email protected] Distributors include: Brenda & David Beech, Mandy Carter, Jo Dye, Patricia Lombe- Taylor, Alison Miners, Rosemary Steer, Anita Weatherley, Liz Woodley and others. ISSUE EDITOR MICHAEL BARTLETT

Whilst the editorial team do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed by contributors, they believe that the magazine is available for local people to air their views. Letters to the Editor must be signed. The Editor reserves the right to alter or amend any copy received. Items for inclusion in the next issue MUST reach the Co-ordinating Editor by the 12th of the preceding month, (usually earlier in December). Space in the magazine will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Photos and pictures are welcome and will be used wherever possible. Please send copy by e-mail to: [email protected]

Advertising For advertising rates please contact

Liz Stacey: Tel: 01379 853427 Email: [email protected]

or Michael Bartlett: Tel: 01379 852318 Email: [email protected] Distribution Pigeon Post is delivered free to every home in Starston. It can also be sent by email in PDF format. To request a PDF version please contact the Co-ordinating Editor

If you know of any new residents in the village please tell Norman Steer (854245) or Michael Bartlett (852318) so that we can welcome them in Pigeon Post. September 2017 Village Diar3y

Tuesday 19th September 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting - Jubilee Hall Saturday 30th September 2.00 - 5.00 - see P.12 Macmillan Fund Raiser and Village Photo Competition Wednesday 4th October 7.30 pm Jubilee Hall Trustees & Management Committee AGM

Friday 13th October 7.30 pm Auction of Promises - Jubilee Hall - see P.12

Saturday 28th October 7.30 pm Ghost Story Night - Jubilee Hall - see P.12

Want to book the Jubilee Hall ? At Any Time Ring Joy or Bryan Hanner 853200 or 07484 721758

- Let us know of anything happening in the village for this Diary page

- Personal adverts and events are free so long as they are not for personal profit

- Like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/starstonvillagenorfolk

Final Copy Date for October edition: Tuesday 12th September

Starston Village Website: www.starstonvillage.co.uk Jubilee Hall Wi-Fi Hot Spot: Network: Jubilee Hall Password: Starston 4 Pigeon Post

M J PROPERTY MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPING

Patios, driveways, fencing, decorating interior and exterior, all types of tiling, bathrooms, roofing and much more.

Over 10 years experience Competitive prices and references available.

For friendly advice and free quotations call home on 01379 853486 or mobile 07917 468917 (Justin) or 07522 978710 (Matthew)

ALM Taxis.. “Getting you to your destination safely, on time and very competitively priced”

Airport Transfers Chauffeur Services Seaters 4, 5, 6, 8 Long or Short Distance Contract Work Welcomed

01379 608602

www.almtaxis.co.uk

September 2017 5

Around and About the Village Hexachordia Weybread Church Music Night Saturday 2nd September. 6.00 pm at Saturday 16th September at 7.00 pm for a St. Mary’s Church, Redenhall 7.30 start. Enjoy another stirring musical Tony Scheuregger: Lute, evening in the company of the South Rosamund Walton : Soprano Youth Symphonic Band. Tickets: Towards the end of the Elizabethan era Adults £10, Children under 16 £5. Light high quality poetry was accompanied by refreshments and Raffle Draw. All the sonorous sound of the lute. This recital proceeds will support St Andrews Church, explores the development of these songs Weybread. To reserve your tickets contact with some of the most popular works of Jim Hutchinson on 01379 586888 or email John Dowland, Thomas Campion, Thomas [email protected] Morley and other 'golden age' composers. £5 at the church door. Light refreshments. Community Centre Proceeds for the maintenance of St Mary's. Saturday 16th September is the Wortwell For further information please contact: Community Centre Silver Festival - a party [email protected] to celebrate 25 years since opening. A day or 01379 853120. of fun, games, music, demonstrations, stalls, BBQ and finishing with a ceilidh in Dentill 2017 the evening. Free entrance. Come and see Sunday 3rd September.10.00 am - 5.00 pm. what the centre has to offer. For further Venue Norwich Road, Denton, IP20 0BD. information please contact Margaret Colyer Adults £5, Concessions £4, Under 16 £1, on 01986 788511 or email: Under 2 free. Threshing, Tractors, Food, [email protected] Bar and Denton Cyder, Child Play Area, Craft Fair, Vintage Cars, Static Displays, Trailer Rides. More information at Safari Supper www.dentill.co.uk or [email protected] Saturday 2nd June 2018 Baby and Child First Aid Saturday 9th September. 2.00 – 4.00 pm at A date for your diary

Harleston Information Centre. Ruth Cawcutt is planning to hold a Thanks to the Co-op Members we are able “Safari Supper” next summer to raise to offer this FREE Baby and Child First money for the fund to provide a toilet Aid course for parents and grandparents. and kitchen servery in the church. Would you know how to spot meningitis, treat a burn or help a child who is choking? If interested please contact Ruth on Mini First Aid is holding a 2 hour class that 01379 852087 or covers CPR, Choking, Meningitis, Febrile Email: [email protected] Convulsions, Bleeding, Burns, Breaks and

Head Injuries. Please contact Lucy More details in the October Pigeon Post. Marjoram at the Information Centre on 01379 851920 to book your place. 6 Pigeon Post

Friendly Reliable Service

September 2017 7

Notes From The Editor

This month we are publishing three tributes to friends and neighbours who have died in the past few weeks. All of them played a part in the life of Starston and all will be greatly missed. It is sad of course when friends are no longer with us, but for me the ceremony that marks their passing has always been one of a celebration for the life lived. Remembering the positive things about a person can, for me at least, help alleviate a little the sadness that they are no longer with us.

For me, Starston is a very positive place. When Dee and I first moved to Norfolk 11 years ago we knew nobody in this area at all. With hindsight it was something of a gamble but within 3 months of moving in we had met more people in Starston than we had met in Guildford in 22 years. Those initial friendships have grown and spread and I now feel more at home here than I have done anywhere since my childhood.

Thank you, Starston. Michael

Harleston Choral Society

Our new term begins on Monday 11th September (7.00 pm start for collection of subscriptions), in St John’s Church, Harleston. Do come and join us - we’ll be singing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Parts I, II, III and VI), in preparation for our Christmas Concert, with professional soloists and orchestra, on Saturday 9th December.

Further information from Jo Curry [email protected] and see the ‘About Us’ section on our website for more information about what we do and how to join the choir: http://www.harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk/about-us

Pub Of The Year

Please support the Pub of the year award. Our pubs play a huge part in local life and Council's Community Pub of the Year awards are here to help recognise the impact they have on our community.

Voting is open until 10th September with 3 options:

Online: fill in the form on the SNC website Text: ‘PUB’ followed by the name and area of the pub to 80010 (e.g. PUB The Old Kings Head, ) Email : the name and area of the pub to [email protected] 8 Pigeon Post

Not Courgettes Again! Recipe

If you have a glut of courgettes you might find this Greek recipe useful. They taste much more interesting than they sound. They might freeze well once prepared - but I can't promise. We ate ours. Quantities aren't crucial, to the nearest courgette or so.

*Kolokithokeftedhes (Courgette rissoles).

Ingredients: courgettes 1 to 2 lb, one onion, grated cheese 4 oz or thereabouts, breadcrumbs (must be DRY, ie from very stale bread) 4 to 8 oz or more, 1 egg, butter and oil for frying, seasoning (eg salt, black pepper, cumin).

Only peel your courgettes if they have become too marrow-y and skins are getting tough. Cut into chunks small enough for them to steam easily, or to cook in microwave. I used about 1.25 lb of courgettes (when prepared) just because that's what I had. Put them to cook until soft enough to mash.

Meanwhile: prepare breadcrumbs: you will need a lot. The recipe suggests 4oz but I used at least twice that. Chop a medium-sized onion small and cook it gently in butter till soft and starting to brown. Lightly beat the egg. Grate about 4 oz cheese. (How are the courgettes getting on?)

Prepare seasoning: as well as salt and pepper, I used about a dessert spoon of cumin seed, ground. Quantity depends on your preference; I've never managed to use too much cumin. A chilli, de-seeded and chopped, would probably be OK - or two chillies. However do de-seed unless you like Chilli Surprise. Add also chopped parsley or coriander, according to preference and what you have.

Finally: once the courgettes are soft enough to mash with a fork, mash them and add in the onion, egg, breadcrumbs and seasoning. You need to achieve a mixture that's not too sticky to work with your hands. Shape into flat cakes, roll them in flour or more breadcrumbs and shallow fry in oil. When frying, while they do need to be brown on both sides, they also need to cook inside. If under-cooked they will still be tasty, and as far as I know no-one ever died of undercooked courgette, but they will be slightly disappointing. So, once they're brown, turn the heat down and give them another few minutes. Try one if you're not sure - cook's perks. Christina Davies Adult Flu Clinics in Harleston

This year Harleston Medical Practice will be holding its flu clinics on Saturday 30th September and Saturday 14th October at Bullock Fair. No appointment needed, simply turn up at your allotted time, depending on your surname. Please see list in the surgery.

You qualify for an NHS flu jab if you are aged 65 or over on 31st March 2018 or satisfy other criteria. For further information, or to book one of the limited Monday evening flu appointments available for workers, please contact reception for details on: 01379 853217. September 2017 9

10 Pigeon Post

Heritage Open Days Harleston is, once again, taking part in this country-wide event. Our contribution this year will take place on Saturday and Sunday the 9th and 10th of September. The event will be two-fold.

The Museum will be open on both days. There is an exhibition on Harleston’s Education Heritage with the history of Harleston schools dating from 1433. There are some particularly good pictures of Eastholme School.

There will also be a special exhibition in the Swan Hotel on Harleston's Industrial Heritage. At the moment, this display will date from about 1830, at which time it was not unusual to find women in such trades as gunsmiths, butchers and tinsmiths. These events will be open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on both days.

There are hundreds of events on offer county-wide over Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Brochures giving details are available, free of charge, from Harleston Information Plus and other outlets around the town. This is an excellent opportunity to visit places of great interest (particularly in Norwich) that are not always open to the public. For more information visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

The Upper Octave “Bizet to Broadway”

A sparkling evening of opera and musical classics at All Saints Church, Dickleburgh on Saturday 23rd September at 7.30 pm (Doors open 7.00 pm). Tickets £10, to include first drink and nibbles. For further information or to book advance tickets, please phone 01379 643010 or email: [email protected]

September 2017 11

Starston Church Fete and BBQ

Oh how lucky we were with the weather! What a successful and enjoyable evening we all had! Despite a ‘trough’ of rain passing through in the afternoon, the evening was sunny and bright at Conifer Hill for the annual fete and BBQ and attracted a really good crowd of visitors. Thank you Richard and Tish for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful gardens.

This year, Ann Leitch and her Youth Club helpers organised a series of children’s sports and games on the lower lawn whilst, on the upper lawn, the customary stalls selling cakes, jams, plants and produce did their usual roaring trade. What a wonderful array of cakes and bakery Ruth and her team had produced. Although there was no Bee Group display this year there was a selection of their excellent honey to sample and purchase. The busy visitors kept the BBQ and the Pimms and Ale bar fully occupied to the last and if you didn’t have one of the locally home-made ice creams you missed a treat.

Realising that we had to make a special drive this year to raise funds towards the cost of the toilet and kitchenette area in the church as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund project, we revived the traditional raffle that Frank Self had run for some years. This proved to be a real bonus this year. Julian Taylor organised the printing of a set of officially registered tickets and a book of 5 tickets was distributed with each Pigeon Post. In addition the PCC set up a pitch outside The Swan in Harleston, courtesy of Robin Twigge, on several days and this not only enabled us to sell tickets more widely but also promoted the Fete / BBQ. The result of this extra effort was that the Raffle raised the huge sum of £921.

It is not practical to thank everyone individually who helped make this such a successful event but thank you ALL for helping to set up, run and then taking everything down again afterwards. It was a mammoth effort and overall resulted in a profit of £2,544, more than double the amount we raised in the last two years!

Thank you. Starston PCC Found at the Fete

A dark blue pullover and a watch were found at the Fete.

Claimants please contact Tish Taylor Tel. 852393. 12 Pigeon Post

Events Coming Up in the Jubilee Hall Macmillan Afternoon Tea and Photo Competition Saturday 30th September 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Whilst the majority will be enjoying the Macmillan Coffee Mornings held all over the country on the Friday, here in Starston we do things a little differently! (It also gives you the chance to have cake twice!). Tea or coffee and cake will be served in the Jubilee Hall from 2.00 pm on Saturday 30th September in support of this good cause.

And whilst enjoying your tea you will have the opportunity to see all the entries from this year’s photo competition and to vote for your favourite. Last year’s event was very successful with over 70 visitors. Can we do better this time?

If you are unable to attend but would like to donate £5 to Macmillan on our behalf you can do so by texting MUG YVC5 to 70550. This will cost you £5 plus your standard network charge.

Auction of Promises Friday 13th October at 7.30 pm

The Jubilee Hall is holding an Auction of Promises to raise money to replace our two old marquees which are no longer fully waterproof. A full list of Promises will be available nearer the time but will include such things as:

 A painting by a professional artist  A yoga lesson at home or in a small group  1 day Master class in writing plays or short stories for 2  Magical Mystery Tour day out with lunch for 2

And many more…. Julian Taylor has kindly agreed to be the Auctioneer so please come along for a fun evening and help support the Hall. Bidding tickets cost £2.00 on the door which includes 1 glass of wine, beer or a soft drink.

We still need more “Promises” so if there is anything you, or anyone you know, can offer then please contact Dee McCall on 01379 854289 or email: [email protected]

Ghost Story Night Saturday 28th October 7.30 pm

Not quite Hallowe’en but do join us for an eerie evening of ghostly stories, rhymes and songs. Drinks and snacks will be

available and there may even be… wait for it…. pumpkin soup.

Are you brave enough to join us? Further details to follow. September 2017 13

Peter Ryalls May 1950 - July 2017 Peter was born on the 12th May 1950 in Wakefield, Yorkshire and although he lived in many places throughout the world he was always proud to be a Yorkshireman. He left school at the age of 16 and joined the Yorkshire Electricity Board as an apprentice engineer. This was a good job for someone his age but Peter always had drive and vision and he wanted more out of life so he went to classes at Leeds Polytechnic to gain the qualifications to go to Liverpool University where he studied for a degree in electrical engineering.

Leaving Liverpool he began his career in the oil industry and in those early years he travelled extensively, spending time in Gabon, Angola, and Nigeria. But Peter, being Peter, wanted more, so he went back to studying, this time at Imperial College in London where he gained his Masters in Petroleum Engineering. He then joined the Aberdeen based American company, Unocal. After some time working offshore, he became the General Manager in Unocal’s Aberdeen office and then was appointed Vice President, Operations when a consortium of oil companies was created to undertake work in Baku in the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan.

At this time Mags was working for BP in London and she and Peter were both posted to Baku where their relationship developed. They were married on the 31st August 2001 in Perth, Scotland. Mags says he was the best husband in the world, so loving and so supportive, he just “let you be yourself”.

Gordon Blair, who was Peter’s best man, says. “Peter was a man of many talents, always enthusiastic in everything he undertook. He was a gourmet who loved cooking and experimenting with food. Nothing delighted him more than cooking great lumps of meat on the BBQ with lots of friends around.”

Peter’s work took him and Mags to many places overseas. Argentina, where Peter came to love the people and the countries of South America; then transferring to Louisiana and finally five years living in Houston, Texas. He retired at the age of 55, returning to the UK and ultimately to Norfolk to establish a home in the converted barn that he and Mags had dreamed of for their last few years overseas..

People and relationships were the most important thing in Peter’s life. He made a huge difference to so many. Mags and his friendships were the solid rocks on which he based his life. His friends, both in Starston and across the world, will miss him greatly. However, as Gordon Blair said, “You are not dead until you are forgotten so I know that Pete will be around for a while yet.” 14 Pigeon Post

A Week in the Life of a Formula One Engineer

In Andy’s opinion, the Formula One (F1) race in Baku was the most exciting one this year. I had the opportunity to join him in Azerbaijan, and whilst he was working, I enjoyed exploring local ancient sites such as the Gobustan Rock Art cultural landscape and mud volcanoes, and the 12th century old city – both UNESCO world heritage sites. I did however watch the race from the FiA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) hospitality suite in the F1 paddock on the Sunday. Gobustan Rock Art Depending on the time zone of the country, Andy leaves cultural landscape Starston on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday to catch a flight to the country he is working in. There are currently 20 races around the world, so combined with pre-season tests, visiting F1 teams and staff meetings in Geneva, Paris or London, Andy is abroad for more than half of the year.

Getting to Baku included a taxi ride to Heathrow; a 1½ hour flight to Frankfurt; a 1½ hour stop over and then another 4½ hours flight to this ex-Soviet state. Some may think that F1 is a glamourous lifestyle, but we arrived tired and hungry! Andy joined work colleagues for supper (he is part of a team of twenty people which includes engineers, technicians and medics), and I collapsed into bed.

No account is taken in F1 work schedules of time zone changes or the weather. Having spent all Tuesday travelling, on Wednesday Andy was at work at 8.30 am local time (3.30 am UK time) in around 30 degrees. (Track temperature higher.)

Wednesday, set up day, unpacking equipment, setting up monitors, connecting the servers for data monitoring and verifying that the systems on the F1 cars are approved versions. In contrast, I had a leisurely day familiarising myself with my hotel including indoor pool. On Thursday the FiA check Entrance to F1 Paddock, Baku that the cars are safe and legal to run, on Friday there are practice sessions so the F1 drivers can familiarise themselves with the track and on Saturday there’s the practice session where the drivers earn their starting grid position for the race. Then on Sunday is the race itself which can last up to 2 hours. By contrast, most staff involved in the race will be working 12 hours, as for most other days in an F1 week.

I had a lovely holiday. The history of the region is fascinating, although sadly punctuated by wars throughout the centuries. I think the description of Baku as the “Dubai of the Caucasus” is a good one. The discovery and extraction of oil since the turn of the century has transformed the country – the old jostles with the new every- where, although cultural attitudes, I am told by locals, have not changed. Ann Leitch September 2017 15

A Good Autumn Read

In 1992 when I moved from Chichester to live in Starston, my daughter, Isabel Ashdown, stayed to pursue her career. In 2004, after working for 15 years in product marketing, she gave up her senior management job at The Body Shop to study creative writing at Chichester University and spend more time with her young family.

Her writing career was launched when she won the Mail on Sunday Novel Competition in 2008, with judges Fay Weldon, Michael Redpath and the late Sir John Mortimer describing her work as ‘magnificent’. The completed novel, Glasshopper, was published the next year and went on to be named among the Best Books of 2009 by both the Observer and the London Evening Standard.

Isabel has since had five books published and her sixth and latest novel, Little Sister, came out this year on e-book at the end of April this year and was released in paperback at the end of July. In its first ten weeks the e-book sold over 15,000 copies.

The production of a novel is a very long and solitary pursuit and requires a lot of patience and discipline. Little Sister was written and published over a period of a year and the next book for 2018 is already on its way. Isabel also worked as Writer in Residence in 2014 at the University of Brighton, where she taught on their MA in Creative Writing and in 2017/18 she will be the Royal Literary Fund Fellow for the University of Chichester where she previously studied as a mature student.

A writer's life can be very demanding. They are expected to help with the publicity and promotion of a book by making broadcasts, public appearances, giving talks at book festivals and libraries, and to attend launches and publishing parties (the fun bit). I was very thrilled to be invited to a lovely launch party in Bloomsbury – a great treat.

Issie lives near Goodwood and finds that a daily walk on the South Downs with her two dogs provides the necessary release and relaxation from sitting in front of a computer for many hours at a time. Once a week, she goes into a primary school with one of her dogs, Leonard the dachshund, as a proud volunteer for the ‘Pets for Therapy Read2Dogs’ scheme, an initiative aimed at nurturing confidence in young readers and promoting a lifelong love of books. Some of the children have difficulty with reading and communication and it's remarkable how much they improve when they know they have been selected to read to Lenny. If they try hard and have practised reading at home during the week they gain a doggy sticker and a cuddle with a friendly, velvety little dog.

I can highly recommend Little Sister as a good book to take on holiday.

Jane German 16 Pigeon Post

Bobbie MacIvor February 1922 - July 2017 Bobbie MacIvor was born in Dublin on 5th February 1922, and was christened Mary Patricia on St. Patrick’s Day, but her sister Diana renamed her Bobbie, because "baby" was difficult to pronounce. She grew up with her family in Ballyhenry in County Wicklow until they moved to Glengariff in County Cork, southwest Ireland. Bobbie held fond memories and warm feelings for Ireland throughout her life. In 1934 Bobbie was sent to school in Hampshire, and stayed with English families. During the Second World War she served in the WRNS as a Morse-code radio-operator.

In 1947 Bobbie travelled to Kenya to visit her mother and sisters, Diana and Clodagh, and there she met Derek Bryceson, whom she married. They started to farm in Kitale, Kenya, but soon moved to Ol Molog, on the slopes of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (then Tanganyika) to farm wheat and cattle. Bobbie actively supported Derek in his involvement in the democratic struggle against British colonialism during the 1950s. At the attainment of Independence in 1961 they moved to Dar es Salaam when Derek was elected Member of Parliament and appointed as Minister of Agriculture in the new Government. Bobbie worked for UNICEF and for various charities during this time. Bobbie loved Tanzania, and she is warmly remembered by many Tanzanians until this day. In 1975 Bobbie and Derek were divorced, and she moved to London.

In London Bobbie worked as a secretary at the University of London and later for a cancer charity, then in 1978 she met Brian, a previous neighbour from Kilimanjaro, whom she married. Bobbie and Brian purchased the Old School and moved to Starston in 1980. They made many good friends in the village, and enjoyed gardening. Bobbie initiated the Pigeon Post and worked together with neighbours to develop it as an active avenue for sharing local news and views. Brian died in 2009, but Bobbie was keen to continue to live in the Old School. Despite reduced mobility and weakening health during her last years, Bobbie loved to live in Starston, and continued to do so until she passed away peacefully on 3rd July.

Ian Bryceson

Patricia Hepple adds her memories of Bobbie...

September 2017 17

Ivan Francis “Buster” Chatten 1940 -2017 A large congregation gathered in Starston church to bid a fond farewell to Buster Chatten who had lived in Starston all his life.

Buster was born at Home Farm Lodge in June 1940 and grew up there with his parents and four siblings. He went to Starston School, and in time joined his father working for Stanley Askew, tenant at Home Farm. When RGL Taylor & Partners took the farm back on Mr Askew’s death, Buster became chief tractor and combine driver; he was renowned for his meticulous records keeping. When the arable work was eventually contracted out he moved to Whartons Nurseries until he retired.

Sadly his wife Jacky died in 1998 aged just 52 years. He began to tend her grave, then other nearby graves, and eventually he looked after the whole of the south side of Starston churchyard, keeping it in immaculate condition until a short while before he died. He liked to be busy and he hated untidiness, he would often collect litter from the verges around the village.

His daughter Clare, supported by her brother Jason, shared memories of their dad. Always keeping a very productive garden, he was not too pleased when they decided to pull up all the vegetables, or when they started up the tractor he’d parked in the drive. But he told them that he had done some silly things in his youth too, like having a little too much to drink and trying to catch the moon… which he never quite managed.

Sue Moore

I first met Bobbie in London in 1954. She and the family were over from their farm in Kenya for a holiday, staying in Kensington with her then mother-in- law. Little did I know then that we would both end up in Starston when we returned to .

Four years later I arrived in Kenya for an extended holiday, (which eventually took 27 years), and in due course met up with Bobbie again, now in Dar es Salaam, the port and capital of Tanzania. First they had a two storeyed house in the town, later building a lovely beach house north of Dar, near the Sailing Club.

Bobbie was a wonderful hostess, her then husband Derek was a Minister in the new independent government and their next door neighbour to the house on the beach was Julius Nyerere the President. We would swim in the lukewarm sea with Bobbie's pekes, the dogs firmly keeping their noses above the waves.

Coming back to England I bought Rectory Cottage, then discovered Bobbie and Brian were living in the Old School. It was wonderful to have ex-Africa friends living nearby. I will miss our chats of days gone by in darkest Africa. Patricia Hepple 18 Pigeon Post

Wildlife in Starston

Muntjac trapped in fence in Cross Road. Found by Jazmine (Border Collie) and released without serious injury by Peter and Clare Grimble and Frank Savage. Small, unidentified creature which emerged from Auriel Gibson’s edition of the August Pigeon Post

Old Maps

While we were on a recent day out we saw a huge map of Norfolk, dated 1826, displayed in a hotel reception area. We happily spent some time studying it and noticed that the place I knew as a child as “Gillows Willows” on Hardwick Road in Starston, now re-named “Gillows”, was then known as “Jealous Wells” (Located under the “A” on the map). Colder Green in is now known as Coldham Green and Father’s nearby field was named after it. Pye Bridge is now Piedbridge.

How many other local names have changed over the years, I wonder?

Wendy Roper September 2017 19

20 Pigeon Post

Last Mango In Budgens No ‘X’ certificate and no sign of Marlon Brando or Maria Schneider, in fact no sign of anything much as Budgens finally closed its doors on Tuesday 8th August. At the time of going to press there is no news about when this shop will re-open under the Co-Op banner but we can say for certain that it will be opening in Harleston, not Paris.

Front Garden Activities

What do you do in your front garden?

You might grow beautiful flowers. You might plant roses round the door. You might concrete it over for a parking space. You might lay out a croquet lawn.

Or you might, as Sonja and Shane at the Willows in Rushall Road decided to do, drill a bore hole for irrigation water for their smallholding.

If they hit oil instead then the drinks are on them…

September 2017 21

Recent Events

Cheese Tasting Evening in the Jubilee Hall

The cheese tasting event in the Jubilee Hall on 8th July made £150 for the hall as well as giving everyone a wonderful evening. In addition the raffle raised a further £50 which Debbie intends to use to buy daffodil bulbs to plant in the Glebe Meadow.

Many thanks to Debbie and Stuart for the idea and the organisation of this evening. It was great fun.

The Big Bike Ride 2017

Back in May we reported that Bruce and Tanya Colman were embarking on a 200 mile cycle ride over three days in memory of Kate Woodruff, a friend and fellow Southwold rugby mum of three boys, who passed away in October. The ride was to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice at Ipswich and Bramfield Primary School where Kate was head teacher.

Bruce, Tanya and many others did not pedal in vain. Over 70 cyclists took part on the route around the Sunshine Coast, quickly smashing the original fundraising target of £10,000. St Elizabeth Hospice has just announced that the Big Bike Ride has so far raised £49,700 with a few further donations still promised!

The aim at St Elizabeth Hospice is to enable people to live the life they choose, for as long as they are able, which they could not do without such generous support. The hospice cared for Kate during her last days, but as head teacher she dedicated much of her life to Bramfield Primary School. The funds raised will be divided equally between St Elizabeth Hospice and the Bramfield school, to fund a new early years facility in her honour.

Our Summer Celebration on the Glebe Meadow

On Sunday 23rd July Dee and I held a party on the Glebe to celebrate Dee’s 65th birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary. A total of 116 people, both local and from all over the world, came to celebrate with us. We specifically asked for no presents but suggested that if our friends wanted to mark the occasion in some way then a small donation to the Glebe Meadow would be welcome as this is a project that has always been dear to our hearts. At the end of the day we were quite overcome when we found a total of £575 in the donations box. We are very grateful for such generosity. Michael 22 Pigeon Post

County Council News

Norfolk's councils are asking residents for their views on a joint vision for the county's future to 2036 and beyond. A public consultation has been launched on the Norfolk Strategic Framework, a document that sets out plans for the county's nine local authorities to co-operate across the whole of Norfolk on key planning matters, running across administrative boundaries, setting out their shared objectives on housing, employment and infrastructure. To view the document visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nsf or visit your local library. Responses can be made via the website or emailed to [email protected] All comments must be received by 4.00 pm on 22nd September.

The Norfolk Waste Partnership (NWP) is made-up of Norfolk's County, District, Borough and City Councils working together to improve waste and recycling services for Norfolk's residents and visitors. The NWP has four strategic objectives:  To reduce the amount of waste generated per household.  To increase the availability of waste reduction, reuse, repair, reuse and recycling activities.  To ensure residents and businesses understand the importance of waste as a resource and the range of opportunities for waste reduction, repair, reuse and recycling.  To reduce the overall system cost of dealing with Norfolk's household waste.

During September NWP are running a campaign 'Recycle for Norfolk' which reinforces 3 simple recycling rules (Clean, Dry and Don't Bag It) in a leaflet which will go to every Norfolk home.

During September and October NCC is having its annual Household Hazardous Waste Days when residents can safely dispose of such items as: aerosols, fire extinguishers, garden pesticides and fertilizers, household chemicals and cleaners, paint, photographic chemicals, wood preservatives, treatments and varnishes. For dates and venues visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/hazardouswaste or call 0344 800 8020.

The Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards has been launched. These awards are now in their 5th year and they recognise the great work done by the many volunteers and groups across all of Norfolk and Waveney. To find out the categories and how to nominate someone for an award, please go to www.edp24.co.uk/home/stars .

Martin Willby 01379 741504 [email protected]

The Main Recycling Centre is now open again after refurbishment.

September 2017 23

24 Pigeon Post

Local Films in September

Pennoyers Film () Title: Hidden Figures (PG) Date: Friday 15th September Time: 8.00 pm (Bar opens at 7.15) Cost: £5.00 in advance, £5.50 on the door. Three brilliant, black American women mathematicians prove their worth during the space-race of the early 1960’s. On the way to helping astronaut John Glenn into orbit around the earth, they manage to overcome some deep-seated racial prejudice. Booking advisable - phone 01379 676660. Ices available.

Harleston Film (Masonic Rooms, Thoroughfare, Harleston) Title: Beauty and the Beast (PG) Date: Thursday 28th September Time: 7.30 pm (Doors open at 7.00 pm) Cost: £4.00 Emma Watson and Dan Stevens star in this adaptation of the classic fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love. A fresh and modern look at a classic story. Book with Harleston Information Plus on 01379 851917

Alburgh Film (Alburgh Village Hall) Title: Beauty and the Beast (PG) Date: Friday 15th September Time: 7.30 pm (Doors and bar open at 6.45 pm) Cost: £4.00 - pay on the door. Fish and chips available and ice creams in interval. Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast in its castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast's hideous exterior, allowing her to recognize the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside. Answers to the August Crossword

ACROSS 24. Snake 7. Bleat 25. Gruyere 8. Scott 1. Scandinavia 26. Investigate 13. Complete 9. Linctus 16. Neatest 10. Logic DOWN 17. Crass 11. AWOL 18. Alight 12. Crockett 2. Condone 19. Bevel 14. Demon 3. Note 21. Learn 15. Stunt 4. Insure 23. Bung 20. Roly Poly 5. Allocate 22. Cage 6. Ingle

September 2017 25

September Crossword by Darv

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10 11

12

13 14 15 16

17 18

19 20 21

22 23 24

25 26 27

28

29 30

CLUES ACROSS CLUES DOWN

1/2. An evil spirit at home with chap in public 2. See 1 Across transport. What a picture! (6,2,3,4) 3. Yoga configured for a picture maker (4) 5/12/26. Make a note, Murray's first about a 4. Of necessity, 29's Aussie namesake takes in thousand with a delay coming up. What a drug (4) picture! (3,2,3,2,3) 5. Come to a sorry end extremely far and away 8. A German loses his head to make a mistake (3) (4) 9. Some wrapt Lycra in the relevant way (5) 6. One to get stuck in as a stag might do! (3) 10. Bond's car found in Birmingham (5) 7. Pigs leave pigeons for a very long time (3) 12. See 5 9/30. Smash chinaware, gosh! What a picture! (7,6) 13. I leave the boss in charge of the kitchen (4) 11. Choose to have no exercise (3) 14. Behaves as Helen Mirren does, say (4) 15. Behaving like a comic making a barrel? (9) 17. This office would be the place for a test (4) 16. Family member gathers tunes... (7) 18. See 22 20. ...some of the music gets the bird (3) 19. Dispatched a group about any number (4) 22. Bess's partner loses his head in a wild party 21/29. Basis of inheritance a chap from the Isle of (4) Man found in the pictures (4,5) 23. Fish overheard to be one fixing the piano! (4) 22/18. Two ton hen? What a picture! (2,3,4) 24. An advantage causes anger if pushed over (4) 25. Divine as a guru maybe (5) 25. Lost vessel. One sought by Vikings say? (3) 27. Medic with irritable bowel syndrome goes in 26. See 5 Across small amounts (5) 28. Found smoking? This would be incriminating (3) 29. See 21 30. See 9 Down 26 Pigeon Post

Benefice Services in September

3rd 10th 17th 24th

Trinity 12 Trinity 13 Trinity 14 Trinity 15

Dickle- 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am

burgh All Age PC BCP PC Communion

9.30am 8.00am HC Pulham HC 9.30am 9.30am 10.45am 6.30pm HC SW Market Memorial Hall Celebration 8.00am BCP 9.30am 9.30am Pulham 9.30am Communion Patronal Harvest BCP Matins St Mary 9.30am Messy Service Festival Church

11.00am 11.00am 11.00am 11.00am

Rushall Patronal HC SW SW Service 11.00am 11.00am 11.00am 11.00am BCP Battle of Britain BCP Starston Great and Small Communion Service Communion Thelveton 11.00am 11.00am With 11.00am

HC BCP Matins Dickleburgh Harvest Festival

Key To Services HC: Holy Communion PC: Parish Communion

BCP: Book of Common Prayer SW: Sunday Worship CC: Café Church Starston PCC Secretary: Ruth Cawcutt. Tel: 01379 852087 Email: [email protected]

Web Site for Information on all Services: http://www.thebenefice.org.uk/

September 2017 27

Starston Parish Council Ann Leitch Chairman 01379 423387 [email protected] Chris Doughty Not available [email protected]

Bobbie Formston Tree Warden 01379 853042 [email protected] John Formston Footpaths 01379 853042 [email protected]

Richard Franklin 01379 854726 [email protected] Sam Carter Not available [email protected] VACANCY Clare Crane Clerk to the Council and RFO 01379 608590 To contact Starston Parish Council: [email protected] Starston Village Web Site: www.starstonvillage.co.uk Local Councillors

Martin Wilby County 01379 741504 [email protected] Clayton Hudson District 01379 676259 [email protected] Community Services

Local Buses - from Starston to Harleston For information and Starston to and Norwich Ring: 0871 200 22 33 Border Hoppa - dial-a-ride service Ring: 01379 854800 Police - (non-emergency) Ring: 101 Safer Neighbourhood Team Email: [email protected]

Report Power Cuts Ring 105 NHS Emergency & Urgent Care Services Ring: 111 (Including Emergency out of hours chemist) when it’s less urgent than 999 Refuse Collection and Queries Ring: 01508 533830

Harleston Information Plus Ring: 01379 851917 [email protected] 28 Pigeon Post

Denny Holloway Bricklayer

Brick Work, General Building, Hard Landscaping etc

01379 853471 or 07939 144446

Printed by Town and Country Printers, Diss 01379 651107 www.tcprinters.co.uk/