Norma and Judy

Norma’s story: Eight years ago, I heard of the North Walsham Good Neighbours. Having been a widow for four years, there were lots of small jobs that needed doing I rang them and

God bless the day I did I cannot express how grateful I am to all of them, from putting new light bulbs in to erecting a small plastic storage shed and numerous other small jobs Then came the Coronavirus and I was shut indoors If it hadn’t been for two wonderful volunteers, Judy and Wendy, ringing to see if I was alright, I don't think I would have remained sane. Thank you so much to everybody You are appreciated so much

I was born in Norfolk in 1938, having 9 sisters and 2 brothers I was third from youngest We were classed as a poor family but I had the happiest of childhoods I never had toys to play with, not even at Christmas We would hang up a sock and Santa would put in a few a nuts and an orange Christmas Day was so exciting as it was the only day we had a fire lit in the front room We had a piece of holly as a Christmas tree, no crackers but we were so happy.

Come Summer and with nearly all the other children in the village we spent our time trying to catch rabbits in the corn fields Then we would cool off in the river Sundays was chapel in the morning and Sunday school at church in the afternoon

My mum was a very proud woman Her children had to be the best behaved in the village She was so proud if someone told her that her children were a credit to her, which they often did Sweets once a month and only two each An ice-cream man came to the village and we would pick flowers from our garden to give to him He would then give us a free ice cream A wonderful childhood

Judy’s story: I joined the NWGNS as a volunteer befriender when lockdown began I realised there were a lot of lonely people who would enjoy a weekly chat with someone Being shut in without seeing friends and family was difficult I really enjoyed my chats with Norma and with the other people I phoned I’m sure it helped me as much as them. When things were easier, Norma and I met up for coffee Our lives are back to normal now but we still meet for a good chat

North Walsham Good Neighbours offer free help or short term support to anyone who lives in North Walsham. Call 01692 558321 if you need any help or support for knowing the moves! Actually, I wonder if this would be the record length for a published orthodox problem with all moves forced on both sides The length (12 moves!) of No. 312 might put off at first sight, but in fact it is so easy that I need not trouble solvers to send solutions this time either It does not even conform to the usual convention that a good problem should never start with a check I leave readers to enjoy the spectacle of the black