December 2020 / January 2021

Bi-monthly £4 per year minimum donation 2

Ashwellthorpe David Turner 01508 489458 Woodman’s Lodge, The Street, Ashwellthorpe NR16 1HD Margaret Webster 01953 788114 St Edmunds The Old Trowel & Hammer, Tabernacle Lane, Forncett St Peter NR16 1LE Forncett Graham Prior 01508 481856 St Mary Church Cottage, Low Road, Forncett St Mary NR16 1JG Forncett Gillian Barnes 01508 813055 St Peter Southgate Lodge, Station Road, Forncett St Peter NR16 1HZ Fundenhall Dianne Burridge 01603 812312 Hurn Bungalow, Norwich Road,

Hethersett, Norwich

Carol Eastwood 01508 488381 Whipps Farmhouse, Whipps Lane, Fundenhall NR16 1DT Hapton Quinton Spratt 01508 489471 Homestead Farm, Chequers Hill, Forncett St Mary NR16 1JP Tacolneston Beverley Spratt 01508 489746 Lakes Farm, Hall Road, Tacolneston NR16 1DN Wreningham Christine Minns 01508 488123 High Gables, Church Road, Wreningham NR16 1BH 2 3

December 2020 / January 2021

Revd Lydia Avery, Priest-in-Charge The Rectory, 16 The Fields, Tacolneston NR16 1DG

Tel: 01953 788227 Email: [email protected] Administrator Christine Minns 01508 488123 & Treasurer High Gables, Church Road, Wreningham, NR16 1BH email: [email protected]

Reader & John Hooper 01508 489050 Safeguarding [email protected]

Pastoral Care Margaret Styles 01508 489112 Co-ordinator 6 Greenwood Close, Ashwellthorpe, NR16 1HB

Cover photo: A Stained Glass Nativity Scene created by Chris Seago on display at the 2019 Fundenhall Christmas Tree Festival 3 4

Well 2020 is almost over and 2021 is waiting in the wings. This year is, definitely, going– no recounting of votes needed! 2020 has demanded much of us all, personally, as a community and as a nation – and I suspect that it has been the most challenging most, if not all, of us have ever faced. Isn’t it extraordinary to think that last December we were only just beginning to hear about coronavirus/Covid-19? We certainly had no idea it would impact on our lives to this extent! From the end of March, new words and phrases entered our language - Zoom, ‘you’re muted’, ‘social distancing’, ‘test and trace’ to name but a few; and banana bread and Joe Wicks were added to our culinary skills and exercise regimes. New ways of behaviour also arrived – gone for the moment were handshakes, hugs and chatting in a huddle, to be replaced by elbow bumps and face masks, and leaping into the road to maintain safe space! This year, we missed a lot of planned events, holidays, and reunions; and planned celebrations were cancelled too. Families were not able to be together and visits to see loved ones in hospital and nursing homes have been severely curtailed. Most important of all, this year many thousands of people have died of Covid-19 and other reasons, and in almost every case the goodbyes we would have said were not possible in the way we would have said them. It has been very tough. Yet, we have helped one another dig deep for the resilience needed to get through two lockdowns and all the 5

ongoing restrictions. We have seen new, unexpectedly wonderful things in family, friends and strangers. We had a marvellous spring and summer and beautiful autumn and began to reconnect with the natural world around us, noticing small things perhaps for the first time. Bears, Rainbows and, in Tacolneston, a Pumpkin trail have helped to cheer us up. There has been tremendous kindness and so many people ‘going the extra mile’. Through all these simple things and more we have been blessed - often when we’ve most needed it. And now? Well we are on the brink of a new year – and the work of amazing scientists gives us hope that, though the virus is still with us, we may be able to live more safely and more normally with it. Just as we’ve so longed to do. There is more hope too! At this time of year at church you will hear the beginning of John’s gospel. It speaks of the appearance of a small, bright light in darkness in the birth of a child who would change the world for all time. Try as it might the darkness did not, and cannot, overcome the Light. It brings hope for us all – and this is the same now as it ever has been and ever will be. Have a peace-filled Christmas and 2021 With love Lydia Avery

If there is another period of lockdown, all of our services will once more move onto Zoom. Wherever a service is being live-streamed it is also accessible by phone. For the phone number and Zoom Service joining code please contact [email protected] or ring 01953 788227. For further service updates follow us on facebook.com/utvbenefice or look at our church noticeboards or on the Upper Tas Valley Benefice pages of achurchnearyou.org 6

Diane and Jason North who were married at All Saints, Ashwellthorpe th on 26 September

Nigel Copeman whose funeral took place at St Margaret’s Church, Hapton on 6th October

Michael Butcher whose funeral took place at All Saints Church, Wreningham on the 8th October

David Squires whose ashes were interred at All Saints Church, Wreningham on the 24th October

Barbara Sanders whose funeral took place at St Faith’s Crematorium on 6th November

David Fairman whose funeral concluded at All Saints Church, Wreningham on the 9th November And to all those approaching the anniversary of the death of someone they continue to love Sadly, due to the need to maintain cleaning and social distancing to ensure the churches are COVID Secure, not all of the churches in our group are currently open. To find out what’s open and when, please see elsewhere in this magazine. However, although things are not ‘normal’ right now, we’re still here to listen and to help if we can. Whether it be end of life support, a Home Communion, booking a Christening, Wedding, or Marriage blessing, discussing what you need to do to arrange a Funeral or Memorial Service, in the Upper Tas Valley Benefice please contact Revd Lydia Avery on 01953 788227 or via email [email protected] 7

Marriage of Diane and Jason North at All Saints, Ashwellthorpe on 26th September The Big Doorstep Carol Sing Sunday 6pm from 29th November to 20th December

For accompaniment by an organist and choir from home, ring 0203 966 3809 or 0203 695 0088. The joining code is 893-1281-8160 and the password is 059659. You can also join in by computer, iPad or smartphone - go to Zoom and add the same codes.

Carol words (included with the Benefice Christmas Card) are from The Bethlehem Carol Sheet by “Embrace The Middle East” 8

Photos: Ben Langley & John Webster An alfresco remembrance service was well attended on Sundayth 8 November at Tacolneston Church. It was a fresh and sunny morning, with perfect weather, to find a distanced spot by the War Memorial and hear Priest In Charge Lydia Avery's words and readings. Margaret Styles read the names of the fallen for Ashwellthorpe and Wreningham, Brian Thrift for Forncett, Mark Holmes for Fundenhall and Quinton Spratt for Hapton. Parish Council Chairman, Bob McLenning, read the names for Tacolneston and laid the wreath. Mark Holmes recited his poem 'The Tacolneston Boys'. A poignant moment felt by all at this historic socially distanced service of 2020, left one wondering if there was a similarly masked congregation on this day in 1918? Nevertheless, people gathered and the fallen were remembered. Recent news of Tacolneston War Memorial being listed as one of several grade II epitaphs in has much delighted us all - including Churchwarden Beverley Spratt who said "It's a wonderful thing for our village." Ben Langley 9

2020 has been an annus horribilis in all aspects of life affecting everyone in one way or another and the life of our church has not escaped this terrible intrusion called Covid-19 into not only our way of life but the life of our churches, with most being closed almost throughout the year and the few that have been able to open not being able to allow singing which I am sure most of us agree is the main ingredient to bring so much joy to our services. Many people commuting through our little churchyard walking dogs, or just passing through to get some exercise, and must be pleased the way this little corner of Hapton has been kept open.

We have recently celebrated the life of Mr N. Copeland who moved away, many years ago, but returned to be with his close relatives in the church- yard - and their connection with Hapton Hall and the Read family who lived there for many years. Wherever we may travel, our roots can pull us back. 2020 will certainly stay in all our memories for all the wrong reasons not only for corona virus but for losing people we older folk have been brought up with such as Sean Connery, Bobby Ball, Des O Connor, Kirk Douglas to name but a few. Not to mention relatives and friends closer to home whom we have lost, some very close to us, unexpectedly with the virus, and other illnesses. Our hearts and prayers go out to all these people. Christmas is a time of returning home to families. It is also a time for considering the future. We are all looking forward to a brighter future, the freedom that comes with it, and an end to this dreadful pandemic. Finally, a big thankyou to our volunteers who clean the church and keep the churchyard in such a welcoming condition, our PCC who work so hard to keep the ship running smoothly and our captain Revd Lydia and husband Chris. Wishing you all the best Christmas and a very happy and peaceful New Year Quinton Spratt - Churchwarden 10

Fundenhall St Nicholas

The front cover of this magazine features a lovely photograph of the Stained glass Nativity Scene made by Chris Seago a member of the St Nicholas Stained glass group. This is particularly relevant to publicise that we are planning to have a large Nativity scene installed in the Porch . This will be opened for viewing on Sunday 13th December until Sunday 3rd Jan. It will be open from 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday afternoons and all day ie 10am to 6pm at the weekend. Having this viewable from the outside means that you can visit even when the church is closed. Making time to get outdoors and enjoy a bit of fresh air is being encouraged even during lockdown, so this could just be the extra incentive to come and remember what Christmas is really about. Sadly we are unable to host the tree festival this year, but we will have our Memory tree in the churchyard so you can also add your special thoughts for a loved one onto the tree using one of the waterproof tags. These will also be snow proof, just in case we are lucky enough to have a white Christmas ! St Nicholas will be part of the Benefice Winter service programme, starting on Sunday 13th with a communion service at 10.30am. We are also scheduled to have the morning service on Christmas Day, starting at 10am - a little earlier to ensure everyone has time to get home for their Christmas lunch. The services will also be recorded and streamed on Zoom, so everyone can join in, even if you are unfortunate and have to stay in isolation. The full timetable showing the regular Benefice services is up on the notice board. Community activities continue to be restricted by the Covid guidelines, but we are planning to resume with a simplified Community breakfast on Sunday January 3rd following whatever guidelines are in place at the time. 11

The promising news about the discovery of several effective Covid vaccines in such a short time is a modern “miracle”. 2020 has been a difficult year for so many people and this may just be the breakthrough we need to all look forward to 2021 with hope.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas and a better New Year.

Forncett St Edmund In Memory of Tom Neal

It is now almost a year since Tom Neal died in Harker House nursing home at Long Stratton. A suggestion was made to install a wooden bench seat at St Edmund’s meadow in his memory. Plans conforming to the requirements of the PCC have now been drawn up to make this a reality. Funding for the bench will be by voluntary donations. Anyone wishing to donate towards the purchase and installation of the bench should do so by cheque made out to ‘Upper Tas Valley All Saints PCC’ with ‘Tom Neal’ written on the back and enclosed in an envelope; this should be delivered to ‘The Old Trowel & Hammer’ Tabernacle Lane.

Floral Activities Although matters have been on hold we have been modestly busy. We have planted over 100 mixed daffodil bulbs in the Meadow this autumn and hope that the sight of hosts of nodding golden daffodils will provide passers-by with good cheer in the Spring and herald less troubled times. We have heard from Philip and Sonia that they have sown yellow rattle seeds to add to the wild flower profile. Thank you so much!

John and Margaret Webster 12

Forncett St Mary’s Church

Remembrance Day Photo: John Webster Work has been going on at St Mary’s to install 4G Wi Fi equipment. This will hopefully enable Lydia and other clergy to broadcast live services via Zoom.

A few people gathered at St Mary’s and St Peter’s memorials on Remembrance Sunday for two minutes silence and laying wreaths, after the main service at Tacolneston. We hope some services will be able to resume at St Mary’s in December if lockdown restrictions are eased, and we may be able to start planning a few events for next year. Graham Prior - Churchwarden

If you are unwell or unable to come to church but would like to receive a phone call, or if COVID restrictions allow, a visit from one of the Benefice Pastoral Care Team, please contact Margaret Styles, Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, on 01508 489112 and she will be very happy to arrange this for you. 13

Wreningham All Saints

The exposed top of

the East Wall at Wreningham church Work on the East Wall should have been completed by 13th November, at the latest. Unfortunately, it was decided that the amount of movement in the wall is greater than at first thought and a structural engineer had to be called in to assess and recommend what work is necessary. We now know that most of the wall above window level will have to be taken down and rebuilt, which will result in further instructions from the architect and a revised quote from the builder. It is unlikely that work will begin again before early 2021 and will be subject to funds being available and a faculty rather than the existing“ route B” permission. During the time when the church is closed there will still be a “Foodbank” collection point in Wreningham. This is in my porch at High Gables, Church Road and hand sanitiser is available. This time last year, nobody could have guessed what 2020 would bring. All we can do is hope that 2021 will offer a better year as we face a new “normal” whatever that is going to look like. In the meantime, we wish every one of you a healthy and peaceful time this Christmas Stay Safe. Christine Minns - Churchwarden 14

FROM THE RECTORY KITCHEN

Left-overs Gratin

A while ago, Lydia was away on a course, and I was looking for inspiration for my supper. Well, the weekend had provided me with some left-overs. I had a couple of rashers of smoked bacon (thick-cut as I remember it), some boiled potatoes and some cauliflower and purple sprouting broccoli. So, this is what I did. I cut the bacon into 1cm wide strips, sautéed it with a chopped onion, and the potatoes cut into quite small cubes. As they were starting to brown, I threw in the cauliflower and broccoli (also in smallish chunks) and got it all nicely mixed in together. I cheated a tad for the next bit, and made up a packet of cheese sauce, but made it a bit runnier than normal. I put the bacon/veg mixture into a gratin dish, poured the cheese sauce over it, sprinkled some breadcrumbs on top, and put it in the oven at 180 degrees for about half an hour. I have to say, it was rather good! If you’ve got some pigs in blankets, brussels and roasties left-over, I think you could have an interesting Boxing Day variation! Keep well. Chris Avery St Peter’s, Forncett It was encouraging to look back on the first year of the Friends of St Peter’s at our recent ‘virtual’ AGM and realise what had been achieved despite the challenges of this difficult year. We are very much hoping that St Peter’s will re-open for private prayer in December as we await the outcome of our insurance claim for the plaster repair. We are also waiting anxiously for the result of our application to Heritage ’s Covid-19 Heritage at Risk Fund as it would enable us to carry out the various surveys and investigations that form the ‘development’ stage of the restoration project. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced it is -re opening for new 15

applications in February, so at last we can prepare to apply for Lottery funding towards the restoration project after a delay of almost a year.

Forncett St Peter

2020 Christmas Cards - on sale, now We were delighted when St Peter’s Facebook page was launched in November (see related article) together with a Just Giving page justgiv- ing.com/campaign/savestpeters and we have already received several generous donations via Just Giving. There have now been two very successful ‘socially distanced’ Saturday markets held in my garage and drive, and they have provided a welcome boost to funds as well as an enjoyable opportunity to see friends at a distance while buying delicious cakes, jams and other goodies. The November market had to be cancelled due to the second lockdown, but – current restrictions permitting - we hope to hold a Christmas market on Saturday December 12th from 10am to 12 noon in the Village Hall. We will be selling Christmas cakes and puddings, and Christmas cards in aid of St Peter’s, kindly designed by members of the Forncett Art group. Cakes, puddings and cards can also be ordered and delivered. For more information about the December Saturday market, or to place an order, please contact me or April Carlin [email protected] 01953 788775 Our Committee and -sub committees continue to meet monthly by Zoom, but we look forward to the happy day when we can meet again in person, and when we can worship in all our churches once more. Meanwhile, keep safe and well Gillian Barnes - Churchwarden 16

Lydia

broadcasting a Zoom service from Forncett St Mary church

In the summer, Lydia invited anyone interested in joining a tech team to come forward. From this, a team consisting of Chris Avery, Carol and Chris Eastwood, John Hooper, David Kirk, Christine Minns, Gill Smith and myself was formed and, chaired by Lydia, has been meeting over Zoom ever since. We have been looking at different ways of using modern technology to broadcast and record services and other events. After several meetings and researching what other churches were doing and what was possible for our villages in terms of signal strength and broadband availability and cost, we researched what equipment we could buy to do the job on a limited budget.

Bob Smith “at the Zoom controls” in

Forncett St Mary church Photo: Gill Smith At St Mary's Forncett, Graham Prior has had a 4G Wi-Fi router installed, and as a result of a kind donation we have been able to purchase a 4G- Mi Fi (mobile router) for use anywhere in the Benefice that has a strong enough 17

signal, and a streaming camera with stand and a laptop. This will mean that we can live stream services from church via Zoom or record services so that the whole congregation can worship together, either physically or through Zoom. The laptop will enable us to project the notices, news, and text of the service sheets onto a screen in the churches or via zoom, enabling a reduction on Benefice printing costs. From December the plan is to start streaming our live services via Zoom alternating between Forncett St Mary and Fundenhall churches. Bob Smith

You are invited to a special Carol Service at Zoom Church in the comfort of your own home! on Saturday December 19th at 6pm

Zoom church by phone: 0203 966 3809 or 0203 695 0088 followed by the Zoom code To get into Zoom church by iPad, Smartphone or computer ring 01953 788227 or email [email protected] before 19th December 18

December and January Services Sunday 6th December (Advent 2) 10.30am Holy Communion – St Mary’s Forncett St Mary and live-streamed on Zoom. 6pm The Big Doorstep Carol Sing

Thursday 10th December 9.30am Holy Communion – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe (if in lockdown, on Zoom) 6.30pm ‘A Blue Christmas’ Service – St Mary’s Forncett St Mary and live-streamed on Zoom

Sunday 13th December (Advent 3) 10.30am Holy Communion – St Nicholas’ Fundenhall and live-streamed on Zoom 6pm The Big Doorstep Carol Sing

Thursday 17th December 9.30am Holy Communion – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe (if in lockdown on Zoom) Saturday 19th December 2.30pm Messy Church in a Bag – on Zoom (an afternoon of Christmas Activities) 6pm Lessons and Carols on Zoom

Sunday 20th December 10.30am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Forncett St Mary and live-streamed on Zoom 6pm The Big Doorstep Carol Sing

Christmas Eve 9.30am Holy Communion – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe 6.30pm ‘An Early Midnight’ Holy Communion, All Saints, Tacolneston

Christmas Day 10am A Christmas Service - St Nicholas, Fundenhall and live-streamed on Zoom

18 19

th Sunday 27 December 10.30am Holy Communion - St Mary’s, Forncett St Mary and live-streamed on Zoom

Thursday 31st December 9.30 The Last Holy Communion of 2020 – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe

Sunday 3rd January – Epiphany 10.30am Holy Communion – St Nicholas, Fundenhall and live-streamed on Zoom

Thursday 7th January 9.30am Holy Communion – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe

Sunday 10th January – Baptism of Christ 10.30am Holy Communion – St Mary’s, Forncett St Mary and live-streamed on Zoom

Thursday 14th January 9.30am Holy Communion – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe

Sunday 17th January – Epiphany 2 10.30am Holy Communion – St Nicholas, Fundenhall and live-streamed on Zoom

Thursday 21st January 9.30am Holy Communion – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe

Sunday 24th January– Epiphany 3 10.30am Holy Communion – St Mary’s, Forncett St Mary and live-streamed on Zoom Thursday 27th January 9.30am Holy Communion – All Saints, Ashwellthorpe

Sunday 31st January – Candlemas (the end of Christmas) 10.30am Holy Communion – St Nicholas, Fundenhall and live-streamed on Zoom

For Zoom codes / tel nos. contact: 01953 788227 or [email protected]

19 20

During the Covid-19 restrictions our church services and activities are being offered in a different way. There are measures in place in the churches to keep visitors and congregation members as safe as possible - everyone is asked to follow them. Service / Activity Time / Place Morning Prayer 9.30am (for 20 minutes) Monday – Wednesday – on Zoom (online and by phone) Holy Communion Thursday 9.30am at All Saints, Ashwellthorpe (on Zoom if locked down) Holy Communion Sunday 10.30am in Church and on Zoom (online & by phone) 1st & 3rd week of the month – St Nicholas’s Fundenhall 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month – St Mary’s, Forncett St Mary During December and January, technology willing, we will be livestreaming the church- based service on Zoom Private Prayer 10am-3pm Saturday – All Saints, Tacolneston Private Prayer 10am-3pm on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month – St Nicholas, Fundenhall Private Prayer 10am-3pm on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month – St Mary’s, Forncett St Mary If you would like to participate in any of the above, you will be extremely welcome. Just get in touch for the simple joining instructions for Zoom services and activities 01953 788227 or [email protected] Please note that Christmas Services and activities appear on the previous pages. Up to date with services, events, and developments can be found on the Upper Tas Valley Benefice Pages on: www.achurchnearyou.org 21

One of the things that has arisen from the newly formed Tech Team is the re-launch of a Facebook Page for the Benefice. This was thought to be especially beneficial during this period of lockdown when the outreach of the church is restricted by Covid-19, and I am very happy to become the administrator of the new site, which I’ll monitor daily. It was wonderful to be able to launch the new site with the delightful pictures of God provided by Year 1 of Tacolneston School following an assembly led by Lydia. Do have a look at them if you haven’t already seen them. They are rich with childlike insight into the greatness of God. Do look, too, at the short video of the Harvest Assembly also from the children of Robins Class at Tacolneston. It will warm the cockles of your heart! The site can be reached by typing “@UTVBenefice/” into a Facebook search. My aim is to make a daily post which will give information, updates, forthcoming events, and news about just-held events too. I hope it will help us all to stay connected with our churches in this time of lockdown and into the future. It is of course interactive, and comments and conversations are welcome. Comments made will go into a pending file so that they can be monitored before they go live, enabling us to protect our site from any unkindness that may be lurking out there. Please “Like” and “Follow” the site, and invite your friends to visit, like and follow too. It will help the news of our lovely churches and what happens in them, our church family and our friendship and prayer to spread.

With thanks for your support. Gill Smith 22

The staff and I have been considering lately just how fortunate we have been through this latest lockdown compared to many others we know since we find little has changed for us this time round. While we can cometo work and be alongside - as safely distanced as possible - our young charges at learning and play, others are, once again, stuck at home seeing, in some cases, nobody for days on end. It’s a very difficult time for many people in our community and, if this is the situation you find yourself in, we want you to know that we do think of you and remember you in our school thoughts and prayers. The children have been amazingly resilient and accepting of all the new rules such as remaining in their class bubbles and having to wash their hands so very often. They are obviously delighted to be in school with their friends and we are very happy to have the place full and buzzing again. The virus has meant that we have had to approach things a bit differently and on 11th November, Rev’d Lydia held a ‘Zoom’ Remembrance Collective Worship session for us, where each class joined up and we could all see one another on our big screens. There was a real sense of community and occasion and the children did themselves proud by keeping the silence beautifully. Following the Zoom, the Year 6 children walked quietly over to the war memorial and stood there respectfully, remembering all Lydia had told them. They read the names listed and thought about those who had given their lives for their country. One child described the experience as being ‘somewhat poignant’ which thrilled their teacher, since she had been teaching the children the word poignant that week and not only did it show the child could recall it, but that they had matched their emotional response to standing by the memorial, to the meaning of the word so accurately. There followed a long discussion about wars, peace, rights, wrongs and forgiveness. A lot of powerful learning from one act of Remembrance! On Friday 13th the children and staff came to school in fancy dress to raise 23

funds for Children in Need and much enjoyment was had in the bubbles with a fun-run for each class in turn. As I write, I am now sitting wearing odd socks as all the children and staff have done too today! This is to mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week and show our solidarity at standing united against all forms of bullying. The children will be engaging in all manner of learning surrounding this important theme over the week. So you can see that we are trying to continue with as ‘near to normal’ school life as we can to give the children the best experience possible through these uncertain times. We hope that you will all be able to find pockets of joy too, and we look forward to a time when we can open our doors to you all again for face-to-face events. My best wishes to you all, Judith Blue Christmas Service If you’d like to mark Christmas in a quieter way… and to rediscover the comfort and joy it promises …

Thursday 10th December 6.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Forncett St Mary - and live-streamed on Zoom Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are limited to 30 people so this is a ticket only service. To book your place or get the Zoom codes: please phone: 01953 788227 or email: [email protected] 24

Friends of St Peter’s launch a Facebook page!

Join us as an invaluable link in our 1,000-year-old chain and find out more about this significant local historical landmark. Follow our fundraising progress to help save the church and learn a wealth of information about the Church and the village. You will find a steady stream of interesting posts to pepper your interest: From wildlife to Wordsworth (he stayed in the village with his uncle and sister), to a mysterious door which leads apparently nowhere, to the view of Phillip Larkin after he visited, to the art of wood carvers and the construction of the tower which includes Roman bricks amongst its architecture along with other exciting and intriguing nuggets of history. Please visit, like and share our newly created Friends of St Peters Forncett Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-St-Peters-Forncett-110315917539

Our 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon building, rich in history, is now threatened by its age and the elements. Join us to save St Peters Church - the finest example of a Saxon round tower in the country and a centre of village life for over 1,000 years. With critical repairs and new community facilities, it will grow into a thriving community hub for the village. We need to raise £50,000 to apply for a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant. The total work requires almost £750,000 and will take three years to complete. 25

NATIVITY BEARS IN A WINDOW – making people happy this Christmas! We’re not able to have our teddy bear Nativity Service this year – so, instead, let’s do something to spread happiness amongst our teddies and our villages. To join in, please dress your teddy bear as someone from the story of Jesus’ birth and put it in a window for people to see, enjoy and feel part of at this very special time of the year!

Maybe it’s because……….

Here’s another handful. Just like the proverbial Number 11 buses – nothing, then a bunch come along together. There is a scientific explanation of why that happens, but I won’t bore you! 1. St Pancras Station not only, at one time, had the widest single span roof anywhere in the world, but it had a huge basement. Why? 2. Still with St Pancras, which poet has a statue on the concourse? 3. Where was the Marble Arch before it was at, well, Marble Arch? 4. Where and what was The Clink? 5. In the middle of Southampton Row there is, what looks like, the en- trance to a very tatty car park. What is it? 6. When there is a flypast down The Mall. How do they line themselves up properly so they fly straight down The Mall, and over Buckingham Palace?

Chris Avery - answers on page 31 26

The children have all returned back from their half term holiday with their continued enthusiasm and passion for learning as before. They continue to adapt to the increased ventilation and are getting used to wrapping up well! Despite the new restrictions that have come into place we are working hard to be creative in coming up with ways to try and continue with a new nor- mal. This year we still collected food donations (isolated for 72 hours) and a really big thank you to everyone who donated the wonderful array of tins and packets for the Waveney Foodbank. It was wonderful to see such a practical expression of the Values for Life - Thankfulness, Generosity and Compassion - that these Harvest gifts represent, and which are clearly shared by family members. We will be continuing with these themes by wearing red, white and blue to raise money for Children In Need. We had our remembrance service this year in bubbles where the children showed compassion and humility. We are starting to plan Christmas activities and have an online pantomime booked with some other exciting things planned and we continue to work closely with the Friends to enable these things to happen. Our theme for this half term is ‘Friendship’ and the children do us all proud with their continued positive attitude and willingness to help each other. We have put some information on our website for anyone who is due to start school in September 2021 and at the moment we are unable to offer visits. If you would like more information about our school, please contact Mrs McGarr: 01508 489395 or [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

The school has been busy and successful since re-opening this autumn term. Although we are all living through a very difficult time, we have found 27

our school parents and families have supported the school, and the measures we have put in place, so well since September. The children have adapted remarkably well to the changed rules and new measures, arrangements that include staggering parent drop off and pick-up times, wearing face masks, ensuring children in different class 'bubbles' remain apart throughout the day, encouraging good hand hygiene and other safety measures in place in school, all helping to keep our children, families and staff safe. All of this requires considerable effort from my staff and it is good to thank them publicly. Finally, the school held a Harvest service online, led by the Revd Lydia, and we received a very generous amount of food donations that were given to the charity Trussel Trust: 'Filling the Gap'. The food will be made up into parcels for distribution around Norfolk. R Jones MA, Headteacher

Hearing Aid Van The mobile clinics are currently on an appointments basis only. The exact address for each mobile clinic will be provided at the time of making the appointment. Tel: 01603 404440

More details at: www.norfolkdeaf.org.uk

Should we be unable to print future magazines due to further lockdowns or restrictions, you can find them by going to the achurchnearyou.com website and visit the “News and notices” page for your local church. Normally the magazine is published on the website several weeks after the paper copy is distributed. When recent printing of the magazine has not been possible, the online version has been made available from the very beginning of the two month period. 28

'A reflection on Remembrance towards the end of a year of pandemic’

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic it is a challenge, on this Remembrance Sunday, to share how God is working out His plan for us, as individuals, in our communities, our nation and the world. Jeremiah Ch 29 speaks of the plans God has for us, plans for our good and to give us a future with hope. In faith we believe that God will lead us through our present troubles. It is right that we should remember those who in both world wars and many conflicts since, have laid down their lives to enable us to live in safety. But remembrance is not just about the past. For those sacrifices to have meaning, remembrance must be rooted in both the present and the future. Jews remember their deliverance from Egypt, Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross shaping how we live in the present and in the future. The sacrifice of the fallen and those scarred physically and mentally for life should affect us likewise. I belong to a privileged generation which, apart from those serving in the professional army in places including the Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq whose sacrifices we also remember, has not had to directly face the consequences of a country at war. Now in 2020, the year in which we have marked the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ days, we are facing a very different kind of war against an unseen killer, the coronavirus. Comparisons have been drawn with life in war-time Britain – travel, food shortages, fear and sacrifice to name a few. Whilst what we have faced and continue to face is a long way short of being shelled in a WW1 trench, the trauma experienced by the friends and families of those who have died as a result of the virus is no less than the loss of a loved one through the ravages of war. Often asked in times of war is, “where is God in all of this?” Physical 29

warfare is but the outworking of something much deeper. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Such is our human condition; we are who we are; human beings created by God with a “freedom of choice”. In Thessalonians, Paul writes: We do not want you to be uninformed, …, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. Where is this hope to be found? In times of war we glimpse hope in the un-paralleled acts of bravery, in the risks taken by ordinary folk hiding soldiers on the run. In the current pandemic we see a marked change in how we relate to one another and the many initiatives to help each other. And there is that iconic vision of hope, Captain Tom who on 6 April 2020, at the age of 99, walking round his garden raising in excess of £30m for NHS Charities. But most of all we have hope through our faith in Jesus Christ and in commemorating the fallen, in particular those recently named, we rejoice in the hope that their sacrifice has given us, hope root- ed in our faith. Some see the current pandemic as evidence of the signs of the last times. However in Matthew 25:11 Jesus makes it clear that we do not know when that time will be saying: Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. That suggests that we are to live life to the full day by day, supported by the hope our faith gives us, guided by our faith and hopefully able to claim “A Life well Lived”. And for all the fallen, all those who have sought to defend freedom and to bring comfort to the poor and oppressed in their honour I would claim for them an epitaph amongst others of “A Life Well Lived”.

John Hooper 30

Introducing this year’s Advent Course … beginning Wednesday 2nd December ‘To Live Again’ by Sheila Jacob

based on and inspired by the classic Christmas film ‘It’s a wonderful Life!’ Four Wednesdays – 10.30am and repeated at 7.30pm on Zoom

Participants need to have seen ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ recently. For the Zoom Code and other information: [email protected] or 01953 788227 31

Maybe it’s because ……. The answers - Chris Avery 1. The cellars under St Pancras Station were used to store and condition beer from Burton-on-Trent, which is on the old Midland Railway main line. 2. It’s Sir John Betjeman. 3. Marble Arch, designed by John Nash, was once the ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace. It was moved to its present site in 1851, and stands very close to the site of the old Tyburn Prison. 4. The Clink was a prison in Southwark from the 12th Century until 1780. The delightfully onomatopoeic name is perfect for a prison, and Clink Street today marks the spot. 5. It’s the entrance to the old Kingsway Tram Tunnel, which connected the tram routes on Victoria Embankment with Theobalds Road and North . You can still just see the rails in the grime that now fills the setts. 6. There is a water tower at Ramsden Heath in Essex, near Billericay, that is exactly in line with The Mall on a certain bearing. When Lydia and I lived there, it was just around the corner from our house, and we saw all the fly-pasts just before they came on the television!!!

The eight churches of the Upper Tas Valley Benefice take the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously. The two PCCs have both adopted the Norwich Diocese Safeguarding policy and it is reviewed annually. The Safeguarding Policy can be found displayed in every church. Our Benefice Safeguarding Officer is John Hooper and he can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone on 01508 489050 Sue Brice, the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer can be reached via http://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/training/safeguarding Child Line can be contacted on 0800 1111 32

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BED & BIRD IN HAND, WRENINGHAM 01508 489438. Four star luxury

BREAKFAST accommodation in the heart of the countryside. All rooms feature king size Hypnos beds with Egyptian cotton bedlinen and The White Company toiletries. Book now either over the phone or on our website http://birdinhandwreningham.com/ for the best rates.

BUILDERS S. V. HARVEY & SON LTD, NHBC Registered, (01603) 437766 Mobile 07795 325216 / 07785 351053. Builders, Decorators & Plumbers. 24 Howard Close, Norwich NR7 0LE. No job too small. www.svharvey.co.uk. Email [email protected]

DAVID SKEET (01508) 488310, Mobile 07884 401205. Home Improvements & Property Maintenance. Brickwork, Carpentry, Painting, Decorating, Patios, Fencing, Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling, Facias and Soffits. No VAT. Over 20 years experience.

CHIROPODIST PAUL HICKEY (01953) 889633. 23 Biggin Hill Way, Carbrooke, Watton, IP25 6NZ Home visits attended.

COMPUTER PC ASSIST (01508) 471459 Maybank, Greenways Close, Flordon, REPAIRS Norwich, NR15 1QP. Whether it be home PC repairs, installation of new computers, upgrades, advice or virus removal, PC ASSIST offer a quality service at competitive prices. Call Darren or visit www.pcassistonline.co.uk for more details.

FUNERAL R. B. COPPING FUNERAL SERVICE, (01508) 494434 DIRECTORS 125 The Street, Poringland, NR14 7RP. Independent, Family owned funeral service. For personal attention with dignity and respect.

FLOORING & HOMESCAPE Flooring & Furniture, Unit 2 Ashwellthorpe Ind Est. FURNITURE Carpets from £6/sqm. Huge Discounts for complete properties. Vinyl's from £9.99/sqm. Lux LVT Design flooring from £21.99/sqm. 1000’s of ranges of beds, Furniture of every description, low prices. We fit all flooring within 7 days of order. Warm & friendly service. Free home measuring service. Wishart beautiful artwork for sale as prints or originals. Jema is a wonderful local artist.

HAIRSTYLIST Jess (01508) 489722 to book. 15 years of experience and works at FRESH Hair Studio in Tacolneston on Mondays, Wednesdays & alternate Saturdays. Enjoy 10% off first appointment. Instagram page: @jesswestley_hair 34 35

LORRY & HOLMES TARPAULINS, (01508) 489204. Horsingford Works,

AGRICULTURAL Forncett St Mary, Norwich, NR16 1JW. Makers and repairers of Lorry COVERS and Agricultural Covers in P.V.C.

PAINTERS & PETER JONES (01603) 940812, Mobile 07765 497354. DECORATORS Local Painter and Decorator for Exterior and Interior work. Also building maintenance. Call now for a free estimate.

PAINTER & DECORATOR, Robert Fetherston, has recently moved back to the area and is Hethel based. To discuss your requirement and get a quote call: 07557 655682

JUSTIN STANGROOM 07909 338200 - JUST PAINT & DECORATE. Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating. For more details: www.justpaintanddecorate.co.uk Excellent recommendations on Facebook @justpaintanddec

PIANOS DAVID TURNER “PIANO MAN”, Woodmans Lodge, The Street, Ashwellthorpe, NR16 1HD. (01508) 489458 or Mob 07919 608873 Piano tuning and servicing. Norfolk and Suffolk.

PLUMBING & BERNARD AND SKEET plumbing and heating. 07789 148158 or HEATING (01508) 488310. All work undertaken outside taps, radiators, new taps supplied and fitted, new bathrooms, wet room conversions, heating maintenance, new boiler installation, oil, natural gas & lpg servicing and installation.

TRAVEL ALISON ALLAM - PERSONAL TRAVEL COUNSELLOR, TACOLNESTON AGENT (01508) 448050. Email: [email protected]. With over 40 years of experience in the Travel Industry, why not let me arrange your next dream holiday. I offer a complete range of travel services and products including: Flights, Hotels, Cruises, Coach Tours, Tailor Made Holidays and much, much more. Plus Everything you book through Travel Counsellors is financially Protected.

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Priest in Charge: The Reverend Lydia Avery The Rectory 16 The Fields Tacolneston NR16 1DG 01953 788227 - [email protected]

Lay Reader and Safeguarding Pastoral Care: Officer: Mr John Hooper Mrs Margaret Styles 01508 489050 01508 489112