Reeve's Tale Magazine Aug/Sept 2009

NOTICE BOARD

Bawdeswell Fair

The weather was kind to us this year and lots of people turned out for a bit of fun and loads of bargains. The fairground was a little different this year with amazing inflatables instead of rides, but was still popular, if for an older group.

There were plenty of activities for all ages and the hard work that went on in the background was well worth it when one saw families out enjoying the occasion so much. There were too many helpers to single any out. But thanks to all.

£1,276 was raised and was divided equally between the groups taking part – the church, the School Friends, the Village Hall, the BAG Group and the Pre-School. It should be recorded that Friends of the Church also took part but this year did not share in the takings in order to enable the enable the BAG Group to join. This was generous of them as their fundraising is vital too.

From the organising committee chaired by Fel Roberts, thanks to all who put so much effort into the event and all who supported it.

RT

Bras in the Bay

Attention Ladies. Your help is needed NOW!

Norwich Soroptimists are collecting good, clean used bras as part of an initiative to help women in West Africa. The bras will be taken to the Soroptimists' conference in Cardiff at the end of October. The plan is to build "a mountain" of bras in the Cardiff Bay area - hence Bras in the Bay! This will attract national and international publicity. Oxfam will then ship them out to West Africa on behalf of Soroptimists.

The deadline for collection is mid-October 2009. Your local collection point is Bawdeswell Garden Centre.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Join an Art Class.

Learn skills and techniques in a small and friendly group.

All welcome, beginners and those with some experience.

Classes established at Cawston, Marsham (near Aylsham), Hempton (near Fakenham), Hindolveston and Sheringham.

The new term starts week beginning Monday 28^th September.

Ring me for details Clementina Sutton 01603 872441.

EVENTS DIARY FOR AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

There are B.A.G. events five days a week in August. These are too numerous to include on this page and full details can be found on the next two pages.

Sun 2^nd Aug	NWT Coastal Capers at Cley see page 25
Wed 5^th Aug	Blood Donor Session at Bawdeswell
Thu 6^th Aug	Bawdeswell Book Club at 8pm
Sat 8^th Aug	Elsing Duck Race
Mon 10^th Aug	WI 7.30pm at Sparham Old Schoolroom
Tue 11^th Aug	NWT Flowers of the Norfolk Coast, Holme see page 25
Fri 14^th Aug	Julian Group meet at 8pm
Sat 15^th Aug	12.30pm Summer Lunch at Foxley Village Hall 6.00pm Rock at the Rec – Bawdeswell Village Hall
Sun 16^th Aug	Lyng Barbecue 12.30pm at the Rectory
Mon 17^th Aug	Bawdeswell Village Hall Committee Meeting 7.30pm
Tu 18^th Aug	Bawdeswell Post Office closed
Fri 21^st Aug	Bawdeswell Post Office closed
Tu 25^th Aug	Bawdeswell Post Office closed
Fri 28^th Aug	Julian Group meet at 8pm
Sat 29^th Aug	Great Witchingham Fete 12 noon
Thu 3^rd Sept	Bawdeswell Book Club at 8pm
Sat 5^th Sept	1030am WI Coffee Morning at Sparham Old Schoolroom
Mon 7^th Sept	Bawdeswell Parish Council Meeting 7.45pm
Fri 11^th Sept	Julian Group meet at 8pm
Sat 12^th Sept	Churches Sponsored Cycle Ride
Wed 16^th Sept	Blood Donor Session at Bawdeswell
Fri 24^th Sept	Julian Group meet at 8pm

Regular Weekly Events Bawdeswell Village Hall Young Farmers Tuesdays Countrysiders Every other Wednesday WeightWatchers Thursdays Parents & Toddlers Fridays 9.30am Pilates Fridays Runners Thursdays 6.30pm Basketball Thursdays 5pm

Foxley Village Hall Exercise Classes every Tuesday morning at 9.30am. Short Mat Bowls Every Monday & Friday Evening

Bawdeswell Activities Group - Summer Activities

Each weekday afternoon from Monday 3^rd August to Friday 28^th August we have a activities/events planned (some may be weather dependant) The craft activities (except for the pottery), including materials, will be FREE of charge, although donations towards the costs will be welcomed. The activities at Bawdeswell Village Hall & Recreation Ground are open to all residents of Bawdeswell, Foxley and surrounding villages. For some activities the numbers may have to be limited. As usual the ‘CAFE’ will be open every afternoon for hot & cold drinks, sweets & crisps etc. from 2 – 5 pm. As well as the specific activities we have other play and sports equipment that can be used or set up on request (subject to enough volunteers being available).

We accept children aged 9 years and over with parental consent (written consent on our specific form - available at the hall or in advance contact 688749 - is required). Children under 9 MUST be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult (18 plus). Attendance of unaccompanied children is of course subject to their good behaviour.

Our policy for children in different age groups has been reviewed.

Events for children under 9 years – parents bringing children under 9 may bring older children who can join in whilst the parents are there. Pool and table tennis will not be available.

Events for children 9 years and above – parents of children attending may bring younger children but they will need to be closely supervised. No specific activities or equipment other than drawing/painting or similar will be available for the younger children.

PLEASE NOTE : If any parent has concerns about the interaction between their child and another they must speak to one of the volunteers immediately.

Special Notice – Swine Flu

BAG has been made aware that there is a reported case of contact with swine flu in the area. Any person with cold or flu symptoms or anyone who has had contact with someone else who has cold or flu symptoms is requested not come to the activities.

NHS advice is that the under-5s and 5-14 year olds are the age groups predominantly affected. If there are reported cases of swine flu within Bawdeswell, regrettably, a decision may have to be made to cancel the summer program.

Summer At The Hall Program

Monday 3^rd August – Chill out afternoon – All Ages

Tuesday 4^th August – Indoor/Outdoor Activities – age 9 and over

Wednesday 5^th August – Rounders and Family B-B-Q – All Ages

Thursday 6^th August – Painting afternoon – age 8 and under

Friday 7^th August – T-Shirt embellishing – All Ages

Monday 10^th August – Spaghetti Madness – All Ages

Tuesday 11^th August – Junior TA – All Ages

Wed 12^th August – Family Board Games, Picture Quiz – All Ages

Thurs 13^th August – Icing Biscuits (& eating them) – 8 and under

Friday 14^th August – Salt dough modelling – All Ages

Monday 17^th August – Outdoor Water Sports – All Ages

Tuesday 18^th August – Fabic painting

Wed 19^th August – Drive-U-Pottery Beach Party – All Ages

Thurs 20^th August – Mad Hatters Picnic Tea – 8 and under

Friday 21^st August – Salt Dough Model Painting – All Ages

Monday 24^th August – Jewellery Making/Hamma Beads – All Ages

Tuesday 25^th August – Rocket Making – All Ages

Wednesday 26^th August – Wacky Races & B-B-Q – All Ages

Thursday 27^th August – Making Biscuits – 8 and under

Friday 28^th August – Fancy Dress Party – All Ages

Any outdoor activities are subject to the weather.

Tel: 01362 688749 for more information about any of these events

Bawdeswell Activities Group News

Thanks to grants from Breckland Council and Norfolk Rural Community Council we have been able to improve some of the village facilities. The Basketball Court was relined and also marked for Short Tennis and we have now purchased a net and rackets for this. We have also been able to purchase a second new table tennis table.

Current Activities

Table Tennis – Mondays 10^th & 24th August/14^th & 28^th September – 7.30 pm

It doesn’t matter how well you play - come along and have some fun or just come along to socialise. Other games available and the BAG café open for refreshments. Charge of £1.50 adult or 75p under 18 towards the hire of the hall.

Bridge for Fun Afternoons – Friday 25th September 2pm - 5pm (No Bridge in August)

The following further dates: 23rd October and 27th November have been arranged for 2009. There is no charge and you don’t need to book, just come along.

Get fit before your holiday, or shape up after your holiday!

Or just come to stay active and have fun whilst socialising.

Running club meets at the village hall on Thursdays at 6.30pm

Basketball club is on Thursdays 5pm

Biking club is on the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays 6pm

Walking club is on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays 6pm

They help raise funds for the new village hall by charging just £1.

For further info, call Fel Roberts 01362 688876

FOXLEY VILLAGE HALL

COFFEE MORNING

WED 29 JULY at 10.30am

MUNCHIES, MARDLE & RAFFLE

Bring & Buy spare fruit & vegetables from

your garden

All Welcome

SUMMER LUNCH on

SAT 15^TH AUGUST 2009 at 12.30 PM

RAFFLE

Further Details to Follow

Tel: 01362-688768

Rock at the Rec

Is on

Saturday 15^th August

Gates open at 6pm

Tendahooks supported by Force 9

BBQ and Bar, or bring your own picnic.

Adults £2, children under 16 free (when accompanied by a paying adult).

Tickets in advance ONLY.

For more info call Fel Roberts on 01362 688876 or 07957 254503

Bawdeswell Badgers Pre – School

Hello everyone, well we are coming to the end of our school year and how the term has flown, we have painted, crayoned, stuck and snipped our way through. Along the way we have welcomed some very kind visitors from horses and dragons to snakes and hedgehogs, our mobile librarian came in to read us stories and our new friend Ruth kindly showed us a native costume from South Africa and shared her photos and memories from that fascinating country. To everyone else and most especially anyone I have not mentioned, thank you so much.

Our hardworking committee obtained funding for our wonderful all weather surface and canopy to enable us to have continuous inside/outside provision, for that and all the other fundraising events, well done. Thank you to our Parish Council who kindly gave us a large donation to enable us to buy a white board and several large books, we really appreciate your assistance.

Finally, we say a sad goodbye to our ‘little gems’ who leave us for the ‘big school’, each and every one is a lovely child whom we are confident will be a huge asset to their new class and school. We look forward to September with new children to welcome and join us having fun, see you then.

Carol Taylor Supervisor 01362 688875

Parents & Toddlers / Baby Group

We meet at Bawdeswell Village Hall from 9.30am to 11.30am every Friday in term time.

Come along for a chat and a coffee & let your child have some fun with play dough, colouring and puzzles plus lots of toys. £1.50 per family includes a free tea/coffee and juice.

For more information call Kate on (01362) 688834

Bawdeswell Village Hall

Bawdeswell Village hall can be hired by parishioners and non residents. You can also hire tables and chairs for your own events. Regular activities at the hall include Table tennis on the 2^nd and 4^th Monday of each month, Young Farmers on Tuesdays, Countryside Rangers every other Wednesday, Weight Watchers on Thursday evenings and Pilates on Friday evenings. The Mothers & Toddlers group meet on Friday mornings 9.30 to 11.30. Seekers meet on the 1^st Saturday morning each month.

Hire Charges are unchanged for 2009

Period	(1) Standard Hire Charge	(2) Parishioners other than in (3)	(3) Parishioners - Hires ending by 5pm on Weekdays #
Minimum (2 hrs)	£16	£15	£10
4 Hours	£30	£25	£15
6 Hours	£45	£35	£25
8 Hours	£50	£40	£30
10 Hours	£60	£45	n/a
12 Hours	£70	£50	n/a
Full Day	£85	£60	n/a

# Excludes Bank & Public Holidays. Other hours charged pro rata.

When the hall is not otherwise in use on weekdays, Bawdeswell village voluntary groups may use the hall free of charge.

For availability, more details and a booking form please contact the booking clerk:-

David Cockburn, Tel: (01362) 688749, Mobile: 07778 835 254, Email: BawdeswellVH@aol.com

The next Village Hall Committee Meeting will be held on

Monday 17^th August 2009 -7.30 pm at the Hall

The Mobile Blood Donor Van (Bloodmobile) visits Bawdeswell regularly on a Wednesday at the Village Hall.

5 August, 16 September

1pm to 3.10pm and 4.30pm to 6.55pm

The Bloodmobile also visits Reepham, North Elmham & Swanton Morley regularly if you are unable to attend on the Bawdeswell dates. Attendance by appointment only!

To make an appointment call the National Blood Service on 0845 7 711 711

or visit their web site www.blood.co.uk for more information

BAWDESWELL BOOK CLUB

NOTHING TO BE FRIGHTENED OF by Julian Barnes

Published in 2008 this is a work of non-fiction in which the author writes about his life, his family and his experiences. In particular he discusses his fear of death - the ‘nothing’ in the title which is taken from his diary written about 20 years before. He notes that, said with different emphasis, the sentence has a rather different meaning, ‘people say there’s NOTHING to be frightened of’.

He discusses many other topics such as philosophy and his on-going discussions with his elder brother [a philosopher], religion [belief and non-belief], bereavement, literature and the Arts and what it means to him to be a writer.

I was particularly interested in the anecdotes about the lives [and deaths] of other writers and artists. His views are interesting, witty, erudite and entirely idiosyncratic.

I enjoyed reading this book and would like to read more of his work.

HC

Next months meeting will be held in the Old Workhouse Bar on Thursday 6^th August at 8 pm where we will be discussing ‘The Secret Scripture’ by Sebastian Barnes. New members welcome.

BAWDESWELL BOWLS CLUB.

Bawdeswell has an excellent venue situated behind the Village Hall and

new members are invited to join the club.

For further information please contact Paul Digby on (01362) 688615

BAWDESWELL PARISH COUNCIL

DIGEST OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 6 JULY 2009

Present: Councillors Mason, Beane, Cockburn, Kirby and Mallen, Mr G Bambridge, C Boer and 1 parishioner.

Ongoing Issues from Previous Meetings

Adams Pit: The Parish Council will obtain quotes to hire a mini-digger to excavate the area in Adam's Pit where it is believed that there is a possible drain in order to settle this mystery once and for all. Thank you to those that took the time to complete the Adam's Pit questionnaires at the Village Fete. Your views are valuable and a report detailing the results of the completed questionnaires will be issued in the next issue of the Reeves Tale. Anyone wishing to complete a questionnaire or comment on the future of Adams Pit please contact the Clerk.

Community Speedwatch Scheme: The Bawdeswell Community Speedwatch Scheme has finally been launched and areas for monitoring within the village have been identified and cleared with the Police. It is a requirement that 3 volunteers are available at each check and with only 5 people currently vetted and trained, it is vital that we get more volunteers if the system is to be maintained. So if you can spare 1 – 2 hours a week to help make the roads within our village safer then please do contact the Clerk for more details.

Planning

PA 3PL/2009/0403/F: The Cottage, The Drift, erection of a 2 storey extension including granny annexe, the PC has raised objections to this application over the size of the proposed extension in comparison with the existing dwelling.

PA 3PL/2009/0352/F: Adjacent to Bawdeswell Store, proposed subdivision of a 4 bed dwelling house to 1 x 3-bed dwelling and 1 x 2-bed dwelling: planning permission granted with 6 conditions.

Finance

VAT Repayment: £239.45 received for the period of 3/6/08 – 31/3/09.

Any Other Business of Interest to Parishioners

Possible Provision of Allotments: The Parish Council has a duty to consider providing allotment gardens to interested parishioners if there is such a demand within a parish. Anyone interested should contact the Clerk.

Speeding Motorcycles: The Parish Council has received numerous complaints from parishioners about speeding of motorcycles within the village. They have also been driving along footpaths and doing 'wheelies' around the village. The incidents have been reported to the Police. If these offenders are Bawdeswell parishioners please think of the safety of yourselves and others; we do not want any accidents within our village.

The Parish Council is in recess in August. The date of next meeting is:

Monday 7^th September 2009 at 7.45pm

Parish Clerk - Claire Boer 01362 688415/07877955745 email: cboer.parishclerk@fsmail.net

FOXLEY PARISH COUNCIL - EXTRACT OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 15 JULY 2009 IN THE VILLAGE HALL

Present: Councillors Harvey, Mears, Barrett, Hatch, and Mansfield, Mr G Bambridge, C Boer and 4 Parishioners

Parish Councillor Vacancy: The Parish Council agreed unanimously to co-opt James Mansfield as parish councillor. The Chairman welcomed Mr Mansfield and thanked him for agreeing to fill the parish councillor vacancy.

Matters Arising

Anglian Water Sewerage Pumping Station: The Chairman confirmed that the Village meeting arranged by Anglian Water for residents to find out about the project and discuss their individual circumstances, had taken place earlier that day, and reported that Anglian Water were pleased with the average turnout of residents. The Parish Council would like to remind residents that the signed agreement forms need to be returned to Anglian Water by Monday 31^st August 2009. Work is due to commence at the end of August and should be completed by mid December. Anglian Water confirmed that during the periods of road closures access to dwellings would still be retained for residents and emergency vehicles.

Highway Issues

Overgrown Grass Verge/Hedges: Concerns were expressed about the state of the overgrown grass verge and hedges along the footpath from Foxley to Bawdeswell. The Clerk was commissioned to liaise with the landowners.

Dog Fouling: The Parish Council would like to remind dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their dogs. It would appear that there have been many cases recently where residents have witnessed some dog owners not carrying out this task. Please help keep our footpaths and verges clean.

Planning

3BT/2009/0001/BT: Old Fakenham Road Pumping Station, West Foxley; telemetry aerial and ground based kiosk: confirmation received from Breckland Council that this matter has been considered by the Council and it has been resolved that no prior approval is required.

Mobile Home at Moor Farm: The Clerk reported that a new planning application had been received 3PL/2009/0507/A : Mobile Home (temporary period of six months); and confirmed that the Parish Council's objections to this proposal have been forwarded to Breckland Council with the request that this PA be determined by the Development Control Committee so that a representative of the Parish Council could attend to reiterate its concerns if necessary.

Village Matters

Items Raised at the Meeting:

Concerns raised about the state of the ditch in front of the Natterjack the Clerk commissioned to discuss this again with Highways.

Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 8^th September at 7.30pm in the

Village Hall.

BECK W. I.

Our July meeting was on Monday, the 13^th. Margaret Roy, standing in for Aleathia, introduced our guest speaker, Jon Read. We were pleased to great Jon again, having been entertained by him on two previous occasions. ( Widely different subjects: Gas Works and Soap ).

Jon’s subject this month was North Wales and it was evident from his enthusiasm that he feels it is a country well worth visiting. He spoke of several places he and his wife had been to and wonderful holidays spent there. Then he showed us spectacular slides of mountains, valleys, lakes, castles, waterfalls, the hardy Welsh sheep – and of course Snowdonia.

For some of us Jon’s talk brought back memories of our own holidays enjoyed in that beautiful country, which in turn brought thoughts of returning!

After the interval, Jon judged the exhibits – an unusual spoon. 1^st – Jennifer, 2^nd – Ruth. Jennifer won the raffle.

Jennifer read last month’s Minutes and Margaret told us of forthcoming events. Arrangements started to be made for our Coffee Morning booked for Saturday 5^th September in the Old School Room. Doors open 10.30 a.m.

The August meeting is on the 10^th and the speaker will be Cameron Read. His subject – Osteopathy. The exhibition is a Recipe for a Remedy. Hope to see you all.

Mary Humphrey

The Beck W.I.

(Sparham, Bawsdewell, Foxley)

invites everyone to a

COFFEE MORNING

10.30 am, Saturday 5^th September

in the Old School Room, Sparham

W.I. display

Cake Stall Bring & Buy Stall

FRIENDS OF

BAWDESWELL CHURCH

We held our quarterly Coffee Morning and Draw in the church on Saturday 4^th July.

Here are the results of the Draw.

£100 M Menzies

£25 J Vince, S Gurney, S Lilwall, R Lilwall

£10 L Condon, J Cockburn, D Maybee, D Egmore, R Gurney

On 28^th June we participated in the Bawdeswell Village Fair, but this year joined with the church so that Bawdeswell Activities Group could join the group of paticipants and not dilute the share out. However, this was not a popular concession with our members and we will have to think again next year because our funds are quite separate from the church’s. The Church Friends help to maintain the listed building for the community and to preserve it for the future. None of their fund raising goes to general church funds.

The next Coffee Morning is on Saturday 3^rd October at 1030 in the church. The 100 Club draw will take place then. Please drop in for free coffee and a bite when passing. All are welcome. There is no obligation to join as a member.

Oct 3^rd Coffee Morning and Draw

October 17^th “Harvest Supper” Village Hall 7.30pm

Dec 5^th Christmas Wreaths for Sale in the church 10 - 4

Dec 13^th “Christmas Concert” 4pm

Would you like your electric bill paid for a whole year?

If the answer is yes and you are a Breckland resident, then now is your opportunity!

If you have ever wondered how much electricity you use and how much money you could save, this is your chance to find out and have the opportunity to win a years worth of electric!  Saving money on your electricity also helps the environment by protecting our natural resources.

By answering six simple energy questions and completing the entry form you will have the opportunity to be short listed for a chance to win your electricity bill.  The five short listed households will have to record, demonstrate and provide evidence to show how they are making efforts to save electricity over a six month period.  The household deemed to have reduced their electric usage the most by the end of the six months will be the winner.

Look out for this competition and entry form in the July/August edition of Breckland Council’s Voice magazine. Entry forms can also be collected from all Breckland Customer Contact Centres & online at www.breckland.gov.uk/energy_competition

All entries must be submitted by 31 August 2009.

For further details contact Breckland Council on 01362 656870.

Great Witchingham

Village Hall fete

Saturday 29^th August

The Bridge Inn & Lakeside Gardens

Local Celebrity – John Wilson

Fun starts at 12 noon – 4pm

Demonstrations, Fantastic Prizes, Competitions

Tombola, Raffle, Games, Cakes

BBQ, Bouncy Castle

Face Painting

Craft Stalls

And much more!

All monies raised in aid of Great Witchingham Village Hall

Celebrate National Marine Week with

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 August

Norfolk has some amazing and very special coastal wildlife. The salt marshes, sand dunes, shingle spits and sandy beaches are a very important part of wild Norfolk and with other coastal habitats support a huge diversity of wildlife.

This year Norfolk Wildlife Trust has organised over 40 different events designed to celebrate the diversity of Norfolk’s coast. With walks, talks and family events there is ‘shore’ to be something to take your interest.

Here are just a few being held in your local area. If you would like to see the whole coastal events programme visit www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk or telephone 01603 598333 to request a leaflet.

Coastal Capers at NWT Cley Marshes

Sunday 2 August

Drop in 10am – 4pm

Have a go at reed dressing, go for a walk with an expert, have a chat with a diver and learn about the amazing shipwrecks off the coast or turn your hand to arts and craft activities. This is a day full of walks, talks, demonstrations and activities to show some of the things that make this nature reserve so special.

This event is free, no need to book.

Flowers of the Norfolk Coast

Tuesday 11 August

10am – 12.30pm

Meet – Outside NWT Holme Dunes Visitor Centre

Distance – Approximately 2 miles

Join Simon Harrap, author of ‘Flowers of the Norfolk Coast’, to explore the foreshore, sand dunes and salt marshes of this fantastic nature reserve and discover some of the weird and wonderful plants of the coast.

This walk is free, no need to book.

DAYS OUT WITH THE CHILDREN

Cbeebies Green Balloon Club are hosting special days designed for the younger nature lover which are due to take place all around Norfolk.

Head to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse and hunt for creepy-crawlies in the woods and create your very own arts and craft minibeast to take home with you. August 1^st .

Norwich Cathedral are giving you the chance to look after the nature in your garden by making your own bug hotel and bird feeder. August 11^th.

There are lots more events taking place so if you want something to do in the summer holidays, look out for one of the events near you –

go to www.breathingplaces.org and type in your postcode.

Minibeasts!

Sat 01 August 2009, 11.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00

Organised by: Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

· What we provide: Everything your family needs to discover lots of minibeasts and to create your own bug to take home. How many creepy-crawlies will you find?

· What to bring: Please bring clothing and footwear appropriate to the weather.

· Age group: Adults and children at primary school (4 to 10)

· Registration: Not required

· Place admission cost: Adults £8.10, Concessions £6.90, Children (4-16) £5.80 Discounts for families and groups

· Further info: You can also enjoy looking at our 'nature watch' cameras, a tractor ride and a stamp trail around the farm.

· More details available from: Katie Smith

· Email: museums@norfolk.gov.uk

· Tel: 01362 869263

Wensum Valley Birdwatching Society

Nightjar Evening: What better way to embark on a field trip than to start from the local hostelry. A large group of members and guests gathered at the Marsham Arms for a meal, a pint and a chat before setting off for Marsham Heath in the gathering dusk. This is a birdwatch like no other as we stand in silence, listening for the unmistakable ‘churring’ sound indicating a nightjar nearby. Then some fleeting glimpses of these elusive birds as they flew around us, some alighting on pine branches, their colouring and the failing light challenging the best of optics. Normally on a bird walk we notch up 50 or so species but on this night just 2. Nightjars and a lone woodcock.

On 7th June we held our annual summer bird count The team recording the most species seen had a total of 80. In conditions that were often wet and cold this was a very creditable total and a special mention is due for the solo effort of Ian Britain who logged 69 species. The day was rounded off with a meal at the Fox and Hounds in Lyng – once again doing our bit to support the traditional village inn.

August Diary dates: Its back to Normal in August with an indoor meeting and a field trip. On Thursday 20^th, founder member David Pelling will present ‘Brazil – the Atlantic Rainforest’, starting at 7.30 pm at Weston Longville Village Hall.

On Sunday 9^th we have our annual visit to Minsmere. This is usually arranged as two walks round different parts of the reserve with a break for lunch. Minsmere offers families and keen birdwatchers a great day out. Nature trails take you through a variety of habitats to excellent birdwatching hides. There is a visitor centre where you can find out more about the wildlife, browse in the shop or enjoy a meal in the licensed tearoom. All are welcome to any of our events but please note there is a charge at Minsmere if you are not a member of the RSPB.

Colin Wright [Tel: 01603 740548] www.wvbs.co.uk

Benefice News and Events

At a recent meeting of the BMG it was decided to change the ladies lunch planned for 3^rd October at Elsing Village Hall into a lunch for those who help us in our various churches. Probably this will be much the same group of people! We want to make sure that all the different kinds of help that people give are recognised: flower arranging, bell ringing, cleaning, laundry and fabric care, DIY and odd jobs, welcome and publicity, fund raising, grass cutting, children’s work (and any other category that we have missed out and you need to remind us of!).

As this is potentially a huge group we would like each of these groups in each church to choose 2 people to come, reassuring the others that their turn will come…….. Please contact Sandi Taylor (01362 688268) with the names of those you would like to come by the 15^th September. Then, if people are on more than one list we will be able to ask a few extra. So please if you have a lot of people in your group who would like to come could you give Sandi some reserve names. If you haven’t heard from your group organiser about this a week after you get this magazine, prompt her or him into action.

Your hosts and waiters for this event will be the Churchwardens and the Benefice Ministry Team, and the Rector.

Events for August are:

8^th Elsing Duck Race

16^th Lyng Barbecue at the Rectory 12.30pm

Benefice Website: www.bawdeswell.net/beneficediary

Julian Group meets 2^nd & last Fridays at 8pm

14^th & 28^th Aug, 11^th & 25^th Sept

Contact Susan March 01603 870342

FOXLEY, ST.THOMAS’

The Gardens at Foxley Lodge and Glebe House were “Open” on Sunday 21^st.June in aid of St.Thomas’Church Repair Fund. The morning was dreary and at times quite wet, but, just in time for the 2.00pm start, the sun came out and the clouds (most of them) drifted away along with our anxieties and cars began to arrive in the paddock; some from as far away as Hopton and Lakenheath! Soon such nice people were wandering around the gardens of the two Old Rectories and then enjoying their tea and cake. All our efforts at weeding, dead-heading, trimming, not to speak of cake baking, were justified and we raised £681. Grateful thanks, also, to all who helped by growing plants and on the day itself.

Diana Harvey P.C.C. Secretary

The NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST – Sponsored Bike Ride

How to have fun and raise money for your favourite Church or Chapel

Saturday 12^th September 2009

9.00am – 5.00pm

Sponsorship money will be divided equally between Norfolk Churches Trust and the Church or Chapel of your choice of any denomination chosen by the cyclist, walker or church recorder.

Sponsorship forms available from Bawdeswell Church porch or from Monica Hatch 688316 in Foxley.

A wonderful opportunity to view the interiors of some of Norfolk’s historic churches, and a great day out!

ALL SAINTS CHURCH

BAWDESWELL

On 5^th July the church was packed for the baptism of Sapphire Jolly and we welcomed her to the family of the church.

We took part in the Bawdeswell Village Fair at the end of June and ran a very successful Tombola stall and White Elephant stall. The response this year was terrific. Thank you to everyone who donated so generously, especially Karen and Shaun Green who went round collecting door-to-door. The two stalls, together with a book stall, raised over £500 towards the Fair’s total takings (£1,276) which were shared equally by the local groups taking part.

The organ fund currently stands at £19,516. Our target for the cost of the new organ is £26,000. The Flower Festival netted £2,182 which gave us a big step up. Our thanks to the Friends of the Church for that special contribution.

The over 60’s Club continue to meet in the church on Thursday afternoons and the Post Office is operating from there on Tuesday and Friday mornings, except on the dates that the postmaster is on holiday – see page one of the magazine.

Little Pebbles pre-school club meet in the church on the third Saturday morning each month.

WeightWatchers used the church on the day of the Elections in June because the Village hall was in use.

The Iceni Choir meet there on Wednesday evenings for rehearsal.

We welcome the church being used by the community. Please just ask the Rector or one of the churchwardens if you would like to use it for a meeting or a club.

We are not competing with the village hall, but if that is booked when you want to use it, then the church is an alternative.

NORFOLK CHURCHES BIKE RIDE

SATURDAY 12^th SEPTEMBER 2009

Norfolk’s hundreds of historic churches open all day.

Sponsorship forms and details available from Bawdeswell church porch.

Please join in and nominate your village church to benefit. R.T.

August/September Services - 2009

AUGUST

Date	02/08	09/08	16/08	23/08	30/08
Season	8^th Sunday after Trinity	9th Sunday after Trinity	10th Sunday after Trinity	11th Sunday after Trinity	12^th Sunday after Trinity
Foxley	18.30 EP DH		8.00 HC PB DH	10.30 HC1 DH
Lyng	9.00 HC2 DH		17.00 EP DH	10.30 FS FST
Elsing	10.30 HC TC		9.00 HC1 DH	10.30 W&P CW
Bawdeswell	10.30 HC1 DH	10.30 OMS DH	10.30 GiG GiG team	10.30 MP CW
Bylaugh		9.00 HC PB DH		9.00 MP DH	10.30 HC DH
Sparham	10.30 Summer Club		10.30 HC PB DH	10.30 MP CW

SEPTEMBER

Date	06/09	13/09	20/09	27/09
Season	13^TH Sunday after Trinity	14^th Sunday after Trinity	15^th Sunday after Trinity	16^th Sunday after Trinity
Foxley	18.30 EP TC		8.00 HC PB TC	10.30 HC1 DH
Lyng	9.00 HC1 TC		17.00 EP TC	6.30pm Harvest Festival
Elsing	10.30 HC TC		10.30 HC1 TC	10.30 Harvest Festival
Bawdeswell	10.30 HC1 Visiting Cleric		10.30 GiG CW	10.30 WP CW
Bylaugh		9.00 HC PB TC		Harvest Festival 3pm
Sparham	10.30 OASIS Team	10.30 OMS TC	10.30 HC PB TC	10.30 MP CW