The Reeve’s Tale

 

February 2010     TEXT ONLY VERSION

 

 

 

 

LETTERS

 

I would like to thank everyone who  helped with the  Bawdeswell Flower Festival, the Christmas Wreath Day, and also with the weekly church flowers, making 2009 an extremely successful flower year.

If anyone who is not on the flower rota and feels able to join it,  please phone , as I will be getting a new rota out starting at Easter.

Sue Lilwall

(01362) 688240

 

FLOWER ARRANGING CLASSES

2pm at Bawdeswell Village Hall    Contact: Sue Lilwall  (01362)  688240

 

Tue  Feb 2nd &  9th

Tue March 2nd, 16th, 23rd , 30th

 

 

Thank you -

On Saturday 5th December, the Committee of Bawdeswell Badgers Community PreSchool hosted a Christmas Prize Bingo to help raise some funds.  On behalf of the staff and children of the Preschool the Committee would like to thank those of you who donated prizes for the bingo and raffle, and to those of you who attended the event.  This event proved to be a huge success, so much so we raised a staggering £370.00.  The Committee proposes to hold more fundraising events in 2010 which we hope will prove to be fun for the residents of Bawdeswell, Foxley and surrounding villages.

Forthcoming events include a Race Night on 6th March and a Easter Prize Bingo on 27th March.

Once again a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Christmas Prize Bingo a success.

 

Claire Boer

Secretary to the Preschool Committee

 

Burglary –

Sometime on or just after Friday 8th of January, during the very cold weather , a very selfish and unkind person saw fit to steal the last full cylinder of LPG from my garden.  I would like to think that this awful act was not carried out by a resident of our village, however, as there were no tracks only footprints in the snow, I must assume that the thief was at least on foot.
Inconvenience and expense aside, it is very worrying to be without heat or hot water in such cold weather, especially with a baby and two young children.
I would like to warn other residents that this type of crime has occurred in the village, and express my utter disgust that anybody could behave in such a way.
Julia Kirby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVENTS DIARY FEBRUARY 2010

 

Mon 1st

Police Surgery in Bawdeswell Village Hall  6.30-7.30pm

Bawdeswell  Parish Council meet at 7.45pm

Tue 2nd

Flower Arranging Class, 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall

Thu 4th

Book Club meets at The Old Workhouse Bar at 7.30pm

Fri 5th

Bridge Club 2.15pm Bawdeswell Village Hall

Sat 6th

Seekers Club, Bawdeswell Village Hall  a.m.

Mon 8th

Blood Donor Session at Bawdeswell Village Hall, see page 9

Table Tennis evening in Bawdeswell Village Hall

Tue 9th

Flower Arranging Class, 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall

Wed 10th

Bridge Club 7.00pm Bawdeswell Village Hall

Foxley Parish Council meet at 7.30

Thu 11th

Mobile Police Station at Bawdeswell 11am – 12.30pm

Craft Afternoon 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall

Fri 12th

Julian Group meets at Barwick House in Bawdeswell at 8pm

Mon 15th

School Half-Term Activities begin at Bawdeswell Village Hall, details page 6

Village Hall Meeting 7.30pm

Mon 22nd

Back to School

Table Tennis evening in Bawdeswell Village Hall

Tue 23rd

Rotary Polio Appeal Day, see page 13

Wed 24th

Coffee Morning Foxley Village Hall 10.30am

Bridge Club 7.00pm  Bawdeswell Village Hall

Thu 25th

Craft Afternoon 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall

Fri 26th

Blood Donor Session at Bawdeswell Village Hall, see page 9

Julian Group meets at Barwick House in Bawdeswell at 8pm

Sat 27th

Project Bawdeswell Meeting in Bawdeswell  Village Hall 10am

FOBC Quiz Night & Supper, 7pm Bawdeswell Village Hall

 

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

Seekers                          1st Saturday

Bawdeswell Church

ICENI Choir practice       Wednesdays  7.30pm

 

 

Foxley Village Hall     

Exercise Classes            

every Tuesday morning at 9.30am.

 

Short Mat Bowls  Every Monday & Friday Evening

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOXLEY VILLAGE HALL

 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

 

“WHAT’S ON” in Foxley during 2010

 

 

Coffee Mornings:    Wed 27 Jan, 24 Feb, 31 Mar, 28 Apr

thereafter monthly, dates TBA

 

Sat 10 Apr

Gardeners’ Question Time 7.30pm

TBA May               

Bluebell Teas in conjunction with NWT

Sun 20 Jun

Open Gardens 2 – 4pm – Honeyfields, Street Farm & Old Hall Farmhouse

Sat 10 Jul

Summer BBQ at Longview, Mill Road 12.30pm

Sun 1 Aug

Village Show Vegetables/Fruit/Flowers/Photo Crafts (Exhibits 11am Show 2 –4pm)

Sat 21 Aug

Summer Lunch 12 for 12.30pm

Sun 3 Oct

Children’s Harvest Fancy Dress Party  2 – 4pm

Sat 23 Oct

Harvest Supper 7pm

End Dec

Annual Family Christmas Party 8pm

 

 

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAWDESWELL ACTIVITIES GROUP (BAG)

 

 

Half Term At The Hall

 

Please see below for half term activties which (including materials) will be FREE of charge, although donations towards the costs will be welcomed. These activities at Bawdeswell Village Hall are open to all residents of Bawdeswell, Foxley and surrounding villages. As usual the ‘CAFE’ will be open every afternoon for hot & cold drinks, sweets & crisps etc. from 2 – 5 pm.

 

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.

 

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 rather than speaking to the other child involved.

 

Half-Term Programme - 2pm – 5pm

 

Monday 15th February Painting Competition

 (Pool tables etc from 3.30pm) Children of all ages

Tuesday 16th February Pancake Afternoon including races

 (Pool tables etc from 3.30pm) Children of all ages

Thursday 18th February – Crafts Afternoon

Children 8 years and under

Friday 19th February Games afternoon

Children 9 years and over

 

Table Tennis – fun evenings -  8th & 22nd February,  8th & 22nd March 2010 - 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.  Cost - £1.50 adult or 75p under 18 towards the hire of the hall.

 

Running Club   will continue to meet over the autumn and winter, although the days and times may vary from week to week due to daylight hours and weather conditions.  New (and previous) runners always welcome – call Fel 688876 or Debbie 07867987787 for information.

 

 

 

CRAFT GROUP

We resumed our gatherings on 14 January and will continue meeting in Bawdeswell village hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month from 2.00 to 4.30 pm.  Everyone welcome, just bring your own work – there are diverse projects being undertaken from dolls clothes to heirloom embroidery and we enjoy seeing each other’s work growing.

 

 

PROJECT BAWDESWELL

Play Area Update

The play area now has a main grant of £50,000 plus another £6,000 from the Parish Council. The Village Hall Committee are also providing some support and further funding is being sought. Obviously, the severe weather has delayed the works planned for January but the target for completion is still the end of March. The play area will be closed off for a while whilst work is in progress.

 

To keep costs down and maximise the amount of equipment that can be purchased, work parties are being organised to carry out some of the clearance and other works. A work party has already moved the goalposts and cleared quite a lot of undergrowth but there is more to do. If you can spare a few hours to help please contact Fel by email at  davenfel@talk21.com.

 

 

 

Bawdeswell Play Area Final Concept

Not all features are included in first stage due by end of March 2010

(A larger version of the design can be seen on our website)

 

Project meetings are normally held at the Village Hall at 10am on the last Saturday of each month (except December). All are welcome to attend. The next meetings are scheduled for:-  Saturdays 30th January, 27th February and 27th March

 

See our website at www.projectbawdeswell.org.uk for more information or come along to one of our meetings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 2nd and 4th 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 1st Saturday morning each month. Also there are regular table tennis evenings and a bridge for fun club.

 

               Hire Charges are unchanged for 2010

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

See our website – link from www.projectbawdeswell.org.uk/

 

 

The next Village Hall Committee Meetings will be held on

Monday 15th February 2010 - 7.30 pm at the Hall

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Early 2010 Dates

Monday 8th February 2010

Friday 26th February 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FRIENDS OF BAWDESWELL CHURCH

 

 

The Friends of Bawdeswell Church would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported us in our fund raising efforts over the last year. 

 

Our net income in 2009 from our fund raising events such as the 100 Club, Quiz Night, Flower Festival, Harvest Supper and Christmas Festivities raised a staggering £5,500.  However, before we all rush off to the Spring Sales, perhaps we should also point out that, so far, over £4,550 of this has gone directly to the upkeep of All Saints Church in the form of insurance premiums, utility bills, grounds maintenance, structural repairs and the new organ fund. 

A superb effort by the community, and thank you once again to all those who found the time and gave generously to support this very worthwhile cause. 

 

David Shannon, Hon Treasurer.

 

 

Next Event: 

 

 

Quiz night and Supper

 

Saturday February 27th     7pm for 7.30pm

Bawdeswell Village Hall

 

Lasagne, salad, garlic bread

Sweets & Cream

 

Bar                                                       Raffle

 

£7.50

 

Tickets from any committee member or 01362 688499

 

 

 

Bridge Club

 

The Club meets weekly in  Bawdeswell Village Hall.

 

Although experienced players are part of the group, and very welcome, many members have recently learnt to play bridge or have not played for a long time and have resumed playing.

 

The Club meets once a week alternately on every other Wednesday evening at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30p.m. start, finish 9.30 p.m. and every other Friday afternoon at 2.15 p.m.  for a 2.30 p.m. start, finish 5.30 p.m.

 

February Dates are Friday 5th and Wednesdays 10th & 24th. There will be no session on Friday 19th February due to children’s half term activities.

 

If you think that this might appeal to you, please do come along and see if it’s for you!

Call Roger Fryatt on 01362 688627 for more information.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 FOOTBALL CLUB.

 

The club plays in the 3rd division of the Crown Fire Central and South Norfolk League. Home games are played at Bawdeswell Recreation Ground. For more information about the club please contact Philip Duffield on (01362) 688611. For information about matches see http://www.csnleague.co.uk/index.html.

 

 

 

 

 

BAWDESWELL BOOK CLUB                 

 

Over Christmas this year we decided to get into the spirit of the season and to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  Everyone knows the story of course and its Christmas message.  We may have been feeling a bit Scrooge like and “Bah Humburg” about the extremes of commercialism and expectations that go with Christmas in the 21st century.  However, re-reading Dickens and seeing once again the wonderful pictures he paints with words made this choice a real Christmas joy.

 

We also farewelled the founder of the Book Club, Kath Miners, who has moved from Bawdeswell to a new home near to Grantham and members of her family.  We wish her and Brian much happiness in their new surroundings.  MM

 

The Book Club meets in the Workhouse Bar on the first Thursday of every month at 7.30 pm and welcomes new members.  We mostly obtain books from the Library so there is not the expense of buying new books each month.  For discussion at the meeting on 4 February we are reading The Wild Places by Robert McFarlane and for the 4 March meeting Daughters of Brittania by Katie Hickman

 

 

REEPHAM AND DISTRICT  ROTARY

 

Polio is a terrible affliction attacking mainly young children causing withered limbs and paralysis, and which thankfully is now unknown in this country, there having been a vaccine since the 1960’s. In some parts of the world it remains a real problem and from 1985 Rotary have been involved in a world wide drive to eradicate this threat. A simple vaccine works and £1 will immunise 5 children. Bill Gates and his wife have promised Rotary $200 million if we can match this within 3 years.

Our target in Reepham is £1500 and we are well on the way but to achieve it we need the help of our community; this is the final push!!

Rotary Day on 23rd February this year will be a special date. Every Rotary club in the UK is arranging events and we shall be in Reepham Town Square around this day to explain the polio eradication programme and selling raffle tickets to raise funds; prizes are being donated by local businesses. Reepham High School students are holding a day of awareness and donations.

Please take an interest,come and see what we are doing and give us your support.

Thank you,  Jef Wilson    www.reephamrotary.org.uk

 

 

BAWDESWELL PARISH COUNCIL

DIGEST OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 7 DECEMBER 2009

 

Present:     Councillors Shannon, Cockburn, Beane, Mallen, Mr G Bambridge (District Councillor), C Boer and 4 Parishioners

 

Ongoing Issues from Previous Meetings

Adams Pit:  The results of the ecological survey, undertaken by The Norfolk Wildlife Trust, has been received and, although the survey identified that Adams Pit could be a habitat for great crested newts, the Trustees have been authorised to continue with the necessary clearance of trees on the southern side and creation of the drain and bund on the western side of Adams Pit.  The work on the bund and drain was completed early December, and the parishioner who is kindly undertaking tree surgery around Adams Pit has now started the necessary coppicing/felling of the trees on the southern side of the Pit.  The Trustees would like to thank the small group of volunteers who kindly got together one Friday morning at the end of November and burnt the detritus from the tree surgery already completed.  The procurement of hawthorn/blackthorn saplings and topsoil for the hedging on the Western side of Adams Pit is now underway, and it is hoped to complete this work in early February.   Further help will be needed with wood burning and hedge planting over the next few weeks, so if there are any volunteers would they kindly call the Parish Clerk.

Allotments:  Following the presentation given by Karen Kenny, the Eastern Region Representative from the National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardens, at the village meeting on 12th November, a Bawdeswell Association has been formed, and the Parish Council has applied for corporate membership to the National Society, which can provide valuable assistance on the procurement of allotment land.  The Chairman and Clerk of the Parish Council have also been commissioned to contact local farmer/landowners to discuss the possible leasing of about 2 acres of agricultural land close to the village for allotments.

New Bus Stops:  As a result of a recent meeting with officials from the NCC Passenger Group and Mott MacDonald, who are working in partnership with Transport & Development at NCC, it was agreed that the additional bus stops for Bawdeswell would be better placed close to All Saints Court than adjacent to the Church, as previously proposed.  NCC officials are now consulting with local residents about the new site and it is hoped to start work on these additional bus stops in the near future.

Planning

PA 3PL/2009/0048/F:  Confirmation has been received that the Inspector’s Site Visit related to the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the proposed subdivision of a 4-bed dwelling house to 3 x 2-bed dwellings adjacent to Martin McColls will take place at 13.30 on 15th January 2010.

Air Conditioning Units, McColls:  Confirmation has been received from the Enforcement Officer at Breckland District Council that Martin McColls Limited

has now complied with the breach of conditions notice dated 25th September 2009, by fitting an acoustic jacket and 3 x condensing units and a time clock to the beer condensing units to isolate the outdoor units from 10pm to 7am.

 

 

Any Other Business of Interest to Parishioners

Further Donation to Children’s Play Area:  The Parish Council formally thanked Fel Roberts and Project Bawdeswell for the sterling work undertaken to secure the grants of £50,000 for the new children’s play area.  These grants will not, however, cover the associated toddler space within the new children’s play area, and about an additional £10,000 is required to meet these needs. To help cover these additional costs, the Parish Council has agreed to increase the funds currently held for the new play area to £6,000, the extra £1,270+ being taken from the expected reserve in this year’s precept.

Precept 2010/2011:  The budget for the forthcoming financial year was discussed and it was agreed that the Precept for 2010/2011 be set at £11,500.  In setting this slightly increased precept, the Parish Council stressed the need to reassure parishioners that it had done its utmost to keep the increases to an absolute minimum given the current economic climate.

 

The date of next meeting is: Monday 1st February 2010 at 7.45pm –

 

 

Contact Details for the Parish Clerk - Claire Boer

Tel: 01362 688415/07877955745  Email:  cboer.parishclerk@fsmail.net

 

 

Race Night

Saturday 6th March 7.30pm

at Bawdeswell Village Hall

 

Doors open 7pm

Tickets £2 in advance from Pre-School or Claire on 688415

£2.50 at the door

 

Raising Funds for Bawdeswell Badgers Community

Pre-School

 

 

 

 

 

FOXLEY PARISH COUNCIL - EXTRACT OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 24th NOVEMBER IN THE VILLAGE HALL

 

Present: Councillors Harvey, Mears, Barrett, Hatch, C Boer and 7               Parishioners

Matters Arising

Anglian Water Sewerage Pumping Station:  The Chairman reported that he has received confirmation from Ian Boon, official at Anglian Water, that they would endeavour to decommission the package treatment plant off Old Fakenham Road, by the end of February 2010.  The timescale for this work is controlled by Anglian Water needing to obtain another road closure for the Old Fakenham Road and there has to be a minimum of 3 months between road closures and the last road closure ended on 9th October 2009.  The Clerk was commissioned to liaise with Highways about the pot holes, in West Chapel Road and Old Fakenham Road which have been created following the works by Barhale.  Following disappointment expressed by parishioners about the state of the verges on the boundaries of their properties, the Parish Council would like to reassure parishioners that it will do its utmost to enforce that all verges are restored to their original states by Anglian Water.

Highway Issues:  The Clerk was commissioned to report with Highways the amount of leaves on the bend of West Foxley and request that this road is cleaned in the near future as this area is becoming dangerous.  Also the Clerk was commissioned to ask Highways if they are continuing to monitor the pot holes in The Street.  A parishioner raised with the Parish Council if it would be possible to have a flashing 50mph speed sign on the A1067, as it is evident that motorists use this section of road at far higher speeds and it is dangerous for pedestrians crossing this road.  The Clerk has been tasked with investigating if this is a possibility.

Correspondence

BT’s invite to Adopt the Red Telephone Kiosk:  Following the recent correspondence received from BT formally inviting the Parish Council to adopt the red telephone kiosk in The Street, the Parish Council unanimously agreed that it did not wish to adopt the red kiosk, reasons being the cost of upkeep and it being prone to vandalism in the past, therefore becoming a liability for the Parish Council.  BT confirmed that this telephone kiosk had only made 85 calls in the last 12 months and therefore it has been deemed that because of the low usage it is not covering the running costs of the kiosk.

Precept 2010/2011:  The budget for 2010/2011 was discussed and the Precept was agreed at £4,300.

Village Matters

Overspill of Parking from Village Hall Users:  Concerns were raised about when the Village Hall is in use there is an overspill of cars parking along Chapel Road from the Village Hall to the dead end.  This is limiting access for emergency vehicles and also blocking residents in.  A representative from the Village Hall Committee who was present at this meeting agreed to look into placing a notice near the waste bin in the car park requesting Village Hall users not to park past this point.

 

Date of Next Meeting, Wednesday 10th February 2010, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

 

 

 

Police Surgery

 

Dereham Neighbourhood Policing Team

 

Meet the Dereham Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and share your community concerns.

 

The surgery will give residents the opportunity to meet the local NPT and talk to the team in confidence about any neighbourhood concerns.

 

The team of dedicated officers will be available on

 

Monday 1st February

 

6.30pm to 7.30pm

 

at

 

Bawdeswell Village Hall

 

Phone 0845 456 4567 or Email sntdereham@norfolkpnn.police.uk

For more information

 

 

 

 

 

MOBILE POLICE OFFICE

 

The Mobile Police Office will be in ‘The Street’ Bawdeswell from 11am until 12.30pm every 4th Thursday.

 

This is intended to provide a ‘visible’ police presence in the village. Please make sure that you visit them if you have a problem or need information. Pop in and find out what’s happening in the area.

 

Remaining dates for the first half of 2010 are

11th February, 11th March, 8th April, 6th May & 3rd June

 

This is a good facility for the village. If the police find that it is not being used then it will be withdrawn.

USE IT OR LOSE IT

 

 

 

 

 

 

WENSUM VALLEY BIRDWATCHING SOCIETY

 

Once a year, all our trips, talks and the painstakingly put together, all important, bird records are compiled into one document entitled the Wensum Valley Birdwatching Society Annual Report. The Sixth Annual Report has just been published and is free to members of the Society. This is the most comprehensive edition yet. It includes a diary of the year’s activities, a bird ringing report (2,476 birds ringed and recorded) and the Systematic List, which is a compilation of sightings of 161 different species seen in the Wensum Valley area throughout the year, all neatly illustrated by our own wildlife artist Steve Cale.

Birds in February: January and February are the coldest month of the year with prolonged spells of snow and ice and birds need to keep their calorie count up to survive. Keep the garden feeders topped up and also provide a clean supply of (unfrozen) water. Look out for winter thrushes such as Redwing, they will be looking for berry bearing hedges and shrubs. A few have already visited my garden in Costessey. It is also time to clean out the nest boxes.

Diary of Events:  The full list of events for the coming year is now available and includes trips to the North Norfolk Coast, Lynford Arboretum, a members trip to Scotland, the ever popular dawn chorus, nightjar evening and our annual trip to Minsmere. We are also walking the Wensum Valley over two meetings and there will be a visit to a special farm at the end of the year. Indoor talks include walking in the steps of Darwin in Patagonia, visits to Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and a talk on bats which will include a bat detecting demonstration. Not forgetting of course our summer and winter shindigs. The full diary of 25 events for 2010 is published on our web site.

Dates for February: The famous North Norfolk RSPB reserve at Titchwell is examined by Paul Eele in a talk entitled ‘Titchwell, Past, Present and Future’. Held at Weston Longville Village Hall on Thursday 18th, start 7.30 pm. Our first visit to the North Norfolk Coast is on Saturday 27th.  All are welcome, especially beginners, but please note there is a small charge for non-members.

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

 

 

 

 

AGE CONCERN NORFOLK            

 

Advocacy Service

Age Concern Norfolk has been providing an Advocacy Service for over two years.  The word ‘Advocacy’ has several meanings but what our service provides is independent advocates to help older people to speak up for themselves. We support older people to assert their rights when decisions need to be made that affect their lives.  In other words we help solve problems.

The service is free of charge and confidential.  We help find information and what the options might be, respect and represent the point of view of the person we are helping and work together to tackle the problem.

To use this service just contact us on the number below.  If you are referring another person to the service, we are happy to help as long as you have their permission for you to talk to us.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Volunteer Advocate, we would also like to hear from you.

TELEPHONE 01603 787111

 

Tax Help for Older People

Do you worry about your Tax Affairs?  Do you know if you are paying the right amount?  Are you nervous of approaching the Inland Revenue for help?

Well help is at hand.  Tax Help for Older People (TOP) is an independent free tax advice service for older people on low incomes who cannot afford to pay for professional advice.

TOP will help with any tax problem, no matter how minor it may seem.  You can have your PAYE notice of coding checked or help with form filling, reclaiming an overpayment of tax or replying to a letter from the Revenue.  You may simply wish to have a tax health check to ensure peace of mind knowing that everything is in order. TOP runs regular advice surgeries at Age Concern in Norwich.  You may also seek telephone advice if your query is a simple one.  Home visits can be arranged in some circumstances.  To find out more telephone the TOP local helpline 0845 601 3321.

 

 

INFORMAL CRAFT AFTERNOONS

BAWDESWELL VILLAGE HALL

2n & 4th THURSDAY AFTERNOONS EACH MONTH

 

NEXT       11th & 25th February   2 – 4.30pm

 

Bring your own work or just come for a chat and a cuppa.   01362 688400

 

 

 

 

BENEFICE NEWS AND EVENTS

   

 

Lent begins in February and the dates and times of the special services are on the service pattern page.  Ash Wednesday is on 17th February.

 

 

 

The Rector will be holding a series of bible studies during Lent on Monday evenings at 7.30-9 at the Rectory.  They start on 22nd Feb and run through to 29th March.  If you want to do some homework for the course let the Rector know by 17th February that you are coming.  As well as this course Petto Colson will be hosting a welcome and study- lite  group at her home, 10 Soanes Court, Lyng,  after the Lyng Thursday morning Eucharist – everyone welcome.  If you aren’t coming to the Eucharist, please be at hers by 10.15 – will end about 11am.

 

 

On Mothering Sunday, 14th March, there will be a One More Step Mothering Sunday service in Lyng church for the whole Benefice.  There will not be Mothering Sunday services in the individual parishes.  As we expect a large number of people, Dean and Clio at the Fox and Hounds gave said that we can use their car park at the rear.  On Mothering Sunday the Fox and Hounds are extremely busy doing family lunches; their first sitting is at 12 noon, so we need to have moved our cars in good time before that – unless you want to stay for lunch at the Fox and Hounds, in which case Dean advises you to book really early – maybe this month.

 

 

There is only one fund raising event in February. 

This is a Quiz Night and supper in Bawdeswell Village Hall run by the Friends of the church on Saturday 27th at 7.00pm.  Tickets cost £7.30 from James Lilwall on 01362 688499.

 

 

Julian Group meets 2nd & last  Fridays at 8pm

12th February, then 26th February

Contact Susan March 01603 870342

 

       

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, BAWDESWELL

 

 

How did the Church's finances get on in 2009?  Our thanks to everyone who supported the Organ Fund: including the amounts raised by the Friends of Bawdeswell Church at the Flower Festival, over £6,400 was added during the year, bringing the total raised and pledged to nearly £21,000 out of our target of £27,000.  In the General Fund, giving by those coming to church and tax recovered on Gift Aid totalled a very generous £12,400.  The Friends contributed £2,700 towards upkeep of the fabric and we had various other income such as £366 from the annual churches' cycle ride to give a total income of just over £17,000.  This is a tremendous amount for a small village and as a result we were able to give £568 to local charities and to pay our full share of the cost of providing full-time clergy in the diocese to leave us with a small surplus for the year.

 

The turnout over the Christmas period was tremendous, and every occasion was made more memorable by the presence of ICENI choir members and our magnificent new church organ which is proving so popular.

 

At the  Friends Christmas concert this year  there was standing room only and they may have to limit it to ticket holders in future. So remember to get your tickets in advance next time!

 

Christmas Day saw a large turnout of families and a party atmosphere with music, readings and  traditional carols complete with descants from the more enthusiastic singers. We enjoyed mulled wine and Christmas treats afterwards.

Thank you all the individuals who took part.  It was a Christmas to remember.

 

In January we hosted a Benefice One More Step service in the middle of the snowy weather, and we were very surprised and pleased to see such a good turnout from our neighbouring villages, considering the road conditions.  The subject for the day was “water and its significance to us both spiritually and emotionally”.

Coffee and biscuits were enjoyed after the service as usual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

 

On Friday, 5th March over 3 million people world wide will be praying and worshipping together during an annual day of prayer, using a service prepared by Christian women in Cameroon.

The theme this year is: ’Let everything that has breath praise God’

 

The Republic of Cameroon is said to be ‘Africa in Miniature’.  It is a country of great cultural diversity with more than 240 ethnic groups and languages.  The constitution promotes equality between men and women but traditional rights and attitudes discriminate against women in many areas of life.  However giant steps have been taken towards assuring women’s rights and women are involved in the struggle for peace, justice and integrity.

Cameroon faces many challenges as its people seek to move forward into a modern age without losing their distinctive characteristics.  But at all times, in all circumstances Cameroonians are able to praise God with joy, and exuberance and the service reflects this.

Please join us for the Service in All Saints Church, Bawdeswell at  2 pm on Friday, 5th March.  People of all ages are welcome

The service will be followed by tea/coffee and biscuits.   ML

 

 

 FOXLEY ST.THOMAS’

 

Decorating the church for the Christmas Services this year was a bit of a challenge – greenery draped in snow, sub- zero temperatures, frostbite threatening! However for some reason (or was it divine intervention?) the holly tree in the churchyard was laden with gleaming berries and with this help the “floral artists” succeeded in decking out the dear old place in fine style. The tree was a problem too. Alas we couldn’t accept Brian Waters’ kind offer of one from his little plantation; to cut a tree down in those conditions was out of the question. We had to buy one and a member of the P.C.C. generously donated it. Perhaps, surprisingly, more people including, praise be, some children, attended the Carol Service, which was led by the Rector. By contrast with the cold outside it seemed warm inside and we enjoyed our usual traditional words and carols and then mulled wine, mincepies and  shortbread and, of course, some chatter. On Christmas morning The Rev. Tom Candeland  presided at Holy Communion and the Collections from both services, augmented by the P.C.C., allowed us to send £200 to East Anglian Children’s Hospices and £200, also, to Help for Heroes; I’m sure they will both be grateful to all who contributed.

Diana Harvey PCC Secretary

 

 

 

THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY

 

It has been another good year for the Society in our benefice! We now have 61 box-holders and the cash in those boxes amounted to £1236-84, just a little better than last year’s total – very good in the present financial climate; but even more necessary to help the numerous & growing number of children & families in need of support and care!

We held a very jolly “Bake & Brew” coffee morning at Sparham Old School Room in May, which raised £191-67; Lyng Christingle produced £161 & was very well attended; an extra £45.arrived from donations and the main coffee morning at Foxley Lodge made £404-35 & was again doubled by Barclays Bank’s generous Charity Scheme. So, a total for the year of £2443-21 meant another record! Thank you all.

Do, please, continue to support the immensely valuable work that the Society is doing to rescue children, young people, the many who run away from intolerable treatment at home and to advise and support inadequate parents.

The results of  the 2009 Good Childhood Enquiry, undertaken by the Children’s Society, were too depressing to recount here, but the conclusions were clear: a stable, loving relationship with parents & the wider family is essential if children are to grow up to be balanced, law abiding, responsible & happy adults. That is what the Society’s more than 60 community-based projects are working so hard to promote.

But, our little efforts do count. Apart from house-boxes & coffee mornings, we can give our excess possessions (but not electrical ones) to the Society’s shops! There were some very useful contributions last year & our carport is always available, or you can contact us by phone & we will collect. That way we can help the cause & also recycle & save waste!

Thank-you to everyone, who helped in any way. Here’s hoping for 2010!

 

Diana Harvey

Parish Co-ordinator

T/N 01362 688650

 

arvest hymnsHHHHHh+hhhHHHHH       HH

 

 

 

RECTOR’s LETTER

 

Dear Everybody, hello again.

 

I heard on the radio someone answering the question: “If we’re getting global warming, why are there six inches of snow outside my window?”  His answer: “There’s a difference between climate and weather; climate is what happens on average, and weather is what we are having now.”

 

For those of you who were unable to leave your homes for a few days, because of the streets being so treacherous, I’m sure it won’t make much difference to know that it’s only the weather that caused it, and not the climate.  You still had the same effects on your lives.

 

One of the constant complaints when we are gridlocked by snow is: “Why can’t we be like Scandinavia, and be prepared for it?”  The answer that’s normally given is, again, the difference between climate and weather.  Their climate means they expect snow, they get it, they deal with it, even if it’s more severe than here.  We expect something milder, and have problems when what we expect doesn’t happen. 

 

In fact, the Met Office did promise us a milder winter, though now they say that they can only give us a best guess on something so long range.  They are usually accurate on 5-day weather forecasts.  For us, it’s always easier to predict the near future.

 

I have just been looking at some old holiday snaps.   Denmark, January, 15 degrees below.  Roads were only partially cleared but traffic drove slowly; railways and tramways were thoroughly cleared.  And people wrapped up.  Norwegians have a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes for the weather we’re having.”

 

We were warned.  And in the end, we adapted, or hunkered down.  And the snow was so beautiful; as it lay you could see the contours of the land in a way you never can otherwise.  I woke up to light and brightness before the dawn.  In this year, what short term warnings do you think you will heed, and what longer term ones?  How will what people warn you about change what you do, and how will you adapt?

 

God bless you             David Head           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FLEBBS FEBRUARY CHURCH SERVICES

 

 

Date

07/02

14/02

21/02

24/02

28/02

Season

 

Second Sunday

 before Lent

Sunday next

before Lent

1st Sunday of

Lent

Wednesday

2nd Sunday of

Lent

Foxley

 

17.30  EP

DH

-

8.00  HC PB

DH

 

10.30  HC1

DH

Lyng

 

9.00  HC2

DH

-

18.30

Lent 1

 

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  GiG

GiG Team

9.00 HC(PB)

DH

10.30

 WP

CW

Bylaugh

 

-

9.00  HC PB

DH

-

 

9.00

MP

CW

Sparham

 

10.30 

OASIS

10.30  OMS

DH

10.30  HC PB

DH

 

9.00

 HC PB

DH

 

 

 

 

SPARHAM DEANERY LENT SERVICES 2010

“Following or Failing”

ASH WEDNESDAY 17th FEBRUARY

7.30pm at REEPHAM

EUCHARIST WITH IMPOSITION OF ASHES

PRESIDENT and PREACHER:

THE BISHOP OF LYNN

SUNDAY 21st FEBRUARY 6.30pm LYNG

Preacher: Canon Peter Halls

SUNDAY 28th FEBRUARY 6.30pm FOULSHAM

Preacher: The Reverend David Head

SUNDAY 7th MARCH 6.30pm RINGLAND

Preacher: The Reverend Charles Hall

SUNDAY 14th MARCH 6.30pm NORTH ELMHAM

Preacher: The Reverend Nicholas Varnon

SUNDAY 21st MARCH 6.30pm THEMELTHORPE

Preacher: The Bishop of Lynn

SUNDAY 28th MARCH 6.30pm WESTON LONGVILLE

Preacher: The Venerable John Ashe