The Wayland News November 2013
The Wayland News November 2013
The Wayland News November 2013
Watton Hockey Club pictured in front of the Claires Cabin and inset, Claire Codling, in whose memory the stand was dedicated. A hockey stand at Watton Sports Centre has been dedicated to the memory of Claire Codling, a cheerful and energetic young lady who loved playing sports, and was a member of Watton Hockey Club. Claire tragically died at the age of 14, three years ago. The stand will serve as a fantastic way to remember Claire. Claire's Cabin, as the stand is now called, was built by Claire's uncle David Wilkins, with the help from his friends Robert Lain, Wayne Fisher and Richard Spilman and was officially opened by Tom Halliwell, Claire's favourite teacher at Wayland Academy. Money was contributed from family, friends and local businesses towards the construction. In particular, a stunning 1,000 was raised from Claire's friends who organised a cabaret in her remembrance. The Hockey Club would like to thank Weatherill's for the kind donation of a marquee for the day and all friends and family for raffle prizes. Claire's family would like to thank all Claire's friends and extended, hockey club players and families, and everyone who attended the opening - it was lovely to see so many people on the day. Claire's parents, Bev & Gina said In particular we would like to thank David Wilkins, Robert Lain, Wayne Fisher, Richard Spilman, Auntie Julie Wilkins, Ted Panks Flat Roofing, VPH Roofing (Vince Harwood & Family), Needham Fabrications (Kevin & Michaela McCarthy), Julian Arnold of Jewsons, Justin Foster Roofing, Spartech Electrical (Lee Watson), Grandparents Peter & Sheila Harwood, Roman Roofing (Terry & Gemma Cassidy & Family), Auntie Kati & Cousins Morgan & Taylor, S & A Developments (Steve & Amanda Jones), Reids Nurseries (Alan Reid), Saham Bell (Colin & Debbie Wheeler), Spraywrite Signs of Dereham, Apex Signs of Mundford and Adcocks of Watton (Paul & Marion Adcock) and everyone who gave raffle prizes Also a big thank you to Mr Tom Halliwell for opening Claire's Cabin, Weatherills for the loan of a marquee for the day and Watton Hockey Club for hosting the opening event. And a very important thank you to Lizzie Adcock & friends for donating funds from Claire's Cabaret.
News
Left: Michael Wassell, Ward Member for Watton and Breckland Council Leader with Town Team Chairman, Chris Edwards High Street businesses are taking a beating. With out of town stores, internet sales and a global recession to contend with, our town centre stores are struggling to attract shoppers. Now Watton High Street is fighting back - with help from Watton Town Team. A new marquee, purchased recently by the Town Team, was hired out for the first time to Watton Carnival on 29 September, and provided a welcome, weather-proof base for music and entertainment. Measuring 100sqm with an electricity supply and a robust, durable and weatherproof frame, the marquee will hugely increase the range and scale of special events that can be held in the town centre Previous Town Team events held in the High Street have worked well to attract visitors and spend. However, until now, the unpredictable British weather and the lack of a large, central, weather-proof space had limited the type of event that could be staged. Chris Edwards, who is Chairman of the Town Team and owner of the longest established newsagent in the country, sourced the marquee and put together bids for funding. The grant of 2,000 awarded by Breckland Council, matched donations from Watton Chamber and Watton Town Council which enabled the Town Team to buy the marquee as a resource for the Town. Chris Edwards said: Events like the Carnival today bring people back to the High Street and help combat out-of-town shopping. Once they are in the town, people can see just what Watton shops have to offer knowledgeable staff offering excellent service and expert advice. Having this marquee gives the Team a lot more scope in the type of events we can organise. Michael Wassell, Ward Member for Watton and Breckland Council Leader said: Watton is a vibrant town with a close community and a great range of shops but, like other market towns, we still have to work hard to attract shoppers to the High Street. The marquee will provide a fantastic resource for Watton where businesses and community groups can showcase initiatives, events and talents. Local businesses pitched in to help prepare a dedicated space for the marquee in Chaston Place; the nearby Boots store covered the costs of electrical work and Abel Homes paid to remove and make good brickwork to provide the large, flat space needed for the marquee. The marquee can be hired for community use for a charge to cover erection costs. For more information, contact the Town Team on 01953 881234.
Breckland It's Back to Funeral Services School for the Annual Quiz Wayland Players
/Continued from page 1 Directed by Wendy Collins, After September employs a gentle humour with characters delightfully drawn with the assured comic touch of the celebrated author Jimmy Chinn. This is not St Trinians, but a warm comedy, with just a touch of mystery, which focuses on the relationships and fears of the staff at a school behind the times and unsure of where it fits in the future. Wendy said "Rehearsals are going really well with everybody enjoying themselves. I'm sure our audiences are going to enjoy it too." Richard Hindley, Chair of the Players added We, like the staff at the School, are looking forward and are pleased to be able to offer for the first time the option for on-line ticket purchase at no extra charge. We hope this will encourage those who live outside of Watton to buy a ticket and come to a performance. Tickets, priced at 6.50, are on sale at Adcocks, 32 High Street, Watton and for the first time on-line at www.tinyticket.co.uk You can see After September at the Queens Hall, Watton, 14, 15 and 16th November@ 7.45 pm.
Breckland Funeral Services is holding its second annual quiz night at The Christian Community Centre, Watton on Friday 29th November, at 7.30 pm. Teams of up to six are welcome, 2 per person; funds raised will go to the charity Dementia UK. Space is limited, so please book a table by phoning Laura at Breckland Funeral Services on 01953 881229 by Wednesday 20th November. There will be prizes for the winning team, a raffle and refreshments. Please come along for a fun evening and to help support this worthy charity!
Local Watton Pharmacy, Total Health Pharmacy is one of several community pharmacies in Norfolk that have been given the go-ahead by Public Health England to provide a free NHS flu vaccination service. This is with the aim of increasing the uptake of the vaccination by people in at risk groups. Geoff Ray, Pharmacist at Total Health Pharmacy said Flu can be a very debilitating infection and cause complications amongst certain groups of people. Pharmacies are ideally placed in the community to offer good access to the service across long opening hours to make it easier for people to get vaccinated. Total Health Pharmacy is able to provide the NHS flu vaccination, free, to people in at-risk groups aged 17 to 64. This is subject to NHS criteria and the pharmacy will screen people to ensure that they qualify for the free service. But if youre not eligible for the free NHS vaccination, the flu jab is also available privately from the pharmacy priced at 11.99 Flu is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus which spreads rapidly through coughs and sneezes of an infected person. Seasonal flu vaccinations provide effective protection against the flu but flu strains change over time so new vaccines are developed each year see www.nhs.uk for more information. Although the symptoms of flu are unpleasant they are usually not serious however certain people are at greater risk of developing complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Your GP may already have contacted you to recommend that you have the flu vaccination but if you are concerned that you may be at risk contact your GP or Total Health Pharmacy to find out if you are eligible for the free NHS service. Total Health Pharmacy has 3 trained Pharmacists who will administer the vaccination and answer any questions you may have. No appointment is necessary and the pharmacy is open 7 days a week from 8am until late into the evening. For more information visit Total Health Pharmacy at 14 Gregor Shanks Way, Watton opposite the Watton Medical Practice or call 01953 881157
Trevor Burlingham, who is a professional photographer, has an interest in all things military and is coming to show and tell us about the evidence that still survives in Norfolk from the dark days of the 1940's. Wednesday 20th November, East Anglian Defences 1940 Starting 7.30 at Trinity Church Hall, Theatre Street, Dereham, NR19 2EP
News
hell on earth, but the prospect seems quite acceptable. Not quite so bright seems to be the suggestion that job seekers should attend at their Job Centre ( or whatever that may be called nowadays) everyday of the week. Does Mr. Cameron realise that many job seekers may live up to twenty miles from their nearest Employment Office? Of course we want to discourage skyving, but this idea needs much more thought. Whenever a government re-shuffle takes place, all manner of problems present themselves, due to the new minister choosing to put a halt to the steps previously being taken by his predecessor not being to his particular taste. This cannot really be to the good of the nation. For instance everyone accepts that the Health service is in a pretty poor state, but this goes back a long way. Under the present system, hardly will a newly elected Health minister get to grips with the job of turning things round than he may suddenly find that he is now Minister of Transport or of Sport, which he may know nothing about. The only advantage seems to be that a reshuffle can be used at any time to get rid of someone who is obviously not up to the job, though this is rarely applicable since all the work is actually done by his department he is just there to take any blame. But what strange decisions are made - a month or so ago it was announced that our armed forces were to be severely reduced, and that many of our existing soldiers would receive discharge papers. The same week adverts were shown on television begging for recruits for the Territorial Army, which hardly seemed a suitable time. The same happened about ten years back, when just as the R.A.F. were sacking most of their operational staff, adverts started appearing for pilots. But away from politics there are things that I dont understand. I have always been intrigued whenever I see a basket-ball hoop fixed on the wall in the driveway of a house. What a good idea, I think, somewhere for the family to play and help keep fit. But in all the years of my memory I have never seen one being used. Similarly I have never passed a private swimming pool that has an occupant, even in the hottest weather. Perhaps I have just passed by at the wrong time. Talking of hot weather, as I write in midOctober, the summer has at last faded into memory, but what a good one it was, especially in this part of the country. Other parts may not have been quite so lucky, and we can only be thankful that the flash floods that swept across the land a few weeks back managed to avoid the Wayland area. And the reds and browns of the autumn scene, that are usually well established by now are only just appearing. So, with everything being a month late, can we look forward to warm Christmas?
Dance Away
at the Queens Hall Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing at the Queen's Hall, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. admission 4 November 2nd & December 7th
News
In your Garden
With Lotta Potts
November could be as wet as a lot of October was or crisp and dry sounds like an ad for frying chips. Seriously, though, November weather is either late autumn or early winter and sometimes on the same day. Quite a lot of gardeners close up the shed and greenhouse and retreat to the fireside and who can blame them? On the other hand if you get a really nice sunny day it's great to be outside sweeping leaves (bag for leafmould), planting the last of the spring bulbs or just taking a walk to see what's in other people's gardens. There is still a startling amount of colour around so it's worth taking a notebook or camera to see what ideas can be picked up. Most colour seems to come from berries at this time of year. The blackberries should be nearly over but there will probably be some left in the hedgerows and the cultivated varieties should still be fruiting alongside the autumn fruiting raspberries but expect every picking to be the last. Flowering trees stand out at this time of year: Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (autumn flowering cherry) flowers on bare branches. The flowers are a sort of pale pink/off-white and the variety 'Rosea' has deeper pink flowers and there is also a weeping variety 'Rosea pendula'. This tree could be a bit big for a small garden but maybe worth a try. It likes the conditions we have, ie well drained fertile soil and a sunny position (can't guarantee that though). Another outstanding tree is the Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' which is more manageable in size and has the advantage of scent that is best enjoyed by cutting a sprig or two for indoors. If you like them the ornamental cabbage plants are showy in winter. I think they are a bit 'Marmite'. Then there are the pansies and violas that will go on and on. These go really well in containers and with small bulbs. The large daffodils will probably swamp them but grown with the miniature varieties the pansies and violas will shine. The violas in particular will flower through all sorts of poor conditions and then reward you
by seeding about. Good value. As long as it's reasonably dry the winter digging can go on, but not if the soil is frozen or waterlogged. Check over the garden to see if any plants are likely to be at risk of cold, wind or waterlogging. These should be protected with fleece or staked against wind and at the same time check over fences and posts to make sure they aren't rotting. A replacement post now will save post and fencing and maybe whatever it took out when it blew down. This normally happens when the weather is worse so it's worth a look now. This is the best time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs as well as bare root trees, shrubs and in particular roses. Container grown roses can be planted at any time but the bare root ones always seem to get away much better and faster. If you need a hedge do it now from bare root whips as this is by far the most economical way to do it. The soil is still reasonably warm so the roots will get away into their new surroundings without having top growth to worry about. Your trees and shrubs may need a bit of protection and support for the first year or so. The protection can be a wrapping of fleece or a windbreak of mesh. The support will be a stake. This was traditionally done with a vertical stake close to the trunk but these days the experts favour a short stake set at 45 degrees to the vertical, close to the trunk and facing the prevailing wind. The theory is that by letting the top waft about in the wind the whole thing will be stronger quicker and the stake can be removed next year. If you have any plants that already have stakes now's a good time to make sure they are not digging into the bark. As far as vegetables are concerned, most activity will be harvesting but garlic can be planted now so it has a long growing season, gently getting on with it underground producing a bigger, better and earlier harvest next year. Spring planting works better in very cold areas so here in Breckland it can be a bit difficult to know from one year to the next the last three winters have been somewhat harsh but with our sandy soil a surprising number of plants have survived that basically shouldn't have. used effectively to cure or relieve the symptoms of many ailments. Honey, for example, has amazing properties and is still used in Mexican hospitals to heal bed sores, ulcers and burns. It can be taken each day with cider vinegar in warm water to relieve arthritic pain and even mixed with sugar to clean hands after dirty jobs such as gardening. Garlic is excellent for keeping winter colds at bay but has an unfortunate side effect - no-one wants to be near you! However, elderberry is also useful for coughs and flu. Root ginger in hot water will calm an upset stomach or travel sickness, whilst a teaspoon of yeast extract taken every day for 3 weeks before a trip to Scotland will stop the pesky mosquitoes biting. available to make a brave and colourful display next spring. Talking of the festive season, our crafters are hard at work creating all kinds of attractive and reasonably priced items from greetings cards, jewellery and knitwear to unique handicrafts, plus traditional wooden toys. Given enough notice, purchases may be customised to your requirements but as this is a very busy time of time of year for our producers, as much notice as possible is appreciated. The same is true for our industrious cooks. While we offer a staple selection of sweet and savoury
Herbs can be split now, with some divisions potted up for the kitchen. If successful (and I confess I never have been) these will last through the winter. Another idea is to grow winter salads on the windowsill or in the airing cupboard. Never tried it but apparently the seed catalogues will offer sprouting seeds for the purpose. Don't try with ordinary veg seeds as these may have been treated with fungicide. The results may not be what was intended. Still, at least it would be some sort of gardening. Apart from planting bulbs fibrous-rooted perennials can be divided now. Good examples are Michaelmas daisies, golden rod, perennial sunflowers and other sturdy specimens. Once they have finished flowering cut them down to about 4, dig up the clumps then use two garden forks back to back or a spade (keep your feet out of the way) to divide them. If the clumps are really old you may have to resort to a sharp knife or even a saw. I promised myself to do this job every three or four years after experiencing dividing plants with knives, saws and generally making a mess. If you have heavy clay soil don't bother, leave it until spring. It can all be left until spring! Some people have succeeded in leaving dahlias and gladiolus corms in the ground by covering them with a good mulch of compost or bark chippings, although it is more usual to lift and store them until next year. Where dahlias are lifted, once the foliage has turned black after a frost, cut the plants back to around 6 and dig up the tubers. Get rid of most of the soil then wash them clean and turn them upside down until the sap has drained out of the hollow stems. Once dry they can be stored under cover either hanging in nets from the roof or in trays with plenty of air circulation. They need watching as mice quite like them or they can go rotten. I think I'd go the mulch and hope route. That just raised the blood pressure of those of you who grow wonderful dahlias for show! Well there we are, things to do in between the dreaded Christmas shopping. There will still be garden related things to do next month but if all else fails, keep weeding. Personally, I don't know what is worse - the bites or the Marmite! For soft skin save yourself the cost of cosmetics and use rosewater and glycerine or a bag of oatmeal held under the tap when running a bath. Just make sure you don't use porridge oats or you will be bathing in breakfast! Charlotte also created much laughter by relating some of the crazier 'cures' she had come across in her travels. Many of these were recipes for getting rid of warts or baldness and the audience were soon offering many of their own 'old wives tales'. David Green won the outdoor pot plant competition with a lovely begonia. November 28th - Richard Wright 'Flame and Flowers' products on a weekly basis, the run -up to Christmas sees a lot of seasonal goodies appearing. Again, if you would like something homemade but dont want the hassle of cooking yourself, have a chat with our ladies. Our order book is now open and goods can be collected up to, and including, until our last Market on the 18th December. Come in and see us at Watton Christian Community Centre from 8.30 until 11.30 every Wednesday morning, and have a coffee in the adjacent hall. Purchases can always be left for collection later in the morning, so shop early for greater choice.
News
Footpath Man
By Ken Knowles
Everyone has their foibles and fetishes mine is a fascination for footpaths and alleyways. I can even remember how it started way back when I was only about eight years old. It was a bright, hot summer day and I suppose my best friend was away on holiday, as I found myself alone with nothing particular to do. I recall making my way through the many local streets in my part of north London until I came to the hill that led down to the River Lea, and the beginning of the marshes. After a while watching the boat crews practising for future races I noticed some people walking on a nearby track that disappeared under the local railway, and my inborn curiosity led me to follow them. Of course in those days it was not unusual for eight-year olds to be out alone, for providing we could show that we were able to exercise the necessary care when crossing roads, we were trusted to look after ourselves. Upon my return home, when I told my mother that I had walked to Walthamstow she would not believe me, for she knew that to get there by bus involved three separate journeys, since the bus routes went round three sides of a square area, while obviously my walk had been along the fourth side. However when I described the famous Hoe Street market that I had seen there, she was convinced. So I had found my first footpath, and soon after I was to be able to enjoy many others when at the seaside with my parents, since such places always seem to have quite a few, usually to the local cliffs and beauty spots. Soon came the war, in the course of which I took up cycling, which meant that my travels were along roads rather than footpaths. Army service, followed by demob, courting (now theres an old word !), and then marriage, and soon after that, the purchase of my first motor car, delayed my return to my old love of footpaths, until soon I was able, when on our annual holidays, to interest my wife and our friends in the joys of exploring the countryside. Actually our first real footpath walk nearly finished their interest altogether, because while staying at a famous Devon resort we chose to follow a journey described in a local leaflet, which showed a local beauty spot about four miles away, to which we strolled happily in about two hours. We decided to return via an alternative path along the cliffs. What the leaflet did not tell us was that while a crow flying would cover four miles, the actual path led down to the sea and up again about every hundred yards, each return climb resembling a miniature Everest Expedition, with the result the journey back took about four hours, with extensive damage to our feet, which were not shod for mountaineering. Following this experience I have always provided myself with an Ordnance Survey map of any district in which I propose to walk, from which such hazards as hills and other natural or man- made obstructions can be foreseen. Obviously purchasing such maps can be expensive, but for areas in which just an occasional visit is intended these can be borrowed from main libraries, such as the one in Norwich.
With these maps I have been able to plan walks, not only in Norfolk, but all over the country, and this forward planning has helped to enhance the enjoyment of many holidays and day excursions into the countryside. Fortunately footpath walking in recent years has been greatly improved by the various Countryside Improvement acts that have come into force, so that many restrictions on access have been removed, while the various authorities have ensured that paths remain usable, though with the current financial cut - backs this official attention may well be curtailed. But improvements have been extensive, particularly in Norfolk, where, for instance, nearly all styles have been replaced by gates, thus assisting in access for those less physically active. But for a keen footpath walker it is not only the well sign-posted and well maintained paths that hold an attraction it is often more exciting trying to find the route through overgrown vegetation, or choosing the right one of many tracks that present themselves, especially in woodlands, where animals may have formed their own. But it is not only in the countryside that interesting footpaths occur. Walk down the main street in almost any town and you will find at least one alleyway leading off into unknown territory. I cannot resist these alleyways, for while sometimes they only lead to boring back exits from shops, at other times they reveal buildings, recreational gardens or all manner of interesting features that would otherwise be missed by the visitor. I am reminded of a walk I made in London, from near Victoria station, taking alleys on a right, left, right, left basis, all the way across to St. Pauls cathedral and the Bank of England, and this enabled me to see a London that I had not imagined to exist. Had I managed to do the same walk ten years earlier, before the blitz, it would surely have been even more remarkable. Footpaths and alleyways have given me hours of pleasure through the years, but now my walking days are nearly over, for while a wander along a flat path is alright, any up hill slopes leave me breathless. Luckily Norfolk is flat, you may say. Dont you believe it. Yes, the Fens and the Broads may be flat, and the highest point of the county only three hundred and odd feet, but most of the land consists of long, gradual inclines that are only revealed by old age. If you are not convinced perhaps you would care to push an invalid in his chair from down by the Flying Fish public house in Carbrooke, up to Watton. So although my actual use of footpaths is now greatly restricted I cannot resist that feeling of extreme excitement when I drive along a country lane I have not found before and see the familiar finger - post sign indicating access to unknown territory. I still make a note of the location in the vain hope that my youth may miraculously return, and I can once again revive this hobby. But I know I must accept this new state of life, sad as it may be. At least there are hundreds of footpaths where I can say Ive walked down there. And also it was a harmless pastime, and it kept me off the streets !
News
Roundup
As September turned into October, the Club ran into a particularly busy time. The towns deferred Carnival took place on Michaelmas Day, 29th September, and we had our now traditional straw - draw bottle stall. The outcome was not quite as good as for the summer event but a very useful 181 was added to our charities account. Next evening, several members attended a farewell and thank you show at Broom Hall Hotel put on by the 10 Chernobyl children who had spent most of September with families in Breckland. Their stay is reported upon (left) and online at www.thebrecklandview.com complete with video of the childrens performance. At the end of the same week there was the 10th appearance of DixieMix at the Queens Hall; their jazz is as good as ever, in fact better, and the evening realised 380. Next day we ran the coffee morning for the first part of the craft fair, which realised 115. Just as well we have had a boost to our charities fund because that same week we also sent over 1,100 to the ShelterBox organisation, although much of that sum had been raised by others, including schools, for this very worthy and ever ongoing disasters relief project. On Friday the following week (11th October) we celebrated the 59th anniversary of the granting of our Club Charter by Rotary International with a Dinner at the Queens Hall. Guests included the Presidents of the Thetford and Swaffham Rotary Clubs, and our special guests were Richard and Ann Akister. Richard, a past president of our club and now a member of Andover Rotary Club following their move to that town last year, gave a much appreciated keynote speech. After the speeches entertainment was provided by the West End Waiters, who were joined for the finale by Richard, an original member. We are now looking forward to next year our diamond jubilee; we hoping to do something a bit special! However, before then we are planning our next fundraiser by taking part in the Family Festive Christmas Market being organised by the Town Council and Town Team. As last year, we hope to sell new and good condition used Christmas decorations and giftware. We will be pleased to hear from anyone willing to donate such items surplus to their needs. Contact Martin on 01953 884224, or any Rotarian you may know. Martin Anscombe
Pictured is Paul Yerby, Minibus Driver, with the children from Belarus who stayed in Breckland Chernobyl, 80 miles north of Kiev in the Northern Ukraine, is a town that prior to 1986, no-one had heard of; then, on the 26 April 1986, the No 4 reactor at the nearby nuclear power station overheated, exploded, and went in to melt-down. The worlds worst nuclear accident released 190 tons of highly radioactive waste material into the atmosphere exposing the people of Chernobyl to radioactivity 90 times greater than that from the explosion of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Even though that explosion happened more than 25 years ago, the lives of innocent children living on land contaminated by the fall out from that event, continue to be blighted by the events of that day. Friends of Chernobyls Children (FOCC) is a registered charity which devotes its energies to raising funds to bring some of the children children, who are at risk, from Belarussia to the United Kingdom for a month every year. FOCC targets children from orphanages or disadvantaged homes, aged between six and thirteen. These young people are in great need and come from social situations that make it difficult for them to get the care they require at home; they are the victims of a nuclear catastrophe that has left a legacy of radioactive contamination that will last for decades to come. During September, the Breckland Branch of FOCC has been hosting a special group for 4 weeks, all the way from Belarus. The children, who all come from extremely deprived backgrounds, and are at high risk of cancer or cancer related illnesses as a direct legacy of the nuclear fallout. Approaching the end of their stay, the children under the guidance of Olya and Ludmilla, the interpreters and teachers that have escorted the children on their visit here, put on a farewell song and dance concert at Broom Hall for the families and supporters. Unlike anything we are used to here in Breckland, the homes the children come from are often a one or tworoomed shack, with as many of six people of different generations within a family all sharing one room to sleep in, with sparse or non-existent (in our parlance) bedding. Stan Hebborn, the Group Coordinator said, At home the children mostly eat potatoes and root vegetables, and even then, not very much. However almost all of what they consume is contaminated. Fresh meat, fish and vegetables are a rare treat, with fresh fruit being an absolute luxury. The concept of five-a-day is something they could only imagine. The purpose of the recuperative visit is to give the children the opportunity to eat food and drink water from uncontaminated sources, and to have the chance to play in a fresh and healthy environment, whilst being able to enjoy the love and comfort of a Norfolk home. Stan continued: Whilst here, we arrange for the children to see a Dentist and an Optician, and provide them with a years supply of vitamins. In many cases, the children arrive in the UK wearing all of the clothing they own, so we also look to provide them with suitable clothing and footwear to take away with them. During their stay, the children have been involved in local activities, cultural/school visits and received daily tuition from the interpreters, who are also Belarusian School Teachers. The visit is funded solely by money that is continually raised throughout the year by the host families and volunteers, and is also supported by many local businesses such as the Opticians and Dentists who provide their services and other businesses who have donated towards fundraising. Stan Hebborn added: Shown in no particular order, we would dearly like to thank the following groups or individuals who have made the stay so incredibly enjoyable and memorable for the children; Watton Rotary Club President Roy Challand (and Pam) and Rotary Club members Peter and Val Semlyen The Staff and proprietors at Broom Hall Hotel, Saham Toney Bam Nuttall Stephen Smith Family Butcher Watton Coach Services Thetford The White Lodge Attleborough Maxine and Alan at the World Horse Welfare in Snetterton John Lewis in Norwich Tracey Welch Hingham Dental Practice Kim and staff Watton Tesco Gary from Little Garys Plaice Watton Lisa, Rachael, Robert and others, Cecil Amey Opticians Watton Thompson Village Hall Roys of Dereham The staff and children at Thompson School The staff and children at Necton School The staff at Fun to Play Thetford Thrigby Hall Merton Hall (for the swimming!) And the many other generous people who either gave time, money services, help or anything else thank you very much!
Come in and enjoy looking at the festive items that will be on sale including real Christmas wreaths, Christmas tree ornaments and Christmas decorations. All the stalls will be selling exquisite hand made items which include cards, jewellery, wooden toys, pictures, salt dough ornaments, glass beadwork, paper crafts, ceramics, hand bags, felt items and soft toys. Start your Christmas shopping here with that very unusual gift for your loved one and
friends or just treat yourself. Opening times will be 9.30am to 2pm and admission will be free although a donation for East Anglias Childrens Hospices would be appreciated. Refreshments with home made cakes and hot lunches will be served by the Thetford based charity ASD - Helping Hands. Please come and have a coffee or lunch and support these good cause.
News
Poster Design: The Design Company, Wymondham. Photograph: Purple Bee Photography
News
Saturday 7th December 9.30am 12 noon Come and enjoy a coffee and browse our craft, gifts, cake and produce stalls.
The Cast (left to right) Jim Trott - Keith Gilbert, Letitia Cropley - Rita Lake, Hugo Horton - Gavin Challis, Alice Tinker - Fleur Ravell-Lake, Geraldine Grainger - Sarah Watling, David Horton - Julian Horn, Owen Newitt - Richard Brown, Frank Pickle - Alan Abel The scenery has been taken down and the costumes have been packed away but the Boo & Hiss Theatre Company are still on a high from their hugely successful production of The Vicar Of Dibley at the Queens Hall in September. All three nights were completely sold out a week before the show and even more people turned up on the night, still hoping to get a seat. The audiences were laughing non-stop from start to finish and even gave standing ovations on the Friday and Saturday nights. "We've had so many wonderful comments and compliments from everyone who came to see the show. Many said it was our best one yet, some said we should take it on tour, and one lady even told us it was worthy of the West End!" said Stacy Wilkinson who directed the show. "It's great to have that level of support from the community and it's good to know that people enjoyed watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. And it's given us the enthusiasm and encouragement to do even better next time. Plans are already in the pipeline for next year's production - for now we're keeping it under our hats but I think it's safe to say that audiences will not be disappointed" Look out for updates in future editions of the Wayland News and online at www.brecklandview.com.
News
If you need some fancy dress you can now 'CHANGE GEAR' in Swaffham
Witches, Musketeers, Devils and even an Arab in full regalia were seen in Swaffham recently when members of the Wayland Players took time off from their rehearsals of 'After September' to help one of their number launch a new venture. Wendy Collins has long owned a substantial collection of costumes but has now opened 'CHANGE GEAR' costume and fancy dress hire at The Old School, 18 Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7LA. Wendy said "Having been involved with drama groups for so long, I have acquired a vast number of costumes. I have hired some out
before but as many of them were in storage in Kings Lynn and I'm based in Watton, it has been difficult to show just what is available. Now virtually everything is on display in one place and people can see for themselves." Initially 'CHANGE GEAR' is open from 10am to 2pm on Monday, 1pm to 5pm on Thursday & Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. Prices start at 12 plus a returnable deposit for adult costumes and can be kept for up to a week for no extra cost. Items can be booked in advance for a small holding fee, which is then deductable from the hire charge. There's something for all ages and sizes, ranging from Abba to Zorro, Saxons to Seventies and even one or two ball gowns and dinner suits. For children there are Pirates & Princesses, Cats & Kings and even a camel and a donkey ready for that school Nativity play. Why buy something they'll grow out of when you can hire - in most cases for less than 10? Wendy has a large display area with changing facilities upstairs in the old Hammonds' High School building which opened as an arts & crafts venue and antique centre in the summer. For more information on what is available, telephone 07761 390 269 or better still, go along and see for yourselves.
On October 10th we had a promise ceremony at 2nd Watton (RAF) Brownies. Nikola made her promise and she was our first brownie to make the new promise in Guiding, so that was really exciting. We also had bring a friend night and they all enjoyed themselves. As the pack are working towards a science badge one of the modules was to make paper aeroplanes seeing if we could make them fly. The girls decorated their paper aeroplanes. Some girls
managed to get them to fly others not so well, but they all enjoyed taking part. Also in the evening we had 2 brownies doing their Hostess badge and they both passed with flying colours. The Leaders enjoyed the cakes that were made. Followed by games. If your daughter is interested and aged 7 to 10 years old and want to find out what we do and what fun it can be we meet at the Blenheim Centre, Tedder Close, Watton. Ring 01953 882992 for more information.
News
News
has still to be collected, however the current total stands at over 500. And coming up next at Watton Methodist Church a Grand Christmas Market to be held in the Watton Christian Community Centre on Saturday 23rd November from 9:30am 1:30pm. Why travel to Bruges? Or even Lincoln? when all your Christmas needs can be Council and stood unsuccessfully as a National Socialist MP. In 1938 she took over Bagmore Farm as a tenant farmer. She had a skill as a water dowser and she helped many fellow farmers find water for their cattle and crops. As the Second World war started the MOD needed new training grounds and some 18000 acres were secured including Miss Reeves farm unfortunately the pressure of the war years had a profound affect of her and after being released from hospital she committed suicide. A sad end to a determined local woman. Geraldine Vales portrayal of Miss Reeve was well received. October saw Brenda Bowler introduce us to the world of colour and how certain colours enhance our outlook and appearance. Two members became models showing the share o tha beer, thet mearde a chearng not tew hev ter worrit abowt gittin hoom arta a pint or six, yew kin jist roll down tha hill from tha horl an yor hoom. Thet ent soo easy from tha pub up tha rood, thas orl uphill. We hent hed a parish cowncil meetin leartly so hint got no serius skwit ter tell yer abowt. I hev hard it sed tho thet the chairwummin hes bin tearkin flyin lessons, so she kin fly up tew tha horl sted o workin. Horry rekkuns heeze goonta sell tickets afore tha next cowncil meetin sos peeple kin see iffen shes marstered landin inna the little ole carpark. The Charch Wordans hev sent a bitta pearpa arown tha willage arskin wot we orta dew abowt the Charch Sarvices. My missus she say Wot Charch Sarvices? We oonly git one a munth an thas fust thing of a mornin, afore anywuns up she say We orta goo back tew tha owld dearse wen iffen yew wos hung oova inna tha mornin yew cud allus goo arta tee in tha evenin an hev a gud sing She rekkun orl tha otha mawthas thort tha searme, tha blooks hent sed a lot yit, thar still thinkin abowt hevvin a reglar beer festival up tha horl. Horry cum rownd tha otha day when I wos diggin my teartas, he say Thar ent werry big Sid I say ter him I say I grow em ter
met under one roof in Watton. Stalls include Beauty Box Cake-cophany Canny Crafts Gadget Gallery and the Chocolate Mountain to name but a few and there will also be competitions and delicious home made refreshments. Theres something for everyone so do come along and join in the fun! A not -tobe-missed Christmas event. difference between the various tones as example after example of blues, mauves, green and autumnal colours were wrapped around the models. Two very different meetings. President Pat announced that we had a successful tombola and bran tub at Watton Carnival and would be a having another stall at this years Christmas Fair. Details of the Christmas meal were available together with lots of other events leading up to the festive season. Our next meeting will be out Annual Meeting on Thursday November 9th in Watton Community Centre at 7.30pm this will be followed by member Anita demonstrating cake icing. New members and visitors are always welcome just come along or for further details ring Carole Robeson on 01953 881006. fit my mowth ole partna not yors He wos rite tho, tha spuds ent as big tha year, but thars plenty onnem, tha missus ent soo pleased tho, thet teark lotta longa ter peel a whool lotta littluns than a cuppla bigguns. Yer carnt win woteva yew dew. Waal thas time ter hoss along tha rood tew tha pub, need a pintatew ter kip owt the cowld, so tork tew yew orl nex time. Iffen I see yer down pub ternite, git us wun in, an dunt yew fergit,,,,,,,,, dew yew kip a troshin. Boy Sid.
Holme Hale
Christmas Bazaar
Saturday 23rd November
10am - 3pm Holme Hale Village Hall Come and buy your Christmas Presents early! Wooden Toys, Handcrafted Jewellry, Cards, Textiles, Clocks, Woodturning, Knitted Goods, Handbags, Lucky Dip, Old Fashioned Sweetshop, Tombola, Cake Stall, Refreshments and much, much more
News
obtain funds to balance the support. The Eastern Daily Press has started a campaign to draw attention to Mobile Blackspots. Please support the campaign directly and let the EDP know where the Blackspots are for each of the operators see bit.ly/1diIWuP Already Superfast broadband is coming quite near with Great Ellingham, Hingham and Scoulton due to have availability between October and December 2013. We hope to hear about the next phase by the end of November. To sign up to find out more go to www.betterbroadbandnorfolk.co.uk/ The Watton Town Team will be holding in November A Salute to the 40s dance and supper at the Queens Hall on Saturday 30th November. It will be an excellent event with the Jonathan Wyatt Big Band booked. Tickets are available from Adcocks, Edwards & Wayland House. The following day will be the Switch on of the Christmas lights provided by Watton Town Council and the Christmas Fair and we will be running a shop window competition. I am coming to the end of my two years as Chair of the Wayland Chamber. We always need to refresh the committee and welcome new ideas. Finally two pieces of information: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has produced a toolkit to help businesses in the food service and catering sector to promote their hygiene ratings and attract customers. Read more at: bit.ly/1a9qHGq The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has warned small firms to ensure electronic copies of customer information is encrypted after the owner of a loans company was fined 5,000. More on this at: bit.ly/19HGNqf Do not hesitate to contact me on Chamber matters [email protected].
need to book. Baby Yoga - Every Tuesday 9.30 to 10.30. For babies from 6 weeks to 6 months and their parents/carers. A fun way to bond with your baby, encouraging natural development and can help to aid sleep. Booking essential through Watton Children's Centre, call: 01953 880175. Yoga Class. Every Tuesday 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Yoga is fun, improves flexibility and muscle tone and is very relaxing' a great way to stay fir and de -stress! Beginners especially welcome. 5.50 per session. For further information contact the library on 01953 881671 or email [email protected] IT Drop in clinic every Thursday 2.30pm to 4.30pm - Don't want the pressure of a taught course, but want some simple advice on how to do something on a PC? A member of staff will be available for free informal advice on a range of topics: how to sign up for an online selftaught course, create an email account, write a letter or upload your photos. Please note this is not a taught class, it is a drop-in clinic and advice is on a first come, first served basis. Phone 01953 881671 or pop into the branch for more information.
Norwich Castle. Seagulls Visit report to Norwich Castle from Year 2 children:Emma Yesterday we went to Norwich Castle and I liked the bit when we made our portraits and I drew me and my teddy. Ashton I liked the fact that we done portraits we was facing a partner, we was drawing them, after that, we was drawing ourselves. Ellena My favourite thing was drawing people..I had lots of fun. Emily I enjoyed posing like the picture. That was what I liked the most and my favourite pose was Jack Hs one. Gressenhall Kingfishers Visit report to comments were:I liked the potato picking because I liked picking the large one and putting them in the basket. Caitlin I enjoyed being a guard with Captain Morgan in the Home Guard. Trinity. It was so good Izac. The Anderson Shelter was really good down on the farm. Mark. Thank you: Many thanks to FOCS for their Bingo Fundraising Evening held last night which raised 200 for the school. Thank you to all Friends for organising it and to all parents/carers and the local community for attending. VACANCIES We are looking for 2 Midday Supervisors for lunchtime supervision in the dining hall (including setting up the tables and putting them away) and to interact with the children at play times on the playground. The hours are: 11.55am-1.10pm daily at Caston Primary School. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care and expect all staff and volunteers to share in that commitment. Any successful applicant will be expected to share this commitment and will therefore be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. All references will be required for those shortlisted prior to the interview so please ensure you have given your referees advance notice. If you are interested and would like further details, please contact the school office tel: 01953 483304 or email: [email protected]
News
Remembrance Weekend
Saturday, 9th November There will be short service with the laying of Poppy Crosses at the War Graves in Watton St Mary's Churchyard at 12 noon by Watton Army cadets and Watton ATC cadets. Last Post and Reveille will be sounded. Sunday, 10th November Remembrance Sunday Civic Parade and Service. Assemble at the Thetford Road Car Park at 2.15pm for a Civic Parade and Service at 2.30pm in front of the Town War Memorial, at which the names on the memorial will be read out and Poppy Wreaths laid. This will be followed by a short march down Watton High Street to the Methodist Church for the town's Remembrance Service at 3pm. All are welcome. Will representatives of groups wishing to lay Poppy Wreaths at the Town War Memorial report to the Parade Marshall at 2.15pm, please. Monday, 11th November A short service with Two Minutes Silence at 11am will be held at CHASTON PLACE. Last Post and Reveille will be sounded. Assemble at 10.45am. All are welcome Thank you Becky at Barnardos! My husband collapsed outside Barnardos in late September and I would like to thank all those people who helped, especially Becky from Barnardos who was marvellous. A lovely couple from Charles Avenue came to our assistance, but the gentlemen also collapsed so Becky had two patients to deal with! She called for an ambulance and paramedic, acted as their assistant, provided warm clothing, tea and biscuits etc.,also acting as traffic warden because of the build up of traffic and pedestrians. A true example of all that is good in this world. Thank you Becky, Pat, Merton Road, Watton 103 and still counting blood donation. Many congratulations Monica, what an achievement. May you be able to give many more in the future. Well done. From Sisters and families. success, and they have established themselves as an important player in this field. Another commercial arm of the Council is the Anglia Revenues Partnership. Set up several years ago to handle Revenues from Council and Business Tax incomes and pay Benefit payments. I must congratulate them on achieving a very prestigious national award. They were recently awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Anti Fraud for their work in combating benefit fraud. This was an excellent achievement, beating all the other organisations from across the country. At the end of this month we are having a joint briefing evening with members of South Holland Council, with whom we share a joint senior management structure. This will be a good chance to talk to South Holland members and learn from each other about the way we do things. I know there are differences between the ways we operate, so hopefully we can all find ways to improve our operations. As always Im pleased to hear from you. My contact details are email, [email protected] , home phone 01953 880172, mobile 07730 375986. Or you can always stop me in the street, I seem to spend more time in the High Street these days. Retirement, I recommend it, as long as you have plenty to do as I have. My next Councillors chat will be near the end of winter. Lets hope it will not be too harsh. Till next time, keep well, and, if its not too early, may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Keith Gilbert
Councillors Chat
With Cllr Keith Gilbert Firstly my congratulations to Michael Wassell on his appointment as leader of Breckland Council. Its a big job, and Im sure we all wish him well in what is not going to be an easy job over the ne t few years. That said, it is not my job to give him an easy ride. I am, after all, an opposition member, and it is my job to question and challenge the executive. Since my retirement, for most of the time, things at Breckland have been fairly quite during August. However we are now into September, autumn is setting in, and I have more time to be a nuisance, or, as I would say, do my job. Im sitting writing this on Sunday 15th October, so by the time you read this I will have attended a very important Scrutiny Commission meeting next Thursday. On the agenda we have two presentations from Anglian Water and the Environment Agency, to hear about, and question them on, their plans for future development in the district. With very big expansions planned for Thetford and Attleborough this is vital to those plans. We have been trying to get them to a meeting for some time, and I expect it to be both informative from their point of view and, Im sure, challenging from ours. As an opposition member I also support those matters with which I agree. In the recent past Breckland Training Services was formed to offer our excellent training expertise, which has been of great use to me in my role, to a wider audience on a commercial basis. This has been a real
Sunday 1st December - First Sunday of Advent 10:30am United Holy Communion Griston with Advent Lessons & Carols Watton area Food Bank donations received at all regular Sunday morning services PRAY AND PLAY 10:15 am on Wednesdays at 10:15 am in Caston School Hall For those of all our parishes with children aged 0-5 Short Holy Communion, kiddies Christian songs, play time THE WAY YOUTH GROUP (ages 11+) Sunday 17th November, 7:00 pm, Caston Rectory Friday, 22nd November, 7:00 pm, Caston Rectory Enquiries: The Revd. Bob Nichols Tel.: (01953) 483222; Email: [email protected]
Diabetes UK
Firstly I want to thank the generous people of Watton for helping Ron, myself and our little band of volunteers to raise 531.01 in Tesco's for Diabetes UK over the Big Collection Weekend at the start of October. Thank you so much, you are very kind. Julian Horn was our speaker at our October meeting. He spoke about RAF Bodney 1940 - 1945. This was a bit of a challenge for Julian as he has not delivered a talk on Bodney by itself before. But he rose to it courageously and gave us a fascinating insight as to what happened there during the war. We were able to see aerial photographs from the 40's showing the camp, with grass runways, American hangars and where Rose Cottage (RAF headquarters) were positioned. We learned that the planes that flew from Bodney included Bristol Blenheims, Lockheed Venturas, B17s, Thunderbolts and Mustangs. It was an early satellite landing field for Watton, with tented accommodation to start and until 1942/43 Bomber Command squadrons were based there, then from July 1943 - 1945 American Fighters were stationed there also. We also looked at a more recent aerial view and compared the differences. So now when our members go past Bodney Camp we can visualise what happened there and how it looked during the Second World War. Julian was warmly thanked and the Watton Two were very impressed, especially as one was trained at Bodney!! Our next meeting, on November 11th at 10.15am , is our A. G. M. Old and new members are all welcome. As usual we will meet at the Pentecostal Church and we thank them for the generous use of their facilities. For details of this or any of our future meetings please phone Helen 01953 884713, leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
News
At their October meeting the members of Watton Inner Wheel Club were pleased to welcome John Kitson (pictured with President Pam Challand) to speak about Link-Up the talking newspaper which is based at Thetford. A veteran of the Newsroom, having spent a lifetime working in local papers, John was the ideal person to become involved, in 1984, with setting up an initiative designed to bring local news to the blind and partially sighted on a regular, fortnightly basis. He explained the whole process from the selection of items, through editing, reading, recording to the
final distribution of memory sticks which are played nowadays on special digital machines given to each person by the charity. A vote of thanks was given by Helen Glibbery. The business meeting, chaired by President Pam Challand, followed the coffee interval. Amongst other things, plans were made for an exciting event coming up in November: an afternoon of style advice by Janette Liggins. Entitled LOOKING AND FEELING GOOD the event will include news of Autumn and Winter fashions and suggestions for updating existing clothing with the addition of
carefully chosen accessories. There will also be opportunity to speak to Janette Liggins individually and ask for advice. After the talk a delicious Afternoon Tea will be served to the guests. This will include dainty sandwiches, scones and home- made cakes. So Ladies! Give yourselves a treat! Put 2pm on Friday 8th November into your diaries and come along to the Watton Christian Community Centre for an afternoon of unashamed me time Tickets, to include tea, 7:50 available from Mullengers. Lesley Cowling Club Correspondent.
Tom's Kickboxing Academy (TKA) in Shipdham opened its doors to the public over a year ago and has just held its fifth grading. Group one Grades Red-Green (left hand photo) from left to right: Katie Long Green Stripe, Matthew Cutting Red Stripe, Scott Gibbons, Josh Wyatt (1st Dan Black Belt) Tom Oldridge (Examiner/Instructor 2nd Dan Black Belt), Ryan Ferrari Yellow Stripe, Corrie Ewen Yellow Stripe, Brook Ewen Yellow Stripe, Ethan Alderton-Macleod Orange Stripe, Garth Adams Orange Stripe, Joseph Alderton-Macleod Red Stripe. Purple Stripes (right hand photo): Left to Right: Scott Gibbons, Josh Wyatt (Black Belt 1st Dan), Tom Oldridge (Examiner/Instructor 2nd Dan Black Belt) Jordan Franklin Purple Stripe, Bryce Adams Purple Stripe and Emily Buckley Purple Stripe. If you are interested in joining TKA please contact either 07585663905 or contact [email protected]
News
Watton Senior Citizens Party takes place again on the 7th December at Wayland Academy in Merton Road. Free tickets will at Mullengers Estate Agents in November and, as for so many years, the evening will include good food, entertainment from youngsters at the school and the fellowship of old friends. St Marys Church, Watton With around 100 people involved in looking after our 200 www.stmaryswatton.org visitors this is a true free community event with the funding and staffing provided freely from within the town and the Wednesday 30th October 3pm school. Watch out for the posters. The first 200 people will Come and join us for an afternoon of crafts and a get the tickets for this early Christmas evening, enjoyed by time of worship followed by a meal together. many over the past 50 plus years.
MESSY CHURCH
Childrenbring an adult
This issue of the The Wayland News was published by: Julian Horn, 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE and printed by Sharman & Company Ltd, Newark Road