PARISH NEWS with , and

FEBRUARY 2021 40p

New hopes, new beginnings

A very warm welcome to you all to this month’s edition of our magazine.

With the arrival of 2021 many of us will be looking to the year ahead with hopes and predictions for the year to come. Plenty will be hoping for the chance of a hug with loved ones and to eventually be near one other again without the need for concern. There will also be those hoping for a chance to get married, to go on holiday, to join social events, or to get back to school properly. We all have different hopes at the beginning of this new year.

Perhaps some of you may have visited the ‘Illuminate’ event at Sandringham in December which sadly was prematurely cancelled. On an afternoon family walk we passed by the ‘wish tree’ that had a wonderful set of cards filled out with people’s hopes for the coming year just ahead of us. One ‘wish card’ written by a young child read that they would like “… for Covid to go away, and also a sausage dog please”. Sometimes the honesty of children is both starkly direct and wonderfully entertaining.

At the time of writing this in January 2021 we are now in our third lockdown and we exist in this strange transitional space between the prevalence of the virus and the hope that this vaccine rollout has brought to so many. It is hard to know whether to feel optimistic or uncertain, to feel hope-filled or to be cautious in expectation. I imagine that for most it is mixture of these various emotions.

Yet despite how we may feel, the reality of our identity as a people of God is that in Christ we have a unique and special hope that leads us through such uncertainties, and even past the optimism of these recent wonderful scientific breakthroughs. We are called to something that is both transformative in our present situation and full of hope for the best that is yet to come.

The apostle Peter, himself speaking into a context of troubled times writes these words in the first chapter of his first letter:

‘ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.’

Peter recognised that we are gifted with a very present ‘living hope’ but also that we would soon receive ‘an inheritance that can never perish’. We have a hope in Christ that transforms us right here and now, no matter the circumstance. We don’t need to wait to experience the love and grace shown in the arrival of Jesus – it is available to all who call on his name. Yet, that longing for something better, for something more and greater that also exists in our hearts, points forwards to the hope of our future eternal glory. The challenges we face, we face together as a people of God, in the strength of the Spirit and with that certain, special hope in our hearts.

2 So, as we think ahead to 2021 together, whether you’re hoping for a hug, a holiday, or a sausage dog; remember that this living hope is both present and here in our midst, but that there is also so much more goodness that is yet to come. Let’s endeavour to carry that hopes in our hearts each day as we journey onwards together.

Stay safe and stay filled with hope

Rev Dave

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.

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For further details: contact Val

in

St Nicholas Church 10am-12pm The ages of life Stalls and Refreshments Old Age Coffee mornings will continue as On the outside: why so faded, soon as possible Colours chipped and hair awry? Please check here for further Ageing’s price has been exacted, information Hope extinguished, love gone by.

Middle Age St Nicholas Church Halfway there with lines appearing, Friendship Group Self-help books are piling high. (Formerly St Nicholas Church Men’s Dreams still beckon; future yearning, Group) Life has not yet passed me by. We cordially invite new members from any church or none - everyone welcome as the Adolescence Group is non-gender specific Teenage daring, risk unflinching; Health and vigour promise more Due to circumstances beyond our control, Every passion lurks, so tempting meetings have been postponed for the All sensations to the fore. foreseeable future

Childhood Child amazement, world untested; Safely kept in others’ care. Now emerging, trusting, fearless Stain-free soul to taste the air.

Meets in St Nicholas Church, Dersingham, Moral unless otherwise stated, on the fourth Cast off now your stubborn pride. Wednesday of the month at 2pm unless Liberate the child inside. otherwise advised (See Matthew 18:3) Pauline , Branch Leader John Due to circumstances beyond our control, we regret that meetings have been

cancelled for the foreseeable future

4 News:

An MBE for the founder of

CCPAS

As we start a New Year, a massive thank you The founder of the largest independent faith to everyone for such incredible support -based safeguarding charity in the UK was shown to us and those we help over what recently awarded an MBE for services to was an unprecedented year for all of us. As I safeguarding the vulnerable. David Pearson have said before, without all the support, led Thirtyone:eight (known previously as both in terms of essential items and CCPAS) until his retirement in 2010. monetary donations we would have been From humble beginnings in a caravan parked unable to help 97 families throughout 2020. on his driveway, the charity now employs 50 staff and engages with a network of over Sadly, 2021 looks to be no better for these 10,000 churches, organisations and mums expecting babies. Already as I write individuals both nationally and this we have had 19 referrals in, so far, and internationally. have had several urgent requests for nappies, baby milk, toiletries and clothing, as David Pearson spent 50 years providing well as the usual requests for Moses basket advice and support on a range of bundles. safeguarding and child protection issues to the Christian community and wider society.

A typical “Baby Basics” bundle

HANNANT’S INSPIRATIONS “A word for all occasions”

When you don’t know what to say or how to say it, let me help you ... Whilst we all come to terms with yet another lockdown, and numbers of the virus rising, Bespoke, handmade cards for let's not forget these mums who perhaps every occasion have no money, no home and no support, CVs and Cover letters, and rely on the love shown by all those who Eulogies, Tributes, Life sketches, help us to provide for them. Letters of appreciation or thanks, Letters of apology, Letters of complaint Thank you. and more ...

Maggie, Centre Leader For information, call Baby Basics West Angela Hannant on: 01485 297425

5 the Foodbank and must be made out to ‘King’s Lynn Foodbank’.

Again, heartfelt thanks are extended to all The high level of generous giving to the donors of food and money. One of the few Foodbank had continued through October good things to have been illustrated by the after the Government Food-box scheme had current hardships is the overwhelming stopped and this was reported in the generosity of this humanitarian response. December Parish Church News. The generosity of Dersingham citizens also Allan continued through November and December into January. On November 19th 2020, 87.0 Kilos of food were given, on November 26th rd 57.7 K, on December 3 40.9K, on December 22nd 102.1K and on 7th January 2021, 82.1 Kilos were donated. Dersingham Evening W.I. As was reported during the Autumn when the Parish Church News resumed Happy New Year to you all. As I write this we publication, the collection point for are in another lockdown but the good news donations had of necessity moved to the is that vaccination has begun. Post office, thanks to the generous provision of space by Fraser and Maria. Because access We decorated our tree in St Nicholas Church to the Church is still difficult and occasional, and many thanks to all the members who cut the Church members who donate regularly out decorations for it. Also thanks to Maggie are doing so via the Post Office, as are all and her helpers for assembling and other Dersingham people. disassembling it. All members received a Goody bag for Christmas and thanks go to It must be reported to all donors that all Babs for making these and the Christmas donations of food are now taken to the cards. The bags were filled with a notebook, King’s Lynn Foodbank centre and not pen, lip salve, nail file and of course, . Without going into chocolates . administrative detail, this must be pointed out to donors for legal reasons, and the So what is planned for 2021? The committee general explanation is that it is more has produced a programme of sorts (we are convenient to the Foodbank network as a meeting through the technology of Zoom whole for it to go to King’s Lynn, where the which is brilliant when it works!) but of need is greater. course this is all reliant on what happens with Covid 19. We had hoped to have our Another development which began in the first meeting in February but don’t think this summer and autumn of 2020, was the giving will happen now. At the moment this is what of cash and cheques. This has also continued is planned: on a large scale, and it must be reported that for reasons of immediate benefit to the continued on page 7 recipients, all cash is now being given to the King’s Lynn Winter Night Shelter, who are in desperate need. Cheques are still given to

6 continued from page 6 News

Our first meeting will be a social event so our Potholes ladies can catch up with old friends over tea and cake (we are the W.I.!) Potholes have proliferated during the pandemic, and they are still the top concern Speakers lined up for the year are: of nearly 40 per cent of all drivers. Shirley Webb –“Building confidence through Style” The pandemic slowed down the maintenance of roads for many councils. A John Vigar – “Bedroom, Banquet and Balls” spokesman for the Department for Transport Chris Boxall – Houghton Hall said: “We’ve committed £2.5billion for local road repairs as part of the biggest nation- Rachel Greaves – “Ruffles the dog”, Three’s wide pothole programme ever announced.” Company But as a transport spokesman for the Local We will continue to keep our members Government Association said: “Extra informed by monthly Newsletter. Stay safe, government funding has helped, but our take care, have your vaccination and we look local roads are deteriorating at a faster rate forward to meeting you all again soon. than can be repaired by councils.”

Katrina

A One

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7 “In my garden” butterfly emerged from the ones I brought in for a Christmas log fire and buzzed and

fluttered around the living room. I had At the time of writing, early Jan 21, another checked the wood as I put it in the basket Groundhog day. A few flakes of snow are but both were well hidden or camouflaged. falling but the garden continues to give a bit of colour as the frost still hasn’t hit all the Not 100% green I know but Elsa feels the perennials from last year probably due to cold and it is nice to see the glow of the fire, our sandy soil and no nights below about -3C plus the ash is good to scatter on the garden. up until now.

In a couple of weeks should warm Bulbs are pushing through and by the time the greenhouse and I can plant some seeds you read this with luck some early ones like although they will need to be started off the Dwarf Iris reticulata, Snowdrops and indoors (the sun is too low at the moment even early Daffodils will be in flower, so and behind the hedges). something to look forward to.

2020 was up there with 1991 as a bad year, On our irregular walks we discovered the as Elsa* and many others were in The Gulf Catkins are growing and I have seen Garrya not knowing what was going to happen. Eliptica in flower too before Christmas, even the plants are confused as the Garrya Stay safe and healthy. normally should be in flower in February.

Steve Some Winter flowering shrubs are in flower and I have seen a couple of bees, both honey * Elsa is Steve’s wife. In 1991, Elsa was and Bumble on some of the flowers, working on Tornado Squadron as an although they must have been pretty Operations Support Manager. confused as it was only about 3 degrees

Celsius. On the patio the The Bumble bee (Ed’s note: Are you an allotmenteer or do looked pretty sad, but I managed to get it you grow fruit and vegetables in your onto a leaf and put it somewhere safer and garden? If either of these, would you slightly warmer. consider writing an occasional article, say on

the joys/woes of growing carrots, for I am hoping that the new trees and shrubs I instance. have planted will attract more wildlife as they mature. My personal joy when Bob and me had an

allotment, was successfully growing purple The garden centres remain open despite the spouting broccoli despite hundreds of new lockdown but we aren’t sure we want caterpillars attacking daily.) to venture out until we’ve had the jabs and even then we will pick our time to go. Maybe we will buy each other another Christmas present then as well.

We have some well- seasoned wood in a log store and it was a bit disconcerting when a Queen wasp and Tortoiseshell

8 Dersingham Library If you don’t already have a library card, you can sign up for a library account online Newsletter If you need help accessing any of the digital We are closed again unfortunately but services people can keep up to date with all online email [email protected] and library events here: https:// library staff will do their best to help. www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries-local-history- and-archives/libraries/whats-on. Norfolk Borrowers Facebook group If you’re missing your book group or chatting Here is some of what the Norfolk Libraries about books with friends, then why not join have on offer for February. More our Norfolk Borrowers Facebook group? information online. You’ll be able to share what you’re reading with others and get lots of recommendations Virtually meet the author on Zoom to add to your ‘to be read’ piles. David Callahan Q&A - 8pm Wednesday 10 February 2021 Kerry, Dersingham Library Manager David Callahan is a nature writer and lifelong birder who has travelled the world in search of birds, and also trained as a taxonomist at the Natural History Museum and the Sudoku “Medium” grid Zoological Society of London. ‘Where to Watch Birds in East Anglia’ a definitive guide to the birding highlights of the region. It contains a comprehensive review of all the major sites, and many lesser-known ones, with maps, notes on access, and information on target species and when to visit

Tickets are free but spaces are limited. To book a place on an event, email the author’s name to: libraries/[email protected]. The first fifty people will receive their personal Zoom invitation.

Ebooks, eAudio, eMagazines and eNewspapers We offer a range of eBooks, eAudio books, eNewspapers and eMagazines that library members can download free of charge, with no reservation or overdue charges. All you need is a library card.

Read or listen on your computer, smartphone, tablet or eBook reader. Find out more about borrowing eBooks.

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Why Universities would never give God a 7. The scientific community has had a job hard time replicating His results. 1. He had only one major publication. 8. He rarely came to class, just told 2. It was in Hebrew and Greek. students to read the book. 3. It had no references. 9. Some say He had His Son teach the 4. It wasn’t published in a refereed class. journal. 10. He expelled His first two students. 5. Some even doubt He wrote it by 11. Although there were only 10 Himself. requirements, all of His students failed His 6. It may be true that He created the test. world, but what has He done since then? 12. His office hours were infrequent and usually held on a mountain top. E M KELLY Electrical Contractor

Over forty years’ experience All electrical work undertaken Mob: 07584 764 293 Email: [email protected]

10 Answers for Quiz on 2020 11. The Foreign Office cat, Palmerston, in his resignation letter in August on

Twitter posted, “I have championed 1. Job applications from weirdos and our work, built our relationships and misfits were invited from people to celebrated the diversity of our staff… work at 10 Downing Street. and will always be an ambassador for

the UK and the new Foreign 2. Kirk Douglas was the famous actor Commonwealth and Development who died this year and is associated Office” after a four year career in with the phrase “I am Spartacus”. Downing Street which had included

scraps with a neighbour. He was 3. In February the Church of going to spend more time with a advised against the practice of family in the country. ‘intinction’ – which is dipping the

communion wafer in wine. 12. Boxing Day is the day furthest away

from Christmas Day (because you 4. In a world “where you can be cannot travel backwards in time - anything, be kind” wrote actress think about it) Caroline Flack on in

December 2019. 13. The Battle of the Tennis Court was

part of the Burma Campaign during 5. We were supposed to wash our the Second World War. It was hands in March while singing the remembered in August as part of VJ National Anthem or Happy Birthday commemorations. twice.

14. The BBC banned singing the lyrics 6. This year was a leap year. We call from which Rule Britannia from the other years common years. Last night of the Proms because it

had a link in their mind with slavery 7. Eyam is the village in the peak district and colonialism. The decision was is associated with self-isolation since reviewed. during a previous plague.

15. This year marked the 400th 8. Quarantine is forty days long, anniversary of the voyage of the literally, the word derives from the Mayflower. Their celebration of Italian expression quaranta giorni. harvest gave rise to Thanksgiving.

9. President Macron visited Britain on Ed’s note: I hope you enjoyed taking part in 18th July to commemorate the quiz and had many correct answers. De Gaulle’s broadcast to France in 1940. It was also the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo. Noah

10. The United States, Europe, Russia When Noah sailed the waters blue, and China have all launched space he had his troubles same as you. rockets to Mars this year. For 40 days he drove the Ark before he found a place to park…

11 RECIPE: Leek and Potato – an insight into the work of Soup (a family favourite) Street Pastors

By Luke Randall and Sue Serves 4 - 6 Shaw, Instant Apostle, £9.99 Ingredients 30g butter 2 garlic cloves - finely minced 3 leeks - white and pale green parts only (about 2 cups) sliced thinly. 1 kg potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes 1.5 litres chicken or This book celebrates the excellent work vegetable stock done by the formidable army of 185 mls double cream ‘Street Pastors’, Christian volunteers who 1 teaspoon salt have become a welcome presence in their 1/2 teaspoon black pepper various towns and cities across the nation.

Method: Founded on the streets of Brixton by the Melt the butter in a large pot over medium Revd Les Isaac, OBE, in 2003 as a response to heat. Add garlic and leek and sauté for 7 critical social issues, there are now 270 minutes until soft and sweet. Street Pastor groups across the UK and Add potatoes and stock. Turn heat up and seven internationally. More than 12,000 bring to a simmer, then place the lid on and volunteers have been trained to serve as lower heat until simmering gently. Street Pastors, not only on the streets but in Simmer for 25 minutes or until the potato is many other public spheres as well, such as very soft and almost falling apart. Turn the schools and after terrorist attacks. heat off and puree with a stick blender until JUST smooth. (don't over puree). Add salt and pepper and stir through the Whether offering a listening ear to a cream. vulnerable clubber, mentoring a troubled Serve with croutons, sprinkle with chives and teen, giving food to a homeless person or drizzle some cream over each serving. responding to a national emergency, Street Pastors have been credited with If you want to make Croutons: Preheat the saving police and NHS time and money, oven to 180c, 350f, Gas Mark 4, drizzle reducing crime and improving bread with melted butter (or spray with oil), neighbourhoods. The work is supported by Bake for 5 minutes until golden and churches of every denomination. crunchy. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt whilst hot.

The Chef

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13 Ingoldisthorpe News

Mobile Post Office

The Mobile Post Office continues to be available outside the Village Hall on Thursdays between 1.15pm and 2.15pm. Sylvia

Ingoldisthorpe Village W I

So here we go, a whole new 12 months ahead, my motto to look forward and not back.

Not being able to get together we sent every member of Ingoldisthorpe Village WI a Christmas card and small gift to show we were thinking of them. The card was a photo taken from one of our Christmas parties, a memory to make us all smile.

Our newsletter continues to go out and thanks to Sylvia and her team provides us with some interesting reading and quizzes to tax the little grey cells and our collection of puzzles and books continues to circulate. Although we are not sure how / if / when, our programme for this year can take effect it has not stopped us thinking about how we plan for the future and trying to come up with ideas to encourage new members.

Yes, we cannot yet meet and do all the other ‘normal’ things, but we can look forward to the coming of Spring and a vaccine (even if it is not imminent!). A walk around the village and the odd ‘shout’ to a neighbour really can make all the difference.

Sending you all our very best wishes.

Lesley President, Ingoldisthorpe Village WI

14 Anmer Bulletin

Anmer Social Club

As many of you have seen, we are closed again. We were open briefly from August to the beginning of November when another lock down occurred and of course, we are now in a longer lockdown. Going from Tier 2 to Tier 4 was very upsetting particularly as up until Christmas, Norfolk was in the lower range of infections. The situation was not helped and indeed, increased the infection rate, by all these selfish people travelling out of their tier, i.e. from 4 to 2.. I had it on authority that a local village a day or so before Christmas was full of cars from other areas. Hardly anyone was using masks and that included those serving in shops. No wonder the infection rate went up and put others at risk.

The Government are reviewing the restrictions at half term in February but rumours persist in saying the current restrictions will go on for longer which must put Easter opening in doubt unless something changes in the meantime. It is very frustrating for members and committee alike. We simply cannot open as we do not do food. The club is being checked regularly to make sure all is ok and there are no burst pipes or leaks and that it is secure.

I do urge everyone to renew their subs which are due this month. It is £5 for the year per person so not a large amount. You can rest assured that as soon as we can open we will do so and welcome you back. We have ideas and plans for future events at the club which will be put in place once we know when we can reopen.

The AGM has been postponed again to July in view of the current lock down. We hope it will be possible to hold it at the club and see some of you there. At present, the current committee is carrying on as best it can.

Please do continue to support the club as much as possible. Without our members, the club is not viable.

Dorothy Chairman, Anmer Social Club

Anmer WI

We are still not meeting face to face in the light of the current restrictions. However, we are meeting on Zoom as much as possible to try and keep in contact with members. Some do not like Zoom and others log in using their phones which seems to work quite well. Our meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. on Zoom. In January we had a very informative and interesting talk by Lindsey from True’s Yard who brought us up to date with what has been happening there during (continued on page 16)

15 (continued from page 15) the lock downs. We hope to have our annual outing there in August to have a look round and have some tea and cake. We were delighted to welcome the Vice President/Chairman of Sandringham WI to our meeting.

We are hoping for a speaker from the Baden Powell in February but have not yet heard back from them. Dr. Paul Richards is talking to us in March about the Port of Lynn as he says not many people know what the port does or what goes through it.

Port of Lynn

Conservancy Board photograph

Our April Open meeting has been put back to the 7th October when we have a speaker from Medical Detection Dogs, all being well. Assuming we can then meet face to face in October, invites will go out to other WIs to join us. The meeting will be back at the Anmer Village and Social Club at 6.30 p.m. Meetings for October, November, and March are at 6.30 to allow members to get home relatively early. December is usually a Christmas gathering at the home of one of our members and January we usually try to have a lunch out. February is an afternoon tea from 2 – 4 p.m. We are keeping everything crossed that by the summer of 2021 and onwards we can meet properly again.

One of our members has volunteered to host the Garden Party in July which had to be postponed from July 2020. Again, keeping fingers crossed that can go ahead.

I am, once more, the President of Anmer WI as the new President stood down due to personal reasons at the beginning of December. Our Secretary is Teresa and we have a new member bringing our total up to 15.

We are trying to keep a programme going but it is not easy in the current restrictions although most speakers are happy to use Zoom.

Dorothy – President Anmer WI

In the wilderness Of all His wanderings Comrade, with ragged coat, Gaunt ribs – poor innocent – Christ of His gentleness Bleeding foot, burning throat, Thirsting and hungering The guileless old scape-goat; Walked in the wilderness. For forty nights and days Soft words of grace He spoke Followed in Jesus’ ways, Unto lost desert-folk Sure guard behind I’m kept, That listened wondering. Tears like a lover wept. He heard the bitterns call From ruined palace-wall, Robert Graves 1895 – 1935 Answered them brotherly…. And ever with Him went,

16 News from Dersingham Request from Museums of Village Centre Norfolk

Can you help us evaluate our digital events and improve our service for the future? Whilst our doors have been closed due to Covid-19, the Museum of has produced a series of short films to bring Christmas seems a long time ago now but we some of our wonderful collections and did our best to celebrate at the Centre. stories to life online. On December 15th we held a Festive Friendship Lunch, and guests enjoyed Roast Now we’d like some feedback and we really Turkey and all the trimmings, followed by need your help. Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies. The catering and front of house teams worked If you’d like to participate, let us know and hard preparing, serving and clearing up. We you’ll be sent a link to the film you’ll be are very grateful to the Central England evaluating. All you need to do is watch the Co-op who supported the lunch with a film and complete a short survey (this generous donation. shouldn’t take more than about 20 minutes in total). On December 19th we held our first outdoor Carols event and served mulled wine and If you would like to help, please email: mince pies; luckily the rain held off. Thank [email protected] Curator of you, David and the ‘choir’ for leading the Community History, Museums of Norfolk singing. Thank you. The Centre is closed at the moment, but we are working on events for later this year Can you help Norfolk Heritage including Craft Fairs, Jazz Supper, Open Gardens (with St Nicholas Church), Centre to record the Ceilidh, Christmas and New Year COVID -19 pandemic's impact Celebrations, and are also looking at 2022. on the county? We will restart our social activities as soon as As we enter our third lockdown, it is it is safe and practical to do so, and look important for us all to document the impact forward to seeing regular groups return. of this global event on Norfolk, how we responded to the crisis, and how local For news and updates, check notices at the communities managed. Norfolk Heritage Centre and around the village, and our web- Centre are creating a collection of site www.dersinghamvillagecentre.org.uk documents, diaries, zines, and photographs (sign up for the regular newsletters). We also to preserve this history for the future. have a Facebook Page and post announcements on the Dersingham Village If you can help, or would like more Facebook Group. information, please email [email protected]. Susan

17 Kindnesses or “there’s a lot of but the sun had gone down. Time to go home. it about” The two men in the adjacent car must have Throughout last year and continuing into noticed my worried expression and though this, the editor’s household has been the they didn’t carry jump-leads, offered to go fortunate recipient of many good deeds around to talk to other drivers. Yes, they including two that were unusual. found some. I was told to relax, press the Paramedics had called in when Bob was accelerator when requested and not to taken ill. During the long business of taking panic. And, no, they didn’t make any “obs” and form-filling we talked of many remarks about women who don’t look after things, including one uppermost in my mind, their vehicles. Perhaps the latter was the my overlong fringe. Bliss when they offered best bit but getting home safely was better. to trim it so that I could see again. The other followed a telephone call when the Kindly neighbours have given us lifts when conversation turned to “what do you always they thought it unwise for me to drive (no, serve for Christmas dinner”? Ours was not too much pinot noir) and then, towards swede but aged folk find it impossible to the end of the year, a call from a committee cut. However, an unexpected gift of member of the Day Centre for the Elderly freshly-cut swede was left for us the next visiting with a presentation basket of morning. A smile-worthy surprise. Christmas food made possible by a legacy from Joe E, a past client of the Day Centre. A sweet present were the teabags left at the This gave Bob much pleasure so much so door so that I could avoid waiting in the shop that he had opened the cellophane and bow for a delivery; wonderful neighbours who before I could get a photograph. made improvements to the garden to boost morale; other neighbour-heroes who have Who could forget the annual gift from the given aid such as waking at night to help Mothers’ Union for Mothering Sunday? A when Bob has fallen. pansy plant to cheer the days of lockdown.

Of necessity we’ve Lots of thanks to all. had visits from Jackie and Bob district nurses, all kindly and cheerful plus giving us a Quotes: view of the outside world. The one thing that unites all human beings, Earlier in the year, when it was possible to regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnic enjoy outings, we set off, but failing to take background, is that we all believe we are our son’s advice, we didn’t have a new car above-average drivers. battery fitted when one should have been bought, ours was five years old, with the Dave Barry inevitable result. Breakdown. No lovely sound of the engine turning. We’d had a Why do they call it rush hour when nothing picnic and taken a walk along the moves? promenade keeping well away from visitors Robin Williams

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19 News: Southampton, Chichester, Arundel, Battle, Rye etc) to create a new pilgrimage route Sir praises with ancient roots.

churches In unison with the Old Way’s development, the British Pilgrimage Trust are also Christianity has provided a blueprint for reintroducing another ancient – and similarly social improvement, according to the Labour dormant – tradition. The offering of Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer. ‘sanctuary’ hospitality to pilgrims along a pilgrimage route was, up until the English Writing in a recent issue of Church Times, he of 1534, common practice. said, “For all the loss and difficulty, we Monasteries throughout the country would should not let this year be defined by pain. have had a room or building reserved Throughout the pandemic, we have also specifically for travellers, who would rely on seen the best of humanity.” these sanctuaries in order to make pilgrimage. When pilgrimage was banned in Sir Keir said that during this past year 1538, and monasteries demolished, these “religious institutions and local communities two practices – making pilgrimage, and have banded together for the common good, providing sanctuary – ceased, lying fallow for showing us the very best of Britain.” And he hundreds of years. went on to say that “the best of British values” that have surfaced during the It is natural, then, that with the pandemic “are also the best of Christian re - emergence of pilgrimage in the UK, the values.” provision of sanctuary should likewise become common practice again. The BPT has ~~~~~~ worked with 13 churches along the Old Way, who will offer overnight sanctuary to BPT pilgrims walking the route, in exchange for a donation (between £5-£10 per pilgrim for one night) to their church. In Spring 2021, Covid-19 permitting, the Sanctuary Project will launch.

Follow a new pilgrim path The BPT is looking for more churches, based In the south of England, a new pilgrim path is along this route and in other locations across emerging. Winding through downland, Britain, to take up this project. This is a weald and shoreline for 250 miles, the Old fantastic opportunity: not only will the Way from Southampton to Canterbury is project enable pilgrims on lower incomes to derived from the oldest road map of Britain: make pilgrimage, but it will also bring a new the Gough Map, c.1360. type of visitor and donation to churches.

Like the Santiago de Compostela in Spain, To find out more about the BPT’s Sanctuary this ancient route has lain dormant for years. Project, visit: britishpilgrimage.org/sanctuary But it has been recently rediscovered by the British Pilgrimage Trust, who have used the Gough Map’s key anchor waypoints (corresponding to settlements like

20 Ed’s note: On asking Rob the following Ed’s note: The following, found in a drawer question, “what are the three things he most recently by Rob, was sent for your wants to do when the pandemic is over,” he enjoyment: responded with these words: Planting your Spring garden

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas For the garden of your daily living plant three Well that didn’t happen, but we can still rows of peas dream, can’t we? 1 Peace of mind We can dream that everything will get back 2 Peace of to normal, but that will not happen either. 3 Peace of soul But I can dream that soon we will be able to see our family, our grandchildren, give them Plant four rows of squash a hug or tickle. And we will so love it when we can worship together. Zoom, zoom, 1 Squash gossip zoom, but it is not the same is it? 2 Squash indifference 3 Squash grumbling Thirdly, it will be so nice when we can get 4 Squash selfishness out and see this marvellous country and world that God has given us! Plan four rows of lettuce

Rob 1 lettuce be faithful 2 Lettuce be kind Here’s another reader’s view: 3 Lettuce be patient 4 Lettuce really love one another To book theatre tickets, enter a crowded foyer, check for interval drinks then enjoy a No garden is complete without turnips couple of hours live entertainment. 1 Turnip for meetings To sing Judy Collins “Amazing Grace” with 2 Turnip for Service others in church instead of alone in the 3 Turnip to help one another kitchen. To conclude our garden we must have thyme To watch an otter swim through the water and share the buzz of such a sight with 1 Thyme for each other fellow wildlife watchers. 2 Thyme for family 3 Thyme for friends Stella Water freely with patience and cultivate Ed’s note: Readers, please send in your notes with love. There is much fruit in your garden in answer to the question above. because you reap what you sow.

Ed’s note: The typeface used on the original I believe to be that of a manual typewriter and From 17th February to each word began with a capital letter. Quite 3rd April 2021 an effort to produce.

21 Garden guide for February Cut back the old foliage from ornamental grasses before

growth begins. Clip them to within a  Trim deciduous hedges before the few centimetres of the ground. birds start nesting.

Cut back vines such as ivy, Virginia Prune overwintered fuchsias back to creeper and Boston ivy. Doing this one or two buds on each shoot. now helps keep windows, gutters and

roof tiles clear. Prune winter-flowering jasmine

(Jasminum nudiflorum) after Shred or chop any woody prunings flowering, to encourage new growth before you add them to compost for next year’s blooms. Cut back the bins, as this will help speed up previous year’s growth to 5cm from decomposition. the old wood.

Wash empty pots by scrubbing them with hot water and a mild detergent. Armchair tasks Rinse them well afterwards. Choose seeds and summer-flowering Keep feeding the birds. The weather bulbs and, perhaps re-design some is still cold this month so hang fat parts of the garden. balls and keep bird feeders topped up. Think of fitting in a few vegetables but at least grow two tomato plants. Install water butts now ready for the A personal favourite is Sungold. summer. Rainwater is particularly useful for watering acid-loving, ericaceous plants (tap water is often All in the month of February slightly alkaline). 30 years ago, on 28th Feb 1991 that the Gulf Pruning and tidying War ended at midnight when a ceasefire came into effect. · Prune wisteria now, cutting back summer side-shoots to 2 or 3 buds. 25 years ago, on 15th Feb 1996 that the oil (If you are inexperienced in this task, tanker Sea Empress ran aground near check for further information.) Milford Haven, Wales, causing a major oil spill along the coastlines of Wales and Cut back shrubs, such as cornus and Ireland. salix cultivars (grown for their

colourful winter stems), down to th their bases. 20 years ago, on 19 Feb 2001 that the first case of foot-and-mouth disease in the 2001 Prune summer-flowering clematis UK outbreak was detected at an abattoir in towards the end of the month, Essex. The EU subsequently banned all before active growth begins. Cut to British meat, milk and livestock exports. about knee height and if the soil is damp add a good mulch.

22

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23 Ed’s note: If, during the difficult days of Quotes: lockdown you need reassurance of God’s care, reading the following verse may Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind help: braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only ‘Yes, though I walk through the valley of the different kinds of good weather. shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you John Ruskin are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.’ (Psalm 23:4). Death is our final For there is no friend like a sister in calm or enemy, but we know that Jesus conquered stormy weather; To cheer one on the death, and offers us eternal life. tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands. Christina Rossetti

24 Ed’s note: Tim L looks back on a well-loved News: poet. The birds and bees Remembering John Keats Here is some good news: all new major It was 200 years ago, on 23rd February 1821, roads will have wildflower-friendly verges that John Keats, the Romantic poet, died in that could boost our numbers of birds and Rome of tuberculosis, aged 25. bees.

Highway England has said that vibrant road verges will be created as standard on new roads over 300 miles in England, using low nutrient soils which will be seeded with wild- flowers or left to grow naturally.

A staggering 97 per cent of our meadows John Keats and Fanny Brawne have been destroyed since the Thirties, due to modern agriculture. This means that the Keats was a generous, likeable and 238,000 hectares of road verges across the hard-working man who had much UK could become a vital habitat for experience of suffering in his short life. He pollinators. also had a love of civil and religious liberty. Most of his best work was done during the Leave them be year 1819, when he was already sickening after an exhausting walking tour of the Lakes The National Trust has urged the public to and Scotland the previous summer. stay away from certain areas during breeding season this Spring. It hopes to In that same year he had also been nursing mimic the effects of lockdown last year, his brother Tom through tuberculosis – the which helped more vulnerable species. disease that killed their mother. But in 1819, after Tom’s death, he moved to Hampstead The call follows the discovery last year that and fell in love with a neighbour, lockdown did our peregrine falcons, grey Fanny Brawne, who was 18. partridges and other species a real favour.

By this time Keats was devoting himself to The tern colony at Blakeney Point in Norfolk poetry, having originally trained as a surgeon had a bumper season, with more than 200 following his mother’s early death. He is little tern chicks fledged, the most in 25 most famous for his Odes, all of which years. The Peak District saw more curlew, (except the one to Autumn) were composed and the Llyn Peninsula saw more stoats, between March and June 1819. All of them weasels and rabbits emerging from the ponder the clash between eternal ideals and woodlands of Plas yn Rhiw. Meanwhile, the the transience of the physical world. ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset became home to peregrine falcons, and a cuckoo arrived in His most famous lines: “Beauty is truth, truth Osterley, west London. Even Dartford beauty, – that is all / Ye know on earth, and warblers were on the move, some to as far all ye need to know.” as Shropshire.

25 National survey finds our favourite walks

Where do we most like to walk? A recent survey has found that two places in the Lake District are clear winners.

Top comes the gently accessible Buttermere Circuit, with its rippling silver water, mountain views, peace and quiet. Second is the demanding eight-hour climb up Helvellyn, which is not for the faint-hearted.

Buttermere Fox Then comes the Rhossili Headland walk in Gower, and the Solva to St David’s route in I called the RSPCA today to report I had just Pembrokeshire, both in Wales. found a suitcase in the woods containing a

fox and four cubs. “That’s terrible,” she said. The survey was done by the consumer “Are they moving?” champion group Which?

“I’m not sure, to be honest,” I replied, “But Smart bird that would explain the suitcase.”

Ravens have been found to be among the ** cleverest animals in the world. These largest members of the crow family can even score as high on intelligence tests as chimpanzees. Eyesight

Ravens can remember where food is hidden, A man went to his doctor to say that his can use tools to get at it, follow human faces eyesight was getting worse. The doctor with their eyes, and understand what people asked the man to look out the window and mean when they point. All in all, researchers to tell him what he saw. “I see the sun,” the praise their “general, sophisticated cognitive man replied. skills.”

The study was carried out at Osnabruck The doctor replied: “Just how much farther University in Germany. do you want to see?”

26 St Nicholas Church Knit and 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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CURTAIN POLES - SECURITY GRILLES FIRE HOODS - CARAVAN STEPS 27 Ed’s note: The Revd Peter C, a former better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in communications director for the CofE, sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, considers romantic love. till death us do part…”

Taking a mature look at It’s so wonderful to see the bride and groom smiling, and enjoying this precious moment, Valentine’s Day making vows that will, hopefully, span the rest of their lives. I love taking weddings - it’s You do not see many Zimmer frames, wheel- an immense privilege to be part of a couple’s chairs or hearing aids on Valentine’s Day special day. cards. They mostly seem to be full of young love, hearts and roses. And I find myself pondering what the future will hold for them. I wonder what shape that Young love is wonderful and beautiful, full of lifelong commitment will take, as I pray a optimism, and plans and hopes for the blessing on their marriage. future. How much wealth or poverty will come their But love in later life is precious too. It is a way? Will it be sickness or health that will love that has been forged through years of accompany them through the years? How shared experiences and joy, maybe raising will they support each other as the years go children together, perhaps enjoying by? grandchildren. ‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ These are It’s a love that’s stood the test of time, and familiar words from the popular wedding deeper, much deeper, than any shop-bought reading in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Valentine’s Day card can describe. That patience, that kindness are qualities that can develop over years of marriage. That long-term love can also be shown by the devoted wife or husband who visits their Just how much patience will be needed in spouse in a care home each day, gently the years ahead cannot usually be known on talking with them when they are, perhaps, the wedding day. deep into dementia. Or sitting for long hours by a hospital bed. Or dutifully caring for So, this year, as I look at the rows of red or them at home. pink Valentine’s Day cards on sale in the shops, I shall look out for cards that have a Love is a marathon, not a sprint. It starts deeper message. with white lace and promises and grows over the years. I shall seek out cards that celebrate long-term love. Cards that say something Mature love is about the commitment that about the joys and challenges of growing spans decades and is seldom shown on the older together. cards on sale in the High Street this Valentine’s Day. Cards that go beyond hearts and roses to the deeper love that transcends love’s first As a priest, when I marry a couple and take blossoming. I just hope I can find some… them through their wedding vows, I hear them make their lifelong commitment “for

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Dressed surgeons by their absolute disregard for appearance.”

During my surgical residency I was called out Two evenings later, I was at a banquet when of a sound sleep to the emergency room. called to A&E for another emergency. Unshaven and with tousled hair, I showed up with an equally unpresentable medical student. In A&E we encountered the on-call I was stitching away, wearing my dinner medical resident and his student, both neatly jacket, when I encountered that same attired in clean white lab coats. The resident medical resident. He looked at me, then said said to his student, “You can always tell the to his student, “Sure is sensitive to criticism, isn’t he?”

29 Ed’s note: David P , a solicitor, considers It is a crime, so report it to the authorities. If scam emails. it is connected to a church, tell your diocese or governing body. Do me a favour? The scammers must have got these

addresses from somewhere. How easy I just had an email from a clergyman, saying, would it be to get a list of the names and “Hi” and asking me to do him “a favor”. I addresses of your minister, leaders and replied to say yes, of course. I then began to treasurer? wonder why he had not said what sort of favour it was, and why he was asking me. Lastly, carry on being generous and kind.

These scammers should not stop us. I decided to telephone him and find why he had not explained. His wife answered and said: “Is it about the fake email?” I could tell from her tone of voice that I was not the first What happened to your New caller. Year’s resolution?

This was a scam of some sort and probably If you are already struggling to keep it, here the favour was to send money. The same day is something that might help you. someone else in the same parish had their accounts hacked. The email addresses used Psychologists advise that it is useless to say were correct, but if had looked carefully I you are going to quit anything. Instead, would have noticed he would not spell make your resolution to change into “favour” like that and not say “hi”. something positive. For example, instead of “I will give up sweets,” say “I will eat fruit This all makes me quite cross, because these twice a day.” scammers are playing on church members’ kindness. A friend of mine also got the email and was upset that someone else was in trouble. We need to be aware of the risks and look out for messages of any kind which seem strange.

Criminals target churches and pretend to send emails from people in authority such as It seems that people with an ‘approach goal’ clergy, churchwardens or treasurers. They score greater success than those who see prey on our credulity and charity. themselves quitting something they still like. As one Swedish doctor explained: “You What should we do? cannot erase a behaviour, but you can replace it with something else.” If you get a telephone call or email you and you are not sure if it is genuine, use another The most popular resolutions regard physical form of communication to check. health, weight loss and change of eating habits. The research was done at Stockholm University.

30 St Nicholas Church Welcome Pack (for new residents only)

The Welcome Packs will be available from a table at the back of the Church once the PCC is able to open St Nicholas Church.

News from Dersingham who didn’t see it in others. He showed that despite what was going on around them, Methodist Church there was another way for everyone – God’s way. Greetings from Dersingham Methodist Church. Since then in an ever changing world Jesus’s message has continued, in different ways, to Church life is really two steps forward and different people, in different languages, and then several steps back at the moment! We the same message will continue. were pleased to be able to have some services in December, to light the Advent Normal! What’s normal? candles, being reminded of their meaning and to sing the Advent hymns. We were One day we will worship together in our reminded that the Light overcame the churches, but we are all learning that God is darkness, and this we take with us into 2021. not confined to a building and is working wherever we are. Now shouldn’t that be our We, like a large number of churches ,are not normal? holding services until further notice. When we first closed in March for the first We pray that God will move among us in lockdown we all thought everything would new ways, sharing our faith amid times of be fine in a few months and life back to rejoicing. normal. How wrong we were. But it’s now ‘what is normal?’ Our church normal is now Whatever 2021 holds for us, we know that telephone calls from church friends, reading God is with us. the ‘Keep in Touch’ newsletter, following the Bible reading plan, praying for those on our Elizabeth prayer list and the wider world, trying to shine a light wherever it is needed. News: Outside of church normal is recognising the person behind the mask, remembering to Church Action on Poverty keep our distance and yet also give a cheery Sunday, 21st February wave or greet one another.

When Jesus came into the world of Judea This month you can join churches around the and Galilee, the people were not living in UK in prayer, giving and action, on behalf of ‘normal times’. The Roman rules to obey as those who are struggling with poverty. well as the strict rules of the Pharisees and Society should be “founded on compassion Sadducees made life difficult to many, and justice, where all people are able to particularly the poor, aged and unwell. Jesus exercise dignity, agency and power,” says disturbed people by his words and actions Church Action on Poverty. and by his love and compassion to those 31

St James the Least of All

On why our church does not need health or safety...

The Rectory St James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

I appreciated your recent concern when you heard one of our parishioners had slipped on a gravestone. Your desire to help was entirely commendable, and I do know that sending your own church’s health and safety officer to give us some advice was kindly meant. But the 200-page report was not welcome. If we implemented even half of your officer’s suggestions, life would become unbearably safe.

St James the Least of All has survived perfectly well for the last 600 years without gutter cleaning inspections, path degreasing and electrical safety certificates, so I think we may survive a little longer without them. As far as I am aware, the only disaster to hit us was when Cromwell’s soldiers stabled their horses in the nave – which I suspect a few of our oldest members still clearly remember.

The shock the sidesmen sometimes get when switching on the lights occurs only occasionally, is relatively mild and soon over – and if it happens when preparing for the 8am Service, helps to wake them up. The weight of the Duke of Clumber’s marble sarcophagus is slowly detaching the south aisle from the rest of the church, but it is very slow – and the pews in that area are used only once a year when his relations visit from America to commemorate his death at Agincourt – which is probably just beyond remembrance of the oldest of our congregation.

Leaks from the ceiling in the north aisle are solved with a row of buckets – and even you must concede that the fungi on the oak beams look really rather attractive when the sun catches them. The sapling growing out of the spire is certainly an issue – although it looks so attractive in Spring when in blossom. As for our fire extinguishers, they were serviced when my predecessor-but-two was in office, and I have the certificate to prove it.

So, do thank your health and safety officer for all his work and tell him we will bear his recommendations in mind. Also tell him I was so sorry he slipped and broke his leg in our stalls while he was with us. But that bit of floor has been out of alignment since 1748, and it seems a shame to disturb it now. If only he had arrived encased in bubble wrap, it would never have happened. Perhaps you could put that on the agenda of your next health and safety meeting.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

32 John Lincoln, Funeral Director

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33 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.

34 ST NICHOLAS PARISH CHURCH

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

Sunset, Fuerteventura - Steve

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

Many thanks to the readers who sent in photographs in response to the request for wildlife pictures. There is one exception and that is because the editor could not resist including the photograph of the sunset. SEE BACK PAGE

The February request for photographs is for your wild flower pictures please. At the time of writing lesser celandines and snowdrops are in bloom

Inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement of a product or service by the PCC of Dersingham or the Editor 35 Fly Agaric - Steve Mouse feeding - Steve

Stonechat -

Bittern, Minsmere - Jackie S

Trumpeter Finch, Fuerteventura - Steve

Parent sparrow feeding its young - Torquay - Patricia Little Egret - Steve

Unknown fungi - Steve Barbary Ground Squirrel - Steve

36