PARISH CHURCH NEWS with , INGOLDISTHORPE and

MARCH 2021 40p The Rector’s Letter

Breaking through the Sound Barrier into a new sphere

Have you ever witnessed the breaking of the sound barrier? It is a significant event and it happened earlier this year as an RAF Typhoon jet was scrambled from Lincolnshire in an emergency to intercept an unresponsive plane.

On this occasion as the Typhoon plane flew in extreme speed it went through the sound barrier, topping about 750 miles per hour and in doing so creating a sonic boom. When an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, the air in front of the nose of the plane builds up a pressure-front because it has nowhere to escape to. A sonic boom happens when that air escapes, creating a ripple effect which can be heard on the ground as a loud thunderclap and it can be heard over such a large area because it moves with the plane. As the pilot goes supersonic they enter a new sphere that most people have never done. We are entering a new physical sphere as the road map for exiting lockdown number three has been announced.

If we look at the Sermon on the Mount in the Bible we find that Jesus was proclaiming a new sphere. The Sermon on the Mount is a fabulous part of the scriptures comprising three whole chapters in Matthews Gospel from 5-7 from where Jesus sets out the main themes of his proclamation, overarched by the Kingdom. Jesus is beginning a new era for God’s people, a new covenant. It is about something that is starting to happen. Jesus’s message to the first disciples was “ follow me for God is doing a new thing through me”.

We could look at it as Jesus taking God’s people through the sound barrier; taking them somewhere where they have never been before. Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the teaching on the wise and foolish builders. As we enter a new sphere post lock- down (hopefully the last) it is important to continue to focus our eyes on Jesus the foundational rock in our lives.

Future gradual mapping of services

As we look ahead to Holy Week and Easter we have provisional plans for worship. On Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st March there will be a short zoom compline service starting at 7pm. Compline is a delightful, simple but fulfilling service bringing completion (compline) to a day.

Maundy Thursday will involve an evening service at 7pm, also via zoom. For zoom access to all these services please

2 email Pauline on [email protected]. On Good Friday the plan is to have a recorded service of scripture, hymns, songs and insight with prayers via www.dersinghamonlineworship.com. Also for Good Friday we are looking at preparing a downloadable printed Walk of Witness containing readings and prayers along with directions/ maps which people can do at a time convenient to them around Dersingham. The current plan for Easter Sunday is to live- stream a Holy Communion service from St Nicholas Church Dersingham. This may also be the first in-church service. More information will be made available through the notices in the online worship or the Lighthouse and next magazine, once we have received more instruction and guidance from the Bishop and/ or Government. In consultation with the Mothers’ Union we have sadly decided that during lockdown we won’t be delivering plants for Mothering Sunday this year. However there will be a Mothering Sunday special online service on March 13th and regular online services continuing. So we have it from the Prime Minister - the road map out of the pandemic, which we continue to pray for. I expect the coming months will be of a cautious approach with a limited offering of services in church. As a benefice church looking further ahead, the map for the ministry, mission and outreach for God’s church will continue to need prayer in abundance. As I mentioned earlier, the fighter pilot entered a new sphere going through the sound barrier. It is exciting that we are approaching a bright horizon of opportunity for the united church here as we seek and pray for the growth of the Christian faith and building up of the Kingdom using both in person and online capabilities. I would ask for your prayers that the ministry leadership team are inspired by Jesus, led by the Spirit in guiding us forward in God’s ways whilst focused on growth for God’s church. Mark Capron Rev Mark Capron

Rector of Dersingham, Anmer, Ingoldisthorpe and Shernborne www.dersinghamonlineworship.com www.stnicholasdersingham.org.uk

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United Benefice of Dersingham, Anmer, Ingoldisthorpe and Shernborne Services The four churches will not open for public services until it is considered safe for worshippers. The good news, however, is that they will be open, as usual, for private prayer.

Please go to: dersinghamonlineworship.com for Online Services “The Lighthouse” newsletter “Dersingham Parish Church News” magazine

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For further details: contact Val C

in

St Nicholas Church Ed’s note: Nigel Beeton writes: For those 10am-12pm of us fortunate enough to have gardens Stalls and Refreshments one reliable source of joy and pleasure over the past dark months has been the Coffee mornings will continue as birds visiting our gardens. I even saw soon as possible goldfinches in mine, they are not common Please check here for further visitors but it’s lovely to see them when information they come! They really are spectacular birds!

St Nicholas Church Friendship Group The Goldfinch

(Formerly St Nicholas Church Men’s Group) We cordially invite new members from any church or none - everyone welcome as the Group is non-gender specific

Due to circumstances beyond our control, meetings have been postponed for the foreseeable future A flash of yellow, gold, and red Dancing in our flower bed

Flocked together, bringing charm Their joyful song restoring calm. Through centuries since times of old We’ve always loved their plumage bold; As they gathered round to feed Seeking grubs, and thistle seed. Meets in St Nicholas Church, Dersingham, unless otherwise stated, on the fourth So, go ahead, and plant some thistles Wednesday of the month at 2pm unless You will see, among the bristles. otherwise advised Golden birds who dance and dart Pauline , Branch Leader Bringing joy to warm your heart.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we regret that meetings have been Nigel Beeton cancelled for the foreseeable future

4 Bishop Guli, currently the Bishop of Loughborough, will take up the new role later this year when she becomes Bishop of Chelmsford.

The new post will involve leading efforts to After the very busy year of 2020, the great implement the recommendations of the increase in business being associated with Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on the hardships of the pandemic, and after the Housing, Church and Community, which was administrative changes during December of published in late February. last year, I am glad to report that donations to the foodbank have been sustained at a God in the Garden good level through January and early February 2021. By Philip Eley, Kevin Mayhew, On January 12th 62.5 Kilos of food were donated, January 18th 52.5 Kilos, £12.99 January 25th, 35.0 Kilos, February 1st 52.0 Kilos and, in that dreadfully cold, snowy This book offers you a year of weekly Bible week beginning February 8th, 23.5 Kilos. reflections that follow the seasons and During that period, £285 cash was also changes of the gardener’s year. That may donated. make it a good gift for gardener’s, organic

food growers, families with allotments and Many thanks for all the donations of food fans of our Wild Worship series and cash during this period. As I reported in December, the cash is now going direct to the King’s Lynn night shelter, whose need is The devotions help to encourage consistent desperate. Things for the homeless and devotional time – outside with God and hungry are very much worse during the cold deepening a spiritual relationship. winter weather than they are in the summer. Lucy McKitterick at the night shelter and HANNANT’S INSPIRATIONS Helen Gilbert at the King’s Lynn Foodbank “A word for all occasions” would like to record their deep appreciation to the donors who have kept up the good When you don’t know what to say or how to say it, let me help you ... work at this time. Thank you all very much. Bespoke, handmade cards for Allan every occasion

CVs and Cover letters, News: Eulogies, Tributes, Life sketches, New lead bishop for housing Letters of appreciation or thanks, Letters of apology, Letters of complaint Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has become the and more ... Church of ’s Lead Bishop for Housing, For information, call to spearhead the Church’s efforts to help Angela Hannant on: ease the UK’s crippling housing crisis. 01485 297425

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'I walked around our new garden delighted to see Snowdrops, Aconites, Hellebores, Vibernum and Japanese Witch Hazel in bloom.' Baby Basics continues into 2021 with an influx of referrals from a variety of 'My day starts at 6.30am when my daughter professional bodies aiming to support wakes me up with her Disney reindeer vulnerable families and mums with, or shouting "Mummy it's morning!' After expecting new babies. breakfast, it's working from home whilst entertaining a 3 year old! Then its lunch, a As I write this little piece, January saw 16 quick chill out time, daily exercise, playtime, bundles going out to those in need. So far in then deciding on menu for tea, cooking it, February we have completed 10, but this is and waiting for Daddy to come home from likely to increase, March already has 6 on work: he will take care of the bedtime our system, and in April, 5; all these statistics routine, and it's not long before i follow!' are mums and families who simply are unable to provide for a new baby or sibling, 'From breakfast in bed, to too much TV and and through no fault of their own need help. nibbles. Days blur, the usual activities closed Domestic abuse has been on the increase and tired of zoom and YouTube. It's a joy to during the pandemic, as has the financial have a small lively Westie to take for walks hardship and homelessness. on the beach and at Ringstead. I love walking in the woods watching the seasons change, These figures are only 10 less than the entire nature carrying on regardless. Buds on the year of 2019. A sad reflection on the time we trees, Catkins, Aconites, Snowdrops, baby are living in. piglets escaping into the woods. Good to live surrounded by new life.' As always, we would not be able to do what we do, without the support from our 'I look at the cobwebs and the dust, I look communities, so yet again, for want of out of the window, and I decide that a walk boring you! THANK YOU! is by far the better option! Lockdown 1 ensured that all drawers and cupboards Maggie, Centre Leader were cleaned, the garden has never been so Baby Basics West loved, and now I reap the reward of seeing all the new buds coming up, the birds So from us all, here is a little bit of:- singing, and soon the wild garlic, then blue bells. Books, although I love reading, are 'A day in lockdown from each of the BB waiting, I think this pandemic is giving us all Team' too much time for over thinking. Thank God for our countryside and the peace we can ' In the gloom of lockdown, there has been a find in our daily walk.' small glimmer of light. It is the snowdrop. In the language of flowers, the snowdrop is the 'Home schooling two, aged 8 and 5, whilst symbol of 'hope', as there are carpets of entertaining a toddler (thank you Peppa them everywhere looking so vibrant, Pig!), cook, eat, wash, tidy, repeat. Grateful perhaps this is a sign of better things to for our home, our health, our WiFi and our come.' television!'

6 Ed’s note: I had phoned a few readers to ask responses to a request to share their day if they would like to share their thoughts on during lockdown. Here is one such: what three things they would like to do at the end of the pandemic. Here is one “Lockdown” 2021 response:

7.00 Another Lockdown Day dawns, red 1 To sing loudly with the across the eastern horizon. Jane is not here congregation at the Sunday morning Service but in bed. She is usually up long before me. at St Nicholas ....."Praise my soul the King of Different body-clock. Ho hum. Maybe a Heaven" zoom today, who knows. Check the

weather? Good, then we will get a walk in 2 To go, to as we have done for years, and perhaps pootle in the garden. Shred with good friends, to the next some invasive holly? Refill the bird feeders; performance of the King's Lynn Gilbert & hungry sparrows, greedy pigeons. Wash the Sullivan Society opera. car? It deserves it. Perhaps clean the

windows inside, brownie points there! WAIT 3 To wash-up, using the nice friendly A MINUTE. EXCITING!! There is a Tesco dishwasher, at the Village Centre for a Big order this morning. Best get going. Just Happy Event! time for porridge, shower and dressed

before it comes. Woohoo! Ed’s note: You will notice a few pieces Rob C throughout the church magazine of readers

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St Nicholas Church, Dersingham Finances for January 2021

This financial information will be a regular feature in the magazine but for this month I have added some explanatory information.

RECEIPTS £ PAYMENTS £

Planned giving 3,778 Parish Share 2,000.00 Collections 36 Church running costs 828.26 Contactless giving 5 Admin costs 690.51 Other receipts l,945.7 Other payments 1,145.00 Total received £5,764.0 Total paid out £4,664.00

A difference of £1,100 more income in January

Parish Share 2020 We paid £33,630 towards our Parish Share in 2020, a shortfall of £23,035.

Parish Share 2021 We have agreed to pay £2,000 each month towards our Parish Share this year and will pay extra after we have met our other commitments. This leaves £32,655.54 to raise.

Planned giving is the pledge to give regular amounts through either bank transfers or the envelope scheme. Both methods can be gift aided.

Other receipts include individual donations, the Wall Box, the Votive candle stand etc It also includes receipts from Statutory and additional fees from weddings and funerals. Please note that the church does not keep all of the Statutory Fees, a proportion is paid to the diocese at the end of each quarter.

Church running costs include gas and electric, insurance, water.

Administration costs include bank charges, licences, subscriptions, photocopier etc

Other payments may include building work, repairs, cost of fundraising eg this month we paid the bill for the Christmas trees from the festival 2020.

These are some of the details behind the figures above. The Financial Statement which is produced at the end of the year gives more details. This is included in the Annual Report and is available at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

Pat Treasurer

8 9 Knock knock Little old lady seeks handsome young man A conscientious minister decided to get acquainted with a new family in his church An advert appeared in a student newspaper and so he visited them one Spring evening. of a university: “Sweet little old lady wishes After his knock on the door, a lilting voice to correspond with good-looking university from within called out, “Is that you, Angel?” student – especially a six-footer with brown eyes, answering to initials J.A.D.” It was “No,” replied the minister. “But I’m from the signed: “his mother.” same department.”

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10 to be sent to our local MP to ask what they are doing re climate change. On your walks around the village you may see some green hearts in windows.

A lot of our members have also rediscovered on their walks (hopefully some of us will be Dersingham Evening W.I. fitter by the end of lockdown especially with all the home baking going on) how lovely this As I write this it appears that winter is really village plus the countryside around it is. here and I look out on a pristine looking I know I have and even in the snow it really is garden (except for the dog prints all over it) beautiful and the views from some of the On the 3rd of February we had a practise vantage points are breath taking. I love the session of Zoom for members who wanted one at the top of Mill Road looking out over to try it as we hope on the 17th February to the Wash. have our first evening meet for nearly a year by Zoom. Twenty plus members have It seems the vaccination roll out is being a indicated they would like to try it and so on great success with many of our members the 17th at 7.30pm we will be sitting in front having had their first so it won’t be long of our computers/ IPad with the drink of our before we all can meet up but till then, keep choice at hand (G&T in my case) ready to safe. chat and if time allows a quiz. The airwaves th will be buzzing! Update Zoom meeting 17 February This was attended by 15 members some of Depending on the success of this, the whom had problems with Zoom. Stephanie committee will then look to another one in (President) welcomed everyone and March until we can all meet back in explained that for the foreseeable future we St Cecilia’s church. would try to hold a Zoom evening meet every month. The committee would review We are still delivering a monthly newsletter this arrangement when we hear from Boris either by email or hard copy. We have sent his plans for easing lockdown. our votes on our Resolutions into Federation and our top two were: Each member was asked to talk about what they had been doing during lockdown. Call to increase awareness of Ovarian Cancer Among the happenings was a cooking Stop destruction of Peat bogs disaster (member’s husband responsible), and one member had learnt to crochet via Our members have been busy during this internet but we had the impression this will lockdown and are a very talented lot. be a one off. Another member had learnt Knitting, sewing, painting, crafts, trying new online to play the keyboard and was quickly baking recipes (with varying degree of suc- booked for entertainment at our Christmas cess in my case). MyWI site has some lovely party (don’t panic Carol). A few had even recipes from other WI’s around the country. tried a different painting technique. February is the month for green Hearts which is organised by the Climate Coalition to Show the Love for our world. A postcard Continued on page 12 was in every W.I. Life magazine this month 11 Continued from page 11 Ingoldisthorpe Village Thoughts for future Zoom meetings were, a simple craft from our craft expert Babs and a W I gentle sit-down exercise from Peg (note GENTLE Peg). Things are beginning to change; the nights are very slowly drawing out and there are We ended with a quiz devised by Wendy signs Spring is on its way. Vaccinations have which was won by Stephanie. We all had a started and if things go to plan summer laugh, and it was good to chat to each other might give us the chance to meet up. Got to especially those we hadn’t seen in a while. keep positive, all we can do is hope. The hope is that more members will take part next month and when we ease Early February our committee are trialling lockdown perhaps some members without our first Committee Zoom meeting. A whole internet can sit in with others and thus take new experience and not sure how it will turn part. out, if all else fails it will be something we will look back on and probably laugh about. Katrina As far as our programme goes, we have it The March recipe scheduled to start from April, but all very fluid. In the meantime, we carry on keeping

in touch with a monthly newsletter and any

way we can.

I'm sure everyone remembers Flapjacks - It’s been suggested I describe a day in my life they were a great favourite when we were with lockdown, so here goes! children and I still make them from time to time. Take a look outside, need the heating on

Listen to the news – vaccinations increasing. INGREDIENTS: Give mum a call, she’s ok. 150g margarine (6 ozs) Have a clear out, paperwork needs filing – 100g Demerara Sugar (4 ozs) been lazy, let it slip! 2 x 10 mls spoons Golden Syrup Lunch time – cheese and biscuits with an (1 tablespoon) apple. 200g Porridge Oats (8 ozs). Bright outside – take Louie out for a walk,

see regular walkers, all say the same – you METHOD: ok, keep safe. Grease a tin 30 x 20 cm (11" x 7"). Tea to cook, then the washing up Melt the margarine, sugar and syrup in a Anything good on telly, not too bad. pan. Stir in the porridge oats. Spread evenly Was it a good day – given what is going on in into the tin and bake for 20 minutes or until the world, yes. I got some fresh air, took in golden at 180c, 350f or Gas Mark 4. the wonders of nature and the day past with

all those near and dear remaining well. Mark into fingers or squares and turn out when cool. Lesley

President, Ingoldisthorpe Village WI. The Chef

12 Stress and depression for On the other hand, parents of home-schooling parents secondary school children, aged 11 or older, report more symptoms of

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13 Ingoldisthorpe News

Church open for private prayer

I'm not certain about days/timings so will you follow Mark's guide lines?

Mobile Post Office

Visiting on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 1145-1215 and Friday, 1300-1345. The van does not call on Wednesdays. They are certainly giving us a good service, so obviously the local people appreciate it with good support.

Sylvia A Day in my life under Lockdown

I am a part of two teams who provide a monthly newsletter to the two organisations I belong to. Therefore, I can either be contacting members for requests for a contribution to the next edition or, as information comes in, preparing it for the art work to be added later. Other members of each team do the art work and proof reading. I find I am spending a lot of time using the internet for information, never used it so much. Otherwise I am either reading or doing a jigsaw.

The days pass so quickly and when we get back to normal or even near normal I am going to miss the current form of newsletter.

(Ed’s note: Because we are all missing the communication to be had when meeting in Church I contacted a few people to ask if they would be prepared to share “A day in my life under lockdown”. You will find their responses here and there throughout the magazine)

14 Anmer Bulletin

Anmer Social Club

The club remains closed for the time being and the information coming out of government is somewhat confusing. The Prime Minister is intending to announce some easing of restrictions on 22nd February with schools being allowed to re-open and some sport such as golf being allowed to take place. However, hospitality venues will remain closed which includes the club as we are classed as a bar. The talk now is May before we can re-open. This is getting very frustrating as we can’t visit our club for a drink. Whether there will still be tiers and other restrictions is not known although the Prime Minister has indicated he will not return to the Tier system. We will have to wait and see what the announcement on 22nd February brings. No one wants to return to another lockdown because we opened everything up too early.

We are receiving a small grant from the local council which helps and our expenses are very tiny. Our cleaner comes in once a week for an hour to clean and Peter and I go over every Saturday to check the club is fine which it is. There is no heating on and very little electricity is being used. The alarm system was also checked recently. So we have done all that we can for the moment. Dorothy Chairman, Anmer Social Club

Anmer W I

We are still meeting on Zoom which although not very satisfactory enables members to keep in touch. Some members who do not have Internet access join in on their phones. On the 3rd March we have a talk by Dr. Paul Richards about the Port of King’s Lynn and its connections particularly with the Hanseatic League. On the 7th April we have Mr. Tim Clayton talking about the restoration of the Baden Powell fishing boat now based in King’s Lynn on the Quay. One of our members will also be arranging (when restrictions allow), a Musical Coffee Morning in aid of The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House. More on that later. We have other meetings and outings planned but a lot depends on when we can actually meet again face to face at Anmer Social Club and whether there will be restrictions on numbers. No one wants this virus to gain a further foothold later in the year. With all the restrictions and the lockdown, it has been difficult to arrange a programme of events and we hope it won’t be too long before we can resume our proper meetings.

Dorothy President Anmer WI

15 Ed’s note: Here is an interesting response to choosing to walk there and back from home the request to describe a reader’s “Day in in north Wootton to the Gaywood church Lckdown” rooms where the course was held. I recall the two physiotherapists running the course The last year has been hard on all of us but I beginning to feel a little uncomfortable feel I have been very fortunate. My partner, towards the end of February and especially Derek, and I have homes with gardens in on my last attendance day of 5th March. Dersingham and Snettisham where we have really enjoyed working. The winter months Patricia and I were due to enjoy a show at have been more difficult! Too cold to garden The Corn Exchange on 13th March but by the but we have organised the redecoration of morning of that day it was evident that the Derek’s bungalow. We have recently virus had taken hold and was spreading very stripped and washed down the walls in the fast throughout Britain. I telephoned the Box last room ready for the decorator to do a Office explaining that I would feel very professional finish job. We stay at my house uncomfortable sitting in an enclosed when workmen are in. auditorium and wished to cancel. The theatre was very surprised that I would want I have been able to continue my pleasure in to cancel attending just because of the virus, cake and biscuit making with a very despite my lung disease ! But people were receptive Derek to cook for. Not eating too already dying from infections in this country much myself is the problem! We don’t and in fact it was that week that saw the first usually have time for jigsaws but they, Covid patient in the Queen Elizabeth games of dominoes and going for walks on Hospital. It was another 10 days before the fine days are great at filling the days, and lockdown commenced on 23rd March. have any of you discovered Wasgijs? That is backwards jigsaws. The picture you have to I wouldn’t say our lives have changed very work on is what the people in the picture dramatically . We had the opportunity to get you are given are looking at! a few bigger projects completed at our home during the days of the summer but we were A great de-stress before bed time is to look also able to remain being very careful in at an old funny sitcom we have recorded, doing so. Being clinically extremely more relaxing than the latest news! vulnerable the advice has always been to keep away from others . We are both very well and pleased to have had the first jabs. Hoping everyone else is During the first lockdown we set-up a local staying safe and sane. Until we meet again, group of volunteers and co-ordinated keep well. allocating a volunteer to respond to calls for assistance. We did receive some calls from Diane H several people back in March and April especially who were struggling to get food A time during “Lockdown” for and to whom I could despatch volunteers after establishing they could not get help one who is shielding from friends, neighbours or local relatives, so it was obviously an initiative good to have At the time when the Covid 19 virus was established at that time. spreading last year I was attending a once a week pulmonary rehabilitation course and (continued on page 17)

16 (continued from page 16) adventures there. I have also got into all sorts of pickles with changing bank accounts In the current lockdown period we have only and similar projects that haven’t worked out taken two calls asking for some help so the quite as straightforwardly as we might have indication is that the vast majority of people hoped. I always seem to be writing off about living in The Woottons have the help they one thing or another! may need now. The sadness over this period of a year has Shielding me, Patricia has also been shielding been in not having seen our son since her 91 year old mother with Vascular Christmas 2019. Dementia in . So that has been our three person care and support bubble. Our daughter is a front-line emergency nurse practitioner in Cambridgeshire and as she One change for us has been to have our food lives only an hour away we were able to see delivered. We have a daily routine of her in her garden on one just occasion in the walking our remaining dog Sam and that summer and distanced in a car park at affords us exercise. That’s a big thanks to Christmastime that permitted a safe God that we remain able to do that and exchange of bags containing the celebratory thanks too that the wonderful medical presents. Once back at home and with the advances enabling lighter liquid oxygen to be technology of FaceTime we could link-up carried and enabling me to walk distance with her to share the opening of the and at decent pace, especially as the area presents and to raise a glass joining her and gives us the space to do so relatively her partner in celebration of both Christmas safely. Otherwise we read the and their Christmas Day engagement. She is newspaper, keep lots of contact with friends very aware of the risks to me and due to her by e-mails that are more in the form exposure to people with the virus she of letters, Patricia reads books (fiction of all sensibly knows how important is it for her sorts) one after the other, and we get on not to come to see us despite her desire to with any jobs requiring attention, one of do so during the non-lock down periods which is to prepare wood for the wintertime we’ve had. evening fire and another is to keep the birds happily fed. When it comes to three things I most relish doing when there’s substantial safety in There is a real joy in our walks with the being out and about, is being better able to local roads being quieter, hence with bird engage in church life, although we very song and animals being more evident. The much like to engage with the weekly on-line evenings still remain of usually crashing out services and also listening to the Sunday with the television, but not during the day — services on Radio 4. I had lined myself up unless there’s something special to watch for the abseil from the church tower and so such as the 6-Nations rugby. that prospect remains attractive. Patricia and I look forward to seeing our son at his I joined the local Probus group just over a home in Somerset and to be able to have year ago and have recently given three talks some limited other travel with just some at Zoom meetings recalling ’10 Years in regular days away. Crete’. That little project has been quite engaging for me notably through looking at (continued on page 18) photographs recalling my many mountain

17 (continued from page 17) help with accessing your library account, our Telephone Support Team is here to help you. But I am quite limited for that anyway As part of the 'Every Child Online' project, because of the need for oxygen if using any we are offering support to families who are energy, including walking other than taking a not very confident with their digital skills and short stroll. It will be lovely to, as well, who need help using their new devices. If receive friends into our home again and with you are not sure how to use the equipment those coming from away being able to stay you have received as part of the programme from time to time. or what to do once you have set it up, then the library Telephone Support Team will do Keir and Trish their best to help.

Norfolk Libraries News We can also help with your general information enquiries and signpost you to a Virtual Just a Cuppa whole range of online resources to help with studying and learning at home.

You can contact us on 01603 774777, Mon- day - Friday from 10:00 - 18:00 and Saturday 10:00 - 16:00.

Are you missing your local library? Would Spring Harvest 2021 goes you like to connect with other people during online the morning? We're running Just a Cuppa sessions on Zoom at 10.30-11.15am every Christian festival Spring Harvest has axed its day, Monday to Sunday. You're welcome to 2021 in-person events, saying it is "no longer join whenever it suits you: viable or responsible" to host the gatherings · On Mondays we'll be chatting and at their flagship Butlins locations. recommending new reads you can

download from our Libby and Spring Harvest continues to plan for events PressReader app. in 2022. But in the meantime, Spring Harvest · On Wednesdays we'll be joined by Home 2021, the online event which has special guests already been months in the planning, is set · Fridays we'll be talking and sharing to be “bolder and better than ever before”. the books we’re currently reading. Spring Harvest will now start online on To take part, please Easter Sunday evening. email [email protected] stating which days you’d like to join and According to Spring Harvest, Butlins will you’ll be sent your personal invite. issue refunds to anyone who has already

paid a deposit for the 2021 in-person full Norfolk Library’s Telephone event. Helpline Whether you need help getting online, downloading eBooks and eAudio or

18 Ed’s note:: The Revd Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’… this letter was written before the pandemic.

On how to deflect those staff appraisals

The Rectory St James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

So, your vicar has introduced staff appraisal for all the officers who work for your church, including yourself. It seems a very dangerous innovation; as far as I am concerned, ministry is only successful when parishioners have no idea what the clergy get up to.

I imagine that he will look at the number of services you take in a year. Funerals can only be increased if you resort to murder, which is likely to be frowned on – although I have been sorely tempted during endless church council meetings. Perhaps if you take a flask of water wherever you go and if you find a baby unattended, you could resort to a spontaneous baptism. That would get your numbers up, even if returning mothers may marvel at the highly localised and brief shower that seemed to have taken place over the pram.

Visiting targets are easily increased. Compile a list of when parishioners will be out and call on those days; a card through their letterbox will prove to your vicar that you were there. Should they happen to be in, mention that you are collecting for the organ fund and they will immediately excuse themselves for an important appointment. You are then free to move on to clock another visit.

Your vicar is also bound to want to see the congregation increasing. This is not sustainable, and you should put a stop to such ambitions at once. It is easily done. All you have to do is to approach your friends at the local football club and bribe them with your homemade beer to come along to church several Sunday mornings in a row. If you give them enough beer BEFORE the service, they will be likely to make just enough muted disruption as to leave your vicar a bit rattled, and thinking that perhaps after all, ‘less’ is ‘more’ when it comes to the congregation.

But whatever you do, make sure that you never preach a better sermon than he does. You don’t want anyone thanking you at the door for your ‘so interesting sermon’ in front of him, when they have been sleeping through his sermons for years. If you offend the vicar this way, he will take swift revenge, and ask you to organise the parish summer fete.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

19 Ed’s note: The Revd Michael Burgess But the Royal Albert Hall has also hosted an celebrates a special building. amazingly wide variety of events through its life: the Beatles in 1963, Ella Fitzgerald in 150 years of the Royal 1990, poetry evenings, sport (boxing, tennis and basketball), the Cirque de Soleil, Teenage Albert Hall Cancer Trust concerts, and the 25th anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera in 2011. It has provided a platform for Winston Churchill, Einstein and the Dalai Lama. Many of us will have poignant memo- ries of the annual RBL Festival of Remembrance held every November since 1923: a moving occasion that culminates with the shower of poppy petals.

Sadly, because of the restrictions with the Joyce Grenfell wrote a wonderful song, pandemic, the Hall’s programme of events Joyful Noise, about three lady choristers: has had to be limited in scope since last year, Miss Clissold, Miss Truss and Ivy Trembley. but the frieze on the outside of the building Their greatest delight was to sing in an ora- remains to inspire. There we see a torio at the Royal Albert Hall. ‘It may be like celebration of the rich variety of arts and a gasworks with a green-house roof above it, sciences that include music, sculpture, and it may lack convenience, but all the painting, astronomy and navigation, and the same we love it.’ That love has marked the words Thine O Lord is the greatness and the life of the Royal Albert Hall over 150 years as power and the glory and the majesty - a this month we celebrate its opening on reminder that all our creative work here is a 29th March 1871. reflection of the wonder of God the Creator.

After the success of the Great Exhibition, ‘He will never forget at all The day he played Prince Albert dreamed of creating a more at Albert Hall’. That line from the Kinks’ song permanent cultural area in London to Session Man invites us all to celebrate and promote and popularise the arts and give thanks for the richness of the life and sciences. On his death in 1861 at just 42 work of the Royal Albert Hall as we look back years, it was decided to erect a memorial over its 150 years and as we look ahead with and a ‘Central Hall.’ And so the Royal Albert hope and faith to a richer future. Hall was built. At heart it is an impressive concert hall promoting classical music with Ed’s note: I an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah understand, from 1876, and from 1941 the BBC Proms: 8 from youngest weeks of concerts in the summer welcoming daughter, that musicians from all over the world and this is a daily culminating in the memorable Last Night. problem now Composers from Wagner and Verdi to that she is Bernstein and Britten have conducted and working from had works performed there. home.

Do readers dogs also “assist” in this way?

20 Ed’s note: The Revd Peter Crumpler, a Church with contacts restricted to online Zoom or of England priest in St Albans, Herts and a Facetime calls that are often difficult with former communications director for the CofE, younger children. considers all that mothers have done for us this past year. Launching a Children’s Society report into children’s welfare during the lockdown, chief Let’s clap for mothers! executive Mark Russell said: “We are living in unprecedented times. Months of national

lockdown, only small numbers of children in As Mother’s Day approaches, let’s hear it for school, and many families experiencing real all the mothers who have been on the front- crisis. Coronavirus has impacted every area line of helping our country survive the Covid of our lives and The Children’s Society has pandemic! been deeply concerned about the impact of

this crisis on children, especially the most Just as we’ve clapped on our doorsteps for disadvantaged.” the NHS and other heroes, let’s applaud all that mothers have done – often balancing He added: “Our survey found a higher home and employment – during these long proportion of young people experiencing low lockdown months. well-being than we are used to seeing.

Whilst we know that most children’s Research shows that mums have carried out well-being will ‘bounce-back’, there will be most of the home schooling and household some who do not.” tasks – with many also holding down important frontline roles in the NHS and Mothers are at the frontline of helping our other essential services. children cope with – and then recover from –

the effects of the Covid pandemic and the Women spent more than twice as much time extended lockdowns. as men on their children’s home schooling and development during the lock- Many working mothers lost their jobs down, according to a study by University because of the pandemic, and families will College London. It measured how parents be hard-pressed to make up for the income responded while schools and nurseries were lost. Food bank provider, the Trussell Trust closed to most families. has warned churches to prepare for a ‘tidal

wave’ of poverty and to be ready to help The survey, reported by the Guardian their local communities. newspaper, found that women across several age groups took the major share of This Mother’s Day, daffodils and chocolate childcare and home schooling. Those with may seem very thin reward for the major primary school-aged children “were contribution of mums across our nation. considerably more likely” to have given up working than fathers with children of the In normal times, they have a challenging and same age. demanding job to do. Through the

pandemic, they have risen to the challenges The pressure on families was further and sought to ensure children thrive despite increased as many grandparents and other the lockdowns. carers were unable to help. Family and friendship networks were put under strain (continued on page 22)

21 (continued from page 21) Your daily walk should be a

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s sacred ritual recognise the amazing efforts made by Under lockdown, millions of us who rarely walked mothers in the home with their children. around our immediate locality are now well ac- quainted with every nearby driveway, every crack in Let’s also celebrate the vital roles many also the pavement, and every pothole in the road. We play – as do those without children – in the have developed views on our neighbours’ gardens, on their oddly coloured garage doors, and on their dogs, NHS, in education, in the government and children and cars. If we go out at the same time every civil service, in keeping vital supplies flowing day, we may even be saying hello to the same people – and in our pulpits and across our churches. we don’t know every day.

For many of us, that daily walk has become the high Mothering Sunday is point of our day. After all, it is one of the few liberties we have left. Some of us go early, to enjoy the 14th March relative peace and quiet. Some of us go midday, to at least see other people, even if we can’t talk to them. Others of us opt for dusk, the dark comfort of a street Written in March with lit houses and stars in the sky.

Whatever time you most enjoy, make sure you do The cock is crowing, make the time to go for your walk. Your mental and The stream is flowing, physical fitness can only improve!

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From every direction, God sent them along; All of the animals in such a great throng. But why did God do it, and were they in twos? And how long did they spend on their world cruise? 22

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23 Dressed up Switched on

An evangelical vicar was asked to celebrate A housewife was helping her aged mother Holy Communion for his Anglo-Catholic get up the stairs on their brand-new stair lift neighbour who was ill. Unfamiliar with some when the minister telephoned her. He was of the vestments, he did the best he horrified to hear her say: “I’m so sorry, but could. Breakfasting at the vicarage I’ll have to ring you back. I can’t talk right afterwards he said to the vicar’s wife that he now because I’ve finally got Mother in the hoped he had got all the vestments on electric chair and I’m eager to press the properly. “Oh yes,” she said, “you were quite switch and see if it works! all right – except that my husband does not usually wear the book-markers!”

24

God in the Sciences Lament and praise The Psalms are a rich resource to help us

express both our grief and our thanks to This article is written by God. Try reading one or two each day. Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, who is Church

Engagement Director at The Faraday Journaling Institute for Science and Religion in Keep a journal of thoughts, experiences or Cambridge. Ruth writes on the positive practices you have engaged with during the relationship between Science and Christian day. Constructing a personal narrative or faith. story is now recognised as a very powerful

psychological and spiritual tool for building What will March bring? Mental health ideas resilience. It is also a vital learning tool that for uncertain times we can go back to when tough times return

in the future. We may all have rather mixed feelings on reaching March this year. On the one hand, Acts of kindness it is lovely to see the onset of Spring, and Helping or encouraging someone else is ob- vaccinations and better weather may make viously a good thing to do in itself, but it also handling the pandemic a little easier. On the has a very positive effect on the giver - spiri- other hand, marking a year from the start of tually, mentally, emotionally, and even the first UK lockdown will be painful for physically. Whichever way you look at it, some, especially as many of us are likely to finding new ways to show kindness to others be experiencing restrictions or ongoing hard- can be a very effective way to help ourselves ships for quite some time. We may need to feel better too. find new ways to keep going, so here are some suggestions that draw on both science Gratitude and Christian theology. Gratitude is another natural drug – in a

sense – that can help us feel better. Try Getting outside keeping a grateful diary, adding a few things Time outdoors in a natural environment is each day. very good for you – and you can’t argue with the happy hormones produced by exercise. Laugh, sing, make music, dance Attending to the details of nature can also All of these activities are deeply rooted in inspire awe, which has been linked to posi- our physical and mental makeup. You may tive mood, and increased life satisfaction. have forgotten how great they feel, espe- Enjoying creation can also help us connect cially in times of sadness, but we can learn with God. from children who do them very naturally.

Looking outside I hope these ideas may help bring us closer If you are truly stuck indoors, try putting bird to God, each other, and His creation. feeders outside your window so creation comes to you. This is also an act of kindness

(see below)!

25 St Nicholas Church Knit and “Sudoku” Easy Natter We meet every fortnight on a Tuesday afternoon to have a cup of tea and knit and natter. Come along and bring your knitting or any other needlecraft - come and learn - come and share your experience - all welcome. Look for more details on the weekly pew notes or contact: June (543836) or Lindsey (543138).

Because of the present prohibition of social events, please check before attending a meeting.

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Ed’s note: With St David’s Day on the and heard about; I will walk the path that 1st March and St Patrick’s Day on the our fathers have trod before us. – St David 17th March, it is an appropriate time to visit a couple of their quotations:

St David and St Patrick May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and for ever- Be joyful and keep your faith and your creed. more. – St Patrick Do the little things that you have seen me do

27 Left: Spanish sparrow in full breeding plumage

And below:

Rare Egyptian Vulture

Stonecrop or sedum blooming in the desert after rain

Left Stone Curlew

All photographs by Steve D, Fuerteventura

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29 The Bishop’s Lent Appeal

Speaking of the pandemic, Archbishop Justin said: “The pandemic has hurt families, communities and nations across the world in so many ways. In our Communion, there is not one province, diocese or parish that is untouched by the pandemic. The body of Christ is hurting. We know that some parts of the body are more hurt than others. And they need our help.”

The fund has already allocated over £180,000 to support churches in areas of need across the Communion as part of a This year, as a diocese, we will be joining special COVID-specific grant cycle. together to give towards the Archbishop of  In Maridi, South Sudan, over two Canterbury's 'Together in Unity' appeal to hundred pastors and lay readers were support churches and communities around provided food relief, church leaders the world during the pandemic. were trained in virus prevention, and

bicycles and hand microphones were Bishop Graham writes: provided for five pastors to carry virus “I have been so inspired by the response of prevention messages into remote areas. churches and individuals in our diocese during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you  In Bangladesh, in the midst of job losses for your part in that. and economic pressures from lockdown, hundreds of vulnerable families, from “Now I’m asking us all to turn our thoughts both church and wider communities, to our sisters and brothers in some of the have received support to enable them to poorest communities around the world by buy food and daily necessities. supporting this year’s Lent Appeal. The pandemic has put a great strain on those To support the appeal you can give: who are already vulnerable, and as usual, it is they who suffer most. 1. Online – visit our JustGiving page to donate online “I invite you to be Jesus’ hands and feet in offering assistance through the Archbishop’s 2. By Cheque – Cheques should be made Together in Unity Appeal. Thank you.” payable to NDBF Ltd, marked clearly on The initiative will work to provide income the back of the cheque ‘Lent Appeal support, facilities for basic hygiene, 2021. Please send the cheque together equipment to slow the spread of the virus with a completed Gift Aid declaration (if and food security. applicable), to: Lent Appeal 2021, Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, Easton NR9 5ES.

30 ST NICHOLAS PARISH CHURCH

Specific magazine matters should be emailed to: [email protected] Submission of copy for the April 2021 issue should be in for typing ON OR BEFORE THE 14th March AT THE LATEST PLEASE

The Rector, Rev’d Mark’s day of rest is TUESDAY The Curate, Rev’d Dave’s day of rest is TUESDAY

“March hares”

Thank you to all the photographers who sent in their winter-colour and other pictures

Next month’s request is for April wildflowers - perhaps early orchids, lesser celandine and violets

The Church Directory will be returned when the paper version is available for you

Front cover photograph by Paul Judson

Inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement of a product or service by the PCC of Dersingham or the Editor

31 Possibly pallenis maritima or asteriscus maritima. Pho- tograph by Steve in Fuerteventura

Iris grown by Diane, not for its insignificant flowers but for the colour the berries bring to the winter garden Possibly heterocentron elegans . Photograph by Steve in Fuerteventura. Rain had brought flowers to the desert

Eranthis hyemela (winter aconite) Jackie H

Crocus tomasinianus or early crocus - Galanthus elwesii - Jackie H Stella

Stonecrop or sedum, Steve - Fuerteventura

The desert flowers after Winter colour and rain - Steve D, rhubarb pie - Fuerteventura Diane

32