The Signpost The Signpost Signpost - Issue 59 Village Contacts Editorial Team: Editor: Jim Mullenger David Hotchkin [email protected] [email protected] 01760 722 849 Sub Editor & Invoicing: David Stancombe Foulden Next copy date: David Stancombe 14th of May 2020 [email protected] 01366 328 153 Website: fouldennorfolk.org/signpost/ Hannah Scott When I started on this [email protected] edition, by stripping out the last, 07900 265 493 / 01760 440439 the world was still a very different place with COVID-19 and still at arm’s length, as it were. Ann Melhuish Now, it is a very different [email protected] place. We are fighting a battle 01366 328 057 against an invisible enemy, with our schools, pubs, clubs, village Fiona Gilbert halls and places of worship all [email protected] closed - making gaps in the Signpost as in our normal lives. & Bodney This is a PDF only edition Keith & Linda Thomas because we could not justify SignpostTreasurer door-to-door delivery. See p.10. @btinternet.com (no spaces) Despite the behavior of the 01760 756 455 few, the many have obeyed the rules about 2m distancing and hand hygiene and there has David Hotchkin (The Editor) been an overwhelming Email: See above left. volunteering response, as well 01366 328 442 as increasing care for one’s neighbours. I take comfort from & Threxton that and hope that you all Chris Cannon continue to ’keep safe’. Ed. [email protected] 2 The Signpost The Signpost CONTENTS Page OXBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL

Signpost contact details ...... 2 Chair: David Hotchkin Vice Chair: Paul Gilluley Contents ...... 3 Members: Graham Allison, Ian Monson, Simon Willies Parish Councils ...... 4-6 Clerk: Susan Hernandez 01366 328 047 Website: oxborough-pc.wixsite.com/website Village News Next meeting: Annual Parish Meeting postponed. AGM: TBC Village News & Just For A Giggle ...... 7-11 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

IMPORTANT: SIGNPOST’S FUTURE? ...... 10 The Village Green is available for hire (terms & conditions apply). COVID-19 Volunteering ...... 12 Please contact the Parish Clerk for details and fees.

West Aviation Society ...... 13 COCKLEY CLEY PARISH COUNCIL From our MP ...... 14-16 Chair: Sir Samuel Roberts Bt. Vice Chair: Mr Jim Mullenger. Church News Members: Mr Steve Mumford, Ms Karina Eagle. Church Matters ...... 17-19 Mr David Johnson. Parish Clerk: Sir Samuel Roberts Bt. From the Vicar ...... 20 Cockley Cley Hall, Articles Cockley Cley, , PE37 8AG Tel.01760 721 308 The Cold War in the Brecks ...... 21 Next meeting: Date TBC at 7.15pm for 7.30 Norfolk Wildlife Trust ...... 22 in the Twenty Church Wardens. This Autumn ...... 23-25 Website: cockleycleyparishcouncil.wordpress.com Nautical Expressions ...... 26 GREAT CRESSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL Classified Adverts ...... 27-56 Chair: Michael Halls IMPORTANT NOTE TO ADVERTISERS: Vice-Chair: Marcus Rutterford Members: Victoria Rutterford, Kate Forsyth, Peter Heath, This edition is PDF and only available on the Foulden Parish Ed Kittell, Sally Blundell website. It was decided that there would be no charge for Clerk Hannah Scott advertisements published in this edition. If you still have credit for Homestead, Farm Common Road ,Ashill IP25 7BA prepaid ads, then your edition count will recommence with the next 07900 265 493 / 01760 440439 paper distribution. But please read p.10. If you would like a refund, Website: www.impulse-music.co.uk/great Cressingham please contact David Stancombe; we understand your position. Next meetings: AGM Tuesday 26th May 2020 TBC Contact: [email protected] 3 4 The Signpost The Signpost FOULDEN PARISH COUNCIL HILBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL Chair: Stephen Parker. Vice Chair: Jayne Winterbone Chair: Andrew Steward. Tel: 01760 756247 Members: Stephen (Billy) Pye, Neil West, , Richard Cooper, There are currently 2 vacancies. Marianne Christian, Rosie Pye Members: Mrs. Sharan Newnham, Ms. Sarah Mennell. Parish Clerk: Claire Prentice, Tel: 07591 220390 Carol Cox, Claire Bowes. Email: [email protected] Clerk: Melanie Cousins. Tel: 07840 814417. [email protected] Next meeting: TBC Next Meetings: Website: www.fouldennorfolk.org From 2020 the Council will meet 4 times during the year at 7.00 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Mills Memorial Hall, Westgate Street, Hilborough. GOODERSTONE PARISH COUNCIL The next meeting will be: Chair: Andrew Boughen Tuesday, 19th May 2020 – AGM, TBC Vice Chair: Ann Melhuish Annual Parish Meeting & Parish Council. Members: Martin Belton, Richard Chalkley, Judy Chandler, Other Parish Council meetings for 2020 are 15th September Kate Faro Wood, Lucy Mason Closs,. and 17th November. Clerk: Judith Taylor. Tel: 01366 500722. Website: hilboroughpc.wixsite.com/hilboroughpc/hilborough-parish-council email: [email protected]

Please note that the email given above is new and that it should LITTLE CRESSINGHAM & THREXTON please be used for all Parish Council business from now on. PARISH COUNCIL

Website: gooderstonepc.wixsite.com/gooderstonepc Chair: Tony Abel. Next meeting: Second Monday every two months: Mob: 07836 338100 Email: [email protected] Vice Chair: Tim Leonard Tel: 01953 882739 Members: Ashton Austin, Martin Kay, Chris Cannon. TBC:11th May (Annual Parish Meeting and Clerk: Melanie Cousins. Tel: 07840 814417. Annual Parish Council Meeting); [email protected] 13th July,14th September, 9th November. Website: lcparishclerk.wixsite.com/lcressinghamthrexton Next Meeting: Thursday 7th May 2020 TBC, 7.30 pm, Gooderstone Community Facebook Page: in All Saints’ Parish Church, Threxton. search for Gooderstone Community Group. Details of military training activities are available from the Parish Council website, together with events of local interest.

5 6 The Signpost The Signpost VILLAGE NEWS & WHAT’S ON HILBOROUGH

GREAT CRESSINGHAM HILBOROUGH VILLAGE HALL Hall Bookings: The hall is available for functions, parties and Parish Council News other activities. We are waiting to hear if we have funding for a path between Capacity 120 persons: Rates £12.00 per hour. the Village Hall and Church – will let you know when we know Please contact Clare Gornall on 01760 756 561 HGV’s Signs that have gone missing or broken - have been or Gerald Gray on 01760 756338 or on [email protected] requested to be replaced White gates for each entrance to the village – we need to wait MAKE and MARDLE to apply for funding - so hopefully have some news later this year Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Flashing Light - we are waiting for this to be sent away so a £2.50 per session to include tea and coffee. solar panel can be fitted so it can be kept on majority of the time – All crafts and all skill levels - beginners welcome. rather than keep charging it. Location takes place at each others homes. Contact: Jayne Bowes 07880 318 160 MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICES The mobile library service is currently suspended until further HILBOROUGH VILLAGE COMMUNICATIONS notice, but: Hilborough Village has two forms of Communication. "All borrowed items have been automatically renewed until The aim is to provide residents with the means of sharing local further notice, and we are asking people to keep library books at news, events alerts, updates and general items of chosen interest home for the time being. to Hilborough villagers. If you would like to be included in this Please be reassured that you will not be charged overdue fees, initiative you can do so via: and any existing charges will not increase over time. This covers 1. Facebook – Via your Facebook page search for all items, including books, DVDs and music. Hilborough Village Community News and click the Unfortunately, you will not be able to reserve items, or request ‘joinrequest’ button; OR... inter-library loans whilst our libraries are closed." (NCC website). 2. Email –[email protected] to be included in future mailing. JUST FOR A GIGGLE (Please contact Sarah on 07974 955175 / 01760 756126 if you have any questions or difficulties in joining) Man: Would you like to play with my new dog? Boy: He looks very fierce. Does he bite? NOTE Man: That’s what I want to find out Because of the COVID-19 crisis, it is impossible to say when What do you get hanging from banana trees? Parish Council meetings, village events, the reopening of public Very sore arms! spaces, houses and gardens and events like the Wayland Show Why did the cat eat a lump of cheese? will take place again. Please consult government bulletins, Public So he could wait by the mousehole with baited breath. Health , local council and your own parish websites for updates as they occur. Ed.

7 8 The Signpost The Signpost COCKLEY CLEY EVENTS & NEWS LITTLE CRESSINGHAM & THREXTON What a crazy world we are living in at the moment! FORTHCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY & MARCH 2020. Everything seems to be in turmoil. I’m sure things will sort themselves out eventually and hopefully All events take place in the Twenty Church Wardens. by the time you read this the dreaded ‘Coronavirus’ will have When held, all Coffee Mornings will be held on the Second slowed down, because at the time of writing this, China seems to Wednesday of the of the Month, from 10.00 noon to 11.30am be getting a hold on it. With Draconian measures, no doubt, but probably necessary. The first of the 2020 Coffee Mornings was held on the A bit of better news for those in The Arms, as we have now Wednesday the 11th March. been connected to the Super Highway with our upgraded fibre Proceeds from this will be donated to The Dogs Trust. broadband. Wow, what a difference it makes…no constant buffering. We have to make a cuppa at the end of a programme on Donations from the remaining coffee mornings noon for this year Netflix now and not in the middle as we were able to do before!! will be donated to support our All Saints Church. On garden news, I’ve repositioned a greenhouse that had been Everyone, from near and far, are welcomed. moved 4ft off it’s base by the wind and re-glazed around 24 panes of glass. When are these winds ever going to stop? The damage The Senior Citizens’ Lunch Club meets on the last Wednesday they cause is unbelievable. of the month from 12 noon for 12. 30. I managed one cut on the grass in early March which clogged The next two dates being: TBC up the ride-on. (it was too wet really) but it was around 6 inches high and growing, so it had to be done. No more now until the drier Please book by the previous Monday with Babs Main weather. (Tel: 01760 721 439) I hope all our Signpost readers are following government guidelines and staying in as directed. We all know it makes sense OXBOROUGH EVENTS & NEWS and if we do our bit, this pandemic will be brought under control and we will get back to where we were. Things will never seem Wednesday. Every week. quite the same again. Fresh fish delivered by fish4you. Door-to-door. This is going to be a short editorial piece, (do I hear you See Oxborough Messenger website for details. cheering ?), so stay healthy and keep washing your hands! Chris Cannon. Wednesday. Every week. Fish & Chip Van On the Pound between 6.30pm and 7.00pm. (May remain longer depending on the volume of customers). SIGNPOST’S FUTURE? We would like to know, from both advertisers and Mike Cooper has listed a number of services being offered by readers, whether you would prefer a purely digital edition various local companies on his Oxborough Messenger website, of Signpost? (Some of the adverts in this issue are for at this time of COVID-19 crisis. Some of which may be relevant to other parishes in our group: services now classed as non-essential, but they have www.oxbomessage.btck.co.uk/CoronavirusOXBOROUGH been left in for better times). Please let us know...

9 10 The Signpost The Signpost GOODERSTONE NEWS COVID-19 AND VOLUNTEERING Gooderstone Parish Council is delighted to announce that it has [Extract from an email which I sent to Oxborough volunteers, Ed.] successfully bid for a grant to help refurbish the play equipment on Gooderstone playing field. The existing equipment was 15 years “I would like to point you to the NHS Guidelines for volunteers: old and ready for replacement. Thanks to the FCC Communities https://www.england.nhs.uk/participation/get-involved/ Foundation (formerly WREN), the council has been awarded over volunteering/nhs-volunteer-responders/ £66,000 for the project. Alongside this was a requirement for a It is very important that you can meet the medical criteria. If you Contributing Third Party payment of just over £7,000 to be are taking medication yourself, or have a chronic condition, please provided to the Foundation. This was made possible by kind contact your GP to make sure that you are fit enough, if you have donations from the former play equipment group in Gooderstone, any doubt whatsoever. If there are doubts, it may be best that you Bartlett’s of Gooderstone, the Fen Charity Gooderstone and Sir withdraw your kind offer. Samuel Roberts of the Cockley Cley estate. The council is Furthermore, it is also very important that nobody in your exceptionally grateful to the donors for their generous support household has any medical conditions which would exclude them without which the bid could not have been so extensive. An from volunteering themselves, even if they are not actually important element of the successful bid was the practical support volunteering, and of course they should not be in a category provided by Gooderstone Church, School and The Swan public already classed as vulnerable. house, all of whom the council also thanks. The new equipment I would strongly urge you to sign up to volunteer through this will include items specifically designed for use by wheelchair website: users. https://www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk This organisation links the NHS and Social Services at the top Further information on progress will be found on the parish council with the County Council and District Councils, right down to Parish website, at gooderstonepc.wixsite.com/gooderstonepc, or contact level. the parish council clerk at [email protected] or 01366 You should register with them to be a volunteer, because they 500722. conduct a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check on your history. (The NHS do the same). If you do so, then please make The parish council has also been awarded a grant of £500 from sure that you check the COVID-19 box as your main interest. Council towards the cost of a VE Day The information that you supply will be shared with the NHS, so commemorations street party at Gooderstone on Friday 8th May. that they can also call upon your services, if necessary. (If you This will contribute towards the provision of food, decorations and register with Voluntary Norfolk, then you do not need to register entertainment for the day, and again, the council is very grateful to with the NHS as well. In any case, at the time of typing, the NHS Breckland DC for their generous contribution. itself is not accepting any more registrations because of very high demand, and it is taking a week to process those which they already have). Please note, of course, that due to the situation surrounding the Once accepted, they can then task you to particular persons in COVID-19 outbreak, it is possible that meetings or gatherings may need, or allocate specific jobs, like the delivery of medicines, food need to change at the last minute. All information will be on the or other supplies, depending upon your skills or training.” website and posted on the noticeboard as necessary. [As mentioned before, I am very heartened by the response. Ed.]

11 12 The Signpost The Signpost THE WEST NORFOLK AVIATION SOCIETY From Elizabeth Truss MP

Last night’s meeting (Wed 03 Mar 2020) at the Bowls Club welcomed guest speaker Keith Thomas. Keith is a very experienced helicopter pilot and has latterly worked for the Civil Aviation Authority in various guises. He has displayed helicopters at airshows and currently instructs on helicopters and presents aviation safety evenings to private pilots. This month’s talk was entitled 'My Life in the Clouds, the Early Years' Keith led us through his early life in the Air Training Corps where he got his first wings… gliding. He then got his Private Pilot’s Licence via an ATC flying scholarship and yet another set of wings after joining the Royal Air Force. So important to him was this that he delayed his wedding by 3 weeks to ensure that he was able to display all his (3 sets of ) wings on his uniform at the nuptials! Having learnt to fly on the Westland Whirlwind helicopter he Westminster Update converted onto the Wessex helicopter and proceeded into Conservative Norfolk MPs are working together to push for operations in Ulster supporting the Army and, on deployments improvements across the county. ‘We speak with one voice when overseas. we say that Norfolk must not get left behind. The Norfolk Eight will He finished by stressing that because helicopter pilots were so keep pushing the case for Norfolk and for our whole region. gentle on the controls they make the best lovers! The uproar at Improving the Ely North rail junction, delivering Norwich in 90, that comment was so loud we never discovered if this was true, dualling the A47 and providing decent digital infrastructure – both even though his wife was in the audience. broadband and mobile – are key to Norfolk levelling up with the This was a first class evening with a super sandwich buffet by rest of the country. The Chancellor acknowledged it is very Val and Len our hosts at the Bowls Club. Mark Burch important for Norfolk to have better infrastructure and agreed to look at the projects ahead of the budget.’ We lobbied Sajid Javid www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.org.uk ahead of the March Budget and sent submissions into the Treasury for consideration. We will continue to make the case for CANCELLED! March 21st: The Lancaster Crew Memorial. Norfolk. Sadly, all WNAS meetings are cancelled until further notice. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. Meetings and Events Countryside Alliance Awards 2020 Thrilled to see that three [I included the above, not only because it offers a little light relief businesses from South West Norfolk have been nominated for the and some amusement (hopefully) but also because the talk was Countryside Alliance Awards 2020. Winners announced in the given by Keith Thomas… If you haven’t made the connection summer. Best of luck to The Fox Inn , The Little already see page 2… By the way, CAA actually stands for: White Lamb Co. and JW Sargeant Butchers Cancel All Aviation!... Ed.]

13 14 The Signpost The Signpost British Sugar in Farming Parliament It was great to meet constituents Naomi, Adam Environment Secretary and Jack at the Sugar George Eustice confirmed the Industry Programme in expansion of the Seasonal Parliament in January Workers Pilot to allow farmers #backbritishsugar to hire up to 10,000 workers in #homegrown 2020.This is excellent news #nevermissabeet and something I have been lobbying extensively on. I have met farmers from across the Equipmake constituency who rely heavily Massive pleasure to open the on migrant workers to harvest new @Equipmake factory in , their crops - the expansion of Norfolk, that will manufacture and export the scheme will provide world leading electric buses and have the certainty for farmers. In an age opportunity to drive one! #drivinggrowth of mechanisation, there is still #greatbritishexports the need for human touch, like in apple picking.

Warren Services Always impressed- great to Earlier in the Autumn I joined a local Fenland fruit grower to see stop by Warren Services and meet employees first hand the delicate nature of the crop, so this week's and talk about business plans announcement is extremely positive.

Secretary of State for International Trade Global Traders- Fotolec Technologies Ltd. Visited fantastic Education Fotolec Tech in - expanding to export more innovative, Runcton Holme and Wormegay Primary low-energy lighting to the US, South Korea and Germany. Schools - talking about reducing food waste and eating local produce. Very impressed by Global Britain number of children able to make their own Read my speech to Parliament on Global Britain (posted on my meals.#norfolkfood Great to see you! website) and our opportunity to champion free trade and turn the tide on protectionism as we become an independent trading nation.

15 16 The Signpost The Signpost A NOTE ABOUT CHURCH MATTERS THE ANGLICAN CHURCH A letter from the Diocese (17 March 2020) Firstly, I am sorry to say that as a result of the restrictions Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, placed by the government upon public worship by all faiths and the Further to the letter from the Archbishops, we write to assure you of closure of all public buildings, the usual information has been our prayers and loving support. Mother Julian of Norwich lived through anxious times with plagues removed (despite the best efforts of those concerned to supply it), and uprisings. In her anchorite self-isolation, whilst still hearing the bustle so what I decided to do was replace those listings with new of the street outside, she had a vision of God speaking to her: “He did information gleaned from the websites of the two denominations not say, ‘You shall never have a rough passage, you will never be over- which operate in the parishes which we cover. strained, you will never feel dis-eased’; but he did say, ‘You will never be In order to make things fit, I was obliged to remove a prayer overcome.'” from the middle of the Anglican Bishop’s letter and alter the We live in anxious times and we are conscious that many long to hear formatting, which was designed for a website and not print. The God say in our own day, “You will never be overcome.” prayer is available through the website link quoted. (Apologies to As we enter these next few weeks and months, we are encouraging the the Bishops for removing it). Likewise, I also had to alter the whole to do everything with these principles in mind: formatting of the Methodist website copy. To seek to be a Church of living hope. Full details of other changes to church life and the way that “Hope is love stretched into the future”, wrote the Croatian theologian Miroslav Volf, and during this time we need to keep our eyes on the people can continue to worship and pray using modern technology horizon of God’s Kingdom. can be found on the Anglican Diocese of Norwich website and the To follow government and national church guidance. main website for the Methodist Church. “We who are many are one body in Christ and individually we are I very much hope that, before too long, the virus will have burnt members one of another”, wrote St Paul, reminding us that as a series of itself out and that the restrictions will be lifted. interlinked local communities the Church receives wisdom that has been distilled and given to us for the good of all. To continue to pray. CHURCH MATTERS We know that at the heart of our life as Christians is prayer and we hear the voice of the Psalmist afresh in our own time, “I call on you, my St, George's Church Gooderstone. God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer”. To strive to keep each other safe and to practice kindness. Following 2 separate thefts of lead from the south aisle roof, Through our actions and the ways we will minister, we want to do all we can to protect our clergy, lay leaders, congregations and neighbours, £18,000 is urgently needed to replace the lead with terne-coated asking God to “keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the stainless steel. shadow of your wings”. To prioritise pastoral care. The Gift Day (scheduled for Saturday 25th April), will not be taking We love and serve our neighbours, as Christ calls us, when we reach out place because of the church closure. to the vulnerable, those self-isolating, and those who are anxious; offering them our help, support and prayers, because we believe that Please note that NOW the best way of making donations is by “The church is the Church only when it exists for others” (Dietrich Bacs (pay.uk) Please contact the Treasurer, Fiona Gilbert, to get Bonhoeffer). the details: [email protected] We encourage you to look at the Church of England’s website for regular updates in this fast-changing picture and resources for prayer:

17 18 The Signpost The Signpost https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/news/a-letter-to-the-diocese- April reflections from-our-bishops/ April is the month of Easter, celebrated this year on [N.B: There is a special prayer in the middle of this website page, Ed.] 12th April. It is a great time of hope and celebration for We thank you for your prayers and for your care of others. And we assure you that you are each much in our prayers at this time as the church. we seek new ways of being Church to serve our nation. On Maundy Thursday morning, Foulden would normally host an With every blessing. unusual group of visitors – pilgrims who are walking from London Jonathan, Bishop of Lynn; Graham, Bishop of Norwich; to Walsingham. They have tea and hot cross buns with us in the Alan, Bishop of Thetford village hall before travelling on to Cockley Cley for lunch and then spending a night at Castle Acre. They are a cheerful group THE METHODIST CHURCH including many young people, and they carry a cross in front of the Services for Holy Week and Easter Sunday group, and sing hymns as they walk. Last year, the group included https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/worship/singing-the-faith- plus/seasons-and-themes/worship-during-the-coronavirus- a small baby with his parents. The father carried him on his pandemic/holy-week-and-easter-2020/ [This is the full URL, which shoulders all the way. you should be able to copy and paste into your browser, Ed.] There are several baptisms and a few weddings scheduled to HOLY WEEK (Files are available in both DOC & PDF formats) take place in our village churches over the next few months, and Spiritual Communion In this short act of worship, we pray that this is also a sign of hope for the future. God’s purposes may be fulfilled in us, even though we cannot at The mood of hopefulness mirrors developments in nature, as this time gather at the Lord’s Table. Spring arrives, and colourful flowers blanket the ground. I am Maundy Thursday Love Feast The Way of the Cross particularly enjoying the white and pink hawthorn blossoms (yes, I A service of Light and Darkness am learning the names of the local trees), and daffodils in bloom EASTER SUNDAY are guaranteed to lift one’s mood. Easter Day Service (from the Journey Through Holy Week series) We have survived storms Ciara, Denis and Jorge and the An Easter Day Love Feast resulting severe weather. Fortunately, we have not suffered too An act of Spiritual Communion adapted for Easter Day much flooding in this area, apart from the occasional water-logged Worship from home service sheet for Easter Day road. Now we have to guard against the spread of the This specially created short act of worship has been produced as we are unable to attend church physically. If you are well Coronavirus. All manner of frightening rumours are circulating, but enough why not spend a few moments with God, knowing that it seems that we must take reasonable precautions and carry on other people are sharing this act of worship with you? with our lives. If you have members of your church or community who aren’t I wish you all good health, and the joys of Spring. online, you might want to consider printing the services from our Rev Linda Lubbe website. If you are printing and distributing these Acts of Worship please add your church's CCLi number and add the songs to your [In the light of recent events and the lockdown, I have taken the annual report. Please note that there is also a new Lectionary for use during liberty of making some changes to the Vicar’s text, but hope that Holy Week in a time of coronavirus. the message of hope is still clear. With humble apologies, Ed.] 19 20 The Signpost The Signpost THE COLD WAR IN THE BRECKS Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Breckland Local Group

The Cold War in the Brecks (1949 - 1991) is a project run by the We started off 2020 as we hope to go on, with a very good Breckland Society, with a grant from the Heritage Lottery attendance for Martin Hosier’s talk and photos about Wildlife in Fund. The project is researching the role the Brecks and its Borneo. people played through the Cold War. We are looking for the A fascinating place and some wonderful photos and tales of his human stories of an important and fascinating period of our recent and his wife’s holiday there, enough to make you go green! history. The research will form the basis for an illustrated colour Martin did sadly comment on the changes from when he was there several years ago, particularly the palm oil plantations which have report which will be available free to members of the public. taken over from indigenous forest. We are looking for people who remember the period to spend a As well as Orang Utans, Giant Squirrels, 1m long, Straw- headed Bulbuls, Atlas moth, Bamboo and Rothschilds Slipper little time with one of our interviewers talking about their Orchid, he also saw the Common Kingfisher! experience of the Cold War. We are interested in memories of service personnel and civilian employees of the various airbases February saw our AGM and a talk from NWT’s Helen and military installations in the area. We are also particularly Baczkowski, “What Do NWT Conservation Officers Actually Do? interested in people who protested against nuclear weapons, This was well received as Helen gave us very comprehensive members of the CND or other peace organisations, or people information on her and her colleagues’ work. They work on SSSIs, involved with peace camps. County Wildlife Sites and more recently Roadside Nature Reserves. These sites are surveyed and monitored and farmers If you can help please contact and other landowners are given reports by the conservation us at [email protected] officers about the wildlife that lives on their land and how to help to care for it. They often work in partnership with bodies such as Natural England and advise on development schemes and help to plan green areas and mitigation sites. They are also involved in projects in Churchyards and the Norfolk Ponds project to reinstate some of our overgrown or filled in ponds.

This month there would have been a talk on the reintroduction of Ospreys and on Wednesday 8th April there would have been a talk by John Bell from The Adrian Bell Society. In May we are planning an evening walk at Heath to hear Nightjars and see what other wildlife is around. More details can be found by contacting us at [email protected]

[Please check the website for upcoming events when they are permitted once again. Ed.]

21 22 The Signpost The Signpost This Autumn “This information was then passed to the supplier who dealt Charles Grantly was surprised with handling issues. Unfortunately the local police had become that the Moon and Stars turned out suspicious and called in the drug squad. I heard that they were to be a Wetherspoon pub, he had planning a raid on the manor and decided that the safest option imagined that “Monkey” would have was to destroy any evidence that might be found” selected a typical East End venue. “How did you do this” asked “Monkey?” Perhaps it was at one time but had “I had the property incinerated” been caught up in the upgrading of “Were you insured?” much of this area of London. “Yes but there has been a lot of argument from the insurance However enough surmising about the pub’s history, he needed company as they thought that it was a case of arson and that I had to get on with the job in hand. George had come round to the arranged the destruction deliberately. Luckily my men had been passenger door and Grantly climbed out. He told George to wait very thorough and I am expecting to receive a substantial cheque nearby and that he would phone to be picked up when the very soon” forthcoming meeting had finished, with that he turned towards the “So what is it that want from me?” entrance of the pub and strolled inside. “I was hoping that you would be able to me set up a distribution The interior was rather smart and he could see why “Monkey” network out of London” had chosen this place to meet. There were a number of enclosed “You mean like ‘County Lines?” seating areas where conversation could take place without any “Well yes. I can have regular supplies available and need some likelihood of being overheard. Looking around at all the customers way of getting them to users.” nobody fitted the description of what he had imagined so he went “You do realise that all the current lines are very closely to the bar and asked if “Monkey” was around somewhere as he guarded and defended drastically if there is any threat of invasion had arranged to meet him. The girl said she would go and ask the from an outside source/” manager and hurriedly disappeared though a curtain at the rear of “Yes I appreciate the situation and that is why I have the bar. Grantly suddenly realised that they had forgotten to pick approached you” up his bodyguard, Harry, so whatever happened next... he would “Where exactly were you thinking that you might like to set up have to cope on his own. your network?” The girl returned, asked Grantly to follow her and she led him to “I thought Norfolk might be a likely entry point with lines leading a side door which opened into an adjoining office. Sitting at a large out to Kings Lynn and Norwich” desk was a rather greasy small man, his hair smoothed down “The only way it would work if you could find a gang master tightly onto his skull and a pair of tortoiseshell glasses perched on (gm) to recruit suitable individuals to do the street work and that the end of his nose. would be expensive” “I assume you are Chip” he said “let’s get down to business. As “How much are we talking about?” I understand it you used to run a drug outlet in Wales. Tell me a bit “£25K for starters for the gm and then a lot more depending on about it” the recruits. To be quite honest with you, this is a dangerous game “I owned a large country house, Grantly Manor, in Wales which I and I think you should think very carefully before you attempt this used as a gentleman’s club for the distribution of supplies. I had a project. If you don’t mind me saying so, you are not a young man network of girls who came and joined the clients for dinner to and although you have a certain presence I still feel you might be discuss their next order and where and when this would be better off spending you insurance payoff in some other way. All delivered….” you have is a supplier, and there are plenty of those about….” 23 24 The Signpost The Signpost “I suggest you go away and consider whether you really want to continue in this game, or is it time to retire and do something NAUTICAL EXPRESSIONS different. I think we are done now but if you want to go further you know where to find me.” LOOPHOLE (A WAY OUT) With that “Monkey” got out of his chair and approached Grantly with an outstretched hand, a clear sign that the meeting was over. A loophole was a small aperture in a bulkhead through which rifles Charles Grantly rose and took the outstretched hand. He forced a could be fired at any enemy attempting to board the ship. A smile despite the pain from the grip of the other man. Outside the loophole has become to mean an ambiguity in the law that creates office he reached for his phone a called George. It was time to to opportunity of circumnavigating the real intent of that law. make his way back to the flat. Two minutes later he was back in the car heading for Tower HELLS BELLS (AN EXPLETIVE) Hamlets and the Blackwall Tunnel. “I wonder why this area of the East End is called Tower The mild “Hells Bells” is a shortened version of a 19th Century Hamlets” he thought and did another Google search. expletive “Hells Bells & Buckets of Blood”. Sailing & cursing have It lies to the east side of the City of London on the north bank of always gone together hence the expression, “he swears like a the River Thames. It includes the redeveloped Docklands region sailor”. William Davies mentioned in his poem The Sailor To His including West India Docks and Canary Wharf. A 2017 study found Parrot how the bird when ashore would recite curses learned that Tower Hamlets has the highest rate of poverty, child poverty, aboard to horrified priests and widows. unemployment, and pay inequality of any London borough. It sounded like an ideal area to have a drug business but he RATE OF KNOTS (AT HIGH SPEED) guessed that the area was already in the hands of some baron. They had now A knot is the nautical (& now aviation) measure of speed. Before reached the instrumentation the speed of a vessel was measured by a “chip northern entrance log” which was a long line with a triangular piece of wood at its to the tunnel and end. At intervals of 24 feet & 4 inches knots were tied in this line it looked very this representing 1/240 part of a mile. The line was allowed to run different from the out for 15 seconds which is 1/240 of an hour. The number of knots Victorian Gate that ran through the crewmember’s hand was equal to the speed House of the of the ship. This has become to mean anything done at high southern entry speed. with the rather grotesque funnels of the air conditioning units very much in evidence. He was tired and looking forward to getting back to the flat. He had a lot to think about. “Was he going to pursue the drug business venture or would it make more sense, as Monkey had suggested to find something else?”

David Stancombe (to be continued…….) 25 26 The Signpost The Signpost LAWN BOWLS CLUB Swaffham Jazz Club Swaffham Conservative Club, 23 London St. PE7 7DD This is a small club consisting of approximately 30 members ( Men and Women) with the bowling green situated in the far Regretfully, all published events have now been cancelled corner of the village playing field. The club prides itself on being until further notice. one of the most friendly clubs in the district and is proud to state that it operates on a ‘self funding’ basis, keeping costs to the Information from Geoff 01366 328730 or Norman 01760 722384. members to an absolute minimum. The club is always looking for new members and would like to invite anyone to come along to ‘try the game’. The playing season will be starting towards the end of April and the club would like to hear from anyone that would like to ‘give it a try’. Most of the equipment can be provided for this and coaching would be available for anyone interested. There would be no initial charge for anyone who wants to try the sport so why not ‘give it a go’? For further information or general enquiries please contact the following: F.Everett: 01760 336494 or 07525 620364

27 28 The Signpost The Signpost Phoenix House Bed & Breakfast

Charming country house accommodation close to Watton in a quiet hamlet location. Call Chris or Irene on 01953 883587 or contact us through our website at www.phoenix-house.co.uk Open all year round

Need an EPC?

Then look no further. As your local independent Energy assessor who has been qualified from the inception of this legislation, you will get first class service. With same day certificate and floor plan, you’ll be ready to market your property, sale or rental, straight away! Working with a prominent local estate agent, rental agent and local solicitors, I have assessed over 700 properties around the Breckland area. Call me on 01953-883587 for a competitive price. Christopher Cannon DEA. EnergyXs.

29 30 The Signpost The Signpost

31 32 The Signpost The Signpost Traditional Values ...

Life has changed so much since this photograph was taken…But the traditional values of honesty, integrity and service associated with the time are an essential part of our business. So if you are thinking of buying, selling, letting or renting and seek the reassurance of an Agent practicing these traditional values, yet with a modern approach, please call us on 01366 388991

19a High Street,Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9DA [email protected] www.ashtonroberts.co.uk

33 34 The Signpost The Signpost

35 36 The Signpost The Signpost GRAHAME GILLIS AUTO REPAIRS M.O.T. STATION Full Servicing and repairs for cars & vans all makes and models petrol & diesel Brakes, Clutches, gearboxes suspensions engine repairs, diagnostics and welding Tyres, puncture repairs, wheel balancing and four-wheel laser tracking Collection & delivery available Open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday And Saturday mornings Also AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIR SPECIALISTS Whittington Garage Phone 01366 500606 Stoke Ferry [email protected] PE33 9TF A Friendly Family Business www.grahamgillisautorepairs.co.uk

37 38 The Signpost The Signpost

P.R.Bowers & Son Funeral Directors

Anmer Cottage, Methwold Road. Northwold IP26 5LN

( 3rd Generation Family Owned Business est. 1921 )

Private Chapels of Rest New Displays 2019 – 5 Galleries The Ben Emmerson Room - Swaffham Treasures 24 Hour Service The Monique Slaven Room – Archaeology and the Collection The David Butters Room – The Tel 01366 727432 Rotary Capture Swaffham Display Conflict and Consequences – The Effects of conflict on a small 07796 780270 market town and its environs. The Carter Connection: The story of Howard Carter and the Upholding Traditional Values Discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10-4 a small admission fee. Sat 10-1 Of Dignity & Respect Free admission this year!

39 40 The Signpost The Signpost METHWOLD

41 42 The Signpost The Signpost WINDYMILLERS PET SUPPLIES 01842 815551 website:www.pigsearsdirect.com WE ARE NOW MAIN AGENTS FOR FLO GAS {Bottled Gas}. You WILL find us CHEAPER than Calor gas for the same size bottle and we operate a FREE DELIVERY service within 10 miles of Brandon. No Flo-Gas bottle to exchange NO PROBLEM just come and see us. If you have a Gas BBQ we have the bottle. If you have a gas bottled room heater we have the bottle. Caravan/Catering gas bottles in stock. Plus the NEW LIGHT GAS BOTTLES. We also stock gas regulators and new flexible gas pipe. START SAVING MONEY ON OUR BOTTLED GAS SUPPLIES.

43 44 The Signpost The Signpost

45 46 The Signpost The Signpost

FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS Est. 1872 R. H. BOND Formerly G.P. Riches & Son

Still family owned and now run by the 5th Generation Offering a Complete Funeral Service 24 hours a day, to all areas Salisbury House, Lynn Road, Stoke Ferry. Tel: 01366 500241 Mobile: 07861 671325

Help and understanding when you need it most

47 48 The Signpost The Signpost

Cesspit Full?

Call John Allen On 07767 823 137 Or 01842 827 627 (evenings) Any tanker work considered

Norfolk Woodburners offer the best local service for the Hilborough Honey is now on sale supply and installation of: • Wood Burners & Multi-Fuel Stoves Order soon to avoid disappointment • Main agents for Aga, Hunter & This year we have concentrated on letting our Cleanburn Stoves bees build strong colonies. So our supplies for • Flexible Chimney Liners sale are limited to just 150 jars. • Twin Wall Chimney Systems 1lb jars of honey are £6.00 • Fireplaces Opened Up 1/2lb jars of honey are £4.00 ( limited quantity For a free site visit and available) quotation contact us on: To order please contact: cathe- tel: 01328 700161 m: 07966 661175 [email protected] email: Michael: 07879 615288 [email protected] Catherine: 07976352003

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Wil Smith T.T.S.R. Ltd Coal and Log Merchant Seasoned Hardwood Logs and Coal

Logs cut to under 10” Sold by Cubic Metre Split/Seasoned Ready for Your Fire Stock up Now for Winter!

All Coal Suitable for Wood Burners, Sold in Pre-packed Bags or Tipped into a Bunker

Call Us for Special Offers and Multi-buy Discounts Office: 01760 440806 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ttsrltd.co.uk Park View, Houghton Lane, , Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 8LF

51 52 The Signpost The Signpost

53 54 The Signpost The Signpost

Bryan Cater Ltd GOOD FOOD EXCELLENT HOSPITALITY Your Local & Professional At the Olde Windmill Inn Great Cressingham

Chimney Sweep Fine Food, Real Ale & Hospitality The Windmill inn is a rambling, old country pub with real beams, log fires and ‘olde worlde’ charm . A real pub with rooms which serves fine food & beverages 3 bars, 3 dining rooms, 3 family rooms, games room & conservatory, beer garden & play area, terrace Opening Times are changing at the mill NOW OPEN ALL DAY – EVERY DAY – 7.30AM TILL LATE Chimney Sweeping, Stove Repairs, Drinks are served from 11am (Sunday 11.30am) to 11.00pm Food is served 11.30am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 10pm (Sunday 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5pm to 9.30pm) New En Suite Accommodation Servicing, Installations, Cowls, CCTV, The Olde Windmill Inn has completed the construction of eight superior large Queen Double Rooms which can be booked for single, double or family occupation. Each bedroom is Chemical Tar Removal. furnished to a very high standard, with en-suite bathrooms, built in wardrobes and tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers, remote control TV and free local telephone calls, plus broadband access. Why not go online to www.oldewindmillinn.co.uk to download a brochure or make a booking. Traditional Roast Sunday Lunch at the Mill – The Antidote to Carveries Treat yourself to a country portion of roast beef or Sunday roast or a bit of both, with a For more information and pricing choice of 5 vegetables, deep dish apple pie or gateau &coffee for only £10.95. Alternatively order just the main course for £8.15. Remember we offer choice and country portions at competitive prices – so order your meal from the bar (or at your table for give us a call. bookings) and our staff will deliver your food at the table. Meet in the Middle – Mardle at the Mill Six private meeting/dining rooms are available at the mill Catering for 6 to 60 people The Windmill is the ideal venue for small wedding receptions, funeral teas,, ‘all-day’ conferences, meetings, private family parties & birthdays, product promotions and interview rooms. No room hire is charged when a food and beverage spread is ordered. 5* Start Happy Hour Enjoy a 10% discount off all drinks on weekdays, Monday – Friday, from 11am – 12noon and 4pm -7pm. 60s Plus Lunchtime Discount Enjoy our senior citizens (60 Years) 10% discount off all meals displayed on specials board and main pub menu on Monday – Friday lunch times from 11.30am – 2pm Country Music – Sing, Say and Play Tuesday night is country night. In the Old Bar from 8pm to late. Buskers welcome – 01366 728342 option 2 no entry charge Location, Location, Location THE OLDE WINDMILL INN, Water End, Great Cressingham [email protected] Twixt Watton and Swaffham IP25 6NN Email:- [email protected] - Web:- www.oldewindmillinn.co.uk www.catersweeps.co.uk Tel:- 01760 756232 Fax: - 01760 756400 / 756407

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