September 2015 1
www.starstonvillage.co.ukwww.starstonvillage.co.uk
2 Pigeon Post
‘For Starston People’ Copyright 2015 PIGEON POST The Production Team
Co-ordinating Editor: Michael Bartlett: The Red Cottage, The Street Tel: 852318 Email: [email protected] Editorial Team: Christina Davies: Email: [email protected] Sue Moore: Email: [email protected] Chris Sparrow: Email: [email protected] Emily Taylor: Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Mandy Carter: Brick Kiln Farm, Cross Roads Tel: 854600 Email: [email protected] Advertising Manager: Liz Stacey: The Old Coach House, Starston Tel: 853427 Email: [email protected] Distribution Sue Moore: Cranes Watering Farm, Rushall Road Organiser: Tel: 852387 Email: [email protected] Distributors include: Brenda & David Beech, Mandy Carter, Jo Dye, Patricia Lombe- Taylor, Alison Miners, Rosemary Steer, Anita Weatherley, Liz Woodley and others. ISSUE EDITOR MICHAEL BARTLETT
Whilst the editorial team do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed by contributors, they believe that the magazine is available for local people to air their views. Letters to the Editor must be signed. The Editor reserves the right to alter or amend any copy received. Items for inclusion in the next issue MUST reach the Co-ordinating Editor by the 12th of the preceding month, (usually earlier in December). Space in the magazine will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Photos and pictures are welcome and will be used wherever possible. Please send copy by e-mail to: [email protected] Advertising For advertising rates please contact
Liz Stacey: Tel: 01379 853427 Email: [email protected]
or Michael Bartlett: Tel: 01379 852318 Email: [email protected] Distribution Pigeon Post is delivered free to every home in Starston. It can also be sent by email in PDF format. To request a PDF version please contact the Co-ordinating Editor
If you know of any new residents in the village please tell Norman Steer (854245) or Michael Bartlett (852318) so that we can welcome them in Pigeon Post. September 2015 Village Diar3y
Tuesday 15th September 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting - Jubilee Hall Monday 28th September 7.30 pm Jubilee Hall AGM - everyone welcome - see Page 9 Sunday 11th October 5.00 pm Harvest Festival in St. Margaret’s Church
Tuesday 24th November 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting - Jubilee Hall
Change of dates? Please let us know - we are not clairvoyant.
Want to book the Jubilee Hall? At Any Time Ring Joy or Bryan Hanner 853200 or 853509
- Let us know of anything happening in the village for this Diary page
- Smart phone bar codes above: left Village Web, right Facebook Page
- Personal adverts and events are free so long as they are not for personal profit
Copy Date for October edition: Saturday 12th September
Pigeon Post and Information about Starston can also be found on-line www.starstonvillage.co.uk Or like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/starstonvillagenorfolk 4 Pigeon Post
M J PROPERTY MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPING
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Over 10 years experience Competitive prices and references available.
For friendly advice and free quotations call home on 01379 853486 or mobile 07917 468917 (Justin) or 07522 978710 (Matthew)
September 2015 5
Around and About the Village Table Top and Bulb Sale Heritage Open Days in Harleston
Pennoyers: Saturday 26th September, The Hidden Commemoration in the 10.30 am – 1.00 pm Waveney Valley 1914-1919 Bric-a-brac, toys, books, clothes, crafts, Friday 11th September. From 10.00 am – jewellery, DVDs and more - along with our 4.00 pm in the Old Public Bar at the Swan. popular annual Bulb Sale. Every autumn Waveney Valley Community Archaeology we offer a choice range of fabulous Spring Group invites you to get involved in bulbs - including four or five different discovering and researching the impact of alliums; parrot, lily-flowered and dark, the Great War on the Waveney Valley. dark tulips; dainty narcissi; species Contact 01379 855096 (office hours) crocuses. Bagged in small numbers, these are offered at really competitive prices. Arnold Wesker Celebration Some of our expert garden volunteers will 12th September. 3.00 to 4.30 and 7.00 to be on hand to advise on siting and planting. 8.30 pm. At Beck Cottage, Redenhall. Free entry. Introduction to famed playwright Café open all day. Free Entry. Arnold Wesker and his work, with rehearsed readings and extracts from his best known play, Roots, taking place in the Pulham Market Carnival Redenhall cottage where he and his family
This year the Carnival will take place on lived. Contact – 01379 855235
12th September on the Green. For more information, or to enter a float or book a stall, contact John Graham on Billingford Mill 01379853717 or email to [email protected] The Mill will be open on 20th September from 11.00 am - 4.30 pm. Tours will be between 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm. There will be a Celebration of Harvest at 3.00 pm Adult Flu Clinics with the Diss Salvation Army Band Adult flu vaccination will be held at playing all the favourite harvest hymns. Bullock Fair surgery on Saturday 3rd and The Celebration service will be led by Rev Saturday 17th October. There are also Nigel Tuffnell. Refreshments from the limited Monday evening flu appointments Shepherd Hut, bucket collection for mill available for workers. No appointment is restoration. Billingford Mill is owned by necessary but you need to attend in the NCC - Charity No. 1033274. time slot for your surname. Please contact Contact Windmill volunteers Julie and reception for details on 01379 853217 Herbert 01379 853967 for more information.
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Friendly Reliable Service
September 2015 7
Notes from the Editor Plans for New Village Website
As most of you probably know, the need to register on the site; anonymous Starston village web site: entries will not be allowed. The Pigeon www.starstonvillage.co.uk is managed Post team will moderate notices posted by the Pigeon Post team. It is widely and remove anything that is unsuitable. used, both by people in the village and by friends and family further afield, for Once the new site is launched every general information about the village and group or organisation in the village will the various events in Starston. It helps the have to take responsibility for keeping Parish Council by providing a platform their own information up to date but the for all the legal information - minutes, notice board format offers much more finance and policies - that the Council is than that. It will enable anyone in the required by law to make available to the village to share thoughts or ideas, to pass public. It gives background information on information that might be useful or of about the village and also makes Pigeon interest and to publicise last minute Post available on line. events without having to wait for the next Pigeon Post to come out. If you decide to What the website does not currently do hold a coffee morning for a favourite very well is to provide instant charity – put it on the notice board. If a information about things that affect the child has lost a favourite toy, put it on the village and up-to-date information on notice board. If you have a bright idea on events. This is partly because you have to how to deal with litter in the village, put delve into the current site to find news it on the notice board and start a items and partly because we’re not discussion. Think of it as an on-line always told about things that are sharing opportunity. If anyone needs help happening or changes of dates. in registering and using the notice board then please contact me and someone However, later this autumn we will be from the Pigeon Post team will help you launching a new village web site which get started. should address these issues. The intention is to offer a site very similar to the old Another advantage of this new design is one, but with a change to the front page. that the Home Page will constantly be The central part of this new page will be changing which should encourage people a village notice-board (built using 'blog' to visit the site more often, if only to see software) where anyone can enter what other people are saying. We hope to information about something that is have the new site up and running later in going on or comment on any aspect of the autumn. village life. In order to do this you will Michael Glebe Meadow Hay for Sale - ring Peter on 852819 8 Pigeon Post
Are Your Windows Clean?
I was thinking about my article for the calibre is measured by the consideration September magazine while sitting in the and tolerance you have for others.” doctor’s surgery when a man opposite me We often make assumptions without suddenly got up and raced for the exit knowing the full picture, leading us to door. I was concerned that he was feeling make false conclusions. A young couple unwell or that he had lost his courage to arrived in their new house. The wife face the nurse or doctor. I was wrong on looked out of the window and saw her both counts because as he opened the neighbour putting out the washing. She door, another man came in using said to her husband, “Oh dear, the crutches, having some difficulty walking. washing doesn’t look very clean. She His face lit up into a lovely smile as he obviously doesn’t know how to do it said, “thank you” as if he had received properly or perhaps her washing machine the best present he could have wished for. is faulty or she needs a better washing His benefactor smiled at him as he sat powder”. Her husband made no down again. Unconsciously every other comment. Each time her neighbour was downcast face in the waiting room lit up putting out her washing, the young (by with smiles too. now, nosey) woman said the same thing about her imperfect washing. The I felt a lot better having witnessed this husband remained silent. About a month display of kindness delivered with later, the young wife was surprised to see humility as something not that special. It a line full of perfectly clean and very may have not been so special for the man white washing. She turned to her husband who showed the kindness but it gave a lot and said, “Look, somebody must have of pleasure to all of those around and it shown her how to get her washing clean; made the man on the crutches feel I wonder who taught her?” important and cared for. Scouts and Cubs are taught as part of their Promise, ‘To do Her husband with a hint of exasperation a good turn to somebody every day’. A said, “I got up this morning and cleaned deed offered without thought or our windows”. prejudice. It might make a difference to our lives to I was taught that kindness was one of the see the good in people rather than their purest forms of imitating God; the faults and make sure that the windows American religious leader, William through which we look are clean! Please Boetcker said, “Your greatness is keep your eyes open for people who are measured by your kindness; your finding life a little difficult and bring education and intellect by your modesty; them to the notice of the Benefice your ignorance is betrayed by your ‘Signpost’. We are here to help. suspicions and prejudices; and your real Norman
September 2015 9
Starston 100 Club
A draw was made at the Fete/ BBQ and the lucky winners were;
1st prize £60 Will Griffin Sparrow 2nd prize £50 Sue Moore 3rd prize £30 Richard & Tish Taylor 4th prize £25 Bruce & Tanya Colman 5th prize £20 Mark & Jo Emms 6th prize £15 Tony & Carol Elgood
Last month’s Pigeon Post article resulted in 3 new memberships – thank you. However, we need more and also there are still a number of subscriptions yet to be paid for this year so this is a gentle reminder to let me have them ASAP. The entrance lobby roof of the Jubilee Hall is due to be re-tiled shortly and the inside is to be re-decorated following all the interior plasterwork and re-wiring so we still have bills to pay.
Thank you for your continued support. John Formston JH management committee
Jubilee Hall AGM Monday 28th September at 7.30 pm
Everyone is welcome at our Annual General Meeting.
Come and see all the improvements to the hall, inside and out. We would also welcome any ideas and suggestions for future events to be held in the hall and any other ways in which it can be used for the benefit of the village and the local community.
Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Bike Ride
This will take place on Saturday 12th September and is once again an opportunity for you to raise desperately needed funds for YOUR Church. It receives 50% of the proceeds raised by your sponsorship, and Gift Aid increases the amount. It is traditionally a bike ride but if you don’t want to cycle you may go by car, visiting as many of Norfolk and Suffolk’s wonderful churches as you wish. For inspiration go to www.norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/sponsored-bike-ride
For sponsorship forms, badges etc. contact John Formston. Tel. 853042 or email [email protected] 10 Pigeon Post
Parish Council News
As is often the case, things are somewhat start of it. It is understood that residents quiet during the summer. Twice a year, do have a right to protect their property, Parish and Town Clerks are invited to but only if items are placed within their South Norfolk for a consultation. One of own curtilage. its most significant steps this year is to create ‘Hubs’, or focal points to which The first results have been collected from residents of the district can communicate, the SAM data recorder. It was calculated which will connect them with all the during the month that an average of 1650 necessary agencies in one go. vehicles passed daily along The Street. Over 80% of drivers were travelling at or After my note in the last entry of Pigeon above 25mph, with one even reaching Post regarding verges, some further 75mph. Data is to be collected from information was received from Norfolk around the Parish and results coordinated County Council. It was explained that the with The Pulhams to obtain a clear highway, with its verge, usually extends picture of traffic movement. to the first boundary reached. If a hedge, then to its centreline and if a ditch, to the Sonja Burnett Clerk to the Council
September 2015 11
Notes From A Starston Garden
Since moving here I’ve counted more The results were variable, to say the least. than 40 different wild flowers in my In some cases one tray of a species Starston garden. Some, such as germinated, while, for no apparent foxgloves, have been welcome and have reason, the other did nothing. I ended up jauntily self-seeded all over the place to with more yarrow and oxeye daisies than create a wonderful display each year. you can shake a stick at while the red Others, like garlic mustard, mallow and clover managed four plants – and they burdock, I’m happy to have in the wild were eaten by a snail that managed to areas at the back of the garden. Yet find its way into the cold frame. others, such as deadly nightshade, are ruthlessly expelled whenever they appear. Then, the job I loathe, standing at the potting bench humming,
Friend or foe they all came by chance, but “One, two, three o’leary at the moment I’m deliberately Potting on seedlings is so dreary.” cultivating some wild flowers, if that’s not a contradiction in terms. These are the But the end result is good, as you can see meadow flowers that were once common – the former potato bed pretty much in our countryside but are seen more covered in pots and large modules. For a rarely today – oxeye daisies and project that started as something of an knapweed, yarrow and selfheal, ragged experiment – I’d never grown wild robin and birdsfoot trefoil, red clover and flowers from seed before – I think it’s meadow buttercup. The plants are going pretty well. destined for the Glebe Meadow. I should hasten to add that I am not the only person who’s been part of this. Another member of the Glebe Meadow group has also had a lot of success; I’m especially impressed by his red clover. So now we have lots of healthy specimens waiting to be planted out in the Glebe Meadow this autumn, date TBA if anyone feels like helping.
Dee The Gardener
Back in the spring I sowed the seed in Topical Tip trays, two trays of each species, using my usual peat-free compost. Some trays went For the widest choice buy your spring- into my cold frame; the rest lurked in the flowering bulbs as soon as possible. greenhouse among the lettuce and leeks.
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Latitude - Local and Laid Back With a view to giving the boys a taste of There are multiple music stages, some the festival experience, before trying to set on the far side of the lake in amongst load them up for the entire Isle of Wight the woodland, and there are separate weekend next year, we booked some stages or tents for dance, comedy, poetry family tickets for the Sunday of this and literature - all much bigger and better year's 10th edition of the Latitude attended than back in 2007 when the Festival at Henham Park near Southwold. poetry tent seemed to be the safe haven for those nursing the worst hangovers to doze away the day on beanbags. There is also a kids zone with entertainment like an old-fashioned helter-skelter, and when that becomes too exhausting then you can queue up to be taken for a free punt ride around the lake (tips to charity).
When it's time to eat, there is a myriad of world cuisine to choose from - the ones We went once before, back in 2007, to we used all serving good quality food at see singer-songwriter Damien Rice - reasonable prices. Not much to choose whose track ‘The Blower's Daughter’ from for the real ale lovers - but then it's had been our first dance at our wedding a summer, it's a festival, so they should be few weeks previously. Since that time, a drinking cider anyway. combination of other commitments, price (almost £80 for an adult day ticket) and What is noticeable however, certainly not feeling overly inspired by the from a family perspective, is how safe it headline acts on offer for that kind of feels. There is a real mix of accents and price, meant we had had not been back. ages - but there are a lot of kids there (helped by an Under 12 ticket being a It’s true that, as a smaller event on the fiver). It is also cleaner than any of the festival circuit (35,000 people, compared other festivals we have been to. to 150,000 at Glastonbury), the main stage does tend to attract acts on their All in all, highly recommended for a way up (Alt J) or who were at their peak family day out or indeed a camping some while back (Boomtown Rats, weekend in the specially designated Portishead, Manic Street Preachers). family zone - especially if you spot one However, what is also true is that it’s or two things in the line-up of particular very clearly a growing event, with a interest to you, which otherwise cost £25 to see as a standalone event. lovely feel to it and much else to see and do if what is happening on the main stage Latitude is also gaining a reputation for isn't of particular interest. unbilled performances from big
September 2015 13
Harleston Lions Charity Walk Harleston Lion President, Mike Withinshaw, handing over a cheque for £2,500 to Michelle Pullen of Parkinson's Research UK which is the total proceeds from Harleston Lions Charity Walk held at Gawdy Hall Estates on Sunday May 31st.
Harleston Lions are most grateful to the thirty hardy souls who took part in the walk, despite there being torrential rain, and helping to raise such a magnificent total. We would also like to express particular thanks to Gawdy Hall for the use of their facilities, to Budgens of Harleston for sponsoring the bottled drinking water, and to Kitchen Sense for providing the snacks and paying for all the postage and paperwork. Because of the help of these companies every penny raised went directly to the cause.
Harleston Safer Neighbourhood Team
Since the last article there has been no crime recorded in Starston, we have responded to 2 calls where residents have requested police assistance.
Please be aware we have had a number of calls about phone scams in the area. We are being told that people are calling pretending to be from Microsoft or from a mobile telephone provider and they are trying to convince people to log onto their home computer and then type in a number of given commands. This in turn is giving them access to your computer, personal data and even bank records. Stop and think if you get a call of this nature before you agree to do anything. If you have elderly friends or relatives please make them aware of the dangers of these types of call.
To contact Norfolk Constabulary, dial 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
PC Jim Squires name acts name acts and so it was that, on a tip-off, Lara and I had acquired some last minute tickets to go without the boys on Friday - and found ourselves at a woodland stage along with 1000 others watching an Ed Sheeran set in the late evening. Those of you who read my editorial last month will understand how relieved I was to see him walk out - and how it turned out that I was in fact correct when I wrote on our home calendar back in December that we were going to see him on Friday 17th July. Well done me. Chris Sparrow
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Breeze - TeenStar Winner!
Breeze Redwine from Starston has won the national singing competition TeenStar at the NEC in Birmingham!
Breeze was crowned champion in front of a capacity crowd at The NEC. Her unique performance of an original song called “Here Alone” written by Lisa Redford won over the judges to see her being awarded the winner of the Pre-Teens age category.
Breeze was up against more than 9,000 acts who entered for TeenStar this year across the UK, battling through both Regional and Area Final heats to make it to the national Grand Final.
The judging panel for the Grand Final included record label representatives from Universal, as well representatives from music management companies, recording studios, professional musicians, national press representatives and the examination board, Rock School.
Congratulations, Breeze.
September 2015 15
How Doth The Little Crocodile...
The Crocodile seat on the Glebe Meadow is now complete. The sculptor, Tim Page, has done a fantastic job and he had barely finished when two of Starston’s finest (well honorary Starston anyway) christened the seat in front of their grand-daughter Indie Hanner Smith who just happened to have her I-Pad handy.
As Lewis Carroll (almost) wrote in Alice In Wonderland.
How doth the little crocodile, improve his shining tail And pour the waters of the Nile Beck on every golden scale! How cheerfully he seems to grin, how neatly spreads his claws And welcomes little fishes in with gently smiling jaws!
If anyone would like to contact Tim Page then his business is called Wildside and his contact numbers are: 01379 871450 or 07502 029642
“If you're going to live by the river, make friends with the crocodile.” Indian Proverb
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Team Hairy Legs Goes International
Of all Starston's ever-increasing band of himself against those in his age category MAMILs (Middle Aged Men In Lycra: from as far away as Australia. take a bow Messrs Colman and Sparrow, as well as Master Taylor - who is A relative newcomer to road cycling, currently showing definite potential in the Olly only really took it up in earnest a Junior section), it turns out that there is a couple of years ago after a windsurfing first amongst equals. accident nipped his promising career on the waves in the bud at the premature age of 41. Adrenaline junkie that he is, free- wheeling down Railway Hill doesn't really cut it for him - so he can regularly be found doing laps of Lotus on their summer track nights or time-trialling down the A143 - when he's not racking up the miles cross country with fellow members of the gloriously-named Team Hairy Legs (named in defiance of conventional cycling wisdom that taking Veet to your legs makes you more aerodynamic and therefore quicker).
Look out for the blue and black Team Hairy Legs (THL) cycling jerseys over the next few weeks, as you may spot Olly training with fellow THL member and Denmark qualifier Ian Nixon (Tivetshall) in and around the village. You may also spot Chris Sparrow and Rob Slade Olly Simmonds, who lives on the corner (Harleston) in similar jerseys around the of Cross Road and Rushall Road, recently village, but going at a much more sedate finished high enough in a qualifying pace as they're social members of THL, event in Cambridge to have gained have qualified for nothing whatsoever, automatic entry to the World Road and are probably on their way to a pub Cycling Championships which take place somewhere. in Denmark in early September, pitting
Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance you must keep moving. Albert Einstein
September 2015 17
What Is Sign Post?
Sign Post is an idea which was given birth in Pulham Market and is now being used throughout the benefice. The Sign Post office in the Brew House, Pulham Market is open every Thursday from 1.30 - 3.30 pm. It is staffed by Gail Frankland, Solicitor, and Reverend Norman Steer. Contact can be made by telephone: Gail 01379 676848 Norman 01379854245.
Aims: To work with callers to the Brew House to help them find a solution to their presenting problems in the strictest confidence by pointing them in the direction where they can receive help and/or professional advice.
Some examples of work done to date: practical help, both inside and outside of the home; listening and help in taking the next step; monetary difficulties; talking through fears or personal challenges; filling in forms; writing a CV; helping to unravel the complexities of Council jargon; advocacy, regarding complaints and information to and from private businesses and local authorities; organising visits to the lonely, infirm and sufferers of phobias; transport when this becomes an essential necessity; maintenance of hearing aids through Norfolk Deaf Association in the recipient’s own home.
We need all of you to be the eyes and ears of the church, to point people in the direction of Signpost. We will coordinate the help given and find volunteers from our Parishes, suitable for the task and the professional help that is necessary. All of this is done with the permission of the recipient and in strictest confidence, underpinned by our policy that information is only given to those who need to know and with the recipient’s approval. Our work is done through the church following the commandments of God to love one another and through the words of Jesus when he asks for a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” (John 21.16) Harleston Choral Society Our Autumn Term will begin on Monday practise from 7.30 – 9.30 pm with a short 7th September at 7.00 pm (7.30 pm on break at 8.30 pm. Subs are £35 per term subsequent Mondays) in St John’s (some concessions are available) and we Church, Harleston. We’ll be singing offer voice-part practice CDs. So why Handel’s Messiah in preparation for our not come along and see what we do? Christmas Concert on Saturday 12th December. All singers are welcome, Further information from Jo Curry on whether experienced or not, especially 01986 875494, [email protected] or Tenors, whether male or female ! We have a look at our website www.harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk 18 Pigeon Post
From Senior Manager to Window Cleaner Three years ago I was a senior manager at customer service in order to have pride in a well known local insurance company, my work. Satisfying my technical side, managing 10 project managers with a modern window cleaning is quite multi-million pound budget. For the last technical, I have invested in carbon fibre couple of years, however, you may well water fed pole system and equipment to have seen my van, emblazoned with Wow purify water. I carry 350 litres of water Window Clean, in and around Starston. Is which is 99.9999% pure (i.e. with a this a typical riches to rags story of a job maximum of 1 part per million casualty heard about all too often in this impurities). This ensures exceptionally day and age? Is this a gloomy tale of woe clean windows with almost no risk of and depression? damage.
It all started towards the end of 2012, when the company decided to cut out a layer of management - the level that I was at. So, in December 2012 I was made redundant. Despite expecting it from four years previously (redundancy rounds being commonplace in the organisation) it was still a shock to the system.
As I started looking for new employment How do I feel about my changed role? I I reflected on the last few years in my job. wish I had done it sooner! Yes, I earn It had transformed from a worthwhile quite a bit less than I did before, but I also occupation into a drudge where I spent do a lot less hours, I am no longer under 20% of my time doing my job and 80% incredible pressure to deliver, I'm out in proving to my many managers that I was the fresh air, fitter, and I daily meet some doing my job. I decided I no longer lovely people in my new job, some of wanted to be part of the corporate rat race whom I can now count as friends. and started looking for something The outcome has not been a tragedy completely different. leaving me struggling to cope, but an One of my friends suggested window up-building and positive experience, with cleaning and I thought I'd give it a go so I the bonus of allowing me to spend more joined him for a day. Despite it being time with my family. cold and damp, I enjoyed the experience, So if you are facing redundancy, hold so I took the plunge, and started your head up and look around for viable organising myself. alternatives. Maximise your skill set, One thing important to me was to ensure bring fresh ideas to whatever you choose to do - redundancy may end up being the job satisfaction, and with the emphasis on customer service in my previous roles, I best thing that has happened to you. realised I needed to offer exceptional Roy Barnes September 2015 19
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Letter to the Jubilee Hall Committee
Dear Jubilee Hall Committee,
My husband and I hired the Jubilee Hall in March for our daughter’s 1st birthday party. We live in the village and therefore decided that it would be nice to utilise and support the Jubilee Hall and hire it for our daughter’s birthday party. We were well aware of the construction work happening at the hall, but when hiring any venue, one would expect a certain degree of cleanliness, particularly in the kitchen for food preparation. Upon arrival at the Hall in the morning, we had to thoroughly clean the kitchen prior to bringing in our prepared food and drink because, quite frankly, it was disgusting.
Following the party, we decided to call Mr Hanner and subsequently left a message as he was unavailable. We wanted to make him and the committee aware of the situation, particularly as we knew that the hall was being hired again the following weekend to friends of ours for their little girl’s 1st birthday party too. The comments were in no way malicious. We never received a response, but thought no more of it.
Today, we contacted Mr Hanner to request to hire the hall as a studio for my husband Mark’s photography business and were quite frankly told that the committee did not appreciate our comments regarding the cleanliness of the hall in March and that as a result, probably would not hire the hall to us. We merely explained the above, but felt that the response received was quite rude.
It is sad that having lived in the village myself for around 30 years, that we are being denied access to our local village hall and have been spoken to in this way.
As a result, we shall think seriously about requesting to use the Jubilee Hall again.
Yours faithfully
Meryl & Mark Raines (nee. Keeble) Hall Cottage, Hardwick Road, Starston
Events at All Hallows
Saturday 12th September: Family Garden Party. A fun filled day for all the family, with lots of games and stalls and a display from the Bungay Karate and Judo Club, plus a Punch and Judy show.
Tuesday 22nd September: The start of our Dementia Carers Support Group, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm in the Day Care Centre, Ditchingham. Call Laura on 01986 892728 for more information.
Sunday 27th September: Family Treasure Hunt – suitable for all ages. September 2015 21
Reply from Jubilee Hall Committee Dear Meryl
Thank you for this chance of replying to your concerns regarding the hiring of the Jubilee Hall at the start of our building work in March this year.
We were delighted to accommodate your children’s birthday party but tried to explain that with building work starting any day, and the timing of specific tasks outside our immediate control, Jubilee Hall would inevitably not be in a state we would wish, and have always provided, over the years. As it happened, the damp proofing was undertaken during the week and we did our utmost to protect and clean all surfaces up to and including the previous day. We do acknowledge that airborne dust will have continued to leave surfaces in the kitchen in need of further cleaning before use.
As with all functions for Starston children, we do not charge for the use of the Hall, but believe that it should be freely available for all. We have had around 1,000 hirings over the last 9 years without complaint, and with many compliments. During our building work since March we have managed to keep all bookings as normal and thank all our Hall users for their generous understanding of these short term difficulties.
Thankfully, most of the work is complete with the exception of internal decoration. While volunteers continue to do what is possible, painting of the underside of the roof and timber work requires internal scaffolding and the employment of a professional - which will take up to a week. We are very keen to finish all the work but are still waiting to hear when he is able to fit us in. The fine weather means that we continue to wait and with reluctance we are unable to take new bookings which might have to be suspended at short notice. Even our regular bookings will be affected the same way. We would be pleased to take Mark’s booking once the decorating is concluded or the dates are certain.
We are truly sorry that you have felt let down by the Jubilee Hall’s condition in March, but hope that you and others will appreciate the improvements we are undertaking for the village.
You and everyone in Starston are welcome to come to the Jubilee Hall AGM on 28th September at 7.30 pm.
Jubilee Hall Committee
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County Council News There is to be a Household Hazardous face of adversity? NCC is working with Waste Amnesty during the month of the Eastern Daily Press for its Stars of September at recycling centres across Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2015, a Norfolk. If you need to dispose of such ceremony which honours those who are items as aerosols, fire extinguishers, most worthy of recognition. There are 15 garden pesticides and fertilizers, house- categories to choose from and you can hold chemicals, paint, photographic find out what they are and how to chemicals, wood preservatives and nominate at www.edp24.co.uk/home/stars varnishes, look for the dates and venues at -of-norfolk-awards-2015 or look out in www.norfolk.gov.uk/hazardouswaste or the EDP for nomination forms. call 0344 800 8020 for more information. There is a grant available called Silver Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is Sunday where you can apply for up to seeking Community Volunteers to enable £200 to support community-led events us to work together to make Norfolk raising awareness of services and support safer. The core part of the role is to available to older people in their support the work of the Community community. Events must be held between Safety department by carrying out home the 1st October and the 10th October fire safety check visits for older and 2015. If you would like to put on an event vulnerable members of their local and apply for funding please contact the community and being involved with other communities team at South Norfolk activities such as crucial Crew and Council on 01508 533945. For more Community events. The aim is to recruit information or look on grants@s- another 20 people across Norfolk and you norfolk.gov.uk can find out more by calling 0300 1231266 or at My next surgery is at HIP on Saturday 5th September at 10.00 am. www.norfolkfireservice.gov.uk You can contact me anytime at Do you know someone who goes above [email protected] and beyond what is expected of them or or on 01379 741504 who has shown remarkable bravery in the
Ash Dieback Disease
The Woodland Trust is warning that landowners should prepare for a future in which ash trees have disappeared. It says ash dieback disease is spreading and wants landowners to plant different species near to existing ash trees to replace them when they die. The Trust’s pilot planting scheme is offering 1,000 subsidised ‘disease recovery packs’, each with 45 native trees. The project will focus on areas most at risk, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, East Sussex and Northumberland.
For more information visit their website: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ September 2015 23
Wanted! Pirates and Sea Dogs for Treasure Island!
On Wednesday 2nd and Sunday 6th September Harleston Players are holding auditions for Treasure Island – to be directed by Meryl Raines and performed in January 2016. (Meryl last directed the much-loved production of A Christmas Carol).
In this fresh and thrilling adaptation by Stuart Paterson, you’ll find all the well known characters, from the young hero Jim Hawkins to the infamous, one-legged Long John Silver. We are looking for a cast of pirates and treasure seekers of all ages from 15 to 99 (!), to voyage on the Hispaniola to a distant island. So if you want to be involved - and we are looking for female pirates as well - auditions will be at the Sancroft Centre at the High School, Harleston on Wednesday September 2nd from 7.30 to10.00 pm and Sunday September 6th from 2.30 to 4.30 pm.
For more information, or if you can't make these dates, ring David Cumming on 01986 788439, 07947318297 or email [email protected]
Lost Your Bottle…? There were two unclaimed prizes from the bottle stall at the church fete - a large bottle of Schweppes lemonade and a bottle of Aspall white wine vinegar. If the winners would like them then please contact Helen Gale on [email protected] to claim them.
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Local Films in September
Pennoyers Film (Pulham St. Mary) Title: Far From The Madding Crowd (12a) Date: Friday 18th September Time: 8.00 pm (Bar opens at 7.15) Cost: £4.00 in advance, £4.50 on the door. This new adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel is set in Victorian England and tells the story of a beautiful young woman who has the choice of three very different suitors. Sadly, she marries the wrong one and what follows is murder, tragedy and regret. Booking advisable - phone 01379 676660. Ices available.
Harleston Film (The Swan Hotel - Harleston) Title: The Water Diviner (15) Date: Friday 25th September Time: 7.30 pm (Doors open at 7.00) Cost: £4.00 in advance An Australian man travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try and locate his three missing sons. To book telephone Harleston Information Plus on 01379 851917 – payment at the door Please note that this film will be shown at ‘The Swan’ Harleston, where meals are available from 6.00 pm.
Alburgh Film (Alburgh Village Hall) No information available about the September film..
Answers to the August Crossword
ACROSS DOWN
7. Salad dressing 1. Papa 8. Dairyman 2. Barrel 9. Item 3. Adamant 10. Sailing 4. Reins 12. E-mail 5. Osmium 14. Aggro 6. Angelica 16. Bugbear 11. Aggrieve 19. Riot 13. Dustbin 20. Cutpurse 15. Retard 22. Every which way 17. Bought 18. Scowl 21. Spay
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September Crossword by Nona
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
10 11 12
13
14 15 16
17 18 19 20
21 22
23 24
CLUES ACROSS CLUES DOWN
1. Dwell on with satisfaction (5) 1. Looked briefly (7) 3. Sing-along entertainment (7) 2. Drivel, perhaps from a stomach (5) 6. Gain (7) 3. Got down to pray (5) 8. ….. James or Dunn or Anderson or of 4. Pleated frilling (5) India (5) 5. Adversary (5) 10. Aromatic spice which is also a hitch (5) 7. Famous saying (9) 11. As a result of (7) 9. Game played on skates (3,6) 14. Shortage (6) 12. Extreme warmth (4) 15. Buoyant (6) 13. Gordon Ramsay e.g. (4) 17. Landlord’s agent (7) 16. Silver paper (7) 20. Gaming coin or sign of affection (5) 17. Fundamental (5) 21. Church assembly (5) 18. Bangladesh’s neighbour (5) 22. Huntsman’s cry (5,2) 19. Oriental bed (5) 23. Include (7) 20. Available for hire (2,3) 24. A long one is a-winding (5)
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Benefice Services in September
6th 13th 20th 27th
Trinity 14 Trinity 15 Trinity 16 Trinity 17
9.30am 9.30am BCP Dickle- 9.30am 9.30am Benefice Service burgh PC PC Communion 10.00am CC
9.30am 8.00am HC Pulham HC 9.30am 9.30am 10.45am Market 6.30pm Service in HC SW Celebration Village Hall
8.00am HC 9.30am 9.30am Pulham 9.30am 9.30am Patronal Harvest St Mary Messy BCP Matins Service Festival Church
11.00am 11.00am 11.00am 11.00am Rushall Patronal HC SW SW Festival
11.00am 11.00am 11.00am 11.00am Starston BCP Battle of BCP Great and Communion Britain Communion Small Thelveton 11.00am 11.00am 11.00am With Harvest HC BCP Matins Dickleburgh Festival Key To Services HC: Holy Communion PC: Parish Communion
BCP: Book of Common Prayer SW: Sunday Worship CC: Café Church Starston PCC Secretary: Ruth Cawcutt. Tel: 01379 852087 Email: [email protected]
Web Site for Information on all Services: http://www.thebenefice.org.uk/ September 2015 27
Starston Parish Council Ann Leitch Chairman 01379 423387 [email protected] Frederic Coates Highways 01379 851949 [email protected]
Graham Curson Road Safety 01379 854145 [email protected] Bobbie Formston Tree Warden 01379 853042 Not available
John Formston Footpaths 01379 853042 [email protected] Sam Carter Not available [email protected] Helen Gale Not available [email protected] Sonja Burnett Clerk to the Council 01379 309347 To contact Starston Parish Council: [email protected] Starston Village Web Site: www.starstonvillage.co.uk Local Councillors
Martin Wilby County 01379 741504 [email protected] Clayton Hudson District 01379 676259 [email protected] Community Services
Local Buses - from Starston to Harleston For information and Starston to Long Stratton and Norwich Ring: 0871 200 22 33 Border Hoppa - dial-a-ride service For information Ring: 01379 854800 Police - (non-emergency) Ring: 101 Safer Neighbourhood Team Email: [email protected]
NHS Emergency & Urgent Care Services Ring: 111 (Including Emergency out of hours chemist) when it’s less urgent than 999 Refuse Collection and Queries Ring: 01508 533830
Harleston Information Plus Ring: 01379 851917 [email protected] 28 Pigeon Post
Denny Holloway Bricklayer
Brick Work, General Building, Hard Landscaping etc
01379 853471 or 07939 144446
Printed by Town and Country Printers, Diss 01379 651107 www.tcprinters.co.uk/