february 2020 village voice - belton with browstonleisure centre on tuesday february 4th (7-30pm)...

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VoiceDelivered MONTHLY FREE

Village 20th Great Year!

3500 copies monthly. Delivered free to homes inBelton, Browston, Burgh Castle, Fritton &

St. Olaves. Also free through outlets in Bradwell.Find us at www.beltonandbrowston.com

FEBRUARY 2020

Vol 20-11

Although well over a month has passed, we cannotforget what a wonderful start to Christmas it was in ourvillage with the concert given by the Belton CommunityChoir and the Cats Pyjamas in All Saints Church on theevening of 20th December.

With over 60 people in the audience we were treated toan evening of traditional and Christmas songs, many ofwhich had audience participation. This was especiallyso when the choir sang “The Twelve Days of Christmas”with verses alternating between the choir and theaudience. The event was free but from donations on thenight over £120 was raised for great causes. A bigthanks goes to Rosie and her team for hosting it in theChurch and providing the refreshments during theinterval. Following this success it is hoped that a similarevent can be planned for Christmas 2020.

If you would like to be part of the choir, please go alongto the JGI on a Friday evening at 7.15 pm (except thethird Friday of the month which is Quiz Nite).

FLASHBACK: BELTON COMMUNITY CHOIR & XMAS 2019

Village Voice - February 2020

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VILLAGEVOICE

FEBRUARY 2020

Issue: 228This Magazine is aCommunity Enterpriseprofessionally printed byBlackwell Print - but written,edited & delivered free -entirely by volunteers. Afterprinting costs, any profits fromthe Magazine are paid out inthe form of grants tocommunity organisations &groups in our circulation area.

HOW TO CONTACT US:EDITORRegi AlexanderBelton Lodge, BeltonNorfolk NR31 9JQTel [email protected]

GRAPHICS Bill Richmond

ADVERTISINGBrian Swan 01493 [email protected] Roache 07787 157283

DELIVERY & EDITORIALADVISERBrian Swan 01493 780776

Printed by Blackwell Print,Charles Street, Gt. YarmouthNR30 3LA.

We welcome your news,views, letters and articles &photographs for publication.No anonymous items will beaccepted. If you have acomplaint , please write toAdrian Myers, Chairman,Village Voice Board by postat 49 Heather Gardens,Belton, Gt. Yarmouth, NR319PP

YOUR VILLAGE VOICEThe closing date for the

March 2020 edition of VillageVoice is 14th February 2020

(12th February foradvertisements). All

contributions [email protected] advertising enquiries [email protected].

Please produce informationin Arial Rich Text and

images as jpeg files 1megmax file size. Please do notembed images in the text.

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESKAllow me to start by thanking BillRichmond for very kindly stepping inat short notice and guest editing lastmonth’s Village Voice when I wascalled away for a family emergency.

Now that we are well and truly into the new year, thismonth’s Village Voice sees a return of six of your regularcolumns- VV Kitchen, VV Book Club, VV Health Check,Martin Metcalf, Down the Garden Path and A Springer’sTale. The VV Book Club column (page 17) that featurespoetry from a striking new voice OG and its review byanother debut writer for this magazine - Vicki Malcolm isa particular favourite for me in this issue.

The Village Voice is also delighted to announce the launchof the 2020 writing competition (inside back cover, page31). Readers may remember the remarkable success ofthe competition last year with over 120 entries and thewonderful afternoon with best selling author JoannaCannon who was the chief guest at the awards ceremony.I do hope very much we will see a repeat this year of thesame degree of participation. Events like these make ourvillages unique and showcase the extent of talent in ourmidst.

A personal plea now- Village Voice really needs volunteerswho can help with its distribution (back cover, page 32).My colleague Brian Swan has been doing his best toco-ordinate this operation and all of us, volunteers in theVillage Voice board, would be very grateful if some of youput yourselves forward to help in the magazine’sdistribution. Please do contact Brian.

Finally- some good news in the national parish magazineawards (see below, page 3). It reminds me of many aschool report I have received in the past- “capable of doingbetter”, but with yet another finish well within the top 10 ofover 350 entries, boy- we should all be very proud indeed!

Regi Alexander, Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITORDear EditorBefore Christmas, we had friends to stay andvisited the Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre.While in Yarmouth we took a walk downRegent Road and all of us were appalled tosee a shop selling large bladed knives andhatchet kind of items, swords and guns. It isstated they are for outdoor pursuits such ashunting and fishing! We were amazed that thisis permitted in the present climate of knifecrimes, even if it is legal! We know it’s illegalto carry them in a public place so how doesanyone get them home? We have written toBrandon Lewis our MP, who is Minister forSecurity and he has agreed to take this up withboth the police and the Home Office. If you feelstrongly about this please contact the localnewspapers and magazines like Village Voice.Perhaps if enough people see this as an issue,they may get a petition going against the saleof such items.

Name & address suppliedDear Editor,Able Community Care is a Norfolk home carecompany which was established in 1980 and now provides care 24/7 throughout the UK and beyond. We

continually read news/articles flagging up the activities ofdoorstep criminals: fraudulent roofers, gardeners, serviceofficials and other non-genuine visitors who target olderpeople. Over the years we have also had first-handevidence from our own clients and carers.

As a company we have decided to see if we can helpprevent this on a small scale and so we have had theattached Door Safety Sticker printed to give away to olderpeople. To date we have sent out 40,000 since Februarythis year and if you think your older readers may like to haveone, please ask them to either ring us on 01603 764567 oremail to [email protected] Gifford CEO Able Community Care

NATIONAL PARISH MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

On the sixth time of entering theNational Parish Magazine of TheYear competition in 2019 ‘VillageVoice’ is pleased to report that itsentry came 7th out of over 350entries in the section for A4 sized

publications. This is the secondbest result that we have ever

had, having come 4th in 2017.

Our thanks to everyone involved with the publicationincluding all our contributors and our printers- Blackwellsin Great Yarmouth for an excellent job.

Contents1st Belton Scouts 24A Springers Tale 20Adrian Myers 7BC Tracy Cameron 7Belton Bowmen 5Belton FC 29Belton in Bloom 16Belton PC 4Belton Fun Day 22Brandon Lewis 7Burgh Castle PC 5Camera Club 24Community Cars 4Down Garden Path 20E N College 21ENTUA 25Gorleston Community Cinema 6Malcolm Metcalf 16Moorlands 21New Road activities 22Rev Rosie Writes 15Rock Solid 15Slimming World 6Somerleyton Craft Fair 6The JGI 26VV Book Club 17VV Health Check 19VV Kitchen 18VV Smalls 28VV Writing Competition 31What’s On 30Young at Heart 15

mailto:[email protected]


BELTON WITH BROWSTONPARISH COUNCIL

www.beltonwithbrowston.norfolkparishes.gov.uk/


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JANUARY COUNCIL MEETING

Ten Parish Councillors, County Councillor Andy Grant, BoroughCouncillor Adrian Myers and two members of the public attended theJanuary meeting of Belton with Browston Parish Council, PeterNichols was in the chair.

There was a detailed discussion on the workings of the Councilssecurity cameras and improvements were agreed to make themmore effective. On highways matters there were still promises fromthe County Councillor that improvements will take place to the roadsurface at Stepshort but again no date for any works to commence,the condition of the footpath just the Belton side of the dyke has nowbeen added to the list of problems.

County Councillor Grant reported that all sources of finance forpossible upgrading of the New Road cycle track have been put onhold until a final decision is taken on the possible development ofnew housing by the A143 roundabout as this would effect any works.

Borough Councillor Myers stated that the issue of Japanese Knotwood issue on the Wild Duck site is with the companies head office,the Borough Council cannot intervene unless it goes on to public orother peoples lands. Councillor Myers also reported that, for legalreasons, McDonald's would not be proceeding with his idea that allwrappings from fast food be marked with the registration number ofthe vehicles used for collection, this would have assisted in fly tippingprosecutions.

The Councillor also reported that the large hole within the car parkingarea at Fern Gardens is likely to be the garage owning residentsresponsibility to repair unless it can be attributed to any damagedunderground pipes drawing soil away..

Various delays be residents cutting back overgrown hedges arebeing taken up by County Councillor Grant, he will now suggest tothe County that they are 'flail cut' and residents billed accordingly.

The possibility of at least three new village entrance signs wasdiscussed further, two funding options and acceptable wordingshould be sorted in time for the February Parish Council meeting.

There were four new planning applications discussed, three noobjections – subject to neighbours views, a cart shed at Five Acres,Cherry Lane, Browston, to replace a conservatory with an extensionat 20 Fern Gardens and a new three bedroom bungalow with carparking and turning at Empala, Sandy Lane, Belton.

The application for outline planning permission for use of land forpark homes at Rose Farm, Stepshort was a resubmission of apreviously approved application which had run out of time as no workhad been commenced in the three years allowed. Councillor Myersoffered to check if it will be an automatic approval or if objections canbe updated and reconsidered.

It is hoped that the council can work with the church for a singlecelebration on the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May, the clerk madecouncillors aware of a possible funding grant which the vice chair-man will investigate.

The next meeting of the Parish Council is at the New Road Sport &Leisure Centre on Tuesday February 4th (7-30pm)

MILESTONE FOR COMMUNITY CARSCHEME

February 2020 sees the 10th Anniversary of theCar Scheme. Initiated with the support of thethen Norfolk Rural Community Council andsupport from the three parish councils, we haverun for 52 weeks of the year except forweekends and bank holidays. What an

achievement for such a small band of volunteers. Especial thanksto the ‘lady who mans the phone’. Over the period we have helpedover 3,000 residents to get to appointments, shop or go on holiday.

Our team of 7 drivers , some of whom have been there from thestart, are happy to offer support to those in need . Thank you tothe drivers who give up their time so patiently to help those in ourcommunity who struggle to access public transport.

To book a car please call 07767063986,Passengers can book a car to take them shopping, to socialevents, connections for holiday travel or medical appointments. Theonly stipulation being they are resident in one of the five villagesand can walk to the vehicle. We ask for at least 24 hours notice asall our drivers are volunteers, but are very willing to do our best tohelp.

Want to know more then contact:[email protected]/01493780126.

COUNCIL DIARY

COUNCIL - Parish Council meetings are now on the first Tuesdayof each month, (7.30pm) at the New Road Sport and Leisure Centre,making the next dates February 4th and March 3rd, questions canbe put to councillors at the start of each meeting.

SURGERIES - The Parish Clerk, Kate Palmer, is normally availablemonthly to meet informally with and take note of residents queries,(Parish Clerks Surgery), the next next date will be WednesdayJanuary 29th at the John Green Institute (10.30-11.30am), followedby Wednesday February 26th at the New Road Centre between 1and 2pm. To confirm that Kate will be there please call 01493602960, e-mail [email protected] , she can also becontacted in writing at 56, Victoria Road, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth,NR31 6EF.

CRIME REPORT FORNOVEMBER

Below is a list of the crimesrecorded for our local villages inNovember 2019 according to thefigures supplied by NorfolkConstabulary to the Police UKweb site.

Burgh Castle (Total 3) (2018 -1): 1 x Violence / Sexualoffence, 2 x Anti SocialBehaviour.

Belton (Total 7) (2018 - 12):2 x Anti Social Behaviour, 1 xPublic Order, 4 x Violence.

Browston (Total 1) (2018 -0): 1 x Anti Social Behaviour.

Fritton (Total 1) (2018 - 0): 1x Anti Social Behaviour.

St. Olaves (Total 3) (2018 -1): 1 x Violence, 1 x Burglary,1 x Other Crime


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BURGH CASTLE PARISH COUNCIL

Six Parish councillors, Borough Councillor Adrian Myers and fourmembers of the public attended the January 13th meeting of BurghCastle Parish Council, Brian Swan was in the chair.

Councillor Myers reported that the damaged street lamp on Butt Laneby Oaklands Drive and another old stump of a light at Stepshort willbe dealt with in late February, early March, he also offered to take upthe case of residents on High Road whose garden is repeatedly beingflooded by surface water from the road and nearby fields also inresponse to this there were calls for all the road drains in the village tobe pumped out. There were discussions on a large commercial stylefireworks display on Back Lane at New Year, it was confirmed thatthese need to be finished by 11pm except at November 5th, New Yearand Chinese New Year when later displays are permitted, contraven-tion of the law is subject to prosecution and a heavy fine.

There was a planning application for a new four bedroom chaletbungalow and garage to replace the existing property at Holmdene onButt Lane, there were no objections subject to the comments ofneighbours. The application for a new property next to Three Ways onMill Road has been refused by the Borough Council.

Members agreed to reconsider supplying new notice boards at theparish burial ground as there are now funds available and olddocuments will be located to check the access of vehicles to the siteto enable responsibility for its upkeep to be clarified.

Members agreed to apply for a grant which has now become availableto go towards the cost of a community social event to commemoratethe75th Anniversary of VE Day in May this year.

The next meeting of the Council is at the Village hall on MondayFebruary 10th (7.30pm), the public can raise points at the start of themeeting or the Parish clerk can be contacted on 07948705218.

Parish Burial Ground : At the monthly Burgh Castle Parish Councilmeeting it was noted that there are various Christmas items on graves,anybody who cares for graves where these items are placed is askedto ensure that they are removed by the end of January, there was alsoa general reminder that no vases and items additional to headstonesare permitted, this is a standard regulation in lawned burial grounds.

BURGH CASTLE VILLAGE HALL & CHURCH

A Happy New Year to All our ‘Supporters and followers’

NEXT EVENT : Our next event is on Thursday 13th February 10am -1pm. Please join us at the Village Hall for coffee and cake. We havebeen donated a large amount of New and Nearly New Clothing andthis time will also be having a “Jumble Sale” as well as our usualBargain Stall.

It is due to your generosity that we are able to raise funds for ourchurch and village hall - Thank you.

As well as items needed for February 13th We will continue to takedonations of good quality bric-a-brac, and books, ready for the futureevents at the hall, to arrange collection please [email protected]/01493780126)BURGH CASTLE FUN DAY : We will be back again this year andhave booked Sunday June 28th (open Noon -4.30pm) at the VillageHall and Playing Field for this years Fun Day event, however we doneed a few more helpers to join our committee, if you can help pleaselet Margaret know so she can invite you to the next committee meetingalthough attending these is not essential, its really help ON THE DAYthat we require.

We are also now taking bookings for stalls and attractions, bothcommercial and charity so if you run a business or run a local club orgroup that would like to display or raise funds for your organisationplease again contact Margaret (details above)

CHURCH RESTORATION : The congregation enjoyed a very‘Warm’ welcome at our Christmas Services the heating works atreat. Now we must continue our efforts to raise the funds to carryon with the restoration of our lovely building

Our next event will be the very popular BURNS NIGHT, held atthe village hall this year it will be on Saturday 1st February 7pmat the village hall. Tickets at £10 per head are available from anychurch member or by contacting Margaret on 780126. Pleasecome along for a fun evening.

BURGH CASTLE QUIZ NIGHTS

Due to the holiday period there was no quiz at the Queens Head inJanuary, the monthly quizes resume on Friday February 7th andthen the first Friday of each month throughout the year. - You needa team of up to six players at £1. per person, the evening alsoincludes a raffle, details from Maureen on 01493 781747 or just turnup on the night, we start quizzing at 8pm however please arriveearlier if you are ordering food which is available from the bar.

BINGO AT BURGH CASTLE

There are now Bingo sessions at the Fisherman’s Bar Burgh Castle( off Butt Lane ) every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm (eyes downat 8pm), everyone welcome, for information call 01493 780729 orjust turn up.

BELTON BOWMEN

We meet on Monday evenings at Moorland C of EPrimary Academy, Belton, for the remainder of theWinter. We curently have spaces in our family sessionwhen children and other family members can shoottogether, adult members are also welcome .Our session details are Child/family club 6pm - 7pm

(£3.50 per session), Adult club sessions, 7pm-9pm (£6.00 persession). A warm welcome for new and existing members of allages and abilities. For more information Tel: Duncan 01493 780418or just turn up on the night.

BELTON'S OWN PHOTO EXHIBITION.Mick Graystone

It was fairly well advertised and the days and time carefully chosenso as to attract our residents, to what was our, my, first PhotoExhibition to be held in the community for the pleasure andexperience for an hour of relief away from the TV and tinselbetween Christmas and New Year. It also had photos from invitedguests to add a bit of choice.

Sadly on the Saturday, I only saw about 6 residents and on Sundayabout 10 so to say I was disappointed is a bit of an understatement.

On the flip side all those who came really enjoyed what was on offerand long discussions on the various subjects and how some of theimages where taken. I’m pleased to say that donations of £15 wenta long way towards room hire.


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ROADWORKS

At the time of writing we are aware of the following expectedroadworks although they are always subject to change

20thJanuary -25th February - Both ‘on’ and ‘off’ entrances to the A47from the A143 at Bradwell, along with the entrance to ShrublandsWay will be closed for trafic light upgrades.

10th to 14th February The Green in Belton will be obstructed.

24th - 26th February Station Road South at Belton near the WildDuck will be closed ( this will restrict all bus services which will notserve that end of the village.)

26th February -3rd March Mill Road at Burgh Castle will be closed(this will effect bus service 5 into the village).

FRITTON & ST. OLAVES PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting of Fritton and St Olaves Parish council is at Frit-ton Village Hall on Thursday January 30th (7.30pm) the agenda willbe found on the councils web site athttps://frittonwithstolavesparishcouncil.norfolkparishes.gov.uk/council-meetings/

THE CINNAMON TRUSTVolunteers needed in Bradwell for Dog Walking

The Cinnamon Trust is the national charity whose wonderfulvolunteers help people over retirement age and those in thelatter stages of a terminal illness by offering all kinds of petcare. We are looking for some dog walking volunteers to helpresidents of Bradwell and their dear little dogs who would loveto go for a good walk. Many elderly or ill pet owners worryabout their ability to provide proper care for their animals andstart looking to re-home what may be their only companion,this is where our national network of dedicated volunteers stepin to offer support enabling them to stay together. We’ll walkthe dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when ownersneed hospital care, we’ll fetch the cat food, even clean out thebird cage or litter trays. If you are interested in becoming avolunteer please call during office hours 01736 758707 oremail [email protected] or you can check out ourwebsite for more details www.cinnamon.org.uk If you wouldlike to have a more in-depth chat becoming a volunteer pleasecall us on 01736 757900 or you can download our volunteerregistration form from our web site www.cinnamon.org.uk oremail us at [email protected]

SLIMMING WORLD BELTON

After recent changes and a new leader we now have the followingsessions in Belton :-Wednesdays - Moorlands Primary Academy, Moorland Way, Bel-ton, 5.30pm and 7.30pmThursdays - John Green Institute, Station Road South, Belton,10.00amPlease call Jeanette on 07484 806384 for further details.

SOMERLEYTON CRAFT FAIRSaturday 23rd. May

Booking are now being taken for the above event on the Bank Holi-day weekend. Stalls £10 - please request a booking form from Si-mon, e-mail [email protected] This year SomerleytonCommunity Association are organising all events. We would loveyou all to come and see what has been accomplished with yourhelp. Volunteers have worked hard during 2019 redecorating andrefurbishing our wonderful village Hall. We still have a long way togo, so come help us fund-raise. Book a stall or make sure to comeon the day.

LOCAL 'BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL' TOTAL 2019

The local collection for the Belton, Browston, Burgh Castle, BradwellSouth, Fritton and St. Olaves area has raised a marvellous total of£5,686.28.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the businesses andcontributors who have supported the appeal. Thank-you receipts willbe sent out in the next few weeks indicating each individual locationtotal.

Special thanks go to the staff and the volunteers at the BradwellCo-Op, who managed to help raise a fantastic total of £2,064.23. Thestall and volunteers were organised by Stephen Webster and we arevery grateful to all those who helped out in any way. Thanks also goto the delivery and collecting teams (Linda, Emma, Sean, Kelby andWarren), without whom we would never have reached such anexcellent total.

We have covered 44 separate locations this time with 70 collectionpots; if you are in this area and did not receive a poppy collection kit,and would like one in 2020, please contact me using the details below.

Ian WalkerEGC02 Honorary Poppy Appeal OrganiserEmail: [email protected] Mobile: 07887 640 385

AIR AMBULANCE QUIZ

It is all change for the weekly quizzes at Burgh Castle to raise fundsfor the Air Ambulance, they have moved from the Kingfisher Bar andare now being held at Burgh Hall on Lords Lane every Wednesdayevening (8pm). Why not make up a team of up to six members at£1.50 per person and join in with fund raising for this worthy cause?.

SCOUTS NEWSPAPER COLLECTIONS

Belton Scouts will be collecting old newspapersin Belton (sorry not other local villages) onSaturdays February 8th. And March 14th. Papersshould be put outside properties by 8.45am to

ensure collection, please do not make bundles too large as some ofour younger members who help are on the small size! Glossymagazines, leaflets, greetings cards and old telephone directoriescan all be included with the papers. For information about the localScouts or the paper collections please call 01493 780965, paperscan also be left outside at 6 Station Road North, Belton, NR31 9NF.

GORLESTON COMMUNITY CINEMAGorleston Library - Thursdays

The next films at Gorleston Community Cinema at GorlestonLibrary are :-Thursday February 6 ‘Yesterday’ - (With views of Gorleston) (12)2.30-4.30Thursday February 20 ‘The Kindergarten Teacher’ (12) 2.30-4.15Admission is £4 No booking required. (Doors open 2pm)

https://frittonwithstolavesparishcouncil.norfolkparishes.gov.uk/council-meetings/

www.cinnamon.org.uk




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BRANDON LEWIS MP

As this is my first ‘Village Voice’ columnsince the General Election, I wish to thankall those residents who once again puttheir trust in me to be their Member ofParliament. I look forward to representingeveryone, irrespective of their politicalviews, over the next five years.

Already, I’ve been dealing with localpriorities; lobbying transport ministers forfunding for A47 upgrades andimprovements to the Acle Straight,tackling the rail companies on theunacceptably poor service for

passengers, working with our Conservative council to make ourborough even better.

With a secure majority, our Conservative Government ensured ourdeparture from the European Union on 31st January, finallydelivering Brexit that so many in the last parliament tried desperatelyto block. Boris Johnson has shown gritty leadership in getting Brexitdone and making clear there will be no extension of theimplementation period beyond 2020.

This means we can now concentrate on domestic priorities, with theNHS at the top of our list. Already, we are seeing investment in theJames Paget Hospital with funding for building improvements and anew scanner for cancer treatment. For the first time, there is amulti-year funding settlement for the NHS secured by law. That’s anextra £33.9 billion per year – the largest cash injection in the historyof the NHS.

As a Home Office Minister, I’m at the forefront of policies tostrengthen our justice system and to keep people safe. New laws willmean dangerous terrorists and violent criminals are kept in prisonlonger. New powers will provide more protection for police officers.

Remember that if you have an issue you wish to raise with me orrequire advice please contact my office – [email protected] or01493 854550.

BOROUGH COUNCILLORADRIAN MYERS

The election is now finished. I stood ona platform nationally as the only cleanbreak Brexit candidate and locally as anindependent one answerable to thepeople not a party. The Conservativevote increased by about the sameamount that the Labour one decreased.This was clearly due to Boris’s “let’s getBrexit done” campaign and Labour’s

indecisive fence sitting on the matter. The people have now votedfour times in support of leaving the EU. Even though I was disap-pointed by my personal vote count, I am however less so in that Ihope that under this government we leave the EU, get our fishing,borders and sovereignty back, that we stop paying in billions to bepart of this club that determines our future in the interest of its own.

I shall continue to be a “hands on” councillor supporting both thepeople and the parish councils that are in my ward. I will alsocontinue to be the Chair of the Lothingland Community Land Trustand chair of the Village Voice board. I am at present looking toorganise a literary festival this year inviting authors both local andnational to attend as well as input from schools and other organisa-tions . It might not be possible to achieve this in 2020 but I willcertainly be looking to have it in place by next year.

I wish you all a very happy New Year.

Cllr Adrian MyersIndependent Lothingland Ward.

BOROUGH COUNCILLOR TRACEY CAMERON

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.December was a very successful and enjoyable time of the year forGreat Yarmouth. It was lovely to see, while completing my wardwalks and engaging with residents, all the effort people had gone towith their Christmas decorations, so many flashing lights and inflata-ble Santa’s! It was also fantastic to welcome back Brandon Lewis asour MP for Great Yarmouth after an amazing election success with amajority of nearly 18,000. I spent a large amount of time campaign-ing on the doorsteps, listening to residents endorse Brandon and theConservative presence of him and myself in Belton and our othervillages.

It was sad to see the Beech Tree being cut down outside The KingsHead, but it was deemed unsafe, rotting and would have lastedpossibly only another year. I have been representing you in fullcouncil meetings and on committees such as Housing & Neighbour-hoods and Environment, discussing all the needs and concerns thevillage and town has. Casework has been regular and I enjoy inknowing that what I do helps people and businesses in the village.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate tocontact me [email protected] or 07968882240.

Tracey Cameron.Borough Councillor for Lothingland ward (Belton, Browston, BurghCastle, Fritton and St. Olaves)

GREAT YARMOUTH MERCURYA note from Brian Swan

To clubs and groups in Belton and Burgh Castle. Please note thatafter over 30 years as a Village Correspondent for the GreatYarmouth Mercury I have decided to 'call time' on that particular job.Should you wish to get something related to your club or group intothat publication you will in future need to e-mail direct [email protected]. This decision does not affect myinvolvement with Village Voice in any way.

VV BOOK CLUB: Can you review the following books?

FictionThe Legends of Khasak, OV VijayanOne Part Woman, Perumal Murugan

Life of Pi, Yan MartelNon-Fiction

Talking to my Daughter- A Brief History of Capitalism, Y VaroufakisBreaking & Mending, Joanna Cannon

Bad Men do What Good Men Dream, Robert SimonThe Loss of Sadness, Horwitz & Wakefield

Please send in your reviews to [email protected]


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REV. ROSIE WRITESIt doesn’t seem long ago that wewere enjoying the feasting of theChristmas celebrations and only last

weekend I was partying, celebrating my birthday, but now as I sitdown to write, my thoughts turn towards the discipline of Lent, whichbegins on Ash Wednesday, 26th February.

On Sunday 2nd February there is a churchfestival called Candlemas, which marks thededication of the baby Jesus at the Temple inJerusalem; it has been traditionally a servicewhere a candle-lit procession was held andthe candles were blessed – hence it’s name.It is a day when we look back to Christmas (asJesus would have been dedicated as a smallbaby) but also towards Lent, Holy Week andEaster.

Candlemas is the perfect Sunday for a Christingle as it is on that daywe hear the reading from the Bible which first talks about Jesus asthe Light of the World. (Luke 2: 22-40)

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismissyour servant in peace.For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared inthe sight of all nations:a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your peopleIsrael.”The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said abouthim.

“What is a Christingle Service?” you may ask. It is a church servicewhere we use every-day objects to remind us of God’s love in JesusChrist and the God’s provision of the seasons and fruitfulness.

The orange is round like the worldThe red ribbon goes all around the world and is a symbol of theblood Jesus shed when he died for us.The four cocktail sticks point in all directions and represent North,South,East and West as well; as the four seasonsThe fruit and sweets on each stick represent the fruits of the earth.The candle standing tall and straight gives light in the dark and re-minds usthat Jesus was referred to as the Light of the World.

Christingle Services are traditionally held at any time from the begin-ning of Advent until Candlemas, and often over the Christmas period.They are always special as the children love them and we adults loveto see children with lighted candles standing in darkened churches.

Come along and enjoy our Christingle Service at All Saints, Belton ora more traditional service of Holy Communion for Candlemas whichalso involves candles at Burgh Castle.

For me, Christingles always remind me of what John writes about inthe beginning of his Gospel (John 1:4-5)In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcomeit.Darkness cannot put out light but light shines brightly in darkness.

For me, Candles and Christingles remind me that we have Jesus asthe light of our world where his love and life can shine hope into oursometimes darkened world. Candlemas brings that reminder andthen later Lent focuses our thoughts on what Jesus’ love in actionmeant; his gift of life and light to us and our opportunity to reflect andreveal that in who we are and what we do.

YOUNG at HEART

Well we have done Christmas and here at Young at Heart we arecontemplating our 'New Year Resolutions' and things like dry Janu-ary which is abstaining from all alcohol. This year there is a newaddition to these in ‘Januhairy’. For the uninitiated ‘Januhairy’ is acampaign encouraging people to grow their body hair for the monthof January and it has stirred up a big debate. Some people are going‘au naturale’ throughout the month of January in an attempt to findtheir real selves instead of a glamourised version. Now New Year’sResolutions and dry January we can do but Januhairy? Well it’ssomething to chat about in our lively Tuesday morning sessions inAll Saints Church in Belton. We start at 10am and finish at noon. Youcan join in anytime and be assured of a warm welcome, a lively chatand smiles aplenty. If you have questions please contact either Sueon 01493 782443 or Margaret 01493 780126 who will be happy tohelp.

Bearing in mind the weather predictions, (maybe for SNOW !!! Andcertainly if not snow, we are bound to have our fair share of heavyrain, wind and freezing cold – it’s winter after all) our outings are tobe kept more local for the present time. There is going to be a sharedfish and chips lunch held in the church. A trip to Cherry Lane wherewe will meet together to indulge in a naughty but nice cake and a hotdrink paid for from the clubs funds. If you don’t drive then that’s noproblem because we always share cars. Also on the run up toEaster, there will be a Lenten lunch with a collection to be taken andgiven to charity.

Sue, one of our leaders, generally each week shares some poetry ora story, she thinks will interest us and this is always something thatsparks off discussion. In addition if there are things we need to beaware of happening in our area, these too are drawn to the clubmembers’ attention.

Well folks whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather behot, we have to weather the weather, whether we like it or not! Soplease come along and join our merry band on Tuesday mornings.Your Young at Heart needs you!

ROCK SOLIDCome and join us!

Either find peace in the chill out zone on the bean bags or play games.There is table tennis, giant Jenga, air hockey, table football, craft,lego etc and the God slot. Buy some tuck and enjoy while sharingwith your friends.

RS is held at the church, from 5pm to 6pm, on Thursday eveningsfor ages 7years to 11years.

We look forward to whatever 2020 holds for us. Speak to ColinChilvers on 781474 or speak to Paula.

THE MALCOLM METCALF COLUMNMalcolm Metcalf is the past president of the Great Yarmouth Naturalists Society.His Nature Notes is one of the Village Voice’s longest standing and best loved

columns. He can be contacted on 01493 661138.You can also write to him at at 43 Magdalen way, Gorleston, NR31 7BW or on [email protected]


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MALCOLM’S NATURE NOTES

There are over 11,000 species of Ants worldwide, but only about 42in Britain.

Wood Ants ( Formica rufa ). I well remember seeing my first Wood

Ants nest in Scotland some 40 years ago. At first sight it looked likesomeone had piled up a huge mound of pine needles, twigs and leafstalks. Prodding this with a stick, I was amazed to see hundreds ofants swarming over it. The nest was I metre high ( 3 ft.) and 2 metres(6ft ) in diameter. Since that time I have learned that the nest cancontain over 100,000 individuals and is often built over a tree stump.

Wood Ants are the largest of Britain's ants. The vegetation formingthe dome - shaped roof of the nest is weatherproof and very efficientat shedding rainfall, the workers constantly remodel the dome, repairdamage and constantly honeycomb the surface with entrance holeswhich are plugged with twigs and nest debris at night and on colddays to keep the heat in.

During the day these holes are patrolled by sentinels that allow onlyants belonging to the colony to enter. Below ground the nest contin-ues as a large pit filled with loose earth and leaf mould. In winter theants retreat into underground galleries and go into a state of torporuntil spring. Wood Ants travel far and wide searching for food, trailsoutside the nest can go for 50 metres (55 yards ). These are kept freeof debris and lead to trees where aphids are found. The ants milk theaphids for sugary honeydew.

Wood Ants do not have stings, but are able to squirt formic acid upto 30 cms (12 inches). They can bite with their strong jaws, which Idiscovered when one found its way on to my arm. The workers dragprey back to the nest, where it is eaten and fed to the larvae. Preycan be moths, midges and sawflies. Many of these are forest pestsand forest workers encourage the Wood Ant colonies. They cancollect one and a half times their own weight of food each day, asmuch as a kilogram (2 lbs) of food.

When food is plentiful workers of separate colonies keep to their ownterritory, but when scarce may invade each others hunting groundswhere fierce fights can occur, resulting in death of thousands of ants,battles can last for weeks.

Wood Ants have few enemies, but woodpeckers and some gamebirds eat them.

Bulldog Ants ( Myrmecia gulosa ) of Australia, these are also knownas the Giant Bull Ants. I observed this large Ant (25 mm) while

visiting Alice Springs in 1967. They have strong elongated mandiblesand large black eyes a very painful sting,which is very toxic. Theyfiercely defend their nest which was a large hole in the ground. I keptwell away from them.

Among the many species of ants I have observed in the USA. are thetiny but very painful Fire Ants (Solenopsis geminata) These arefound in many States. I recall when I unknowingly I stood on one oftheir nests and the acute burning sting they gave me.

Legionary Ant ( Labidus corcus ) My friends in Arkansas showed metheir ants nest in a fallen tree stump, I was told they can bite andsting severely and have been known to kill Chickens. I gave it, andthem, a wide berth

My pictures this month are of a Wood Ant Nest (copyright Jeff Buck)and a Bulldog Ant (photograph University of Queensland)

BELTON IN BLOOM

The second meeting to set up a Belton group to organise our entryin to the ‘In Bloom’ nationwide competition will be held at the NewRoad Playing Field hall as last time on Sunday 9th February at10.30am lasting for an hour or so.

Only three of us turned up last time so this is the last time we’ll dothis if it’s not far better supported, 3,5,7 people won’t be enough todo the work so if there’s no support it will die. Then it’ll be too late tostart as planning needs to commence NOW.

Mick G.

FRITTON BINGO

The next Prize Bingo at Fritton Village Hall is on Friday February21st, eyes down at 7.30pm,Bingo cards continue to be priced at only50p peach and new players are always very welcome.



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THE VILLAGE VOICE BOOK CLUBDo you enjoy reading? Do you enjoy sharing your thoughts with others who enjoy reading?It doesn’t matter whether you are an aspiring critic or an established one. This column in the

Village Voice invites book lovers to write about the books that have touched them. Fromfiction to poetry, biographies to travelogues. We would love to hear your thoughts. No genre

is off limits. Please send in your contributions to [email protected]

A COLLECTION OFWORDS UNSAID

BY OGReviewed by Vicki Malcolm

The slimness of this self publishedpoetry collection belies the breadthof style and substance found within.Written by a service user whoutilises a mental health service forpeople with developmentaldisorders, “A Collection of WordsUnsaid” is the culmination of monthsof study and radical experimentationin a variety of poetic styles by theauthor, in group and individualsessions led by Dan Peacher fromPeople Plus Adult Education.

Whilst the inspiration for some stylistic structures is clear, there is anadded poignancy to these outward focused verses, given the restrictedlife led by the author. The liberal use of Haiku reveals the potential formindful and reflective moments within a life displaced. The writer recallsmemories of summer, music, and moments with much loved family.

"Conceit" is a powerful piece on the ambivalence of technology to ourmoral values, to be used for good or ill, and on the power of writingitself. The book does not shy away from difficult topics., referencingGrenfell, David Cameron and the febrile political atmosphere whichgreets us at the dawn of the decade. The chosen charities benefitingfrom the sale of the book, Help the Heroes and Mind, reflect passionsof the author as well as the themes of the verses..

Parallels can be drawn between the small poppy growing from thebattlefield in the final poem, and the emergence of a future literarytalent from a challenging environment, demonstrated by this work. Wehope to hear more from this new voice.

A note from the author OG:When I started this project with Dan Peacher, I knew I wanted to dosomething for charity and that I really enjoyed writing short stories. Ihad never looked at poetry before and never tried to write any. Duringthe first few sessions we began to look at poems by lots of differentpoets and discussed how poetry had changed through history. Weexplored how poetry had helped people during tough times such as inthe world wars and how it could be funny and emotional at other times.I have really enjoyed putting my poems together in this book, it hasbeen a great experience and I really hope that it can raise some moneyfor my chosen charities, Help for Heroes and Mind.

A note from the Village Voice Editor:This is a self-published book. If you wish to have a copy, please e mailme on [email protected] with your contact details and I shallsend it on to you. The suggested donation is £2.50 per copy and asthe author makes clear above, all the money raised will be donated tothe two charities- Help for Heroes & Mind.

About the reviewer:Vicki Malcolm is an occupational therapist who works with people withdevelopmental disorders and mental health difficulties. She is basedat the Broadland Clinic, Norwich run by Hertfordshire PartnershipUniversity NHS Foundation Trust.

SELECTED POEMS FROMA COLLECTION OF WORDS UNSAID

Conceit

I was held in the hand of the strongI was there when all wars ended

I put to paper when Trump spoke his wordsI have been all round the schools

And I never tell youYou are wrong

I am a powerful toolAnd without me

Some of the greatest storiesWere never told

I was a part of the startI will be a part of the end

The voiceless voicePut your mind onto paper

And never put me down In the minds of the weak I am still strongUse the strength forever

When I am needed everyone knows meBut by no name

A Man with No Name

Now we are hereHow do we get here?

What are we?Who are we?

No one knows my name, not even me.Who am I? Where did I come from?

I have no voice, I have no faceBut I do have,

A story.How was I made?I have no ending

And the beginning is unknownSomeone knows my creator

And I need to know

The End

The dark words were on the wayThe white feather I dip into the ink of my soul

The figures were coming into the roomAnd dancing into the sanity of my obscured mind

They would not stop untilThe end of my rhymesBut where does it end?

From the start?We look at them every day and they are part

Of the lives we lliveThe paper is now full

And it is the endOf my words

Or the beginning?

We can’t Hear Ourselves Think

The music’s aroundWe can’t hear to think right now

The music is here


THE VILLAGE VOICE KITCHENDo you enjoy cooking or at least watching someone else cooking?

Do you love hearing the stories behind the dishes as much as learning how to make them?This new column in the Village Voice introduces you to culinary experiences, just that little bit different.

Please send in your suggestions, comments and contributions to [email protected]

SCHOOL DINNER TREACLE TART WITH A TWISTSonia Shephard


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Many years ago now (makes me sound ancient) I used to work as aSchool Cook, this is when all School Lunches were cooked the oldfashioned way, from scratch.

The children used to have this dish with custard, although I think Imastered everything else on the menu I never mastered custard. Itwas either thin as water or thick enough to cut into portions, it was abit of a legacy to leave with the children that I cooked for. I do hopethis has not put them off custard for life!!

This recipe was one of the children’s favorites although we tended touse cornflakes as the topping instead of coconut. It was better for thebudget plus not many of them had custard with it, can you reallyblame them.

Nowadays I ditch the custard and use lovely Cornish Clotted Creama real treat from my favorite place. All my family love it as a specialtreat.

Coconut Treacle Tart Recipe

Ingredients:150g plain flour75g Butter50g Icing Sugar1 Egg yolk6 tbs Golden Syrup4 tbs Desiccated Coconut4 tbs Breadcrumbs

Method:Using your fingertips, rub thebutter into the flour. (Pic1)Knead lightly to form a smooth ball.Roll out the dough using shortsharp strokes to avoidstretching, giving the dough aquarter turn each time you roll tokeep the shape.

Set the flan tin on the bakingsheet. When the dough is about5cm larger than the tin, lift it updraped over the rolling pin andlay it across the flan tin.

Press the dough into the cornersof the tin using your fingers, trimoff the edges. Chill for 30 mins.(Pic 2)Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas6.Fill the pastry case with a roundof baking paper and weigh downwith baking beans or similar,Cook for 15 mins. (Pic 3)

Then carefully remove thepaper and beans andcook the pastry for5 minutes more.Add half the coconut tothe bottomof the pastry case.Pour over gently thegoldensyrup.Sprinkle over the

breadcrumbs.

Sprinkle over the rest of the coconut. Put back in the oven for5 minutes. Serve with Cornish Clotted Cream – Delicious but not forthe waistline! (Pic 4)


OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDERRegi Alexander

Dr Regi Alexander is a ConsultantPsychiatrist and Interim Clinical Director atHertfordshire Partnership University NHSFoundation Trust. Editor of the Village Voice,he is also the editor of the Oxford Textbookof Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability, DeputyEditor of British Journal of Psychiatry Open,Associate Dean of the Royal College ofPsychiatrists and President elect of theIntellectual Disability Forum at the RoyalSociety of Medicine. The Royal College ofPsychiatrists awarded him the President’smedal in 2018 and short listed him for thePsychiatrist of the Year award in 2019.

Is being called obsessive the same as having OCD?People who are meticulous and methodical are often teased as “beinga bit OCD”. This may include the person who carefully re-checks thathe has indeed locked the front door to another who goes back tocheck whether she has switched off her hair straightener. Thesepersonality traits may make you methodical and meticulous but maynot be the same as having a disorder. In other words, you can be abit obsessive without having an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD).

What is OCD?An obsessive compulsive disorder (and the key word is disorder) hasthree components- obsessions, the emotions (ie, anxiety) that itprovokes and compulsions.

ObsessionsObsessions are intrusive, repetitive and unpleasant.You realise they are irrational, but just can’t help having them.Any attempt to stop them provokes anxiety and distress.They can be(I) thoughts (eg: thinking that you might be contaminated by germsor that you might have harmed someone due to your carelessness),(ii) images (eg: seeing yourself doing something violent or out ofcharacter, seeing your family dead),(Iii) doubts (eg: wondering for hours whether you might have causedan accident or left a door unlocked),(Iv) ruminations (eg: endlessly arguing with yourself about whetherto do one thing or the other with the result that you cannot makesimple decisions).

EmotionsThese obsessive experiences provoke unpleasant emotions-predominantly anxiety. This anxiety is worse when you try to resistthe experience and you feel tense, fearful, guilty, depressed ordisgusted.

CompulsionsCompulsions are the actions that you resort to in order to rid yourselfof this anxiety. It can take the form of(i) Rituals (eg: repeated hand washing, doing things in a very

particular way)(ii) Checking (eg: repetetively checking that the door is locked or

appliances are switched off)(iii) Avoidance (eg: of anything that reminds you of the obsessive

thoughts)

(iv) Hoarding (eg: an inability to throw away anything because of thelink with obsessive thoughts that worry you)

(v) Seeking reassurance (eg: you repeatedly ask others to tell youthat things are OK)

As you may have noticed, many of us may have some of thesethoughts. That does not mean we have a disorder. It becomes adisorder when these features are so severe that it interferes with yourdaily activities to a very substantial degree. This means instead ofthe meticulous person who checks the door twice to make sure it islocked, you end up having to check it so many times that you cannotcarry out any of the activities in your daily life.

Joanna Cannon, who is familiar to many readers of the Village Voiceputs it poignantly, in her memoir, Breaking and Mending- “OCD is notgoing back to check that a door is locked. OCD is walking along themiddle of a dual carriageway to pick up litter because its presencebrings about an anxiety that you are unable to bear”. There may bea bit of poetic license in that, but the point is valid.

Can it be treated and if so how?Self help:(i) Do remember that it is not your fault and that you are not goingmad.(Ii) Do try to expose yourself to your troubling thoughts- writing itdown, recording them, listening back to them, trying to do this for upto half an hour a day till anxiety reduces.(Iii) Try resisting the compulsive action, but not the obsessive thought.(Iv) If obsessions involve worries about your faith, it may sometimesbe helpful to speak to a religious leader to help you work out if this isan OCD problem.(v) Try to use self help groups, books from the weblink below.(vi) Do not hesitate to seek help from your GP or mental healthservices if problems persist.

Treatments:(i) Talking treatments: This takes the form of Cognitive BehaviourTherapy (CBT) of which there are two types- Exposure and ResponsePrevention (ERP) and Cognitive Therapy. ERP can be done througheither guided self help or direct regular contact with a professional.For more details, please check the weblink below.(Ii) Medication: A group of anti-depressants called SSRIs can helpto reduce obsessions and compulsions, even if you are notdepressed.CBT and medication are probably equally effective. If you have mildOCD, CBT on its own may be sufficient. If your OCD is severe, youmay need a combination of CBT and medication. You may want totalk these through with trusted friends or family members and thendiscuss with your doctor.

Acknowledgement:Royal College of Psychiatrists: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

Disclaimer:The content of the regular Village Voice Health Check Column isprovided for general information only. It is not intended to, and doesnot, amount to advice which you should rely on. It is not in any wayan alternative to specific treatment advice. You should thereforeobtain relevant professional and/or health advice before taking orrefraining from any action based on this information.


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THE VILLAGE VOICE HEALTH CHECKHealth Check is a regular column in your Village Voice. Each month, a health topic of interest to the general public

will be discussed by a health or social care professional. Please feel free to write to [email protected] withsuggestions about topics that you would like covered in the future.

www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder


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DOWN THEGARDEN PATH

Elizabeth Myhill

A SPRINGER’S TAILVillage Voice readers may remember the short stories thatwere published in the magazine a few years ago under thisname. Author Lesley Chalmers returns to the Village Voice

with a regular column, this time featuring comic strips of hertwo dogs, Lennie and Harley.

VEGETABLES (Part 2)

Following on from last month here are some recommended vegeta-bles to grow from seed or to buy as young plants.

Peas variety Kelvedon Wonder, crops reliably with 2 pods per node.Average 8 Peas per pod. Plant Height 100cm (approx 3ft. Will needsupports) Peas require a sunny, nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive site.Dig over the soil and add plenty of compost or well-rotted manure - thiswill help to improve the soil's moisture-retaining ability in hot, drysummers. Young plants are available from March. Peas ready to eatfrom mid June.

Runner beans can be sown one seed per pot indoors in late April orearly May in warm conditions. Harden off and plant after frosts havefinished. Will need supports. Young plants available May. VarietiesPolestar one of the most popular newer stringless varieties, redflowered, heavy cropper with good flavour. Streamline widely used.Long, excellent quality pods, heavy cropper. White Lady Top of theRHS taste test in trials. Featured highly on BBC Gardner’s World.White flowered smooth pods, Stringless.

Beetroot, sow seed from March onwards, 30cm apart spacing 10cmin row. Thin seeds out as they grow. Variety Bolthardy Plants availa-ble from March. Brussel Sprouts sow March in alkaline soil (add lime)for harvesting October to December. Young plants available from endof March variety Bosworth.

Cabbage sow outdoors in March Recommended variety Duncan darkgreen upright leaves cover tight pointed hearts. Young plants availa-ble end of March. Sweetcorn Goldcrest. An outstanding new mid-season variety. Clean tidy habit with few tillers. Excellent tip fill andcob uniformity. Cob length 19-20cm. Sow mid April. Young plantsavailable from May.

GardenFocused.co.uk has an excellent calendar of when to sowseeds, when to harden the plants off and when to plant outside. It alsodeals with crop rotation.

Unless you are a very keen gardener Tomatoes are best bought asyoung plants in my opinion. There are hundreds of varieties availablewhich can be very confusing. First let me explain BRIX VALUES. Thebrix value is the measurement used to determine how much sugar isin the fruit. The higher the value, then the higher the sugar content andthe sweeter the fruit will be to taste. Vining Tomato varieties shown inorder of fruit sizes. Gardeners Delight R.H.S. Award of Garden Merit.Brix value 7. High yields of cherry sized fruits. Excellent flavour.Suitable for outdoor and cold greenhouse. New F1 Floridity Brixvalue 9.5 Impressive trusses with up to 35 sweet fruits per cluster.High in Lycopene (said to protect against certain cancers) Goodresistance to Fusarium Wilt and to fruit split. Variety is for cultivationunder glass or outdoors. F1 Supersweet 100 (my favourite) Mediumearly. Brix 7. Sweet to taste with exceptionally good flavour. Growinside or out. Fruit ripens easily. Alicante RHS Award Winner an oldversatile variety suitable for a range of cultures. Moneymaker an evenolder popular variety

Cucumber New Carmen from the same breeder as Femspot.Resistance to all known strains of Powdery Mildew, scab and leaf spot.Vigorous growth habit, easy to train in a greenhouse. Fruits have goodflavour crunchy texture and non-bitter peal. Great for containers withtrellis. Fruits 15-20cm long Great snacker. Passandra All female Thefruits are slightly ribbed, cylindrical and dark green. Tolerant of MosaicVirus and Downy Mildew. Tasty Green Excellent for outdoorproduction. Crisp tender flesh. No bitterness.


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THE CHRISTMAS POSTKevin Lee, Headmaster

Whilst the memory of the festive season maybe fading fast, The Moorlands Christmas Postproved to be a hit around Belton this year.Pupils designed and drew cards which theythen posted around the village. The schoolwas inundated with thank yous and

messagesfrom residentswho receiveda card. Aselection ofthe commentsare writtenbelow:

“Just like tosay what akind thought itwas to send aChristmascard to peoplein the village.We are

fortunate enough to have each other and family around us but forpeople on their own at this time of the year it would surely be verymuch appreciated. “

“What a lovely heart-warming idea.”

“Absolutely loved our Christmas card! We had a fantastic snowmanwith a Santa hat and a winking eye! Well done children and staff.”

“What a lovely surprise to have a personal Christmas card posted tomy house. It is a lovely way to make children realise it is about thegiving at Christmas that counts.”

“Thank you for my Christmas card, I think it is lovely how you involvethe children into the village.”

Deputy Head John Siddles said that the school felt it was extremelyimportant for the children to contribute to their community and alsoto know that the community appreciates their efforts. “I’d like to saya big thank you to all of those who wrote to the school or evenbrought in some treats for the children. It’s good to know that theresidents of the village responded so positively to something that thechildren really wanted to do. We will definitely be doing this andsimilar things again.”

WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

The start of another new year marks anothernew world record attempt for the students atOrmiston Venture Academy, in Gorleston.

Students and staff at the academy are eagerly waiting to hear if they’veachieved their goal of holding the world record for having the mostpaper aeroplanes flying at once. The attempt was combined with the

Student Training Day based around the theme of ‘20:20 Vision’ andstudents and staff made their paper aeroplanes using pieces of paperon which they had recorded their hopes and dreams for 2020. Studentswere shown a video clip of another school in the USA attempting thisrecord, who did well to achieve 600 planes in their school hall. But withover 850 students at Venture and by braving the cold outdoors,students and staff knew a new world record was well within reach. Thefinal count is yet to be made, but with around 750 students outside, anew unofficial record seems safe.

EAST NORFOLK CELEBRATESSTUDENT SUCCESS

The amazing achievements of students at East Norfolk Sixth FormCollege were celebrated at the annual Awards Evening just before thefestive break. EN Principal, Dr Catherine Richards, said: “2019 wasyet another fantastic year for the College with students achieving someoutstanding results. Our students achieved a 99% pass rate and therewere 30 subjects with a 100% pass rate. We had a record breaking10 offers for Oxbridge and more students progressed to universitiesthan ever before and more students went to Russell Group Universitiesand the UEA. Over 120 students achieved Norfolk Scholar Awardswhich are presented to students who gained A*, A and B grades orDistinctions. No other school or college in Norfolk has achieved thisnumber of certificates. The Principal’s Award for AcademicAchievement went to Wilf Offord (Oxford – Maths – A* in Physics,Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths), Kathryn Skazick (Cambridge –Natural Sciences – A* in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths) andMaisie Wright (Cambridge – Natural sciences – A* in Physics,Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths).

EVENTS AT THE NEW ROAD SPORTS AND LEISURE CENTRE

BookingsTel Kate (01493 602960)or Peter (01493 780703)

CENTRE POST CODENR31 9JP

BELTONACTIVITYMORNINGS

Although mostly closed last yeardue to Sallyann’s ill health, thegroup still managed to raise£162.00 through 2 coffee morn-ings, raffles and donations. Thiswill go to 3 departments at JamesPaget Hospital. A & E., I.C.U. andWard 17 who all cared for Sally-ann during her stay. The photobelow is of our End of year fes-tive coffee session. We are back,2020 here we are!! We will all feel

a little better when our life resumes some normality, especially afterthe festivities. However, let’s give thought to those whose lives havechanged dramatically and who may have a new normal to get usedto. However, sometimes we need to be thankful, sit down, take stockand think, what is important to us. To help clear your mind and

prepare for the year to come, join us at Belton Activity morning.

The Belton Activity Morning runs its classes at the PremierRoom, New Road Sport & Leisure Centre on Monday Mornings. Allsingle sessions are £3.00, an extra £1 for Nordic walking. Thegroup will open for classes during term time only and will break forChildren’s Holidays. Classes can be paid in advance or pay as yougo by card or cash.

Chair Based Exercise - 9.30am to 10.15am. This session aims toimprove your daily functional actions and can increase your confi-dence, improve posture, balance and co-ordination essential to liv-ing. Bands provided. Followed by refreshments for 20 minutesbetween sessions.

Nordic Walking - after refreshments depending on the weatherand how boggy the field is. Poles provided.

Although the days are slowly getting longer, if you dread the wintermonths and find yourself sitting too much, getting stiff! Maybe themornings are dark and dismal. Then brighten your Monday and joinus. These gentle movements will keep you supple and flexible to beready for the spring, come along and give us a look.

Contact Sallyann on 07599044806 or [email protected] withyour name and contact number for further details of the above.

GREAT YARMOUTH STROKE GROUP.

Great Yarmouth StrokeGroup had a great start tothe new year, a lovelysurprise when CiaranClark presented £100 tothe group, Ciaran, onlyfourteen, won £200 in agolf day and decided togive half to the groupwhere his nanny Rita is amember. Thank you somuch.

This months birthdaysare Jean, Amanda, Fran-cis, Jack, and MaureenWise.

We are always looking for

items, perhaps unwanted Christmas presents. Which are suitablefor fundraising etc. we could collect or please bring along to ourmeetings which are at The New Road Sports Centre, Belton onThursdays (2-4pm). For information about the group contact SueCasey on 01493 781846.

Our photographs are of Sue with Ciaran and of Sam dancing withEddie.

BELTON FUN DAY

We are very excited to announce Belton Fun Day and Classic CarShow is returning again for its 6th year on SATURDAY AUGUST 1st

and TITAN the Robot will be attending! It is not very often TITANcomes to the area, so this is something to get very excited about.Also attending this years show will be favourites like Norwich StarWars Club, The Dragonshields, Andy the Clown and ProfessorJingles. And of course there will be the cars, bikes and trucks thatmake such a fantastic display every year. As with previous events, ifyou wish to bring a show vehicle you do not need to book, just bringit along on the day.

More details for the event can be found on Facebook or you canemail [email protected]. This year the event has beensuccessful in gaining financial support from the Great Yarmouth BID.


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mailto:[email protected].




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BEEBOPS SENSORY MUSIC & DANCE SESSIONS

The Beebops groups for families and babies at the New Road Centrerun two sessions meeting on Tuesday mornings, they are holding aFamily Time class at 10am and Babees class at 11am, admission willbe£4.00 for either class but a trial offer is available of 3 classes for just£10. Family time is suitable for ages 0-5 and the Babees class frombirth to walking.

For further information and booking visit the web sitewww.beebopsltd.co.uk. Or e-mail [email protected] or call07934 276167

YOGA WITH LEXI

As we swiftly move into autumnour bodies may seem a little tiredfrom a whirlwind of summer

activities.. so a gentle YOGA practice and relaxation may bejust what your body is craving in order to feel that bit moregrounded and focused. We have such a friendly welcominggroup at Belton New Road Sports Centre on a THURSDAYmorning at 9:30am. Mixed and Beginners are most definitelywelcome. call 07841985767 or [email protected] to book or for more information.

JOLLY TOTS & JOLLY BABIES

Jolly Tots and Jolly Babies sessions run every Wednesday (term timeonly) at New Road Sports and Leisure Centre, Jolly Tots (9.30am-10.45am) is a friendly stay and play group for under 5’s and JollyBabies (11am-12pm) from birth. I aim to provide a fun and stimulatingenvironment for children to interact, learn and play and for parents,grandparents and carers to meet other local families whilst enjoying acuppa!

There is ample free parking available, bus service X11 stops outsideevery 30 minutes. Sessions include free play, messy/sensory play,craft activity (often based on a theme) snack time and a song time.Jolly Tots is £3 per session, Jolly Babies £2, it is £1 per sibling. We hada very busy start back on January 8th but welcome new members atany time, please Contact Shelley 07767389789,

MUSICAL MOVERS

Musical Movers meet on Fridays 0930hrs-1030hrs (term time only) at the New Road Sport & Leisure Centrefor preschool children from 0-5yrs.

Musical Movers are fun and friendly interactive andsensory music sessions. Discover singing, musical play

and rhythm whilst developing self esteem, listening skills, coordina-tion, increased confidence and speech and language development.With ukelele accompaniment and Makaton signing, you and your littlemusical movers can enjoy your musical journey together.

For more information please call Amanda on 07974173216 or join theMusical Movers Facebook page, the cost is £5 ( £1.50 for additionalsiblings over 4 months).

BELTON JUDO CLUB

2020 looks like being an exciting time for our Judo clubs as we’remaking some changes to our sessions to improve the opportunitiesfor our more competitive players whilst keeping the basic sessions thesame for all of our members.

The main improvement we are making is to introduce an open randorisession from 6.30 to 7.30 every Wednesday which will be open toJudo players everywhere around the area which will hopefully gainexperience for everyone attending. It will be a pay-as-you-go session,£5 per person (reductions for siblings/family) and anyone paying for

the randori sessioncan stay on the openmat for no furthercharge.

We have all stand-ards at our Judo clubfrom British andCommonwealthChampions and med-allists to completenovices and all stand-ards and ages be-tween 4 and 73 sothere is definitelysomething for every-one whatever yourambitions may be sorather than sittingaround wondering

what to do, get along to our Judo club and see what you’re missing.Make new friends, get fit, increase your confidence and self-es-teem, the advantages are endless so what’s not to like?

Belton Judo Club run sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday(see below for details of times and sessions) at the New RoadSports and Leisure Centre in the village under the watchful eye ofDominic King, ex-British Champion and Youth Olympic Silver med-allist who trained and competed at National and International levelfor many years and 14-year-old Ryan King who is now a memberof the England squad and assists Dominic with coaching. Not manyvillages have a club run by coaches at this level so take theopportunity to try this excellent Olympic sport, the first month isFREE OF CHARGE so why not come along and give us a try,

Dominic King Judo & MMA Academy is able to accommodate newmembers at our Judo clubs in Belton so anyone wishing to attendany of the sessions should just turn up as follows :-Any Tuesday (under 8s 4.30, over 8s 5.30) orAny Wednesday (all juniors 5.30 to 6.30),Any Wednesday a randori session open to all (juniors and seniors)6.30 to 7.30Any Wednesday an open mat for all styles/disciplines 7.30 to 8.30at the New Road Sports Pavilion orcontact Dominic on 07977 432756 or email on or contact him viaFacebook. Other venues/days are available if Tuesday or Wednes-day is not convenient, all session times and venues can be foundon our website, www.fightingfitjudo.co.uk

Our photograph this month shows young players doing randori(free practice). Note : The two pictures supplied last month for themonthly club news and annual report were accidentally placed onthe opposite articles . The Village Voice apologises for any confu-sion this may have caused.


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CAMERA CLUB

The last meeting of the Belton Camera Club saw us gain lots morenew members which led us into a very busy evening with a greatvibe from people.

Using the grant from the Village Voice, we were able to purchasesome fish tanks. Using these we were able to set up several water-

based scenarios allowing people to use the speed of flashes tocapture water and bubbles from different foods dropped into thewater. Later we had a look at some of the result and it was clearthere were some great images produced!

With time running short, we still managed to look at all the “Photo ofthe Month” photos that had been brought along, with the theme“Winter”. With so many great images it was hard to pick a winner. Buthaving a true feel of the cold and wet ‘Stormy Pier’ by Michael Howellwas chosen.

February's 'Photo of the Month' is on the theme 'motion' and we can'twait to see what people come up with. As not everyone has accessto photo printers, we have taken the decision that all submissionsshould be via a JPEG image sent to the email address,[email protected] added bonus is that when reviewing the images, it can be doneon the projector allowing everyone to enjoy the same view.

Next month’s meeting will be on the 7th February at 7pm, New Road,Belton. We have a special evening planned with an indoor harvestmouse photo shoot. With the increased number of attendees, wemay have to put something in place to allow everyone a chance tocapture some shots. The mice are tiny, so if you have a bigger lens(a 70-200mm for example) then it will help - but its not essential.Find us on Facebook – Belton Camera Club 2.0

BELTON CAMERA CLUB - ANNUAL REPORT

The Camera Club has been through a big transition during 2019. Theclub was formerly run by Bill Richmond at the Belton JGI. Howeverback in March, Bill handed over the club to Wayne Davey and AndyBiglin.

Since then the club has changed venue and now utilises the NewRoad Sports and Leisure Centre on New Road Belton, aiming tomeet on the first Friday of each month. The format of the club haschanged too, with the club being very hands on with members beingencouraged to bring their cameras to each meeting and take part ina practical session with the ability to then process their photos andthen show them after if desired.

Recently we were very grateful to have received a grant from theVillage Voice for £250. This will be used to allow the club to purchaseprops for photo sessions and to hopefully get some external speak-ers to the club too.

The club is open to anyone wishing to come along to boost theirconfidence with their cameras and photography - with help andsupport on hand in a friendly and supportive environment. SearchBelton Camera Club 2.0 on Facebook or [email protected] for more information. The club isjust £2 on the door and has refreshments available.

Andy Biglin

(Apologies to the Camera Club for missing this report out from lastmonth’s edition).

'PILATES'Beginners/ Intermediate

Monday 6pm and 7.05pm Classes

The Classes at Belton’s New Road Sport & Leisure Centre focus onwarming your Joints and getting you strong and flexible for the restof the week ahead.

This includes Traditional Pilates methods, using different pieces ofequipment to help Stabilise and Mobilise the Body. Engaging theMind and Body, making you connect and feel relaxed. also Helpingwith Back pain/Hips/Shoulders/Stress and much more.

Classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. for Men andWomen. For more information please call Jan on 07766 103141

1st. BELTON SCOUTS: FAMILY FUN DAY

Belton Scouts are holding their first FamilyFun Day on Saturday June 6th. At the NewRoad Sports Field and Centre, Belton, The

scouts are now accepting a more stall bookings (sorry we havesufficient food sellers!). If you are interested in a stall the contact usvia the Facebook group of the 1st Belton Scout Group or [email protected].


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ENTUA (East Norfolk Transport Users Association) is a voluntary independent body which monitors bus and rail provisionin the East Norfolk Area. To learn more about us and to view bus and rail news please visit our website at www.entua.orgFirst Eastern Counties have announced changes to their fares with effect from 11th January, 2020:-

Great Yarmouth Town ZoneFirst Eastern Counties will be freezing the prices of all single and High5 group tickets. In order to speed up boarding times, 10-trip tickets willonly be available as an mTicket on the First Bus App. and will no longer be sold on the bus. Don’t forget that 10-trip tickets still offer the bestprices on all but the lowest priced single tickets and offer ten single journeys any time over 28 days from purchase.From this date return tickets will no longer be available on X1/X11 or Coastal Clipper 1/1A/1B buses. Passengers making two or more singlejourneys should buy a day ticket which offers the additional value of unlimited travel anywhere in your chosen zone. However there are alimited number of cases (usually for very short journeys within a town area) where two single tickets may work out cheaper. (Belton to JamesPaget Hospital is an example with single Adult tickets at £1.50 each way.There is an increase in the price of week, 10-trip, month and annual tickets on both mTicket and paper ticket.The prices for all these are shown in the table below:- DAY WEEK 10 trip MONTH mTicket on bus mTicket on bus mTicket mTicket on bus

Adult £4 £4.20 £16.30 £17.00 £17.00 £57 £59Young Persons (5-19) £3 £3.20 £12.30 £13.00 £13.00 £43 £45High 5 group £7.50 £8.00

Coastal ZoneCoastal zone tickets can be used anywhere on the Coastal strip between Martham and Southwold. Here again the price of single tickets,day tickets and High5 group have been frozen. However there is an increase in the price of week, 10-trip, month and annual tickets on bothmTicket and paper ticket. The price for all these are shown in the table below:- DAY WEEK 10 trip MONTH mTicket on bus mTicket on bus mTicket mTicket on bus

Adult £6.50 £7.00 £24.30 £25.00 £25.00 £85 £87.50Young Persons (5-19) £4.50 £5.00 £18.30 £19.00 £19.00 £64 £66.50High5 group £12 £13

Explorer ZoneAgain the prices of day and High5 group tickets are frozen. As First Eastern Counties will no longer be offering return tickets between thecoast and Norwich on its X1/X11 or X2/X21/X22 buses, the best option is to buy an Explorer Zone day ticket at £6.50 (mTicket) or £7.00 (onbus) which also allows travel in Norwich and the Coastal zones.If 2 adults are travelling together with up to 3 young persons, purchase a High 5 group ticket at £12 mTicket or £13 on bus – excellent valuefor money.The prices for explorer zone tickets are shown in the table below:-

DAY WEEK 10 trip MONTH mTicket on bus mTicket on bus mTicket mTicket on bus

Adult £6.50 £7.00 £24.30 £25.00 £25.00 £85 £87.50Young persons (5-19) £4.50 £5.00 £18.30 £19.00 £19.00 £64 £66.50High 5 group £12.00 £13.00

PRICE OF ANNUAL TICKETS

mTicket Paper ticket

Gt.Yarmouth Town Zone Adult £570 £590Gt. Yarmouth Town Zone Young persons £430 £450Coastal Zone Adult £750 £770Coastal Zone Young persons £550 £570Explorer Zone Adult £850 £870Explorer Zone Young persons £640 £660For further information please visit firstgroup.com/easterncounties or telephone 03456460707 Mon-Fri 0700-1900, weekends 0900-1700

Due to flood defence works, buses will be diverted on journeys from Gorleston to Great Yarmouth from Monday 13th January, 2020 untilfurther notice.Buses from Gorleston towards Great Yarmouth will be diverted via William Adams Way, Suffolk Road and Boundary Road; buses towardsGorleston will operate via the normal route.The bus stops at Waveney Road in both directions will be closed during the works. Normal timetables will operate but services may be subjectto delay. First Eastern Counties apologises to its customers for any inconvenience this may cause.The new double-deck buses for the XL Norwich to Peterborough service have been arriving in Kings Lynn. A launch of the new vehicles isexpected in January and they are planned to enter service in February. Once this is complete the existing fleet of Enviro 400`s (63 plates) willbe cascaded to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft for use on the X1/X11/X2/X21/X22 services.Greater Anglia have announced that during February there will be a blockade of the Waveney lines to allow Network Rail to carry out the finalstages of the signalling upgrade. This will mean a bus replacement service between Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft for all or partof the month. At the same time level crossings at Brundall, Lingwood and Oulton Broad will be replaced and maintenance work undertakenon the swingbridges at Reedham and Somerleyton. Once the lines return to normal in March, the link between Great Yarmouth and Reedhamvia Berney Arms will be re-opened. By then most of the services will be operated by the new Stadler bi-mode trains and we keep our fingerscrossed that the recent spate of daily cancellations will become a thing of the past.ENTUA always welcomes new members, all we ask is a minimum annual donation of £5.00 which helps us to cover the cost of printing andpostage of our very informative quarterly newsletter and the hiring of venues for public meetings. To join please write to ENTUA,. 18 WensumWay, Belton, NR31 9NY TONY GRICE

EVENTS AT THE JOHN GREEN INSTITUTE

HALL POST CODE NR31 9JG


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Hall TrusteesBill RichmondRoger Gowen (Chair)Robert GoffiinTerry LadbrookeBridget LawrenceMichael FarrellFaye Green (Sec)

WEEKLY GROUPS ATTHE JGI

YOGA - Monday morning at10.15am £2.50 per session.Bring a floor mat & towel Con-tact Julie on 01493 780121.SHORT MAT BOWLS - Mon-day Afternoons 2-4pm 01493444041BINGO - Sessions are held onMonday evenings at 7.30pm,everyone welcome.OVER 50/60's - Every TuesdayAfternoon (2 - 4pm) ContactNorma on 01493 780447.1st BELTON GUIDES - EveryTuesday (In term time) (6.45-8.30pm. 01493 667311BELTON ART GROUP - EveryWednesday (2 - 4pm) For anyforms of art & crafts for informa-tion call Jan on 01493 488683.WEIGHT WATCHERS - MeetWednesdays from 6.15pm.SLIMMING WORLD - MeetThursdays 10amBELTON NEEDLECRAFTERS– Every Thursday (7-9pm) Nomatter what crafts you do whynot come along £3 per sessionTel. Linda 07721 599559LINE DANCING FOR IMPROV-ERS - Every Friday (10.30am-Noon) No partners needed, be-ginners welcome Call 07788408801.BELTON COMMUNITYCHOIR- Every Friday (7.15-8.30pm) New members wel-come Call 01493 780060.(NOT JGI Quiz weeks)

BLGBELTON LADIES GROUP

Over twenty ladies braved theelements on Tuesday evening14th January and attended theBelton Ladies Group meetingheld in the J.G.I. The chair (Liz)welcomed everyone andthanked everyone for coming. Itwas agreed by all members thatthe A.G.M. would be held at ourApril meeting instead of Marchas we have booked a meal atThe Pier Hotel to celebrate theGroup’s first year. (that cameround quick!)

Sylvia Shaw bought the blanketsmade from the squares we hadmade back in February last yearwhich she had kindly sown to-gether. After discussion it wasdecided that we would like todonate them to the injured ani-mals in Australia. We also wouldlike to make other items neededto help towards their recovery.Rosemary is to look into pat-terns etc. and where to send theitems when we have made them.

The talk for the evening wasabout ‘Family Trees’ Liz hadtraced the tragic life story of hermaternal grandmother born inthe late nineteenth century andthe hardships that she endured.We then had an open discussionwith members contributing fromtheir own knowledge of their an-cestors lives. We all agreed thatwe were so lucky to have beenborn in the twentieth century!

The next meeting is on Tuesday11th February 7.30p.m. At theJ.G.I. when we have a speakertalking about the Lydia Eva.Members are reminded that a £5deposit will be required towardsthe meal. The menu to choosefrom will be available at themeeting.

Liz Myhill (Chair)

JGI QUIZ NIGHTS

The next village quiz nights at theJGI are Fridays February 21stMarch 20th and April 17thcommencing at, 7.30pm. Teams,a maximum of four players each,- £5 per team - why not put ateam of family, friends orcolleaguess together and join inthe very friendly evening. Noprior entry booking needed, justturn up on the evening.

BELTON COMMUNITY CHOIR

After our very successful open air singing at theChristmas tree and then followed by a wonderfulfree concert at the church on the twentieth De-

cember, were raring to make a start learning new songs to goforward in 2020, as you read this we’ll have had a couple ofmeetings already and hopefully have gained two or three newmembers, we especially need gents to join myself and Malcolm inthe alto section. We meet on Friday nights for an hour and a half 7till 8.30 we start singing at 7.30 and a measly £3 to cover room hireand song royalty’s every one leaves buzzing afterwards ( we domiss out once a month when the quiz nights are held in the hall). Iwould just like to say if your one of or know someone with a slightdepression and needs a purpose, or just live alone and want tomake new friends, then come along there’s no commitment and

see what we’re all about.There’s no personal audi-tion in front of a crowd, weall just pitch in. hope to seeyou there.

I would like to take thisopportunity to thank themanagement and tea ladiesof the JGI and all those whosupported us at the monthlycoffee morning in raisingfunds for the Communitychoir. After recouping the

costs some of the of prizes we raised £86 which was generouslymade up to £90 from a well wisher.

BELTON & DISTRICTHISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Society, which was formed in2006 is still urgently in need ofsome new officers/committeemembers to keep running andputting on events and importantlyto prevent the club being ‘moth-balled’. The aim of the group is torecord the past for the future andto preserve the present, if youthink you could help please take alook at what we have on our website www.beltonhistory.co.uk/. TheSociety is financially secure withsome 40 members but needs two,maybe three, more dedicated peo-ple to come on to the committee -

ideally we require:-- A club Secretary (to run theclub and take minutes at themonthly committee meet-ings).- An Events Organiser (toplan and book our monthlyevents).- A person to assist with andupdate the clubs web siteand Facebook page.

If you are interested in any ofthese voluntary positionsplease contact me as fol-lows.- Ian walker (Chairman)Mobile (evenings/weekends07887 640 385 or [email protected].

www.beltonhistory.co.uk


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MONEY & DEBT ADVICE

DIAL now offers free, impartial,confidential Money and Debtadvice and guidance, from theJohn Green Institute . Thesessions take place on the 2nd

Wednesday of every month from10.30am until 12.30 with the nextdates being February 12th andMarch 11h . Please feel free tocall in and chat with our advisorStephen who will be able to helpand support you with concernsyou may have regarding yourfinances. If you would like moreinformation about the servicesDIAL has to offer please call01493856900.

JGI TRUSTEES

The Hall continues to be verywell used with only spare slotson either a Tuesday morning anda Thursday afternoon. TheSaturday Monthly CoffeeMornings are being kept underclose review and can onlycontinue with your support. TheJanuary morning was very wellattended but some of that wasdue to the presentations to thecracker competition by theVillage Voice. We have a localgroup who will hold a raffle eachmonth and there will be the freeswap Jig Saw table. At theJanuary morning the CommunityChoir raised £86 for their funds.If you would like to hold a smallevent such as a sales table onthese mornings then pleasecontact the Trustees on 780822.

WEDNESDAY DROP INWe have started of the year withfriendly and busy gatherings atthe JGI on Wednesday morningsbetween 10.30 and noon. Makea New Year promise to yourselfand come out and join us. Youwill be made very welcome.Contact Sue on 780822 forfurther details.

VILLAGE VOICECRACKER COMPETITION

Thanks to all who enter theCracker competition in lastmonth’s competition. It seemedthat one cracker eluded severalentries. The correct total was159 with page count asfollows.1 - 9, 2 - 4, 3 - 5, 4 -7, 5- 5, 6 - 6, 7 - 5, 8 = 7, 9 - 6, 10 -8,11 - 5, 12 - 5, 13 - 9, 14 - 2,15 - 1, 16 - 2, 17 - 2, 18 - 2,19 -3, 20 - 4, 21 - 4, 22 - 3, 23 - 1,24 - 3, 25 - 7, 28 - 11,29 - 8, 30- 2, 31 - 5, 32 - 7. For the eightwho got the correct answer thedraw took place at the JGIcoffee morning on January11th. The winner was SylviaShaw who receive £25 firstprize. The other 7 runners upwon £5 each. Village Voiceeditor Dr Regi Alexander andother board members includingAdrian Myers and Brian Swanwere present.Bill Richmond

1ST BELTON SCOUT GROUPBeaversThe Beavers have started the term withthe experiment activity badge. They hadgreat fun watching the sweets skittles

soaking inwarm water,the colourcomes out tomake arainbowacross atplate,watchesraisinsdance inlemonade.We haveplannedvisits to thelibrary andten pinbowling at

the end of term along with some cooking, crafts, experimentbadge and lots of new games. Everyone is looking forward to aDistrict Sleepover in Norwich.There are a few places at Beavers- please contact Jane (BrownBeaver) 07975 533572 for more details

CubsThe cubs this term are going to be very busy completing badgesfrom chef, astronomers and navigator activity. Plans are afoot forsummer at a campsite in Norwich, along with some visits outincluding a visit to Seething observatory. If anyone between theaged 8-10 years is interested in Cubs please contact Peter07900494344 for more details.

ScoutsThe Scouts return ready to start a fun packed new term. This termwe are hoping to take the Scouts through a series of tasks to helpthem earn badges in hobbies, cooking, swimming and streetsports. Look out for the monthly updates to see how we have goton.

Date for your Diary: Fun Day Saturday 6th June 2020 noon to5pm at the New Road Playing Field entry free, a fun packed

afternoon is planned.

JHOOTSPHARMACYNew Pharma-

cist/Manager

Appointed inBelton

After using locum pharmacistsfor a long time Jhoots arepleased to announce the ap-pointment of a new permanentPharmacist/Manager at Belton.

He is Amanullah Shanakzai whohas previously worked for thecompany at Lowestoft and beena pharmacist for 10 years.

Talking to 'Village Voice' he real-ises that there have been prob-lems at Belton in the past butpromises a fast, reliable serviceand hopes to welcome backformer customers. In a commenton Facebook he says ' My mas-sage to all the local people isplease use your local pharmacybefore you lose it.'

The Pharmacy at 19-21 StationRoad North, Belton is openMonday to Fridays 9am – 6omand offers a full range of servicesincluding home delivery of yourprescriptions. Please call in ortelephone 01493 222299.

J T’S LINE DANCE CLUBJane would like to thank all who attended the line dance classes at John Green Institute in Belton. Thelast class for 2019 was held on 13th December when we had our Christmas Party. I would like to say well

done to Pat & Cath who onlystarted in April and have pro-gressed very well. The highlightof the year was when we had avisit from a Portuguese film com-pany (The director, the director’sassistant, the film man and anactor) who will be making a filmin Great Yarmouth and came toclass to learn some dancing forthe film. So, we shall see what2020 brings.We welcome any new membersto join in the fun. It is a good wayto meet people, have a chat anda laugh. Please bring a drink withyou. Each session is £6 everyFriday 10:30 – noon. I look for-ward to seeing you all soon. Hap-py Dancing!

VILLAGE SMALLSIt is free to advertise jobs, events, property or items for sale. Send details to Village Voice Smalls, ‘Skelmorlie’, Butt Lane, Burgh castle, NR31 9PU Tel 01493 780776

or email [email protected] by noon on December 14th to appear in the January 2020 issue. We will run your advert for 3 months but please let us know if you sold it sowe can remove the advert. (Commercial entries charged at 25p per word)

FOR SALEDark wood computer desk, 2drawers & shelf. £15. Tel.07963 270190Free Horse manure - bagged& ready for collection in BurghCastle Tel. 07919 2816752 seater dark leather manualrecliner settee & manual oper-ated dark leather arm chair.VGC. £150.00 ONO Tel.01493 780242‘Eternal Beau’ Tea Set un-used. Teapot, sugar bowl, milkjug, 8 cups & saucers. £25Tel. 01493 789977T.V. Stand, black glass/chrome legs 31.5 ins L, 16.5ins W, 19.5 ins H. Exc. Cond.£10. Tel 01493 781662 (BurghCastle)Dark oak drop leaf diningroom table & 4 high backchairs . 1st. Class cond. £100ONO Tel. 01493 7802422 radiator shelves 1500mm &1200mm £10 the pair Tel01493 782193Self propelled Wheelchair,new - still packed. £110 (Buy-er collects) Tel. 01493 488518Samsung GalaxyS7 Newcond. cased, rose gold colour.Used for Vodafone but can beunlocked for other networks£140. Tel. 07766 492563Playmobil Western & Superset plus wooden base, cost£100, accept £50 OVNO Tel.

WANTEDSoft Toys to raise money forlocal charities, deliver to 34Orwell Crescent. Belton, orTel 01493 782043Any Saleable items, Bric-a-Brac, Books, Games, Jigsawsunwanted gifts etc. needed forBurgh Castle Village Hallsales stall. Tel. 01493 780126(local collection possible)Bric-a-Brac & Books neededfor sales at JGI Tel 01493780965 (Belton Scouts)

01493 651077 / 07799105777JTXFITNESS 6000 Oscilla-tion / Vibration machine. Ide-al for fitness / weight loss. 9programmes. 2 handles, canbe used sitting/standing.£150. Tel. 07766 492563.Protech Professional key-start generator. 7500w, 3 x230v outlets. New, never outof box. £400 NO offers Tel07788 408801Danish design exclusive 2 in1 dog coat. Removable polarfleece for extra warmth, Re-flective band, colour Khaki.75cm (30”) Never worn Cost£37.49, accept £25. Tel.07788 408801Childs wooden RockingHorse £5 ONO Tel. 01493662323Extending Dining table & 6chairs. VGC. £70. Tel 01493719664Carl Lewis Treadmill. Foldsaway, motorised incline,heart monitor, very littleused. Cost £495, VGC , Ac-cept £250. NO offers Tel07788 408801Stairgate £5 Tel. 01493780965Calvin Klein Backpack / Car-ryAll New £10 Tel. 01493662323Pair of Vitalite short matwoods size ‘2full’/ As new,including carrying case £15.Tel. 01493 603860Samsung 22” Smart TV whiteVGC. Little used £100 Tel.01493 781071Child’s pink Disney Princessdressing table with stool.Good cond. £10 Tel. 07815439297Table top Bagatelle £10 ONOTel. 01493 662323Nintendo Wii console with 2hand sets & charger, also WiiFit Plus board. All connectorsplus Wii to DMI adaptor forTV or monitor. All boxed, asnew £65. Tel 07960039455or [email protected] top Fridge £20, NewBread maker £5. Tel 07960913116

Professional 6x8m Party tentSteel frame, roof, side & endcovers. To BS Standard & Fireretardant. Incl ground bars (usu-ally extra). Cost £1400, used 3times for £900 OVNO. Tel07788 408801Draper 1.5 tonne scissor carjack (new- unwanted gift) £15Tel. 01493 789049Pressure washer £30 Tel 07960913116Electric Mountfield mower12”cut. Good working order £20Tel. 01493 780965Professional 8x4m Party tentSteel frame, roof, side & endcovers. To BS Standard & Fireretardant. Incl ground bars (usu-ally extra). Cost £749,New/boxed £500. Tel 07788408801Childs pushchair, good cond. £8Tel. 01493 789049Childs toy Fort £5 ONO Tel.01493 662323Horse riders hard hat New un-wanted gift 7 1/8 - 7 ½ (58-59cm) £5 Tel. 01493 780471PLEASE LET US KNOW BYNOON ON FEBRUARY 13th IFYOU WOULD LIKE YOURITEM(S) REMOVED

WORKGeneral Odd-job man available1-2 days a week Tel. 01493789049

VILLAGE VOICE TRADERSThe Advertisers listed in thisdirectory support our com-

munity & pay for VillageVoice. PLEASE SUPPORT

THEM when you can!

_________________

AerialsWarnes Aerials - 01493 661438_________________

Building & Decorating etc.Paul Williams Carpentry -01493 781942KJ Decorators – 01493 656164Priory Kitchens - 01493 662956_________________

Care / Health / Family Servic-esDriving Miss Daisy - 03330146211The 1 : 1 Diet - 07766 691325Tami-Jade Childminder -07990973210Broadland Mobility - 01493330455_________________

Carpets & BlindsMatt Sadler (Carpets) - 01493780998________________

Chimney Sweeps

East Coast Chimney Sweep -01493 718615_______________

Domestic CleaningOvenclean - 07868 015036________________

Electrician & Electrical RepairsChris Youngs - 01493 441007________________

Fuel / FirewoodBerry Oil – 01502 715599_______________

Gardening EtcFritton Plant Centre - 0149348497Garden Pro Solutions - 01493681100_______________—–––-—––––––––––-

GaragesBuckworths (St Olaves) - 01493488278Save n Drive - 01493 445744R & A Vehicle Services - 01493330800__________________

Glass & Windows etc.Belton Glass - 01493 781454UPVC Doctor – 01493 202622_________________

Hair & Beauty etc.Reveal - 01493 650706Robert Shropshire - 07946333395___________________

Plans DrawnTBD - 01493 781030____________________

Pest ControlCarole The Mole Catcher - 07718187837____________________

PlumbersRed Van Plumbing - 01493780246_____________________

Restaurants/ Pubs/ Entertain-ment etc.Belton Fish/Kebabs - 01493781515Primrose Brides - 01493 782428Binkys cafe - 01403 717100Fritton Arms - 01493 484008The Fishermans Inn - 01493780729____________________

RoofingSJS Roofing Ltd - 01493 780973B Porter - 01493 663386___________________

Room Hire &Functions/Meetings/Sport etc.JGI (Bookings) - 01493 780822Premier Room – 01493 602960Burgh Castle V Hall - 01493780126Fritton V/Hall - 01493 488210____________________

Rubbish ClearedGYBC - 01493 742142____________________

Shops etc.Specsavers - 01493 - 650591Green Dreaming - 01493 844618Hobbies – 01508 549330Jewelex - 01493 484948


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Somerleyton Cycles - 01502732004______________________

Skip & Equipt. Hire /Aggre-gatesE. E. Green - 01493 662069Folkes Ltd - 01493 780274______________________

Solicitors /Estate AgentsNorton Peskett – 01493 652204Bycroft - 01493 664000______________________

Tree & Hedge ServicesR & R (Rick) - 01493 780348Tree & Woodland Services -07789 242703______________________

TuitionDriving - Godbolts - 01502732610Piano - D Renforth - 01493298795_____________________

Vehicles Collected & ScrappedW. A. Frost - 01508 548994_____________________

Vets & Pet CareCattery 57 - 07943 221652

DIFFICULT MONTH FOR BELTON F.C.

It’s been a difficult month at Belton F.C.with the first team losing 3 out of the 4games, this means we have nowdropped to 5th in the Anglian Combina-tion division 4. With two games in handwe could possibly sit 4th if we win bothbut a lot of hard work and commitment

is needed in the coming months if we are going topush for promotion into division 3. Luckily we haveto play all the teams around us again so there is stillplenty of football to be played.

The reserves have also had a tough month of resultslipping down the table to 8th. With a lot of playerunavailable this has meant the reserves have beenshort most weeks, with some tough fixtures thesquads need to stick together try to improve thispoor run of form. Off the field there hasn’t been muchachieved in the past month or so due to the lack oftime and light. Hopefully our new container will bethe next instalment at New Road and work will atsome point start on the post and rail fence down oneside of the pitch.

Nathan BrownBelton FC Club Secretary

Fixtures for February - Why not come and sup-port us at New Road?

Saturday 1st FebFirst Team at Home to Downham Town Res 2pmKO (League)

Reserves away to Prostar 1:30pm KO (Cup Q/F)Saturday 8th FebFirst Team at Home to Tacolneston 1:30pm KO(Cup Q/F)

Reserves No GameSaturday 15th FebFirst Team at Home to Dussingdale 2:30pm KO(League)

Reserves away to Bohemians 1:30pm KO (CupQ/F) (New Road)

Saturday 22nd FebFirst Team Away to Harleston Town Res 2:30pmKO (League)

Reserves at Home to Shrublands 2pm KO(League)


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EVERY MONDAYUP 4 Fitness Exercise -(9.30am) New Road SportCentre (10.30am) NordicWalking if conditions suitableTel 07599044806YOGA - (10.15am) JGI 01493780121Short Mat Bowls (2-4pm )JGI 01493 444041Bingo Night (7.30pm) JGI AllwelcomeRing Craft (8pm) St. OlavesVillage Hall, Trainingdogs/owners for the showring. 01502 569243Belton Bowmen - for Winter -Moorlands Primary Academy -Juniors/family (6-7pm) £3.50,Adults (7-9pm) £6 01493780418.Pilates (Beginners/intermediate) 6 & 7.05pmNew Road Sport Centre07766 103141

EVERY TUESDAY

Beebops Pre School NewRoad Centre -Family Time(10am) Babies (11am) -07934 276167Young at Heart (10-noon)Belton Church. Get togetherfor over 50’s – churchmembers or notBelton Over 50/60’s (2pm)JGI cards, games, bingo &refreshmentsJudo group for Juniors (4.30Under 8’s & 5.30pm Over 8’s)New Road Sport Centre07977 4327561st Belton Guides (6.45 -8.30pm) JGI- 01493 667311St. Olaves Art Group(7.30pm) St. Olaves VillageHall Tel: 01493 488276

GUIDE TO EVENTSSlimming World (5.30 & 7.30pm)Moorlands Primary Academy Tel07484 8063843rd Bradwell Rainbows (5.30-6.30pm Term Time) Burgh CastleVillage HallWeight Watchers Sign in6.15pm, talk 7pm JGI 07546023143Judo - (All juniors) (5.30-6.30pm)New Road Sport Centre 07977432756New Randori -(6.30-7.30pm)New Road Sport Centre 07977432756Open Mat for Martial Art (7.30-8.30pm) New Road Sport Centre07977 432756New Bingo (7.30pm) FishermansBar, B/ Castle - Bingo, Eyesdown 8pm. 01493 780729New Venue Team Quiz (8pm)Burgh Hall, B/Castle (6 per teammax. £1.50 each)3rd Bradwell Brownies (5.30-6.30pm) Burgh Castle Village Hall

EVERY THURSDAYYOGA (9.30-10.30am) New RoadSport Centre 07841 985767Beginners YOGA (9.15am) StOlaves V/Hall 07701 030516Vinyasa Flow YOGA (10.30am)St Olaves V Hall 07701 030516Slimming World (10am) JGI Tel07484 806384Chatterboxes Stay & Play(10.30-11.30am) MoorlandsSchool for 0 - 5’s 07866 215867Gt. Yarmouth Stroke Group (2-4pm) New Road Sport Centre01493 781846Rock Solid (5-6pm) BeltonChurch - Childrens Club (F/nightly) Free 07783573210New Road Crafting Group (6-9pm) New Road Centre, BeltonCrafters Group (7-8.30pm) JGI -Informal needlecraft group 07721599559Youth Group Not Running thisterm 07783573210

EVENTS THIS MONTH Wed Jan 29 (10.30-11.30am)JGI - Belton/Browston ParishClerks SurgeryWed Jan 29 Mobile Library.New Rd. Playing Field Fritton(3.15-3.35), Priory Cl., StOlaves (3.40-4.00),Thu Jan 30 (7.30pm) FrittonV/Hall - Fritton & St. OlavesParish Council meetingSat Feb 1 (10am-4pm) BeltonRectory - Alpha DaySat Feb 1 (7pm) Burgh CastleV/Hall Burns Night Celebration£10. Tel 780126Sun Feb 2 (9.30am) BurghCastle Church - HolyCommunionSun Feb 2 (10.30am) BeltonChurch - Candlemas ChristingleServiceTue Feb 4 (11am) BeltonChurch - Traditional HolyCommunion (coffee from 10am)Tue Feb 4 (7.30pm) New RoadSport Centre. Belton &Browston Parish CouncilmeetingWed Feb 5 (10.30am) BurghHouse - Holy CommunionWed Feb 5 (6-7.30pm) BeltonChurch - Messy Church Familyfun & a mealFri Feb 7 (7pm) New RoadSports Centre. Belton - DigitalCamera ClubFri Feb 7 (8pm) Burgh CastleQueens Head -Team Quiz max6 per teamSat Feb 8 (From 8.45am)Belton Scouts CollectingNewspapers - Belton onlySat Feb 8 (10am-11.30am) JGIMonthly Coffee MorningSun Feb 9 (9.30am) BurghCastle Church - Morning PrayerSun Feb 9 (10.30am) BeltonChurch - Holy CommunionSun Feb 9 (10.30am) NewRoad Sports Centre - ‘Belton inBloom’ start up meeting AllwelcomeSun Feb 9 (6.30pm) BeltonChurch - Evening CelebrationMon Feb 10 (7.30pm) BurghCastle V/Hall - Parish CouncilMonthly MeetingTue Feb 11 (7.30pm) JGI -BLG. Phone 780494 for detailsWed Feb 12 (10.30am-12.30)JGI. Individual money/debtadvice by D.I.A.L. Tel 01493856900Wed Feb 12 Mobile Library inBelton (Times in article)Thu Feb 13 (10am-1pm) BurghCastle V/Hall - Tea Room &

Bargain Stall plus JumbleSale FREE admissionSun Feb 16 (9.30am) BurghCastle Church - HolyCommunionSun Feb 16 (10.30am) BeltonChurch - Cafe ChurchFri Feb 21 (7.30pm) JGITeam Quiz Night (teamsMax 4, £5 per team)Fri Feb 21 (7.30pm) FrittonVillage Hall - Prize BingoSun Feb 23 (9.30am) BurghCastle Church - MorningPrayerSun Feb 23 (10.30am) BeltonChurch - Holy CommunionWed Feb 26 (1-2pm) NewRoad Sports Centre -Belton/Browston Parish ClerksSurgeryWed Feb 26 Mobile Library.New Rd. Playing Field Fritton(3.15-3.35), Priory Cl., StOlaves (3.40-4.00),Sun Mar 1 (9.30am) BurghCastle Church - HolyCommunionSun Mar 1 (10.30am) BeltonChurch - Morning CelebrationTue Mar 3 (11am) BeltonChurch - Traditional HolyCommunion (coffee from10am)Tue Mar 3 (7.30pm) NewRoad Sport Centre. Belton &Browston Parish CouncilmeetingWed Mar 4 (10.30am) BurghHouse - Holy CommunionWed Mar 4 (6-7.30pm) BeltonChurch - Messy ChurchFamily fun & a mealFri Mar 6 (8pm) Burgh CastleQueens Head -Team Quizmax 6 per teamWed Mar 11 Mobile Library inBelton (Times in article)Sat Mar 14 (From 8.45am)Belton Scouts CollectingNewspapers - Belton only

NotesBelton Football Club fixturesfor February at the New RoadSports Centre, Belton are intheir article on the New RoadSports Centre page

If you run a club or group andyour meetings are not listedon this page or are inaccurateplease let us know by sendingan e-mail [email protected] bynoon on February 14th.

NOTE - Belton Scouts (Beavers,Cubs & Scouts) meet in Beltonweekly, details 01493 780965

EVERY FRIDAYMusical Movers (9.30-10.30am)New Road Sport Centre Music forunder 5’s 07974 173216Line Dancing for Improvers(10.30am-Noon) JGI, 07788408801.The Hub (Open youth group)Currently going through someplanning changes -Belton Community Choir (7.15-8.30pm) JGI - New memberswelcome 01493 780060 (NOT JGIQuiz weeks)

EVERY WEDNESDAYJolly Tots (9.30-10.45am)Under 5’s ( (11am-Noon) Birthto Walking - New Road SportCentre 07767 389789Drop In Coffee Morning(10.30-noon) JGI All welcomeLunch & Social Club (AgeConcern) (12-3pm) Kings Head,Belton 01493 262052Belton Art Club (2-4pm) JGIArts/crafts/hobbies 01493488683Pooch Paws Dog Training(5-8pm) 1 hour sessions St.Olaves Village Hall 07841040171Judo group for Juniors (5.30-6.30pm) New Road SportCentre 07977 432756

EVERY SATURDAYPooch Paws Dog Training (9am-1pm) 1 hour sessions St. OlavesV/ Hall 07841 040171



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PRIZES

FIRST PRIZE: £100 INTHE CHILDREN’S

CATEGORIES

FIRST PRIZE:£200 IN THE ADULT

CATEGORY

BOOK VOUCHERS FORSPECIAL

COMMENDATIONS

AN EDITOR’S SPECIALCOMMENDATION PRIZE

FOR ENTRIES FROMPEOPLE WITH

LEARNING DISABILITIES

WINNING ENTRIESPUBLISHED IN THE

VILLAGE VOICE

VILLAGE VOICE WRITING COMPETITION 2020

To celebrate the 200th issueof Village Voice, a writingcompetition was held in2017. Not only was theresponse enthusiastic, manyof the entries were of anexceptional standard. Themagazine board thereforedecided to make it a regularevent.

CATEGORIES

Children: Age 11 and belowChildren: Age 12 to 18

Adults: Age 19 and above

TYPESCan be short stories,

poems, essays or any otherpiece of creative writing

LENGTH600-800 words ideal

maximum 1000

The 2018/ 19 event wasanother unqualified success.Chief judges Joanna Cannon(author of the Sunday Timesbest seller The Trouble withGoats and Sheep) and KevinLee (Head Teacher,Moorlands Academy) had atough job selecting thewinners from over 120entries. The prize givingevent on 21 March 2019 wasone of the highlights of 2019.

Village Voice is delighted toannounce now, the 2020writing competition andinvite entries.

HOW TO ENTER

SUBMIT BY E MAILTO

[email protected]

ON OR BEFORE 30 APRIL2020

2019 winner Piers Colbywith chief guest JoannaCannon at the awardceremony. Details of the2020 award ceremony tobe announced shortly.





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february 2020 village voice - belton with browstonleisure centre on tuesday february 4th (7-30pm)...

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