Cock Crow NEWSLETTER OF & GROUP OF CHURCHES

JUNE/JULY 2014 Issue No: 3

Boats await the holidays at Brancaster Staithe O Murphy’s Rambles Hello again. What a Spring! One moment we were searching for primroses and then there was a positive explosion of cowslips; more than we have ever seen. The footpaths are already getting quite long with rampant goose grass everywhere – it’s going to be fun getting that out of my coat later! The blackthorn is fading fast and being replaced with cascades of fragrant hawthorn and majestic candles on the horse chestnut trees. The deer have left us, but we now have hares. On a couple of occasions we have watched eight in one field, running in ever-decreasing circles; usually they just snuggle down and pretend to be clods of earth. Our constant companions on our walks are the birds. Lone crows voice their displeasure at our passing, cheeky blackbirds walk along the road ahead of us and robins watch us from fence posts. We enjoy the vivid colours of chaffinches, goldfinches, blue tits and yellow hammers, the disembodied sounds of ducks and water hens from ponds, the gossiping chatter of sparrows in Druids Lane and the song of the skylarks as we pass through ‘their’ territory. Best of all is our new find – a little owl that sits and watches us as we pass beneath. Well, take care folks and keep on walking!

Affordable Housing in South 15 CPRE seeks Honorary Treasurer 32 Diss Dementia Friendly Community 35 Diss Library news 33 Other items Flower Festival ‘God created a garden’ South Lopham 24 the Editors think Lopham Society Jazz Evening with Pork Pie Hat 35 you might like Redgrave & Lopham Fen events 27 to know about � Rushall Open Gardens 14 Sea Scouts/Beavers: help needed 34

1 Winfarthing Group Rector writes… Burston St Mary’s Luncheon Club Burston news This club is for retired folk from Burston and the surrounding villages. Members meet in the Church on the fourth Thursday of every month. Another year over, another year older, Community Action Team Any enquiries to Sybil Peck on 01379 741410 The Action Team are still another year nearer heaven looking for community minded people to join the Summer Fun at the Youth Café team. No special skills are required, just a willing- Every Thursday during term time the Youth Café is I was ordained Deacon in Bristol Cathedral in July 1979. At my very first Deanery ness to help. Please contact Nigel Frankland on in full swing in the Church from 3.45–5.15. If you 01379 644788 or 07831 377769 for more information. are aged 11–14 come along for games and crafts Chapter, the main item on the agenda was regarding the Ordination of Women to The team organises a variety of events throughout and other really fun activities planned for the sum- the Priesthood. This year General Synod will again discuss and vote on the subject the year. The next event will be a Jazz Barbecue held mer term. There is a tuck shop and free pizza and of Female Bishops. on Church Green on the evening of Saturday 6th milkshake. September. The band has been booked and the final New members always welcome. Have things improved in Church relationships during this time? Has the Kingdom details will be sorted out soon, but you can be sure of God been extended? Yes, by his constant mercy and grace. What has sustained that the tickets will be very affordable as we have Church Hire me in my public ministry is the knowledge of God’s love, even for me, a humble been fortunate to gain some sponsorship towards If you are interested in hiring St Mary’s Church for sinner saved by God’s grace. Liturgies and Synods come and go, as each succeed- the cost of the band. The music will start at about a special event please contact Anne Hyde on 07733 ing generation attempts to express its religious beliefs. The Church of 6pm and run until 10pm, so the event would make 182525. Tables, chairs and tableware are available an excellent finish to the school holidays for younger for hire. is the vehicle in which l express my beliefs in the Risen, Ascended and Glorified residents. There will be a beer tent with a full bar. A buffet can also be provided. Christ. So that is a date to put in your diary!!! Burston Chapel The Diocese currently finds that, instead of each parish being given an amount to Roll of Service – Information Please Services: Sunday 11am and 6.30pm find as the quota, the Benefice as a whole has been asked to contribute £30,500. The Burston Roll of Service is being updated. There Prayer Meeting, Tuesdays 8pm (call 01379 This is considerably less than the £57,000 that each Priest costs the Diocese. is no record of any fatalities during WW2 from 741816 for details) Burston, but if you have any information to the Jamie’s Gang (school age club), Wednesdays If each parish pays its quota we are still going to have to find another £3,500 contrary please contact Dorothy Swanton on 01379 5pm–6.30pm, in term time only this year. Burston have suggested a Trafalgar Day Dinner, with a hope of raising 741577. To inform the village of a special event or celebra- £1,000; would you attend this? In my very simplistic way, I suggest that 35 people tion please contact Liz McEniff on 01379 742583 pay an extra £100 this year, on top of their planned giving. If the Church of Obituary: Michael Knight 1946–2014 England took the subject of tithing seriously, we would not be in this position. Mick, as he was known locally, was born 3rd Octo- Parish Council News ber 1946. He spent several of his adult years in the Further to my appeal in the previous edition of Cock Tithing should be proportionate, planned and freely given using a standing order Army and enjoyed reading. Sadly, he died suddenly Crow, the Parish Council still needs to recruit a Par- (Gift Aided); tithing is an acknowledgement and a sign of God’s provision towards at home 24th March, survived by his wife Angelina, ish Clerk and a Councillor. us and his love towards us. All that we have is His. and stepson Roger. The Funeral Service was held The Parish Clerk is the ‘engine’ of an effective at Burston Chapel on 10th April and Pastor Sam parish council. He or she is its principal executive How we express our love of Christ and our Christian love of our neighbour is Brinkley gave an address from Psalm 61:2 2l, ‘Lead and adviser and, for the majority of smaller parish only seen by God himself. A few years ago the Government of the day attempted me to a Rock that is higher than I.’ His father-in-law councils, is the officer responsible for the adminis- to work out the cost of the voluntary work that Church members do formally as gave the Tribute; Roger gave a very good reading of tration of its financial affairs. The clerk is employed the Church, and privately as individuals. If my memory is right, that figure was Psalm 100 and Michaela, Mick’s sister-in-law, read by the Parish Council and is paid in accordance with £60 billion pounds. I keep saying that I don’t know the amount of time effort and a poem. Donations to Mick’s memory are for the a nationally agreed pay scale. Norfolk and Suffolk Carers Support. Our thoughts We also need to co-opt a Councillor to see us finances that goes into running our Benefice, but a genuine thank you to each and and prayers are with Angelina and Roger and their through to May 2015. everyone one of you for what you do in His name, however big or small. family. As a councillor you can become a voice for our community and affect real change. It helps if Rev David F Mills  you’re a ‘people person’ who enjoys talking to other 2 3 residents but, more importantly, you need to have to them. Lots of people contributed to the success of Heart of Gissing the concerns and best interests of the Parish as a this, including several who provided the desserts – Gissing news Please visit the Heart of Gissing website at www. whole at heart. As Councillors, we try to be commu- but particular thanks to Lynn for organising these. heartofgissing.org.uk for up to date information nity centred. We were entertained by a flamenco guitarist and a about groups, events and what is happening in the There is just one year to go before Council be- dancer after the meal. It was a memorable evening. Friends of Gissing Church centre of the village. In addition, you can google comes due for election. This means that if you offer Rachel Hobson 01379 741033 Regular readers of this column will recall that we ‘Gissing Village Life’ and find us, and ‘like’ us on yourself for co-option now your commitment is just are currently waiting for the Heritage Lottery Fund Facebook. The AGM will be held at 8pm on Monday 12 months. Burston Community Primary School (HLF) to deliberate on the funding bid that the 16th June at the Old School. Everyone is welcome to It may be that you are interested in one of these Class 1 will spend the short half term thinking Friends and the PCC submitted earlier in the year. attend to find out what has been achieved over the vacancies but you are not quite sure whether or not about stories set in fantasy worlds. The children will Since the bid went in we have had a visit from an past year and what is in the pipeline for the future either is for you. Why not give me a call for an infor- build up to writing their own story based in the fan- English Heritage officer who inspected the building – there is plenty! mal chat? I would be really pleased to hear from you. tasy world that they have created. In science we are to decide whether the repairs that we have bid for are You would be made very welcome whichever po- going to be looking at growing, with a specific focus justified – informal feedback given during the visit Forthcoming fundraising events include: sition you applied for, why not give it go? upon mini-beasts. In history we will be looking at was positive and he certainly felt that the building Gissing Summer Fayre on Sunday 24th August from Len Hobson, Chairman, 01379 741033 Florence Nightingale and the influence that she had needs some TLC as the Church is now on their ‘at 2pm to 5pm will this year have a Wizard of Oz theme on nursing. Our RE topic is based on belonging. We risk’ register! Hopefully his report to HLF will be and will see the return of the popular scarecrow St Mary’s Church are going to talk about what makes us special and sufficient to encourage them to allow us through to competition in the village with, hopefully, the added We had two particularly successful events at St the different groups that we belong to. On Friday af- the second stage of the bid process in June. attraction of the Tinman, Lion & Dorothy along the Mary’s in April. The first was a new departure – an ternoons Mrs Botwright will continue to cook. They On the 11 April we had our AGM. Thankfully the yellow brick road. There will be competitions, stalls, oratorio performed on Good Friday in church. This will be making carrot cake this term. Please see our Church was a little warmer than this time last year music and various other appropriate diversions, was written and directed by the accomplished Peter Class 1 and cookery blog for more information. when we were in the grip of the coldest spring for with all of the usual fun and games in addition to Creswell, and performed by The Redgrave Singers, Class 2 will be reading books by Dick King- years. The meeting was well attended, the accounts food and refreshments. For further information, with Mark Saberton bass, Jennifer Hewes mezzo so- Smith, reviewing them and writing letters to him. look reasonably healthy and Fiona looked back on a please contact Kelly on 01379 674511. prano and Paul Hewes baritone. Cellist Catherine This will be followed by fun with words when we busy year of fundraising which included the Sum- Johnson and pianist Matthew McCombie accom- read and write puns, riddles, cautionary tales, word mer Fete, the St Nicholas Christmas fair, the very Groups running at present include: panied the work, which was based on events when puzzles and nonsense verse. first Gissing Singers concert and a variety of other Christ is brought before Pontius Pilate prior to his In maths we shall be developing our written meth- activities – once again we have been delighted with Time and Place a series of talks at execution. Ruth Powell narrated the piece. The PCC ods to solve addition and subtraction calculations, the support that we have had from the local commu- Gissing Village Hall. For further information, please was delighted with the number of people who came consolidating our number knowledge and having a nity over the period. The Friends officers and com- contact Kate Heath of 01379 677504 or email: ad- and many people told us much they enjoyed the fabulous time with fractions. mittee were re-elected unopposed. [email protected]. evening – they would like to thank BOCM PAULS Island life is our topic this half-term so don’t be We have also taken the plunge for sponsoring the event. surprised if you hear children talking about tailless and bought a Christmas tree, Lo- Heart of Gissing Crafter’s Cafe Do you enjoy crafts? The other very enjoyable evening was the St cats, three legs and fast motorcycle races on roads cal sources of cut trees are drying Would you like to learn some new skills? Come and George’s Supper, organised by the Friends of as we shall be discovering about life on the Isle of up and our own live tree will be join a new group where you can work on your own Burston Church. Another packed church – we Man. The children will cook some traditional Manx an investment over the next few project, or join in a tutorial/workshop in Gissing tucked into delicious Salmon en Croute cooked and recipes too. years assuming we can get it es- Village Hall 10am– 1pm on the second Tuesday each donated by Freddie of Fredericks Fine Foods in Diss. Class 3 – Although a short half term, we will be tablished. The main task over the month with materials provided. Cost: £3 per ses- Linda and Freddie are great supporters of Friends’ working hard to ensure that the Year 6 children are summer is to keep it watered: if sion to include coffee, cakes and tutorial materials. events and we owe them such a lot – many thanks SATs ready for the week of the 12th May and wish you are passing the church, please June 10th: Needle Felting and the Embellisher. them all luck for the exams that they will be taking. water it – the bucket can be found on the left hand Decorative techniques with fibres and fabrics. They all deserve to do well and have put in lots of side of the porch. July 8th: Stained Glass Quilting Using bias bind- effort this year to improve the levels. Our thoughts are now turning to this year’s fun- ing and fabric to create designs. Our topic for this half term is Under the Sea. The draising and all offers are welcome, If you have an For further details telephone: Anne Reynolds children will be looking at ocean temperatures, coral idea or could assist with fund raising, please con- 01379 674272 or Kate Heath 01379 677504 reefs, sharks and submarines. Activities include a tact Fiona Turton, FOGC Chair, at fionaturton@ project on one of the many types of shark and creat- btinternet.com or Eddie Scoggins, FOGC Secretary at Gissing Children’s Centre (Pre-School and Play- ing some colourful artwork around the coral theme. [email protected] scheme) Contact Linda Nash on 01379 677300

4 5 (9am–3pm during term time), telephone 07796 ning from 6.30 pm at the Children’s Centre (the Gissing Children’s Centre 204367 out of hours. email – email@gissingchild- Old School). Call Sharon Calton on 07979 411644 Our popular and successful Pre-School, with its very news renscentre.co.uk or email at [email protected] for special family ethos, runs Monday to Friday during further details. term time. The Pre-school runs two 3 hour long ses- Gissing Baby and Toddler Group runs in Gissing sions per day where children can attend from 9 am to All Saints’ Church Village Hall every Monday morning from 10am Performing Arts East offers ballet, tap, and contem- 12 noon and/or from 12 noon to 3 pm each day. Early This is the most beautiful time of year that Cock to 12 noon. All parents, carers and their children porary dance classes to children (from 3 years of age) years funding for 3 and 4 year olds can be used for Crow is produced; hedges, trees and fields are rich (under school age) are welcome to come and have and adults and runs from both the Children’s Centre both morning and afternoon sessions and the Pre- in foliage, blossom and growth. a chat while the children have fun. The group in- (the Old School) and from Gissing village hall. For school is now able to offer a limited number of fund- Easter at All Saints’ Church was busy. Holy cludes a designated safe ‘baby area’ within the main further details, please contact Sam on 07825 325100 ed places for eligible 2 year olds. Children can attend Week, starting on Palm Sunday with the blessing play area. For general information about the group, by email at [email protected] unaccompanied from 2½ years to 5 years old. Any and distribution of palm crosses followed by the please contact Vicky on 01379 674437 or 07946 families wishing to bring their children and come short weekday evening services of meditation and 212779 or email at [email protected]. Weekly Musical Theatre Class runs every Wednes- and have a look, are welcome to contact Linda Nash ending with the morning worship on Good Friday, day from 5 pm at Gissing Village Hall for anyone on 01379 677300 (9am– 3pm during term time) or saw good-sized congregations following the story of Gissing Youth Club for 8–13 year olds, runs on se- over 7 years of age. The class includes singing, danc- 07796 204367 (out of hours); emailpreschool@giss- our Lord’s passion and crucifixion. lected Tuesdays 6.30–8.30pm (summer times) dur- ing and acting, working on scripts from popular mu- ingchildrenscentre.co.uk to arrange a visit at a time The little church was again decorated to a true ing term time at Gissing Children’s Centre. Anyone sicals. The group will then do recitals for family at of your choice. Please note that spaces are filling glory for Easter Day by our faithful band of flower interested in helping or who has ideas or skills to the end of term. For further details, please contact up for the second half of the Summer Term and we arrangers; Anne, Sheila, Pam, Marian, Marilyn and share, please contact Bernie on 07796 545929 or Sam on 07825 325100 or by email at samiwatt@ are currently also reserving places from September Jean. Holy Communion was celebrated by the Rec- 01379 677254 or email at [email protected] rocketmail.com 2014, but the Pre-school operates a working waiting tor and cheerful parishioners at 10 am on that glori- list so will aim to meet your requirements, and hold ous day. Gissing Reading Group meets on the second Heart of Gissing Community Arts Group queries places, wherever we can. Do visit our Facebook page Wednesday of each month at 8pm at the Old School. regarding this group to Rose Eddington on 01379 to see what we have been up to. Spring Concert For further information about the group, please con- 677790 or email at [email protected]. On Friday 9th May, our small but brave congrega- tact Jim Philip on 01379 677352 or just come along. tion stiffened its resolve and cast away its inhibitions Stage HOGers puts on performances from time to produce a home-grown concert of music, poetry, to time. Anyone interested in treading the boards, drama and prose chosen to mark the spring season. please contact Sam on 07825 325100 or email at Entitled ‘Springtime Journeys’, the concert had [email protected] for further information. at its core the idea of the human spirit needing to go on its pilgrimages and journeys from the time of Friends of Gissing Church contact Fiona Turton on Chaucer and the Canterbury pilgrims to modern jet 01379 677811 or email [email protected]. flight. Piano accompaniment and flute solos were de- Gissing Carpet Bowls contact Derek Dewey on We plan to run Playschemes for primary school lightfully provided by Joyce Yates. Marion and 01379 677162. children on selected days over the summer holiday. Brian Dent-Williams read ‘The Mayflower’ and The cost will be £16.50 per child and sessions will ‘Norfolk – The Coast’. Pat Webster read an excerpt Gissing Bowls Club contact Kevin Lake on 01379 now run for longer, from 9am to 3.30pm. Places from Laurie Lee’s ‘As I walked out one Midsum- Gissing Gardening Group generally meets on the 677525. are bookable and payable in advance, by ring- mer Morning’ and Linda Nash led a tribute to the third Wednesday evening of the month at the Old ing 07531 810704 or by emailing: playscheme@ fallen of the First World War by her reading of the School. For enquiries about the group, contact Joe Bookings to use Gissing Village Hall contact Bernie gissingchildrenscentre.co.uk Children will need to Edward Thomas poem ‘Adlestrop’. Jean Challoner Cromley on 01379 677817. Calton on 07796 545929 or 01379 677254 or email at bring a packed lunch and some money for tuck. A sang ‘Where Corals Lie’ by Edward Elgar and, with [email protected] wide range of crafts, cookery and other workshops, Jean Collins, a duet version of ‘Over the Rainbow’. Gissing Singers meet every Monday at 7.30 pm in construction, sand and various play opportunities, A further solo ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ was sung by Gissing Village Hall. Further information available Bookings to use The Old School contact Linda Nash both indoors and outside, will be on offer including Penny Martin. from Andrew Pierssené on 01379 674518. on 01379 677300 (9am to 3pm Monday to Friday multi-skills and sports activities outdoors by Ian ‘Altar Flowers’ a wry dramatic look at church during term time) or 07796 204367 out of hours or Constance Coaching on selected days. Flyers will be life was performed by the Rector, Sheila Church- Pilates continues to run every Wednesday eve- email – [email protected] distributed to local schools before the end of term. yard, Helen Green and Penny Martin. Belleplates

6 7 were hand chimed by the Coomber family, Francis, Social Club kind of disability throughout Norfolk will be held in Sylvia and Annie. Further solos and support were The injection of ‘new blood’ is livening things up. Shelfanger Village Hall on Saturday 28th June. Tivetshall news richly provided by Clem Cocker, clarinet and flute, Thanks to Karen Lough, Robbie Trudgill and Tig The quiz starts at 7.30pm with doors opening at and by ‘Frenze Beck’ a Waveney Choir semi-chorus. Ross for joining the team and committee. A gleam- 7pm. Entry will be £5 per head (incl. light refresh- Roger Challoner paid his tribute to the Singing ing refrigerated cabinet for the display of bottled ments). Team size will be 4–8 persons and real ale Postman and the whole concert was underpinned by drinks is being fitted in the bar as these words are will be on tap. Raffle prizes include food hampers, Primary School the music and organisation of Joyce Yates and Jean written. Remember the club is open on Fridays Norwich theatre and museum passes or vouchers Challoner. 8pm–11.30pm and Saturdays 9pm–11.30pm. and day passes to Dunston Hall. To reserve a table We had a great time at our whole school maths café. Truly fantastic food (too good to call refresh- phone Helen on 07917 642062. Mrs Green read Marvin Wanted More! with the ments) was provided by Anne Lord and Marian Parish Council help of two parent ‘volunteers’ and a rather scary Paines together with their team. Senior pupils from The Parish Council joins the church in asking all balloon! The parents all then went with the teachers All Saints’ School acted as ushers, Howard Yates Shelfanger parishioners to ‘know their neighbours’. to learn a bit more about the teaching of subtraction was bar steward and Mike Paines supervised the This does not mean being nosy but to know enough and multiplication, before the whole school commu- car parking. to help a lost delivery van or service provider. nity came together again to enjoy a morning of craft Ticket sales and a magnificent raffle were organ- activities. There were too many activities to name ised by that famous duo, Peter and Pam Harries. Friends of but the most popular was definitely decorating (and Real thanks to all who attended or helped in any The group is making plans for the next ‘Family eating) Marvin biscuits, closely followed by making way towards this concert which raised just over Day’. This is likely to be on Saturday 6th September. salt dough Marvins. £400 for church funds. Keep watching this space. Children from years 5 and 6 went to Great Yar- mouth Hippodrome the next day for an afternoon of Church Business Shelfanger Stitchers orchestral music based on popular tunes, including Peter Harries and Roger Challoner were sworn in This group is proving to be a considerable success. Angry Birds and Avicci. The children greatly en- again on May 8th to serve as churchwardens for an- Some 20 ‘Trauma Teds’– knitted bears for children joyed it – you may have seen it on TV. other year. Church enquiries to Peter on 651524 or caught up in accidents or emergency situations- The netball team continue to go from strength to Roger on 642286. Further details of officers and the have been sent to the Norfolk Fire & Rescue HQ. strength playing against much larger schools and PCC will appear in a later issue. Also, 8 blankets together with woolly hats etc. have older children. They lost narrowly to Winfarthing been sent to the Premature Baby Unit at Norfolk & but beat both Dickleburgh and . Well done! Village Hall Norwich University Hospital. Our e-safety day was a great success. Internet The AGM was held on 1st May. At this meeting The group meets at The Walnuts, Church Road safety is embedded into many areas of the curricu- Malcolm Barnard was elected to serve as Chairman at 2pm on alternate Thursdays and the group would lum and is covered continuously but we also cover for another year, John Kemp likewise as Hon. Treas- love to see you. For details please call Helen Green it explicitly once every two years including a ses- urer and Ivan Cotton as bookings officer. The com- on 652199. If you would like to knit for the group but sion for parents which always proves enlightening. mittee of Marilyn and Ron Hurst, Ray Leeder, Anne cannot make the meetings, please ring Helen to see Children from Reception to Year 4 learnt about the and Derek Lord, Roger Challoner, Marian and Mike how you can help. adventures of Smartie the Penguin and his new lap- Paines was elected to serve for a further year. The top whilst the older children studied cyber-bullying. committee accepted with great regret the decision Shelfanger Fete Meet Celebrity Bob Flowerdew of As part of our project work on life one hundred of Anne Lord to stand down as Hon. Secretary after Our grand traditional fete will be held at the play- BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time. years ago two visitors came from Diss Museum four years service. Jan Barnard was elected to take ing field on Saturday 19th July from 2pm to 5pm. to show a variety of artefacts from the time. The over this post. The chairman, officers, committee Sideshows, games, cake stall, burgers, tombola, Gardens of all types, plants for sale, children were fascinated and had lots of sensible members and retiring secretary were thanked most bar, books, refreshments, entertainment by children bird experts and furniture exhibition. and well-thought out ideas in the mystery object sincerely for all their efforts over the past year to from All Saints School, grand raffle and much more. competition. keep the hall and field operating. As an example of Be there! Shuttle bus or bring your bike. The following day we had a long coach journey to this, a working party was organised to replace dam- Teas and lunches, plus Pub, Common Colchester to visit the synagogue. This was the cul- aged chain-link fencing on the field boundary – bor- Special Quiz Night and Church open. mination of a whole school study of Judaism and put ing, but necessary. Saturday 28th June. A quiz night in aid of the Nor- all that we had learnt into context. All of the boys folk & Norwich Scope Association (NANSA) which Contact: Jo on 01379 608854 had their heads covered and we all ate kosher food.   provides support for adults and children with any [email protected] The adults also learnt a lot and were very privileged 8 9 old school hall. We have got lots of new equipment or people, contact Richard or Mary Livermore on Winfarthing news and toys and due to the bigger space will be offer- 01379 652951 or email [email protected] ing arts and crafts and ride on cars and scooters. As you may know many local toddler groups have been Contacts Parish Council Report forced to close recently including Bressingham and I am away for the next Cock Crow deadline so could The Annual Parish Council Meeting was held at the North Lopham. We are the only local group offering you please send material direct to Vivienne Wheeler Village hall on Tuesday 6th May. The chairman Mr an afternoon session. If you have any questions or whose contact details are on the centre pages. Jim Collins gave his report on the year’s activities would like further information please do not hesitate of the council. to contact me. All Saints’ Primary School to view the Torah scrolls. Many thanks go to the The Saffron Housing Development has been fin- Thank you for your time. All Saints’ pupils and staff returned from the Easter synagogue for their kind hospitality. ished, all the properties are occupied and a mainte- Nicola Mills 01379 423386 break energised for the new summer term. On the last day of term we held both our Easter nance agreement has been agreed with Saffron. The school Sports Hall is close to completion and garden competition and our Mothers’ Day Café. The footpath between Chapel Close and Dia- Village Hall bookings are now being taken for using it! One of The children always enjoy creating their mini- mond Close has been completed at a cost of £5000 to Bookings on the village Hall have increased since the first scheduled events will be the hosting of mini gardens using moss, twigs and flowers and plants the Parish Council. Norfolk County Council would the refurbishment so it was well worthwhile. If you short tennis training for staff within the cluster. The depicting either the Biblical story of Easter or a cel- not construct the path on the east side because of the would like to book the Hall for an event please con- hall will also be used to host the new Partnership ebration of spring and new life. The standard in Year utilities that were underground on the east side. tact Paula McQue on 01379 650843. Production: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at 4/5/6 was especially high this year and very diffi- The new notice has been erected and is available the end of the summer term. cult to judge. Well done to group winners Isla, Milly for Parish notices. Winfarthing Footpaths Group Following the success of the Bingo night the and Vikki. The Mothers’ Day Café was very well Speeding through the village is still a problem The May walk was a success although we continue Home School Association is planning an end of attended as usual and the refreshments were as deli- and the Parish Council is still awaiting volunteers to to reveal problems. It is also good that some other term disco for pupils in the new hall on May 23rd cious as usual. Many thanks to Mrs Brown for help- monitor motorists. people have contacted the PC about footpaths. We and their School Summer Fair on Saturday 8th June ing the children with cooking and taking on most of The litter pick in March collected 8 bin bags of have now walked all the footpaths in the parish and noon until 2 pm. the organisation this year and to Mrs Brown, Mrs rubbish; all 10 volunteers agreed it was worth- a few outside and are suspending walks for the Sum- Pupils have also been developing their sporting Marshall and Miss Mills for all of their hard work while. The Council’s name was entered into South mer but… watch this space. We hope to have a walk skills winning their last few netball matches in the on the day. Also, many thanks to Year 6s Harriet and Norfolk’s prize draw which they were successful in for everybody on Saturday 6th September starting small school league! Pupils are now busy practising Holly for serving so well. winning. and finishing at the Village Hall with a barbecue. Rounders, Kwick Cricket and Athletics in prepara- Sandra Potter, Senior Teacher This year’s precept was increased by under 2% Keep in touch with any ideas or problems Contacts tion for participation in the Cluster events. above last year’s figure. Nic Griffiths on 01379 643718 or Ken Barrell on Following the choir’s successful contribution at The village hall improvements have been com- 01379 642125 the Village Church Service in March, the children Are you interested in pleted and the Council is supporting it in its new are now preparing for the Chyme Concert in Diss. affordable housing? projects. Clubs this term include SATs, softball, choir, All council meetings are open to the general pub- handwriting, guitars, Performing Arts and Boomer- Do you live or work in the South lic so if you would like to see how the council is run ang After School club. Norfolk district? please come to our meetings which are usually held Other events the children are looking forward to on the first Monday of each month; details and con- in forthcoming weeks include a trip to Norwich Cas- If so, you could be eligible to join tacts are on the notice board. tle Museum to enhance learning about Egyptians, Village Service an Egyptian Dance workshop and a residential trip the housing register. Winfarthing Toddler Group Services continue on the third Sunday of each month to Hill Top! This group started many years ago as part of the from 10–11am with refreshments served after the If you would like further information about All Contact South Norfolk now closed All Saints’ Nursery at the village hall. service. Please join us. For further information call Saints’ Primary, or wish to bring your child to visit, Council’s Housing and Advice When the Nursery closed we moved to All Saints’ Jane Marchant on 01379 640502 or Brian Dent on please do not hesitate to contact the school on 01379 team on 0808 168 2222 or email School. Unfortunately, due to the building work at 01953 860535. 642767 or by e-mail [email protected]. the school we were forced to close. Now the sports sch.uk We would love to hear from you! [email protected] hall is almost complete we are delighted to be reo- Winfarthing Prayer Group Louise Norgate, Executive Head Teacher for All for more information pening bigger and better than before. We will meet If you would like to join us or ask for God’s bless- Saints’ and St Andrew’s Federation working in every Wednesday from 1–3pm in term time in the ing on our village or to pray for specific situations partnership with Hapton

10 11 Cock Crow is the Parish Magazine of the Winfarthing Groups of Churches and THE UPPER WAVENEY BENEFICE BURSTON The Rector of the Winfarthing Group Diss Team Ministry www.dissteamministry.org.uk GISSING The Revd David F Mills The four parishes and Roydon are now considered members of the Diss Team Ministry Winfarthing Rectory of all SIX parishes, led by The Rev’d Canon Tony Billett, Rector of Diss and also Rural SHELFANGER Church Lane, Winfarthing, Norfolk IP22 2EA Dean. To arrange Weddings or Baptisms, contact Diss Parish Office 01379 643783. TIVETSHALL Tel: 01379 643646 For other pastoral matters requiring a priest, contact one of the churchwardens, who WINFARTHING E-mail: [email protected] will put you in touch with the appropriate individual. Bressingham N Lopham S Lopham Burston Gissing Shelfanger Tivetshall Winfarthing Date St John the Baptist St Andrew St Nicholas St Andrew June 1 9.30 MP 8.00 HC 11.00 MW 11.00 FS 9.30 MP (BCP) (BCP &) (BCP &) (BCP &) June 8 8.00 HC (Join Tivetshall) 11.00 MW 11.00 MP 9.30 MP (C/W Order 2) (C/W Order 1) (C/W Order 2) Sun 1st June No Service 4pm 9.30am 11am No Service June 15 9.30 MP 11.00 HC 8.00 HC 9.30 HC 10.00 VC Ascension Sunday ES HC FS June 22 6.00 EP 11.00 MP 11.00 MP (Join Gissing) 9.30 HC Sun 8th June 9.30am No Service 11am 4pm No Service June 29 10.30 5/P HC Pentecost HC Family ES July 6 9.30 MP 8.00 HC 11.00 MW 11.00 FS 9.30 MP Party (healing) Service (Join Tivetshall) July 13 8.00 HC 11.00 MW 11.00 MP 9.30 MP Sun 15th June 4pm No Service 11am 9.30am July 20 9.30 MP 11.00 HC 8.00 HC 9.30 HC 10.00 VC Trinity Sunday EP FS HC July 27 11.00 MS 11.00 MP 11.00 MP (Join Gissing) 9.30 HC Sun 22nd June 10.30am 9.30am 11am 4pm August 3 9.30 MP 8.00 HC 11.00 MW 11.00 FS 9.30 MP Trinity 1 with Methodists HC FS ES FS/Chp Family Service at Chapel|MW Morning Worship|FS Family Service|HC Holy Communion| MP Morning Prayer| Sun 29th June Fifth Sunday: Holy Communion at Diss 10.30am; MPW at Roydon 4pm 5/P 5 Parish Service|VC Village Church|4SS Fourth Sunday Service|MS Morning Service Trinity 2 THE COCK CROW TEAM & CORRESPONDENTS Sun 6th July No Service 4pm 9.30am No Service Trinity 3 ES HC EDITORS Burston Elizabeth Mceniff, Orchard House, Winfarthing Group: Vivienne Wheeler, Crown Green, Burston, IP22 5TZ NB: Welcome Service at Diss 10.30am; Picnic Lunch at Lophams Village Hall Jacks Barn, Common Road, Shelfanger IP22 2DR 01379 742583 [email protected] Sun 13th July 9.30am No Service 11am 4pm No Service 01379 642622 [email protected] Fersfield Maureen Webb Scoggins Farm, Trinity 4 HC FS ES Bressingham Group: Tim Colyer, ‘Bermick’, Tanns Dennington Rd, Laxfield, Suffolk IP13 8HJ Sun 20th July 4pm No Service 11am 9.30am Lane, North Lopham, IP22 2LZ 01986 798072 [email protected] Trinity 5 ES FS HC 01379 687718 [email protected] Gissing Joe Cromley, The Chequers, Upper Street, Sun 27th July Archdeacon’s Visitation – HC at Diss 10.30am 4pm SECRETARY Gissing. 01379 677817 Trinity 6 ES Jennie Vere, Southlands, Church Corner, North Lopham, North Lopham Mrs Jennie Vere, Sun 3rd August No Service 4pm 9.30am 11am No Service Diss, Norfolk. Southlands, North Lopham. 01379 687679 Trinity 7 ES HC FS 01379 687679 [email protected] South Lopham Jackie Brown, Bottle Cottage, MP Morning Prayers|FS Family Service|HC Holy Communion|FHC Family Communion|ES Evensong|EP Evening Prayer with TREASURER Cheques payable to ‘Cock Crow Committee’ please Redgrave Rd, S Lopham IP22 2HL. 01379 687260 hymns|H&R Service of Healing & Reconciliation|MPW Non Denominational All Age Music Praise & Worship Marie Davis, 68 Common Road, Bressingham [email protected] Morning Prayer: At present is at 8.30am on Monday and Tuesday at North Lopham and on Thursday at South IP22 2BB. 01379 687242. Shelfanger Roger Challoner, Old Post Office, Lopham in addition to the service held each weekday in St Mary’s, Diss at 8.30am. Wednesday Communion: is at 10.45am in St Mary’s Church Diss. ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Church Road, Shelfanger IP22 2DG, 01379 642286 [email protected] Fellowship/Country Connect Group: Meets on someWednesday afternoons at 1.30pm; contact Jennie (01379 Lynda Sullivan, Rosario Cottage, Rectory Road, 687679) for location. NR15 2AL 01379 676713 Tivetshall Maggie Rowan, The Thatched House, Holy Bingo: Meets on the first Monday of each month in Lophams’ Village Hall at 2pm. It’s a fun event, not for [email protected] Further details page 36 Green Lane, Tivetshall NR15 2BJ serious bingo enthusiasts. Do come, for happy socialising. 01379 674116 [email protected] CORRESPONDENTS Churchwardens Bressingham D Burroughes 01379 688291 Bressingham Diana Burroughes, Burrowood, Wilney Winfarthing Alun Howkins, Holly Farm Barn, The Fersfield J Sumpter 01379 687 711 R Vere 01379 687679 Street, Winfarthing Green, Bressingham IP22 2AJ N Lopham A Briggs 01953 681989 R Vere 01379 687679 01379 652202 [email protected] 01379 688291 [email protected] S Lopham P Reeder 01379 687273 D Huggins 01379 687201 J Brundell 12 • • • • • • • • • Next Copy date is Monday 7th July latest, please send via your correspondents who will forward by email to [email protected] or the group editor; details above • • • • • • • • • 13 Diss Team Ministry writes… Council, for all he has done for the villages during Bressingham News him time in office. He took over as chairman at a very difficult time, when Rodger became ill, and he has certainly worked very hard for us all. A Picture of contentment Church News Diana As I write, I am just recovering from the really suc- From where I sit in my conservatory I get a good view of my three chickens, cessful concert held in memory of Rodger and Millie Village Meeting Millly, Molly and Mandy. These three ladies have been with us now for eighteen Aves on Friday 2nd May. Because we did not have The meeting was held on 22nd April in the Village the facilities required by the performers, the Stu- Hall. In his report, Council Chairman, Mr Catter- months and have given us no end of pleasure, not just with the eggs they give us art Singers, St Mary’s church in Diss very kindly mole, said that the condition of the roads was the (and this throughout two winters ) but with their amusing antics. They are ad- agreed for us to hold it there. biggest problem and he felt that the treatment by dicted to mealworms and if we didn’t know better we could believe they would The choir, from Minchinghampton in Gloucester- NCC Highways Department had been most un- do somersaults for them! But what struck me most as I was sitting watching them shire, were a most delightful group of people, some satisfactory. Running the allotments is now the re- on a recent sunny day was their contentment. All they want to do is to methodi- of whom we met last year as the concert was first of- sponsibility of the Association and is working well. fered to us in September 2013. In all, 32 singers plus A contentious issue had been the planning applica- cally scratch up the earth to find a tasty grub or root and then move along to the their director Helen Sims and accompanist Barrie tion for the anaerobic digester. After holding open next patch – there is no compulsion, as they know perfectly well they will be fed Cooper, not to mention the ‘groupies’ who set eve- meetings, the decision of the Parish Council was and watered, and it would not now occur to them to try to fly out of their safety rything up for them, came. They were so very well overturned and permission was granted. zone. Oh that we could be like that. I am quite sure that it is what God wishes for organised it was wonderful to watch. The report on the Elizabeth Barker Charity stated us. And yet we know in our fast paced world it is difficult. People have different The singing was amazing and to everyone’s sur- that, following the death of Rodger and Millie Aves, problems to contend with, financial, social, personal. It is hard to take Jesus’ words prise they didn’t have any music or words to go by! the church has only one Churchwarden. A time lock The songs were very varied, everything from ‘Blow has been fitted to the church’s north door, a require- ‘Do not be anxious...’ to heart, but we would be a lot healthier if we made an ef- Gabriel Blow to ‘I Believe’ and ‘Nellie the Elephant’ ment of English Heritage. A new trustee from the fort to take his advice. So, as sunnier, brighter days are here take the opportunity to ‘On Holy Ground’; in other words, something for Parish Council has been appointed. Details of ac- to stop awhile… and perhaps watch and learn from the chickens! everyone. counts were given. We were extremely fortunate in having so much Mrs Pearce reported on the amalgamation of the The Revd Maggie Swayze, Assistant Curate of Diss team Ministry help on the evening, not just from our own little three charities into one - the Bressingham Charity committee, but also from the ladies of Diss church Fuel Allotments. to whom we are extremely grateful. We had a very In the Bressingham Church report, Mrs Bur- successful raffle and collection at the end for anyone roughes spoke of the great loss felt after the deaths Team Ministry News who felt like adding a little more to the cause. of Rodger and Millie Aves. Following Rodger’s Many thanks go to everyone who attended or do- death, a restoration fund for the church porch was Diss Team Ministry Cock Crow nated money for the fund, and special thanks to our started which has reached almost £7,000, however, The Benefices of Diss and Upper Waveney officially Marie, our Treasurer for a good many years, will sponsors Rosedale Funeral Home and T W Gaze nearly £20,000 will be needed to complete the re- united as the Diss Team Ministry on 1st May, with be emigrating this summer, but has done one I am delighted to say so far we have raised £2,624 pairs. The church has been put on the ‘at risk’ list Canon Tony Billett as Team Rector. We hope to ap- final excellent job for us in finding a successor! We from the event, well beyond our wildest expecta- by English Heritage. Running costs continue to in- point a part time Team Vicar in the coming months send Marie grateful thanks, and very best wishes tions. crease and the covenants, donations and fund rais- to work in all the six parishes alongside Canon Tony. for a happy future on the Continent. There will be At the end of April we said farewell to our Curate, ing are greatly appreciated. an AGM and hand-over meeting for the Manage- Rev’d John Pares who is taking a living on the out- Mr Hewitt reported on behalf of Fersfield church Welcome ment Committee on 9th June, at Southlands, North skirts of Bournemouth. I plan to go to his Induction that the services are well attended and it is helped by The training curate Deborah Hamilton Gray will Lopham, at 7.30pm, at which we will be able to meet there on 12th May together with our Rector and the various fund raising activities. The installation of a be welcomed to the Team on Sunday 6th July, at the the new treasurer. churchwardens at Diss. Our new Curate Deborah new power system is in progress. 10.30am service in St Mary’s, Diss, with a bring Hamilton-Grey will join us on 5th July and we all Mrs Webb reported on another good year for the and share Picnic Lunch afterwards at the Lophams’ Team Ministry Website look forward to her ministry with us. Drama group. Two productions –‘Death by Choco- Village Hall & Playing Field. All are welcome to The address in printed under the Team logo, on the Lastly, on behalf of Bressingham PCC, may I late’ and the pantomime ‘Cinders’ were very popu- come along to meet Deborah & husband Michael, services page; do visit the website to see just what is thank Ian Cattermole, the outgoing chairman and lar making a profit of £1800 for Village Hall Funds. from 12.15 onwards. on offer across The Team. councillor of Bressingham and Fersfield Parish The Ladies Club continues to be popular, its 35

14 15 members enjoying a variety of talks and outings. As Our sessions are on Mondays 8.45–11.45, and well as the Monday meetings members ran the bot- Fersfield News Lophams news Wed/Thurs 8.45–15.15. Do note that ALL 3 years tle stall at the Village Fete and enjoyed the annual olds are entitled to 15 hours free sessions each week. dinner and party. As always, we encourage prospective parents to A report from The Village Hall and Recreational Church News St Andrew’s Primary School drop in, view the setting and meet our team. Please Association showed that both the Hall and Playing The Easter Sunday family service, taken by Rich- St Andrew’s pupils and staff returned from the East- note our new contact number is 07854 091257 Field are well used, but the children’s play equip- ard Hewitt, was very well attended and enjoyed by er break energised for the new summer term. ment needs updating which will be costly. all. Hazel Pankhurst and Arthur Wildish read for Following the success of the Easter breakfast and FOSTA The Allotment Association is running well with us (well done to both of them) and on leaving the Easter egg hunt, Friends of St Andrew’s School are Following comments at last year’s yard sales we all allotments occupied and a waiting list. In Decem- Church everyone was given a small chocolate egg, planning a ladies Pamper Night in the Lophams Vil- have taken on board suggestions to have these ear- ber they came 5th in the Christmas tree competition grown-ups too. On the 27th April, St Andrew’s Holy lage Hall on lier. FOSTA are planning these for the 1st June 2014. at Dickleburgh church. Communion service was taken by the Rev’d Reg Friday 16th May 2014. This is always a popular We are opening the School gates for people who Mr Traynier said that wet weather had made con- Dakin. Rev’d Reg can usually be found taking ser- event with parents and friends of the school. would like to car boot and the pre-school will host ditions difficult on the footpaths. New finger posts vices in Roydon church so this was a very special Pupils have also been developing their sporting the refreshments. are on order. treat for us. skills winning their last few netball matches in the Reporting on the web site, it was proving to be I have to report that Richard Vere is stepping small school league! Pupils are now busy practising Lophams’ Ladies a very popular source of up to date information on down as Church Warden of St Andrew’s and Rich- Rounders, Kwick Cricket and Athletics in prepara- Meeting on the first Tuesday of the month in the activities in the parish. ard Hewitt has been elected to take his place. Rich- tion for participation in the Cluster events. Village Hall; 7.15pm for 7.30pm Mr Weeks reported that SNDC had made sav- ard V is also CW at St Nicholas, North Lopham, so Clubs this term include guitars, art, performing At our AGM in April, we all thanked Sarah Friz- ings on waste collection; Mr Spratt spoke about the we have been lucky to have him for so long. Richard arts and film. zell for her continued leadership as we enjoyed an- cuts being made by NCC adding that extra Govern- will still be our Treasurer so we’ll still be seeing him Other events the children are looking forward to other year of meetings and welcomed some new faces ment money for Highways will help to ease some at our PCC meetings. in forthcoming weeks include a trip to Norwich Cas- to the group. We also were able to share a ‘Nostalgia problems. The bumper plant sale, cakes and coffee morning tle Museum to enhance learning about Egyptians, Time’ with several members displaying some very Mr Cattermole is resigning from the Parish raised £538.56 which will go towards the heating an Egyptian Dance workshop and a residential to detailed Family Trees and some wonderful old and Council and at the close of the meeting thanks were fund. We are still in communication with the elec- Hill Top! ‘not’ so old family photos. On May 6th we had an expressed to him for leading the Council through a tricity board but everything seems to be going in the If you would like further information about St An- evening outing to ‘Cocoa Mama’; a chocolate shop difficult time. right direction. Meanwhile, our sincere thanks go to drew’s Primary, or wish to bring your child to visit, Jan H, Pam and Margaret for all their hard work, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 01379 Lophams Society presents not forgetting Jennie who every year faithfully mans 687253 or by e-mail [email protected]. the tombola stall for Fersfield’s events. sch.uk We would love to hear from you! God reated A Jazz Evening, featuring Finally, the PCC would like to express their Louise Norgate, Executive Headteacher for All thanks to the Rev’d John Pares for his input dur- Saints and St Andrew’s Federation ing his stay in Diss and we wish him and his wife a Garden PORK PIE HAT Maggie much happiness in his new parish in St Andrews Pre School Bournemouth. The numbers on our Pre School roll are good, and  Lophams Village Hall Maureen we are currently planning to use some of the gener- Saturday 19th July, 7pm for 7.30 Richard Vere has decided to step down as church- ous donation received recently to develop the outside Flower Festival warden for Fersfield after 12 years in the role. We are area – with a veggie patch on the ground to the side very grateful for everything he has undertaken on that the school are letting us have. Thank you to St Andrew’s Church, South Lopham our behalf during this time and for his tireless sup- everyone who supports us, including all those who Saturday and Sunday 12th/13th July port of our Sunday services and all our fund-raising bought tickets for the Easter Raffle. Do look out for 10am– 4pm, admission free and social activities. Richard will remain on the posters advertising our Bingo evening, then come Entry £8 pp includes food PCC as our Treasurer but for now a huge thank you along and join in! There will be refreshments, wood turning, For tickets/further details phone for having been such a special churchwarden and We are running a mobile recycling initiative, so a plant stall and tombola friend for so long. if you have an old mobile languishing in a drawer, Everybody is welcome so please come along 01379 688408 Jan let us take it off your hands and turn it into much and enjoy the flowers  needed pennies and pounds for the pre-school. 16 17 in Eye. Chocolatier Helen Fraser; owner of this fam- Events at Holy Bingo ily business talked, demonstrated and let us indulge It is always good to see new faces. Do join us at the in some of her ‘fresh chocolate, made the old fash- Redgrave Village Hall on the first Monday each month at ioned way; inspired by local Suffolk produce’. Helen & Lopham Fen 2pm, for some light hearted fun and banter. Please not only produces these handmade delights but also telephone 01379 687679 if you need help with trans- serves lunches – certainly a place to return to! Saturday 14 June, 10.30am–12.30pm port. On June 3rd, harpist Sarah Rochfort will be talk- Wildlife Watch Group A club for 6–12yr olds, ing and playing for us and on July 1st we have an £1. Contact Mike Wraight 01379 644508 Lophams Society afternoon visit to Fuller’s Mill Garden at West Stow. The Lophams’ Society AGM, was held as part of Sunday 15 June, 10am–3pm Once again we shall be organising lifts.On June 14th the Lopham’s Village meeting on the 11th April. Jam Masterclass Learn how quick and easy we have our annual Jumble, Bric a Brac and Car The chairman, Granville Horan, gave an update of it is to make jam and conserves with local Boot Sale so please remember us when you are hav- events held over the past twelve months including who took charge of the scoreboard. Thanks also to master preserver, Janet Peachey. £25/£21.50 ing a Spring Clean!! Please phone 01379 687337, or the recent March quiz, the most successful ever. everyone who turned up to support us and to the Booking essential 01473 890089 687679 if you have items to be collected. On the day, Following his report, he announced his intention to committee members and helpers for all their hard doors open at 1.30pm. Saturday 5 July, 10.30am–1pm stand down having held his post for several years. work on the night, especially those in the kitchen Once again newcomers and visitors are always Guided fen walk Enjoy sights and sounds of Over the past year, several new members have and the bar. All proceeds from this quiz and future welcome – phone 01379 687337 for details. the Fen with naturalist John Hill. £3 Meet at joined the committee and it was pleasing to receive a events will go towards funding the FREE Christmas Kate Briggs the Education Centre, no booking required. nomination for Roy Clark who was duly elected as drop-in event in December. chairman and for David Hammond who was elected Maureen Gaynor (Publicity Secretary) Saturday 5 July, 10am– 3pm Garden Club as vice chairman, replacing Alan Gaynor who has Dragonfly & damselfly surveying Find Meets at Blooms of Bressingham Garden Centre on also decided to stand down. At the conclusion of the At a recent meeting the Lophams’ Society Commit- out more about these creatures. £25/£21.50 the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. Visi- AGM a vote of thanks was proposed for all Gran- tee discussed the possibility of holding an occasion- Booking essential 01473 890089 tors and new members are always very welcome. ville’s hard work on behalf of the Lophams’ Society. al afternoon ‘Senior Citizens tea party’ at the Village On 7th May John Tate gave a presentation enti- Saturday 12 June, 10.30am–12.30pm The society would like to take this opportunity to Hall. Such an event would give people the opportu- tled ‘Garden Ponds’ and gave us lots of advice and Wildlife Watch Group A club for 6–12yr olds, express its thanks to Nigel and Tracy Martin, land- nity to meet and chat with new and old friends over tips on how to maintain a healthy pond. £1. Contact Mike Wraight 01379 644508 lords of The White Horse in South Lopham, for their a cup of tea and a slice of cake. It is envisaged that We shall not have our usual meeting in June, but most generous donation of £500 raised at a number there would be no charge and there is even the possi- instead will be making an evening visit to Furze Saturday 26 July, 10am–3pm of fund raising events held there over recent months. bility that transport could be arranged if necessary. House Gardens on 11th June; the cost of this visit Botanical Illustration Techniques with This donation will go towards funding this year’s It is difficult to judge if such events would be well will be £6 and we shall be making our own travel the emphasis on botanical accuracy. With Christmas drop-in event to be held on the 12th De- received so if you would value such an occasion, or arrangements. For further information please call botanical illustrator, Christine Grey-Wilson. cember. The Lophams’ Society was delighted to be know somebody that may do so, please contact Roy 01953 681989. £25/£21.50. Booking essential 01473 890089 chosen by The White Horse to receive this amount Clark on 688408. On 2nd July we look forward to welcoming Gab- and we wish them every success in all their future by Reid who will talk about ‘Growing and Using Tuesday 29 July, events which will benefit other causes across the Lophams Village Hall Seasonal Flowers’ and on 6th August we shall enjoy 2pm–4pm Lophams. The Village Hall AGM has been rescheduled to an outing to Thorncroft Clematis Nursery. Pond dipping family The next Lophams’ Society event will be a jazz Friday 27th June, in the hall at 7.30pm. It would be afternoon Explore the night featuring ‘Pork Pie Hat’ on the 19th July at great to have at least one representative from each underwater world of a the Lophams’ Village Hall. of the village organisations present, plus any new fen pool. £2.50 per per- The Lophams’ Society hosted one of its most suc- residents who would like to become involved with son. Booking essential cessful evenings on the 28th March when over 90 the hall and its activities. It is a resource for both 01379 688333 people turned up to take part in the Spring quiz. At Lophams, and new ideas are always welcome, Wednesday 30 July, 10am–2pm the end of a closely fought contest only three points especially if there is a willingness to put them into Investigating invertebrates Activity day for separated the top 3 teams, honours eventually go- practice! 6–10 year olds. Discover a variety of weird and ing to Table 5 with a score of 60 out of a possible We do hope all those who came to the Motor- wonderful beasties. £6 each or 2 siblings for 80 points. Thanks to Simon Dilloway for once again bike Meet with auto-jumble enjoyed their visit! We £10. Booking essential 01379 688333 providing the questions (including a rather chal- hope to add other new for us ventures to the hall lenging round on 1970s albums) and to Mike Cox programme in the near future!

18 19 The Lottery is a fun way to support the hall de- Village clean-up; Mrs Bird reported that there was St Nicholas Church velopment fund, with three chances each month of North Lopham News a good turn-out of volunteers, thanks to all of them, winning a prize. Recent winners of the Lottery draw to Eric Bird for re-treating the benches and to Angie Easter are March: first prize of £178 M & L Collier; second Estcourt for providing coffee and cakes. Arrange- Thank you to all those who supported the special prizes of £44.50 A Jacob & K Wood. In April the Parish Council ments to remove the fallen tree in the mere are being services for Easter weekend. We were pleased to winners were: first prize £180 T & D Harding; sec- Meeting 14th May 2014. Apologies; Mrs Tate. made. Thanks expressed also to Jan Tate for paint- have the Revd Maggie Swayze leading the medita- ond prizes of £45 G Osler and K Hatton. Declarations of interest; none. ing the railing round the mere. tion at the foot of the 14ft cross on Good Friday, then (There is also a Raffle each month, with one prize returning for the Easter Communion service in a which includes an item from every vendor. In future, Appreciation; Retiring councillor, Mrs Potter, was Roads; white lining and pavement clearing will be church transformed with so many beautiful flowers. this winners name will also be published.) presented with a token of appreciation for her ser- done during the next few weeks. Special thanks to everyone who helped in any way Copies of the full rules and entry forms are vice on NLPC. with the decorations. available from promoter, Eileen, tel; 01379 687608, Affordable housing; no suitable land has been made from Village Hall Treasurer, Tim Colyer, tel; 01379 Election of Officers; Chairman, Mrs Potter, stands available so no progress. NADFAS: Handover occasion… 687718, from other Village Hall Committee mem- down at the end of this meeting. Because no nomi- During the last couple of years the local members bers (see the website for details), or at the Farmers’ nations were received for chairman, there will be a Grass cutting; adopted lanes need cutting but are of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Market and at Village Hall Events. ‘rolling chair’. Mrs Bird will be chairman from the responsibility of NCC; Primrose and Jubilee Lanes, Arts (NADFAS) have been carefully recording the close of this meeting until the close of the meeting RGM will be contacted. details of all the furniture and artefacts in St Nicho- Farmers Markets are the fourth Saturday each on 9th July 2014. las Church. The resulting Record was handed over month, from 9am till 12.30pm, Coming Markets One nomination received and seconded for vice- to the Rector, Canon Tony Billett, at Evensong on are on 28th June & 26th July. Details from Mike on chairman, Mrs Tate, she was elected unanimously. 11th May. All present enjoyed an opportunity to look 01379 687235. Judo is on Mondays & Wednesdays. Two applications received to fill the vacancy cre- at the records over tea afterwards. Details from Howard on 01379 688258. ated by the resignation of Mrs Potter. Both briefly addressed the council members. A decision will be Countryside Charity seeks made after the public meeting has closed. new Honorary Treasurer Conservation area at the burial ground; Mrs Potter CPRE Norfolk is seeking an Honorary Treas- will continue this project with Mrs Tate. urer to join the Branch’s Executive Committee and to play a vital role in the future of the War Graves the damaged headstone has been re- Planning; Solar farm; will be considered at the organisation (80th anniversary last year). paired and reset. Breckland planning meeting on 9th June; public James Parry, CPRE Norfolk’s Chairman, may attend. said, ‘Our current Honorary Treasurer is step- Flashing speed sign; The cheapest and most effec- ping down after five years and we are looking Dog Training is held most Tuesday evenings, train- tive sign, a moveable one, would cost about £3,000. Next meeting 9th July 2014. for someone with a strong financial background er Elaine (07845 776 110) will provide information. NCC will pay 50%; matching funding needed. Do- to take on the role, to ensure CPRE Norfolk nations received to date; Crown Chicken, £500; K Methodist Church stays on a sound financial footing and enable us Lopham Art Group meets on Wednesday morn- Gooderham, £50; J Alston, £100; Wayland Farm, The future of the Chapel is uncertain at the moment, to continue campaigning for the benefit of the ings, from 9.30am. The cost is currently £15 each £100; DPD (parcel carriers), £200; local residents but we hope to continue the informal service on 4th Norfolk countryside. This is an excellent op- per month, and includes refreshments and a visit Mr and Mrs P Attewell and Mr and Mrs D Ham- Wednesday each month at 10.30 am, followed by portunity for someone to play a senior role in from an expert once each month. Contact Jennifer mond £50 each. Grateful thanks go to all who have a Coffee Morning from 11.am till 12 noon. Please a respected local environmental organisation, on 01379 687882 for more details. contributed. Remaining £500 could be covered from watch for local notices. applying their accounting skills and experience reserves. A motion to buy the sign was passed.War to make a real difference.’ Yoga with P: sadly, has ceased for the foreseeable memorial cleaning; one quotation has been received Lent Lunches Further information and role description future. another will be sought. The lunches, on Tuesdays during Lent, raised £320 from the CPRE Norfolk website http://www. for the diocesan Lent Appeal to raise funds to equip cprenorfolk.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/or To book the hall for private functions, please con- Finances; the accounts have been audited. There is new pastors in Papua New Guinea. Many thanks to by calling the charity’s Branch Manager tact 01379 687679. To find out more, visit the web- a surplus in reserves; villagers will be asked to sug- those who hosted a lunch, and to all who came along Katy Jones on 01603 761660. site at www.lophamsvillagehall.co.uk . gest possible uses for this money. to support them.

20 21 Ascension Day on 29th May will be celebrated with Diss Library South Lopham Parish Council a special service in Diss Church. South Lopham News Annual General Meeting 2014 and regular meeting On 6th June there will be a Voluntary Norfolk 8th May 2014 Pentecost, which marks the Birthday of the Chris- information Desk 9.30am–3pm with informa- As before these meetings took place at 7.30pm at tian Church, will be celebrated on 9th June with two tion for anyone interested in volunteering or St Andrew’s Church News Valley Farm Low Common. John Crisp was elected services. There will be a Birthday Party Family Ser- using volunteers. At the Vestry meeting the following were elected as Chairman and Mrs Sarah Martin Vice Chairman. vice at 11am, with balloons, cake and fun to follow Churchwardens for the coming year, Peter Reeder, The Chairman made his opening remarks and gave Are you interested in local wildlife? the worship. Please do come and join in! The 4pm The Norfolk Bat Survey is running again until David Huggins and Jill Brundell. The PCC mem- his Annual Report referring back to the Village Evensong will be a more traditional service! September, and library is one bers were re-elected at the Annual Church Meeting. Meeting of 9th April. Thanks were given to Coun- of the places where you can borrow the ‘God Created a Garden’ Flower Festival at St An- cillors for their contributions during the year and to Friday Night is SNYSB Night: May 23rd in St survey kit. To find out more and register, log drew’s Church, South Lopham, is on Saturday 12th the Clerk Mrs Phillips for her work on behalf of the Nicholas Church at 7.30pm on to www.batsurvey.org and Sunday 13th July 2014 10am–4pm admission Parish Council. The annual visit by Mike Booty and the young- free. There will be refreshments, wood-turning, a Various payments were approved and the respon- sters of the South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band plant stall and tombola. Everybody is welcome so sible financial officer Gary Phillips presented the is one of the social highlights of the early summer, please come along and enjoy the flowers. Financial Report which was adopted. After various with a feast of music from films and West end shows, A Miscellany of Music at St Andrew’s Church, quotations were discussed it was agreed that pay- plus music written especially for wind bands (ie no South Lopham is on Saturday 26th July 2014 at ment towards grass cutting of St Andrews Church strings, but a super percussion department!) If you 7.30pm, with the ’Thursday Night Ladies Choir yard and village projects should be increased. came for the first time, we hope you had a good even- and Friends’ singing and Four Hands in Harmony Mrs Martin reported on planning; she had dis- ing and enjoyed the chance to meet the band, and Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge playing piano duets. Tickets for the concert, includ- cussed the application for a Solar Farm on land see some of their more unusual instruments during launches on July 12th. This is our annual ing refreshments, are £5 and available from PCC south of the A1066 with Breckland Planning Of- the interval. Summer Challenge for children of all ages; members telephone 01379 687361 or 01379 688313. fice who had confirmed that it’s officers still had A Concert in Memory with Ryan Lewis & this year the theme is Mythical Maze and There will also be a raffle and all funds raised from considerable work to undertake before the Planning Friends, on 30th May, will be reported next time. children will have a chance to meet some the evening will go towards Cancer Research. Committee could consider the matter and the ear- larger than life characters from myths and liest hearing date would be their June meeting. At legends. Keep track of it all on a fold-up Friends of South Lopham Church this stage Mrs Savereux was invited to address the poster and complete the maze with stickers The Friends of South Lopham Church are holding meeting concerning her application for proposed al- from the library. Look out too for the a Strawberry Tea at South Lopham Hall on Sunday terations to Pansthorne Farm which were approved Munglers Quest Top Trumps cards to collect 29th June 2014 at 3pm. Strawberries and cream, by the Council. and swap with family and friends. cream teas, cake stall and raffle. The outgoing Chairman of the Lophams Soci- Children can choose any books they like: Please come along and help the Friends to work ety, Granville Horan, introduced his successor, Roy fact books, stories, joke books or picture towards the maintenance of our beautiful church. Clarke, who delivered a positive report concerning books. Audio books and e-books count as well, so long as they borrow them from a This year the Friends have paid for the repair to the Society’s activities and programme. library. the Church gate, repaired an electrical fault and ar- Future meetings as from September will be held Look out for more details in the library, in- ranged for the cleaning of the Church gutters. on the first Thursday in the month. cluding special Mythical Maze themed events. volunteers with youngsters ages running from 8 to Summer Coffee Morning at Jean’s For information on all our events and 1st Dickleburgh 16 years old. All readers are warmly invited to Brecklands, 19 The services: www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries, or call Sea Scouts Group In 2002 we had a new headquarters built in Green, North Lopham on Wednesday 2nd July, from Diss library on 01379 642609. For mobile The group needs to start another Beaver Colony Dickleburgh and have youngsters attending from 10am to 12 noon for a Coffee Morning hosted by library dates and details call 01603 222267 [late afternoon/early evening]. over 10 villages in the area. Jean and Chris Stringfield. There will be a Boutique, or follow the links to mobile libraries on our The group has well over 12 youngsters wanting The older Scouts enjoy kayaking and sailing as Plants, Raffle and Tombola etc, plus plenty of time website to join but our present colony is full. well as other activities such as hiking/camping. for coffee/tea and goodies to enjoy while you catch OpeNiNg HOurS Beavers are in the age range 6 to 8 years old. If you are interested in helping to start a new up on the news with friends from near and further Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9–5 Would you like to help set up another Beaver Beaver session, contact Paul Playford (Group Scout away. For further information, or help with trans- Tuesday, Saturday: 9–1 session, if so we would love to hear from you. Leader) 01379 608596 or paul.playford@btconnect. port, just phone 01379 687679. Wednesday: 9–1; 2–7.30. The Sea Scout Group is run by a happy bunch of com and we would love to hear from you. 22 23 Help celebrate the launch of DIss as a Dementia Friendly Community

On Tuesday 24th June, Diss officially launches its Dementia Friendly Community Project. Age UK Norfolk and the Diss Dementia Friendly From the Community Steering group worked for four months town to enable Diss to become a Demen- tia Friendly Community. Winfarthing Registers Group This is the third initiative in Norfolk as part of a drive to make Norfolk a Dementia Friendly county. internment of Ashes The aim of DFC projects is to raise awareness Molly Breed 3rd April, Gissing and understanding of dementia so that dementia sufferers and their carers can access the social life, David (Nibby) Chapman 11th April, businesses and amenities in their community and Shelfanger live independently for longer. The launch is being hosted by Councillor Jenny Wedding Chamberlin at the United Reformed Church in King and Bilston 12th April, Tivetshall Diss. Local shops, businesses and organisations are Funeral being invited to attend the launch to find out Janet Bowman 15th April, Shelfanger about the project and its relevance to them. Willie Cruickshank from the Norfolk & Suffolk Christenings Dementia Alliance and Zena Aldridge, Lead Alexander Jordan and Harrison Admiral Nurse for Norfolk, will speak about Dementia Friendly Communities and Age UK Brown, 3rd May, Gissing Norfolk representatives will be available to answer Freddie Sofokleous 4th May, Shelfanger questions. The event is by invitation only. If you would like to attend, please contact Jo Mountjoy-Dixon to Bressingham Group receive your invitation on 01603 785232 or email [email protected] Funerals If you would like to find out more about receiv- Reginald George Tyler (burial) 16th April, ing training to help your business or organisation North Lopham become dementia friendly, please contact Jo as Peggy Catherine Such (thanksgiving) above. 9th May, Fersfield

24