Reeve's Tale Magazine March 2010

Alpha α

A course to explore the meaning of Life. Have you ever wondered what life is all about?

The Alpha Course will try to help you. To find out more call the Wellspring Family Church on 01362 854581, or visit www.wellspringfamilychurch.org

The church address is Wellspring Family Centre, 35 Neatherd Road, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 2AE.

The Wellspring Family Church holds Worship Meetings on Sundays at 10.30. On alternate second Sundays we have an informal brunch, discussion and chat. The next being April 10^th. All welcome.

We also meet each Wednesday in Lyng for study, fellowship and prayer. So if Alpha sounds too big a step, why not join us at 7.30 at 13 Elsing Road.

We are a small group, ready to welcome you.

For more information call Irene Speakman on 01603 872736 or Margaret Keeler on 01603 872565. MK

Flower Arranging Classes

The class on 2^nd March has unfortunately had to be cancelled. They will recommence on 16^th . SL

New Bus Stops in Bawdeswell

The two new bus stops half way along the Street at Blackhorse Close have been brought into service. Timetables and full details of connections at Fakenham and Norwich can be found via the web link named Transport at www.bawdeswell.net

Shoeboxes for Serbia

A big thank-you to everyone who contributed to the shoebox project in 2009.

All through the year people all over Norfolk were knitting hats, gloves and scarves, covering and filling shoe boxes and collecting toys and toothpaste, soap and sweets, pencils and paper, to be put in them.

In October and November over 13,000 boxes were packed and taken to Serbia in December.

Danny Kuranji, a pastor in Novi Sad who distributes shoeboxes to hundreds of children sent this message: “Thanks to your love and care, children in a Serbian hospital experienced Christmas for the first time this year when shoeboxes were delivered to their ward. As the Serbian partners distributed the gifts, they watched as smiles began to appear on little faces and laughter bubble out from tired lips; they watched as the atmosphere turned from hopelessness to pure joy.”

Thank you to everyone in the benefice, the OASIS Service and the Beck WI for the beautiful boxes and generous gifts. Two years ago I went out there and helped to distribute boxes and saw what happiness they brought then.

Gill Page

EVENTS DIARY MARCH 2010

Mon 1^st	Police Surgery 6.30 – 7pm in Bawdeswell Village Hall Bawdeswell Parish Council meet at 7.45pm
Tue 2^nd	Flower Arranging Class, 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall CANCELLED this week.
Thu 4^th	Book Club meets at The Old Workhouse Bar at 7.30pm
Fri 5^th	Women’s World day of Prayer 2pm Bawdeswell church Bridge Club 2.15pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Sat 6^th	Seekers Club, Bawdeswell Village Hall a.m. Race Night in Bawdeswell Village Hall 7pm in aid of Pre-School
Mon 8^th	WI meeting at the Old Schoolroom, Sparham 7.30pm Table Tennis evening in Bawdeswell Village Hall
Tue 9^th	Flower Arranging Class, 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Wed 10^th	Bridge Club 7.00pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Thu 11^th	Mobile Police Station at Bawdeswell 11am – 12.30pm Craft Afternoon 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Fri 12^th	Julian Group meets at Barwick House in Bawdeswell at 8pm
Tue 16^th	Flower Arranging Class, 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Mon 22^nd	Table Tennis evening in Bawdeswell Village Hall
Tue 23^rd	Flower Arranging Class, 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Wed 24^th	Coffee Morning Foxley Village Hall 10.30am Bridge Club 7.00pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Thu 25^th	Craft Afternoon 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Fri 26^th	Julian Group meets at Barwick House in Bawdeswell at 8pm
Sat 27^th	Bingo 7pm at Bawdeswell Village Hall
Tue 30^th	Flower Arranging Class, 2pm Bawdeswell Village Hall
Wed 31st	Coffee Morning Foxley Village Hall 10.30am

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 1^st 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

Race Night

Saturday 6^th March 7.30pm

at

Bawdeswell Village Hall

Doors open 7pm

Tickets £5 from Pre-School or Claire on 688415

(includes a free drink)

Sorry, no one under the age of 18

Raising Funds for Bawdeswell Badgers Community Pre-School

‘EYES DOWN LOOKING’

EASTER PRIZE BINGO

SATURDAY 27^TH MARCH 2010

AT BAWDESWELL VILLAGE HALL

DOORS OPEN AT 7PM

BINGO STARTS AT 7.30PM

Light refreshments will be available

Raffle

Sorry no children under the age of 9

All proceeds raised will be donated to the

Bawdeswell Badgers Pre-School

Charity no: 1022356

BAWDESWELL COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

After School Clubs

We have been lucky enough to have some after school clubs available this term. There is French, Spanish, Art and Golf. All have had a good take up and are being enjoyed by the children.

A group of runners have taken part again in this year's Cross Country Competition held at Costessey High. They all did very well and had a lot of fun. Well done!

Year 5 have been to Reepham High School to take part in a Sports afternoon and 3 children gifted in Art have also been to take part in an Art Day. Thank you to Reepham High School for including us in their activities.

Chinese New Year

Reception and Year 1 children from both sites (Bawdeswell and North Elmham) have come together to celebrate the Chinese New Year. They participated in lots of interesting and fun activities. It was great to have the children from both schools working together again. The day was enjoyed by all the children and staff.

French Trip

Year 6 children and parents from both sites and the French Club here at Bawdeswell have been to Boulogne, France to experience buying from the market stalls. It was an extremely early start but a great day enjoyed by all.

Dates

Spring Term Monday 4^th January to Thursday 1^st April 2010

Half Term Monday 15^th February to Friday 19^th February 2010

Summer Term Monday 19^th April to Friday 23^rd July 2010

Half Term Monday 31^st May to Friday 4^th June 2010

May Day is Monday 3^rd May 2010

INSET DAYS Monday 19^th April 2010 is designated as a staff development day. Children do not attend school on this day.

COFFEE MORNING

FOXLEY VILLAGE HALL

WED 31 MARCH at 10.30am

HOT CROSS BUNS, MARDLE & RAFFLE

All Welcome

Foxley Village Hall Management Committee Would like to thank everyone who supported the Coffee Morning in aid of the Haiti Earthquake Appeal. We raised the grand sum of £150.57.

                                           Many Thanks

                                           Gillian Blyth Treasurer

FOXLEY VILLAGE HALL

GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME

with EXPERT GARDENER

Sat 10 APRIL @ 7.30pm

TICKETS : £4 per person

Book early to avoid disappointment

Tel: 688494

RAFFLE & LICENSED BAR

Bawdeswell Ladies

Coffee Morning

Wednesday 17^th March 1.30am

At

Bawdeswell village hall

Contact Janet on 01362 688749 for further information.

INFORMAL CRAFT AFTERNOONS

BAWDESWELL VILLAGE HALL

2n & 4^th THURSDAY AFTERNOONS EACH MONTH

NEXT 11^th & 25^th March 2 – 4.30pm

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

Bawdeswell Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Association

The next meeting is on Thursday 25^th March at 7.45pm in the Village Hall. The association is lobbying the Parish Council to provide allotments for the village. If you would like to join or would like more information contact Jayne Bown on 01362 688388 or see our website at http://eoe.xarg.co.uk/balga/

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. 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 Meeting will be held on

Monday 15^th March 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

THE FRIENDS OF BAWDESWELL CHURCH

The Friends Membership Renewal Evening in January was hosted this year by Robert and Samantha Gurney at Bawdeswell Hall and was very well attended. It was a most enjoyable social gathering and we are very grateful to them for their kind hospitality. It was lovely to be asked back to the Hall and to be given such a warm welcome. We appreciate their supporting the Friends in this way.

The first draw of the year took place during the evening and the winners are listed below.

£100 - Mary Goodman

£25 - Christine Eglington, Daisy Hedley, C & G Clarke, Robert Gurney

£10 - Peter Lilwall, Charlotte Lilwall, Richard Proctor-Smith, Sylvia McColville, Pat Downing

The next Draw is due at the Coffee Morning in the church on Saturday April 3^rd at 10.30am.

Anybody wishing to join the Friends and thus be included in the Quarterly Draw, please pick up a form in the church or phone 01603 688499.

2010 EVENTS

April 3rd   Coffee Morning and Draw

May 16^th   Sunday Afternoon Concert with tea, 4pm in the Church

June 27^th Participation in the village fete

July 3rd   Coffee Morning and Draw

Oct 1^st Flower demonstration by Christal Dyball, with lunch, in the church 10.30am

Oct 2^nd     Coffee Morning and Draw

Oct 30^th    “Harvest Supper”   with Keith Loades, Village Hall    7.00pm

Dec 11^th   Christmas Wreaths for Sale in the church 10 - 4

Dec 12^th   “Christmas Concert”   4pm

BAWDESWELL BOOK CLUB

The February read was The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane and published in 2007. It is effectively a travelogue exploring the histories and landscapes of 'the wild' in Britain and Ireland. It contains the author's reflections on his journeys and experiences in seeking out wilderness and brings the reader to contemplate on what constitutes a wild place. The places that he visits and writes about are not all as remote as might be expected and indeed several are located close to home in East Anglia.

Macfarlane is a lecturer in Modern English Literature at Cambridge and his prose style is very elegant, calling on a wide range of sources to bring a mixture of history, landscape, memory and personal reminiscence to this unusual book.

The book engendered a variety of responses from the book group readers ranging from thorough enjoyment and a real love of the book through a grudging respect for the writing style to rapid boredom, which of course led to a very healthy discussion. JB

The Book Club meets in the Workhouse Bar on the first Thursday of every month at 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome. We mostly obtain books from the library so there is not the expense of buying new books each month. We are reading The Bell by Iris Murdock for discussion at the March meeting and Fathers and Sons by Richard Madley for discussion at the April meeting.

Reepham Library

Our local library at Reepham has had a makeover. With a new layout and redecorated throughout, although small, it is perfectly formed and the staff could not be more helpful in assisting with the new self service machine and general enquiries. The library is located in the Bircham Institute on the Market Place,

Opening Hours are:

• Monday: 2.00-7.00;

• Wednesday: 9.00 - 1.00; 2.00-5.00;

• Friday: 9.00 - 1.00; 2.00-5.00;

• Saturday: 9.00-1.00

For those of you who want to get on the internet, email and understand Word & Excel there are some IT Taster sessions planned for March & April. These are

Introduction to Email Wednesday 10 March 10.00 – 11.00am
Introduction to Word Wednesday 24 March 10.00 – 11.00am
Introduction to Excel Tuesday 30 March 10.00 – 11.00am
Family History on the Internet Thursday 15 April 2.00 – 3.00pm

For more details contact: Janet or Brigitte at Reepham Library 01603 870474

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 1^st March

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 4^th 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

11^th March, 8^th April, 6^th May & 3^rd 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

FOXLEY PARISH COUNCIL - EXTRACT OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 10^TH FEBRUARY 2010, IN THE VILLAGE HALL

Present: Councillors Mears (Vice-Chairman), Barrett, Hatch, Mr G Bambridge (District Councillor), C Boer and 2 Parishioners

Apologies: Councillors Harvery (Chairman), and Mansfield

Matters Arising

Anglian Water Sewerage Pumping Station: The Vice-Chairman was pleased to report that Barhale has completed their works and comments were made about how well they had cleaned up in Foxley, especially the site that they had used as a base in West Foxley. The Clerk was commissioned to write to them to thank them for their sterling work. Any parishioners who feel that any areas within the village have not been restored to their original state must contact the Parish Clerk so that these can be addressed with Barhale and in due course their successors May Gurney. The Vice-Chairman also reported that May Gurney were due to start work in East Foxley on 8^th February to connect Lawrence Place onto the sewerage system and every effort was being made by May Gurney to provide access for vehicles for residents in East Foxley.

Highway Issues: The Clerk reported that Highways have confirmed that their streetworks department is currently monitoring the roads in Foxley for potholes. The Clerk is also continuing her investigations for the possible provision of a flashing 50mph speed sign on the A1067, and she aims to raise this during the Police Surgery on the 1^st March 2010 to be held in Bawdeswell Village Hall. The Parish Council expressed their disappointment at the delay in which Highways swept the Street in East Foxley, following the vast quantity of gravel that had either been spilt, or spread to help motorists during the icy periods, but would like to thank the resident who took it upon himself to sweep The Street.

Planning

PA 3PL/2010/0015/F: Proposed erection of a conservatory to side of house, Foxgloves Chapel Road. The Parish Council agreed to raise no objections to this planning application.

Finance

Donation to Project Bawdeswell: Following the recent letter received from Project Bawdeswell requesting a donation from the Parish Council to help with the redevelopment of the Children’s Play Area in Bawdeswell, whilst voicing full support for the project, the Parish Council agreed that it may not be possible to provide any financial support this year as the Parish Council’s budget has already be fixed and all funds are accounted for. However it was agreed that the Clerk should invite Fel Roberts to a forthcoming Parish Council meeting to receive more information before making any decisions.

Village Matters

Police Surgery: Parishioners in Foxley are reminded that a team of dedicated officers from Norfolk Police will be conducting a Police Surgery on Monday 1^st March from 6.30pm-7.30pm in Bawdeswell Village Hall. This is an opportunity for residents to meet with the Dereham Neighbourhood Policing Team and share your community concerns in confidence.

Date of Annual Parish Meeting Wednesday 12^th May 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. The Annual Parish Council Meeting and the first Parish Council Meeting of the new year will also take place on this evening.

BAWDESWELL PARISH COUNCIL

DIGEST OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1 FEBRUARY 2010

Present: Councillors Shannon, Mason, Beane, Kirby, Lilwall, Mallen, Mr G Bambridge (District Councillor), C Boer and 2 parishioners.

Ongoing Issues from Previous Meetings

Adams Pit: The installation of the new drain from Adams Pit has significantly reduced water levels and the risk of future flooding on the highway and surrounding land. The tree surgery around two sides of the Pit is now complete, and the Trustees would therefore like to thank again the parishioner who kindly undertook the tree clearance free of charge and the small group of volunteers who got together to burn the resulting detritus. The topsoil required for the hedging on the western side of the Pit should be delivered, and the associated hawthorn/blackthorn saplings planted, shortly. If there are any more volunteers willing to help in this process, please contact the Parish Clerk. During the recent severe weather, children were seen playing on the frozen water in Adams Pit. Temporary warning signs have been erected and a more permanent notice and a lifebelt will be positioned adjacent to the Pit as soon as possible. However, would parents please cooperate and reiterate the dangers of playing on frozen water to their children. We really do not want any accidents such as those reported recently in the national newspapers.

Allotments: Due to other urgent Parish Council commitments, the Chairman and Clerk have not been able to arrange all the meetings with the local landowners who might possibly lease land close to the village for the provision of allotments.

New Bus Stops: The new bus stops for the centre of the village have been sited in The Street, close to All Saints Court; residents should be able to use these bus stops in the very near future.

Planning PA 3PL/2009/0799/F: Retrospective planning application for solar panels at Beech Corner; planning permission granted with 3 conditions.

Any Other Business of Interest to Parishioners

Childrens Play Area: At an additional meeting held on 21 January 2010, the Parish Council agreed to take over the overall management of the play area project. The necessary quotes and terms of contract for the landscaping and procurement of the equipment for the new play area have since been received, and Playdale and CGM Services contracted to provide the necessary equipment and carry out the associated landscaping by 31^st March 2010. While the professionals will undertake most of the major work for the new play area, self help by villagers will continue to be critical to the success of the project. Anyone willing to give up a little of their time to help the children realise their dream should therefore contact the Project Officer – Fel Roberts on 688876.

Parish Councillor Vacancy: Following the recent resignation of David Cockburn as Parish Councillor, due to ill-health, the Parish Council thanked David for his sterling efforts in support of the Council over many years and wished him well for the future. The Parish Council is now in a position to fill this vacancy by cooption; therefore, if anyone is interested in serving their community by becoming a Parish Councillor please contact the Parish Clerk for more details.

The date of next meeting is: Monday 1^st March 2010 at 7.45pm in the Village Hall.

Contact Details for the Parish Clerk - Claire Boer

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

A reminder that a team of dedicated officers from Norfolk Police will be conducting a Police Surgery on Monday 1^st March from 6.30pm-7.30pm in Bawdeswell Village Hall. This is an opportunity for residents to meet with the Dereham Neighbourhood Policing Team and share your community concerns in confidence.

YOUR PARISH NEEDS YOU

BAWDESWELL PARISH COUNCIL CURRENTLY HAVE A

VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR

A Parish Council is a Local Authority that makes

decisions on behalf of the residents in the Parish.

This is a voluntary position and as a Councillor you

will be required to attend the Parish Council Meetings

which are held on the 1^st Monday of the month in

the Village Hall.  You may also be required to spend

a few hours a month supporting projects, attending

other meetings etc.

This is an important role and if you are interested in becoming

a Parish Councillor then please contact the Parish Clerk.

Mrs Claire Boer

Tel: 01362 688415 or email: cboer.parishclerk@fsmail.net

***

Local Websites

Bawdeswell www.bawdeswell.net

Parish Council www.eoe.xarg.co.uk/bawdeswell

Project Bawdeswell www.projectbawdeswell.org.uk

Village Hall www.eoe.xarg.co.uk/bawdeswellvillagehall

Bawdeswell Activities Group www.eoe.xarg.co.uk/bag

Bawdeswell Allotments www.eoe.xarg.co.uk/balga

School www.bawdeswell.norfolk.sch.uk

Parish Magazine www.thereevestale.co.uk

Local Weather Station www.bawdeswell.net/wfmason/Weather

Football Club www.bawdeswellfc.co.uk

All the above are brought together on www.thereevestale.co.uk and on www.bawdeswell.net where there is a choice of Search Engines including Google and Ask Jeeves, both of which earn pennies for the Reeve’s Tale magazine. Make www.bawdeswell.net your gateway to the Internet and help the parish magazine. Ed

BAWDESWELL ACTIVITIES GROUP (BAG)

Easter At The Hall – note earlier times

Activities will be arranged between 1pm & 4pm on the following days.

Wednesday 7^th, Friday 9^th, Monday 12^th, Wednesday 14^th & Friday 16^th April

Further details will be in the April Reeve’s Tale.

Grease Sing-along Evening 30^th January – Thank you for the favourable feedback. It is nice to know so many of you enjoyed the evening. We plan to show more films next Autumn and would appreciate receiving any requests.

Table Tennis – fun evenings - 8^th & 22^nd March 2010, 26^th April 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 will be open for refreshments. Cost - £1.50 adult or 75p under 18 towards the hire of the hall.

The Running Club is still meeting and would warmly welcome anyone who wishes to join us. Contact Debbie on 688098 or Fel on 688876. We have all signed up to run the Race for Life 5k/10k and if anyone would like to sponsor Kelsey and raise money for Cancer Research – please visit her fundraising page: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/kelseybaker1

The first BAGY Bawdeswell Breakfast was a huge success – many thanks to Paul Davis of Davis Eggs and John & Kath Baker at Bawdeswell Butchers for providing the eggs, sausages and bacon. Thanks to our waitresses and waiter; Keara Baker, Harriet Biss, Paige Roberts and Morgan Roberts and Connor Bakers. Over £50 was raised towards the childrens play area.

Our chefs (Kelsey and Fel) would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining BAGY and helping out at our next Breakfasts, planned for Sunday 18^th April, Sunday 18^th July, Sunday 17^th October.

PROJECT BAWDESWELL

The first meeting for 2010 was held in the Village Hall at the end of January. The big exciting news was of the Children’s Play area where the landscaping is well underway now. Our governance issues were also discussed but unfortunately the paper work is taking a lot longer than was ever envisaged and it will still be some months before the formalities are properly concluded.

Work started on the new play area in February (despite the weather) and is still on target to be completed by the end of March [although only the part that is funded by Play England]. There will still be other bits and pieces to finish off [some seating and bins and signs] and although we will officially “open” the area at the village fete on SUNDAY JUNE 27^th we really hope that the children will be able to play way before then – during the Easter holidays!

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 few meetings are scheduled for:- Saturdays 27^th February, 27^th March and 24^th April.

Design-a-Sign Competition

We need signs for our new play area at Bawdeswell Recreation Ground.

Signs that help keep the area nice for everyone and keep everyone safe. Signs for play areas are usually designed and made by adults and computers. Our play area should have signs designed and made by the very people who will play in that area—children.

To enter this competition, you have to be a child (under 18). Your design can have words and pictures. The winning designs will be made into actual signs and planted/fixed within the play area. Get your thinking caps on—be original, be clear, be kind, be exciting!

Ideas for signs:

· Showing visitors to Bawdeswell where the play area is

· A “welcome” arch/walkway

· Stopping dogs fouling

· Showing which areas suit which age of children

· Being aware of prickly bushes

· Preventing litter messing up the area

· Explaining interesting facts or figures

· Showing who helped make the play area possible

· Creating specific areas (friendship bench/quiet corner/stage arena)

· sharing ideas of what can be done in that area (rolling down a hill/ building a den/climbing)

You can enter as many times as you like—competition closes March 31st 2010.

Draw your design on an A4 sheet of paper and add your Name, Village and Contact Number

Drop your entry in at 5 Reepham Road or at 4 Meadow Loke.

If you need more information speak to Fel on 07957254503 or email davenfel@talk21.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more information on Project Bawdeswell see our new web site at http://eoe.xarg.co.uk/projectbawdeswell/ …or come along to one of our meetings.

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.

March Dates are Fridays 5^th and 19^th Wednesdays 10^th & 24^th.

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 3^rd division of the Crown Fire Central and South Norfolk League. Home games are played at Bawdeswell Recreation Ground. This has been a 50/50 season so far with 6 wins, 6 losses and 1 draw, 33 goals for & 33 goals against.

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.

THE BECK WI

The speaker at our meeting in February needed no introduction, as it was our own member, Gill Page, who gave a talk on her experiences on Iona. Gill had spent seven weeks working as a volunteer housekeeper on Iona last autumn. The island is a now place of pilgrimage and retreat for people from all over the world and Gill worked with an interesting mixture of different nationalities. The owner, the Duke of Argyll, restored the ruins of Iona Abbey in the 1890’s. He placed it under the guardianship of a Trust on the understanding that it kept an ‘open altar’ so that all faiths, or those with no faith, could take communion there. The Abbey is now maintained by Heritage Scotland and is busy every day, with the Sunday service always packed with visitors. Although Gill had a busy work schedule she did have 1½ days free each week and had the opportunity to explore the island and through her slides showed us the fabulous coastline, rock formations, the views across the sea to Mull and the lovely Abbey. At the end of this fascinating talk we all understood why Gill hoped to visit the island again.

Our next meeting will be on Monday March 8^th in the Old School Sparham when Christine Humphries talks about family life in a 1900s Norfolk village. We would be delighted to welcome visitors to come along and join us.

Christine Rushbrook

Reepham Rotary respond to Haiti Disaster. The terrible disaster in Haiti has brought home to us all through our television screens the appalling poverty in which the poor exist - and the amazing courage shown in the efforts of the rescue teams.

Rotary Clubs, worldwide, have been inspired by their colleagues in Haiti and the USA who have been working to help people following the Earthquake. From Reepham Rotary, we have paid for two Shelterboxes costing £500 each and have also sent £1000 in cash via the Rotary Foundation, in addition to other private donations from members. Shelterboxes, which each provide temporary accommodation for ten people, are housing more than 20,000 homeless people in Haiti, and more are on the way. …………………………………………………… Reepham High School held a mufti day on 22^nd January, raising more than £1700 which will go towards four further Shelterboxes – a really brilliant effort. Money sent via Rotary gets straight to the area of need. Rotary already had 30 projects in Haiti to help with rebuilding following the summer hurricanes. They will be there over the coming years to help with the long term needs of the people of Haiti.

Jef Wilson

Wensum Valley Birdwatching Society

Where are our Summer Migrants? - The first indoor event of our year was a presentation by Dr Phil Atkinson of the BTO entitled, ‘Out of Africa’. This project is one of the BTOs prominent themes for the next few years and aims to improve our knowledge of the ecology of migrants wintering in Africa. Little is known about when they arrive, how they move around and what habitats they use. It is known that two thirds of these species are declining. The Wood warbler, for instance is declining by 10% per year. To address this knowledge gap the BTO, in collaboration with the RSPB, the Ghana Wildlife Society and Naturama, will be monitoring migrants in five West African habitats ranging from the arid Sahelion area of Burkina Faso to the lush tropical habitats of southern Ghana. The survey starts in the winter of 2009/2010. Lots of info on this vital task on the BTO website including the important topic of funding.

After the break Dr Phil looked back at a hundred years of bird ringing. A sixteenth century wood carving showed Swallows being fished from a pond as it was then widely thought they spent the winter at the bottom of reedbeds. It was not until the early 1900s that the first bird ringing schemes were hatched to answer the question of where our summer visitors spent the winter. Two excellent presentations to the usual BTO’s high standard.

I usually write this article one month before publication and last month I talked about the possibility of bad weather in January. Little did I know that it would be the coldest January for decades. Many thanks to all who phoned in reporting unusual visitors such as Fieldfares, Redwings and Blackcaps coming in to the gardens looking for food.

Dates for March: Allan Hale is at the controls at Weston Longville Village Hall on Thursday 18^th presenting, ‘A Birders Year in Norfolk’, starting at 7.30 pm. Outdoors on Sunday 28^th, we visit Lyndford Arboretum, originally part of the Lynford Hall estate the woodland is now open to the public with some pleasant walks, over 200 species of trees and good ‘on foot’ access. All are welcome, especially beginners, but please note there is a small charge for non-members.

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

H M CUSTOMS

Free Business Advice Open Day

Tuesday 30^th March 2010

Cliftonville Hotel, Seafront, Cromer, NR27 9AS

This event, being run by HM Revenue & Customs together with Health & Safety Executive, Business Link and ACAS, will offer free advice and support for small and medium sized businesses in the form of an exhibition and seminar programme presented by experts from government departments and agencies.

Their aim is to give the information, help and support that businesses have found invaluable to start, survive or grow in business to-day.

Further information including booking details will be available by visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk/advicedays or in the promotion flyers being sent to local businesses in the area.

Welcome to Business in Breckland

Over 90% of the businesses in Breckland are small to medium sized, and therefore play an important role in the economic development of the district.  The businesses in Breckland are not only our wealth creators for the district, but also our employment providers, and therefore a significant amount of the assistance offered and brokered by Breckland Council is aimed at helping these businesses to expand and create more jobs.  Working in partnership with a range of other organisations, the Council can help your business in a variety of ways, including:

· Accessing professional business advice and finance options

· Locating new premises

· Information of training provision for your workforce

· and more...

If you are a business and want to contact the Council please email economic@breckland.gov.uk or call 01362 656870.

Norfolk Knowledge

Are you a retired or semi-retired person looking to pass on your business and management knowledge and experience?

Are you a business, charity, voluntary organisation looking for help with the challenges of business?

If so, Norfolk Knowledge can help you!

Norfolk Knowledge is a new organisation, led by Norfolk County Council and Norwich Business School at the University of East Anglia and is putting the experience of retired people to good use. It also gives individuals a chance to maintain a presence in the business community and make a difference to organisations who need help.

When Matt Locke of Name in a Hat Productions needed help on the direction of his business, Norfolk Knowledge connected him with Barry Dennis, former CEO of Archant. Matt was delighted with the support, commenting: “Barry gave us many good suggestions on how to improve our marketing and provided introductions to many interesting and useful people. By raising our profile through effective marketing we hope to increase our sales from the advice and help Barry was kind enough to provide us with.”

Norfolk Knowledge interactions are also worthwhile for the individual involved. “It was really good to be involved with a young venture and I was very pleased to have given this positive input into their future direction” said Barry.

The help provided is drawn from experience rather than just qualifications; what better way to solve the present financial problems than be guided by someone who has already successfully navigated recessions?

The project is a great opportunity to remain active in the county’s business community and meet people from similar backgrounds for professional and social reasons! Our quarterly members functions are as much about social interaction as they are about business networking.

So, whether you are a business looking for help or a retired or semi-retired individual Norfolk Knowledge can help you, www.norfolkknowledge.com provides more details about how you can join the membership or request some support. Alternatively our admin team at Norwich Business School are always happy to discuss your requirements in more detail

For more information about Norfolk Knowledge contact Luke Spanswick on 01603 597202 or email info@norfolkknowledge.com or visit us at www.norfolkknowledge.com

28

TALES FROM THE PAST

THE BAWDESWELL HOME GUARD

During World War 2 a detachment of the Home Guard, covering the local area, was based in Bawdeswell.

Tom Bugdale wrote this personal account of the Bawdeswell Home Guard:-

At the beginning of the war we met at The  Ram (the Willows), where there were some evacuees, and in the old village hall on some weekday evenings.  We also used to have exercises on Sunday mornings.  We were issued with 303 standard rifles - but very little ammunition.  Later we had two Sten guns: Raffin Hudson had one and I had the other.  Lance Corporal Bob Mann had our only machine gun, which he used  once or twice as we only had a few rounds of ammunition.

An old shepherd's hut from Manor Farm was used as a guard hut in the early part of the war.  It was placed near the church.  Two people would be on duty all night and Quintin Gurney would visit them around 9pm, and usually said, "Boys I've got a feeling they're  coming tonight".  In the event of an enemy invasion we were supposed to wake Quintin first by rapping on his bedroom window with a pole.  We had a hurricane lamp in the hut and were there until about 6am in the morning.  On one occasion Billy Bugdale, ex-army and so had 'the' rifle, whilst unloading it one night shot out the hurricane lamp.

We were ordered to stop traffic in the village at night for a security check.  For that we were issued with live ammunition.  There was a searchlight post a mile or so away just off the Reepham Road at Jordans Lane and for a time one of us had to go there each night.  I think I went twice but can't think why we were there!  I was made hand grenade instructor as I had a reputation as a good bowler in the village cricket team.  We dug a trench for practice on the Rabbit Hills and used live grenades.  The shrapnel must still be there.

After one of us overturned our army lorry, we were refused a replacement and Peter Sayer used one of his mill lorries when needed.  At the end of the war we celebrated with a real feed.  Major Stimpson killed a pig and I think Peter Sayer provided the drink.  When the time came for the Victory Parade in London, I went to represent the Bawdeswell Home Guard.

That story and a lot more local history is on the Reeve’s Tale Website at www.thereevestale.co.uk

Next month a view of our local Home Guard by one of the evacuees in the story.

29

Benefice News and Events

Need a lift? Can’t get to a church in another village?

On the second Sunday of every month and on 5^th Sundays we have a united service in one of the churches. Perhaps you are unable to get there; no car? can’t drive? don’t like to go alone?

The BMG have come up with a transport plan to help you out. Each parish has a co-ordinator who will arrange a lift for you – all it takes is a phone call. The One More Step service in March is to be at Lyng and is also Mothering Sunday. Do please try out our plan and join us for this united service.

If you require a lift to church on any Sunday please contact your co-ordinator. They are:

Foxley Monica Hatch 01362 688017

Lyng Jennifer Abram 01603 879452

Elsing Fran Neale 01362 637782

Bawdeswell Jane Ewing 01362 688582

Sparham Fiona Sayer 01603 872246

Events for March are as follows:

5^th Women’s World Day of Prayer 2pm at Bawdeswell Church

10^th Lyng Church Coffee Morning Walnut Tree Farm 10.30am

24^th Friends of Lyng Church AGM Lynghurst 10.30am

27^th Men’s breakfast Sparham Old School Room 8.30am by invitation

JULIAN GROUP meets 2^nd & last Fridays at 8pm

12^th March, then 26^th March at Barwick House

Contact Susan March 01603 870342

30

All Saints Church, Bawdeswell

February has been a quiet month but attendances at our services have remained good.

We enjoyed having David Head to lead our GiG Family Service in January. His presence always adds something special to the service.

So we are doubly pleased that he is returning to lead the February GiG, at which young Weston Moore is to be baptised.

Please join us for the WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER interdenominational

Service in All Saints Church, Bawdeswell at 2 pm on Friday, 5^th March. People of all ages are welcome.

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.

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

St Thomas’ Foxley

7^th March	14^th March	21^st March	28^th March
10.30 Morning Prayer Nigel Hatch	-	8.00 HC(PB) David Head	10.30 HC1 David Head

LETTER FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Everybody, hello again.

Every so often I get letters from people from away asking me for help in chasing up their ancestors’ records in our churches. Often we don’t have the records they seek; sometimes we do. We have decided that each church will have someone local who can help with genealogical searches; there will be a notice inside each church.

Go back far enough, and we’re all cousins. One in 200 people in the whole world (about 30 million people) are descended from Genghis Khan (1200 AD). It’s suggested that the overwhelming majority of people in Western Europe are descended from Charlemagne (800 AD).

And now they say they there really was a small band of people from Africa from whom we’re all descended. So why is genealogy so important, if we share the same origins?

Insurers are interested, because over time our genetic material seems to diverge, and mutate. We have become different people from one another. We inherit characteristics and abilities, as well as vulnerability to diseases, from our parents and further ancestors. Lawyers are interested, as they advertise for unknown relatives. Historians are interested, as they come up with different theories of who would be the Queen of England if the laws about the eldest male legitimate child had always been followed, however good or bad they might have been. (But don’t worry, if it should have been you, somewhere in your past some power-seeking person would have married someone different, and you wouldn’t have been born as exactly you, to claim the crown.)

In Lent, Christians think about what they do and why they do it. And that is part of what those interested in genealogy do. In the debate of nature and nurture, they want to know what influences their genes have on them. It’s not just thinking about the grand houses your family (if you go back a thousand years) once lived in. It’s about their character.

But influences on you are not actions done by you. However much you are shaped by your genes, in the end, you choose what you do.

God bless you David Head

CHURCH SERVICES March 2010

RECTOR: The Revd David Head

Tel: 01603 872381 email: david@head.plus.com

Date		07/03 3^rd Sunday of Lent		14/03 Mothering Sunday	21/03 5th Sunday of Lent		24/03 Wednesday	28/03 Palm Sunday Clocks change
Foxley	10.30 MP NH		-			8.00 HC(PB) DH		10.30 HC1 DH
Lyng	9.00 HC1 DH		10.30 OMS DH			-		10.30 FS FST
Elsing	10.30 HC1 TC		-			9.00 HC1 DH		10.30 W&P CW
Bawdeswell	10.30 HC1 DH		-			10.30 GiG GiG team	09.00 HC(PB) DH	10.30 W&P CW
Bylaugh	-		9.00 HC PB DH			-		9.00 MP CW
Sparham	10.30 OASIS		-			10.30 HC PB DH		9.00 HC(PB) DH

DH The Revd David Head

TC The Revd Tom Candeland

NH Nigel Hatch

CW Church Warden

FST Family Service Team

OASIS “On a Sunday in Sparham”

GiG “God is Good”

MP Morning Prayer

HC1 Holy Communion Order 1

HC PB Holy Communion Prayer Book

FS Family Service

Deanery Lent Evensong Services

Lent 3 7^th March 6.30 at Ringland

Lent 4 14^th March 6.30 at N Elmham

Lent 5 21^st March 6.30 at Themelthorpe

Deanery Palm Sunday service 28^th March 6.30 at Weston Longville