The Reeve’s Tale May 2009  text only

 

NOTICE BOARD

 

FOXLEY PARISH COUNCIL

 

Please note that the Annual Parish Meeting that was scheduled to

take place on Tuesday 12th May 2009 will now be held on

Thursday 14th May 2009 at 7.30pm in Foxley Village Hall

 

Parishioners are reminded to contact the Parish Clerk with details of

any items they wish to discuss at the Annual Parish Meeting.

 

The Annual Parish Council Meeting and the May Parish Council Meeting will then follow this meeting.

 

Apologies for any inconvenience this change of date may have caused.

We look forward to seeing you.

Claire Boer

Parish Clerk

01362 688415/07877955745

 

 

 

Please fill a BAG for BAG

Recently there have been a number of bags put through your door asking for clothing. It is possible that some of these are scams. So, if you have some clothing or other good quality items to give away and want to be sure that it is going to a good cause, please give them to Bawdeswell.

 

Around mid May, a blue bin bag will be put through your door.  Please fill it with any clothes, curtains, bedding, soft toys, shoes, belts, handbags that you no longer need.  The items MUST be of good quality (ie not damaged, able to be resold/reused).

Bags can be left outside your front door or left at the village hall (before 10am).

 

The date for collection will be shown on the bags.

 

For every tonne we donate, we get paid £400.

 

Money raised is for Bawdeswell Activities Group and the New Village Hall Fund.

 

For more information, please contact Fel Roberts 688876, davenfel@talk21.com or www.bag2school.com

 

 

 

 

MAY DIARY

 

Sat 2nd

BAG Walkers 9.30am

Thu 7th

BAG Runners 6.30pm and every Thursday

Bawdeswell Book Club 8pm

Fri 8th

BAG Basketballers  5pm and Every Friday

Julian Group 8pm

Sat  9th

BAG Bikers 9.30am

Lyng Spring Fair 10am

Mon 11th

Bawdeswell Annual Parish Meeting  6.30pm

Wed 13th

Coffee Morning, Pol-Na-Chess Mill Road Foxley 10.30am

Thu 14th

Foxley Annual Parish Meeting 7.30pm

Flower Festival Preview Reception  7.30pm

Fri 15th

3 Day  Flower Festival begins

Sat 16th

BAG Walkers 9.30am

Sun 17th

Songs of Praise – Bishop of Norwich 6.30pm

Mon 18th

BAG AGM  7.15pm in Bawdeswell Village Hall

Village Hall Committee Meeting 8pm

Fri 22nd

BAG Bridge for Fun – 2pm

Sat 23rd

BAG Bikers 9.30am

Friends of Bawdeswell School Clairvoyance Evening 7.30pm BVH

Tu 26th

BAG games for children & young adults – 2pm

Wed 27th

Blood Donor Session Bawdeswell

BAG crafts for children up to 8 – 2pm

Fri 29th

BAG Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Sat 30th

Project Bawdeswell meeting 10am

BAG Walkers 9.30am , Family Quiz Night – 6.30pm

Sun 31st

Elsing WI Picnic

 

 

Regular Weekly Events

 

Bawdeswell Village Hall

Young Farmers               Tuesdays

Countrysiders                  Every other Wednesday

WeightWatchers              Thursdays

Parents & Toddlers                          Fridays 9.30am

Pilates                             Fridays

 

Foxley Village Hall    

Exercise Classes                         every Tuesday morning at 9.30am.

Short Mat Bowls              Every Monday & Friday Evening

 

 

 

 

Due to current refurbishment works to Foxley Village Hall, the monthly

 

Coffee Morning, Mardle

and Raffle

 

will be held at

 

Pol-Na-Chess”

Mill Road, Foxley

(By the kind invitation of Mrs Joan Parfitt)

 

Wed 13 May at 10.30am

 

ALL WELCOME

THE MORE THE MERRIER

 

 

 

Foxley Village Hall Management Committee

 

Just to let you know…...

 

Refurbishment: Work will commence shortly.  This will include cladding to the front elevation, new porch, double glazed doors and new toilets. It is hoped that classes and events will continue to run as normal, but should a problem arise then alternative arrangements will be made. The Committee is really looking forward to completing this project and planning a celebration event to which all residents will be invited.

 

Proposed Pumping Station:  Following the discovery of a water main in the Village Hall Car Park, the proposed underground pumping station will now be sited elsewhere in the village.

 

Village Hall Bookings:  Please note that Pam Jordan, who lives in Rowan House opposite the Village Hall, has kindly offered to continue looking after hall bookings. So, if you would like to check Hire Rates; view the Hall; make a Booking, please call Pam on 01362-688665.

 

Availability: The hall is currently available for hire on Monday morning, Tuesday afternoon/evening, Wednesday morning/afternoon, and Thursday all day (Jan-Sept only).  There are also various Saturdays and Sundays available.

 

Monthly Coffee Mornings:  Have been thoroughly enjoyed in the village hall during the Winter months.  In May, Joan Parfitt has invited everyone to come to her home, Pol-Na-Chess, Mill Road so the builders can be left to work without interruption.  Thank you very much Joan, your kindness is appreciated. Let’s hope the sun shines and everyone can enjoy Joan and Richard’s lovely garden.

 

Newspaper Bank: Please continue to use the Waste Paper Bank. All monies received go towards maintenance of the Village Hall.

 

Ruth Whitmore

14 April 2009

 

Bawdeswell Activities Group

 

Family QUIZ NIGHT

 

 

Saturday 30THMay

at 6.30pm

In the

Village Hall

 

Raising funds for Activities at the Village Hall and Recreation Ground.

 

Buffet Supper served

 

£25 Prize for the Winning Team

BAR                                                                                    RAFFLE

Tickets from 688749

Adult £5   Children 5 to 15 £2.50   Under 5’s free

 

Teams may contain up to 4 adults and 6 children 6.30pm for 7pm start.

 

BAWDESWELL ACTIVITIES GROUP (BAG)

 

Funding From Breckland Council - Great News!!

BAG were successful in securing a matched funding Community Activities Grant to have the basketball court repainted with a short tennis court marked out as well.  We will also be able to buy new basketball nets, new basketballs and high-viz waistcoats for our new clubs. Thanks Breckland!!

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

The annual general meeting of Bawdeswell Activities Group will take place on Monday 18th May 2009 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.

 

This meeting is open to all.

 

Half Term at the Hall

Bawdeswell Village Hall will be open from 2pm – 5pm on four days during the May half term. Attendance is open to all residents of Bawdeswell, Foxley and surrounding villages. Two days will be for children up to the age of 8 and the other two for children and young adults aged 9 and over. Please see program for details. May we remind you that children aged 8 or under must be accompanied by an adult for the whole session. Those aged 9 and over MUST have a parental consent form. VOLUNTEERS will be in attendance and also run the ‘CAFE’ during the afternoons serving hot & cold drinks, sweets & crisps etc.

 

PROGRAM

 

Tuesday 26th May  - Indoor/Outdoor games for children and young adults 9 years and over

Wednesday 27th May  - Crafts afternoon for children of all ages up to 8

Thursday 28th May  - Pool/Snooker Workshop to be given by an ex-professional snooker player for children and young adults 9 years and over

Friday 29th May  - Teddy Bears Picnic (Tea and Musical games)for children all ages up to 8

 

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

 

Future Events

 

3 on 3 Basketball TournamentSunday June 7th.  There is still time to enter this exciting event.  Get together a team of 5 players, register your team*, play for fun – or play to win a CASH prize.  This tournament is open to anyone who can get a team together.

*All enquiries to Dave or Fel Roberts – bag3on3@btinternet.com

or call/text 07957 254503.  Registration fee £15 per team (adults) or £10 (U16’s)

 

Studio Norwich Photographers will be in the village hall on Saturday 11th July.

Book your session by calling the number below.

Fel Roberts on 688876, text on 07957 254503 or email davenfel@talk21.com

 

Rock at the Rec – Saturday 15th August - live band 1pm on - see future Reeve’s Tale for further details.

BAG Activities

 

TABLE TENNIS / POOL EVENINGS – Mondays 8th June & 22nd June

Because of Bank Holidays in May and the availability of the Village Hall on the other Mondays, we won’t be able to play table tennis or pool again until June.  If enough people are interested in continuing to play during July and August, we will publish the dates nearer the time.  It doesn’t matter how well you play - come along and have some fun or just come along to socialise.  Other games will be available too.  The BAG café will be open for refreshments.  There is a charge of £1.50 towards the hire of the hall. Please check your Reeve’s Tale magazine each month for future dates.

 

 

BRIDGE FOR FUN AFTERNOONS – Friday 22nd May 2pm - 5pm

As a follow up to the Bridge courses, for all those who are interested in getting as many chances to improve their game by playing as often as possible, there will be a bridge ‘fun’ afternoon once a month on a Friday at Bawdeswell Village Hall from 2pm  -  5pm. The following dates: 26th June, 24th July, 25th September, 23rd October and 27th November have been arranged for 2009.  There is no charge and you don’t need to book, just come along.   The cafe will be open for light refreshments.

 

More Events in May

 

BAG walkers – meeting 9.30am at the village hall: Saturdays 2nd, 16th & 30th   £1 per person.

Contact Fel Roberts 07957 254503

 

BAG bikers – meeting 9.30am at the village hall: Saturdays 9th & 23rd   £1 per person.

Contact Fel Roberts 07957 254503

 

BAG Basketballers – starting Friday 8th May and meeting EVERY Friday at 5pm on the outside court at the recreation ground.  Seriously good fun for everyone: couch potatoes, netballers, NBA wannabes!  Suitable for ANYONE… male or female, child or adult, novice or superstar!  Friendly and Fun.  £2 per person.  Contact Dave Roberts 07930 410836

 

BAG Runners – starting Thursday 7th May and meeting EVERY Thursday at 6.30pm

at the village hall.  Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.  £1 per person.

Contact Debbie Lilwall 07867987787

 

 

 

 

 

 

- BAG is looking for additional volunteers to help with our activities -

-Please contact our co-ordinator on 01362 688749 if you can spare an afternoon or two-

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mobile Blood Donor Van (Bloodmobile) visits Bawdeswell regularly on a Wednesday at the Village Hall. The Bloodmobile also visits Reepham, North Elmham & Swanton Morley regularly if you are unable to attend on the Bawdeswell dates.

 

Bawdeswell 2009

 

27 May,

5 August, 16 September

 

 

1pm to 3.10pm and 4.30pm to 6.55pm

 

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 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.

 

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 Village Hall Committee will meet on Monday 18th May at 8pm in the hall.

 

 

 

 

Bawdeswell Badgers Pre – School

 

Hello everyone,

Its all systems go at pre-school we are enjoying our new all weather surface, many thanks to our committee, this term will see us out in our garden if anyone ha any large garden tubs spare we would love to have them.

Our open days are proving very successful we have had mums, dads and grandparents visit us, we look forward to many more.

We visited Chicken Cottage, fed the chickens, counted eggs and checked out a huge tractor on the way, we had and ‘eggcellent’ time.

In our own small way we supported Comic Relief this year, we raised over £50 well done everyone.

Our Easter toddle was well supported, the children had a lovely time and the weather was kind to us.

During March we had a snap Ofstead inspection, unlike schools we had no notice that the ‘great and the good’ were descending, however we were thrilled to be awarded a ‘Good’ grading which is an improvement on our previous ‘Satisfactory’ we are now working to wards  ‘Outstanding’ .

Finally if anyone has a particular skill or interest they could come in and share with the children, we would be very glad to welcome them, please give ma a ring.

Before I go may I on behalf of the children thank our parents, supporters and committee for their tireless work and support.

 

Love from us all at Pre-School.

 

Carol Taylor

 

01362 688875

Z

 

 

To Everyone Involved In Finley’s Fund Raising Day

A big thank you to Claire, Tracy, Rachel and Sharon. Also, big thanks to the continuing support I’m having. Money raised has been split with some going to Leukaemia fund. Thanks to Reepham Fire Service for making this day special. I wish to thank family and friends for their support through this difficult time. I’m glad to say that the treatment is going well.

Kate Davis

 

 

 

BAWDESWELL COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

 

Comic Relief

The children came to school with red hair and wearing red to raise funds for Comic Relief on Friday 13th March.  They helped raise £91.65 for this worthwhile cause.  Well done!

 

Mothers Day Assembly

The mums and nannies of children in Panda Class were invited in on Friday 20th March, to a special Mothers Day Assembly performed by the children, followed by refreshments and biscuits made by the children. The morning was a great success and the children were great!

 

Easter Fayre

The friends of the school, staff and children held an Easter Fayre on Friday 27th March at the school from 3.15 until 4.30pm. There were stalls run by each class which included Lucky Dip, Chick Bowling, Mystery Cards and a Treasure Map. There was also a 50/50 stall and cake stall run by the school council. The FOBS put on refreshments.  All proceeds were given to FOBS for extra school resources. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the school at this event.

 

Year 6

Our Year 6 children were invited to Northgate High School in Dereham to watch a play on “Anti-Social Behaviour” on 1st April.  This forms part of their PSHE studies. Thank you to Northgate High for this opportunity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends of Bawdeswell Church

 

 

FLOWER FESTIVAL

 

Theme: “Let’s Make Music”     

 

15th, 16th, 17th MAY   10.00 – 4.30 daily

 

Preview Reception Thu 14th at 7.30pm by ticket only *

 

A Festival of Flowers & Music

 

Regular short Recitals

the first one is on Friday at 1pm, they will last about 45 min

Piano Recital by Roger Rayner
 
On Saturday there is a special lunchtime concert at 1pm called
'Two is Company' Organ Duets and Solos played by Jane Berry and Bryan Ellum
 
other organists will be appearing during the festival providing background music to accompany your visit

 

NO Entry Charge

 

Refreshments,  good Raffle

 

*   688268, 688499 & 688240

 

 

 

 

The results of the 100 club draw and coffee morning held on 4th April were:

£100  Irene Berning.    £25   Bob Morgan, June Vince, Celia Joice, Sandi Taylor.

£10   Debbie Lilwall, Susan Ward, Angela Shannon, Pat Downing,  Daisy Hedley.

 

 

Bawdeswell and Foxley – Then and Now

A photographic story through the ages. The response to this project has been exciting, the collection of photos is growing, and we have Jackie Cunliffe on board to help fill in the gaps and join the dots from the census information about the various businesses and local families in the villages.

 

However, we still need more.  Photos from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and up to date would be very gratefully received.  All photos and memorabilia would be scanned and the originals returned – so please dig out the boxes in the loft and get looking!

 

Or why not write an account of an event that happened in Bawdeswell or Foxley – a church fete, family christening, street party, new housing development – anything that forms part of our history and heritage.  Please ask everyone you know.

 

Let’s make a wonderful collection of Bawdeswell and Foxley History. This will be produced and sold as a fundraiser for the New Village Hall.

 

Please pass your photos/memorabilia on to Fel Roberts, 5 Reepham Road, Bawdeswell. 688876 or 07957 254503 or email davenfel@talk21.com or any village committee member of any group: Village Hall, Project Bawdeswell, BAG Activities Group, Friends of the Church, Friends of the School, Pre School, Parish Clerk - Many thanks.

 

BAWDESWELL FOOTBALL CLUB.

 

Following their excellent 2007/8 season Bawdeswell FC is now in 4th place in their Division. There is still a possibility of promotion at the end of the season. For information about the club please contact Philip Duffield on (01362) 688611

 

 

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 and there are additional activities most weeks.

 

For more information call Kate on (01362) 688834

 

 

 

BAWDESWELL PARISH COUNCIL

DIGEST OF THE MEETING HELD ON 6 APRIL 2009

 

Present:                   Councillors Shannon, Mason, Beane, Cockburn, Kirby,

Mrs I Floering-Blackman, Mr G Bambridge, Mrs C Boer

and 6 Parishioners

Apologies:              Councillor Lilwall and Mallen

Ongoing Issues from Previous Meetings

Adams Pit:  The planned meeting with Highways to discuss the creation of a new drain to resolve the recent flooding from Adams Pit took place on 9 March.  From a Highways prospective this work should be done as soon as possible, and the Parish Council are currently awaiting a quote for this work from Highways, as well as quotes from other contractors for the remaining phases of the refurbishment project.

Community Car Scheme: CRB and licence checks for volunteer drivers were progressing well and dates for the requisite first aid training had now also been received, and it is hoped that all volunteer drivers will be able to undertake this training in the next few weeks. Unfortunately one volunteer has had to opt out, so the Parish Council is still seeking additional volunteer drivers; anyone wishing for further information, please contact the Parish Clerk.  The launch date of the scheme remains 1 May, and publicity material for the scheme will be circulated shortly .

Community Speedwatch Scheme: The planned volunteers’  training session, scheduled for Monday 23 March, had to be cancelled due to the unavailability of team members, but it is hoped to re-arrange another training session and launch the scheme in the very near future.

Repainting of the Telephone Box: A BT official will be inspecting the telephone box in the near future to determine if the telephone box is worthy of a repaint.  Replacement of Bus Stop Flag:  A replacement bus stop flag will be replaced in the near future at the bus stop opposite the bus shelter near the school.

Land between Hall Rd and Paradise Rd:  The person responsible for this land will be inspecting this site in the near future with the intention of cutting back the verges and inspecting the areas of recent fly-tipping.

Footway Request from The Bell Inn Westwards to the Bus Stop:  Not good news! Our proposal for a new footpath was recently assessed by Highways, but the lack of reported accidents in this area, coupled with the presence of an existing footway on the southern side of the road, will preclude the creation of a new footpath in the current climate.

Quote for Repairs to the Bus Shelter: One quote has been received for the re-felting and general repairs to the Bus Shelter near the school. However, the  Parish Council are awaiting at least a further 2 quotes before taking any decision on this work.  Meanwhile, the Clerk is investigating the possibility of gaining any grants to help offset the costs of these repairs.

Planning

PA 3PL/2009?0121/F:   Resubmission of extensions to Robinia House: Planning Permission granted with 5 conditions.

PA 3PL/2009/0048/F:  Proposed 3 x 2 Bed Dwellings Adjacent to Bawdeswell Store: Refusal of Planning Permission on the grounds of highways issues.

Finance

Annual Review of Salaries:  The Parish Council agreed to increase the Clerk's salary to £2,200 per annum with effect from 1 April 2009.

 

Any Other Business of Interest to Parishioners

a.      Annual Parish Meeting – It was agreed that this meeting will take place on Monday 11 May at 6.30pm.  The County Councillor, District Councillor, Mr Turner (Headmaster of Bawdeswell CP School), and the local PCSO, will each be invited to attend this meeting and give a brief presentation to parishioners.  The Chairman will also give a report of the Parish Councils activities.  Parishioners are also invited to contact the Clerk with any issues they would wish to speak to at the meeting; they will also be given opportunities to ask questions and offer comments during the meeting itself.

b.      Concerns have been expressed about children climbing on to and opening the waste paper banks located at the Village Hall.  The contractor will be warned of the problem, but will parents please remind their children that the paper/bottle banks are not part of the play area; we wish to prevent children having any form of accident in this area.

c.      The Clerk will speak to Breckland to ascertain when the roads in Bawdeswell are next scheduled to be swept and to request that Paradise Lane be included.

d.      Good news!  Project Bawdeswell has recently been awarded a £400 grant from the Breckland Communities Activities Grants.  This money will be used on refurbishing the basket ball area and purchasing Hi-Viz jackets for the BAG Bikers group.

 

Date of Next Meeting:

Annual Parish Meeting, Monday 11 May 2009 at 6.30pm in the Village Hall

The Annual Parish Council Meeting and the May Parish Council Meeting will  follow immediately after the Annual Parish Meeting.

 

Parish Council Contact Information

For most queries you should first contact the Parish Clerk. If you want to contact a councillor personally their email addresses are shown below or you can contact them through the Parish Clerk.

 

Parish Clerk: Claire Boer, Tel(01362) 688415, Email cboer.parishclerk@fsmail.net

Thistleacre, The Street, Bawdeswell NR20 4RT

 

Councillors:

 

Chair – David Shannon,                        Email  councillor.shannon@bawdeswell.net

 

Vice-chair - William Mason,                   Email councillor.mason@bawdeswell.net

Carl Beane                                               Email councillor.beane@bawdeswell.net

David Cockburn,                                    Email councillor.cockburn@bawdeswell.net

Alex Kirby,                                               Email councillor.kirby@bawdeswell.net

 

James Lilwall,                                         Email councillor.lilwall@bawdeswell.net

John Mallen,                                           Email councillor.mallen@bawdeswell.net

 

 

 

 

Bawdeswell Parish Council Annual Report - April 2009

 

Dear Parishioner,

 

My aim in this, my first, Annual Report is to give you an idea of what your Parish Council has been doing over the last year, how we have spent the funds allocated to us under the 2008/9 Precept, and to give you an insight into our aims for 2009/10.

 

Many of these issues will be covered in more detail at the Annual Parish Meeting in the Village Hall at 6.30pm on 11 May 2009, when you will be able to ask questions and offer comment, as well as raise other issues for debate.  However, to ensure we are all well prepared, I do ask that you inform the Parish Clerk a week in advance of the meeting of any new issues you wish to speak about.  This year’s Parish Meeting will also be an opportunity for you to hear from your District and County Councillors, so I would encourage you all to attend.  It is, after all, your village and your council taxes that we are spending on your behalf.

 

So, what has been achieved this last year?  Uppermost in people’s minds may be the re-opening of the Post Office, in the face of multiple closures elsewhere in the region.  While the business model for Bawdeswell prevented us from pursuing a full-time post office, the ‘outreach’ option on two mornings a week, provided by the Mattishall Sub-Postmaster with the help of All Saints Church, seems to be working well.  However, I would remind you that further post office closures are still a real possibility, so please help us retain ours by using the facility whenever you can.

 

Other ‘successes’ include the introduction of a Community Car Scheme for those without private transport needing assistance to attend medical facilities.  With the financial assistance and staff support from Breckland, coupled with the generous contribution of volunteer drivers from Bawdeswell, Bylaugh and Foxley, we hope to roll out this scheme at the beginning of May.

 

Although the training of our volunteer team has been slightly delayed, we also hope to commission the Bawdeswell Community Speedwatch System in May under the aegis of Norfolk Police.  So those amongst you who may be prone to not obeying the speed limits within the village, beware!

 

Although managed separately, the success of Project Bawdeswell this year is worthy of particular mention.  Work on the outline plans and funding grants for a new village hall is well underway, as is a grant application for new children's’ play equipment, following our disappointment at not being able to use the second-hand equipment kindly donated by Annington Homes because of health and safety issues.

 

Probably the greatest success within Project Bawdeswell, however, has been the Bawdeswell Activities Group (BAG) which has gone from strength to strength in providing a myriad of activities to entertain our children during holiday breaks and, more recently, more adult pursuits such as bridge and table-tennis.  Apart from the general benefit to the community, BAG pursuits have resulted in the much greater use of the village all which, apart from raising much-needed funds, can only assist in our goal of a new, bigger and better community centre.

 

One constant theme throughout our ‘successes’ has been the dedicated work of a small but stalwart bunch of volunteers.  Regrettably, these tend to be the same people time and time again, and we do desperately need fresh blood to help sustain their endeavours and get other projects off the ground.  Therefore, while many of you already lead busy lives and have many other family and business commitments, we do hope that you will be able to commit just a little of your time to put something back into the community we call home.

I am not sure if we can describe the Folland Court re-development as a complete success, in that we lost the original battle to maintain the elderly residential accommodation there.  I am also aware that the development of the new houses has inevitably caused some upheaval.  However, with the finishing touches to the houses now proceeding apace, I hope that all of us can now see the project as a means of bringing better, more affordable accommodation for at least a few Bawdeswell families

 

Other business of your Parish Council this year has been focussed on Breckland‘s draft policies for regional development up to 2026.  In essence, this Local Development Framework (LDF) sees major expansion within the urban areas of Thetford, Dereham and Watton, plus some development in a number of so-called Local Service Centres, the closest to us being Swanton Morley.  While the draft LDF does recognise the problems facing smaller rural communities such as ours, it fails to address to any great extent the essential service improvements necessary to sustain these communities.  Therefore, while Bawdeswell should not face major housing or industrial development in the foreseeable future as a result of the LDF, it does mean we will have to fight even harder to retain and improve the limited services we currently enjoy.

 

Associated with the LDF, the Parish Council has also been engaged in a review of the Bawdeswell Settlement Boundary and proposals by local landowners for development sites.  These debates have yet to be finalised but, in accordance with the perceived view of parishioners, the Parish Council continues to argue for a robust and little-changed Settlement Boundary, coupled with minimal additional housing development within the settlement.

 

The Precept for 2008/09, was set at £10,500, and it is estimated that at the end of this financial year the total expenditure will be £10, 921.  So, where has your money gone?   A full summary of the accounts will be available at the Annual Parish Meeting, but major items of expenditure include: the Clerk’s salary, annual insurance, audit fees, maintenance of the Village Hall and recreation ground, and general repairs around the village.  The Parish Council also assigned £3000 to Project Bawdeswell.

 

As to the future, we expect to spend much of the year helping to finalise the debates surrounding the LDF but, closer to home, we also hope to get ahead with plans to refurbish Adams Pit, making it into a wildlife conservation and safer public amenity area.   In addition, we will be seeking views and formulating plans for the public use of a small area of Parish Council land at the front of the Folland Court development, bordering the Street, and we will continue to pursue improvements in bus services to and from the village, possibly through the Flexibus Dial-a-Ride system.  Within Project Bawdeswell, the emphases will be on building upon the success of the BAG, pursuing grants and associated fund raising for improvements to the children's’ play area and the new village hall, plus longer term improvements to the recreation areas.

 

Regards,     David Shannon

 

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

 

Monday 11 May 2009 at 6.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Open to all parishioners

 

Please advise any items that you wish to raise at the Meeting to the Parish Clerk. (01362 688415)

 

 

 

 

BAWDESWELL BOOK CLUB

 

The book discussed at our April meeting was The Road Home by Rose Tremain. Lev is on his way from somewhere in Eastern Europe - never actually specified - seeking work in Britain.  Behind him loom the figures of his dead wife and beloved young daughter being cared for by his aging mother.  There is also the outrageous friend Rudi, dreaming of the wealthy West, living largely for his battered Chevrolet taxi.  Ahead of Lev lies the deep strangeness of the British, their hostile streets, their clannish pubs and their obsession with celebrity.  London holds out alluring possibility of friendship, sex, money and a new career and if Lev is lucky a new sense of belonging.  Lev’s early days in London are reminiscent of scenes from George Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris and London, as he struggles to make a living and improve on his halting English.  Tremain captures the isolation of the immigrant well and leaves the reader often hanging by a thread wondering what next will befall our hero. His subsequent friendships with an assortment of lone misfits contrast with the extravagancies he sees in the restaurant where he secures a job and into the world of Art where his work associations lead him.

 

Some members of the Group felt the serious misery of his hidden homesickness was captured beautifully by Tremain while others felt that it was over played.  Some felt the story lost impact as Lev started to settle into the routine of London life while others enjoyed the eclectic mix of characters continually appearing in the story. Similarly, the ambivalences contained within the ending was met with mixed views as some felt that it was too contrived while others appreciated the continuing echoes of emotional torment that had been present for Lev throughout the story.

 

Once again the book provoked some lively discussion and generated the usual healthy mix of opinions as to its merits.

 

Next months meeting will be held in the Workhouse Bar on Thursday 7th May at 8 pm where we will be discussing Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughter House Five. New members welcome.

PROJECT BAWDESWELL

At the March meeting we were pleased to welcome Roger Atterwill, Chair of Swanton Morley Parish Council and their playground sub group, who talked about the way in which they had designed and funded their new play area. He was able to give us lots of valuable advice. The way in which Project Bawdeswell is set up was discussed and arrangements have been made for Lucinda Leonard from Norfolk RCC to come and talk to us about governance and charity status. There were reports from the activities and playground subgroups.

 

The next steering group meetings will be on Saturdays 30th May and  27th June at 10am at the village hall.  Join us and hear all about the various work streams and share your ideas with us.

 

More information on www.projectbawdeswell.org.uk or call the Secretary on 688749

 

-  o  -

 

CHARITY DINNER DANCE

in aid of   CANCER RESEARCH UK

 

Three Course Meal. Entertainment with Lee Vasey and The Big Band,

Raffle, Disco and Event Photographer

 

£40 per head
Tables can be reserved for groups of 10 where requested

Friday 31st July 2009  7pm till late
Weston Park, Weston Longville, Norwich, Norfolk

Online booking  available  - www.charity-dinner-dance.co.uk
Email - info@charity-dinner-dance.co.uk

Tel 0800 756 6717

 

Tickets are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Entertainment only tickets are also available at £10 each.

 

 

NORFOLK RCC

 

Photo Competition – Images of Rural Norfolk

 

Rural Communities are great places to live but they also have many challenges. Part of Norfolk Rural Community Council’s work as the rural advocate for Norfolk is to help overcome those challenges at a local and strategic level.

Everyone knows an image captures a thousand words so we’re on the hunt for images that capture the strengths and challenges faced by rural communities.  To help us do this we are running a photo competition, the images from which will be used by Norfolk RCC to raise awareness of rural issues and the three best images will each receive a prize.

Each photograph entered must represent one of the six quotes below, you can submit entries for as many quotes as you like but only one entry per quote is allowed.

 

1.          Affordable Housing – desirable, comfortable, affordable?

2.          Services, Access – Are you being Served?

3.          Rural Isolation – Idyllic or Isolated?

4.          Many People, One Community.

5.          Healthy Environment, Healthy Community

6.          Live Local, Shop Local

 

PRIZES

 

1st Prize – Wii Games Console

 

2nd Prize - £50 of Norfolk Camera Centre Vouchers

 

3rd Prize -  £25 of Garden Vouchers

 

Entry forms are available on line at www.norfolkrcc.org.uk or email photocomp@norfolkrcc.org.uk

 

Closing date for entries Friday 12th June 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, SPARHAM

Sparham Annual Garden Party

Saturday 6th June 2009 starting @ 2.30 p.m.

 

Come and enjoy a traditional fun day

held in the beautiful gardens of The Old Rectory.

entrance in Well Lane, Sparham

free entry – free parking - ATTRACTIONS  FOR  ALL  AGES

 

Listen to live music and enjoy homemade tea and cakes.

Admire a splendid range of vintage vehicles.

There will be plants to buy and lots of sideshows,

including all the old favourites.

 

Please come and support

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Sparham

contact Gus Underhill–Smith on 01362 688 658

or Fred Parkin 01362 688 878 – for more details.

 

 

REEPHAM RUNNERS

meet throughout the year at the Old Brewery Sports Centre on the following days and times:

 

Sundays at 8.15 a.m. for 8.30 am start

Tuesdays at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 pm start - This is the best time for beginners

Thursdays at 9 a.m.

We often meet up at other times throughout the week on an ad hoc basis.

All abilities, ages, shapes & sizes welcome

For further information contact:

Jackie on 01603 261 951 or Paul on 07949 129279

www.reephamrunners.co.uk

 

 

 

Benefice News and Events

 

 

Benefice Walk

 

In the spirit of “One More Step” you are invited to join us for the Benefice Walk on Sunday 14th June. Our walk will take us through all six parishes of the Benefice and we will be using Rights of Way, lanes, permissive paths and tracks on private land with the agreement of local landowners.

We will leave Sparham Church at 9am and walk to Elsing Church via Lyng in time for the One More Step service at 10.30am. Refreshments will be served after the Service and then our route will take us by lanes to Bylaugh Church and a packed lunch break.

We will then walk (with permission) through Bylaugh Park and over Bawdeswell Heath to Foxley West  & on to the Church. From there we will walk the short distance to Bawdeswell Church for afternoon tea.

The whole route is approximately 9 miles but it will be possible to join in or leave at any church along the way.

So why not join us? Everyone welcome.

 

Offers of help with transport to provide a pick-up service between churches would be appreciated. To register interest or to ask for further information please contact Carole Jackson  01362-637752.

 

Events for May are as follows:

 

9th Lyng Spring Fair Lyng village hall 10am

14th Preview evening for Bawdeswell Flower Festival.  Tickets £10 from 01362 688268  to include wine and canapes

15th – 17th Bawdeswell Church Flower Festival.  Ends on Sunday evening with the Bishop of Norwich leading a Songs of Praise service and dedication of the new organ at 6.30pm.

31st Elsing WI Picnic

 

 

If your group has an event which you would like included on the Benefice events list please contact Sandi Taylor on 01362 688268.  The list is a good way to make sure events don’t clash.  Events lists are displayed on the individual church noticeboards.

 

 

 

 

 

Bawdeswell  Church

 

We send congratulations to Daniel Young and Zoe Marsden  who were married in the church on April 4th.  We wish them all the best in married life together.

 

Good wishes also go to the family of Liberty Rose Downing  who was baptised on 29th March .

 

There will be no GiG service in May as on the 3rd Sunday we will be holding a Songs of Praise service led by the Bishop of Norwich as the culmination of the flower festival.  The Bishop will also dedicate the new church organ.

 

 

FLOWER FESTIVAL

 

Theme: “Let’s Make Music”     

 

15th, 16th, 17th MAY   10.00 – 4.30 daily

 

Preview Reception Thu 14th at 7.30pm by ticket only

 

SUNDAY 17th MAY  - SONGS OF PRAISE –

Dedication of the new organ by

THE BISHOP OF NORWICH

– CHOIR ICENI –

 

Please join us for this special occasion – 6.30pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Rector

 

 

Dear Everybody, hello again,

 

We’re in May.  Gardens are more colourful; there is a flower festival (see the benefice page); brighter days heighten colours.  It’s said that, in this recession, people are no longer making their houses as neutral as possible to sell them; they buy colourful cushions, and some even paint walls as vivid as they were in the 1970s.  Colour can lift your mood.

 

I’m old enough to remember the time when colour television came in.  Suddenly, it felt as if a lot more was being said and shown.  And most of the black and white televisions were speedily scrapped.

 

One of the things that was said to me in my teens was: “You see everything so black and white, there are shades of grey.”  (They meant I was opinionated).  It was true, I did see things at extremes, and not the nuances of them.  But then, those shades of grey are just mixtures of the same black and white.  If we are to get a detailed picture of something, understanding all the nuances, we need to see things in colour.

 

But colour itself isn’t the whole answer.  In the recent unrest in Thailand, one group calls themselves, and wears, red.  Another is yellow.  There was an “orange” revolution in the Ukraine.  Parties in this country call themselves “true Blue”, or “Green”.  Conservatives aren’t really blue, socialists aren’t really red. Those colours are simply a badge.  When Norwich City plays another team with yellow shirts, they wear their alternative strip.  People use colours to say, we aren’t like the others.  They make clear distinctions.  In politics, there are no mixtures, no purples to show that you’re a conservative communist.

 

In the natural world, whether you believe God made it or not, you will see shades and tones and half-tones and colours blending into one another.  Colours can be so subtle.  It’s such a shame when we turn colours into the new “black and white” thinking; are you with us or against us.  Life is more than just “yes or no”.  There are lots of shades of meaning; the more we see, the richer are our minds and lives.

 

God bless you.          David Head

 

 

 

CHURCH SERVICES MAY 2009

 

 

Date

 

03/05

 

10/05

 

17/05

 

24/05

 

31/05

Season

Easter 4

Easter 5

Easter 6

Easter 7

Sunday after Ascension

Pentecost

Whit Sunday

Colour

White

White

White

White

Red

 

Foxley

 

 

18.30  EP

DH

 

10.30 OMS

DH

 

8.00  HC PB

DH

 

10.30  HC1

TC

 

 

-----------

 

Lyng

 

 

9.00  HC1

DH

 

-----------

 

17.00  EP

DH

 

10.30  FS

FST

 

------------

 

Elsing

 

 

10.30  MP

CW

 

-----------

 

9.00  HC1

DH

 

10.30  HC1

DH

 

------------

 

Bawdeswell

 

 

10.30 HC1

DH

 

 

----------

18.30

Songs of Praise

Bishop Graham

 

10.30  WP

CW

 

10.30 HC1

DH

 

Bylaugh

 

 

-----------

 

9.00  HC PB

DH

 

-----------

 

9.00  MP

CW

 

-----------

 

Sparham

 

 

10.30  FS

FST

 

 

-----------

 

10.30  HC PB

DH

 

18.30  HC PB

DH

 

----------

 

 

BAWDESWELL  Wednesday 20th May, Holy Communion 9am

 

Julian Group meets 2nd & last  Fridays 8th & 22nd May 8pm

Contact Susan March 01603 870342