Useful Contact Numbers

Police non–emergency number 08454564567 Welcome to the Parish of Breckland Council 01362 695333 The Villages of Beetley, East Bilney and Old Beetley Doctors Surgery 01362 668215 Citizens Advice Bureau 01362 656870 The Parish Council and all residents would like to welcome you to the Leisure Centre 01362 693419 Parish. Dereham Library 01362 693184 You will find some useful information in this leaflet about the villages County Council 0344 800 8020 and the local area. Social Services 0344 800 8014 .

Beetley Village Sign and Millennium Clock Useful Services (which holds a time capsule). Newspaper Delivery : Beetley News ; Shaun Dade Milk : Dairy Crest, ; Shaun Dade Outside St. Mary’s Community Post Offices: Dereham, , North Elmham and Primary School Elmham Road Supermarkets: Fakenham and Dereham Beetley Butchers: Abram Farm Shop Beetley, , and Farm Shops:Abram Farm Shop Beetley, Village stores: Gressenhall, Swanton Morley, North Elmham and Mileham Public Houses – New Inn, Beetley ; The Swan, Gressenhall; The Kings Head , North Elmham, The Bell, Recycling- Bottle bank-New Inn Beetley Textile bank–Village Hall Beetley Paper Bank-Methodist Chapel Beetley Can Bank-Beetley School Car Park Dentist:: Dereham, Fakenham

Blood Donors: see notice boards

Vets: Dereham, Fakenham

Doctors: North Elmham, Swanton Morley, Litcham

East Bilney Village sign on

Fakenham Road East Bilney

The Welcome pack is published by Beetley Parish Council Every effort will be made to ensure that information is accurate at the time of going to print but no liability will be accepted for losses caused by inaccurate information Updated 07/10 A Short History of Old Beetley , Beetley and East Bilney Beetley & East Bilney Community Car Scheme

This is an organised, non-profit making form of car sharing. It provides The earliest mention of the village of Beetley occurs in the Doomsday transport for essential journeys for people in the Parish without access to Book in 1086. At this time it was part of the manor of Elmham held by a car and where there is no suitable public transport. The fares charged William Beaufoe, Bishop of . The villages name is believed to cover approximately half the cost of the journeys, the other half being derive from two Anglo Saxon words betel or bietel meaning a wooden made up by sponsors-Beetley Parish Council and Breckland Council. mallet and lea a woodland clearing i.e. A clearing where mallets were A Journey is authorised where it is essential the passenger attend such made. places as: hospitals, opticians, dentist, doctor’s surgery, pharmacist, The decayed parish of Bittering Magna was many years ago divided health centre, chiropodist, visiting the sick and elderly, making long dis- between Beetley and neighbouring Gressenhall. In 1774 Beetley tance bus/train connections etc. together with Great Bittering and Gressenhall secured an enclosure act. The return charges from April 2009 per passenger are: At the time, 20 acres of Beetley Common were allocated to the poor for firing. £8 King’s Lynn £9.20 East Bilney does not appear in Doomsday, the area being split between Dereham £1.80 North Elmham £1.50 Earl Warren of Gressendale (Gressenhall) and the Bishops of Norwich Swanton Morley £1.50 Litcham £2.80 and Elmham. The village gets its name from “bin” an abbreviation from the tribal name “Billinger” and “ey” meaning isle. The later refers to the Other journeys will be charged at the rate of 20p per mile-minimum fact that Bilney was an island before the was embarked. charge £1.50. Thomas Bilney, a learned divine of Cambridge, who was burnt at To book a journey, get up to date costs or for further information, contact Norwich in 1531, was supposed to have been born in the village. His June Overall on 01362 860750 ashes were buried in an urn in the churchyard. The church is dedicated Mobile Library to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. During Kett's Rebellion in 1594 the upper stage was thrown down, it being finally repaired in 1906. Route Number D84 Calls on WEDNESDAY Normally Every 3 Weeks On land near the church called “Bloodfield” were found several spurs, VILLAGE ARRIVAL DEPARTURE STOP NAME horse bits, and sword hilts. The site was believed to be a battle ground East Bilney 15:10 15:25 Old Post Office during the Civil War. East Bilney 16:00 16:15 Highfield farm In 1838 an Almshouse for three aged couples from the Launditch Hundred was built by Rebecca Pearce. East Bilney Hall was erected in 2009 -1 Jul, 22 Jul,12 Aug, 2 Sep, 23 Sep,14 Oct, 4 Nov, 25 Nov, 16 Dec 1867 by W.T.Collison Esq. 2010 - 6 Jan, 27 Jan A School Board was formed in 1874 for both Beetley and East Bilney Route Number D88 Calls on TUESDAY Normally Every 2 Weeks erecting a school at Hungry Hill in 1875. The villages of Beetley and East Beetley 13:40 13:55 Wood Drive Bilney were amalgamated into a single Parish in 1935. Beetley 14:00 14:15 Tavern Close Source:Beetley and East Bilney Parish plan 2004 Old Beetley 14:20 14:45 Old Beetley Beetley 15:15 15:30 Ashley Road The only Public House still open in the Parish is the New Inn on Faken- Beetley 15:35 15:45 Spinney Brook ham Road, Beetley. There were at one time five public houses within Caravan Site Beetley and East Bilney according to www.norfolkpubs.co.uk, The New 2009 -14Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, Inn, Gravel Pit House, The Punch Bowl, The Swan and The Horseshoes. 17 Nov, 1 Dec,15 Dec 29 Dec. 2010 -12 Jan, 26 Jan. Beetley Methodist Chapel Extract from: Kelly's Directory for Cambridgeshire, Norfolk & Suffolk, 1883 BEETLEY is a parish, about 3 miles north-by-west from East Dereham and 3 south-west from North Elmham station, in the Western division of the county, Launditch hundred, union, East Dereham county court district, rural deanery of Brisley and archdeaconry and . The church of St. Mary Magdalene is a small plain building of flint, with stone dressings, in the Early English style, consisting of chancel and nave, with massive square tower, containing a peal of 5 bells; the nave has been partially restored, and the chancel entirely so; there is a piscina of white stone, beautifully carved. The register dates from the year 1547. The living is a rectory. annexed to that of East Bilney, joint yearly value £600, with 26 acres of glebe, in the gift of Albert Collison esq. and held since 1882 by the Rev. Henry Collison M.A. of Pembroke College, Cambridge, who resides at East Bilney. Here is a Primitive Methodist Chapel. The decayed parish of Bittering Magna was divided many years ago between this parish and Gressenhall. The fuel allotment is 20 acres, on which the poor turn asses and geese and cut turf. £2 3s 4d. yearly from an unknown donor is distributed in bread — 20 loaves every month. The Rev. Henry Evans Lombe of Park, who is lord of the manor, and Earl Sondes, of Elmham Hall, and James Coker are the chief landowners. The soil is mixed, portions inclining to heavy; subsoil, gravel and clay. The chief crops are wheat, barley and turnips. The area is 1,770 acres; rateable value, £27,663; and the population in 1881 was 363. Parish Clerk , William Spragg Payne. Beetley Methodist Chapel, part of the Mid Norfolk Methodist Circuit has stood on the corner of Chapel Lane and High House Road since 1871. The inside of the Chapel was modernised in the 1980s when God in his infinite wisdom sent us dry rot! There is a friendly, caring congregation whose Mission is to worship and serve God in this neighbourhood and there is a warm welcome to all. Regular services are held on Sunday evening at 6.30p.m. and A Fellowship Service at 11a.m. on the Second and Fourth Sundays of each month. During the week on the First and Third Wednesdays of each month we hold a “Drop In” inviting people in for a cup of tea and a chat. There is a Circuit Praise Service on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30p.m. and on Monday evenings we hold Bible Study Sessions. More information may be obtained from the two Stewards: June Hull 01362 695154 or Ann Pope 01362 860941. Our Minister is the Rev Andrew King 01362 695582 For further details of our other events- see the Chapel Notice Boards The Alms Houses on Fakenham Road East Bilney outside .

Beetley Parish Council Church of St Mary East Bilney Chairman: Angela Leigh Councillors ; Joanne Baldwin Vice Chairman: Adam Luck Jacqui O’Donovan Parish Clerk: Bryan Leigh Alan Fox Tel: 01362 861112 Robert Richmond E-mail: [email protected] Maxine Rose

There are six notice boards within the parish located at the Village Hall, Beetley Church, Beech Road, Gressenhall Road, and Church Road and Hall Drive in East Bilney. As a Parish Council, we aim to: Understand and assess the needs of the village and its residents. Retain the rural character of the village. Preserve the open spaces. Be open and transparent in all that we do.

Beetley Parish Council meets on the first Thursday of each month, except in January in the village hall. We welcome the public to our meetings, but the law does not allow members of the public to take part in debates. However the Council gives members of the public an opportunity to speak at some point during the meeting. The local District Councillor normally attends these meetings. Members of the Council are always willing to discuss topics put forward by residents. However, as the agenda is prepared some time before the next meeting, you would need to inform the Parish Clerk at least ten days prior to the meeting if you wished for anything to be added to the agenda. St Mary, East Bilney stands on a spur of land overlooking the The agenda for the meeting will be displayed on the notice boards the Blackwater valley. The church was reordered by the Victorians. The week before the meeting is held. If you attend and wish to raise a point tower was damaged by rebels on their way to Ketts Rebellion in Norwich which does not relate to an item on that evenings agenda, you are free to (1549) and capped; it was then reconstructed in 1902. It has one bell do so at the designated time. However, the Councils discussions of the cast in Norwich in 1625. point might have to be delayed until a subsequent meeting as the Council is unable to make a decision binding in law unless that specific item is included on the agenda. Services are held in Beetley Church on the first and third We welcome the resident’s points of view and endeavour to implement Sunday and in East Bilney Church on the second and fourth Sunday the wishes of the majority of the village wherever possible. of each month. We have a well established village hall, managed by a management Funerals and special services are held by arrangement with the Par- committee, which holds a variety of functions and activities, including a ish Office, Church House, Church Street, Dereham, NR19 1DN youth club and dog training, and is available for private bookings for Telephone 01362 693143. functions and club activities. Each church has a notice board in the porch giving local “The Beetley Buzz”, is the monthly newsletter of the Parish Council and details of Churchwardens and services. is delivered free to all households in the parish. It provides information about local events and matters of interest to the parish. PLACES OF WORSHIP Parish Land Beetley Common, Bilney Common and East Bilney Town Lands

Beetley Common is an area of 8.71 hectares and is accessed off the Holt The Parish of Beetley with East Bilney is part of the Dereham and Road via Common Lane at Gravel Pit House or Peacock Lane. District Team Ministry. One Parish covering two villages each with its The common is honey-combed with tracks one of which follows the river own listed church. which is the boundary whilst the main track through the common takes you to the lakes which are restored quarries. Owls, bats, deer and adders Church of St Mary Magdalene Old Beetley are some of the animals that live on the common. The lakes have encour- aged many wild fowl such as mallard ducks, swans and geese. East Bilney town lands is adjacent to Bilney Common and is accessed off the main Dereham to Fakenham Road just to the north of East Bilney. The Town lands have recently been planted with trees by the Parish Council and there is a boardwalk that links the area to Bilney Common giving access to footpaths within the Parish and onto Brisley.

Footpaths. There are 17 footpaths within the parish and maps of these are available from the Clerk.

Beetley Meadows

Beetley Meadows is a large area of parish land situated behind the housing estate opposite the Rural Life Museum. The river divides Beetley Meadows from Hoe Rough. There are several viewing bays along the river and the banks are regularly mown and have seats. Access to the St Mary Magdalene, Old Beetley believed to be built on the site of a meadows is from Fakenham Road, River View, Birch Avenue and Beech church mentioned in the Domesday Survey (1087).In 1500 6ft was added Road. The play area has several recreational facilities and a hard area to the tower. The eight bells make the lightest ring in Norfolk. for children's’ ball games. Many wild flowers complement Beetley Meadows including orchids and foxgloves. Roe deer and rabbits are the main wild animals of Beetley Meadows. St. Mary’s Community Primary School RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Elmham Road Beetley Beetley Cricket Club St. Mary’s Community Primary School is a large rural school. It was established in September 1983 for children between the ages of 4 and Beetley Cricket Club plays on Saturdays only from the beginning of May 11. It is situated in Beetley, just off the Fakenham Road, and is easily to the end of August in the West Norfolk League Division 3. The home accessible from surrounding villages. ground is the pitch on the playing field at High House Road Beetley. It is a modern, architect-designed school, brick-built, under a pantiled For more details contact Gary Hinchliffe 01362 861095 or roof. The school is set in extensive grounds adjoining mixed woodland 07875641435 and has a large field with play apparatus and floodlit hard playing area, wildflower meadow and pond. There is also a low-impact play area spe- cifically for the Infants. In addition, neighbouring land is held by the Beetley Football Club Parish Council for the sole use of the school. This land includes a car park for parents’ use and a playing field. There is also an onsite Beetley Football Club plays in the Crown Fire Central & S. Norfolk pre-school, with which we have strong links. League on a Saturday afternoon. Their ground is at the Village Hall Contacts: Playing Field on High House Road and local support is always St. Mary’s C. P. School-Headteacher John Crowley 01362 860114 appreciated. Pre-School Players are always made welcome and for more information call Jake on 01362 860494 1st Beetley Scout Group HQ: Stoney Lane, Off Fakenham Road, Beetley Beetley Table Tennis Club

1ST Beetley Scout Group was formed in January 1983 when Cub Beetley table tennis Club plays in the Dereham league Division 1 and Scouts started meeting in the local Primary School. Our purpose built plays at the village hall on Fridays from September to March. headquarters opened in September 1994 on the present site, which is The club is always keen to have new players and if anyone needs leased from Beetley Parish Council. more details please contact Colin Tucker on 01362 860168. Our young members enjoy a wide range of Scouting activities, guided by a group of dedicated Leaders. We offer: Beavers Age: 6 – 8 year olds. Meet: Tuesday, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Leader: Christine Pearson 01362 687231 Cubs Age: 8 – 10½ year olds. Meet: Wednesday, 6.30 pm – 8 pm Beetley and East Bilney Village Hall Leader: Ian Cottingham 01362 861004 Scouts Age: 10½ - 14 year olds. Meet: Monday, 7 pm – 9.30 pm The village hall was built in the 1960s and is situated in the centre of the Leaders: Colin Fisher 01362 860085 parish surrounded by an extensive playing field. It has a large function Explorer Scouts/Young Leaders room, a smaller meeting room and kitchen facilities. The hall is regularly From 14 years onwards, Scouts join the Explorer Scout Section, which is used by various groups and clubs as well as private parties. run on a District basis. Further details www.norfolkscouts.org.uk Contacts: Colin Fisher is the Group Contact. If you would like to discuss any Chairman; Stephen Pope 01362 860941 matter regarding 1 st Beetley Scout Goup then please contact Colin Booking Secretary; Ann Pope 01362 860941 on 01362 860085. Secretary; June Overall 01362 860750