HORNING REACH the PARISH PAPER for Horning and Ashmanhaugh (Associated with the NIB Magazine)
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
HORNING REACH The PARISH PAPER For Horning and Ashmanhaugh (Associated with the NIB magazine) JUNE 2020 No. 511 From your Parish Priest. We are constantly being told that the current COVID-19 situation is ‘unprecedented’; that we live in ‘unprecedented times’. In some cases this seems to be used as an explanation for actions or measures which might be ‘unthinkable’ in ‘normal’ times, or in other cases an excuse for not being able to solve the issues and get us all back to ‘normal’. If we only stop to think for a few moments about the changes many of us have seen in just our own lifetime, we may perhaps conclude that we are always living in ‘unprecedented times, and begin to understand that, for us humans, that is in fact ‘normal’. Back in the 1960’s, the puppets in the TV series ‘Thunderbirds’ all had wrist watches on which operated as video links through which they could talk to each other. Pure science fiction, of course, because at the same time, the BBC used to broadcast ‘Forces Family Favourites’ as a way of people keeping in touch with their family members serving in our armed forces in the far corners of the globe. Even then, the radio links were variable and ‘iffy’ to say the least. Instead, we now have ‘unprecedented’ access to personal communications, with the number of mobile phones world-wide measured in billions, and yes, video phones on your wrist if you can afford it! We have commercial aircraft capable of reaching anywhere on the planet, without stopping and refuelling, and where the endurance of the aircraft is probably greater than the endurance of the crew and the passengers! All this, and lots of other technological advances, are widespread, new to humanity, -- and are completely ‘unprecedented’! Previous generations have never seen their like, and we can only imagine the life that the generations who come after us will experience. Given this ‘unprecedented’ rate of change (which is actually the new normal, if we’re honest), it’s sometimes comforting to seek apparently stable fixed points, that may give us a better sense of security and permanence, if not so much for ourselves individually, as for humanity as a whole. Many of our churches stood for hundreds of years - some for over a thousand – and the churches and their communities are still here, despite wars, plagues, famines, persecutions, recessions, etc. And in these so- called ‘unprecedented time’, faith is still here. Christianity is still here, with its permanence, and yet its adaptability to remain fresh, to embrace all these new developments. Admittedly, that may not always seem to be the case, but we should nevertheless strive to make it so, to keep adapting, to keep up, to keep going, and to accept the ‘unprecedented’ as being intrinsic to Christianity and to humanity. With every blessing, Revd David Smith THE BENEFICE of ST BENEDICT ASHMANHAUGH, BARTON TURF, BEESTON ST LAWRENCE, IRSTEAD, HORNING and NEATISHEAD Rector: Reverend David Smith, telephone 01692 630216 Readers: - Barbara McGoun and Pauline Simpson IN REMEMBRANCE OF TONY MOORE A NOTE OF THANKS FROM BETTY WOODCOCK-MOORE At the time of writing I have received 171 messages of sympathy for which I thank you all with all my heart. Our ninth wedding anniversary was organised at the Ludham Care Home, but sadly lockdown for us was 12th March 2020 and this was the last time we were together. At my age of 96, and with Tony at 92, we were so blessed to have had together our wonderful memories, especially those 7 ½ years driving to France plus many other holidays. When Covid 19 and lockdown allows us to meet in groups again, I shall be organising a Memorial Service at Horning Church scheduled for next March to celebrate Tony’s full and interesting life. HORNING VILLAGE FAYRE Just to let you know that following the Prime Minister’s recent statement the Village Fayre planned for 16th August will not take place, we are so sorry. Diane Harber. HORNING GET TOGETHER CLUB A Social group for the over 50s There will be no further meetings until such time that the Village Hall reopens. Lin and I hope you are all staying safe and well and hope to see you very soon. WE’ll MEET AGAIN DON’T KNOW WHERE DON’T KNOW WHEN!!! Love to you all KEEP SMILING THROUGH. Nicky and Lin joint chair persons 2 HORNING PARISH COUNCIL - NEWS JUNE Chairman’s message The Parish Council would like to formally recognise and thank the 30 volunteers that have formed the Covid-19 Horning Community Volunteers in order to support the residents of the village during this period of ‘lockdown’. A special thank you goes to David Benbow for taking on the leadership role of the group and to Lizzie Bewsey- Dyke for supporting him as an additional point of contact. The group are grateful for the ‘flyer’ produced by the PCC that went out to all households to inform them of the existence of the volunteer group. The Group have performed a range of ‘missions’ including shopping and prescription collection/deliveries over the last eight weeks. Additionally, a number of local businesses have offered to provide additional support to the Group and this should be recognised during these difficult times. Therefore, a special thank you to Roys of Wroxham, The Galley, The Post Office and also The Big Shop on Womack Staithe for the assistance they have offered. Parish Council during Covid-19 The Parish Council is continuing as normal, but instead of holding Parish Council meetings, it is working via email, telephone conferencing (if necessary) and telephone. Agendas, minutes, bank reconciliations and other documents continue to be produced as they did before the lockdown. Where any agenda items require a discussion they will be postponed until such time as the Parish Council can meet in person or the PC will hold a ‘zoom meeting’ either by telephoning the meeting, or video-conferencing. The annual financial return and audit will take place as usual but with some time extensions to allow for the unprecedented circumstances that we find ourselves in. The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council has been cancelled in line with new government legislation. If you have any questions or comments about how the Parish Council is working during this time please contact the Clerk. Next Parish Council Meeting: No future meetings are currently planned, but an agenda will be published online for ongoing Parish Council business Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer Jo Beardshaw E-mail: [email protected] Parish Council Website: Horning.norfolkparishes.gov.uk 3 FRIDAY 8 th MAY 75 th ANNIVESARY OF VE DAY It was last year when it was decided to change the May Bank Holiday from 1 st May to the 8 th so that the 75 th Anniversary of VE Day could be properly recognised by the many events that were being arranged all around the country. Little did we know that coming down the track at break-neck speed was the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We also didn’t know, back in 2019, that in this village, and all over the country, was to be re-born the old saying that every cloud has a silver lining, and that COVID-19 was going to bring together so many people who, possibly until March of this year, barely knew each other. That all changed on Friday 8 th when the sun came out and at 4pm along with socially distanced deckchairs, tea, wine, cake and strawberries, the parties around Horning Village began. Down Lower Street, together with the food and drink, eleven households were brought together by Caroline, Thea, Ian and Peter to enjoy a singalong with song sheets and music played by our own Dr. Peter ending, of course, with “We’ll Meet Again” and the National Anthem. Lower Street was open to people in cars who also joined in by waving and hooting, Pinewood Drive was car free from beginning to end, leaving the road available for tables, food, drink and music enjoyed by10 households, and from A Midsummer 4 Night’s Dream, through the wonderful acting of Toby Ellett in his mini play, the mischievous spirit of Puck was brought to life. Abbott Road and Parkland Crescent celebrated in style. Bunting and union jacks decorated the houses and tables were set up on front lawns decorated with celebratory tablecloths and fresh flowers. Other residents went even further, linking up to play Churchill’s VE Day speech. Glasses were raised to remember the great sacrifices made by the war generation. One group in Abbott Road were still enjoying their celebrations when they spied a delivery of fish and chips. This prompted others to enjoy their own delicious fish and chip party delivered by the Staithe and Willow. Another great British tradition! To their credit, Abbott Road and Parkland Crescent were ahead of the curve by already having celebrated St George’s Day on 23 rd April and are looking forward to celebrating the D,Day landings on 6 th June. We must remember that there were others for whom the war did not end in May 1945. The initial announcement of Japan’s surrender was made on 15 th August 1945 and each year we remember this as VJ Day. The war in the Far East is sometimes known as “the forgotten war.” For decades after the war Far East POWs felt unable to share their experiences and it is only in recent years that survivors have started to talk about their captivity under the Japanese.