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Message from the Editor We welcome 2010 with news from Scole, Billingford, Gambia and Arizona. Some village magazines concentrate only on their immediate area; not so The PostHorn, because we bring news of residents wherever we find them! Locally on page 20 we report on the PostHorn Community Award. Page 30 carries the results of our Christmas Lights Display competition. Page 32 announces that our best front garden competition will be held in July. On page 40 we see some previously unseen photographs of Billingford. Turning to our International news: on page 8 Tony O’Shaughnessy relates his experiences in the USA and Canada. On page 34 our Feather Reporter Trevor Raven reports from The Gambia on bird watching experiences. The one news item this year which has affected all who read it is the Haiti disaster. See how Scole Primary School responded on page 6. Chris Earl Editor
Contents Page 6 Page 8 - 12 Page 15 Page 16 - 17 Page 20 - 21 Page 22 Page 23 - 24 Page 25 - 28 Page 30 - 31 Page 34 - 35 Page 37 - 39 Page 40 - 41 Page 48
Haiti Photostory A One Off Bygones Scole Community Celebrates PostHorn Community Award Feather Report Crossways Inn Church Pages Christmas Lights The Gambia - January 2010 Micky’s Magic Cave Part 5 The Horseshoes Parish Council News
3
Your
Contacts
To be interviewed or submit articles: Chris Earl on 855416 E-mail: chrisjearl@hotmail.com Main Village Contact & Advertising Co-ordinator David Hillier on 740158 E-mail: chocs4@aol.com Business Advertising & Distribution Trevor Raven on 741285 E-mail: trevor@listangels.co.uk Billingford Correspondent & Thorpe Parva News Sue Redgrave on 740837 E-mail: susan.redgrave1@homecall.co.uk Distribution : Gordon Larkins on 742713 E-mail: gordonlarkins@tiscali.co.uk
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The reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. While every effort is made to ensure that the contents of the are accurate, no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions. The material printed does not necessarily represent the views of the and no recommendation of products or services is implied. All material submitted for publication may be used on the village website unless otherwise specified. While the takes reasonable care when accepting advertisements for publication, it will not accept responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. 4
NEW LIFE FOR THE DISS CORN HALL A three-day programme of comedy, music and debate in February marked the dawning of an exciting new era in the life of Diss Corn Hall. Following a decision by Diss Town Council to lease the building to the community group the Friends of Diss Corn Hall, a programme of events has been planned to appeal to a wide range of age and tastes; from February onwards, something will be going on at the Corn Hall two or three times a week. The launch featured BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions?, chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby, an evening of comedy from Norwich’s famous Red Card Comedy Club, and a music night featuring the local indie band Vanilla Kick and the popular BBs. March events include an exhibition of John Piper’s work, Tom Stoppard’s ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’, music, film and comedy. For the brochure of these Spring events contact 01379 652241 or e-mail admin@disscornhall.co.uk - all events are also on www.disscornhall.co.uk. Manager Angela Sykes is also looking for volunteers to help run the venue and she can be contacted as above.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Chapel Street, Diss (Behind Greggs Bakery, next to the car park) We are always in need of good quality donations: Clothing, Linens, General Bric-a-Brac, Electrical Items Books and Small Furniture We can also arrange to collect larger furniture or large quantities of goods if you can’t get to us. Call our warehouse on 01842 821620 to arrange. Collections are free. We can also raise funds for the hospice by recycling, so even if the quality isn’t brilliant, please bring it. We can recycle all chipped glass & crockery, all textiles, metals, wiring, card & broken electrical goods. So, in essence….we take the lot!! 5
Haiti Photostory by Emma Rush and Jessica King-Fisher Year 6 of Class 4 at Scole Primary School On Friday the 29th of January at Scole Primary School, Class 4 made a charity appeal for the earthquake in Haiti by using Photostory. We downloaded photos from the internet and transferred them on to photostory and chose which order to put them into. We added persuasive text to try and tell people why they should donate and how it could help the people in Haiti. Then we added peaceful and soothing music to make the people feel sorry for them. We showed them in sharing assembly and raised £42.42. Thank you if you donated, the people who were affected by the earthquake will be very grateful!!!!! If you would like to see the presentations please see Class 4’s section of the school website www.scole.norfolk.sch.uk The Thundersley Brass Band “are back again” and will be performing in Thelveton Church on Sunday 12th September 2010. Tickets £10 to include light refreshments. To book a seat phone Jackie 01379 740920 or Gale 01379 740042
Events at Scole Primary School H a it i P h o to s to ry
O n F r id a y t h e 2 9 th o f J a n u a r y a t S c o le P r im a r y S c h o o l, C la s s 4 m a d e a c h a r ity a p p e a l fo r th e e a r th q u a k e in H a iti b y u s in g P h o to s to ry . W e d o w n lo a d e d p h o to s fro m th e in te r n e t a n d tra n s fe rre d th e m o n to p h o to s to ry a n d c h o s e w h ic h o rd e r to p u t th e m in to . W e a d d e d p e r s u a s iv e te x t to tr y a n d te ll p e o p le w h y th e y s h o u ld d o n a te a n d h o w it c o u ld h e lp th e p e o p le in H a iti.
Easter Bingo - Friday 19th March - 6.00 - 9.00pm A fun evening for all the family Clothing Collection - Tuesday 27th April Having a clear out over Easter? Bring any old clothes, textiles or shoes along to the school on the morning of Tuesday 27th April and help raise money for the school. (Bags are available from the school office or black bin bags are fine). The school earns money based on the weight of the bags collected. Craft/Art Fair and Pamper Day - Saturday 8th May - 10.00am - 3.00pm More details to follow but please pencil this one in your diaries! If you would be interested in having a stall please contact Georgina King-Fisher on 740249 or Claire Buck on 741627. 6
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A ONE OFF by Tony O’Shaughnessy During a 34 year career in the Army, you experience a number of periods that stand out in your memory. Most were enjoyable and exciting, others are best forgotten. However in this case I would like to share with you an experience that at the time I could only dream about. In 1963 whilst stationed in Germany, I met Georgie. She was working in the Joint NATO Headquarters in a branch of HQ BAOR (British Army of the Rhine) and I was working for the Joint Counter Intelligence Section of NATO’s Northern Army Group. It was during this period that we decided to get engaged and to marry sometime in the future. Enjoying my job very much and meeting Georgie frequently I was not expecting to be moved, but out of the blue I was informed that I had been selected to go to the USA with a Royal Artillery trials unit. This was great news for me, but what about my new found love? After some investigation, I was informed that I had to attend an upgrading course in my trade as a Military Photographer at the Royal Naval School of Photography (Lee on Solent, HMS Ariel and Lossiemouth, HMS Fulmar). Before I left Germany, we got engaged and expected that at a later date we would marry. Then I was informed that I would be going to America soon after the completion of my course and that it was a single man’s posting. In spite of this, we decided that we would marry in April 1964 and face any difficulties as they arose. Soon after we had made our decision I was informed that the commencement of the trials had been delayed, and not for the last time. This decision did not stop our plans, and we married in London on the 4th April 1964. Departure to America was further delayed, and to occupy my time I was attached to a Ministry of Defence unit at Feltham in Middlesex and moved into a flat in Fulham. I then attended a course on Drones and Target locating at the School of Artillery in Wiltshire. I learnt to drive and the most notable memory of that time was the birth of our eldest son Mark who was born at Parsons Green Maternity Hospital on 15th March 1965. Eventually I was informed of my movement date to America, it was to be 1st June 1965. We packed up our worldly possessions (which fitted into a mini van) and Georgie and Mark moved home to Billingford, to Georgie’s Mum and Dad where I was expecting them to stay until my return. Looking back at the events during this period I am amazed how we coped with what was happening.
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The journey out was an adventure, with a stop over in New York. Although fairly well travelled by this time, it was a wholly new experience for me. After staging through Phoenix, I eventually arrived in Yuma Arizona courtesy of Bonanza Airlines and was it hot?? From the airport I was driven the 30 miles out to what was to be my place of abode for the next year, Photo interpretation and photographic Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), section. one of the largest military Yuma, Arizona. 1966 installations in the world, covering an area of real estate of 1,300 sq miles in the north western Sonoran Desert. After the first few days settling into my bachelor existence for the next year, I was surprised to be informed that my family were to join me and that I had better find them somewhere to live. My place of employment was 45 miles from Yuma and my accommodation was 30 miles away. Luckily, the main component of the unit was from the Canadian Army, who look after their soldiers! Without any further ado, I was transported to Yuma to find suitable accommodation for my young family. I was in a state of utter confusion, but with the help of some members of the unit I found what turned out to be a comfortable home for the next 2 years. Georgie and Mark eventually arrived after a daunting journey for a 20 year old with a 3 month old baby on 8th June. The apartments were air-conditioned, tastefully furnished and there was a swimming pool in the central play area. Once settled in, Dad had to go to work and to achieve this, the Canadian Army supplied the unit with air-conditioned people carriers which those of us who lived in Yuma took it in turn to drive back and forth to work. Shopping and socialising was done at the US Marine Corps Naval Air Station just on the edge of town. Georgie soon made friends with some of our neighbours and the younger wives. The reason we were posted to America was to test a new battle field Drone surveillance system which had been developed by Canadair of Montreal. The unit consisted of American Range staff, civilian engineers from the Canadair company and soldiers from Canada and Britain. We were later joined by a German contingent and further Canadian and British personnel.
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My position in the Photo-Interpretation and Photography section was to be responsible for all ground One of the first successful launches of and air photography, the the CL 89 Drone. Yuma, Arizona 1966 sensor system and the development of the air photography recovered from the drone on completion of its test flights. In the early days we were not always successful with our tests, so I was kept busy photographing the wreckage. To tactically carry out my job in The parachute did survive! the field I had a photographic processing darkroom mounted on a vehicle. However as we progressed, especially with colour, I moved to the main base. My working environment was first class, the military side of the unit was very relaxed and I worked with some really good people. During the build up to the World Cup in 1966, I discussed with some of the lads in the unit the possibility of starting up our own football team. Football was very much in its infancy in America at that time, however there was a lot of interest in trying something new. I eventually made contact with a group of people in Phoenix who were interested in setting up an Arizona Soccer League. After the inaugural meeting in Phoenix which I attended, we set about getting a team up and running. We publicized on the local radio what we wanted to do and to our surprise we had a wonderful response with offers of help and people interested in playing. Eventually we formed a team with members from Denmark, Hungary, an English lad from Manchester in the US Special Forces and British and German soldiers from our unit. We decided to call ourselves Yuma International.
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A local High School allowed us to Yuma International use their sports field and as most games were played away in Phoenix, the US Army supplied us with an air-conditioned bus. We were only able to play for one season, but did very well in both the league and cup competitions. On one occasion we were invited to play in Mexico against what we believed to be a local team. However, on arrival at the stadium, we realised we were up against the Sonoran State team with the place packed to capacity. The reason for so much interest was because of our name; the Mexicans mistakenly thought we were a European International team. We lost the match by one goal thanks to the performance of our wonderful Hungarian goalkeeper. Relations were not good at the time between the Americans and Mexicans and have got worse since then, but I believe that our gesture was appreciated by many people on both sides of the border. Holidays of course are always important in a foreign land and therefore in August 1965 we decided that we would go to Disneyland near Los Angeles. Once again the best laid plans were disrupted when the Watts Riots broke out on 11th August. So, quickly changing our plans, we went to the Grand Canyon instead, and what a wonderful experience it was, the size and magnificence was breathtaking. We did at a later date visit Disneyland, another unforgettable experience. We made further trips to Mexico, San Diego and up the Californian coast. I was also required to travel as part of my job. Because of the interest by the Americans in our project, a Canadian technician and me were invited to attend a course near San Francisco, where a company was testing a system for the US Air Force that would process film in flight. I was also invited to attend a course at Fort Huachuca near Tucson, and it was here that the Apache Chief Geronimo surrendered to the US Army in 1866. As the saying goes, time flies when you are enjoying life. So the time to leave Arizona was soon upon us. The families were going home and the men were going on to the Canadian School of Artillery at Shilo Manitoba, to carry out Winter trials. Georgie and Mark left first in July 1967 and stopped off with friends at the US Marine base in Quantico Virginia, just outside Washington DC. We had a holiday in that area, then Georgie and Mark flew home from New York and I left a few days later on my open airline ticket on a flight to Montreal. 11
I decided that I would like to visit Expo 67. I then flew down to T oronto, by which time my ticket had run out. So after a short break I bought a Greyhound Bus ticket to a town called Brandon, the nearest place to Shilo and over 100 miles from Winnipeg. It was a two day journey and took me all over Ontario and into Manitoba. The scenery was so much different from Arizona, and I also noticed the drop in temperature! Most of the unit had made their own way to Shilo with the Canadian soldiers dropping their families in various places across Canada. The British and German lads did much as I did, with some travelling by road and others by train. Once we had all assembled, the cold weather trials began and we settled down in our new home for the next 5 months. Shilo was yet again a large training area with wide open spaces and large forest plantations. Our social life was restricted mainly to the camp with visits to Winnipeg on weekends. It wasn’t long before the weather started to change and by mid September we had our first snow and from then until we left in December it snowed and snowed. The temperatures started to drop rapidly and soon we were experiencing some of the coldest weather any of us Brits had ever experienced. The ability to work at the same pace as we did in Arizona was soon curtailed. An opportunity arose for some of us to visit Fort Churchill on the Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba famous for its scavenging polar bears, and although it was even colder there the beauty of the landscape was something to behold. With the completion of the trial in December the AN/USD 501 Drone Trials Unit was wound up. The British contingent left Winnipeg on 11th December and flew via a stopover in Montreal to Heathrow arriving on the 12th. It had been a wonderful experience for all of us and my only regret was that Mark was too young to have A Half Tree near Fort Churchill Manitoba remembered it. Once back in England we dispersed to our homes and new units. There were some people back in the UK who thought that they may be replacing us, however their wishful thinking was soon dispelled when they were told that it was indeed “A ONE OFF�.
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Diss First Responders In the previous edition of Post Horn I mentioned that we had been short listed for one of the Anglia Funeral Services Community Awards and I am delighted to report that we were the winners of our section. Helen McDermott of Anglia TV hosted the evening on 26 November at The John Innes Centre in Norwich. A great reception with refreshments was followed by the presentation of awards; we received a framed certificate and generous award towards our funds. The seasonal weather put the Ambulance Service on Red Alert with both the Diss kits being on call 24/7. Two of our Responders have been accepted to train as Student Ambulance Paramedics with the East of England Ambulance Service so we need more volunteers to come forward and join our ranks - you can either contact Responder Administrator on 01284 731802, log on to our website: www.respondersuk.org/diss or contact me directly (number at the back of the magazine). Many thanks, as ever, to all who continue to help and support us. Rachel Hillier
Good news!! The equipment for the Play area has been delivered and construction has started. By the time you receive this edition of the PostHorn, the Play area should be up and running. It is a design chosen by you, the children of the village, so please do enjoy it. In addition, each Thursday afternoon starting from 29th April - 27th May (excluding 6th May) for 4 weeks, a Play Ranger from South Norfolk Council, Luke Caswell, will be at the Playing Field organising games and activities for children who would like to go along. This will take place after school until 5pm. Luke will be really pleased for as many children as possible to have some fun, so children go along and make his day (or days).
Wanted Please remember I would still like your jars to reuse as it is coming up to marmalade time. Also our Parish Clerk has asked for plastic bottle tops for charity. Either of these items can be left at the Community Centre or on my doorstep of 11 Reeve Close. Pearl Fisher. 14
Bygones by Sue Auckland As a child, I used to spend each Saturday and school holiday on my Grandparents’ poultry farm in Lincolnshire. I can remember sitting on the homemade swing, secured in the entrance of an outbuilding, and taking stock of all the strange tools and implements hanging on the wall. I had no idea what most of them were for, and even then, in the mid 1950’s most of them had been replaced by other ‘modern’ equipment and they were never used. I supposed they were the heritage of generations of family farmers. There was everything from a milkmaids yolk to the implements like the one in the photo below.
What’s it called?
What was it used for?
Turn to page 33 for the answer
BUNGAY ROAD Speeding As you will already be aware, the petition asking the Parish Council to take action to reduce the speed of traffic in Bungay Road, was presented in November (go to http://www.scoleparish.org.uk/index.html click ‘Hot Topics & News’, click link under Heading ‘Traffic Surveys’). Several courses of action are being explored. It would further help our cause if anyone has information concerning any road traffic accidents that occurred in Bungay Road. If you have knowledge of any incidents, please post a note in the PostHorn box at Scole Stores, marked ‘Bungay Road’. Don’t worry, you will not be called to ‘give evidence’ but dates and times, with a few brief details would be a great help. Alternatively, contact Gordon Larkins on 742713. Thank you. 15
Community Christmas Celebration On December 7th, the Scole Community marked the start of the Christmas season. Attractively decorated and candlelit, St. Andrew’s Church provided the venue for an evening of music, prose, poetry and humour. There was an air of expectation as the audience arrived up to an hour before the start. With a packed church and raffle tickets purchased, the lights went down and this much awaited annual event got underway with a march called Christmas Praise, played by the Diss Salvation Army Band directed by Iian Sturgeon. Compère, Ralph Barnett, welcomed the audience, performers and then proceeded to introduce the various items. There was music from the flying fingers of Rick Wakeman and readings by Alex Jamieson, Kelly Rush and Kim Charles. Writer and TV Producer Charles Garland, who appeared at last year’s Four Churches Festival, read some of his poetry including Merry Christmas You Suckers and Christmas Monologue. He also read My Dog Eats Poo, clearly based on the misdemeanours of his beloved pet! The youngest performer was 11 year old Emily Barlow, who sang 4 numbers with both confidence and feeling, accompanied by Bill Dixie on piano. Her final item, “Rejoice” which she sang to a backing track, received rapturous applause. The Band played various Christmas arrangements and led the audience in the singing of a number of carols. Following the interval for mulled wine and mince pies, the second half started with an item called Rick’s Surprise. In previous years, Rick has always sent up Trev. the Rev. with his version of the 12 Days of Christmas, based on his holidays. This time it was to be something different and even Trevor didn’t know about it - he had been away when the programme was devised! Rick explained how he always had noticed Trevor’s likeness to Postman Pat and demonstrated this by playing a DVD clip of the title sequence. This produced much laughter which was then followed by a small group singing the theme tune with specially written lyrics by Rick which he accompanied. After the show, Trevor sportingly agreed to pose for photographs (complete with hat and cat) along with anyone in return for payment which would go to the charities. The evening raised £647 which has been divided between Salvation Army (work in South Africa) and Crossroads - Young Carers. Thank you to everyone who supported the event.
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Making a difference by Joe Thompson I still hear many voices saying "I don't need a computer" and "what good does all this technology do?" Recently I was contacted by a friend from the Scole area who suffers from dyslexia. He wanted to know if computing could help him by removing some of the barriers he comes across. He had a need to prepare for an exam which required reading hundreds of pages of technical information on their particular career. I sourced a computer with built in ability to read aloud any text on the screen and also programmed it to respond to voice commands; for example "open email program" and "compose new message to Joe Thompson" etc. This went very well but we still had the problem of turning whole books into audio files. By researching further, we found an excellent scanner that scans both sides of the paper at once and can take over 50 pages at a time. We (sadly) cut the spine off the book and fed it in a chapter at a time. This took about 30 minutes and resulted in 20 text files that we then converted into 20 audio files, chapter1.mp3, chapter2.mp3 etc. My friend can now simply click on the required file and hear it read to him as many times as he wants. It also allows for pausing and rewinding. We have since refined this further to deal with general letters so when the postman delivers a letter from say the Electric company, you simply have to put the letter in the scanner, press a single blue button and it will then automatically read it out loud. As the scanner can also cope even if the letter is put in upside down or back to front, it may have uses for people who are blind. My friend is over the moon with the opportunities this gives him in his daily life and could point the way to future advances that could help others remove the barriers they face in everyday living. An example of this automated text to speech technology can be seen/heard at www.venturacottage.com/posthorn Please continue to submit questions to the editor for future PostHorn issues (or direct to Joe on 01379 652147) and this will become a regular feature of the magazine.
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The 2009 PostHorn Community Award In November, the PostHorn team held a thank-you party for our team of volunteer distributors celebrating four years of publication. Throughout the year in all weathers, this team headed by Gordon Larkins delivers the magazine to each household. Without them no one would see the PostHorn. To show our appreciation, a buffet was served at the Community Centre along with a fun quiz with questions based on articles that had appeared in the PostHorn during 2009. The winner and title of “Most Attentive Readers” this year went to Tony & Georgie O’Shaughnessy. The PostHorn Community Award was introduced in 2008 when the winner was First Responders. For 2009 we had 6 applications for the £50 award: Scole Pre-School, Over 60’s Friendship club, Scole Toddler group, Scole Community Centre, Play Area and Mothers Union. All were considered and voted on by the full PostHorn team. We were pleased to announce that the winner was Scole Community Centre for new seat covers so everyone using the Centre will benefit from a comfortable chair! Thanks must go to Sue Redgrave for preparing a delicious buffet and birthday cake.
On behalf of the Community Centre, Pearl Fisher says: “The Community Centre were chuffed to bits to receive the award of £50 to recover their seats in the clubhouse. We thank all those who voted for us and can rest assured the work will be carried out in the near future.”
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Tony is now avidly reading the latest edition!
Some of the team decide it is time to cut the cake!
Excuse us ladies while we chat! 21
Scole Feather Report by Trevor Raven It is the beginning of February, and we are still in the grip of the big freeze which began in early December. Our gardens now are the best places to see wildlife. By the end of February the berries from the hedgerows will have mostly gone, but if you have put out feeders you can still see a wide variety of birds, sometimes more than even in the summer time. If possible, place the feeders near a bush or hedge so that the birds can dash into it when the Sparrow Hawk appears. The more close cover they have the more they will like your garden. Don’t rely just on peanuts. The tits like them, but Nyger seed is what the Goldfinch and Siskins love. All the birds like mixed birdseed, and if you scatter it around you may also get a wren. They are surprisingly common in the hedgerows, but very difficult to see. Ground feeders such as Blackbirds, Thrushes, Robins, Chaffinches and Dunnocks are also partial to dried mealworms and sultanas. Overripe apples and pears get Blackbirds very excited. A fat ball or chicken carcass is also popular with the tits, but if you have a flock of Starlings around they can demolish a fat ball in ten minutes. Crows, Jackdaws and Gulls become very brave at this time of year, and will swoop down into the yard to take bread. Pigeons and Collared Doves seem to balance themselves on the most precarious perch to get at the food, even, Nyger seed. And don’t forget the water. The countryside around Scole seems deserted, and indeed most of the little birds have gone south, or to our gardens. But look around and you could be surprised at what remains - apart from the huge flocks of crows and pigeons. Take a second look at those birds feeding in the fields, they often include Field Fares and some Red Wings. Our Scandinavian visitors come out of the hedgerows in February to forage in the fields before going home. The flock of Field Fares, which spent January feeding on the bumper crop of Sloe berries down Norwich Road, are now in the fields on the other side of the bypass. New game-cover crops such as South American Quinoa, now planted in our area, are having a dramatic impact on the number of small birds in the countryside. Flocks of Yellow Hammers (pictured above), Linnets and Gold Crests can been seen around Thorpe Parva. The feed value of Quinoa has been widely recognised by the RSPB, BTO and the Game Wildlife Conservation Trust and all agree that game cover areas, including seed-rich quinoa, are an important resource for all farmland birds.
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By Chris Earl Which is the oldest building in Scole? We cannot be sure; the White Hart Inn was built in 1655 but 95 years before, a house was built in Bridge Road and this house is now known as The Crossways Inn. During the early 20th century the house was home to Doctor & Mrs Ransome. This home served as his surgery and was shared with their two single daughters who continued to live there after the death of their parents. Both Miss Ransomes were highly regarded and active in village life. When they died, in the 1960’s, the house was sold for use as a restaurant. Owner Peter Black extended the premises by adding the current dining room in the 1970’s and at this time it became a licensed premises. In 2005 the premises were sold to Kate Lewis, a single mum with five children, who met part-time barman Peter Waldron. In July 2008 they were married. Before then they worked together to raise the standard of the premises. By February 2007, with Kate six months pregnant, they took a well deserved holiday in Scotland. At midnight on the day they arrived Neil Cordy, who was the temporary manager, rang to say, “the pub’s on fire”. Much damage was caused, the kitchen was destroyed but, after rescuing the pets, Neil managed to keep the bar open. To add to the problems Kate was admitted to hospital with a viral infection, they were stranded in Scotland only able to keep in touch by phone. On their eventual return to Scole work began on re-building with a short break in May 2007 when son Daniel was born. The Crossways has become famous providing entertainment and activities for a wide range of customers. Each day something is happening at The Crossways; Monday is Steak night, Tuesday is Darts and Dominoes night, Wednesday is Quiz night, and Thursday is Pool and girls get together. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the main attraction is live music with a following from a wide area. Kate has encouraged many semi-professional performers with a mix of vocalists, guitarists and bands finding The Crossways a launch pad to their career. 23
In addition, theme nights are run including Burns Night, Valentines Day, Mothering Sunday, Jazz, Caribbean and Indian nights, Summer BBQ nights, November 5th Bonfire party and a Children's Halloween party. At all of these events and throughout the year the home cooked food is enjoyed by all, as is the cooked to order Sunday lunch. This year’s New Year’s Eve party was a great success with 130 attending in evening dress. On New Year’s Day the Scole Stroll attracted 40 people raising funds for St. Andrew’s Church. What of the family? Peter works in the Bar. Of the children, Carys works in the bar while Kerry works part-time as a waitress. Chris and James attend Diss High School, Rosie attends Scole Primary and Daniel is at Nursery. As if this were not enough, Kate is making plans for introducing a coffee shop later this year. Who said running a pub was easy?
The Crossways Inn, in conjunction with St. Andrews Church, organised the Scole Stroll this New Year’s day. Here we see the stroll in full swing. All monies raised were donated to St. Andrew’s.
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Thoughts from the Rectory ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.’ 2 Corinthians Chapter 5, verse 17 We did two crazy things in January! Firstly, we bought a relatively new car. I always thought it was March onwards to buy a new car giving you the better weather to get to use it before the next Winter. Secondly, I bought some seed potatoes. In January?! Surely February is soon enough. I guess both events showed that we were looking ahead to ‘new beginnings’ and surely that is right with Spring around the corner and Easter looming. Over the Winter period a number of folk in Scole were looking to new beginnings through the Alpha Course. They were looking at the Christian faith using DVDs and discussion on a weekly basis. In the Spring, both Billingford and Scole Churches have their ‘Annual Meetings’. These are opportunities for ‘new beginnings’ as new folk come on to the Church Councils and different folk take up responsibilities. New beginnings have taken place in other parts of the Benefice over the winter period. At Thorpe Abbotts, in the severe cold, we held the January Communion Service in the village hall and at Brockdish new folk have become involved in the ‘Brockdish After-School Club’ (The J club). Easter is all about ‘new beginnings’. It’s about putting off the old and taking up the new. It’s about rejecting our former lives of self and our sinful nature and putting on the new way of Christ - of sacrifice, of giving ... the way of God - new beginnings. May you experience the joy of new beginnings - a new creation this Eastertide. Trevor ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation!’
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Church Contact Details Priest-in-Charge Church Wardens Scole Readers Church Secretary Scole Billingford
Rev. Trevor Riess The Rectory, Mill Lane, Scole IP21 4DB
Tel: 742762
Maurice Cormack Kay Travers Sue Auckland Lynda Mansfield
Tel: 741197 Tel: 741054 Tel: 740325 Tel: 740401
Honor Worthington Brian Nunn
Tel: 687285 Tel: 740723
From the Records Baptisms: December 6th Brooke Sutton Marriages: Nil Funerals: October 22nd November 3rd January 12th January 28th February 12th
Rex Selby Pauline Merton Edith Foreman Dorothy Bloomfield Spencer Davey
(85) (77) (92) (87) (83)
Various Items: Lent Lunches - consisting of soup, rolls etc, will take place in Scole Church on Thursdays 12 noon - 1pm on February 25th, March 11th, March 18th and March 25th. Donations will be given to Tear Fund.
Saturday Morning Prayer Time - 9am - 9.30am on the 1st Saturday of each month, in Scole Church (March 6th, April 3rd and May 1st). . Film Club in Scole Church: Friday March 26th. Jesus Christ - Superstar Friday April 30th. Finding Nemo
Film show - on Hong Kong, New Zealand and San Francisco Saturday March 6th - 7pm - Scole Church. Tickets are £5 including light refreshments and can be obtained from Georgie O’Shaughnessy (740127) and Kay Travers (741054). 26
Holy Week You are invited to any of the following services or activities throughout this very special week: Monday March 29th
6.30pm
Reading of St. John’s Gospel Brockdish Church
Tuesday March 30th
7.00pm
Half Hour Devotion Billingford Church
Wednesday March 31st
6.30pm
Reading of St. Mark’s Gospel Scole Church
Thursday April 1st
7pm
Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Thorpe Abbotts Church
Friday April 2nd - Good Friday Half Hour Devotions at all four churches in the Benefice. 11.00 am 12.00 noon 1.00 pm 2.00 pm
Scole Church Billingford Church Thorpe Abbotts Church Brockdish Church
( For Easter Day Services, see the Service listings )
Annual Parochial Church Meetings - It’s that time of year when churchwardens are elected along with representatives on the church councils. Also, reports and comments are received. Items of a general interest are brought forward. Billingford Annual Meeting - date to be confirmed. Scole Annual Meeting - Tuesday April 20th, 7.30 pm in Scole Church.
Deanery Mission Fayre - in Scole Church on Saturday May 8th from 10am to 4pm. Come and see what is happening locally in terms of mission and outreach work. Displays, demos .... and refreshments.
The Four Churches Festival Wednesday May 26th to Saturday May 29th. Planning has started. Look out for details from early March.
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March
Services for Scole and Billingford
Sunday
7
9.30 am Billingford HC 9.30 for 9.45 am Scole 11 am Scole
Mothering Sunday
14
Sunday
21
11am Scole
28
HC
10am Billingford FS
9.30 for 9.45 am Scole 11.00 am Scole
Palm Sunday
Lighthouse
FS & Children’s Church Lighthouse MP & Children’s Church
10.30 pm Brockdish Benefice Communion 4.30 Scole
Celebration Service
April Easter Sunday
4
Sunday
11
Sunday
18
Time to be confirmed
Billingford Easter Service
11 am Scole
Easter HC
11 am Scole
HC & Children’s Church
9.30 Billingford MP 9.30 for 9.45 am Scole
Sunday
25
Lighthouse
11 am Scole
MP & Children’s Church
11 am Scole
HC
4.30 pm Scole
Celebration Service
May Sunday
2
Sunday
9
Ascension Day
13 16
23
MP
11 am Scole
HC & Children’s Church
7.30 pm Scole
9.30 for 9.45 am Scole
HC
30
Lighthouse
11 am Scole
MP & Children’s Church
11am Scole
HC
4.30pm Scole
Pentecost Sunday
11 am Scole
9.30 am Billingford MP
Sunday
Sunday
9.30 am Billingford HC
Celebration Service
10.30 Billingford Benefice Service
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Harley’s Hints Garden jobs for spring March Take cuttings of chrysanthemums. Sow onions, parsnips and broad beans. Plant fruit trees. Oil and grease the lawnmower. Sow hardy annuals. Feed hydrangeas. Plant early potatoes and prepare celery trenches. Mulch raspberries and feed strawberries. Take dahlia cuttings and prune roses. Start begonias and gloxinias. Sow carrots and leeks. Spray black currants. Feed winter lettuce. Spray and feed roses. Plant gladioli. Sow half hardy Annuals. Sow peas, violas and pansies. Spray pears. Plant onion sets. Prune early flowering shrubs.
April Start to mow the lawn. Sow tomatoes. Plant asparagus. Feed spring cabbage. Now is the right time to sow a new lawn. Plant sweet pea seedlings and prune forsythias. Sow melons and cucumbers. Continue successional vegetable sowings. Prepare the soil for planting early chrysanthemums. Side shoot early tomatoes. Spray raspberries and apple trees. Tie in new vine shoots. Plant dahlia tubers. Plant water lilies. Prick out half hardy annuals. Complete potato planting. Feed strawberries.
May Be careful with bedding plants with any frost. Tie up sweet peas. Plant out Brussels sprouts and outdoor chrysanthemums. Sow half hardy annuals outdoors. Stake gladioli. Harden off bedding plants. Shade greenhouse. Sow french and runner beans. Spray black currants. Watch for greenfly on roses. Apply moss and weedkiller to lawns. Prepare for summer bedding. Lift and divide primulas. Take geranium cuttings. Plant cucumber plants in frames. Keep mowing the lawn when the weather is fine. Re-pot clivias. Spray roses for greenfly. Stan Harley 29
Having a party? Need extra space? 40ft x 10ft Marquee for hire Very reasonable rates Ring Sue - 01379 740837 The PCC at Billingford would like to thank everyone who has cut grass, hedges and in any way contributed to the upkeep of the churchyard and building in 2009. We shall soon be arranging the grass cutting rota for 2010. If you would like to join please contact Brian on 740723. This only involves cutting the new area 3 times in the season. Thank you to all the ladies who arranged flowers and cleaned the church during 2009, and I hope you are happy to continue this year. We have some spare months and I would be grateful for more volunteers. Please contact Sue on 740837.
Christmas Lights Display 2009 During late December it was with great anticipation that our two judges trudged through the snow and ice to marvel at the wonderful light shows around Scole and District that appeared as if by magic. Of course there is much more to it than just stringing a few lights together. This is art! The stunning arrays of colourful lights can take several weeks to design and construct, and it was decided that all of this hard work should be recognised by somebody. The PostHorn publishing team sanctioned a £50 prize for the winning design which would go to the winner who would designate the charity of their choice. This year the charity of choice is ‘Breast Cancer’. The winning team for 2009 is George and Phyllis Brown of Karen Close who wowed the judges with the variety and innovation of their display. George, who is a champion and regular donor to the Breast Cancer charity, doubled the donation from the PostHorn, so well done and congratulations to you both! If you want an hour of fun and delight we recommend taking a walk around your area, you might just get a wonderful surprise that you never knew even existed! Well done to our runners up, better luck next time.
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George and Phyllis Brown - winners of the Christmas Lights Display 2009
And our winners of the Highly Commended Diplomas for 2009 Congratulations to all - and possible winners for 2010?
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Do you want to win the Best Front Garden Competition 2010? If you do, get those pot plants and borders ready to look fantastic during the two weeks from 12th - 23rd July 2010!! That’s when our judges will be out there looking for immaculate flower beds and rockeries or any other garden decorations you think will catch the judges eyes. It doesn’t have to be a large display either! Use your imagination, and it’s ok to break convention as long as it makes an impressive display that gives you lots of satisfaction. Apart from the winner there will be some highly commended diplomas to distribute around the area so don’t be shy at having a go. The winner’s prize will be a cash donation of £50 given to the charity of their choice and the winner can also have a picture of their garden on the front cover of the Autumn (if they agree).
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Bygones Update It wouldn’t surprise me if quite a lot of folk were able to give this edition’s object a name or say what it was used for. It was in use from the middle ages (probably even before then) and it is still used today in some parts of the world. It is called a flail and was used for threshing corn - the process of separating the ears of corn from the stalks they grew on. The pictures below show it in use in past centuries.
This agricultural tool was made from two or more large sticks attached by a short chain. One stick was held and then swung causing the other, the striker, to hit the harvested sheaves, so dislodging the grain from them. A winnowing basket was then used, a little bit like a soil riddle, to separate the kernel of the corn grains from the outer husks or chaff. Generations of farmers adapted the design to suit the particular grain they were harvesting but fails fell into disuse in many nations because of the advent of new technologies; combine harvesters, for example, do several jobs with one piece of machinery and require much less manual labour. In some parts of the world though, flails still do have a use. In Minnesota, Canada, wild rice can only be harvested using manual means and the flail is still one of the tools used for that. The term flail comes from the motion of the tool as it is used. In previous centuries, many agricultural tools, including flails were often used as weapons by farmers who had no other means of fighting or defending themselves. It should be no surprise to find that the name for those lethal looking weapons, used by knights in combat, that had spiked balls on chains, and were so effective in penetrating armour as they were swung over the tops of the knight’s shield, were also called flails. 33
The Gambia - January 2010 by Trevor Raven Every Autumn, many of our local birds fly down to West Africa just south of the Sahara Desert, for their winter holidays. In January this year we decided to follow them, and see what they got up to. We chose The Gambia, a small English speaking country, 3,000 miles away, and midway between the equator and the tropic of cancer. During the dry season, November to March, sunshine is guaranteed with high temperatures and no rain. The Hotel Bakotu has bungalow style accommodation set in lovely gardens with birds and animals among its pools and little streams. With the sandy beach, and tidal pools just next door, and a golf course for some very good evening birding walks, it was an excellent choice. The Gambia is an acknowledged safe destination for the visitor, but very poor, especially out in the countryside where we spent most of our time. To us birders, people were friendly and cheerful, albeit curious, especially the children. We enjoyed good transport, and on the rough dirt roads this is essential, as is the services of an experienced local guide. Wally has years of experience, and seemed to know where everything was. The Birding has to be as good as it gets, with 200 different species in just one week. In some locations it was like being in a giant aviary with fabulously coloured birds everywhere. Among them were the birds we had come to find. European migrants – many of them our local variety such as the warblers, Turtle Dove and Kestrel. Shore birds and farmland birds too, the ones we are used to seeing in Norfolk and even a few swallows and swifts, although our British ones continue another 4,000 miles to South Africa. The domestic animals must be the happiest in the world. Chickens, goats, cows, cats and dogs wandering in and out of the little houses and into the surrounding countryside, free to come and go as they please. I enquired about how they managed to find the chickens’ eggs and was told they all come home at night, and ‘mostly’ lay them in their coops. There does seem to be an awful lot of chicks running around though. The Gambia is a good introduction to Africa, and for the North European an ideal winter escape. For the keen birder it must be close to what heaven is like.
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4
3
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6
1 African Paradise Flycatcher 3 White-crowned Robin-chat 5 Yellow-crowned Gonolek
2 Abbysinian Roller 4 Little Bee-eater 6 Redcheeked Cordon-Bleu Finch
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by Rolph Tipoy It seems a long time ago now. The blue moon and scarlet sea are long behind me, but my adventures are just beginning. How could I possibly know what lay between the Great Chasm and the Cantellian Void. I had to make a choice, once made it could not be reversed. The wave overcame everything.
Part 5 The Return Home Micky charged through the door as the Warrant Officer yelled after him. What could he do now? Only one thing for it, rush through to the Captain’s cabin and hide in the big chest for a while. He needed to change back into his original clothes and get out of there quickly, but could he find that section of the wall that he came through last time? So many things churned around in his head as he stormed into the cabin. He breathed a sigh of relief, nobody around. He rushed across to the chest, opened the lid, peered down into it and then jumped inside closing the lid after him. Phew! he thought, now where’s my clothes. There was now the sound of a collection of heavy footsteps coming down the corridor, plus some some yelling and shouting which was getting louder. He’d stirred something up out there, the Warrant Officer had been disobeyed and he didn’t sound very happy. Micky needed a plan ‘B’ to work too, he mustn’t be caught, not now! The door was forced open and in marched the Warrant Officer with two armed Royal Marines just behind him. He pointed to a cupboard and ordered one of the Marines to search it, the other was ordered to open the chest. The cupboard was empty, the lid on the chest was opened and was found also to be empty? A sword was removed from the W.O’s scabbard and was poked behind some curtaining by the book shelves. Nothing. A scowl erupted from his face, no luck! “The boy has to be here somewhere!” he roared. “Check the gun decks, and the powder lockers. When I get hold of him I’ll beat him until he begs for mercy!” The three men marched out of the cabin, slamming the door behind them, then silence. Only the creaking of the ship’s beams and woodwork could be heard as Micky, after a few minutes, decided to climb down from the top of the cupboard. He’d covered himself in a small piece of cotton sheet that he’d noticed earlier, Plan ‘B’ had worked! 37
He took his clothes out of the chest and changed quickly. He then started to search the wall behind him for the exit. The bookshelves were pulled and prodded, the desk was moved and the wooden panels inspected. Nothing? Voices could now be heard coming slowly down the corridor but not the Warrant Officer’s barking sounds. He had to find that exit! He moved the desk back and heard the creak of floorboards as those footsteps got closer. He pushed and shoved every single thing that looked like it might move, the voices stopped just outside the door. He was now frantically lunging at everything in desperation. The door handle moved down and the door started to open. In frustration, he charged into a small boxlike area near the corner of the wall to hide, and then to his astonishment fell smoothly back into the cave just as they walked into the room. Micky lay on the floor gasping for breath, his chest heaving and rising rapidly, .......at last he had escaped. He was thankful to have got away from that dreadful man! Slowly he got his breath back and moved towards the light from the cave’s entrance. The steep climb of the damp and slippery steps were difficult, but as he picked his way up them, the thought of the safety of home egged him onwards. The smell of the sea air was welcome once more as he jumped outside on to the ledge of the cave. Climbing down on to the beach was a piece of cake compared to what he’d just been through. He pondered for a while, wondering what the time was? He guessed he’d been away for at least two days, his mum would kill him when he got back home. Strangely, nothing seemed to have changed, it was still daylight and the sun indicated it was around the same time of day as when he’d entered the cave? He wasn’t going to ask too many questions, the priority was to get back home. Micky passed the church and noticed Mr Hazzard the churchyard keeper still busily scything down the nettles and long grass around the grave stones. He waved to him, and he waved back, as he walked down the lane to his house. “What’s the time please Mr Hazzard” he yelled across to him. “That’s a quarter past four Mr Michael” came the reply. Micky was rather puzzled about the time, he’d only been gone for just over an hour according to him. “What day is it?” he invited the old man to answer. “I think you be testing me today Mr Michael, I haven’t lost me marbles yet you know. It be a Tuesday, and what a fine day it is too, is it not!” 38
Micky grinned stupidly and waved back in acknowledgment. Well, he thought, how can it be that I’ve been away for at least two days and nothing has changed here? How can that be? He couldn’t fully understand but something had happened, what should he do? After walking another few hundred yards he came to the front garden of his house. He opened the wooden garden gate and strolled up to the front door which was open. His mother had been working in the garden. “Ahh, there you are!” she exclaimed. “Are you ready for your tea now?” Micky looked on in amazement, time really had carried on as normal. He wasn’t even missed. How could this have happened? He had to pinch himself to realise what had occurred over the last few days. What was in that cave? How had he been through this extraordinary journey and nobody had missed him at all? So many questions and too few answers. One day he would have to go back to that cave and find out what was going on. He really needed those answers to help him get through it all. He walked upstairs to his room and threw his jacket on to the chair in the corner of the room. He opened the small framed window to allow some more air into the room and opened a book that he had been using as he slumped on to his bed. A pencil was inside the book from the last entry. He licked the end of the pencil and thought hard. He wrote the entry with a steady hand and started with the words, Tuesday, 15th. Dear Diary..........Wow, what a day I’ve had! I’ve fought in the Battle of Trafalgar! He got his rubber out and removed the entry. “Now............who’s going to believe that!”
Pre-School The Pre-School had a good Ofsted inspection in December and is now planning to open five mornings a week beginning in April. Contact details are on the directory page in this edition of PostHorn. (p50). They welcome a new secretary, Helen Soper - telephone 740873. Toddler Group This is no longer running as nobody could be found to run the group.
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Interesting Photographs of Billingford By Chris Earl In our last edition I looked at some of The Horseshoes licensees featuring mainly the licensees up to 1976. When writing this article due to the vivid description of George Elliott, a much loved “old fashioned” landlord including his customary waistcoat, watch chain, flat cap and clay pipe, I was keen to obtain a photograph of him. Ron Batley has kindly loaned me some interesting photographs from his late Mother’s collection. In 1958, after 24 years as Licensee, George Elliott retired. On this occasion he posed with Rosa outside his retirement home in New Buckenham. George was wearing his best suit with no cap but the waistcoat and watch chain remained.
The photograph on the right shows George outside The Horseshoes. The date is unknown but it was taken when the road ran in front of the pub where the present benches and front garden are. Interesting to note The Horseshoes, AA and Steward & Patteson signs. 40
An unusual view of the mill showing all the outbuildings which were once there. Someone has marked The Horseshoes with a cross.
A 1931 view with two sails removed probably for repair. Close-up shows the millers Arthur and George Danes 41
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Scole Mothers’ Union As the Carol Service was the main event at the M.U. during the winter months, this is a short summary of M.U. activities during the past year. The theme for 2009 was "Cost of Relationships" when members supported each other through good times and bad. With no official Branch Leader, meetings were chaired by committee and always commenced with a hymn, Bible reading and a short service from the M.U. Worship book. Two meetings were preceded by a short service of Holy Communion and speakers’ subjects ranged from "Voices" and "The Cross" to "The Stained Glass at Kings College, Cambridge". Other events included a Quiet Day at Ditchingham, an outing to Bury St. Edmunds, a Lady Day service at Harleston, an Evening of Prayer and Praise at Scole, an Archdeaconry service at Wymondham Abbey, Festival service at the Cathedral, Breakfast meeting at Pulham and a Carol service at Diss. We celebrated Win's 90th birthday in December. Future Meetings: 18th March - speaker will be Irene Sayer from Diss. 15th April - shared lunch with speaker Suzanne Jones - The M.U. Archdeaconry President whose subject will be "New Beginnings". 20th May - This will be a combined Deanery meeting with speaker Christine Virgin from Harleston. All meetings are held in the church at 2.15pm and anyone wishing to join us will be very welcome.
Women’s Institute On Thursday 1st April Mrs Hammond Webb will come to talk about “Banham Zoo”. The competition is for an animal figure. Another April meeting will involve Diss and Pulham Institutes when on Wednesday 21st the group will hear and see Paul Bryant on the Joys of Painting. There will be a social evening on 6th May and a discussion on the A.G.M. Resolution. Basil Abbott will be our speaker on Thursday 3rd June when he tells us something of the “History of Diss Common”. The competition is to make an arrangement of grasses and wild flowers. All meetings at 7.30pm at “Hopefield”, Norwich Road. Visitors welcome. 43
Scole Dominoes Club The Scole Domino team have had a much improved season so far. Our new members have settled in well and are an enthusiastic bunch. The end of the season sees all in-house competitions played, completed. The Doubles competition was won by our Captain Peggy Stygall and partner Mick Fairweather, in a closely fought game against Wendy Evans and Alan Frith, the runners-up. The club singles winner is Brian Foreman, one of our new players. Congratulations to all of you. Friday 15th January the Domino team arranged a surprise 80th birthday party for their team Captain Peggy Stygall at Scole Crossways. The party was a combined celebration. Peggy and doubles partner Mick Fairweather were presented with their in house winners’ cup and plaques and runners-up Wendy Evans and partner Alan Frith also received their cup and plaques. The evening culminated in the club singles competition. This was played in a light-hearted, although serious manner. The eventual finalists were husband and wife team, Brian and June Foreman, with Brian being the victor. The winners from both competitions will now go on to play subsequent winners from other teams in the Domino League, to decide the overall League Champions .
Over 60s Friendship Club On December 15th we had our Christmas Party. Jean Davies was on keyboard and we sang carols and old-time songs. The AGM will be on Tuesday March 16th. Prize Bingo on Friday March 26th. New members welcome.
Winter Lovely crunchy snow White blankets gleaming Ice, slippery ice Frozen pipes, long icicles Frosty snow flakes Delicate ice.
Snow goes away. We have problems. Floods and slush, people get bored And just want it to go away. It is all dull outside! Aimee 44
Scole Friday Night Club Well I don’t think any of us involved in planning and organising the club expected it to be the success it is nor did we expect to find it quite as enjoyable as we do! The youngsters who come (usually about 20 of them), girls and boys, with ages ranging from 11 to 14 are a delight to be with. They are funny and enthusiastic; determined at table tennis, ambitious at pool, energetic at football and keen to learn at crafting, but, most important - they are some of the politest young people I have ever met. They enjoy the experience of being independent - deciding what activity to do or which refreshments to buy with their pocket money. Thanks to Scole Cabs, who are providing us with a minibus, free of charge, we are taking the group to Norwich for a bowling and buffet evening and we hope it will be the first of other trips out of the village. Roz, Ralph, Ian and I enjoy our Friday nights but with such large numbers we would really welcome some help from other adults in the village. You don’t have to have particular skills- just to like and enjoy the company of young people. So how about it? Wouldn't you like to do something for 2 hours a week, or 2 hours a fortnight or even 2 hours a month to support the young people of our village? We’d be grateful if you’d think about it. If you can help, please ring Roz (07887594015) and Ralph Barnett (07889340677 ), Ian Constance (740265) or myself, Sue Auckland (740325).
Homewatch There has been a spate of thefts from household oil tanks recently in this area; Scole has been targeted. The police are advising an alarm system for your tank. More details and advice from Norfolk Police on 0845 456 4567.
Annual Village Quiz To all the organisations in the Parish. Get your brains oiled for this fun event on Friday 16th April. See you at the Community Centre for 7.30pm start.
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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 46
Scole Village Fête: UPDATE!! We held our first meeting on Wednesday, 13th January, and despite the dreadful weather we had a good turnout – thank you to all those that braved the bitter cold, much appreciated! Our Fête this year will be on Saturday, 17th July, and we have chosen the 1960’s as our theme! So get your thinking caps on!!! KnockOut (KO) Entertainment will be our hosts, and will be keeping our kids entertained with their music, face painting, stilt walking balloonoligist, and they will help us with our announcements for the afternoon. So far, we have received sponsorship donations from Diss Park Hotel, Rosedale Funeral Services, and Darren Lummis Electrical – thank you. Waterfields & Son are sponsoring the Waterfields Trophy for the football tournament, and being involved throughout the day, so a huge thank you to all for their support and generosity! We will also be having a display of vintage and classic vehicles, pony rides. Poz the Entertainer will provide a “test your strength”, and kids swing boats, and we will have our usual stalls run by our local organisations, raffle, refreshments and more. Last year the First Responders was our chosen charity, and had a very successful afternoon. This year, however, we have chosen EACH (East Anglian Children’s Hospices), so please can we have your support, to support them – thank you! The proceeds from the afternoon will be divided between the Organisations involved and EACH. The Competitions this year are: 18’s and over: Flower arrangement – multi colours, real flowers, and 60’s theme. No vases! First prize: £15 12-18yrs: Best photo of flower/flowers - First prize: £10 6-11yrs: Drawing of flowers - First prize: £5 Under 5’s: Drawing of flowers - First prize: £5 Best dressed stall competition (60’s theme): Prize: £10 Attention: Request for volunteers: Please, can we ask for 5 volunteers (aged 16yrs and over) to be Car Park Attendants for the day? A layout will be organised nearer the time, so please contact either Robert or Linda. Next fête meeting: Wednesday 24th March at Scole Community Centre at 7.30pm and Wednesday 28th April at Scole Community Centre at 7.30pm Thank you for your support! Robert Ludkin, Tel: 01379 740 659 and Linda Clay Tel: 01379 741 187 47
Parish Council News for November, December and January by Sue Redgrave Items discussed at the last three meetings were as follows: Parish Plan This is soon to be ready for printing. The PC thanked Councillor C Moore for her time and efforts in preparing this document which will be distributed to every household in the parish, when completed. Wind Turbines This is an ongoing discussion as further plans reach us for the surrounding area of Scole, ie Eye, Tivetshall & Dickleburgh. Bungay Road A petition was handed to the PC by the residents of Bungay Road. It was decided that the first action is to ask highways for a traffic and speed count. Please visit PC website for full details (hot topics and news). Traffic issues Scole and surrounding parishes were discussed by the PC with PCSO K Yuill and Mike Bentley of SNDC. Footways The footway along the A1066 to Diss has been cleaned and put back to the original width, making it easier for parishioners to use. The footway along Bungay Road near the memorial and leading on to Norwich Road is due for re-surfacing soon. Planning applications these can be viewed on the SNDC website. Brownie Flag The PC will supply a bracket for the flag to be laid up in Scole Church as the Brownies no longer have a group in the village. Recycling Payment of ÂŁ250 received from SNDC and paid over to Playing Field fund. Affordable Housing The completed plans by Broadland Housing will be put before the planning committee at SNDC on February 3rd. Precept A 2.5 hr meeting was held at the playing field to discuss our requirements to keep the parish running in 2010/2011. A budget was prepared by the clerk, for which she is to be commended. It was a unanimous vote to request ÂŁ13,487 from SNDC. Quality Status PC voted unanimously to apply for Quality Status. New Councillors We are 3 councillors short of our quota. If anyone is interested in becoming a councillor, please contact the clerk. Meetings continue to be held at the School on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm - all welcome.
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Mobile Library Van THELVETON & SCOLE 2 weekly intervals on Thursdays
March 11, 25 April
8, 22
May
6, 20
09.55 10.15 10.27 10.45 11.15 11.30 11.45
Thelveton Ransome Avenue Reeve Close St Andrew’s Rd Robinson Road Clements Close Karen Close
BILLINGFORD
3 weekly intervals on Mondays
Upper Street Post box 10am - 10.15 March 1, 22 April 12 May 24
Thelveton Flower Festival Thelveton Church are holding a Flower Festival at the start of Churches Open week 31st July to 1st August. As St. Andrew is the patron saint of Fishermen this will be the theme of the festival. Over the next few weeks Gale and I will be calling on residents of Thelveton to ask them if they have any items relating to fishermen that they may be willing to loan us for our displays. Listen out for that knock on the door! Jackie Jones
Parish Councillors
Situated in
Tel. No.
Graham Moore (Chairman)
Thelveton
01379 741716
Sue Redgrave (Vice-Chairman)
Billingford
01379 740837
Pearl Fisher
Scole
01379 740753
Ray Franklin
Scole
01379 741141
Alan Frith
Scole
01379 742739
Roy Philpot
Scole
01379 670255
Corinne Moore
Thelveton
01379 741716
Jackie Jones
Thelveton
01379 740920
Alex Pullen (Clerk)
Pulham St. Mary
01379 670609
All parish council information is available at the following office, by appointment: Alex Pullen, Northridge House, North Green Road, Pulham St Mary, Norfolk, IP21 4YG
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VILLAGE DIRECTORY Group / Organisation Scole Pre-School
Contact ....... Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri 9.15 - 11.45 Helen Soper (Sec) 740873 or Shirley Shiress 740574
Friends of Scole School
....... Georgina King-Fisher 740249
Scole Mothers Union
....... Georgie O’Shaughnessy 740127
Scole Women’s Institute
....... Shirley Hall 740636
Scole Social Club
....... Pearl Fisher 740753 June Foreman 740902
Scole Domino Club
....... Peggy Stygall 740986
Over 60s Friendship Club
....... Joyce Coleman 740384
Scole & Distict Bowls Club
....... Robin Shortell 740053
Friday Night Youth Club
....... Sue Auckland 740325
Scole Lads FC
....... Paul Partridge 650538
Scole United Football Club
....... Vic Buckle 740327
First Team Manager
....... Ron Edwards 740316
Reserves Manager
....... Paul Edwards c/o Edgars Hairdresser 07768 087144
Scole Parish website
....... scoleparish.org.uk
Diss First Responders
....... Rachel Hillier (Co-Ordinator) 740158
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Medical Emergency (out of hours)
01603 488 488
NHS Direct
0845 4647
Norfolk Constabulary (non emergency) 0845 456 4567 Gas (emergencies)
0800 111 999
Anglian Water
08457 145 145
Home Watch
01379 650773
South Norfolk District Council
01508 533 633
Street lighting, pavements, litter Alex Pullen (Clerk to Parish Council)
01379 670609
County Councillor (Martin Wilby)
01379 741504
District Councillor (Jenny Wilby)
01379 741504
Network Rail (enquiries)
08457 484950
Borderhoppa
01379 854800
scolepc@btinternet.com
Meadow Green Dog Rescue (Loddon) 01508 548216 Tim Page - Scole Bridge Ranger
01379 788008
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Police Mobile Unit Visits Tuesdays 9.20am To 10.50am 16 March 13 April 11 May The unit will be parked in Scole at the Bungay Road lay-by
Scole Village Stores Asset House, Scole, Diss Norfolk. IP21 4DR Tel: 01379 741494
Support your Local Shops!
Website : www.scolevillagestores.co.uk
Shop Opening Hours • Mon - Fri
06:00 – 20:00
• Sat • Sun • Bank Holidays
07:00 – 20:00 08:00 – 17:00 09:00 – 17:00
Your local Convenience Store for; Newspapers, Tobacco, Off-Licence, Sweets, Groceries, Mobile Top-ups, Faxing, Colour or Black & White copying (small quantities) and much more.
Credit and Debit Cards now accepted
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Excellent quality home cooked meals using fresh local ingredients Fortnightly Jazz nights - Thursdays (check for details) Live music every weekend Family friendly
Regular weekly activities Tuesday - Darts & Dominoes Wednesday - Quiz Night Thursday - Pool Mothering Sunday 14 March - book now 3 course Sunday Roast meal with free gift for Mums. £14.95
March Sat Sat Fri Sat
6 13 19 27
A.J. Karaoke - Keith B4 TBC
April Fri Sat Sat Sat Sat
2 3 10 17 24
Ian Larkin Karaoke - Keith Amanda Graham McGrotty The Unded?ded
May Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Sun
1 8 15 22 29 30
Karaoke Keith Tim - new Solo Artist TBC Buskers Night Amanda Karaoke - Keith
Coming soon • Curry night-Thursdays (see board for details) • Poker night (call for details) Also • Coffee shop mornings Range of cakes, fresh baked bread, pastries, fresh coffee, tea, herbal teas, hot choc & soft drinks • New - Special offer menu - 2 meals for £10.95
Monday nights
March
10oz Steak (rump)
Sunday Roasts
chips & peas £7.50 must book
2 for £12 Freshly cooked to order
SKY TV plus ESPN - Full Menu & Takeaway