Newsletter Spring 2021

Another glimpse into the past… With the current consultation on the proposal to amalgamate C of E Primary School with Runcton Holme CodE Primary, you might be interested to look back at this old photograph taken circa 1927. This was the year that sliced bread was invented and Charles Lindbergh made his famous solo, non-stop transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis. In the spring of that year, 1000 people a week were dying from an influenza epidemic and Britain severed diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union because of revelations of espio- nage and underground agitation - all sounds a bit too familiar! There was a harsh Winter that year with heavy snowfall; on 12th December 1600 people were hospitalised in London when they hurt themselves on the icy streets and in the Fens, the Amateur Skaters Championship of Great Britain was run in 1927 for the first time since 1912. Do you recognise anyone? I know a couple of the names but if anyone can spot one of their ancestors, please let me know so that we can add them to our parish history. [email protected]

Al-Anon is a support group for the families and friends of anyone with a problem with alcohol. We believe alcoholism is a family disease Web: careline–cs.org.uk Tel:01553 616200 and that support is needed for Contact Careline if you think you would benefit those people who currently are from any of the items or services listed below. or have in the past been Personal alarms affected by someone's drinking. Falls Pendant. For every person with a drinking Buddy Button problem, it's estimated that at Key Safe. least five of their friends and Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms. family are affected by their alcoholic behaviour - these Assistive Technology. stories are rarely told in the media, films, TV and fiction. Our new campaign #TheHiddenEffects - of alcoholism on family and friends launched in January 2021 to highlight the effects of living with a problem drinker. Alcohol abuse and The Runcton Holme Newsletter is compiled by alcoholism within a family affects not only the drinker but volunteers from the village and is funded by the also the family members, including the children and friends. Runcton Holme Parish Council. These effects include depression, anxiety, stress, domestic The editorial team do not accept any responsibility for abuse and much more. The impact on the family members the accuracy or otherwise of any article or are often not fully understood and priority is given to ‘curing’ advertisement appearing in the pages of the Runcton the drinker. Holme Newsletter, nor does it necessarily agree with Al-Anon is confidential and anonymous; no need to book; any of the viewpoints expressed by our contributors in Open to anyone over the age of 12; No membership or articles or other items in these pages. registration fee; Self supporting, we accept no money from Copyright remains with the individual outside sources; non-discriminating; A non religious support

Printed by BCKLWN group; Non professional Al-Anon provides support through local meetings (via zoom currently). Helpline 0800 0086 811 (10am-10pm) Advertising Rates for one year Find details of zoom meetings either from the helpline or via the website www.al-anonuk.org.uk/meetings (4 issues) Whatever your problem, there are those among us who have had them too and at Al-Anon you will find help and support. 1/16th page: £20, 1/8th page: £25 , 1/4 page: £50

Next Issue It is anticipated that the next issue will be delivered by 1 June 2021. Deadline for submission of articles, news, info etc by 15 May 2021 please.

Email: Brenda Redfern at [email protected] or Francis or Martin Stevens on [email protected]

2 Village News and Views

East of Ouse, Polver & Nar International Runcton Holme Parish Council Drainage Board. Meetings 2021 Drainage Board report The Parish Council normally meet in Runcton Holme Another wet winter and dry summer 2020 Parish Hall on Downham Road on the 1st Tuesday of Over the last 3 months the board pumps have been each month at 7.30pm and members of the public are working for many hours when the rivers they pump into welcome to attend. are not over full. This is dictated by the wind and tides in Because of Covid 19 restrictions Parish Council meetings the Wash and North Sea to empty the River Ouse. Which have recently been held remotely via Zoom and this is no doubt it has been noticed how high the relief channel expected to continue for the foreseeable future. has been lately. Members of the public wishing to attend should contact The Board maintains many miles of its drains and covers a the clerk for joining instructions. large area including . Stowbridge, St Germans, Next meetings: 2 March, 6 April, 11 May, 1 June , Runcton Holme, Watlington. Setchey, NOTICE WestWinch,, Saddlebow, Cambells Meadow and parts of Vacancies for Parish Councillors King’s Lynn to the Great Ouse. Would you like to have input into important The Board looks after 6 sets of pumps. The largest being decisions that make a difference in your village? at The Polver on the back road from Watlington to St Germans. Yes? The Board employs a Manager, a Digger Driver and a Flail Apply to become a Parish Councillor Cutter Driver. Closing down the Downham Office and The Parish Council currently has Two vacancies for joining Ely Branches has worked well and saved money. Parish Councillors. If you are interested or would like The Board has 4 meetings a year but at the moment the further information please contact the Parish Clerk. meetings are on Zoom. Contact details are on page 11 I am the Vice Chairman for the board and your council representative. If there is an emergency please contact me DOG FOULING Email: [email protected] The Parish Council has received several complaints Mobile phone: 07860598803 recently about dog fouling. Dog mess is unacceptable Derek Caley and deeply unpleasant. Most dog owners are caring and responsible but there are still a few who fail to clean up after their pets. The law states that not Watlington Knitters & Stitchers having a suitable bag or not realising your dog has We are still unable to gather as a group, but hopefully fouled is not a reasonable excuse . There is a fixed those who want can find something to knit, it’s such a penalty of £100. If a case goes to court the owner great pastime! good for us in so many ways. There are could be fined up to £1000. Poo bags are very lots of ideas on Knitters and Stitchers website. inexpensive to purchase. Looking forward to when we can meet again, I will have a reason to make cake as well! Stay safe and well. Your Parish Council has provided five (5) dog bins. Any inquiries call 01553 810868 Please use them, Janet Jones Location : Thorpland Lane Oakland Lane One at each end of Common Road Church Lane

3 2nd Runcton Holme & Watlington Scout Group The COVID 19 global pandemic continues! Face to Face scouting around the globe is again put on hold. It's at times like these when our great Scout spirit of courage and kindness matters most, as well as our practicality and realism. We confronted these challenges in a spirit of transparency, collaboration and empathy, taking decisions for the long-term benefit of the movement, guided by our values for the good of Scouts as a whole and for the good of our young people. These are tough times, and Scouts is needed now more than ever. The Cubs and Scout sections have been very active throughout the autumn and winter months. The sections have again been busy with lots of badges being earned supporting our young people with skills for life. New activities were being undertaken with plenty of exciting activities, planned in the pipeline. The Leadership team have continued to deliver our programme’s to our young people believing that at this time our young members needed scouting more than ever. I am very happy to say that sections continued with online meetings, which have been a great success, doing all sorts of activi- ties such as survival skills, first aid, air activities, quizzes, virtual camps, online cooking skills, and VIP guests attending meetings to share knowledge and experiences and much, much more. There have been lots of activity and challenge badges along with top awards presented to our young people throughout each of the sections. One of our Scouts, Liam Osler and his father Chris arranged a New Year’s Eve online disco for the Scout group and friends and family in the village. This managed to raise an amazing £650 for the Scout Group. Which we thank each and every one of you for. This has led to Liam earning some addition- al Scout awards and also a Blue, Blue Peter badge for his fundraising efforts. I would like to thank Group Leaders and Executive committee for their tireless work in providing a balanced and entertaining programme. For supporting our Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts sections, to gain skills for life. We are actively recruiting adults for leadership roles in the Beaver, Cub and Scout sections and also an executive committee secretary. You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to join us. You don’t need to have been a Scout when you were younger. You don’t even need to know how to put up a tent. Our door is open to people of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds, and we’re only able to change lives because people like you lend a hand. We’re talking about tea makers, tidy-uppers and skill sharers. We’re talking about mini bus drivers and first aiders. We’re talking about students who want to boost their CV, and parents who volunteer so they can spend more time together as a family. Whatever your skillset, lend a hand for as little or as much time as you can spare, and we promise you’ll get more out than you put in. Because whether you’re helping a leader to run an activity in the local town hall, organising a night away, or buttering 120 slices of bread a group of very hungry eleven year olds - no two Scout meetings are the same. The difference you make, though, is always great. We provide the training. You show up, get stuck in, and make memories for life. Sounds fun? Worthwhile? It is. And lastly thank you to all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and their parents for sticking with us through these difficult times. I look for- ward to seeing each and every one when face to face scouting starts again. We hope this will be sooner rather than later and we are ready to go now. Who are Beavers, Cubs and Scouts? Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are young people who: Master new skills and try new things. Have fun and go on adventures and make new friends. Are curious about the world around them. Help others and make a difference, on their own doorstops and beyond. Every week, they gather in groups to hop, skip and jump their way through lots of different games and activities – achieving anything they set their minds to, and having lots of fun along the way! If you are interested in getting involved contact Bob Keens, Group Scout Leader for more information.

2nd Runcton Holme & Watlington Scout Group

Meet at the Scout Hut in Runcton Holme near the school Beavers (6 - 8 year olds) Monday 5:45 to 7:00 pm (Currently Online Meetings Only) Cubs (8 - 10½ year olds) Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 pm (Currently Online Meetings Only) Scouts (10½ - 14 year olds) Monday 7:15 to 9:00 pm (Currently Online Meetings Only)

Bob Keens: Group Section Leader 01553 810855 [email protected] Andy Nicol: Scout Section Leader 01553 [email protected]

4 1st Watlington & Runcton Holme Guides and Brownies When the Brownies said goodbye to each other last March, we had no idea that we wouldn’t be meeting at our hut for more than 10 months! But even a global pandemic won’t stop the fun and friendship that we have at Brownies. Although we can’t meet in person we have been meeting online since April. Some of the things we’ve done include learning about Runcton Holme Social Club endangered animals with the WWF, making bird feeders, The Social Club is currently closed to comply with baking cookies, and playing lots of games! There is still a lot of Government Regulations relating to the virus, hopefully fun to be had online! when the restrictions are lifted the Club will re-open. Parents have said that their daughter smiles the most during If this will be every day or the reduced number of days Brownies and she looks forward to it every week. The girls are and hours depends on the Government. The Club does often surprised when the session is over because we’ve been need patronage to survive. having so much fun. Although we hope to be back in our hut soon, if you would st like to join 1 Watlington and Runcton Holme Brownies (girls WATLINGTON WI ages 7-10 years old) or Guides (girls aged 11-14 years old) you are very welcome to come and meet us on Zoom after half We are managing to keep some sort of term! Whilst we are meeting online, you will need internet contact with some of our members by access and a device with a camera and microphone. Visit the holding meetings by Zoom. At our January Girlguiding website to register your interest or contact meeting we held a quiz, which at least got everyone laughing [email protected] for more information. We and cheered us all up no end. It really wasn’t that difficult; it hope to see you soon! is just that our thinking caps were rusty. We usually plan and print our programme of speakers (and parties) by the end of the previous year but with the uncertainty of when we can meet physically again, we are having to take each month as it comes. In February we had a Zoom talk from a local chiropodist, Natalie May, entitled “Best Foot Forward” which was well attended and enjoyed by all. Followed by a catch up chat. Seems most of us have had our vaccinations now which is a relief. Keep an eye on the website for speakers for March and April Benefits and Advice Team but May will be another quiz or game to keep us amused. We are available to help people complete the following Hopefully by June we will have better news about meetings in forms: the hall, however, in the meantime we will have to keep cheerful and safe. Housing and Council Tax Benefit – means tested benefit If you are interested in becoming a member of the WI please Discretionary Housing Payment; Attendance Allowance; contact Emma on 01553 618855. or check out our page on Disability Living Allowance; Pension Credit the village website for updates. Carers Allowance You can contact us directly via our freephone Welfare www.watlingtonnorfolk.co.uk - WI page Benefits Hotline on 0800 731 2253. Telephone queries are dealt with between 8.45am - 5.15pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am - 4.45pm on Friday's Alternatively you can email us at any time to request a visit or ask for advice: [email protected].

5 Church News – St James, Runcton Holme From the Vicar Sunday Prayers My dear reader,

As I write this, we are surrounded by snow and Our Church may be closed at present, but every Sunday coronavirus is still causing much distress and grief. But at 10am prayers are said for every villager, neighbour we are thankful that there is a vaccine against it and that the government's roll-out programme is reaching and friend in Runcton Holme. We remember all who our communities. The road ahead is going to be long are ill, anxious and alone. We remember especially and hard; holidays may have to be delayed again, those who have died at this time. family reunions must wait, masks will continue to be Join us in spirit if not in person at 10am each Sunday. de rigueur and social distancing will have to be main- tained for a while yet. Your Church Wardens. The world too is in a state of danger. Some like our own military chief General Sir Nick Carter, are warn- A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus ...... ing that the pandemic could lead to heightened economic protectionism and even the possibility of a Keep us, good Lord, major war. But the situation is not hopeless. under the shadow of your mercy, Many years ago, a famous musician was in a state of frustration and anxiety too. Everything around him Sustain and support the anxious, appeared to be collapsing and things were falling be with those who care for the sick, apart. Society was at breaking-point, peace was far away and darkness was on the up. In his anguish, he and lift up all who are brought low, cried: that we may find comfort "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? knowing that nothing can separate us How long will you hide your face from me? from your love How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?" in Christ Jesus our Lord Psalm 13:1-2 Amen. Despite the pain, the psalmist could hope. Instead of looking around, he turned his gaze upwards and discovered energy and strength. As he continued looking into the face of Almighty God, he said: Daily Hope - phone line "But I trust in your unfailing love; Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflection as my heart rejoices in your salvation. well as full worship services from the Church of I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me." at the end of a telephone line For us too, darkness is not the last word. There is a The line is open 24 hours a day and set up for those God in heaven Who is bigger than coronavirus. The unable to join an online church service during the God Who saved us from Hitler's might and the cruelty period of restrictions. of two world wars is still able to save us to the utter- most. As winter turns into spring, may you continue to 0800 804 8044 find that His mercies are new every morning. In the words quoted by King George VI before the Second War: "“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” Yours prayerfully, DK www.westnorfolkpriorygroup.co.uk Tel: 07596 707469 You can find us on Facebook and Youtube too!

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Consultation on a proposal to amalgamate Wormegay C of E Primary School with Runcton Holme C of E Primary School, to change the catchment area of Runcton Holme C of E School, and to change the name of the amalgamated school. The public consultation will open on Wednesday 20th January 2021 and close at 17.00 on Friday 5th March 2021. Written representation must be received by this date to be taken into consideration. If you have any queries or comments please contact : Teresa Stephens Executive Assistant - 01353 656760 / 07506 288196 [email protected] www.demat.org.uk

FOR SALE Are you a home worker? The Church is selling a Large desk and Office chair. Cash £30.00 Desk very robust and good condition Currently in the Parish Hall Arrange your own collection. May be seen. 01553 811212

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Thoughts from Ashlea...... Over the last year I have discovered a series of nature and wildlife books that I have come to enjoy and love. A delightful series, the books are beautifully written and illustrated . The author is John Lewis-Stempel who is both a writer and a fourth-generation farmer. A very talented writer he is twice winner of the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing . He is regarded as one of our finest living nature writers . He lives with his family in Herefordshire. Some of his titles:- The Private Life of the Hare. 2019 The Secret Life of the Owl. 2017 The Wild Life ot the Fox. 2020 The Wood, the Life and Times of Cockshutt Wood. 2018.

AP January 2021.

8 Watlington Medical Centre News

As you read this we have entered the wonderful season of Spring and with it comes the optimism for a brighter Medical Centre Opening Hours rest of the year. The bright yellow of the daffodils bring Monday 08.30 - 13.00 14.00 - 18.30 a spring to each step and reminds us of happy times Tuesdays 08.30 - Noon Closed and leaves winter behind us. Wednesday 08.30 - 13.00 14.00 - 18.30 Here at WMC we have been working hard to roll out Thursday 08.30 - 13.00 14.00 - 18.30 the national campaign of Covid vaccinations, working Friday 08.30 - 13.00 14.00 - 18.30 both at the surgery and with our PCN practices at Surgery. It has been a logistical Closed Saturdays and Sundays challenge, but an enjoyable one. Giving a vaccine gives Outside of the above times call 111 a person increased hope of ending this pandemic and of General: 01553 810253 Pharmacy 01553 811045 being able to hug our loved ones and enjoy a meal out with friends. Parents and children have had their own challenges Watlington Pharmacy during this pandemic, with parents becoming teachers as well as trying to hold down their day jobs and running the home. Schools have had to come up with new ways of supporting their pupils as well as providing Ed with a Great Bustard education to children of key workers. I am in awe of you all. Please take this time to congratulate yourselves on a job well done in such unprecedented times. None of us could have anticipated the changes in the way we have had to live over the last 12 months, that masks have become the new fashion outfit and fist pumps and elbow knocks are the new handshake, that GP appointments start with phone calls, that text messaging and photographs could become such an integral part of our medical care. We have had to change our way of working to keep our population as safe as possible, but hope you feel supported enough to contact us with any concerns you may have. Thank you for your patience, your kindness and under- standing. Have a healthy and happy spring time and as the Late Sir Captain Tom always said; “Tomorrow will be a good day” Amanda Moss Watatunga Buggies Partner

9 MAGPIE CENTRE LOOKS FORWARD TO 2021 Now that the Covid vaccination programme is gathering pace, the Magpie Centre, home of West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association, based at Wallington Hall, South Runcton, is looking towards a brighter future. November 2019 saw a pilot session of Tea With a Pony, aimed at people living with dementia, and their carers. Participants enjoyed tea and cakes, had a ‘meet and greet’ session with some of the ponies, and enjoyed handling items of tack and grooming kit. Care home supervisors reported that residents had been very much stimulated by their visit and had continued to talk about it for days afterwards. Monthly Tea With a Pony meetings, scheduled to start in spring 2020, were put on hold, because of the pandemic, but are now re-scheduled to begin when current restrictions are lifted. The Magpie Centre is also creating a Sensory Garden, including a variety of scented plants in raised beds, and a water feature, for participants to enjoy, and work on this is progressing apace. One of the features has a ‘seaside’ theme. Therefore, we need a small, wooden dinghy, which, upturned, as a planter, will form the centre-piece of this, plus several varieties of ornamental grasses. We also need clematis and jasmine plants/cuttings, to grow up the newly-erected fences, so if you have any offcuts, or might like to donate funds towards this project, please visit www.rda-westnorfolk.org.uk; email me [email protected] or call 01553 828935. We should be most grateful for any help you can offer towards this exciting project.

10 Useful Contact Information Parish Council Parish Councillors: Linda Brady Shaun Partridge Bob Pearman Brenda Redfern Martin Stevens Ray Wales Parish Clerk: Pippa Winson, 37 Ullswater Avenue, , Kings Lynn, PE30 3NJ Phone: 01553 674382 Email: [email protected]

Borough Council: 01553 616200 Borough Councillors: Michael Howland [email protected] Geoff Hipperson [email protected]

Norfolk County Council: 0344 800 8020 County Councillor: Brian Long 01945 430169 Elizabeth Truss MP: 01842 766155

Medical Centre: 01553 810253 Emergency (out of hours) 01603 488488 Pharmacy: 01553 811045 Hospital: 01553 613613 Urgent Medical Assistance: 111 Life Threatening Medical Emergency: 999 Police: Non-Emergency 101 Electricity Emergency: 0800 783 8838 Gas Emergency: (Gas Leak) 0800 111 999 Anglian Water: (Public Road Water Leak) 0800 771 881 Runcton Holme School: 01553 810394 Church Wardens: Eve Thomas 01553 812094 Brenda Redfern 01553 811212 Library: 01366 383073 Cats Protection League: 01366 382311 Brambles Animal Sanctuary 01366 388456

SAFEGUARDING AGENCIES AVAILABLE TO HELP ON A 24 HOUR BASIS OR THROUGH SPECIALIST HELPLINES AND SERVICES, ARE LISTED BELOW NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0800 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child. Child-line: 0800 1111 Any child or young person can phone if worried about any problem, big or small. Lines are free and open 24 hours. National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 2000 247 ( Lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse. Action on Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday—Friday 9am -5 pm Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours) Phone for help. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk to someone contact us.

11 Voting safely at elections in May On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at both Police Crime & Commissioner and Norfolk County Council elections.

Even though elections are not until May, we’re already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote.

There are a number of ways to have your say - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Lorraine Gore, Local Returning Officer for King’s Lynn & West Norfolk said: “Elections are very important – they are an oppor- tunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk.

“Preparing for an election at any time is resource intensive, preparing for an election during a pandemic is a whole different challenge. The elections scheduled for 6 May 2021 are still scheduled to go ahead. We are planning for these elections nowso that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. We will be putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station but you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote”

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. They work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by: • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches • using their expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency For further information on elections in the area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls. The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK, Scottish and Welsh Parliaments. Elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on 6 May 2021: • Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliamentary • Scottish Parliamentary • English local government elections (includes polls postponed from May 2020), including elections to county, district and parish councils • Police and Crime Commissioners (polls postponed from May 2020) • Combined Authority Mayoral (includes polls postponed from May 2020) • Local Mayoral (includes polls postponed from May 2020) Mayor of London and London Assembly (polls postponed from May 2020) For further information please contact: Tim Baldwin on 01553 616506

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