STALHAM NEWS

Issue 78: May/June 2016

Editor: Ray Woolston Published by The Poppy Centre Trust, [email protected] 76-82 High Street, Stalham, NR12 9AS Reg. Charity No: 1108151 Tel: 01692 581775

WALCOTT INDOOR COLLECTORS FLEAMARKETS 2016

For the fourth year running the Poppy Centre Trust has been invited as the local charity to benefit from these collectors fairs. The dates are as follows:

Sunday 15 May 2016 Sunday 19 June 2016 Sunday 17 July 2016 Sunday 21 August 2016

At The Lighthouse Inn, Coast Road, Walcott, NR12 0PE 9.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Admission money to the Poppy Centre Trust, Stalham.

If you would like further information please contact DK Fairs on 01933 311313

CHARITY SHOP The shop has now raised in excess of £255,000 toward the Poppy Centre building project and as advised in earlier editions of Stalham News, this money is continuing with the completion of the building itself. Once done, then the money will start to be saved towards the £80,000 that is still required for the ground source heat pump and bore holes. The building will not be opened without the heating system in place.

POLITE NOTICE Please do not leave donated items outside the shop when it is closed. If it rains they get damaged and we have to put them in our bins, we have also been made aware of items being left but taken by people who might be passing the shop. Please note our opening hours are 0900 – 1600 Monday to Saturday.

If you wish to contribute to our newsletter please write to: Stalham News c/o Poppy Centre Charity Shop, 76-78 High Street, Stalham, Norfolk, NR12 9AS or telephone 01692 581775 or email the editor [email protected]. Copy deadline for the next issue is 25th April.

Car Link Volunteer Drivers needed in your area

Car Link is a partnership between ERS Medical and Voluntary Norfolk, providing non emergency patient transport throughout the majority of the county. Our volunteer drivers provide an essential service, transporting up to one hundred patients to their destination each day. We are looking to recruit new volunteer drivers to join our busy team, and would love to hear from caring, calm and reliable individuals with their own car. As well as drivers to do journeys to hospitals in Norfolk and East Anglia, we are also looking to find volunteers happy to go above and beyond the usual, by taking on early morning appointments, and appointments in London. All expenses are reimbursed, and training is provided. Please call Jules on 01603 883860 or email: [email protected]. If however you would like to book transport for a medical appointment, please call 0333 240 4100 for further information. We are particularly short of drivers in your area, so any support you may be able to give, would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about the service, please do not hesitate to contact me, either by email, or by calling 01603 883860.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU & FOOD BANK

I have been asked to remind anyone who is finding things difficult just now (and it happens to everyone at some time) there is a lady from the Citizens Advice Bureau ready to help or answer questions, at the Stables at the Baptist Chapel in Stalham on FRIDAYS at 1.30 until 3p.m. in the room beside the C.A.B.

You will also find our area FOOD BANK which can give up to five bags of food free, on production of a food voucher . These vouchers can be obtained from the Rev. Simon Lawrence at the Rectory on Campingfield Lane, Stalham or from Rev. R. Skivington, 56 Brumstead Rd. Stalham and Stalham Academy. M.S.

STALHAM CARPETS

PIANO,Carpets, VIOLINVinyls and & KEYBOARDAll Types of Floor LESSONS Covering

Supplied and Fitted.

Samples and Free Estimates

Local Delivery

01692 582951

stalhamcarpets.co.uk

Ringword Competition for THE SWAN INN a £15 Tesco Voucher 90, High Street, Stalham Tel: 01692 582829 Serving Enjoy a drink or traditional meal in the bars or dining area. Extensive all day Menu including Home-made Specials.

Traditional Sunday Lunch 12 – 3 p.m. (Subject to availability)

Senior Citizen Menu served All Day - Every Day Children Welcome

Friday Night Special: 10ozs Cod, Chips & Peas – 2 for £15

Free wi-fi connection Find and ring the following words in grid above and the www.stalhamswan.co.uk missing word and drop in an envelope with your name and address to the Poppy Shop. 1st correct out of the hat wins.

WANTED FOR THE POPPY SHOP

 Second hand furniture (upholstered must be after 1988 and have safety labels)

 Good working order electrical items, including fridges, freezers, etc.  Clothes (any condition) • Books (any condition) • Bric a brac  Basically anything you no longer need, which may be of use to someone else but please good condition – we are not a substitute for the local dump! Even though we are nearer!

Sorry, we do not take Small Electrical Items, Computer Printers or Video Tapes.

To arrange collection of larger pieces please call the shop on 01692 581775 Sometimes we have to decline because of lack of space and it can take up to two weeks as our collectors are all volunteers

ST. MARY’S CHURCH MURRELL CORK FUNERALS OF STALHAM FISH & CHIPS QUIZ NIGHT 34 High Street, Stalham, NR12 9AN Question Master R.H.Jackson

An Independent Family Business Saturday May 21st 7 p.m. Sharp since 1850 upholding traditional CAN YOUR TEAM (of 6) BEAT LAST YEARS? values of respect and dignity £7.50 (VEGGIE OPTION) Tea Coffee The Independent Way (Bring your own Drinks!) – RAFFLE Pre-paid Funeral Plan

RING EMMA 580250 for Tickets Tel: 01692 583392

STREET EVENTS COMMITTEE

After successfully decorating the High Street in time for the Queen’s Birthday, Shakespeare's Anniversary AND St. George's Day, the Street Events Committee has been planning this Summer’s Street Fair. This will take place on SUNDAY MAY 29th from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. and this year as well as favourite regulars, plus Star Wars, The Darlek and the Morris Dancers will be taking part (look out carefully for a very LOCAL personality amongst them). Anyone wishing to have a stall or take part, please contact Esther on 581622.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ST. MARY’S CHURCH

CELEBRATIONS TUESDAY STALL

Well, the day has come and gone, and Don’t forget the annual stalls outside some members of the community were to St. Mary’s Church start on rd be seen stalking the streets of Stalham Tuesday May 3 with the with their cameras. Surprising how much Mothers’ Union Fundraising stall. goes on early in the morning in Stalham! This will be followed a week later on

Tuesday10th May Why not come along to St. Mary's by the weekly stall of cakes, Church on June 11th – 14th and see for savouries, plants, books, yourself (some of) what WAS going on in knick-knacks, fruit and vegetables Stalham, on the Queen’s Birthday!

PLUS refreshments of course! EFJ 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 p.m.

THOMAS FORD MEMORIAL CONCERT

On Friday April 22nd St. Mary’s Church was privileged to play host to a variety of talented musicians in a fundraising concert in memory of three year old Thomas Ford. The concert was well attended by our local community and attracted supporters across the whole age range from toddlers to grannies and grandpas. It helped raise funds for the East Anglia Air Ambulance and the Ford family. The evening was a feast of different musical styles from raunchy hard rock to classical guitar and simple folk songs. Those attending were also able to enjoy a very spirited and well executed performance from some of Stalham’s youngest talented musicians. With refreshments provided by the community and served by Church volunteers this was an evening to remember – an opportunity to witness our community at its best. The evening in Church concluded with a demonstration by personnel from the East Anglia Air Ambulance on how to help youngsters who were choking. After the concert there was an opportunity to partake in further dancing at the Sutton Staithe Hotel. Our thanks to the organisers, the refreshment providers and the talented musicians for giving us all a night to remember.

Message from County Councillor Nigel Dixon

Devolution (Devolving Central Government Responsibilities to Local Government) Devolution is about transferring important powers and decisions about housing, health, transport infrastructure, economic development and other key functions from Central Government to a more local level to help reflect local needs and constraints. You will be aware of media announcements that agreement has been reached to form a new Combined Authority, led by an elected Mayor, covering Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Actually, the only agreement reached so far is for the 20+ Councils of the 3 Counties to continue negotiating a Devolution deal at the request of Central Government. There are several major concerns to be resolved, for example: If this would add another layer of ‘regional’ government then this would add significant cost which would be reflected in higher Council Tax – in my view, another layer wouldn’t be acceptable and is totally unnecessary. A Mayor as the leader would vest too much power and influence in one person, unless there were other constraints in place. Cambridgeshire is a major economic growth area and would have far more influence on spending priorities than Norfolk or Suffolk and could tend to isolate or ignore remote rural areas like North Norfolk. Currently, there’s no clarity over what’s on offer and will the Combined Authority be expected to solve serious problems without the resources and freedom to choose the best solutions? Across the 3 counties there’s great contrast between the prosperous urban and city areas of Cambridge and Peterborough and the relatively deprived rural areas of Norfolk and Suffolk; they have different problems and thus need different remedies. Discussions will continue and the process will take several months. The current timescale suggests there will be a public consultation during July, August or September with the prospect of a Mayor being elected and a new Combined Authority being formed in May 2017. There’s much doubt over whether this will actually happen to form what’s termed the ‘Eastern Powerhouse’. The theory sounds promising but the practice will be much more difficult. The County and District Councils are deeply sceptical and will need much more information before being able to make a recommendation to residents. I will keep you updated on progress as the story unfolds. I welcome your views on these or any other matters which concern you. My contact details are: Tel 783885 or e mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

YET ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY MISSED!!!

If you belong to a Club or Group you could have used this space to advertise who you are, where and when you meet and what you do, which could have resulted in attracting new members.

If you are a business then you could have taken up this space, or some of it, to promote your company. The cost is as little as £25 for a one off 6 cm x 6 cm advert, or less, if you take 6 and we will do the artwork free for you if you wish.

Contact the editor Ray Woolston on 01692 580844 or email: [email protected]

STALHAM IN BLOOM

Stalham in Bloom will be holding its annual PLANT SALE in the TOWN HALL on SATURDAY 14TH MAY. There should be a good selection of tomato plants, various other vegetables and annual and perennial plants and there will be plenty of bargains to be had. If anyone has any spare plants they wish to donate we should be very grateful to sell them for our funds. Please bring them along on the Saturday morning.Refreshments will be available. This is our main fundraiser of the year so please come and support us.

The daffodils along the Brumstead Road and Ingham Road have been looking magnificent again this year but we have noticed some “gaps” which we will be rectifying during the autumn. The hanging baskets and pouches will be going up in the High Street again this year and the planters in the High Street and outside the Library will be planted up. We shall be using ivy leaf geraniums again and the colour scheme is violet and white. Look out for a fantastic display. Many thanks to all the businesses that continue to support our efforts. Our next meeting is on Friday 27th May at 2pm at The Croft, Campingfield Lane. We are a small, friendly group helping to make Stalham a brighter place and new members and offers of help are always welcome. Please contact Flicka Henwood, Chairman on 584298 for more details.

NEW BOOK PROVING VERY POPULAR

Stalham News’ Editor Ray Woolston’s third book about the railway and Stalham Railway Station has been extremely well received It has photographs of all the stations on route from Yarmouth Beach Station to North Walsham’s Town Station. It tells the story of how the railway opened up The Broads and the East Coast to thousands of holidaymakers from all over the country in the 1930s to 1950s and allowed local growers to get their perishable goods to markets all over the country. It is available from the Poppy Centre Shop, Forresters Newsagents or from Ray. It is priced at £7.95 and at least

£1 from each copy sold will go to the Poppy Centre.

Broadland Ink 91 High Street, Stalham, NR12 9BB Tel: 01692 583018 Desktops Tablets from from New & Second User PCs and Laptops £320 at Affordable Prices £115

Canon & Epson Printers Oem & Compatible Printer Inks and Toners

CPUs – MOTHERBOARDS – MEMORY – OPTICAL DRIVES – PSUs – ROUTERS

PC and Laptop Repairs and Upgrade Service

STALHAM COMMUNITY GYM Celebrating 6 years of opening Come and join us! Just drop in for a chat or call Paul on 07910 748111

Stalham Community Gym welcomes new members and meets at Stalham Baptist Church Rooms Monday & Thursdays 9am - 2pm and Tuesday evenings 5 - 8pm. Join today and get your first month FREE Registered Charity No. 1157745

TRIP TO LITTLE THEATRE, SHERINGHAM Robert Stevens is organising a trip to the Little Theatre in Sheringham on Thursday 14th July to see the matinée performance of ‘Shirley Valentine’ the comedy by Willy Russell. This is the first show of the theatre’s summer rep. Lunch at The Hub at the theatre is included and before the show starts Debbie Thompson, the resident director will give a talk about the system of Summer Theatre and how it all works behind the scenes! She will be joined by one of the actors. The cost of the lunch, the talk and the show will be in the region of £28. If anyone would like to join us, please contact me on 01692-583271, 07809156466 or by email [email protected]

Keep-In-Touch

Age Concern North Norfolk runs three Keep-In Touch (or KIT for short) Groups. They are local social groups for the over 55s, where people can meet new friends, learn new skills and get more involved within their local community. The groups are, essentially, coordinated by their own members, and those members can vary in age and circumstances. We have members who are widows, carers, married or single and we are always on the lookout for new members to join any of the groups at any time; many of our members go onto volunteer for our charity with a great range of volunteering opportunities available. The Three groups consist of, in no particular order, The Pop-In Group at Cromer who meet every Friday morning at The Cottage on Lounden Road from 10 a.m. A warm welcome always awaits you here, so go along for a cup of tea/coffee, a chat and make new friends. For more info contact our key volunteer at the Pop-In, Ann, on 01263 761508. Then we have the Voyager KIT who meet at St. Nicholas Room on Vicarage Street in North Walsham; a friendly group that meet every Wednesday from 2 – 4 p.m. The group takes part in various fun activities and offer a great way to meet new friends. For more info contact our key volunteer at the Voyager, Linda, on 07541 795133. Lastly, but by no means least, we have the KIT Club that meet every fortnight in the Community Lounge at Anchor Close in Sheringham from 10am. All our welcome and the next group meeting is on the 9th of May. For more info contact our key volunteer at the KIT Club, Ann, on 01263 761508. We arrange outings, go for lunch, organise activities and trips as well as inviting speakers to all our groups. A talk by the local Arthritis Care coordinator is taking place at our Pop-In on Friday the 17th June.

Just some of the things we have planned for the coming few months include . . .

 A trip to the wonderful Blickling Gardens on the 19th May to see the procession down the drive to commemorate the death of Anne Boleyn.  The fantastic Marsham Hand Bellsvisit the Pop-In on Friday the 20th May  A trip on the train and a lovely meal in the picturesque setting of the riverbank in Norwich is planned for Friday the 3rd of June.  See the amazing animals at the popular Banham Zoo on Thursday the 24th of June.  Learn more about one of the countries most beautiful and iconic landcsapes, the Broads, with our trip to the Broads Museum in Stalham (with optional boat trip) on the 14th of July.  Or Join us for a day in Norwich on the 3rd of August to take a look around the Cathedral and enjoy some of the city’s more hidden delights.

Some of regular events include a pub quiz, held every month at the New Inn at Roughton; our next quiz is on the 26th May. We also organise creative writing workshops, art groups, reminiscence and relaxation sessions, open gardens, tea parties, and poetry reading groups as well as gentle exercise classes in conjunction with Cromer Library. There’s more to Age Concern North Norfolk than what you might think so come on, what are you waiting for, pop-in or give us a call and join one of our clubs TODAY! In fact, why just join one; you are free to join them all if you wish!

Garry’s Platten Pest Control Property Locally Based, Family Run Business, Maintenance Established 1998

Tel: 01692 581823 WASPS, RATS, MICE, MOLES,

Mobile: 07859 048007 RABBITS, SQUIRRELS, etc.

12 Lyndford Road, Stalham, NR12 9BP Commercial, Agricultural & Domestic

Domestic Plumbing · All Types of Tiling • Free Survey • Discreet Service • Fully Insured • Free Quotations Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting · Roofing Royal Society for Public Health in Pest Guttering Repaired & Cleaned · Glazing Management Level 2 Qualification

Please contact us on: Drains Cleared & Installed· Decorating Tel/Fax: 01692 631173 uPVC Fascias, Windows & Doors Mobile: 07711391839

Email: [email protected]

Stalham Town Council News NO JOB TOO SMALL Town Meeting This will be held at the Town Hall on Monday May 16th 2016 from 7 p.m. This year the main item will be a progress report on the Town Trail including the new walk of Stalham leaflet. This is the meeting of the town and is hosted by the Council, come along and meet your councillors, ask questions and find out about the work of the Council.

Skate Park Graffiti Workshop The Town Council commissioned a graffiti artist to run a two day workshop at the skatepark in Stalham. It was held on 29th and 30th March and there was a good turn out of young people and their families. The result is a newly painted skate park.

Town Sign The area around the sign has been cleared as a first step to refurbishing this Town gateway area. It will require further work to makeTel ; it01692 look a real feature, but this will be happening soon. The631173 Town Council will be working with Stalham in Bloom to finish the work.

Open Mornings The Town Council open mornings continue. The Town Hall is open most Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon. Do call in to meet the Councillor on duty and the Clerk. Comments and queries or reporting 07711391839 problems around the Town. You are always welcome.

Contact details for the Town Council: Clerk Susan Wellerd. Tel: 01692 670531 email:[email protected] Address: Flint House. Low Road. Repps With Bastwick. NR29 5AH website: https://stalhamtowncouncil.wordpress.com/

MUSEUM OF THE BROADS CALENDAR 2016

Friday 13 May A Wild Night at the Museum – Wildlife activities for all 4pm – 8pm Free entry and Falcon. North Norfolk Stories/ Museums at Night/ Broads Outdoors Festival. Sun 15 May Boat and Fishing Jumble Sale – Grab a bargain! £1 entry. Part of the Broads Outdoors Festival. 9am – 12pm

Sunday 12 June Broads Steam Day – Celebrate all things steam, including our own steam boat, ‘Falcon’. Sunday 19 June Father’s Day – Accompanied fathers visit the Museum and take a trip on ‘Falcon’ for free – treat your Dad! Sunday 26 June Annual Art Challenge – Open to artists working in any media.

Saturday 09 July Jazz and Beer Evening – Bring friends, chairs and a picnic! Savoir Faire Jazz Trio, Tipples Brewery Beer Tent and Falcon. 6.30 p.m. – 9.30pm Sunday 17 July Toys and Models Day – Nostalgia and fun for all with Falcon.

August ‘Falcon’ Sunday – Friday – Take a river trip daily (except Sats) in August. Sunday 14 August Family Pirates Day – Activities and our Pirate Steam Boat. Dress up and make a day of it! Sunday 21 Aug Tour de Broads – Afternoon drinks stop. Free entry after 1200. Sunday 28 and Mon 29 Aug Barton Regatta ‘Falcon’ trips – Arrive in style to watch the racing on Barton Broad.

Saurday 10 and Sunday 11 Sept Heritage Open Days – Discover the Museum for free! See our website for more details and activities. Thursday 20 – Sunday 30 Oct Hallowe’en Trail – Family fun around the Museum.

‘Falcon‘ runs for all events except Boat Jumble, Shantymen and Art Challenge, and from Tues to Thurs for Trails. See our website for full details.

Don’t miss our 2016 Exhibition, ‘Broadland’s High Streets Through Time’.

WHAT’S ON AT STALHAM LIBRARY

Bounce and Rhyme – Songs and Rhymes for babies, toddlers, parents and carers. Every Thursday 10.30 a.m. –-11 a.m. All families welcome

Chatterbooks – A group for older children and young people on the second Saturday of every month. Come and talk about books you’ve read and hear about books you might like to read! 11a.m. -12 p.m.

Stalham Library Book Group – Join us at 6.15 p.m. on the 1st Thursday of every month.

Scrabble Group – Join us for a friendly game on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at 2 p. m.

Get Crafty – Come along to our group on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month and share your crafty skills with others- don’t forget to bring your latest project! 11 -12.30 p.m.

STALHAM SPORTS CENTRE

Available for hire: Every Weekday Evening from 6 pm to 10 pm and at Weekends and School Holidays from 9 am to 8 pm. Our sports facilities at The High School are available for hire all year round by Clubs, Organisations and Private Hire Groups.

Sports facilities

A 32m x 17m sports hall – you can hire for football, basketball, roller skating, martial arts and more. £25 per hour.

A floodlit artificial grass pitch – the five-a-side football pitch is perfect for football training or casual games. £25 per hour.

Four floodlit hard tennis courts with racket and ball hire. £2.50 per person per hour

Four badminton courts for casual and club players. £10 per court per hour.

To Book: To find out more or to book just call 01692 580864 or go to our Facebook page: facebook.com/stalhamsportscentre

BIG SCREEN CINEMA at Stalham Town Hall

Films coming up!

th ‘Imitation Game’ 12 Friday May 6 During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians.

‘Lady in the Van’ 12 Friday June 3rd A man forms an unexpected bond with a Transient woman living in her van that's parked in his driveway.

‘The Theory of Everything’ 12 Friday July 1st Little was expected from Stephen Hawking, a bright but shiftless student of cosmology, given just two years to live following the diagnosis of a fatal illness at 21 years of age. He became galvanized, however, by the love of fellow Cambridge student, Jane Wilde, and he went on to be called the successor to Einstein, as well as a husband and father to their three children.

‘Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ P.G. Friday August 1st As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals. Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel. Doors Open 6.30 p.m. Film Starts at 7.00 p.m. £4 Donation FREE REFRESHMENTS Phone: Elizabeth F. Jackson 581389

Norfolk Wherry Brass

Norfolk Wherry Brass Band holds its first concert of the year with the theme ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes’, at St Mary’s Church, Stalham at 7.30 pm on Saturday 14th May.

Tickets £7.00 (under 16’s £1.00) will be available on the door

or at Century Printing, 132 High Street Stalham.

The programme of music for the evening will include several Marches and Popular Tunes from around the world many of which are new to the band.

The band will hold a raffle and refreshments provided by church staff will be available.Stalham & District Horticultural Society

On Saturday 9th April, Stalham & District Horticultural Society held their Annual Spring Show in the Main Hall at Stalham High School. “Wow” seemed to be the usual expression when people entered the Show and saw the Hall was ablaze with colour from the 40 plus daffodil and tulip classes, pot plants, cut flowers and 25 separate flower arrangements. Brian Cogan had an exceptional show winning 4 major Awards including The Peoples’ Choice Award (voted for by the public) for his stunning orange & apricot coloured daffodils called Ambergate. Joanna Berry was on fine form again winning several classes & finished as Runner Up to Brian for Most Points in Show. It was good to see a wide range of class winners including Tim Taylor, Molly Jolly, Valerie Dixon, Terry Smith, Susan Carter, Roger Newman, Frances Brunning, Ricky Prager and Margaret Waite. A mention also goes to first time entrant Jenny Cholerton who made an exceptional teddy bear which won her Best in Section & Best in Show Non Horticulture plus the heart of the judge who wanted to take him home with her! A vote of thanks must go to all the people who gave up their time to make the Show possible and to all the individuals & local businesses who gave raffle and tombola prizes. Thanks also to Alan Gray who was a welcome guest. The Autumn Show will be held in the same venue on Saturday 3rd September with free entry and open to the public from 2.00 p.m. For further details and photographs of the Spring Show please see our website: www.stalhamhorticultural.co.uk Inter Society Quiz – between Lessingham, Plumstead & Stalham to be held at St Davids Church Hall in Thorpe, on Wednesday 2nd May, 7.30 p.m. start.

Lecture entitled – “Bressingham Gardens” by Jamie Blake to be held in the “Refectory” at Stalham Academy School on Friday 20th May, 7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start. Raffle and refreshments. Entrance via Ingham Road.

Lecture entitled – “The Plantation Garden” by Lesley Cunneen to be held in the “Refectory” at Stalham Academy School on Friday 17th June, 7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start. Raffle and refreshments. Entrance via Ingham Road.