your Welcome to the new look Wimbotsham News! Newsletter February 2015

Produced by Wimbotsham Parish Council Keeping you informed of village life

Deadline for next issue: 17th April 2015

This newsletter is produced by Wimbotsham Parish Council. Every effort is made to ensure that information is accurate at the time of going to print, but no liability will be accepted for losses caused by inaccurate information. your Wimbotsham February 2015 Parish Council Your councillors are: ---- Contacting the Parish Council:

Parish Council Meeting Dates: Members of the public are welcome to aend

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Newsletter We hope you find this edition of the newsletter helpful and informative. The new format is an experiment to hopefully make it more user friendly and to last longer on your coffee table as reminder of what’s on in the village.

It is prepared by Wimbotsham Parish Council who give their time freely to prepare and deliver the newsletter. It is not prepared by professionals so please forgive the odd error that may occur! Constructive feedback welcome.

We welcome your input large or small so if you have an event or topic you would like included in forthcoming editions please let us know as early as possible. The easiest way is to e mail the Parish Clerk: [email protected]

To assist with the cost of printing and to support our local businesses we will in future welcome adverts from 1/8th page upwards for a small charge. Again please contact us via the clerk in the first instance.

Deadline for next issue: 17th April 2015

As many of you will know, Mr Mac Burton passed away over the Christmas period. Mac will be a great loss to the village as he played constructive and busy roles as both Parish Councillor and member of the Village Hall committee.

Mac served 16 years as a Councillor, joining the Parish Council in 1998. Always one to stand up for what he believed was fair and correct, Mac treated his role as a Councillor most seriously and diligently. The Parish Council shall miss his presence at our six -weekly meetings and will be searching hard to find a replacement.

Since the late 1980’s Mac has undertaken responsibility for the many roles required to run the village hall; that of treasurer, booking clerk and caretaker. Those of you using the hall will have met Mac at some time and so he became very well known in the village.

Hi wife, Diane joined the Parish Council just late last year and is also continuing as the caretaker for the village hall.

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Parish News Village Website Please — clear up after your dog! Please clear up after your pet; dog fouling continues to be a problem in the village and along the green lanes and public footpaths. This problem is unpleasant and a health hazard. Please do your bit and clear up after your dog. The parish council has paid for dog bins to be installed and emptied, please use them.

Provides information for the village including parish council meeting dates, meeting minutes and contact details. We are working to update and make better use of the website for the benefit of the village, including an easier domain name. Any suggestions? If you have information you would like included or if you have particular skills in this area which may assist please let us know: [email protected] Planning www.wimbotshampc.norfolkparishes.go Following consultation in 2014 the land v.uk/ between Wimbotsham and Broomhill has We hope you take a look and see some currently been removed from the changes in the coming months! proposed site allocations under the Borough Council LDF proposals. Notice Boards However, the preferred development for Keep an eye on the parish notice boards housing on the north side of Downham for local events and information. Market is to the east side of Broomhill. Located opposite 88 West Way, on the For more information contact the Village Green and outside 24 Lynn Road. Borough Council or visit their web site: Parish Council meeting minutes are www.west -.gov.uk posted on the Village Green notice board.

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Parish News Allotments Vehicle Activated Sign You can see the allotment holders have The vehicle activated speed sign was been busy working over the winter installed late last year on Lynn Road months preparing for spring. At the towards Broomhill. However its position moment we have a full house, with a new is to be reviewed by NCC with water supply having been installed. consideration to re positioning closer to Allotment plots cost £5.40 a year plus the village where it is felt it may have plot holders pay a water charge of £25. greater impact. We regulate water usage, so that the Speedwatch water fund lasts longer. The Parish Council has recently been asked about speedwatch. Whilst the newsletter has previously sought volunteers there has been insufficient interest for a speedwatch group for the village. A minimum number of volunteers are required. Parking A village mother using Church Road with her 9 week old son in a pram has highlighted ‘a large car’ parked on the pavement and thus preventing them passing. Allotment members installing water She believes the car belongs to a visitor supply pipes for our new standpipes. rather than a resident and perhaps the Digger kindly supplied by Ian resident may not have noticed. She asks Tombleson. if you notice a visitor parking on the Contact: Mark Newton: 07831 423836 pavement, please ask them to park considerately on the road. Speed Gates Thank you. The Parish Council has applied for funding to provide speed gates on the Bus Station approaches to the village. These have King’s Lynn bus station is getting a worked successfully elsewhere and makeover. From 9 March 2015 provide a welcome to the village and a southbound services will arrive and passive measure to reduce speed. It is depart from Portland Street. Visit west - hoped we may see these in 2015. norfolk.gov.uk/forbusstationworks. your Wimbotsham February 2015 Parish News

Todd see. The Committee and I felt very – My hearing Dog proud of all the villagers over that weekend who had supported the event. I for the people who went personally felt privileged to be a resident to the trouble of saving used postage of the village. stamps for Hearing Dogs for Deaf

People. The blue wrapped box will David Long continue to be left in the porch of No 11 Christmas Tree Westway, opposite the shop for further stamps. Unfortunately I made a mistake The Parish Council would like to say in my article. I should have written that how beautiful the Christmas tree on the the stamps will be sold on to a stamp village green looked during the festive dealer and make £20/£30 a load not £2/ period and would like to thank Paul £3 a load! Goodrum for installing it. With the new lights on the tree and in the setting of our Cynthia Turner attractive village green it attracted many compliments from local people. Plaque to Celebrate Thank you. Queens Jubilee

On the weekend of the 2nd to 4th June 2012 the village of Wimbotsham celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Committee put on a three day event for all the villagers, culminating in a Beacon being lit to end the Jubilee celebrations. The event was a rip roaring success with the village coming together to support the event. The Committee had left over funds which were donated back to the village, namely the following; the Playground Committee, The Church, the Children's Christmas Party and the Pensioners Christmas Party. With the surplus funds I thought that I would like the village to remember this event so I organised a Brass Plaque saying that the village had commemorated the Queens Diamond Jubilee. The plaque has been put up in the village hall for all to

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Parish Councillor Vacancy

Wimbotsham Parish Council 37 Ullswater Avenue, , King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3NJ Telephone: 01553 674382 Email: [email protected] Parish Clerk: Pippa Winson

Parish of Wimbotsham Applications for Co -option as a Parish Councillor

One vacancy exists in the office of Councillors for Wimbotsham Parish Council and applications are now invited from those wishing to be considered for co -option as a councillor.

Those interested are welcome to contact the Clerk Pippa Winson on the above telephone number for further information and/or to discuss what is involved in this post.

Applications should be made in writing or by email, detailing the reasons why the applicant wishes to become a councillor and explaining what skills the applicant feels they can bring to the parish council.

Written/email applications should be sent to Pippa Winson, Parish Clerk at the above address, or by email to: [email protected]

Signed: P Winson 13 th January 2015

(Clerk to the Council, the Proper Officer for this purpose)

Applications will be considered at our forthcoming Parish Council meetings on Tuesday 24 th February & Tuesday 14 th April.

Eligibility for co-option is as follows:

18 years of age, and Either: Be a local government elector for the parish, or Be an occupier (owner or tenant) of land or premises in the parish for the previous 12 months, or Have their place of work in the parish for the previous 12 months, or Have resided in the parish for the previous 12 months, or Have resided within 3 miles of the parish boundary for the previous 2 months.

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Parish Councillor Vacancy Thirteen Excuses for Not Joining the Parish Council!

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your Wimbotsham February 2015 Parish Councillor Vacancy Thirteen Excuses for Not Joining the Parish Council!

WHY NOT come along to a meeng and find out more?

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Local Bus Services Many of you will be aware that the Parish Council has been lobbying to have the Norfolk Green bus services re instated through the village to call at The village green. We have enlisted the assistance of Elizabeth Truss MP. Following a meeting with the NCC area Passenger Transport Manager late last year we have received the following response.

As you will see we are publicising the village bus services within this newsletter. However, the Parish Council remains aware that catching a bus on Lynn Road is far from satisfactory and we have stated that we feel this is a danger to passengers and other road users. Please support the bus services by continuing to use and if you feel strongly we urge you to add your support by writing to NCC either directly or via the Parish Council.

Letter to Parish Council: Firstly apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I thought it best to visit the site personally, with Norfolk Green, before giving any update.

The Operations Manager from Norfolk Green and I tested the access into Wimbotsham from Lynn Road last Friday, using a bus. Access was tight due to parked cars, but possible. However when we met 2 cars coming in the other direction it was necessary for those cars to mount the kerb in order to pass us. Whilst this went without incident, and would be possible in the majority of cases, it is far from ideal and does make overall access problematic.

Norfolk Green and I are also strongly of the opinion that diverting service 37 through Wimbotsham would detract from the direct to King's Lynn service, making it less attractive to passengers. Norfolk Green have therefore stated that they cannot justify diverting the service without a further injection of subsidy from the County Council, particularly considering the low level of demand from a small village such as Wimbotsham.

The County Council do however recognise the demand from Wimbotsham but I believe that possible enhancements to service 47, a daily shopping service run by West Norfolk Community Transport, would be the best option. In order to progress this I attach the timetable (found on the second page of the attached document) and suggest that this service is publicised more so that demand can be better ascertained. I would also welcome your views on this service so that any enhancements can be considered.

Regards,

Martin Stringfellow - NCC Passenger Transport Manager Community & Environmental Services

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Local Bus Services --------

Anyone can ring our Dial -A-Bus office weekdays, daytime on 01553 770310 to get further information or Membership forms. Every Wednesday into Downham Market: Serving members from Watlington, Magdalen, , Stowbridge, and Wimbotsham Start at 9:30am Returning at 12:00pm Cost: £4.00 £3 return for members with Concessionary Travel Pass Every Friday into King’s Lynn: Serving members from Downham Market, Wimbotsham, , Stowbridge, Runcton Holme, Magdalen, Watlington, , , Setchey and Starting at 9:45am Returning 1:45pm Cost: £4.50 £3 return for members with Concessionary Travel Pass

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Village Hall

The village hall is there for all to use…. For children’s parties, charity events, socials, meetings…

Hire rates from £5hr

Village Hall What’s on:

Ouse Washes Molly Dancers: Monday 8 pm -9.30pm Contact: Phil (07878000175 or 01328 701254) www.ousewashes.com Yoga: Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00 Contact: Tracy Gent 07900976832 Tai Chi: Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00 Contact: Glen Belton 07919 906330 Short Mat Bowls: Friday 2.00 - 4.00 Contact: P Bell 01366 383480 Spiritualist Church: 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday in month 6pm - 9pm Contact: Brian Bayliss 386892 (5th Sunday: Evening of Clairvoyance’ in aid of charity) Friends & Neighbours: Last Wednesday in month 2.00 - 4.00 Contact Sheila Gove 01366 386892 Auction: Last Thursday in Month Contact: Marie Thompson 07796992818

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Church News will have begun in mid -February, , there is a and on Wednesday 4 March one of the Walk of Witness in Downham, starting Deanery Lent Services (we are part of at St Edmund's at 9.00 am, and then at the Deanery of & ) will 11.00 am there will be an Activity take place at Stow Bardolph Church at Service for families in St Mary's when 7.30 pm. In the following weeks they we retell the story of the first Good will be at , Denver, and Friday, and make an Easter Garden. Downham Market. For those who prefer a more reflective The service on service, there will be The Hour at the Cross (2.00 -3.00 pm) in St Peter's, Stow , will be in the Village Hall in Bridge. , when there will be flowers for all the ladies. Services in the Bardolph The main Easter Celebration will be at Group now rotate round the four Holy Trinity, Stow Bardolph at 10.30 churches, see the Parish Magazine, am on April 5. You are welcome at any church noticeboard, or (or all!) of these services. www.achurchnearyou.com/wimbotsham Karen Burnett -Hall (Priest -in Charge) -st -mary 01366 384342 running up to Easter, we will remember how Jesus shared [email protected] bread and wine with his disciples by celebrating Communion in the course of a meal. Thursday 2 April, 6.30 pm. For more details and to book, ring 01366 384342. Methodist Chapel News Wimbotsham Methodist Chapel Sunday Services held at 11am: celebrated 141 years on 15th February 2015. The chapel has, and continues to held at be an integral part of village life, being Downham Market Methodist Church, the last remaining chapel in the village, Paradise Road. with a regular congregation of 15 or more. Minister: Rev’d Maurice Stafford: — Having lost 11 members during the last 01366 388766 (Day off Friday) year the falling membership and Steward: Don Gates: 01366 383031 congregation is of concern to the chapel and new members are always welcome and encouraged to attend services. your Wimbotsham February 2015 Wimbotsham School

By working in partnership with other ---- small schools, sharing a Headteacher and We are proud to have a thriving village other staff it means that our best teachers school in the heart of the Community. So are in the classroom teaching. In each often we hear about small schools being school there is an Assistant Headteacher under threat of closure. Our way of who takes care of the day to day running preserving our local school has been to of the school and is a manager, along 'Federate' with other local small schools. with the other Assistant Headteachers at Small schools (those below 250 pupils) the other schools. This means that all are under increasing pressure to maintain schools in the Federation benefit from the a full education service for their expertise of the team whilst retaining communities. This is mainly due to their own individual identity. financial constraints but also due to the There are other benefits in being a larger small pool of expertise within the staff organisation, there is an ‘economy of team. In order to continue to develop and scale’, reducing duplication and making offer the best opportunities to our savings in time and money that can spent children and families it is essential that on the children in the classrooms. we collaborate more closely on financial aspects as well as whole school In November 2014 the Governing Bodies development issues whilst retaining our of Wimbotsham and Stow Community - own identity in our own village. School and The Wiggenhall Schools St Germans Primary School and Magdalen Village School - voted to form a new Federation means sharing some vital Federation - The Bridges Federation. we aspects of Whole School management feel that this is a major step in securing and development through a single our small village school for now and in Governing Body - and in the case of our the future. school, a single Headteacher. Alison Hughes - Headteacher In small schools often the Headteacher is one of the key teachers in the school with Part of a local club or organisation? their own class responsibility. There is Holding an event? often a conflict in the use of their time to meet the growing demands of running a News to share? school, meeting all Ofsted criteria and Please let us know for the next issue… being the best teacher they can be in their own class. [email protected]

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Wimbotsham Wanderers

Wimbotsham Wanderers Youth Football Club: Our U12 team continue to compete in Division 2 of the Mid Norfolk Youth League and are currently 5th with 16 points. Since Christmas we have only played 2 games due to the weather, drawing with Discovery (North Lynn) 2 -2 and losing to Mundford 6 -1. 22nd February - away versus Terrington Tigers 1st March - home versus Walpole 15th March - away versus Watlington Details of all our results and fixtures are available on our website www.wimbotshamwanderers.co.uk. Next Home Game - -

is held on Saturday mornings from 10.15am until 11.30am on Wimbotsham Recreation Ground - weather permitting. Should you wish to support us through sponsorship, donation or in a more practical way please contact us via the link on the website or telephone Graham Ladell, Team Manager, on 07788 722268. Helen Driver: PR Officer

Watlington Medical Centre

Many patients within the age range of 40 – 74 may be eligible for a NHS health check – please contact our receptionists if you would like to take up this offer – it’s FREE! We would like to wish Joan Carter, one of our Health Care Assistants, well in her retirement. She has been at the surgery for almost 19 years and we estimate that she has taken blood samples from about 50 000 patients! We would also like to welcome Julie Wright, who joined our Nursing Team in Octo- ber.

your Wimbotsham February 2015 Playing Field

It is lovely to see the park getting good use by local children even through the The Recreation Ground committee held a winter months. week of Halloween events during October half term. These were well attended and a good time was had by all. We started the week As many of you with a pumpkin carving day, During may have which 78 pumpkins were carved! noticed some Blessed with a warm sunny day families new temporary were able to get out in the sunshine to signs have been get creative and play on the equipment, displayed on all the buzzing atmosphere was a sight to of the entrances behold! Many thanks to Mr Landymore onto the field and Mr Soames -Waring for their kind and play area. donations of pumpkins. After much deliberation and careful The week continued with a lantern consideration the committee has decided making session and a guy making that the time has come to place a ban on session for bonfire night. The children any dogs going on the field and play were very excited to wheel our guy area. I know that many of you will be around the village, collecting pennies for unhappy to hear this decision and may the recreation ground. feel disgruntled if you are a responsible dog owner. However our committee Many thanks to all of you that dug deep members and football team manager to fill our bucket. We finished our week reports that he has to arrive very early to with a Halloween fancy dress disco in training and matches in order to clear the village hall, with some fabulous dog excrement away from the pitch costumes! Our week of events raised - before any children are allowed on. £285 22. On one occasion before a football match 47 dog poo’s were collected from the pitch alone! It is awful to think of our children playing in such a high level of faeces which may also be dangerous and hope you therefore support our reluctant decision. The Parish Council have given us their full support in our decision. Please can we urge everyone to respect the decision. your Wimbotsham February 2015 Playing Field

The Christmas carol concert (more of a talent show!) in the village hall had record attendance filling the hall! A wonderful night of laughter and good cheer to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Many thanks to all the acts who entertained and those who contributed to the delicious buffet. The recreation ground committee ran a raffle which raised a fantastic £131 for the ground, with thanks to Accent Fresh for donating our top prize. Our committee would also like to thank Rob James for organising a most enjoyable evening.

Midsummer Fayre 2015: Please don’t forget to note this year’s Midsummer Fayre on 20th June 12pm -6pm.

Keep an eye out on the notice boards and on our Facebook page for our exciting fundraising events for 2015. We look forward to seeing lots of faces.

Sarah Cox

Fit Together Walks

Walking is a great way to find out more about the area you live in and to meet new people. Research has also shown that it is an excellent activity for you to do to help improve your health. Just 150 minutes of moderate activity a week can have many benefits including: keeping your heart, muscles and bones healthy; reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes; lowering your blood pressure; reducing feelings of stress and giving you more energy.

The walk is approximately 2.5 miles long along lanes, tracks and roads and led by trained volunteer walk leaders. This is just one walk from a full programme of walks that take place around west Norfolk every week.

Walk programmes are available to pick up from the village shop or from council offices, libraries and doctor’s surgeries. They are also available on line at www.activenorfolk.org/fittogether . Alternatively you can Email: activity.coordinator@west -norfolk.gov.uk or telephone 01553 616657 . your Wimbotsham February 2015 The Chequers Pub Happy New Year to everyone from The quality ales and are regularly supporting Chequers team: Linda, Sean and Kim. local breweries with their guest ales. We

We will be giving spring a kick start are hoping to hold our first beer festival in August; more details will be with a karaoke on March 28th announced in due course. featuring our local singer, Jo Manning. Jo will be hosting the night Don’t forget our function room which with all old favourites and some new opens out onto our new beer garden. It is songs. A good crowd for a sing a long ideal for family parties; come in and would be good. 8pm start. have a look - no obligation.

Quiz night has changed slightly; Events are regularly updated on our Facebook page and all of our menus are we are now holding a general knowledge on our website at quiz every Thursday except the first www.thechequerswimbotsham.co.uk. Thursday of the month which will be music. 9pm start and £1.00 entry per Telephone: 01366 386768. person which includes free refreshments. Email: [email protected] Winnings are donated to local charities Thank you for your continued support! picked by the winning team. It is a Happy Hour on a Friday is now really good night and well worth a try! 5pm to 7pm We are really proud that we have again been awarded the Cask Marque for our Mobile Post Office The Chequers Car Park, 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, Kings Lynn PE34 3QG Opening Times: Mon 09:45 - 11:00 Tue 09:15 - 10:45 Wed 09:15 - 10:45 Thu 09:45 - 11:00 Fri 09:15 - 10:45

Mobile Library Calls on Friday - Every 4 Weekly at: 14:30 - 14:45 Westway PE34 3QB 14:50 - 15:15 Southside PE34 3PZ 15:20 - 15:35 Turners Close PE34 3QG

13th March, 10th April, 8th May, 5th June, 3rd July, 31st July

For enquiries about this route (Route Number DOW 548) please call 01366 383073 www.libraries.norfolk.gov.uk your Wimbotsham February 2015 DEMENTIA Friendly Lunch

THE CHEQUERS PUB, WIMBOTSHAM

Come and enjoy a Lunch in a friendly cosy welcoming Norfolk village pub. Give yourself the chance to socialise and enjoy a freshly cooked meal in a relaxed atmosphere with those in similar situation within a safe environment. Share stories & support each other or come to relax in a place away from home. Lunch open to all individuals living with Dementia and their carers.

Regular Lunch event – The last Thursday of each month Set menu - home cooked 2 course meals £9.50 for 2 people or £4.95 for individual.

Booking Essential . Please call The Chequers direct on 01366 386768 to reserve your seat. Bookings can be taken up to the week before Lunch takes place. The Chequers, 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, PE34 3QG 01366 386768

your Wimbotsham

Village War Memorial 19141914————20142014 A service was held at the village war memorial in November 2014 to commemorate the centenary since hostilities began at the outbreak of the First World War. As part of the service, the names of all of those who lost their lives were read out. The war memorial received a make -over last year, being cleaned and the railings painted thanks to grant funding received from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk.

Deadline for next issue: 17th April 2015